Raise Your Helping Hand
The Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation is a registered non-profit organization headquartered in Montreal, Canada. With a network of more than 500 clubs and more than 10,000 members across the country, we support many kinds of initiatives serving Canadian youth, our common future.
Mission
The mission of Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation is to invest today for the future of our youth by seeking and managing funds through collaboration with Canadian Optimist Clubs and their communities, by supporting Clubs to create opportunities that will enhance quality of life, improve health and wellness and inspire our youth.
Our impact
Every dollar raised in Canada stays in Canada. Here is what the Foundation granted in its most recent year:
- $131,804 in scholarships, including $67,000 in the Oratorical Contest, $26,500 in the Essay Contest and $3,750 for the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- $10,000 in Spread Relief grants, helping clubs support a child or a family in their community
- $5,200 in club grants, up to $1,000 per club
- $152,317 to clubs through the outsourcing program, where the Foundation issues the tax receipt for a club fundraising activity
- More than $1.7 million granted since 1989
Figures from our annual report 2024-2025.
News
Recent Causes
- A word from our president, and this year’s grant recipientsA word from our president It is hard to believe that we are in the last month of the Optimist Year. This has been a great year and we have improved, updated and started new programs. First we set up a communication committee to help us improve our communication. This committee was instrumental in helpingContinue reading “A word from our president, and this year’s grant recipients”
- In Memoriam — Sue MontgomeryIt is with great sadness that we share the passing of Sue Montgomery, who served as Co-District Foundation Representative (DFR) for District 47 (CENON) alongside Ted Simmonds. Sue passed away on May 27, 2026. She was a dedicated volunteer who worked tirelessly to support the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation’s mission and the clubs in herContinue reading “In Memoriam — Sue Montgomery”
- CCOF happenings, third quarterCCOF happenings As the weather improves we start to focus on outside projects and fundraisers like BBQs, bike safety and fun fairs. I would like to personally thank everyone who has donated to the Foundation by buying a Dime a Day pin, becoming a President’s Club member or a Friend of the Foundation. These vitalContinue reading “CCOF happenings, third quarter”
Planned giving
As a Planned Giving donor, you’ll automatically join the lifetime recognition board, a group of dedicated individuals who have committed a planned gift to CCOF.
How You Can Help
Send Donation
Giving online is secure, convenient and takes less than two minutes. A tax receipt is issued for every eligible donation.
Become a Volunteer
You can get involved today by becoming a Volunteer. Sign up and you will be joining a group of change-makers, a network strong enough to impact positive change in the lives of children.