Ripple Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit educational charity dedicated to fostering creative literacy among children and youth. Registered under the Business Number 805895760RR0001, the foundation is notable for being entirely volunteer-run and delivering free programs aimed at enhancing creativity, confidence, and critical thinking through writing and artistic expression.

Mission and Vision

Ripple Foundation's mission centers on nurturing creative literacy, which it defines as a combination of imagination, critical thinking, and self-expression. The organization believes that engaging children and youth in creative activities such as storytelling and writing helps them discover their unique voices, develop self-awareness, and build social skills and empathy. These competencies empower participants to become confident, compassionate individuals and future leaders.

Programs and Activities

The foundation offers several core programs tailored for different age groups, designed to support participants at various stages of their writing journeys:

• Kids Write 4 Kids Contest: An annual creative writing contest for students in grades 4 to 8. Winning stories are published, and proceeds from sales are donated to the winner's charity of choice, promoting both creativity and philanthropy.

• Write It Workshop: A creative writing workshop targeting grades 4 to 8 that lays the groundwork for aspiring young authors by improving their writing skills and boosting confidence.

• Youth Publishing Platform: A weekly publication platform for students in grades 8 to 12 that provides opportunities for young writers to share their perspectives while earning volunteer hours and gaining experience in public writing.

• Youth Leadership Event: An annual virtual event that is youth-led, inspiring participants to engage in community improvement initiatives and develop leadership skills.

Additionally, Ripple Foundation organizes in-person workshops, sometimes held at locations like the Brampton Public Library, to further support creative development.

Organizational Structure and Funding

Ripple Foundation operates entirely with volunteer leadership and does not charge for participation in its programs. Its funding is primarily derived from donations and merchandise sales, with 100% of proceeds invested back into the foundation’s programming.

History and Leadership

Founded by Ivy Wong, an entrepreneur with a background in digital media and educational publishing, Ripple Foundation grew from Wong’s passion for creativity and community engagement. Wong's entrepreneurial experience includes launching Splash Interactive and Ripple Digital Publishing, which influenced her approach to educational outreach through digital and literary media.

Impact

By advocating for creativity and education among youth, Ripple Foundation aims to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. Its comprehensive approach combines literacy, artistic expression, and leadership development, fostering a supportive community that encourages young people to explore new ideas and perspectives.

This article is based on information from Ripple Foundation’s official resources and nonprofit registries.

[1] https://www.ripplefoundation.ca [2] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/f7349bcfd0594761baa5092bdb281754-ripple-foundation-toronto [3] https://www.ripplefoundation.ca/contact-us/ [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ripple-foundation/ [5] https://education-reimagined.org/ripple-foundation-a-conversation-with-ivy-wong/