Ignatius Jesuit Centre

What Ignatius Jesuit Centre does

Ignatius Jesuit Centre (IJC) is a Canadian charitable organization operated by the Jesuits of Canada on a 600-acre property near Guelph, Ontario, with Jesuit presence on the land since 1913. It integrates ecological stewardship, regenerative agriculture, and land-based spiritual programming rooted in the Ignatian tradition and Pope Francis' Laudato Si' encyclical. Core operating units include the Centre for Integral Ecology (workshops, prayer journeys, children's and adult programs), Ignatius Farm (organic farmer training, 200+ community garden plots, small-plot acreage rentals, the Community Care Box produce program), and the Old-Growth Forest Project — a multi-decade, 500-year restoration effort on 40 hectares permanently protected via a conservation easement with the Ontario Farmland Trust, with a similar easement in development for the adjacent Ignatius Corridor with rare Charitable Research Reserve. The organization also operates 18+ km of public trails, sacred spaces, and venue rentals (St. Brigid's Villa, Old-Growth Forest Pavilion).

IJC serves a broad community of individual visitors, families, aspiring farmers, faith communities, school groups, and partner organizations. Revenue is entirely donation- and program-fee-based — the organization is not publicly funded — generated through the Friends of Ignatius recurring donor program, sliding-scale and pay-what-you-can workshop fees ($20–$300), community garden and acreage rentals, the Community Care Box weekly subscription, and venue rentals. The organization has roughly 13 staff and 100+ annual volunteers and is currently transitioning following the conclusion of its Loyola House residential retreat programming, with Eli's Place expected to occupy Loyola House beginning fall 2026.

Name

Ignatius Jesuit Centre

Legal name

Ignatius Jesuit Centre

Website

https://ignatiusguelph.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1913

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ignatius Jesuit Centre is a Canadian charitable organization on 600 acres near Guelph, Ontario, integrating ecological stewardship, regenerative farming, and Ignatian spiritual programming through the Centre for Integral Ecology, Ignatius Farm, and the Old-Growth Forest Project, serving community members, farmers, faith groups, and partner organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Conservation and Land Stewardship Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Support Activities for Forestry (115310)

SIC

Forestry (800), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Religious Orders & Monastic Communities (Monasteries, Convents) (BPAGAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Conservation & Research Lodges (Citizen Science, Field Stations with Guests) (THAAAHAJ)

Keywords

• Ecological land stewardship
• Regenerative agriculture training
• Spiritual formation programs
• Community garden operations
• Conservation education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Guelph

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Giving: IJC is not publicly funded. Donations from individuals and community members sustain all operations including conservation, farming, trail maintenance, programming, and building care. A Friends of Ignatius recurring donor program provides sustained support. Donations can be made online, by cheque, cash, or through CanadaHelps. Charitable registration number: 11896 6373 RR0001.
2. Venue and Facility Rentals: St. Brigid's Villa is available to rent for meetings, workshops, retreats, and small group gatherings. The Old-Growth Forest Pavilion offers open-air rental space for group gatherings, workshops, school groups, and ceremonies. Loyola House serves as a facility for scheduled programs and events.
3. Farm and Garden Programs: Revenue is generated through seasonal community garden plot rentals, small-plot acreage rentals for small-scale growers and market gardeners, and the Community Care Box weekly produce program. The Community Care Box includes an additional donation component to support local food access partners.
4. Program Fees: Fees are charged for structured programs and workshops including The Great Family of Earth ($20/session or $50/series), Reciprocity in Practice ($100-$200), and The Gift of Creation ($250-$300 sliding scale). Some programs, including Climate Crisis Café and Laudato Si' in a Hurry, operate on a pay-what-you-can/donation basis.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ignatius Jesuit Centre manages a 600-acre property north of Guelph, Ontario offering three integrated program streams: the Centre for Integral Ecology (land-based spiritual and ecological workshops and prayer journeys rooted in Ignatian tradition and Pope Francis' Laudato Si'), Ignatius Farm (regenerative organic farming with farmer training, community garden plots, small-plot acreage rentals, a Community Orchard, and the Community Care Box produce program), and conservation initiatives including the 500-year Old-Growth Forest Project and the developing Ignatius Corridor. Additional offerings include public trails, the annual Guelph Walking Pilgrimage, venue rentals, and structured programming for children, adults, faith communities, and partner organizations.

