# Donner Canadian Foundation

Donner Canadian Foundation is an Endowment / Foundation based in Toronto, Canada.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Toronto, Canada
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 8 Prince Arthur Ave, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5R 1A9, Canada
- **Founded:** 1950
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** donner.ca
- **LinkedIn:** https://ca.linkedin.com/company/donner-canadian-foundation

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

William H. Donner created the foundation in 1950. He directed its initial endowment from steel industry proceeds. Helen McLean serves as Executive Director of both this entity and the related William H. Donner Foundation. Grants target Atlantic Marine Conservation, climate change mitigation, Indigenous-led projects, land and wildlife protection, and public policy research. The foundation maintains memberships in Philanthropic Foundations Canada and Environment Funders Canada. Geographic reach covers Canada plus selected international efforts. No public data exists on asset size or specific holdings. Gregory S. Belton chairs the board while holding an executive role at Hub International Ontario. Dr. Marie Delorme and Margot Franssen serve as governors with external business ties. The foundation lists no additional offices beyond its Toronto headquarters. No operational events from the last 24 months appear in available records. Governance centers on a board of governors that blends family and independent members. This structure separates philanthropic decisions from any operating businesses tied to the Donner name.

## Sectors

- Climate Change
- Conservation
- Public Policy

## People

- Gregory S. Belton — Chair of the Board of Governors
- Helen McLean — Executive Director
- William H. Donner — Founder
- Dr. Marie Delorme — Governor
- Margot Franssen — Governor

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Donner Canadian Foundation?

The board of governors, chaired by Gregory S. Belton, oversees grant allocation. Helen McLean serves as Executive Director and manages day-to-day operations. No separate investment committee or CIO is named in public records.

### Does Donner Canadian Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct grants?

Available information shows only direct grant-making to organizations and initiatives. No fund commitments or co-investments are disclosed.

### How is Donner Canadian Foundation related to the William H. Donner Foundation?

Helen McLean serves as Executive Director of both entities. The two foundations share family origins but operate as separate legal vehicles.

### What investment stages or vehicles does the foundation use?

The foundation makes grants at community, national, and international levels. It does not disclose use of SPVs, fund-of-funds, or direct equity positions.

## Related profiles

- [Donnelly Penman Capital](https://altss.com/profile/donnelly-penman-capital)
- [Donovan Ventures](https://altss.com/profile/donovan-ventures)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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