In 2025, we chose to take a more focused approach to our grant by supporting three exceptional organizations whose missions deeply align with our values. While the number of recipients varies year to year, our commitment remains the same: to invest in bold, community-rooted initiatives that are driving meaningful change. This year’s recipients represent diverse communities and challenges, but all share a powerful commitment to building more inclusive and equitable futures.

We are incredibly proud to be working alongside these organizations and to share in their impact.

Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB)

Operating in Northern Alberta, the Autism Society of the RMWB is a vital lifeline for individuals and families living with autism. Their work goes far beyond support groups and awareness campaigns they are shaping meaningful pathways to inclusion, employment, and independence for people of all ages.

Our grant is helping support their Youth Employment Skills Program, a locally delivered initiative that prepares neurodiverse youth for workplace participation through mentorship, workshops, and community partnerships. This investment ensures that more young people on the autism spectrum have the chance to explore careers in safe, supportive environments.

You can learn more about their approach on their Employment Supports page.

ComIT

ComIT is on a mission to remove barriers to the tech industry through free, high-quality training and mentorship for underserved populations particularly Indigenous learners, newcomers, and those facing socioeconomic exclusion.

With this year’s grant, we are supporting ComIT’s Employment Empowerment Initiative, which connects graduates of their free programming bootcamps with job placement support and interview coaching. In a field often gatekept by formal education and access to networks, ComIT is working to ensure that talent—not access—defines success.

Northern Journalism Training Initiative (NJTI)

The Northern Journalism Training Initiative (NJTI) is creating space for Indigenous and northern voices in Canadian media one story at a time. Through immersive training and mentorship, they equip young journalists with the tools and confidence to report with nuance, cultural context, and care.

Our grant is supporting NJTI’s “Voices from the Land” program, which offers paid reporting placements, media skills training, and portfolio development for Indigenous youth across the North. Journalism has the power to shape narratives—and NJTI is ensuring those narratives include the voices that have long been pushed to the margins.

We’re honoured to support these incredible organizations and look forward to walking alongside them in the year ahead. Each partnership represents a shared commitment to breaking down barriers, uplifting underrepresented voices, and creating pathways to meaningful work. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make.

Want to see who we’ve supported in the past?

View 2024 Recipients | View 2023 Recipients | View 2022 Recipients

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Spotlight on Regional Events

Houston, Texas
In Houston, Raise team members volunteered at Manna House Third Ward Food Pantry—supporting frontline food distribution efforts that serve individuals and families facing food insecurity. By jumping into the intake process, helping on the assembly line, and engaging directly with the community, the team contributed to a mission that brings dignity and support to those who need it most.

Calgary, Alberta
Our Calgary team partnered with The Mustard Seed, a long-standing organization focused on housing, mental health, and emergency supports. Volunteers prepared and served meals for over 400 guests, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges surrounding poverty and homelessness in the region—and the importance of responsive, community-based care.

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
In the GTA, Raise employees took part in several volunteer projects with local nonprofit partners:

• At Safety Net Charities, volunteers sorted clothing and essentials for families experiencing financial hardship.
• With Oakville Green, teams helped restore local ecosystems by removing invasive plant species.
• At Furniture Bank, staff assembled and refurbished home goods for individuals transitioning out of crisis.
• In Blueberry Fields, volunteers supported spring planting and garden prep—helping a community grow from the ground up.

These efforts reflect Raise’s broader commitment to supporting resilient, inclusive communities through hands-on action.

Accra, Ghana
Raise Ghana led a coastal clean-up in the Jamestown fishing community, addressing ocean pollution while supporting local livelihoods. The team’s work advanced UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate and marine ecosystems, and a follow-up donation helped equip the community for future shoreline maintenance.

