Get Started

Starting your fund

Start your fund at Toronto Foundation to reap the benefits of a private foundation without all of the administration. Our team handles all of the back office work so you can focus on your charitable granting and impact.

How does a fund work?

A fund can be like a savings account for your charitable giving, accumulating interest that you can grant (donate) to charities of your choice. Or it can be like a chequing account, offering quick access to grant as much of your balance as you want whenever you want.

Why should I establish a fund for my charitable giving?

Administering your charitable giving through a fund might be the right choice if you:

Want to start a foundation but don't have the time to do the administrative setup and upkeep.
Have experienced a liquidity event like selling a business or receiving an inheritance and want to give some of it to charity but you need more time to figure out your plan.
Recently acquired some money and want to give some of it to charity, but at your own pace.
Would like to engage your children, grandchildren, and family in your philanthropy.
Are seeking advice and guidance on your charitable giving from experts.
Want to establish a legacy that will live on, even after you're gone.
Want to start a fund in memory of a loved one who has passed on.
Have a significant life milestone coming up, like a wedding, retirement, or birthday and are asking for people to make donations towards a cause you care about in lieu of gifts.
Want to learn with others about how to advance equality in the long-run.

What are the benefits of a fund with Toronto Foundation?

There are many reasons to manage your philanthropy through a community foundation. We were created with a sole purpose: to improve the quality of life for people by highlighting the greatest needs of the community and engaging donors to understand and fund those needs effectively.

At Toronto Foundation you also have access to:

Our Fundholder Engagement team, dedicated to helping you navigate your charitable questions, planning and goals.
Exclusive donor education programs, resources, and events that can help inform your philanthropy.
Community research to better understand the challenges, inequities and opportunities in Toronto.
A network of fellow philanthropists and nonprofit leaders who also care about the world around them. Often our fundholders find ways of amplifying their impact by connecting with others.

What type of fund should I open?

Investing with Toronto Foundation

Curious to learn about how we invest our funds and what sets us apart? Watch the videos below to learn more about our investment expertise, governance, beliefs and principles. Each video explores key concepts that help you better understand how we manage investments and what you can expect as a fundholder. Whether you're a new fundholder or seeking a refresher, these resources will equip you with the insights you need. Learn more about our financials here.

I'm ready. How do I start a fund?

Our team is ready to help set up your philanthropy for maximum impact. We can get your fund started in less than a week following these steps:

Connect with us. Let us walk you through the different fund options that can suit your needs. We can figure out the details together.
We will put together your fund agreement.
You sign it and then it’s done!

For more information, contact:

Aneil Gokhale

Director, Philanthropy

416-921-2035 ext. 212

agokhale@torontofoundation.ca

We acknowledge we are on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. While Indigenous communities in Toronto remain strong, vibrant, and resilient, they need support to address and overcome the impact of colonialism and systemic inequalities. Furthering Indigenous reconciliation and sovereignty are integral to achieving a more fair and just society where everyone can thrive.

We aim to be an ally and to fund local Indigenous organizations.