New Report: Funding Community-Rooted Climate Action in Canada

The climate crisis is one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time. It touches every aspect of our lives and deepens existing inequities. Addressing it requires not only decisive action to reduce emissions, but also a deep commitment to social justice and equity. Across Canada, communities that have been marginalized by culture or identity are among those most affected by climate change — and their leadership must be central to the solutions we pursue. 

This understanding has prompted us to look more closely at how we can strengthen our support for the community-rooted leaders who are driving change across the country.   

Over the past year, we partnered with Catalyst Philanthropy to explore how we might strengthen our support for Black, Indigenous, racialized, and youth-led climate initiatives. The resulting report draws on rich conversations with community-rooted leaders across Canada and offers practical insights for funders seeking to engage more deeply in this space. Its recommendations serve as a guide and an invitation — a collection of ideas and entry points for those ready to begin or expand this important work. 

We share it in that same spirit: with humility and curiosity, as part of an ongoing dialogue rather than a finished product. For us, this report captures a moment in a longer learning journey — one that continues to evolve through listening, reflection, and collaboration. 

What we heard 

The leaders we heard from are doing creative and impactful climate work — even if they don’t always call it that. They’re making housing more affordable, helping families access healthy food, improving transit, and restoring polluted land and water. These efforts build trust, strengthen communities, and, in doing so, lay the foundation for deeper and more durable climate action. 

 Their work also helps build the kind of public will and momentum that makes large-scale policy change possible. When climate solutions are seen as improving people’s day-to-day lives — by creating good jobs, lowering costs, or strengthening communities — they generate the broad support needed to sustain policies at the local, provincial, and federal levels. Conversely, we’ve seen how quickly ambitious policies can be rolled back when they are perceived as disconnected from those realities. 

One lesson came through clearly: community-rooted leadership isn’t peripheral to climate action — it is essential to it. Funding these leaders isn’t only about equity. It is a strategy for building durable public support and ensuring that climate solutions meet people’s everyday needs — a necessary foundation if Canada is to reach its climate goals. 

Listening, Learning, and Partnering 

This report marks the start of our community-rooted climate journey — one grounded in learning directly from the leaders driving change. This year, we’ll partner with Small Change Fund to build relationships and learn from 15 organizations across Canada about the support they need to strengthen a lasting, community-driven climate movement. 

This means that for the time being, we will not be accepting unsolicited grant applications for community-rooted funding. This phase is about learning before scaling — understanding what works, what support is most meaningful, and how philanthropy can contribute without imposing rigid structures. 

We approach this early work with openness and humility, knowing that the strongest ideas and strategies will come from the communities already linking climate action with social and economic well-being in their regions. 

We invite other funders to join us in this exploration, to share lessons and challenges, and to help shape a philanthropic approach that supports both equity and effectiveness.  

Supporting Equitable Access to Primary Care in Quebec

The Trottier Family Foundation (TFF) is pleased to announce the results of its recent Community Health request for proposals (RFP). The RFP aimed to improve access to primary medical care for communities facing structural and systemic barriers. The response from organizations across Quebec was inspiring and reflects a deep commitment to advancing health equity across the province. 

In recognition of the exceptional quality and scope of the proposals we received, we have increased funding for this RFP to $2,300,000 over two years. We are delighted to support 16 organizations whose work is breaking down barriers to accessing primary care and fostering innovative solutions that aim to make Quebec’s healthcare system more equitable and accessible to all. 

This cohort of Community Health grantees highlight the expertise, dedication, and innovation of organizations working on the frontlines and at a systemic level to ensure equitable access to primary care. We look forward to supporting these organizations as they carry out this vital work and contribute to improving access to primary care in Greater Montreal and communities across Quebec. 

Partners expanding access to primary care: 

Accompaniment & Administrative Support (up to $50,000 / 1-2 years) 

Organizations providing navigation and accompaniment services to help individuals navigate the healthcare system. 

Quebec Institute for International Research and Education: Support for Migrant Workers to Access Healthcare 

This initiative is implemented in partnership with the Centre for Migrant Workers. It aims to systematize and stabilize support services to help workers with precarious or no immigration status access healthcare. 

RÉSEAU de la communauté autochtone à Montréal - Inuit Health Navigator Program  

This project is being implemented in partnership with the Southern Quebec Inuit Association. The project will support SQIA’s Inuit-Specific Health Navigator Program to provide culturally safe accompaniment, advocacy, system navigation, and treatment adherence support, ensuring equitable and respectful care. 

