The Michaëlle Jean Foundation (Business Registration Number: 828059857RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, particularly those facing social exclusion and marginalization, through the transformative power of the arts. Established in December 2009 as a legacy initiative following the tenure of Michaëlle Jean, the 27th Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the Foundation officially began operations in 2011.[2][3]

Mission and Vision

The Foundation envisions a Canada where young people are socially engaged, included in their communities, and have their voices heard. It recognizes the power of the arts to raise awareness, foster inclusion, and drive social change. By supporting arts-based programs, the Foundation seeks to provide youth with tools to combat social ills such as marginalization, criminality, and suicide, and to become active citizens and change agents within their communities.[1][2][5]

Activities and Programs

The Michaëlle Jean Foundation funds training, mentorships, and initiatives that use creativity and artistic expression as vehicles for social transformation. It supports youth-led mobilization efforts focused on inclusion and racial justice delivered through arts, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Foundation encourages dialogue between youth and their communities to build creative and constructive connections, helping young people to break isolation and amplify their voices.[1][4]

In partnership with community cultural organizations, government bodies, and private sector leaders, the Foundation implements programs that emphasize economic activity through cultural entrepreneurship and local socioeconomic development. This approach promotes dialogue, sharing, and collective action in marginalized communities across Canada.[2][4]

Governance and Funding

The Foundation was endowed with an initial $3 million from the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage in 2011, with a further commitment of $7 million in matching private donations, aiming to raise a total $17 million to sustain its mission.[2][3]

Michaëlle Jean and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, serve as co-presidents, with Lafond also acting as Chief Executive Officer. The governance team includes diverse professionals such as business leaders, arts experts, community activists, philosophers, legal professionals, educators, and youth, all dedicated to strengthening communities and fostering youth leadership through the arts.[3][4]

Social Impact

The Foundation has supported hundreds of youth across Canada, enabling them to leverage artistic creativity to address social challenges and promote social inclusion. It has mobilized local communities to engage in culturally creative initiatives that build bridges and offer pathways towards social cohesion and empowerment for underserved populations.[2][5]

Through its programs, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation continues to be a catalyst for social justice, inclusion, and innovation, nurturing a new generation of young leaders committed to shaping a more equitable Canadian society.[1][4][5]

[1] https://fmjf.ca/en/home/ [2] https://www.michaellejean.ca/foundation [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micha%C3%ABlle_Jean_Foundation [4] https://fmjf.ca/en/about/ [5] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/michaelle-jean-foundation-fondation-michaelle-jean/impact/view/