Frequently Asked Questions
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Explore our purpose, the causes we support and the programmes we develop. Choose a topic, then open a question below.
About the Foundation
Our purpose, history and reach.
What does the foundation seek to achieve?
The foundation seeks to assist in providing basic humanitarian services and improve access to education around the world. We believe that everyone should have these essential services, regardless of where they live.
What are the Foundation’s three pillars?
Our work is organised around three pillars: Education, Homeless, Hospice and Addictions, and Grassroots Programmes.
The education pillar includes the WISE Scholarship Program™ and the Sacred Trust Project. Explore our humanitarian work and grassroots programmes to learn more about the other pillars.
When was the foundation started?
The foundation was officially registered on June 29, 2007. It was started by the Steele family to encourage and continue giving back to the community and help those who are disadvantaged.
Is the foundation registered with the CRA?
Yes, the foundation is registered with the CRA. The foundation is considered a registered charity. Our charitable registration number is 829322767RR0001.
Does the foundation have any political affiliations?
The foundation does not have any political affiliations, and wishes to remain accessible to everyone.
Which countries does The Steele Family Foundation operate in?
The Steele Family Foundation operates internationally. We have donated towards many international development causes. Our recent project involves building a school in an impoverished region of India.
Does the foundation have a local presence or is it only involved internationally?
The foundation is not limited to only international endeavours. It regularly sends donations to many organisations that work in local communities within Canada, to improve the quality of life of many Canadians.
Giving & partnerships
Donations, funding and the causes we support.
Does the foundation accept grant applications?
We currently do not accept unsolicited grant applications
How does the foundation select the causes it will fund?
The Steele Family Foundation selects its causes and charities with careful analysis and due diligence. We look for efficient and effective charities who maintain honesty and integrity, while achieving positive results.
How is my donation used?
Donations allow us to allocate funds towards the most important causes, however, if donors have specific wishes on how the funds should be used, we respect those wishes. More information about this can be found by clicking here.
Can I make in-kind donations of clothes or other goods?
Currently the foundation is unable to receive these kinds of donations. Donations made online or by email transfer are still being accepted.
Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Online donations will receive charitable tax receipts via email. Email money transfers or cheques over $20 CAD will receive a charitable tax receipt as well.
Education & our projects
Opportunity through education and long-term support.
What is the WISE Scholarship Program™?
The WISE Scholarship Program™ is a structured, multi-year scholarship and educational support programme developed by The Steele Family Foundation for economically disadvantaged children and youth.
It combines long-term mentorship, verified participant development and scholarship support for post-secondary education. Participants receive guidance and build a documented record of growth throughout the four-year high-school framework.
How does WISE’s Earn to Learn model work?
Participants accumulate points through sustained effort and verified development over time. The 100-point model includes:
- 30 points: academic grades
- 30 points: interscholastic and extracurricular school activities
- 30 points: outside social volunteer programmes and non-formal educational experiences
- 10 points: reference letters and an exit essay
WISE Scholarship Administrators review activities and achievements. Students who exceed the programme’s threshold score become eligible for post-secondary scholarships.
What does the WISE Portal do?
The WISE Portal brings together activity records, assessments, reflections and guidance to support participant development throughout the four-year high-school framework. It also supports reporting and programme oversight.
Technology works alongside human guidance. Human administrators review and verify achievements, and AI guidance does not replace that responsibility.
Why does the foundation also focus on education?
We believe that while there are many equally pressing issues, lack of access to education is one of the most urgent and solvable problems. We believe education improves quality of life and helps lift people out of poverty.
What impact do the foundation’s international development projects hope to achieve?
We hope to be able to ensure access to education across the globe. Many of our projects like the Sacred Trust Project in India, are focused toward this goal and help create the infrastructure to help support impoverished communities.
Updates & getting in touch
Follow our progress or ask us directly.
Where can I find project updates, photographs and videos?
Our quarterly newsletters share news about the Foundation’s work, people and partnerships.
For St. Xavier’s Academy in India, the School Project Media Gallery includes photographs, videos, school life and 2026 expansion updates. You can also browse news from our humanitarian pillar and grassroots news and information.
Historical updateHow were the Foundation’s operations affected by COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 disruption, the Foundation temporarily halted operations in other countries to reduce health risk and manage the crisis.
For project news since that period, visit our quarterly newsletters and the School Project Media Gallery.
What should I do if my questions are still not answered?
Please feel free to contact us using the contact form on our website. We will try and get back to you as soon as possible.
Still have a question?
Get in touch with the Foundation. We’ll do our best to help you find the information you need.