This text is part of the special Philanthropy section
In 2019, a page of history was turned at Concordia University in terms of philanthropic support. Never had such an important donation been offered, that is to say 30 million. But do not try to find out who is behind this amount, the donor refuses to reveal his identity. On the other hand, many students will be able to benefit from this invaluable financial support, and will surely not hesitate to say it!
The same goes for several patrons, companies or organizations who wish to clearly show their support, their recognition and their confidence in this university establishment. Some are also proud graduates for whom the time at Concordia was decisive, both professionally and personally. Overview of some game-changing gifts.
The RBC Foundation
The pandemic in which we are still immersed may have cooled some philanthropic impulses, but this is not the case for all. The RBC Foundation recently offered a contribution of $ 1 million, which is devoted to the Réussir despite everything program (to ensure equal opportunities among students) and to the completion of internships in non-profit organizations supervised by the Institut d. cooperative education. For the two programs combined, nearly 50 paid internships will be offered over the next four years.
BMO Financial Group
Deceased in February 2020, businessman L. Jacques Ménard left his mark wherever he went… and he was everywhere! From the OSM to Fusion Jeunesse via Hydro-Quebec, the one who directed the Quebec activities of the Bank of Montreal would have been proud that a contribution of 2.5 million had been made on his behalf by BMO Financial Group. Concerned about dropping out of school, arts lover, respected financier, the money donated last spring perfectly reflects his values, one part going to the benefit of the John Molson School of Management and the other to the Faculty of Fine Arts. . The former graduate and Chancellor of Concordia would not have done it any other way.
Peter-N.-Thomson Family Trust
Recognized for its dynamism and breeding ground for talent, the Faculty of Fine Arts benefits from the generosity of several donors, including that of the Peter-N.-Thomson Family Trust. The name of this former president of Power Corporation who died in 2011 and of Montreal origin is now associated with the largest donation ever received by a university fine arts program in Quebec. The $ 5.6 million offered will make it possible to create several scholarships, as well as to set up an innovation fund for large-scale projects.
National Bank
It is often a question of the strategic importance of the next generation. By offering $ 2 million as part of the Campaign for Concordia, the financial institution demonstrates the seriousness it gives to emerging and innovative companies in Quebec. This support will benefit the MentorConnect program, a focal point where mentors give time and expertise to young entrepreneurs full of enthusiasm, but who must learn to navigate sometimes rough seas.
Amelia and Lino Saputo Jr. Foundation and Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation
The SHIFT Social Transformation Center is a kind of crossroads between university knowledge, community expertise and student entrepreneurship. Do you have a project that will have a real impact on technologies, infrastructure or governance, and that will make Montreal a more prosperous and inclusive city? The Center wants to support these changes, and was itself supported at its creation in 2019 by the two foundations of the Saputo family with a donation totaling 10 million.
Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation
2023 will mark the hundredth anniversary of the birth of painter Jean Paul Riopelle, one of the most famous signatories of the manifesto Global refusal, and one of Quebec’s most famous visual arts figures on the international scene. The Center for Oral History and Digitized Narratives will be part of the celebration thanks to a donation of $ 150,000 from this Foundation in tribute to Riopelle’s talent, supporting a project that will allow the memories of those who live there to be immortalized. have known well, and explore its influence on artists today.