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2024: Funded Programs and Giving
$982,913
Total Giving in 2024
$ 3+ MM
Allocated to Partners and Programs Since 2019
$16.5 MM
Endowment Fund for Sustained Giving
10%
Disbursement Quota
51
Charities Supported in 2024
91
Unique Charity Partners Since 2019
Childhood Cancer Research and Programs
Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) Young Investigator Grant in Partnership with Kindred Foundation
The goal of CKc’s Young Investigator Grant is to fund innovative research that is within 2-3 years of translation to a clinical trial or is already associated with a clinical trial. It focuses on funding research on pediatric cancers that are either underfunded or under-researched that aim to provide better quality of life or symptom relief than current treatments. Kindred Foundation is proud to partner with Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation to co-fund a $140,000 CAD Young Investigator Grant that will be funded over the next three years.
Dr. Anirban Das | SickKids, Toronto - Biomarker development for combined PD1+LAG3 inhibition in RRD glioblastoma
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a type of brain tumour where treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often don’t work. Recently, a subtype of GBM was found to be caused by DNA replication errors that lead to many mutations. Sometimes these mutations can be targeted by immunotherapy and while immunotherapy helps some patients, new treatments are needed for others. Dr. Das’ and his team created mouse models of this GBM and tested new immunotherapy combinations, showing promising results. Now, they are studying the immune response in these tumours and have approval to try the therapy in children. They will also analyze biomarkers to confirm how the immune system is reacting. If successful, this therapy could be tested in larger trials and become the new standard treatment for this deadly disease.
DECRYPT: Defeating Embryonal Cancer in Young People Together
The Defeating Embryonal Cancer in Young People Together (DECRYPT) Research Grant is intended to challenge the current childhood embryonal cancer landscape by providing funding for a research project that will address an unmet need for these pediatric brain cancers. The DECRYPT grant is designed to fund research that will ideally lead to a significant change in the understanding, diagnosis, and/or treatment of childhood embryonal brain tumours.
The DECRYPT Research Grant provides a significant investment of $600,000 CAD for one 4-year research project.
This grant is co-funded by Kindred Foundation, Cancer Research Society, The Phoebe Rose Rocks Foundation, The Miracle Marnie Foundation, Childhood Cancer Canada and Tali's Fund.
In December 2023, the inaugural DECRYPT Grant was awarded to Dr. Annie Huang from SickKids and her team for: A C17 Babybrains DECRYPT feasibility trial for children under 6 years old with high-risk embryonal brain tumours.
In 2024, Dr. Huang and her team focused on developing the research protocol and all the necessary materials (e.g., consent forms). The next step is for everything to be reviewed by a research ethics board.
The ACTION Consortium: Funding Neuroblastoma Cancer Research
The ACTION Consortium is a collective force committed to Advancing Clinical Trial Implementation and Optimisation in Neuroblastoma (ACTION).
Founded by five non-profit organizations: The Anticancer Fund, The Evan Foundation, Kindred Foundation, Solving Kids’ Cancer UK and Zoé4Life.
Kindred Foundation is funding the Canadian operations of this grant, providing $600,000 CAD over four years.
In 2023, a single proposal moved forward in the evaluation process for the ACTION consortium grant. In 2024, the application was diligently evaluated by a team of experts and was modified based on the expert input.
Childhood Blood Cancer Research Innovation Grant
Kindred Foundation has partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) to co-fund three pediatric blood cancer research innovation grants. These were the first-ever childhood cancer-focused research grants provided by LLSC and Kindred was proud to partner on this initiative. The three grants co-funded are:
Dr. Grace Egan at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto): The role of XPO2 in leukemia development in childhood and adolescent AML. Some of the funds were raised by Kat Ast and Jeff Kindree in memory of their son Bo who died from AML just days after his third birthday in 2019. This research focuses on a protein called XPO2, which is linked to worse outcomes in childhood and adolescent AML, and are studying its role in leukemia development. By understanding how XPO2 affects different genetic subtypes of AML, they aim to develop targeted therapies that could improve treatment outcomes for patients. We are honoured to support this research initiative in Bo's memory.
Dr. Cynthia Guidos at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto): Identifying the Genetic Changes that Lead to Ruxolitinib Resistance. This research aims to understand why some children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have their cancer come back after treatment, even with the addition of new targeted therapies like ruxolitinib. The goal is to understand how some cancers can outsmart drugs and use these results to develop new therapies that are smarter than cancer.
Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer at BC Cancer (Vancouver): MiR-193a-Based LNP Drug Treatment for Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia (pAML). mRNA-based therapies have helped to change the way vaccines are developed, such as those for COVID-19. This research will use special mRNA-based therapies to treat pAML in hopes of reducing the amount of chemotherapy that is used to treat the cancer and reduce treatment related side-effects for children.
100% Fund Grants
The 100% Fund targets pediatric and adolescent cancers that are hard-to-cure cancers that have not responded to available therapies. The goal is to fund research with the potential to deliver improved treatment and increased survival rates. The C17 Research Network administers these grants.
With the support of CMLS Financial and Intellifi Corporation and fundraising through Project Kindness 2023, CMLS Financial and Intellifi raised $41,000 to go towards these grants! Kindred Foundation has also committed to fund $25,000 towards the 100% Fund grants for rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma. Each 100% Fund grant provides $100,000 for a two-year research project. Congratulations to the three 2024 100% Fund grant recipients:
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, BC Children’s Hospital | Osteosarcoma
Dr. Rebecca Deyell of the BC Children’s Hospital was awarded $100,000 for her grant entitled: “Impact of Body Composition and Pharmacogenomics on Toxicity and Survival outcomes in Childhood Bone Sarcoma” A 100% Fund grant funded in partnership with The AnnFrances Tropea Foundation and Kindred Foundation, with support from Childhood Cancer Canada and C17 Council. ($35,000 total from Kindred Foundation, including Project Kindness)
Dr. Rebecca Gladdy, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute | Rhabdomyosarcoma
Dr. Rebecca Gladdy of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute was awarded $100,000 for her grant entitled: “Modelling the molecular spectrum of RMS: creating subtype specific models that are metastatic and immunocompetent” A 100% Fund grant funded in partnership with Eli’s Childhood Cancer Foundation, Fight Like Mason Foundation and Kindred Foundation, with support from Childhood Cancer Canada and C17 Council. ($30,000 total from Kindred Foundation, including Project Kindness)
Dr. Jongbok Lee, University of Calgary | Infant Leukemia
Dr. Jongbok Lee of the University of Calgary was awarded $100,000 for his grant entitled: “Developing novel off-the-shelf CAR-T cell for relapse/refractory infant AML” A 100% Fund grant funded in partnership with The Phoebe Rose Rocks Committee with Kindred Foundation, and Mélia’s Memory Foundation, with support from Childhood Cancer Canada and C17 Council. ($90,000 total from the Phoebe Rose Rocks Committee at Kindred Foundation)
Learn more about how Kindred Foundation is funding childhood cancer initiatives.
Cancer Support Programs
Treats & Treasures Cart:
A Cart that is filled with a wide assortment of toys, healthy snacks, and candy that is brought around to children and families in the hematology and oncology ward every week at no cost to them.
There are 9 Treats & Treasures Carts in hospitals across Canada!
U-Link Patient and Family Fund:
A financial program for families across Canada who must travel to access treatment through clinical trials for children and adolescents with cancer.
Family Support Package Program:
Cold food and treats are now part of the Treats & Treasures Cart program at Southlake’s oncology/hematology clinic. Funding was provided to purchase a fridge/freezer and establish an annual stipend to keep it stocked with cold items for patients to help ease nausea and soothe mouth sores caused by chemotherapy.
Other Funded Cancer Support Initiatives
Southlake Cold Treats:
When a child, adolescent, or young adult is diagnosed with cancer, the economic impact on the patient and family is enormous. A package of gift cards is given to families by their Social Worker when they need it most to bring a little relief and joy. $350 is provided to help with expenses and bring a little joy to childhood cancer patients and their families.
Wellspring Cancer Support:
Kindred provides an unrestricted donation to Wellspring, a Canadian organization offering programs and services to anyone with any type of cancer at no charge or referral.
Youth Mental and Physical Health
Mental and Physical Health Initiatives Supported by Kindred:
It Gets Better Canada: Uplifting and empowering Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) youth across Canada through storytelling and building community. ($15,000 in 2024, $95,000 total to date)
The Black Health Alliance: The Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada. ($5,000 in 2024, $15,000 total to date)
Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council: The Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council works to improve awareness of and engagement in suicide prevention within the Waterloo region. ($10,000 in 2024, $45,000 total to date)
QMUNITY (BC): The Gender Supportive Wear Program provides free new and used gender affirming chest wear to transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. The program is supported by the QMUNITY Youth Worker who provides one-on one support to the youth and their families. ($15,000 in 2024, $80,900 in total)
Youth Emergency Shelter (Peterborough, Ontario): “YES works to reduce and prevent homelessness by providing shelter, education and transitional supports for youth and families in Peterborough City and County.” ($10,000 in 2024)
Algonquin Secondary School (North Bay, Ontario): Renovation of the weight room at Algonquin Catholic Secondary School to improve safety and access to updated equipment for student physical health. ($4,000 in 2024)
Youth Mental Health Grant:
In 2022, Kindred Foundation launched the inaugural Youth Mental Health Grant. This grant aims to ensure that organizations directly assisting Black and/or 2SLGBTQ+ youth communities with their mental health have the funds they need to carry out their mission.
