At the Houssian Foundation, our grantmaking is rooted in trust-based philanthropy. We prioritize multi-year commitments of general operating funds to empower organizations with the flexibility they need to drive meaningful change.
Our two-part process begins with an invitation to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), followed by an application. This approach ensures that our funding makes the greatest impact possible while minimizing the time spent on applications and reporting.
What We Grant
The Houssian Foundation is dedicated to driving meaningful change through focus areas: Climate and Nature, Gender Justice and Community. We support systemic movements addressing critical challenges like climate action and gender equity while strengthening local organizations in Vancouver, the North Shore, Whistler, and Pemberton.
Collaboration and ongoing learning are at the heart of our approach. By providing multi-year, general operating funds, we aim to help our partners achieve long-term sustainability and maximize their impact.
Eligibility
The Houssian Foundation works exclusively with Canadian CRA-registered charities or other qualified donees. Organizations that partner with eligible entities may also qualify for funding.
We do not provide funding for:
- Bursaries, scholarships, or financial aid for individuals
- Deficit financing, loans, debt reduction
- Endowments
- Political activities
Application Process
The Houssian Foundation proactively seeks applicants that we feel will be a great fit for our three focus areas. While organizations are welcome to reach out if they feel that they align with our mandate, we are unfortunately unable to respond to all unsolicited requests.
Step 1: Invitation to apply
After initial outreach, our team will provide an invitation to apply with a Letter of Inquiry.
Step 2: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
This is an opportunity to share your organization’s story and assess your alignment with our granting strategy. LOIs are invited on a rolling basis, throughout the year.
Step 3: Full application
Upon approval of your LOI, organizations may be invited to submit a full application, including financials, leadership, and impact.
Step 4: Application review
After submission, The Houssian Foundation will review your full application, assessing it for fit within our current granting strategy and potential impact. Final granting decisions are made by the Foundation’s board in Q2 & Q4 annually.
News & Impact Stories
Shaping climate and conservation policy, strengthening feminist movements, and building the care economy.
-
NewsWhat does the energy transition look like?
The Houssian Foundation’s director of climate and nature programs, Karen Wu Tam, recently attended the Canadian Climate Institute’s “Climate Policy in Changing Times,” panel featuring keynote speaker Michael Liebrich, and shares her learnings from the event. -
NewsNewsletter: February 2026
Our partners are pivoting in real time. -
NewsThe most important infrastructure isn’t in the budget
Philanthropy has a crucial role to play in supporting the chronically underfunded work of gender justice organizations – which are holding communities together in an age of precarity – and the moment is now. -
NewsPhilanthropic Investment vs. Social Need
In early 2025, the Houssian Foundation, in partnership with Catalyst Philanthropy, took a closer look at the state of gender justice philanthropy in Canada. What we found was both clear and concerning. -
NewsNewsletter: October 2025
How do we regroup, and not retreat, on policy at this moment in time?