MAX Ottawa
MAX Ottawa is a registered not-for-profit charity providing free harm reduction, sexual health, peer support, and gender-affirming care services to 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Ottawa's National Capital Region, funded by grants and donations and delivered through 14 staff and a network of healthcare and university partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersOttawa, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What MAX Ottawa does
MAX Ottawa is a registered not-for-profit charity (Charity #828046771RR001) founded in 2002 as the Ottawa Gay Men's Wellness Initiative and rebranded under its current name in 2017, with registered charity status achieved in 2018. The organization provides free health and wellness services to 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the National Capital Region, with a 14-person staff operating from 400 Cooper St, Suite 9004, Ottawa. Core service lines include harm reduction (Tea2Go supply distribution, Naloxone Training, Substance Use Support), sexual health (HIV testing in partnership with Somerset West CHC, STI swabs via GetaKit, GayZone), peer support and discussion groups (Keeping It 100, Now What?, Queerspora, Affirm, Field Trip), mental health support, health navigation, and cultural competency training for healthcare providers. The organization also operates The List, a community events calendar, and a Community Directory of 26+ community groups, 15 sports/fitness organizations, and 13 queer businesses.
The business model is donation- and grant-funded rather than transactional; all programs and services are free to community members, with donations eligible for Canadian tax receipts. Revenue sources include restricted project grants (e.g., Women and Gender Equality Canada funded the Trans Health Navigation Project), membership in provincial networks (Ontario AIDS Network, joined November 2024), and community donations. Go-to-market is community-led, relying on peer facilitators with lived experience, multi-channel communications (website, X/Twitter, email newsletter, community events), and strategic co-delivery partnerships with Centretown Community Health Centre, Somerset West CHC, Ottawa Public Health, and the University of Ottawa Department of Family Medicine.
Strategically, MAX has pivoted over the past three years from purely direct service delivery toward system-level capacity-building, evidenced by the 2023 launch of the Trans Health Navigation Project and Gender-Affirming Care Toolkit with CCHC (scaled to seven Ontario teams by 2025), the 2024 Trans Health Residency Elective with the University of Ottawa, and the 2024 Transformational Change Award for Innovation in Health Care from the Alliance for Healthier Communities. The underlying technology stack is deliberately minimal: no proprietary platform, mobile app, or API; operations rely on third-party SaaS (SurveyMonkey, Action Network, GetaKit, WordPress website) and human-delivered services. There is no disclosed revenue, no funding rounds, no M&A activity, and no parent or subsidiary entities — MAX operates as an independent community-governed charity.
MAX Ottawa firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MAX Ottawa
- Legal name
- MAX Ottawa
- Website
- https://maxottawa.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MAX Ottawa is a registered not-for-profit charity providing free harm reduction, sexual health, peer support, and gender-affirming care services to 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Ottawa's National Capital Region, funded by grants and donations and delivered through 14 staff and a network of healthcare and university partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MAX Ottawa industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Health Services
- NAICS
- Social Assistance (624), Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Health, Prevention & Health Education (BPAGACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Hospitals, Clinics & Charitable Healthcare Providers (BPAGACAB)
Keywords
Where MAX Ottawa is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ottawa
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
MAX Ottawa business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Grants: MAX is a not-for-profit registered charity (Charity #828046771RR001) that relies on grants and donations to provide programs and services. Donations are eligible for tax receipts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free community services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
MAX Ottawa product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MAX Ottawa is a registered not-for-profit charity that delivers free harm reduction, sexual health, mental health, peer support, and gender-affirming care services to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in the National Capital Region. Programs include Tea2Go harm reduction supply distribution, weekly HIV testing, STI self-swab testing via GetaKit, Naloxone Training, peer discussion groups (Keeping It 100, Now What?, Queerspora, Affirm), Cultural Competency Training for healthcare providers, and the Gender-Affirming Care Toolkit. Services are funded through grants and donations and are delivered directly or through partnerships with community health centres and public health agencies.
Product overview
MAX Ottawa offers a comprehensive suite of community health programs and services for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the National Capital Region. The core offerings include harm reduction programs (Tea2Go, Naloxone Training, Substance Use Support), peer support groups (Keeping It 100, Now What?, Queerspora, Affirm), sexual health services (HIV Testing, STI Testing Swabs, GayZone), mental health support, cultural competency training for healthcare providers, and the Gender-Affirming Care Toolkit. Additionally, MAX operates The List - an events calendar platform - and maintains a Community Directory of resources. Services are delivered through both direct programming and strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations including GetaKit, Ottawa Public Health, Somerset West Community Health Centre, and Centretown Community Health Centre.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Tea2Go: Harm reduction supply distribution program providing free safer sex, substance use, and HRT supplies.
- Gay Zone
- Keeping It 100 (K1)
- Now What?
- Queerspora
- The List
- Affirm
- Field Trip
Products and services
- Tea2Go Harm reduction supply ordering program that provides free safer sex, substance use, and HRT supplies for pickup at the MAX Ottawa office or delivery to a community member's door. Intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in the National Capital Region.
- Keeping It 100 (K1) Peer discussion group for Black queer men (guys into guys) to connect and share experiences in a community-led setting. Intended for Black queer and trans individuals in Ottawa.
- Now What? Casual peer discussion group for GBT2Q+ men over 50 years of age, focused on community connection and aging-related support. Intended for GBT2Q+ seniors in Ottawa.
- Queerspora Peer discussion group for GBT2Q newcomers to Canada, helping them make new connections and build community in Ottawa. Intended for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers to Canada.
- Field Trip Queer adventure outings across the city designed to explore Ottawa and connect with the community. Intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in Ottawa.
