The Desjardins Foundation: Building hope, one person at a time

Education is a powerful driver of change for communities, and it’s been the guiding force behind the Desjardins Foundation’s initiatives for over 55 years. In 2025, our belief in the value of education was reflected in meaningful collaborations and initiatives that inspired hope. Find out how we distributed $7.1 million in Quebec, Ontario and across Canada to help 700,000 young people thrive.

Fostering positive experiences with the Desjardins Foundation Prizes

Behind every Desjardins Foundation Prize, there are students flourishing in school and teachers committed to creating meaningful learning experiences. In 2025, the program celebrated its 10th anniversary, and 850 representatives from schools and community organizations received funding to carry out motivating projects for kids in kindergarten through high school. This year, we surveyed the recipients, and the results speak for themselves: 98% confirm that the donations had a positive impact on students’ motivation and academic perseverance.

Supporting students who shine beyond their grades

Last year, the Desjardins Foundation awarded 1,765 scholarships to relieve young people’s financial stress and help them focus on their studies. It awards scholarships to post-secondary students in financial need who stand out for their academic perseverance or community involvement.

The Foundation brought together multiple internal and external collaborators to help roll out the Desjardins scholarship program. Nearly 5,000 of the 34,000 students who applied during the March 1 to 31 application period won a scholarship.

Partners committed to young people’s future

We have a collective responsibility to help young people thrive. That’s why the Desjardins Foundation supports organizations in Quebec and across Canada that are recognized for their expertise in academic success. In the past year, the Foundation has expanded its partner network and continued its work with key collaborators, including the following organizations:

• Pathways to Education provides young people from underrepresented communities with resources and a support network to help them graduate from high school. It helps young people lay the groundwork for future success.
• Jeunes musiciens du monde enables thousands of young people in historically underserved communities to enjoy learning music and reach their full potential. It helps them develop the skills they need to envision a positive future.

Thousands of people, including Desjardins employees, retirees and directors, help the Desjardins Foundation pursue its mission. We’re truly grateful for their support. Thanks to their commitment, the impact of our actions continues to grow, year after year.