What The Educational Partnership Foundation does

The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) is a Calgary-based registered Canadian charity founded in 1991 (CRA #: 14015 1358 RR0001) that operates two program divisions: a literacy division anchored by the flagship Reading...Give it a Shot! program (launched 1995, having reached 1.2M+ students across Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, NWT, and Nunavut via 80+ school boards), supplemented by Books for Kids (2021) and the Give the Gift of Literacy donation campaign (dollar-for-dollar matched by the Calgary Flames Foundation); and a Trades Careers division (launched 2018) delivering free, hands-on training across 13+ skilled trades (Boilermaker, Carpentry, Culinary, Electrician, Finishing Trades, Hairstylist, Industrial Mechanic/Millwright, Insulator, Ironworker, Masonry, Pipe Trades, Sheet Metal) to high school students and Indigenous youth, with bursaries up to $2,000 per apprentice. Programs are delivered at no cost to participants through partnerships with union-affiliated training centres (Boilermakers Local 146, Ironworkers Locals 720/725/97, IBEW Local 424, Carpenters Local 2103, Pipefitters Local 496, Sheet Metal Workers Local 8, and others), school boards (Calgary Board of Education, Edmonton Public Schools, Calgary Catholic School Division, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Rocky View), Indigenous community organizations (Tsuu'tina Nation, Paul First Nation, Alexander, Piikani), and the Building Trades of Alberta. TEPF directly served 90,832 students and youth across Alberta and BC in 2025, with 70%+ apprenticeship placement rates reported for Trades Careers graduates and 76% at the Fusion Collegiate partner school. The organization employs approximately 11 staff across leadership, literacy programs, trades programs, marketing, and operations, governed by a Board of Directors including representatives from Bennett Jones LLP, Suncor, Pembina Pipelines, AltaGas, Flint Corp., and DHR Global.

TEPF's revenue model is purely philanthropic and grant-based: individual donations ($25-$50 ticket sizes), corporate sponsorships (Belairdirect, Calgary Flames Foundation, Bird Construction, Calbridge Homes, Enterprise, Flint Corp., Kinsmen Club of Calgary, Pacific Canbriam Energy, Plains Midstream, Sprung Structures, STEP Energy Services, Trico Homes, and others), event fundraising (the annual Legends for Learners golf tournament and the inaugural 2025 Books Build Futures luncheon), and government funding including the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. There is no proprietary technology platform; the donation and registration portal runs on a third-party vendor (Engage3 / e2rm). Marketing relies on organic social (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), email newsletter, the tepf.ca blog, press partnerships with CTV Calgary and Global Calgary, and athlete/celebrity appearances (Calgary Flames and Stampeders players, mascots Harvey the Hound and Ralph the Dog). The most recent material strategic move is the 2026 multi-year 'Strengthening Apprenticeship Pathways in Western Canada' initiative, which extends program delivery into British Columbia and Saskatchewan under federal funding.

Name

The Educational Partnership Foundation

Legal name

The Educational Partnership Foundation

Website

https://tepf.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Educational Partnership Foundation is a Calgary-based registered Canadian charity that delivers free literacy and skilled trades training programs to K-12 students, high school students, and Indigenous youth across Western Canada, funded by government grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Education and Workforce Development

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Functional Life Skills & Transition-to-Adulthood Curriculum (ADL, Vocational, Community) (EDAGAMAJ)

Keywords

• Youth literacy programs
• Skilled trades training
• Educational foundation services
• Apprenticeship bursary programs
• Charity fundraising events

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary, Alberta

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The foundation raises funds from individual donors through its donation portal, with a Give the Gift of Literacy campaign offering $25 per book donation for literacy programs. Donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Calgary Flames Foundation for literacy campaigns.
2. Corporate Sponsorship & Grants: Corporate sponsors and government funding partners provide program funding. Notable sponsors include belairdirect (Reading...Give it a Shot! program), Calgary Flames Foundation, Bird Construction, Calbridge Homes, Enterprise, Flint Corp., Kinsmen Club of Calgary, Pacific Canbriam Energy, Plains Midstream, Sprung Structures, STEP Energy Services, Trico Homes, and others. Government funding includes Government of Canada (Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy).
3. Charity Golf Tournament Fundraising: The annual Legends for Learners charity golf tournament raises funds for literacy and trades careers programs. The 2025 tournament raised a record $232,385. Sponsorship tiers range from $1,500 to $2,800, with team fees at $1,200. The event features an online auction and VIP experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) is a registered Canadian charity that delivers free in-school literacy programs (Reading...Give it a Shot! and Books for Kids) for K-Grade 6 students and skilled trades training programs (High School Trades Careers and Indigenous Trades Careers) for high school and Indigenous youth across Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan. Programs are funded by government grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors, and supported by bursaries of up to $2,000 per apprentice. TEPF has directly served 90,832 students and youth in 2025 alone, with 1.2 million+ students reached by its flagship literacy program since 1995.