Product overview

Ignatius Jesuit Centre offers a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on ecological stewardship, spiritual formation, and community engagement across 600 acres near Guelph, Ontario. The core offerings include the Centre for Integral Ecology (land-based spiritual and ecological learning programs), Ignatius Farm (regenerative farming with farmer training, community gardens, and acreage rentals), and conservation initiatives (Old-Growth Forest Project, Ignatius Corridor). Additional programs include walking pilgrimages, public trails, venue rentals, and seasonal workshops such as The Great Family of Earth, Laudato Si' in a Hurry, Climate Crisis Café, and The Gift of Creation prayer journey. The Community Care Box provides weekly produce distribution supporting food security.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Centre for Integral Ecology: An experiential learning initiative bringing together ecological learning, reflection, community engagement, and hands-on experience with the land, inspired by Pope Francis' Laudato Si'.
• Ignatius Farm
• Old-Growth Forest Project
• The Ignatius Corridor

Products and services

• Centre for Integral Ecology An experiential learning initiative bringing together ecological learning, reflection, community engagement, and hands-on experience with the land, inspired by Pope Francis' Laudato Si' encyclical. It serves adults, parishes, schools, workplaces, and community groups seeking to integrate spirituality and ecological responsibility.
• Ignatius Farm A working organic farm offering farmer training, community garden plots, small-plot acreage rentals, a Community Orchard, and the Community Care Box produce program. Serves aspiring and practicing farmers, market gardeners, and regional community members focused on regenerative agriculture and local food systems.
• Community Care Box A weekly produce subscription program distributing fresh, organically grown food from Ignatius Farm to community members, with an additional donation component supporting local food security partners including Hope House, Chalmers, and Wellington Women in Crisis.
• Guelph Walking Pilgrimage An annual 8-day, 180 km walking pilgrimage from Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph to Martyrs' Shrine in Midland, held since 2003. Pilgrims journey through prayer, song, and shared experience.
• St. Brigid's Villa A community gathering space on the IJC property available to rent for meetings, workshops, retreats, and small group gatherings.
• Old Growth Forest Pavilion An open-air pavilion within the Old-Growth Forest Project area available for rent for workshops, school groups, retreats, ceremonies, and community gatherings.
• The Great Family of Earth A children's program offering three sessions of outdoor activities that build connection with children's creative and contemplative nature, the beauty of creation, and other children; designed for children ages 6-8.
• Laudato Si' in a Hurry A one-day workshop offering an accessible introduction to the principles of Integral Ecology as expressed in Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato Si', led by Fr. Dirk Dunfee, SJ for parishes, classrooms, and community groups.
• Reciprocity in Practice — A Season with the Three Sisters A nine-session, half-day season-long program following the full cycle of a Three Sisters garden (corn, beans, squash), exploring Indigenous teachings, ecological and Catholic perspectives on reciprocity.
• Climate Crisis Café A fall-series offering space to connect, reflect, and respond to climate change through guided conversation, creative expression, and time spent on the land; available by donation.
• The Gift of Creation A five-week guided prayer journey rooted in Ignatian spirituality and integral ecology, inviting participants to encounter God through creation with opening and closing in-person gatherings and four weekly online group sessions.
• Friends of Ignatius A community and recurring donor program recognizing and supporting individuals connected to IJC through learning, participation, volunteerism, or financial support, with donations sustained online, by cheque, cash, or through CanadaHelps.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 220 native plant species and 70+ wildlife species documented on Old-Growth Forest project lands through ecological monitoring (2019-2021)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFAO collaborates with IJC on farmer training and educational programming, strengthening the curriculum and training materials used at Ignatius Farm so the program can grow and evolve over the long term.
• Guelph Nordic Ski ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Guelph Nordic Ski Club maintains ski trails at IJC throughout the winter season. Club members and day-pass holders access the trails for cross-country skiing, with fees supporting trail grooming and maintenance.
• Guelph Walking PilgrimagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn annual 8-day walking pilgrimage from IJC (Guelph) to Martyrs' Shrine (Midland), covering approximately 180 km. Since 2003, pilgrims journey through prayer, song, and shared experience. IJC serves as the starting point and spiritual home for the pilgrimage.
• Ontario Farmland TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIJC holds a permanent conservation easement with the Ontario Farmland Trust protecting the Old-Growth Forest Project lands in perpetuity. A similar easement is in development for the Ignatius Corridor.
