Science & Education
Our Science and Education program seeks to support a well-functioning science ecosystem in which quality research is produced, effectively applied, and meaningfully understood by the public. Through our granting, we support the advancement of the natural sciences and foster progress in technology and innovation. Reflecting the values of our founders, we seek to strengthen Canada’s capacity to generate rigorous scientific knowledge, foster innovation and translate discoveries into benefits for society.
We focus our efforts through three funding streams:
Scientific Discovery
This stream enables rigorous, independent inquiry free from political and commercial influence. We also seek to safeguard the conditions under which science is created to protect scientific integrity and promote the sharing of scientific learning. This work is carried out in partnership with a small group of long-term post-secondary institution partners (see below), who advance knowledge and innovation in the natural sciences, engineering, and technology. We are not accepting applications under this funding stream.
Science to Society
This program stream seeks to bridge the gap between research and meaningful policy and practice. We work to develop partnerships that support the transition from scientific discovery to policy, support the effective communication of scientific findings, and build public trust in science through public engagement.
Scientific Literacy
This stream aims to equip youth to engage with science and develop the critical thinking skills to work in a rapidly changing world. We support organizations working with young people (K-12) to promote access to science programs, focusing on equity-deserving populations.
Post-Secondary Partnerships
Supporting post-secondary institutions has been central to the Trottier Family Foundation's work from the start: our very first grants went to universities, and they remain an important commitment for the Foundation today. Over the years, we have built strong, long-term partnerships with five universities:
Concordia University
McGill University
Simon Fraser University
Université de Montréal
Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
These partnerships are funded through our Scientific Discovery stream. By concentrating our support on a small number of strategic partners, we aim to maximize the impact of these institutions using the limited funds available in this program.
We are not currently taking funding applications from other universities or major post-secondary educational institutions.
2026 Focus
We are currently reviewing our strategic priorities in Science and Education and are not seeking major new initiatives in 2026. During this period, we will continue supporting existing partners.
What We Do Not Fund
Individual research projects
Environmental and climate awareness education
University initiatives outside of existing long-term partnerships
Early childhood education