Product overview

The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) operates a dual-track educational portfolio focused on literacy and trades careers. The literacy division includes Reading...Give it a Shot! (launched 1995, serving over 1.2 million students since inception) and Books for Kids (launched 2021), both designed to increase reading engagement and provide books to underserved students. The trades careers division provides High School Trades Careers and Indigenous Trades Careers programs offering hands-on exploration across 12 trade areas including Boilermaker, Carpentry, Culinary, Electrician, Finishing Trades, Hairstylist, Industrial Mechanic, Insulator, Ironworker, Masonry, Pipe Trades, and Sheet Metal. Financial support is available through three bursary programs totaling up to $2,000 per student. TEPF also hosts annual fundraising events including the Legends for Learners Golf Tournament and Books Build Futures Luncheon.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Reading...Give it a Shot! Free literacy incentive program for kindergarten through Grade 6 students across Alberta, where students earn themed collector cards (Calgary Flames, Calgary Stampeders, Canadian Wildlife, Species at Risk, Dinosaurs, Edmonton Elks) for logging reading minutes. Includes cross-curricular lesson plans for teachers and is delivered through 80+ partner school boards.
• Books for Kids Free book donation program that provides books to high-needs schools across Alberta (identified by high-needs population, English language learners, and Indigenous populations). Students receive books to keep permanently.
• High School Trades Careers Free exploratory trades program for Alberta high school students (Grades 10-12) to earn high school credits and safety certifications through hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities, taught by experienced journeypersons across 12+ trade areas including Boilermaker, Carpentry, Culinary, Electrician, Finishing Trades, Hairstylist, Industrial Mechanic/Millwright, Insulator, Ironworker, Masonry, Pipe Trades, and Sheet Metal.
• Indigenous Trades Careers Free specialized trades program providing safe and inclusive training environments for Indigenous high school students (Grades 11-12) and young adults aged 18-35 in Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 First Nation communities to learn practical skills and unlock their potential in skilled trades, delivered through Community Employment and Training offices.
• Trades Careers Apprenticeship Bursary $500 bursary available to students who completed a TEPF Trades Careers course and are registered as Alberta trade apprentices attending Period 1-4 of apprenticeship education. Up to four bursaries per student ($2,000 max) can be applied to rent, bills, groceries, gas, books, tools, boots, and safety gear.
• Derald Fretts Memorial Bursary Annual $500 award honoring Derald Fretts (Coordinator of Corporate Partnerships at the Calgary Board of Education, 1997-2005), presented to one deserving student pursuing trades education.
• Calgary Flames Ambassadors Bursary $1,000 annual bursary for apprentices enrolled in technical training at a college, polytechnic institution, or industry training provider within 100km radius of Calgary, AB who have one or more dependents. Maximum one bursary per year.
• Legends for Learners Charity Golf Tournament Annual ticketed charity golf tournament featuring team fees ($1,200), multiple sponsorship tiers ($1,500 to $2,800), and an online auction. The 2025 (24th annual) tournament raised a record $232,385; the 2026 tournament sold out. Rogers Birdies for Kids matching available up to 50%.
• Books Build Futures Luncheon Annual literacy-focused fundraising luncheon featuring panel discussions with community leaders ($100 per ticket; $800 for table of eight).
• Strengthening Apprenticeship Pathways in Western Canada Multi-year initiative expanding apprenticeship pathways across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, with emphasis on women, Indigenous learners, and equity-deserving groups. Funded by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy.
• Give the Gift of Literacy Fundraising campaign supporting the Books for Kids program; $50 donation provides books for two students, $25 donates one book to a deserving young learner in Alberta which the student keeps forever. Calgary Flames Foundation matches donations dollar-for-dollar.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.2M+ students empowered by Reading...Give it a Shot! since 1995; 90,832 students and youth served in 2025 alone
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