- Affirm Peer support program for people looking for gender-affirming healthcare. Intended for trans and non-binary community members seeking affirmation and navigation support.
- GayZone Health and wellness program providing a safe space to get tested, ask questions, find resources, and connect with the local community. Intended for queer, trans, and non-binary community members in Ottawa.
- HIV Testing Anonymous HIV testing service conducted weekly at the MAX Ottawa office in partnership with Somerset West Community Health Centre. Free for community members.
- STI Testing Swabs Free throat and rectal self-swab kits for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing, available for pickup at the MAX office through the GetaKit partnership. Intended for community members seeking confidential STI testing.
- Naloxone Training Training program teaching community members how to recognize an overdose and respond using naloxone. Intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and people who use drugs.
- Cultural Competency Training Party and Play (PnP) competency training for healthcare providers to deliver more affirming care to queer and trans patients. Intended for clinicians, healthcare staff, and social service providers.
- Mental Health Support Mental health support services provided in a safe and affirming space for 2SLGBTQ+ community members. Includes resources, navigation, and connection to affirming mental health providers.
- Substance Use Support Harm reduction resources for substance use, including guides, supply distribution, and information about treatment and recovery services. Intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who use drugs.
- Gender-Affirming Care Toolkit Comprehensive clinical resource and toolset for gender-affirming care providers and community members in Ontario, developed in partnership with Centretown Community Health Centre. Intended for clinicians and trans community members.
- Trans Health Residency Elective Family medicine residency elective providing a full block of gender-affirming healthcare learning, developed with Centretown CHC and the University of Ottawa Department of Family Medicine. Intended for family medicine residents.
- The List Ottawa's queerest calendar — community events listing platform featuring queer events, sports, recreation activities, and social happenings across the National Capital Region, with a weekly roundup newsletter. Intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies seeking community events.
- Community Directory Online directory of community resources for queer men as well as trans and non-binary people, including community groups, counselling, housing, mental health, sexual health, sports and fitness, youth services, and queer businesses. Intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members seeking services.
- Health Navigation Service connecting community members to affirming therapists, doctors, clinics, and community-based services while helping people overcome barriers to care. Intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members seeking affirming healthcare providers.
- Education and Training Resources and consulting for healthcare and social service providers to strengthen their capacity for inclusive, affirming, and culturally competent care. Intended for healthcare providers and community-serving organizations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 400% increase in client referrals at CCHC Trans Health Clinic
Companies that use MAX Ottawa
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MAX Ottawa technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
MAX Ottawa partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Ontario AIDS NetworkcoreMAX Ottawa became a member of the Ontario AIDS Network (OAN), taking an important step in their HIV work. OAN has supported community-based HIV responses for over 20 years in Ontario.
- University of Ottawa Department of Family MedicinecoreDeveloped the Trans Health Residency Elective providing family medicine residents a full elective block of gender-affirming health care learning. The elective officially launched in 2024.
- Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC)coreJoint partnership to create the Gender Affirming Care Toolkit and training program. CCHC's Trans Health Clinic is widely recognized as a leader in providing exceptional gender-affirming care. The THC is the largest clinic for clients age 17+ in the Champlain region.
- Ottawa Public HealthcoreMAX works with Ottawa Public Health on HIV testing services (weekly testing in partnership with Somerset West Community Health Centre), mpox vaccination clinics, and STI testing programs.
- Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC)corePartnership for weekly HIV testing services and harm reduction services. NESI Van program operates from this location providing harm reduction supplies and needle exchange.
- GetaKitcorePartnership for STI testing program - MAX offers free throat and rectal STI swabs for pickup. GetaKit provides the online assessment platform and requisition system for testing.
- Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH)coreGMSH is a provincial program dedicated to improving sexual health of queer and trans men in Ontario. They developed the Party and Play campaign which MAX promotes and uses for Party and Play competency training for healthcare providers.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves15 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MAX Ottawa competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The 519: The 519 is a City of Toronto agency providing 2SLGBTQ+ community services, programs, and advocacy — directly comparable to MAX Ottawa as a multi-program queer community hub in a major Canadian city.
- AIDS Committee of Ottawa: AIDS Committee of Ottawa is a community-based HIV/AIDS organization serving Ottawa, directly comparable to MAX's HIV testing and harm reduction programming and an explicit former employer of MAX's Health Services Coordinator.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MAX Ottawa social profiles
Digital presenceMAX Ottawa financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MAX Ottawa leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles23 records
MAX Ottawa funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MAX Ottawa M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MAX Ottawa
What does MAX Ottawa do?
MAX Ottawa is a registered not-for-profit charity that delivers free harm reduction, sexual health, mental health, peer support, and gender-affirming care services to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in the National Capital Region. Programs include Tea2Go harm reduction supply distribution, weekly HIV testing, STI self-swab testing via GetaKit, Naloxone Training, peer discussion groups (Keeping It 100, Now What?, Queerspora, Affirm), Cultural Competency Training for healthcare providers, and the Gender-Affirming Care Toolkit. Services are funded through grants and donations and are delivered directly or through partnerships with community health centres and public health agencies.
Is MAX Ottawa a public or private company?
MAX Ottawa is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was MAX Ottawa founded?
MAX Ottawa was founded in 2002. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MAX Ottawa based?
MAX Ottawa is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, in the North America region.
How does MAX Ottawa make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Grants.
Who are MAX Ottawa's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The 519 and AIDS Committee of Ottawa.
Does MAX Ottawa have an API?
No public API is recorded for MAX Ottawa.
What industry is MAX Ottawa in?
MAX Ottawa's product category is Community Health Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAC, Community Health, Prevention & Health Education, with a secondary code of BPAGACAD, Mental Health & Crisis Support Services. Its NAICS code is 624 and its SIC code is 8300.