Gabriella Mante

Gabriella Mante (she/her) joined the Weston Family Foundation in July of 2019. She is a member of the Operations team and is responsible for ensuring the administrative and grant management needs of the Foundation are being met.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Gabriella was a Programme Officer at the Stephen Lewis Foundation, where she managed a portfolio of grants distributed to community-based organizations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Gabriella holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace, Conflict, & Justice Studies and Political Science from the University of Toronto.

Special Projects

An artist's rendering of the exterior of the Canadian Canoe Museum

For more than six decades, our Foundation has supported projects across Canada to contribute to a vibrant and resilient country.

These special projects span a variety of needs across urban and rural Canada such as programs in arts, culture and heritage, or funding for community initiatives—all with the goal of contributing to the well-being of Canadians.

All of these special project grants are initiated by our Board of Directors, and we do not accept unsolicited proposals. For funding in our two focus areas, please see our Grant Calls page or follow us on Twitter @westonfamilyfdn.

COVID-19 funding

In May 2020, our Board of Directors met to discuss how we as a Foundation can support the recovery of our nation at this uncertain time. We reconfirmed our commitment to our current grantees and focus areas: we know that supporting healthy aging for Canadians and restoring and protecting biodiversity across our landscapes will create a stronger and more resilient Canada. But we also understand that our Foundation can and should do more at this unprecedented time in our nation’s history.

Since that time, we have committed more than $10 million to organizations working in the front lines for food security, mental health support, youth and women’s shelters and hospitals. We have also supported a number of COVID-19 research grants looking at susceptibility, vaccines and the neurological impact of the pandemic.

Our support strategy continues to evolve as we address short-term needs while looking for longer-term solutions for recovery and resilience for generations to come.

A busy city sidewalk with everyone wearing a face mask

Featured Special Projects

Homegrown Innovation Challenge

An artist's rendering of the atrium inside the Canadian Canoe Museum

Canadian Canoe Museum

Ontario Science Centre announces the 2020 Weston Youth Innovation Awards

The Ontario Science Centre announced the five winners of the 2020 Weston Youth Innovation Award for their work developing innovative projects. 15-year-old Ethan Chan of Victoria, BC, won the top prize of $15,000 for a device that accurately monitors and records kidney disease data.

Press release: Ontario Science Centre announces the 2020 Weston Youth Innovation Awards