India
In India, Raise employees took part in several volunteer projects:

• In Kolkata, Raise supported the Barasat Swimming Centre in improving safe access to facilities for women and children, while also donating learning materials for local schools.
• In Bangalore, a Raise-sponsored summer camp brought structured, joyful activities to students from Maruthi Vidyalaya, creating space for creativity and connection.
• In Mumbai, employees spent the day with residents at a senior living facility, serving meals and spending quality time with elders and their caregivers.
• In Vadodara, employees visited the Arpan Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities, spending a joyful day singing, dancing, and connecting through shared performances.

Virtual Participation with Zooniverse
For team members unable to join in person, Raise provided a virtual volunteering option through Zooniverse. Dozens of participants contributed to real-time research projects across environmental science, biology, and history—showing that meaningful impact doesn’t always require being on-site.

Why This Matters

At Raise, B Corp certification is more than a label. It reflects how we hire, how we lead, and how we show up for our communities. B Corp Day 2025 wasn’t about checking a box—it was about doing the work. And thanks to our global teams, that work made a real difference.

B Corp Day may just be a few days across our business, but the work reflects Raise’s year-round focus on people, community, and performance. As outlined in our stewardship page, we believe businesses have a responsibility to support their communities—not just through words, but through direct action.

Whether planting trees, serving meals, or cleaning shorelines, our teams exemplified the kind of leadership that B Corps are known for: practical, collaborative, and rooted in local impact.

Want to see our teams in action?

Follow Raise on LinkedIn for highlights and photos from B Corp Day—and stay connected as we continue making a difference.

As we move forward, we carry this momentum with us—into every partnership, every placement, and every local initiative. We’re proud to be a B Corp, and proud of our people for bringing our purpose to life.

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This year for B Corp Day, across several continents and cultures, employees at Raise took part in meaningful volunteer initiatives, united under the banner of social and environmental stewardship.  

As a Certified B Corporation, Raise meets verified standards that demonstrate that we are a force for good. This summer, our employees kicked off BCorp Week by collectively volunteering more than 520 hours, helping over 15 different charities around the globe. 

Let’s take a glimpse into what our teams in the Philippines, Canada, Ghana, India, and the USA accomplished. 

 And view the teams gallery at the bottom of the page.

India: Growing Green Together 

In Kolkata, Bangalore, Vadodara, and Mumbai, our teams in India embraced B Corp Day with the theme of environmental conservation. In Kolkata, partnering with Shalbagan Unnayan Samity, we planted a diverse array of trees, fostering local biodiversity while promoting sustainable practices. In Bangalore, our Plantation Drive around Jayanagar General Hospital added 100 new plants, enhancing both the aesthetics and ecological health of the area. In Mumbai, we showcased the power of localized action in a neighborhood clean-up. A special thanks to the entire Parivarthana India Foundation and all our teams in India! 

 

Canada: Nurturing Nature and Community 

Across Canada, from Oakville to Calgary, our teams engaged in local community initiatives. In Oakville, our Green Team worked hard to remove invasive buckthorns, restoring natural habitats and ensuring the longevity of local flora and fauna. Over at Blueberry Fields, a community garden in Oakville that feeds families who are sponsored by Home Suite Hope, we cleaned up the vegetable beds. In Calgary, partnering with the Mustard Seed, our volunteers prepared meals for 400 individuals facing food insecurities. In Toronto, our Furniture Bank team, helped build and repurpose furniture that brings comfort and joy to countless homes for families in need in the GTA. 

 

Ghana: Empowering Education  

In Ghana, our commitment to education and community welfare was on full display. At Kpone Methodist School and Adenta Community Primary School, our teams made significant strides in promoting literacy and hygiene. Through donations of grade-appropriate reading materials and essential sanitary items, they empowered over 200 students, providing them with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally. These efforts underscored our belief that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, fostering a brighter future for generations to come. 