Since 2022, $479,000 has been donated to grassroots organizations across Canada providing mental health support to youth.
Kindred Foundation is honoured to be guided by The Black Health Alliance and It Gets Better Canada.
Scholarships:
Kindred Foundation partners with organizations to provide scholarships at colleges or universities across Canada to educate and empower students from marginalized communities to help youth realize their dreams. Scholarships are a crucial part of our Youth Mental Health strategy.
In 2024, we are supporting 22 students with scholarships!
Kindred Foundation x Adventure4Change Scholarship: In 2024, we are supporting 6 students.
Black Education Fund Roster Scholarship: In 2024, we are supporting 14 students.
Black Business and Professional Association: In 2024, we are supporting 2 students.
Community Support
Kindred Foundation Program:
Kindred Cares Grant:
The Kindred Cares Grant funds programs, projects, and research in hospice, palliative, and end-of-life care for adults and children with life-limiting conditions.
The Kindred Cares Grant has supported 38 children and adult hospice and palliative care initiatives.
Additional Hospice and Palliative Care Donations in 2024
Keaton’s House Family Lounge (Ontario): A new 10-bed children’s hospice is currently being developed in Hamilton, Ontario, addressing a crucial need for support of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Kindred Foundation is proud to support this initiative by sponsoring the Family Lounge, a dedicated space that brings comfort and connection. ($50,000 in 2024)
Childhood Cancer Canada Benevolent Fund: Childhood Cancer Canada’s (CCC) Benevolent Fund provides funding support to families to help pay for funeral costs if a child dies from cancer. Kindred Foundation is the lead charitable partner and provided funding for our fourth year in 2024. ($50,000 in 2024, $200,000 to date)
Nipissing Serenity Hospice (Ontario) Initial funding for the construction of a Gazebo was provided through our Kindred Cares Grant in 2022. The gazebo offers an accessible outdoor space for residents and visitors. This donation will help complete the project by adding items such as railings, lights and landscaping. ($9,011 in 2024, $19,011 total to date)
Ontario Pediatric Palliative Care Symposium: Kindred Foundation provided sponsorship for the biennial conference for pediatric palliative care as part of the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario conference. ($8,000 in 2024)
Guelph Wish Fund (Ontario): “The Guelph Wish Fund for Children provides ‘wishes’ and support to children under the age of 19, residing in Guelph or Wellington County, who are living with a significant illness, life-altering injury or a rare and debilitating syndrome.” ($2,000 in 2024)
SickKids - Shaindy Alexander Virtual Reality Initiative: Using social virtual environments and virtual reality for adolescents to connect and interact with others when in hospital or at home through personalized avatars. ($1,000 in 2024, $8,500 total)
Food Security:
Burlington Friday Meal and Hub (Ontario): A collective dining experience surrounded by mental and physical health supports for families and individuals experiencing food insecurity in Burlington, Ontario and area. Kindred provides operational support and in-person volunteer hours. ($20,000 in 2024, $150,000 total to date)
WAES Weston Area Emergency Support (Ontario): A collaboration of local churches in the Weston, Ontario area provides food for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Kindred provides operational support and in-person volunteer hours. ($20,000 in 2024, $60,000 total to date)
Food for Life (Ontario): The vision of Food for Life is “for everyone to have access to healthy food.” ($20,000 in 2024)
Parkdale Food Centre (Ontario): “At the Parkdale Food Centre, we believe in an Ottawa where everyone has the means and opportunity to live a healthy, connected, and fulfilling life.” Kindred provides operational support and in-person volunteer hours. ($10,000 in 2024)
Trent Lakes Food Bank – Kawartha Food Share (Ontario): “Trent Lakes Outreach Centre (TLOC) runs a year round FOODBANK once a month. The FOODBANK is run entirely by volunteers and donations.” ($3,000 in 2024)
Making A Difference Annual Reports
Each January, Kindred Foundation publishes a report that outlines the ways we were able to make a difference over the year.
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