Afrique au féminin: Passerelles PAM – Community Health Support Network 

This project aims to facilitate equitable access to primary healthcare for allophone families in Parc-Extension and surrounding areas by creating a model of intercultural accompaniment where women from immigrant backgrounds become community health navigators.  

Fondation de la visite – Support by Mother-Visitors to Local Medical Resources 

This project supports a parent-visitor program to visit and accompany families with newborns in vulnerable situations to medical resources in their neighborhoods. 

Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances – Emergency Fund for Pregnancy Termination for Migrants with Precarious Status 

This program provides administrative support through referrals, help with scheduling appointments, and financial assistance to cover costs related to pregnancy termination appointments for migrants with precarious status.  

Centre d'aide aux familles latino-américaines (CAFLA) – Artère Santé 

Artère Santé aims to improve access to primary care for vulnerable communities, including migrants, racialized individuals, people without legal status, and LGBTQ+ community members. The project offers administrative support for health insurance procedures and navigation assistance within the Quebec healthcare system. 

Montreal Gay and Lesbian Community Center – Primary Care Access for Migrant LGBTQ+ Individuals 

This project strengthens the capacity of the Montreal Gay and Lesbian Community Center to support community organizations across Quebec by providing information and resources to help LGBTQ+ immigrants access primary care. 

AGIR Montreal – Bridging Barriers: Advancing Primary Care Access for LGBTQIA+ Migrants and Refugees 

This initiative, led by AGIR Montréal in partnership with Clinique Mauve, aims to strengthen advocacy and networks to improve access to primary care for LGBTQIA+ immigrants and refugees. The project will develop a referral system to ensure LGBTQIA+ migrants can access primary care (including gender-affirming care) more quickly, safely, and equitably, while amplifying the voices and lived experiences of marginalized communities. 

Delivery of Primary Medical Care Services
(up to $100,000 / 1-2 years) 

Clinics and community organizations offering specialized primary care services in community settings, with a focus on reaching populations often excluded from traditional healthcare systems. 

Clinique Communautaire Pointe-Saint-Charles – Perinatal Care for Migrants Without RAMQ 

This initiative provides prenatal and postnatal accompaniment for women without RAMQ (Quebec health insurance). 
 

Clinique Repères – Improving Access to Local Healthcare 

This project supports the provision of frontline services, including medical, nursing, and psychosocial support tailored to users’ needs, while promoting a harm reduction and empowerment approach aimed at strengthening autonomy and quality of life. 

Indigenous Health Center Tiotiak:ke – Providing Culturally Safe Healthcare to Montreal's Indigenous Community 

The project will support Indigenous people living in Greater Montreal and the South Shore in accessing holistic health services in a culturally safe space. “Cultural safety, in the context of healthcare and other service settings, is an environment where individuals feel safe and respected in their cultural identities, free from racism and discrimination, and where power imbalances are addressed.” 

Mobile Pediatric Care Montreal SP2M (Doc Toc Toc) – Mobile Pediatric Clinic: Dedicated Primary Care Access for Asylum-Seeking Children in Montreal 

This project aims to create a pathway to primary care for children aged 0 to 5 who are asylum seekers or from newly arrived asylum-seeking families, residing in the northern part of Montreal Island. 

La Rue des Femmes – From the Street to the Healthcare System: Equitable Access to Medical Care for Women Experiencing Homelessness 

This project supports a primary care clinic within shelters located in the Village neighborhood of Montreal.

Networks & Advocacy (up to $150,000 / 1-2 years) 

Coalitions and networks working to improve access to primary care through collective action, such as expanding coverage or addressing systemic barriers. 

Centre de bénévolat SARPAD (Home-Based Support and Respite Services for Older Adults) – Building a Compassionate Community for Vulnerable Seniors to Access Health and Social Services 

Inspired by the social geriatrics model, the project aims to create a network of partners (community, public, and private) capable of identifying isolated or vulnerable seniors and referring them to SARPAD, which will contact and support them in accessing appropriate health and social services. 

Médecins du Monde – Quebec Coalition for Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare During the Perinatal Period, Regardless of Migration Status 

This project is implemented in collaboration with the Quebec Public Health Association, SPOT Clinic, Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances, SHERPA University Institute, Médecins du Monde Canada, Regroupement Les sages-femmes du Québec, and the Quebec Service for Perinatal Referral for Immigrant Women. The project aims to create a formal provincial coalition to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare during the perinatal period for people living in Quebec, regardless of migration status. 
 

