The history of the Shevchenko Foundation is the story of
a community which raised funds to celebrate the work of
Taras Shevchenko by placing his monument on the grounds
of the Manitoba Legislature in 1961 and used the remaining
proceeds to support the ongoing work of the community. In
July 1962 the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (then the Ukrainian
Canadian Committee) resolved to set aside a $30,000 surplus
from the Shevchenko monument project into a capital fund
that became known as the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of
Taras Shevchenko.
Working closely with the Honourable John Hnatyshyn,
Senator and Mr. Nicholas Mandziuk, M.P. for Marquette, as
well as the Honourabe W. Wall, Senator and the Honourable
Paul Yuzyk, an Act to incorporate the Ukrainian Canadian
Foundation of Taras Shevchenko was introduced in Canadian
Parliament on November 21, 1962. In his remarks on the legislation,
Senator Hnatyshyn stated the following:
“Many distinguished members of the
various components organizations are convinced of the necessity
of a united effort and have indicated their willingness
to make substantial donations and bequests for such cultural
purposes. In order to assure the continuity of proper management
of the funds for the propagation of Ukrainian culture in
Canada, it was felt necessary to incorporate a foundation...
With reference to the name, I am sure all honourable senators
are aware that Taras Shevchenko was one of the most noted
of Ukrainian poets.”
The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras
Shevchenko became incorporated by an Act of Parliament on
July 22th, 1963.
In 1964, the Shevchenko Foundation began distributing
project grants awarding $400. In 1973, on its 10th anniversary,
total donations to the Foundation surpassed $500,000.
Today the Shevchenko Foundation awards over
$280,000 annually. Meanwhile the Foundation has distributed
over $4.7 million since its incorporation 40 years ago.
These grants continue to be awarded to organizations and
individuals who support the growth of the Ukrainian Canadian
culture.
From its small beginnings the Foundation has
invested over $6.7 million in capital, contributed to hundreds
of projects by organizations and individuals, and become
a well known part of the Ukrainian Canadian community, all
in the name of Ukraine's greatest poet and patriarch Taras
Shevchenko.
The Shevchenko Foundation benefits the
Ukrainian Canadian community by supporting the promotion
and advancement of Ukrainian culture in Canada.
Mission Statement
The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko is
a national, chartered philanthropic institution providing
leadership by building and nurturing a permanent endowment
fund dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the
Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage and the advancement
of a flourishing Ukrainian community for the enrichment
of Canada.
Our Vision
The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko strives
to be recognized as Canada’s premier not-for- profit
Foundation in a Canada which acknowledges the Ukrainian
Canadian community as a fundamental component of Canadian
society.