 

USA: Serving with Heart in Houston 

In Houston, our partnership with the Houston Food Bank exemplified the transformative power of community service. Volunteers came together to inspect, pack, and distribute produce boxes for elderly residents, ensuring they received nutritious meals and the companionship that comes from knowing their community cares. The day was a testament to the impact of collective action, with each volunteer leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue making a difference. 

 

Philippines: Advocating for Animal Welfare 

In the Philippines, our collaboration with Pawssion Project highlighted our dedication to animal welfare. Through donations of food, medicines, and essential supplies, we supported Pawssion Project in their mission to rescue and rehabilitate neglected animals. Over 2,000 animals have found hope and healing through their efforts, with over 1,000 finding forever homes! 

 

B Corp Day: A Global Movement of Impact

As we reflect on our B Corp Day 2024, one thing is clear: the collective impact of businesses committed to social and environmental responsibility knows no bounds. From planting trees in India to feeding the hungry in the USA, from nurturing education in Ghana to rescuing animals in the Philippines, each initiative underscores the transformative power of purpose-driven business.  

Together, through small actions and commitment, we are shaping a world where sustainability, compassion, and community thrive—one B Corp Day at a time. 

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During her visit with Loving Arms, Shannon assisted in the classrooms, teaching the children songs and games, and creating crafts. She also helped with important maintenance tasks at the school. For instance, she worked with a team to waterproof and paint the school and the washroom building. They sectioned off a parking lot, and built picnic tables for the staff. They also built a home for the family of the school security guard.

This trip with Loving Arms was more than just a volunteer experience for Shannon – it was a transformative journey that bridged the gap between her personal convictions and professional aspirations.  

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Parker Galesloot’s Experience Lighting Up Lives

The Volunteer’s Drive: 

Parker’s zeal for sustainable energy was clear from the outset. Drawn to “Light Up the World” and its mission to electrify remote communities, Parker saw the volunteer program as a blend of exploration and purpose. Despite student commitments, it was clear that this program presented a unique opportunity. 

The Grant’s Role: 

For Parker, the grant was more than funds. “It was empowerment” which offered the reassurance and backing to help make dreams attainable. 

The Transformation: 

Beyond the technicalities, what stood out for Parker was the community’s reaction. “The moment we turned on the lights, the sheer joy was unforgettable.” The project was not just about providing electricity, but also about kindling hope and connectivity. 

Parker Galesloot

Enbridge Co-op student

“The most unforgettable moment during my volunteer experience was witnessing the sheer joy and excitement of the community, as we turned on the lights for the first time, celebrating this remarkable achievement together, while also enjoying a heartfelt traditional meal, music, dance, and the sharing of stories.”

Femi Adeyemi's Journey with Heart for Africa

The Volunteer’s Drive: 

From the beginning, Femi’s commitment to enriching lives shone brightly. His collaboration with Heart for Africa, specifically the Project Canaan initiative in Eswatini, was a testament to his drive. Femi’s was passionate about supporting vulnerable children and their communities. 

The Grant’s Role: 

For Femi, the grant symbolized more than just financial assistance. “It was a catalyst.” It bridged the gap between aspiration and action, allowing him to turn his vision of uplifting community into reality. 

The Transformation: 

When asked about the heart of his journey, Femi’s recollections were poignant. “Seeing the gleam in the children’s eyes, feeling the community’s gratitude – it was beyond words.” This project wasn’t just about providing needed resources; it was also about reigniting hope and forging lasting bonds.

Femi Adeyemi

Enbridge Contractor

“Through our collective efforts, we dismantled barriers, eased the path to employment, and created a sustainable environment, leading to an amazing transformation towards a better life.”

Lara Malak with the Heart and Hands Foundation

The Volunteer’s Drive:  

Lara was drawn to the unique mission of the Heart & Hands Foundation to provide essential services to Mayan communities in Guatemala. Despite initial reservations, Lara embraced the challenge. Today, she stands as a testament to the transformative power of volunteering. 

