Funding Priorities

Public policy advocacy is a key tool for many Canadian charities. They do it because they understand that policy choices governments make can have profound impacts – positive or negative – on the communities and causes they serve.

Max Bell Foundation makes grants to support public policy advocacy projects. Applicants should keep in mind two key things about Max Bell Foundation’s grants.

First, we only support policy advocacy projects that focus on policy changes that will, in turn, help generate the priority outcomes listed below.

Second, recognizing there are many policy advocacy tactics, and that a policy advocacy project can take many shapes, our grants can support several different kinds of activity. Our approach to policy advocacy support is detailed in our grantmaking framework.

That framework, and everything else you need to know about applying to Max Bell Foundation for support, can be found under Apply For Funding.

Our focus is Canada. We support projects across Canada intended to inform public policy decisions made by any level of government within Canada.

We support projects designed to bring about public policy change that will in turn contribute to the following environmental and societal outcomes.

While not a criteria for support, we are particularly interested in opportunities to support projects related to any of the priorities listed below that also aim to improve the well-being of Indigenous individuals and communities.

Education Program Priorities

1. Formal education settings in Canada enable success for all learners, especially those who face particular challenges or systemic barriers to success.
2. The physical and mental health of learners is enhanced by their attendance at K-12 schools.
3. Affordable high-quality early learning and child care is available to all Canadians.

Health and Wellness Program Priorities

1. Supports and services leading to better mental health outcomes can be accessed by all Canadians, especially those who face particular challenges or systemic barriers.
2. Health care systems, including long-term care, provide all Canadians with timely access to high-quality, cost-effective care.
3. Canadians who may be vulnerable because of the social determinants of health can access supports and services that lead to improved health and wellness.

Environment Program Priorities

1. Communities in Canada are better adapted to the effects of climate change.
2. Canada has a low carbon economy.
3. Canada conserves its biodiversity while promoting economic growth and development.

Civic Engagement & Democratic Institutions Priorities

1. Canada’s democratic institutions are resilient and engage respectfully with civil society.
2. Canadians, especially those who face barriers to engagement, are enabled and prepared for respectful civic engagement.
3. The public information and media environments contribute to constructive civic engagement.

When he established the Foundation that bears his name, Max stipulated that 30% of all gifts the foundation ever makes will go to McGill University. Since 2015, those funds have supported the establishment and operation of the Max Bell School of Public Policy. While represented on the Advisory Board of the Max Bell School, the foundation has no governance role in relation to it.

We do not:

• provide unrestricted or general program support (we support projects designed to inform public policy)
• fund capital expenditures
• provide emergency funds or deficit financing
• fund endowments, awards, fellowships, internships, sabbaticals, scholarships, or bursaries
• make grants to individuals, or any organization that is not a registered charity or qualified donee