49 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Calgary Flames AmbassadorscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1998A group of approximately 50 Calgary business leaders representing the Calgary Flames in the community. They support fundraising initiatives for the Calgary Flames Foundation and have helped raise over $8 million to date. They offer the Calgary Flames Ambassadors Bursary ($1,000/year) for apprentices within 100km of Calgary.
• Calgary Flames FoundationflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1995Long-standing founding partner of the Reading...Give it a Shot! program since 1995. The foundation provides matching donations dollar-for-dollar for the Give the Gift of Literacy campaign, co-hosts school literacy events with Calgary Flames players, and sponsors the Books for Kids program. Their support has been instrumental to the program's growth to over 1 million students.
• Boilermakers Apprenticeship and Mechanical Training CentrecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Boilermaker Trades Careers program. Provides hands-on instruction, facilities, and journeyperson mentorship for high school students exploring boilermaker careers.
• Alberta Carpenters Training CentrecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Carpentry Trades Careers program. Provides hands-on instruction, facilities, and journeyperson mentorship for high school students exploring carpentry careers.
• Teatro GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Culinary Trades Careers program. Provides hands-on culinary instruction, industry exposure, and journeyperson mentorship for high school students exploring culinary careers.
• Electrical Industry Training Centres of AlbertacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Electrician Trades Careers program. Provides hands-on electrical training, facilities, and journeyperson mentorship for high school students exploring electrical careers.
• Prairie Finishing Trades InstitutecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Finishing Trades Careers program (painting, drywall finishing, hazardous waste removal). Provides hands-on instruction and journeyperson mentorship.
• Delmar CollegecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Hairstylist program. Provides hands-on hairstyling instruction and journeyperson mentorship for high school students.
• Millwrights Local 1460 AlbertacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Industrial Mechanic (Millwrights) Trades Careers program. Provides hands-on industrial mechanic/millwright instruction and journeyperson mentorship.
• Local 110 Insulators Heat & Frost Training CentrecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's High School Industrial Insulator Trades Careers program and Indigenous Trades Careers (Insulator Heat & Frost). Provided training for the 7 graduates from Tsuu'tina Nation in 2024, six of whom secured apprenticeship positions.
• Ironworkers Local 720, Ironworkers Local 725 & Ironworkers Local 97coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partners for TEPF's High School Ironworker Trades Careers program. Provide hands-on structural and reinforcing ironworking instruction and journeyperson mentorship.
• International Masonry Institute (Edmonton)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's Masonry Trades program (bricklayers). Provides hands-on masonry instruction and journeyperson mentorship for high school students.
• Alberta Pipe Trades College & Piping Industry Training SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partners for TEPF's Pipe Trades program (steamfitters, gasfitters, sprinkler system installers, plumbers, welders). Provide hands-on pipe trades instruction and journeyperson mentorship.
• Sheet Metal Workers Local 8coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for TEPF's Sheet Metal Trades Careers program. Provides hands-on sheet metal fabrication, HVAC, roofing, and siding instruction and journeyperson mentorship.
• Building Trades of Alberta (BTA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerA founding partner and long-standing collaborator of TEPF. Both a founding partner and host of the Edmonton Leader's Dinner where industry, government, and labour partners discuss the future of Alberta's skilled trades workforce. TEPF President & CEO Barb Simic joined BTA colleagues at the 2026 Edmonton Leader's Dinner.
• Calgary Board of EducationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor school board partner implementing Reading...Give it a Shot! and Trades Careers programs across Calgary. Joanne Pitman, Chief Superintendent of Schools, participated in the Books Build Futures panel discussion.
• Edmonton Public SchoolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool board partner for Trades Careers programs in Edmonton, offering semester and summer programs. Contact point for trades program registration for high school students.
• Edmonton Catholic SchoolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool board partner for Trades Careers programs in Edmonton, offering semester and summer programs.
• Rocky View School DistrictcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool board partner for Trades Careers programs in the Rocky View area.
• Calgary Catholic School DivisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool board partner implementing Trades Careers exploratory programs for Calgary Catholic high school students.
• Bird ConstructioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Corporate sponsor supporting TEPF's book donation program for high-needs schools across Alberta.
• Calbridge HomescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Corporate sponsor supporting book donations to vulnerable students in Alberta schools.
• EnterprisecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Corporate sponsor supporting TEPF's book donation program for high-needs schools across Alberta.
• Flint Corp.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Corporate sponsor. Trina Clarke, Director of Business Development & Contracts at Flint Corp., serves on TEPF's Board of Directors.
• Kinsmen Club of CalgarycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Community service organization supporting literacy programs for Alberta students.
• Linda Putnam Legacy Fund at Calgary FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor and supporter of Patrick Airlie School literacy event. Legacy fund at Calgary Foundation providing book donations to high-needs students.
• One Transport GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Corporate sponsor supporting TEPF's book donation program.
• Pacific Canbriam EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Corporate energy sector sponsor supporting literacy programs.
• Plains MidstreamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Midstream energy company supporting book donations to Alberta students.
• Sprung StructuresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Corporate sponsor supporting TEPF's literacy program.
• STEP Energy ServicescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor and Legends for Learners golf tournament sponsor. Energy services company supporting both literacy and trades programs.
