Jeff Coull, PhD

Jeff Coull commenced work with the Weston Family Foundation as a contract Executive Director of the Weston Brain Institute in 2019, before taking on the responsibilities of Head of Strategic Initiatives and Programs in 2021. In his current role he contributes to undertakings of the Foundation that fall outside of the normal scope of its philanthropic activities.

Prior to working with the Foundation, Jeff started and ran several small biotechnology companies seeking to discover novel treatments for pain, inflammatory bowel disease and other indications. In addition to serving the Foundation, he advises various entities in the life sciences space.

Jeff holds a PhD in pharmacology from McGill University, where he studied spinal mechanisms contributing to chronic pain, and was awarded a BSc (Hons) from Queen’s University.

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

Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades Program

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Canadian Canoe Museum

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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