What is The W. Garfield Weston Foundation?

For three generations, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has maintained a family tradition of helping charitable organizations make a difference and enhance the quality of life for Canadians.  In the spirit of its founders, the Foundation continues to give grants in Canada for the benefit of Canadians.

Who is Willard Garfield Weston?

Willard Garfield Weston was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist. He established bakeries and other successful enterprises throughout Canada and in many other parts of the world. His philanthropic work in Canada continues through The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.  For more information go to: Founder.

What is the connection between the Foundation, George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies Limited?

A Foundation was first established in the 1950s by Willard Garfield Weston and his wife Reta, with their shares in the family company, George Weston Limited.  Today this business includes not only the original baking company, but also Loblaw Companies Limited, a group of food retailing, processing and distribution companies. It is the success of these companies, the dedication of their employees and the loyalty of their customers that ultimately enables the Foundation to fulfill its charitable mandate.

Consistent with the heritage and values of the Companies, the grant-making programs of George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies Limited are focused on improving the quality of life in the communities where their employees live and work.  For more information please visit: George Weston Limited, Loblaw Companies Limited.

What are the funding guidelines of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation?

The Foundation is proactive and focused in its grant making.  This allows for more impact and innovation within the charitable organizations that are supported.

The Foundation directs its resources to specific organizations in Education, Land Conservation and Science in Canada’s North. These programs are director-initiated and therefore the Foundation does not accept applications for funding.

What are the application procedures of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation?

The Foundation regrets that it is not able to consider support for unsolicited grant applications. 

Can individuals or organizations outside of Canada apply for funding?

By law, the Foundation is only able to support Canadian charities.  These charities must have a registered charitable number with programs benefitting Canadians in Canada.

What are Trustee Initiated Grants?

In addition to its major commitments in Education, Land Conservation and Science in Canada’s North, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation makes a number of grants which the Trustees seek out themselves.

Due to the focused and individualized nature of this grant-making, the Foundation does not accept applications for Trustee Initiated Grants.

Who are the Trustees?

The majority of the Board is comprised of descendants of Garfield and Reta Weston.  For more information go to: History of Giving.