• Trico HomescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBooks for Kids program sponsor. Homebuilder supporting book donations to high-needs schools. Also a Legends for Learners tournament sponsor.
• belairdirectcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCherished corporate sponsor of the Reading...Give it a Shot! program. Insurance company supporting literacy program distribution of collector cards to students across Alberta. Also a Legends for Learners tournament sponsor.
• CTV CalgaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner providing coverage of TEPF events and programs.
• Global CalgaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner providing coverage of TEPF events and programs.
• Stingray MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner providing coverage of TEPF events and programs.
• Owen Hart FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner of TEPF. Pina Lamb previously worked with the Owen Hart Foundation before joining TEPF's team.
• Calgary Sports and EntertainmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner enabling athlete appearances (Calgary Flames, Calgary Stampeders) at TEPF literacy events in schools. Hosts mascot appearances (Harvey the Hound, Ralph the Dog) that generate student excitement for reading programs.
• General Presidents' Maintenance CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner of TEPF. Labour organization supporting workforce development initiatives.
• International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Lodge 146coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for Boilermaker trades careers programs. Provides journeyperson instructors and training facilities for TEPF's high school boilermaker program.
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 424coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for electrician trades careers programs. Provides journeyperson instructors and training facilities.
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 2103coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for carpentry trades careers programs. Listed as both a training partner and supporter.
• United Pipefitters Local 496 Training FacilitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTraining partner for pipe trades careers programs. Provides journeyperson instruction and training facilities.
• Tsuu'tina NationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndigenous community partner hosting TEPF's Insulator Heat & Frost program for Indigenous youth. Seven graduates celebrated in March 2024 at Bullhead Community Centre. New Hair and Esthetics program launched in partnership with Tsuu'tina Nation in September 2024.
• Paul First NationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndigenous community partner hosting TEPF's bricklayer course, which closed with a memorable ceremony on August 23, 2024.
• AlumaSafway (Fort McMurray)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployer partner that hired six Tsuu'tina Nation graduates from TEPF's Insulator Heat & Frost program as apprentices at their Fort McMurray location.
• Boston College Center for Corporate CitizenshipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarb Simic holds Advanced Community Involvement and Corporate Citizenship certification from Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and served nine years on the Boston College Roundtable, informing TEPF's approach to corporate citizenship and community investment.
• Fusion CollegiatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerForward-thinking Calgary high school that partners with TEPF for Trades Careers programs. 28 students participated in first year; 76% of those seeking employment are now in first-year apprenticeships. School was built on belief that 'Calgary is the classroom' with immersive, hands-on learning.
• Bennett Jones LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm that generously hosted TEPF's 2026 Annual General Meeting in person. Luke Morrison, Partner at Bennett Jones LLP, serves as TEPF's Board Chair.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Frontier College: Canada's longest-running literacy charity, founded 1899, operating literacy programs and tutor training across Canada. Directly comparable as a Canadian nonprofit delivering free literacy programs to underserved populations, though TEPF differentiates by also operating trades training.
• Skills Canada: Canadian nonprofit promoting skilled trades and technology careers to youth through competitions, programs, and awareness campaigns. Comparable for TEPF's trades-career awareness and training programs targeting high school students.
• Indspire: Canadian Indigenous-led charity providing scholarships, bursaries, and programs for Indigenous youth including in skilled trades and post-secondary education. Directly comparable for TEPF's Indigenous Trades Careers program targeting similar demographics and outcomes.
• ABC Life Literacy Canada: National Canadian literacy charity running family, financial, and workplace literacy programs across Canada. Comparable as a national-scale literacy nonprofit with school and employer distribution networks.
• Calgary Reads: Calgary-based literacy charity focused on early childhood and family literacy, also distributing books and providing reading programs in Alberta schools. Geographic and mission peer operating in the same city and overlapping school-board relationships.
• Pathways to Education Canada: Canadian charity providing academic and financial support to youth from low-income communities to help them graduate high school and transition to post-secondary. Comparable as a Canadian nonprofit addressing education-to-career pathways for at-risk youth.
• Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta: Calgary/Alberta-based JA chapter delivering financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs to K-12 students. Comparable as a school-based educational nonprofit in the same geography targeting youth career readiness and literacy.

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity Canada: Larger Canadian charity with ReStores and volunteer construction programs offering trades exposure to volunteers and youth. Broader mandate (housing) but overlapping skills/trades training exposure for youth in Canada.
• United Way Calgary and Area: Larger Calgary-area funder and service coordinator funding multiple literacy, youth, and social-service programs. Operates in the same donor and partner ecosystem as TEPF and funds some of the same school-board and Indigenous community programs.

Regional players

• Building Trades of Alberta: Alberta trade union umbrella organization coordinating apprenticeship, training, and workforce development across 14+ affiliated trade unions — TEPF is a partner organization and BTA represents many of TEPF's training partners. Closely related in mission but operates as an industry body rather than a student-facing charity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/TEPFoundationAB
• Facebookfacebook.com/TEPFoundationAB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-educational-partnership-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/tepfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 The Educational Partnership Foundation