How the Grant Helped: 

Receiving the grant helped Lara overcome her uncertainty. Her advice to anyone hesitating to volunteer is to dive in, as invaluable experiences await. Lara was deeply inspired by the dedication of the Heart & Hands Foundation and the resilience of the Mayan communities she helped support. 

The Transformation: 

Lara appreciated learning about Guatemalan cuisine and culture and looks forward to integrating this understanding into her work as a dietitian. She supported a project to replace open three-stone fires, to tackle critical issues like respiratory diseases, injuries, and deforestation. Overall, her journey wasn’t just about service; it was about forging deep connections based on mutual respect and gratitude.

Lara Malak

Ministry of Health contractor

“The volunteer experience with Heart and Hands Foundation had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life, as it opened my eyes to the importance of appreciating the simple things, fostering gratitude, and prioritizing meaningful connections over constant pursuit of external achievements.”

Raise is so proud of these three volunteers for supporting these life-changing projects and joining in our mission to connect people in meaningful work.  

Here are more stories of grant recipients from previous years: 

Jessica Meaney & Chris Kennett

Sam Cheng

Kyra Lee

 

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For almost three weeks this summer, Kyra Lee, a former contractor of ours with Ontario’s Ministry of Health, helped vulnerable children in a remote and secluded area of Guatemala.

A social worker by trade, Kyra volunteered this July at Casa Guatemala, a registered NGO that cares for the safety, wellbeing, and education of about 200 Mayan Indigenous children from the Izabal and Alta Verapaz regions of Guatemala. Our Meaningful Volunteer Program fully funded her trip.

“I made a very big difference in these children’s lives,” said Kyra. “All around, it was a really great experience.”

To get to the remote village where the school is situated, Kyra, who resides in Ontario, had to take a seven-hour flight, an eight-hour car ride, and then a 30-minute boat ride (each morning). While volunteering at the school, Kyra helped the children, aged three to 12, teaching them new skills – like how to plant fruit trees – and leading class activities and games.

Kyra is one of a number of our contractors who has taken advantage of our Meaningful Volunteer Program to help spread good in the world. Created in 2017 to allow our contractors to pursue meaningful volunteer work in the world, this program provides up to $10,000 to fund life-changing experiences for chosen contractors.

“I would recommend everyone who is eligible to apply for funding through this great program,” explains Kyra. “This experience has changed my life and the lives of so many children I was able to help.”

If you are a current contractor, check out our new application process in the new year. You too can help transform the world for the better, one meaningful volunteer experience at a time.

To see the stories of our past winners:

The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Recipients 

The winners of our 2019 Meaningful Work Volunteer Program are…. 

2019 Meaningful Volunteer Program Highlights 

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Of course, the video symbolizes how fraught the world is with privilege: those advantages and disadvantages that influence everyone’s journey in life.
Our Meaningful Work Foundation Grants are our way to try to even out that starting line. They are a way to break down barriers to employment, so opportunities are more equitably available around the world.

Since 2019, the Foundation has provided more than $430,000 in grants to Canadian charities who are helping to dismantle obstacles to work. More than just providing financial support, these partnerships are based on mutual exchange. We learn from each other and help each other grow in our common mission to help more people find meaningful work.
Here is a look at the 13 charities we just named as our newest recipients of the Meaningful Work Foundation grants, providing them more than $205,000.

Our 2022 Meaningful Work Foundation Grant Recipients

Raising the Roof/Chez Toit

Our grant to Raising the Roof/Chez Toit will help vulnerable youth in the Sudbury area obtain hands-on training in the trades, and apprenticeships with construction sector employers.

Loving Arms Charitable Corporation

With our grant monies, Loving Arms will provide employment to Guatemalan women who are impoverished, by training them to make cheese and sell their products locally.

Youth Employment Services

Youth experiencing mental health issues can face substantial barriers to employment. With the support of Raise’s Meaningful Work Foundation grant, YES will launch their Career Jumpstart Program and provide youth with the opportunity to complete cyber security training, and access cognitive behavioural therapy.