Regroupement des Centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) – Minukutitau: Having the Clear Eye of a Healthy Person to Continue on One’s Path 

This project aims to create a provincial network of urban Indigenous clinics, led by Indigenous Friendship Centers and RCAAQ community hubs, with support from institutional partners. 

Update on the Trottier Family Foundation Application Portal

As of October 3, 2025, the Trottier Family Foundation has temporarily paused new submissions through our online application portal. 

This decision reflects our commitment to improving the way we work with our partners. Over the next few months, we will be updating our application portal and refining our grantmaking process to create a system that is clearer, more accessible, and better aligned with the realities of the communities and organizations we support. 

In the meantime, our commitment to advancing impact in the areas of Science, Education, Health, Community, and Climate remains unchanged. We will continue supporting projects in these areas through invitation-only proactive partnerships or calls for proposals that build on the work we are already funding.

What does this mean?  

• Our application portal is temporarily closed and will no longer receive funding applications as of October 3, 2025.  

• Applications received before October 3 will be reviewed over the coming months. Organizations will be contacted about their application by the end of 2025. 

• Active funding agreements are not affected and will continue as planned. 

• The portal will reopen by March 31, 2026. We will provide updates with updates to be announced in early 2026.  

Since our launch in 2000, we have had the privilege of supporting thousands of organizations that drive positive change in Canada and beyond. As we mark 25 years of learning and collaboration, we are deeply grateful for the partnerships that have helped us advance progress and catalyze transformative innovations across our funding areas. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to foster scientific inquiry, promote education, improve health, protect the environment, and address the urgent challenge of climate change. 

FAQs 

1. Why is the portal closing? What improvements can we expect? 

We’ve temporarily closed our application portal to upgrade both the system and our grantmaking process. These updates will make applying simpler and more user-friendly, while ensuring our approach better reflects the realities of applicants. More details about these changes will be shared in 2026. 

2. What happens to applications already submitted? 

All applications submitted before the portal closed will be reviewed by our program staff. Applicants can expect to hear from us by the end of 2025. 

3. I was invited to submit a full application but now the portal is closed. What should I do? 

If you were invited to submit a full application before the portal closed, please reach out to info@trottierfoundation.com for further instructions.  

4. Will funding for new projects continue while the portal is closed? 

Yes. The Foundation will continue to support projects through proactive partnerships and invitation-only initiatives during this period. This means that our program team will seek out organizations and partners through an invite-only process to strategically develop or support projects that are in line with our programmatic objectives. Please note that while the portal is closed, we are not able to accept new proposals by email. Only projects invited or identified by our program staff will be reviewed during this period. 

5. Can new organizations still connect with the Foundation? 

Opportunities to connect with the Foundation will be more limited while the portal is closed. New groups may still be considered through invitation-only initiatives until the portal reopens. We apologize for the inconvenience and invite you to check back in March 2026, when the portal will reopen for funding applications.  

6. Who can I contact with questions? 

If you have questions not answered here, please reach us at info@trottierfoundation.com. Please note that in the interest of fairness, we cannot provide guidance on the likelihood of future funding for individual project proposals or ideas.  

Call for Proposals: Improving Access to Primary Care for Vulnerable Communities in Quebec

Note: This call for proposals is now closed

The Trottier Family Foundation is launching a new call for proposals as part of its Community Health Program.

With a budget of $1,000,000 in 2025, this call aims to support between 10 and 12 organizations working to improve access to primary medical care for populations made vulnerable by structural inequalities and systemic barriers due to their racial identity, indigenous status, immigration status, housing insecurity, sexual orientation or gender identity, or other factors related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

Three types of projects will be supported: 

1) Accompaniment and/or administrative support (up to $50,000/year for 1–2 years) 

Support for organizations offering accompaniment or navigation services to help individuals manage: 

• The administrative burden associated with a lack of insurance or navigating specific insurance programs (e.g. Interim Federal Health Program, Non-Insured Health Benefits, etc.) 

• Attending appointments and navigating the healthcare system. 

2) Delivery of medical primary care services (up to $100,000/year for 1–2 years) 

Support for clinics or organizations offering specialized primary care services in community settings, with a focus on reducing barriers for communities often excluded from the healthcare system. 

3) Networks and Advocacy (up to $150,000/year for 1–2 years) 

Support for coalitions and networks working to improve access to primary care through collective action on shared issues such as expanding insurance coverage or reducing barriers to care. 

