Stories that inspire
The Foundation of Greater Montréal supports hundreds of community organizations in every sector. Their work enhances the well-being of the entire community, including that of its most vulnerable individuals. All our gratitude goes out to the men and women who work day in and day out to bring a better quality of life to all.
Our thanks go as well to FGM donors and fund creators, whose philanthropic efforts bring to life the values they embody: solidarity, generosity and community engagement. It is through their commitment that the Foundation and its partner organizations can have a real impact on the well-being of Greater Montréal’s population. Here are some of their stories.
Profiles in Philanthropy:
Karen Macdonald
Trained as a journalist, Karen Macdonald has been the Station Manager and News Director at Global Montreal since 2006. For 15 years, she and her husband François Vézina were the co-owners and co-publishers of the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph, North America’s oldest newspaper. A native of Prince Edward Island, Ms. Macdonald grew up in Quebec City and eventually made her home in Montreal along with her family. Passionate about issues that affect the community, she joined the Board of Directors of the Foundation of Greater Montréal in 2018, becoming Vice-Chair in 2021, and Chair in 2023. Prior to that, she had been…
Profiles in Philanthropy:
Kees van Draanen
Kees van Draanen grew up in a family where faith and mutual support were important values. His parents gave time and money to causes that were close to their hearts. He has continued to hold these values dear, and feels that even if someone is not wealthy, “one has a responsibility to share when one can.” Mr. van Draanen has been involved in the arts since his youth, and made his career in the field as well. He believes that “everyone should have the opportunity to experience extraordinary moments in concert halls, theatres, art galleries, etc.” So that is where…
Profiles in Philanthropy:
Isabelle Ménard
For more than 13 years, Isabelle Ménard has pursued her career at TD Bank Group, where she currently holds the position of Senior Vice-President Quebec & Atlantic Commercial Banking District and Commercial National Account (CNA) Quebec. She has been a member of the Board of Directors, then Chair, of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for Quebec from 2013 to 2022. She is also currently a Director at Fondation Le Chaînon. In 2023, Ms. Ménard became Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Women’s Impact Montreal Collective Fund (WIM Fund) at the Foundation of Greater Montréal. This circle of…
The Fonds France Geoffroy pour Corpuscule Danse
The mission of the Fonds France Geoffroy pour Corpuscule Danse is to support the activities of this cultural organization. More specifically, it funds the troupe’s teaching component and therefore promotes inclusion through movement and dancing for people of all ages, with or without disabilities, visible or invisible. The organization's Board of Directors chose the Foundation of Greater Montréal to create a permanent endowment fund, in order to match the bequest of its cofounder, France Geoffroy, with the Mécénat Placements Culture, Canadian Heritage and Mécénat Musica programs. Through this process, that bequest could be allocated to activities related to the transfer…
The Fonds Centre d’action bénévole Valcourt et Région
The mission of the Fonds Centre d’action bénévole Valcourt et Région is to promote and develop volunteer action in the various sectors of human activity by fostering a space for volunteer involvement around issues (social-community-humanitarian) that concern the population of the territory served by the Centre d’action bénévole Valcourt et Région. The Centre's team explains their motivation as such: "At the Centre d’action bénévole Valcourt et Région, we are constantly looking to innovate and find new ways to accomplish our mission: digital transformation; development of community projects; creation of new services or new forms of support for our members and…
The Fonds pour Action Canada
The mission of the Fonds pour Action Canada is to offer financial support for the leadership development activities of the Action Canada Foundation. Its creator, Mr. Gabriel Jean-Simon, explains why he decided to constitute the fund : "For many Action Canada fellows since 2003, comes a time when we ask ourselves how we can insure the continuity of this unique programme. To create a source of stable, responsible revenue to which all the friends of Action Canada could contribute seemed a key move in order to honour the founders, unite the alumni, celebrate a 20-year history and support the development…