What We Do

Strategy & Programs
Grant Types

Strategy & Programs

Max Bell Foundation reflects the spirit and intent of its founder to improve Canadian society. We encourage the development of innovative ideas that impact public policies and practices with an emphasis on health and wellness, education, and the environment.

Ongoing shifts in the social, economic, and technological fabrics of Canadian life bring extraordinary changes to our society and to the public policy arena. We support work that helps Canadians adapt to those changes while positively impacting the quality of life in our communities. Our current strategic priority is to support projects which educate Canadians about public policy and practice alternatives.

Public policy has been defined in a number of ways. The following working definition may be useful to those considering applying for a Max Bell Foundation grant. Public policy has two distinct but related meanings:

(1) On one hand, it refers to official statements of principles that guide the activities of organizations operating in the public interest (including governments, non-profit organizations, citizen associations, etc.) at the local, municipal, regional, provincial, or national level. These statements can include legislation, resolutions, regulations, appropriations, and/or court decisions. Public policy statements are made by individuals or organizations with requisite legal and/or corporate authority, such as elected or appointed committees, officials, executives, etc.

(2) On the other hand, public policy refers to the programs and administrative practices undertaken by organizations operating in the public interest.

The Foundation is interested in supporting projects that promote good health in the broadest sense. We are particularly interested in identifying practical, alternative approaches to the creation and maintenance of the programs and policies which shape Canada's health care practices.

Max Bell Foundation believes education is a cornerstone of a flourishing, productive society. Canada's education institutions face many challenges as changing needs, attitudes, economies, and technologies shift the ground in which they are rooted. The Foundation seeks to support research projects that focus on innovative ways in which our education institutions meet those challenges. Of particular interest are those projects which address the thoughtful use of technology and alternative institutional arrangements.

The Foundation seeks to support environment initiatives that align with our mission and granting guidelines. We are interested in supporting projects that understand and take account of the social and economic contexts in which environmental concerns emerge as public policy and practice.