Community First Foundation

Community First Foundation is a Canadian registered nonprofit organization dedicated primarily to alleviating food insecurity among children in inner-city schools. Operating under the business registration number 837443233RR0001, it functions as a registered charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)[2][4].

Mission and Activities

The foundation's core mission is embodied in its Backpack Buddies program, which aims to bridge the weekend hunger gap faced by children in vulnerable communities. Each week, backpacks are filled with sufficient food to cover two breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and fresh fruit for the entire weekend. These backpacks are distributed to children attending inner-city schools to ensure they do not go hungry when school meals are unavailable. The initiative engages various community stakeholders, including students from participating schools, community volunteers, and corporate groups, who support the cause by fundraising, purchasing, and packing the food bags. This approach fosters hands-on involvement in addressing local food security issues and encourages community action[2].

Organizational Structure and Registration

Community First Foundation operates as a registered Canadian charity, complying with CRA regulations. It is registered to issue official tax receipts to donors, enabling contributions to be tax-credit eligible. This status also ensures transparency and accountability in its operations[1][4]. Its legal structure aligns with the typical framework for Canadian community foundations, which are incorporated under provincial legislation and maintain charitable registration to uphold tax-exempt status and grant-issuing capabilities[5].

Impact and Community Role

Through its focused programming, Community First Foundation addresses critical food insecurity during weekends, a period often overlooked in child nutrition programs. It mobilizes local resources and volunteers to create sustainable solutions within their communities. The foundation's activities are a part of the broader movement of community foundations across Canada that strive to support community wellbeing through targeted philanthropy and grassroots initiatives[3].

This charitable foundation exemplifies community-led efforts in Canada to support vulnerable populations, especially children facing food insecurity, through collaborative and practical initiatives like Backpack Buddies.

[1] https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/community-first-foundation--2 [2] https://causes.benevity.org/causes/124-837443233RR0001 [3] https://communityfoundations.ca [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/community-first-foundation/impact/view/ [5] https://globalfundcommunityfoundations.org/resources/tcfn-resources/cf-governance-structures-canada/