TELUS Friendly Future Foundation

Overview of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation program:

The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation (TFFF) is a national, registered charity that provides funding to community-based and national charitable organizations across Canada. Its primary mission is to help vulnerable and underserved youth by supporting programs that promote health, education, and the responsible use of technology. Funding is available for initiatives that create measurable impact and support long-term well-being, especially those that bridge digital divides, improve mental health outcomes, and provide access to quality education and employment pathways. There are two main funding streams: Community Board Grants – For local charities offering programming aligned with TFFF priorities. Grants typically range up to $20,000 and are distributed through 13 regional TELUS Community Boards across Canada. Innovation Grants – For larger, national or high-impact charities with innovative and scalable programs. These grants often exceed $20,000 and are intended for programs with the potential to expand regionally or nationally. Applications are accepted online, and organizations must demonstrate community impact, financial accountability, and alignment with TFFF’s values. The foundation prioritizes equity-seeking groups, including youth from Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQ+ youth, newcomers, and those facing socio-economic challenges. TFFF does not fund individuals, for-profit ventures, or religious/political groups. In 2023 alone, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation distributed over $10 million to more than 500 Canadian charities, making it one of the largest corporate foundations in Canada focused on youth well-being.

Benefits of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation program:

• Access to significant grant funding for charitable programs.
• National and regional support through TELUSs Community Board network.
• Focus on long-term, measurable social impact.
• Prioritizes support for marginalized and underserved youth.
• Encourages innovation, digital empowerment, and tech-based solutions.
• Builds partnerships with organizations driving systemic change.
• Public recognition and community engagement through TELUS platforms.

Eligibility criteria of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation program:

• Eligible applicants must:
• Be a registered Canadian charity with a valid CRA number.
• Deliver programming focused on youth under 30 in the areas of:
• Health and mental well-being
• Digital literacy and connectivity
• Education and employment readiness
• Demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and community impact.
• Show financial responsibility and sustainability.
• For Community Board Grants: be located within the catchment area of one of the 13 TELUS Community Boards.
• For Innovation Grants: operate at a national or high-regional level, with capacity for scale and innovation.
• Equity-focused initiatives for Indigenous youth, racialized communities, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and low-income populations are strongly encouraged.
• Ineligible applicants include:
• Individuals
• For-profit organizations
• Religious or political organizations
• Events, sponsorships, or one-time awareness campaigns