GRANT & CORPORATE PARTNERS
Our grantors and corporate partners provide the vital resources that make our work possible. Through their generosity, we are able to grow programs, support more schools, and reach youth across Canada. Their commitment ensures that financial barriers never stand in the way of students gaining access to debate and the lifelong skills it builds. For a donation of $1,000, you can support one school with a program for a year.
Grants & Foundations
Willis McLeese first engaged with high school debate in 1973 and quickly became a champion of its value. In 2003, he established McLeese Debate through a partnership with Upper Canada College and the CSDF, creating a fund to ensure no child would be barred from debate due to cost or geography. Today, those funds continue to grow speech and debate programs nationwide, supporting the work of the Speech & Debate Canada Foundation.
Seymour Schulich has long believed that education is the greatest catalyst for national progress. In 1999, he established the Schulich Foundation to invest in Canada’s future by empowering young leaders. Through landmark programs such as the Schulich Leader Scholarships—Canada’s largest STEM scholarship initiative—the Foundation ensures that financial barriers never stand in the way of talent and ambition. Today, Schulich’s legacy continues to transform lives across the country.
Corporate Partners
Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire is one of Canada’s leading retailers. In our early days, their partnership was vital in advancing our mission, with many young people benefiting from their generosity. As they noted, they were “especially encouraged and excited about the ability this new relationship will have on sharing this important life skill with more kids in Canada.”
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler, a leading Canadian law firm with offices across the country, played a key role in the early days of our foundation. Their belief in our mission helped us reach thousands of young people, and we remain deeply grateful for their continued support of debate education in Canada.
KPMG Ontario
KPMG Ontario, part of one of Canada’s leading professional services firms, supported our work with a generous donation that helped fund debate opportunities for youth nationwide. We are grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment to our mission of expanding debate education across Canada.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
McCarthy Tétrault, a leading Canadian law firm, has been a valued supporter of our journey. Their friendship and commitment have helped us continue expanding access to debate education, and we are grateful for their role in strengthening our community.