Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation
 
Background
 
Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation (Foundation) was incorporated in 1951 as a separate entity to provide a permanent legacy. It was started with seed money from members of The Rotary Club of Toronto (the Club).
Since it receives funds from Club members and others, the Foundation’s registration with the Canada Revenue Agency classifies it as a public foundation (private foundations are usually established and funded by a single family). Typical of public foundations, the Foundation makes its donations to other registered Canadian charities and other qualified recipients, but does not directly do charitable work.
 
Values
 
The Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation has adopted the following values:
  •  Excellence in fulfilling its mission and goals
  •  Highest ethical standards and adherence to accepted fundraising and granting practices
  •  Integrity and fairness in all undertakings
  •  Adherence to the guiding principles of Rotary including the four way test
  •  Excellence in the governance and administration of the Foundation's affairs
  •  Compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements
 
Mission Statement
 
The Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation is an entity which supports the charitable endeavours of The Rotary Club of Toronto. Its primary mission is to fund charitable programs and activities in the City of Toronto, with the primary focus on downtown Toronto. The Foundation supports charitable organizations whose work directly benefits the quality of life in Toronto for children, youth, seniors and indigenous people, as well as disadvantaged and marginalized groups who are most vulnerable to the economic, social or environmental challenges of an urban environment, including the homeless, recent immigrants and the poor. It may on occasion support registered Canadian charities in relation to international projects and activities or in providing disaster relief. The Foundation may also support charitable organizations whose work responds to the needs of the indigenous communities outside of Toronto, primarily within the Province of Ontario.
 
Through volunteers the Foundation raise funds and reviews appeals. Because of the support of Rotary Club of Toronto members administration costs are minimal thus allowing the Foundation to maximize its efforts in helping those in need in the Toronto Community. Since 1990 the Foundation has given out over $16 million .  The Foundation has been the key to many start up organizations such as YES (youth employment), Laughlin Centre for seniors, Gateway shelter, Health Bus, St Michael’s Transition Centre