The Calgary Foundation is a vital organization that supports the local community, helping to bring social, cultural, and charitable projects to life. The Foundation is dedicated to building a better future for the city’s residents. Through partnerships with businesses, other community organizations, and caring Calgarians, it champions initiatives in education, arts and culture, health, and social programs. Learn more at calgary1.one.
History of the Foundation
The story of the Calgary Foundation began in the 1950s when Edward Bredin, Grant MacEwan, and Don Hawkes identified a key issue: significant sums of money from wealthy individuals were sitting idle, and the city lacked a proper community foundation. The men envisioned an organization where people could leave their legacies to help others.
Don Hawkes spearheaded the idea of creating the foundation. A veteran of the Second World War, he remembered the constant support he received from the Red Cross and promised himself that he would one day give back in the same spirit.
Grant MacEwan was an agriculturist, educator, and historian who wrote nearly 50 books in his lifetime. He later entered politics, becoming the mayor of Calgary, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and eventually, the chair of the Foundation.
Edward Bredin was a lawyer and historian. To get the foundation off the ground, he dedicated his legal expertise, forgoing his usual fees.
The Foundation launched with initial assets of $100,000 from 20 generous donors, each contributing $5,000. Its first grants supported the United Way of Calgary and Mount Royal College.
The Foundation has grown significantly over the years. In 2024-2025, it received $81.2 million in new contributions, bringing its total assets to $1.55 billion. Partnerships with other foundations and non-profit organizations have been key to this remarkable growth.
The Foundation’s Values
Calgary is a multicultural city, and this diversity is a source of community strength. However, racism and other forms of discrimination still exist. The Foundation believes these challenges must be addressed to build an even stronger community.
The Foundation supports projects aimed at dismantling systemic biases and barriers. Through concrete, informed action, it strives to achieve meaningful reconciliation. It fosters inclusive relationships and works with diverse peoples, aspiring to be an inclusive organization where different voices are heard and reflected in all its work.
The Foundation is also committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It acknowledges that the lands of Alberta are the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples.
The Foundation’s Priorities
The Foundation focuses on five vital priorities. The first is poverty reduction in the city and province. The second is strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples. Third is pursuing a sustainable future by helping build the capacity of environmental organizations. The fourth involves fostering creativity and supporting the city’s arts sector. Finally, the fifth priority is supporting mental health initiatives.
The Community Knowledge Centre
As mentioned, the Foundation actively collaborates with other charitable organizations. The Calgary Foundation’s Community Knowledge Centre is a hub for digital philanthropy. Here, you can learn about all the registered charities and non-profits operating in the community. Organizations use the Centre to post information about their needs and current projects, and to share how you can help.
The Calgary Foundation also provides direct support to other charities. Organizations can apply for grants from the Foundation, but it’s essential that their values align with the Foundation’s own.