Overview of the Application Process 

The selection process will take place in two phases: 

1. Eligibility and project summary (August 18 – September 21, 2025) 

Eligible organizations are invited to complete a short eligibility questionnaire and submit a project summary. The deadline to apply is September 21, 2025. 

2. Oral Interview (by invitation only) 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual oral interview with a member of the Foundation team. A full written application will not be required. These interviews will explore the project’s objectives and needs in more depth and will take place between September 29 and October 17, 2025. 

Final decisions will be announced in December 2025. 

Information Sessions 

Two online information sessions were offered to present the details of the call for projects and answer questions.

A recording of the video is available below for those who wish to view it.

The slides, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions, are available for download.

For more information: info@trottierfoundation.com 

Karel Mayrand appointed CEO of the Trottier Family Foundation

MONTREAL, July 8, 2025 – The board of directors of the Trottier Family Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Karel Mayrand as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 18, 2025.

Mayrand brings 25 years of leadership in the philanthropic and environmental sectors in Montreal, Canada and internationally. A recognized leader within the Montreal community, he is distinguished by his strong commitment to the environment, social justice, and public service. His appointment marks a strategic step forward as the Trottier Family Foundation enters an important new phase of growth and impact in the areas of climate action, health, science, and education.

Karel Mayrand. Credit: Florian Leroy (2022)

Mayrand joins the Trottier Family Foundation from the Foundation of Greater Montreal, where he served as President and CEO since 2020. During his tenure, Mayrand led a significant strategic transformation of the organization, increasing its public profile and impact. He positioned the FMG as one of Canada’s most dynamic community foundations by embedding the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across its operations—earning recognition as the 11th most equitable foundation in the country, according to Future of Good. Under his leadership, the Foundation also shifted toward responsible and impact investing and cut the carbon footprint of its $500 million in assets by 50% over three years.

From 2008 to 2020, Mayrand served as Director General for Quebec and Atlantic Canada at the David Suzuki Foundation, where he led the organization’s expansion into Quebec and its engagement with francophone audiences. He also chaired the Climate Reality Project Canada and provided strategic counsel on sustainable development to governments and United Nations agencies from 1997 to 2008. Currently, he serves as President of the Board of Directors for Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau and is a committee director with Le Partenariat Climat Montréal. He is the author of several books and a respected commentator on environmental and social issues.

"Karel is well-positioned to lead the Foundation’s next chapter," said Lorne Trottier, Board Chair of the Trottier Family Foundation. "His collaborative leadership style, strategic mindset, and public voice will help elevate the Foundation’s role as a catalyst for change in Canada. Karel's extensive experience and proven track record in fostering collaboration, shaping public policy and driving innovation align perfectly with our Foundation’s commitment to advancing science, education, health, and the environment. We are excited to welcome him and look forward to the leadership and fresh perspectives he will bring to our ongoing mission.”

“I am honoured to join the Trottier Family Foundation—one of Canada’s most impactful philanthropic organizations—and to help advance its mission and vision of transformative philanthropy rooted in science, collaboration, and innovation,” said Mayrand. "The Foundation’s vision resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to collaborating with its brilliant team, as well as with our partners to further enhance the Foundation’s impact."

Established in 2000, the Trottier Family Foundation is dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry, promoting education, fostering better health, protecting the environment, and mitigating climate change. Its distinctive approach blends proactive project development with reactive grantmaking, and working closely with community, national, and international partners to drive systemic change.

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Media Contact:
Carrie Croft
Senior Director, Temple Scott Associates
ccroft@tsa.ca

Trottier Family Foundation Statement on Eric St. Pierre’s Federal Candidacy

The Trottier Family Foundation acknowledges that Eric St. Pierre, formerly Executive Director of the Foundation, has been nominated as a candidate in the upcoming federal election. We recognize and appreciate the dedication of Eric and others who choose to pursue public service.

As a private Canadian charitable foundation, the Trottier Family Foundation remains strictly non-partisan and does not engage in political endorsements or support individual candidates. We will continue to collaborate with all those who share our commitment to advancing scientific inquiry, promoting education, fostering better health, protecting the environment, and mitigating climate change.

We are grateful for Eric’s leadership and contributions to the Foundation’s mission over the last decade. The Board of Directors is ensuring a smooth transition so that we can continue driving innovation, building partnerships, and creating meaningful impact for the communities we serve.

For media inquiries, please reach out to: 
Adrienne Hiles,  
Communications Director 
adriennehiles@trottierfoundation.com