• rare Charitable Research ReservecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIJC and rare are collaborating to advance a permanent conservation easement on the western Ignatius Corridor lands, similar to the existing easement on the Old-Growth Forest. Together they work on habitat protection, biodiversity, and regional conservation goals. Rare also supports IJC's conservation work including biological control projects such as the stem-boring moth release.
• Wellington District Catholic School BoardcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartners with IJC to bring students for ecological education, conservation activities, tree planting, and land-based learning experiences across the property.
• Pollination GuelphsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to create a demonstration pollinator garden beside Loyola House in 2018, providing habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Also co-hosted pollinator garden refresh events.
• Green Legacy (Wellington County)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for tree planting activities. Over 2,000 trees were planted through the partnership between 2011-2014.
• Nature GuelphsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner hosting educational events on IJC land, including the Beaver Walk to teach about beaver roles in wetland ecosystems and watershed health.
• Guelph Tree Trust / Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partners contributing to tree-related initiatives and urban forest education on IJC land.
• Birds Canada / Fresh Water Conservation CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation-focused partners engaged in biodiversity monitoring and waterway protection activities on IJC land.
• National Farmers Union OntariominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting farmer training and food systems advocacy.
• Crow Shield LodgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn Indigenous land-based healing and education organization based in Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. Exploring development of an educational and cultural learning space on IJC property. Reflects shared commitment to reconciliation and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Roberto Jaramillo, SJ (Secretary for Social and International Ministries, Jesuits)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecretary for Social and International Ministries for the Jesuits visited IJC to learn about emerging plans for the Centre for Integral Ecology and how ecological stewardship, community engagement, and Jesuit mission are coming together.
• Eli's PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA community wellness organization expected to establish a residential program in Loyola House beginning fall 2026. Formal documents have been delivered marking an important step toward the partnership. IJC is preparing the space for transition.
• Guelph Community Garden NetworksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting community garden programming and networking among growers.
• University of Guelph Indigenous InitiativessecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner engaged in Indigenous-led land-based learning and reconciliation initiatives.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Findhorn Foundation: Scottish spiritual community and eco-village integrating contemplative practice with sustainability, organic gardening, and land-based education. Similar in combining spiritual formation, ecological living, and educational programming on a single large property.
• Schumacher College: UK-based ecological education center offering transformative short courses on ecology, sustainability, and systems thinking. Comparable to IJC's Centre for Integral Ecology workshops in its experiential, values-based approach to ecological learning.
• Loyola Retreat House: Jesuit-directed retreat house in Maryland offering the Spiritual Exercises and Ignatian programming. Directly comparable to IJC's historical Loyola House retreat model and Ignatian heritage.
• Genesis Farm: Dominican Sisters' center in New Jersey that integrates eco-theology education, organic farming, and land stewardship. Comparable to IJC in its explicit blending of faith tradition, ecological literacy, and regenerative agriculture on a working landscape.
• Shambhala Mountain Center: Large-scale contemplative retreat center in Colorado offering land-based programs and group retreats rooted in a spiritual tradition. Comparable to IJC's retreat and workshop programming combined with extensive trail and land stewardship on a large rural property.
• Manresa Jesuit Retreat Centre: Canadian Jesuit-directed retreat house offering Ignatian spiritual formation. Highly comparable as a fellow Jesuit retreat ministry operating Ignatian programs within a Canadian Catholic context, though with less land-based ecological programming.
• Cedar Ridge Retreat Centre: Canadian retreat centre offering spiritual and ecological programming with an emphasis on land-based learning. Comparable to IJC in combining contemplative programs with ecological education in a Canadian context.

Broad incumbents

• A Rocha Canada: Canadian Christian conservation organization running field projects in ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Comparable as a faith-rooted conservation operator in Canada, though broader in geography and lacking IJC's Ignatian spiritual programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCf0QaBQm7X5ttSPyfZkVsCA
• Facebookfacebook.com/ignatiusguelph
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ignatius-jesuit-centre
• Instagraminstagram.com/ignatiusguelph

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ignatius Jesuit Centre