About Us

What is the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation?

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation is an independent organization established to raise funds, channel community support and philanthropy to support the work of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Though closely tied to the work and objectives of the Heart Institute, the Foundation has its own staff and is guided by its own board of directors.

How does the Foundation raise funds?

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation reaches out to a generous community through events, volunteer-driven fundraising and liaison with major philanthropic donors. The foundation partners and participates with local community organizations at over 60 fundraising events each year.

Why are private donations so vital?

Every year, demand for Heart Institute services is increasing. Research is becoming bigger, more sophisticated, and more expensive. Research funding in Canada is more limited than ever, and there is stiff competition for available funding. That’s why private donations large and small are crucial to keep the University of Ottawa Heart Institute at the forefront of global treatment and research. Reaching our goal of eliminating heart disease in our children’s lifetimes means training highly skilled new generations of cardiovascular physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. This key aspect of the Heart Institute’s work is also resource intensive. Today’s donations help ensure that outstanding professionals will be there in the future, making the breakthroughs and providing the care for your children and their children. Your support makes it possible to aim for a future where heart disease is a thing of the past, no longer affecting one in three Canadians.