Global Indigenous Development Trust

Inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders across Canada to become champions of change so their communities can thrive will be the work of our grant to the Global Indigenous Development Trust. Via their Champions of Change Nation Re-Building Program, the next generation of Indigenous leaders will develop confidence and the tools they need to lead their communities back to enjoying a self-sustaining, thriving, and enterprising economy.

Making Changes Association

This grant will allow immigrant and Indigenous women in the Calgary area complete technology training, and obtain gainful employment in IT.

African Community Technical Services

With a vision to see communities in rural Uganda thrive through the elimination of water poverty, ACTS will use our grant to assist subsistence farmers and support teams with training, seed-funding, and technical support.

The Bridge: From Prison to Community

Located in Hamilton, The Bridge aims to help individuals who have been recently released from prison obtain housing and employment. The Employment Program developed through the Meaningful Work Foundation grant provides work-readiness assessments, job searching skills, resume writing training, and interview preparation training for individuals reintegrating back into the community.

Michael House Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services

The funds from our grant will provide shelter and support to pregnant and parenting youth in the Guelph area via their Give Yourself Credit Program.

Munch Café & Catering

Munch Café & Catering’s mission is to provide food-service work experience and training to persons with cognitive disabilities. Located in Regina, Munch Café will use these funds to train participants to be catering assistants and learn new kitchen skills.

Home Suite Hope

Home Suite Hope is a network of vital support services single-parent families can turn to in times of need—a support system for families looking to change their circumstances. Our grant will support their Partners in Change Program that helps mothers move towards self-sufficiency.

Centennial College

Our grant will provide administrative training to Indigenous students as well as new-Canadian students via the Centennial College/Native Child and Family Services Office Administration Program.

Furniture Bank

With this funding, the Furniture Bank will provide a living wage for 20 trainees who identify as Indigenous as they learn how to refurbish and repair furniture in a safe and supportive environment.

The Citizens Foundation Canada

Ten underprivileged children in Pakistan will receive education with the grant monies we provide to the Citizens Foundation Canada.

Making the world of work better- together

We are super excited to partner with these charities. They are making great strides to bring more equity in the world. If you are a Canadian charity doing work to dismantle barriers to employment, stay tuned for our 2023 application process that will open in the new year!

To see recipients from previous years:

The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Recipients

The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2020 Grant Recipients 

The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2019 Grant Recipients 

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This year, Raise is giving grants to nine organizations in three countries, totaling more than $104,000! This is our most significant contribution to date! We are super happy to be partnering with a wide range of non-profit organizations that provide access to basic needs, skills training, and/or employment opportunities.

Across Canada, in Uganda, and in Guatemala, these charities are helping individuals—including single parents, BIPOC youth, people with disabilities, people who have been formerly incarcerated, as well as newcomers, for instance – with life-transforming opportunities. Together, we are breaking down barriers to employment.

The Meaningful Work Foundation 2021 Grant recipients are:

Home Suite Hope

In the Halton region of Ontario, single parents spend approximately 45% of their income on shelter alone. Single parents also face extreme barriers to employment and it’s that employment that enables them to achieve financial stability and independence. Home Suite Hope unites a network of vital support services for single parents and their children to encourage and support them as they journey from poverty to stability. The funds from our foundation will cover tuition for one program participant to complete their final year of studies at Sheridan College in the field of Human Resources. In addition, the funds will cover basic needs for other single parents studying, including transportation and childcare. For more information, visit www.homesuitehope.org.

