The Foundation
Why Children’s Grief?
At our core, we believe every child deserves the proper support to cope after experiencing the loss of a loved one. Grief is a natural human response to loss, but for children, it can be particularly confusing and isolating. That’s why supporting children’s bereavement is our mission.
1 in 14 children will lose a parent or sibling by the age of 18. Often overlooked during this difficult time, these children can become the “forgotten mourners.”
Childhood bereavement can have a profound impact on a child’s development, affecting their emotions, social skills, and even academic performance. Without proper support, these children face a higher risk of mental health challenges and may struggle to cope with future losses.
The Need for Accessible Support
The current healthcare system often falls short of providing children with the resources they need to navigate grief. Here’s why more grief programs are crucial:
- Limited Resources: The healthcare system lacks the resources to offer comprehensive grief support programs for children. These preventative interventions are essential for promoting well-being and reducing long-term risks for grieving youth.
- Funding Instability: Many existing children’s grief programs rely on community donations, making it difficult to guarantee year-round support. This uncertainty can leave families scrambling when they need help the most.
- Rural Disparity: Many grief support programs are concentrated in urban areas, leaving children and families in rural communities without access to affordable support.
Our Mission
We want to reduce financial barriers by providing funds to help develop or expand programs that support grieving children and their families.
Twice a year, we release applications where Canadian registered charities can submit a proposal to seek funding.
The Goals of the Foundation
Our goals are to seek donations and support from compassionate individuals and organizations to help grieving children and their families. We strive to expand and create programs across Canada that address their unique needs, while also funding mental health research on childhood bereavement and its broader impact. Additionally, we are committed to raising awareness and educating society about the many children who experience early grief without adequate support.
Values of the Foundation
Our values focus on fostering strong relationships between the bereavement sector and children’s bereavement organizations, connecting them with institutions and community groups. We are committed to inclusivity and equality, ensuring all children and their families receive support, regardless of how their loved one passed away. We strive to provide meaningful resources for grieving children and their families while promoting excellence in innovation, education, and research.
The CGFC works to reduce financial barriers by providing funds to develop programs that support grieving children and their families.
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