Our Mission
Strengthening the charitable sector through strategic fund management and purposeful grant-making.
Mission Statement
" To receive and maintain funds and donate the principal and interest therefrom to registered charitable organizations."
What This Means
As a grant-making foundation, ZOKESI TRUST operates as a bridge between generous donors and effective charitable organizations. We don't run our own programs—instead, we multiply the impact of charitable giving by:
- Accepting gifts and donations from individuals, families, and organizations
- Managing these funds with professional investment oversight
- Distributing both principal and investment returns to registered charities
- Ensuring all grants go to verified, eligible charitable organizations
This model allows donors to make large, tax-efficient gifts while ensuring their philanthropic intentions are carried out over time.
Our Vision
We envision a Canada where every charitable organization has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission. A country where philanthropy flows efficiently from those who wish to give to those who do the work of caring for our communities.
ZOKESI TRUST aims to be a trusted partner in this ecosystem—a foundation known for its integrity, efficiency, and genuine commitment to maximizing charitable impact.
By 2030, we aim to:
- • Distribute over $10 million in grants annually
- • Support 500+ registered charities across Canada
- • Build endowment funds totaling $50 million
Grant Focus Areas
We support registered charities working in a variety of sectors that align with our donors' interests.
Social Services
Supporting organizations that provide essential services to vulnerable populations, including food security, housing, and crisis support.
Education
Funding scholarships, educational programs, and institutions that provide learning opportunities for all ages.
Health & Wellness
Supporting healthcare charities, mental health initiatives, and programs promoting community wellness.
Community Development
Investing in organizations that strengthen neighborhoods and build community capacity.
International Relief
Supporting Canadian charities engaged in humanitarian work and international development.
Arts & Culture
Preserving cultural heritage and supporting artistic expression in communities across Canada.
Our Grant-Making Philosophy
We believe in thoughtful, strategic philanthropy that creates lasting change.
Donor-Directed Giving
We respect donor intent. When you contribute to ZOKESI TRUST, you can recommend which charities receive your grants. We handle the due diligence and administration while ensuring your philanthropic wishes are fulfilled.
Impact-Focused Approach
We don't just write checks—we partner with charities to understand their needs and measure their impact. Our goal is to fund organizations that demonstrate effective use of charitable resources.
Long-Term Sustainability
Through endowment building and prudent investment, we ensure that charitable giving continues to make an impact for generations. Short-term gifts can create permanent legacies.
Collaborative Funding
We work with other foundations, community funds, and individual donors to pool resources and tackle large-scale challenges that no single organization could address alone.
Become Part of Our Mission
Whether you're looking to establish a donor-advised fund or apply for a grant, we're here to help you achieve your charitable goals.