Supporting Communities
Supporting communities has been central to The Joel DeBellefeuille Foundation since its inception. Inspired by Joel’s work with initiatives like
The Red Coalition, our early efforts focused on assisting those in need within Montreal. As we expand, we aim to empower communities facing
systemic barriers by providing essential resources, donating food, and offering small grants to drive meaningful change.
What Do We Mean by Community?
We define community broadly, encompassing groups united by shared barriers, needs, or goals, whether they are defined by geography, identity, or purpose.
How We Support Change
Our focus is on partnerships that strengthen organizations and networks that directly serve their communities. We prioritize initiatives that rebalance power
and enable communities to address their own needs. Proposals are evaluated not just on their intended impact but also on the level of community involvement
in the design and execution of projects. We ask: How will this project foster long-term, systemic positive outcomes?
Our Guiding Principles
The Joel DeBellefeuille Foundation drives change using principles of equity, trust, self-determination, and collaborative engagement. We believe that communities
know what is best for themselves, and our role is to support and empower them to achieve their goals.
What We Fund
Our funding supports projects that align with our mission of uplifting and empowering those facing challenges. This includes direct support, community-focused
programs, educational initiatives, and more.