Weston Frontlines Centre

Weston Frontlines Centre (Frontlines) is a charity providing an accessible center and services to meet the pressing needs of children and youth of Weston and surrounding neighborhoods of Central Etobicoke and York-South Weston, one of the poorest ridings not only in Toronto but across Ontario.  Our Meaningful Work Foundation funds will create 20 spaces for the Front burners Youth Kitchen/Catering Careers program, an 8-week culinary training program for BIPOC youth facing barriers to employment. For more information, visit https://frontlines.to/

Options Mississauga Print & Office Services

Statistics show that at least 70% of people with intellectual disabilities are unemployed at any one time in Ontario. Creating employment is a critical way of achieving both community integration and a sense of pride and dignity. Options Mississauga is a federally incorporated charity that provides innovative employment strategies to individuals who have an intellectual disability. It is a retail storefront in the Port Credit area of Mississauga. Operating a store has the unique advantage of providing an inclusive community setting for individuals who have an intellectual disability to learn a variety of employment skills and gain experience working in a “real” business. Our grant to Options Mississauga will allow the organization to purchase an industrial shredder which will create multiple job opportunities for intellectually disabled adults.  For more information, visit http://www.optionsmississauga.com/

Raising the Roof/Chez Toit

Raising the Roof exists to ensure all Canadians have access to safe, stable homes, and the supports they need to achieve their potential. The MWF funds will support their Reside program, providing 40 people who experience barriers to employment with trades training opportunities. The goal is to see at least 34 people pursuing careers in the construction sector through unionized apprenticeships or other full-time employment in this growing sector. They anticipate this program will also support the construction of three units of affordable housing, and provide homes for at least 10 Indigenous women and children at risk of homelessness in Winnipeg.
For more information, visit https://raisingtheroof.org/.

Furniture Bank

The Furniture Bank is a social enterprise-powered charity that provides newcomers, low-income individuals, and families, with home essentials that are needed to create conditions of comfort, dignity, and stability that come from having a furnished home. Our funds will support their Leg Up program by providing work experience, life and skills training, and meaningful job opportunities for newcomers to Canada, youth, and other individuals facing barriers to employment. Leg Up participants are employed in roles across Furniture Bank’s operations including positions within their warehouse, on pickup and delivery trucks, in their repair workshop, call centre, as well as administrative support. After working with the Furniture Bank, many Leg Up employees will then transition successfully to jobs in other industries and organizations. For more information, visit https://www.furniturebank.org/

The Bridge: From Prison to Community

The Bridge exists to provide services, transitional housing, and rehabilitative programs for victims, ex-offenders, and families, by promoting and enabling healing and reconciliation for those in Hamilton who are affected by crime. Our funds will support the employment search efforts of those leaving prison and reintegrating back into the community. For more information, visit http://www.hamilton-bridge.ca/

Lil E Coffee Café 

Lil E Coffee Café is in downtown Calgary. Most of their workforce is made up of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bulk of their current staff has never had employment despite endless efforts. They are brewing greatness by giving life skills and opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This creates opportunities for these individuals with meaningful and productive employment ensuring important awareness for the local community. The Meaningful Work Foundation funds granted will allow Lil E to hire more staff and provide dignity in the form of a purposeful job to those who struggle to attain one. For more information, visit https://www.lilecoffee.ca/

African Community Technical Services (ACTS) 

ACTS exists to partner with communities to deliver the life-giving benefits of clean water, including hygiene and sanitation, in Uganda.
The grant received will go to the Nyakigyera Project which, among other things, will offer a soap-making workshop for community members, supporting them to register as a cooperative through which they can sell their soap for income. Visit https://acts.ca/ for more information.

Loving Arms Association 

Loving Arms was established with a vision to transform the lives of underprivileged and under-serviced families in rural Guatemala.
The Precious Products Women Co-op will teach mothers to create their own all-surface disinfectants and guide them to understand the techniques to develop sales and negotiation skills, allowing them to support their families financially, as well as create self-sufficiency.
For more information, visit: https://lovingarms.ca/.

To learn more about the Meaningful Work Foundation Grant Recipients from previous years:

The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2020 Grant Recipients 

The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2019 Grant Recipients 

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