Charitable Foundation

OVERVIEW

The St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto was founded in 1836 to help people in need. The city had only 10,000 citizens at the time but it was growing quickly. While many immigrants found success in their new home, others struggled to find their footing and fell into lives of despair.

The city’s social infrastructure of that era was considerably less developed than the programs in place today. Cultural groups frequently took on the responsibility of looking after their own. Members of the city’s Scottish community came together to form the St. Andrew’s Society. Their focus was primarily on those who were newly arrived.

Society members helped their fellow Scots secure food, shelter and employment. Social activities like the St. Andrew’s Charity Ball were held over the course of the year. These events allowed the Scottish community to raise funds while also celebrating their culture.

There are now two entities under the St. Andrew’s banner, the Society and the Charitable Foundation. The Foundation works to mitigate the risks associated with poverty through grants to local charities. It has expanded its good works to help all those in need, regardless of country of origin. Over $1 million has been donated in the past 15 years to groups in the Greater Toronto Area. The supported organizations are smaller operations that don’t receive the same exposure as larger charities. They are deeply appreciative of the funding as even small amounts make a major impact in their efforts. Those wishing to make a tax deductible donation to the Charitable Foundation may do so here.

Grant applications are reviewed by a committee consisting of board members from the St. Andrew’s Society and other volunteers. The funding pool is supported through contributions from the Hendrie Trust and the St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation.

Funding applications for 2027 will be accepted until October 31, 2026. Click here for more information on how to apply. The following charities are among those that have received financial assistance in the past few years.

St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation

APNLC

CICCF

Evangel Hall Mission

Geneva Centre for Autism

Haven Toronto

Moorelands Kids

North York Harvest

RJHO

SAFEHAVEN

Street Health

The Children’s Book Bank