Donate
Donate Today
Home
/
About

About Us

What is an
Education Foundation?

An education foundation is a nonprofit that develops skills through training, mentorship, research, and scholarships.

Ways To Support This Mission

There are three main ways that an educational foundation can support this mission, although each foundation varies in what it does and how it accomplishes its objectives:

Raise Money

to target specific needs or initiatives

Raise Awareness

about the organization and mission through research, communications, community involvement, events, awards, & networking

Raise Support

through advocacy and various forms of community & advocacy activities

Our Current Funds

-

CGLBEF
General Fund

As we continue to grow our organization, we seek opportunities to support initiatives aligned with our mission and vision. This fund also plays a crucial role in expanding our reach and developing new funding streams to further our impact in our community.
-

Leadership
Development Fund

(A CQCC & CGLBEF Partnership Fund)

The 2SLGBTQI+ business community requires strong leaders to guide our organizations and uplift the community. By investing in the development of future leaders, we can create a ripple effect that empowers individuals to give back through time, resources, and mentorship. Scholarships from this fund support training for regional chamber leaders through courses, conferences, and other developmental opportunities, fostering the growth of grassroots business organizations across Canada.
Bill Pallett (1951–2019)

Bill Pallett Youth Mentorship Fund

(A CQCC Fund — administered by CGLBEF)

Bill Pallett was a dedicated board member of both the CGLBEF and the CQCC, playing a pivotal role in establishing the CQCC’s Youth Mentorship Program. His vision was to engage 2SLGBTQI+ youth (ages 18 to 39) in this program from every province and territory. Funds from this initiative support youth participation in the CQCC’s Mentorship Program, ensuring that young leaders are equipped for success.

Future Funds?

We welcome ideas for new funding opportunities that align with our mission and vision. If you have suggestions for impactful initiatives, please reach out—we’re eager to explore how we can collaborate to make a difference!

Who We Are

About
CGLBEF

The CGLBEF (Canadian Gay & Lesbian Business Education Foundation) was established in 2008 to develop programs to enhance opportunities and growth of LGBT+ business in Canada through training, research and education.

Success in business comes from turning original ideas into marketable products and services. The path, however, is often challenging.

The CGLBEF is Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ Business Education Foundation and was created to support people on that path. Its goal is to develop business acumen and leadership in the 2SLGBTQ+ community within Canada by providing access to education, training, research, and mentorship opportunities.

Our Mission

Our mission at CGLBEF is to empower the 2SLGBTQI+ community by cultivating tomorrow’s business leaders. We achieve this by providing opportunities and access to education, training, and support. We strive to foster inclusivity in professions, vocations, and industries through financial assistance, scholarship programs, grants for educational initiatives, and the promotion of mentorship and internship programs. Our commitment extends to conducting and disseminating research to enhance educational opportunities. Additionally, we aim to alleviate poverty among 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in Canada and beyond by offering financial assistance for entrepreneurs and enhancing economic opportunities.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every 2SLGBTQI+ individual can access an inclusive economy. We aspire to build a diverse and inclusive society where ‘2SLGBTQI inclusive workplaces are the norm. Through our commitment to education, mentorship, and financial support, we aim to create a foundation for empowerment, fostering a community that is resilient, economically empowered, and thriving. Our vision extends globally, promoting equality and inclusivity in business for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in every corner of the world.

Who We Are

We are a group of business professionals and entrepreneurs who know the importance of developing the business leaders of tomorrow to continue to support our community and overcome the unique hurdles 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business leaders will face.
CGLBEF-canadian-gay-lesbian-business-education-fund-Bruce-McDonald

Bruce McDonald

Director

He/Him

Bruce McDonald

Director

He/Him

Bruce co-Founded the CQCC – Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce in 2003, Travel Gay Canada 2005, and the Canadian Business Education Foundation (CGLBEF) in 2008. Bruce currently serves as volunteer Board Member, and Past Chair of the CQCC, and Chair of the CGLBEF.
Learn More
CGLBEF-canadian-gay-lesbian-business-education-fund-Adam-Leroux

Adam Leroux

Director

He/Him

Adam Leroux

Director

He/Him

In Adam’s current role for TD, he focuses on creating & cultivating meaningful relationships within the 2SLGBTQ+ community and connecting the 2SLGBTQ+ community to quality financial solutions and advice.
Learn More

Ready For Growth

CGLBEF has developed key programs to fund our growth and support new projects for business education.

In the next few years, we are excited to concentrate on growth of some new funds to support leadership development for regional organizations supporting 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across Canada and possible scholarship opportunities to grow tomorrows business leaders.

Donate Today