The Walnut Foundation
The Walnut Foundation is a Toronto-based registered Canadian charity founded in 2007 that provides prostate cancer awareness, free mobile PSA screening, peer support groups, and health education to Black men aged 40+ in the Greater Toronto Area.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersBrampton, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Walnut Foundation does
The Walnut Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable organization (CRA Registration# 82324 3654 RR0001) founded in 2007 by prostate cancer survivors Dr. Winston Isaac and Simon Samuel, headquartered in Brampton, Ontario. The organization addresses the disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on Black men — who face a 1-in-6 lifetime diagnosis rate versus 1-in-8 in the general population — through community-based education, peer support, and early detection services in the Greater Toronto Area. Its core offerings include monthly virtual prostate cancer support groups, Wellness Works information sessions on broader men's health topics, an annual Prostate Cancer Conference, a Black History Month Symposium, and the Walk the Path Walkathon fundraiser.
The foundation's direct health intervention is a mobile PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood testing clinic program delivered free of charge to Black men aged 40+, in partnership with TAIBU Community Health Centre, Black Creek Community Health Centre, and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Since the inaugural clinic in September 2023, eight clinics have served over 530 men, with results returned within six weeks and follow-up guidance provided for abnormal findings. Research initiatives include a Family Genetics in Prostate Cancer project with Dr. Neil Fleshner at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a post-prostatectomy recovery study with the UBC Men's Health Research Program. The foundation also operates a scholarship endowment at the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine for Black medical students, with plans to expand to additional schools.
The Walnut Foundation operates with a lean team of approximately 6 employees and is funded primarily through donations, corporate sponsorships, and annual fundraising events, with nominal annual membership fees ($10 individual, $50 corporate). It pursues a community-led and event-driven go-to-market strategy, reaching Black men through trusted channels including churches, community health centers, and barbershops, and is governed by a Board of Directors led by President Anthony Henry, Executive Director Ken Noel, and Founder Dr. Winston Isaac. Leadership is composed substantially of prostate cancer survivors and certified Peer Navigators trained through Movember's TrueNTH program, lending authentic lived-experience credibility to the mission.
The Walnut Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Walnut Foundation
- Legal name
- The Walnut Foundation
- Website
- https://thewalnutfoundation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Walnut Foundation is a Toronto-based registered Canadian charity founded in 2007 that provides prostate cancer awareness, free mobile PSA screening, peer support groups, and health education to Black men aged 40+ in the Greater Toronto Area.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Walnut Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Men's Health & Prostate Cancer Support Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL), Community Health & Prevention Program Funding (HLAJALAF)
Keywords
Where The Walnut Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brampton
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Walnut Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: The foundation raises funds through annual Walk the Path Walkathon, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising events. Goal of $150,000 set for 2026 walkathon.
- Membership Fees: Individual memberships at $10/year and corporate memberships at $50/year provide recurring revenue and community engagement.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual membership for community members affected by prostate cancer |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate membership for organizations supporting the mission |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Walnut Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Walnut Foundation provides free community-based prostate cancer support and Black men's health services, including mobile pop-up PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood testing clinics across the Greater Toronto Area, monthly virtual peer support groups, monthly wellness information sessions, annual educational conferences, and a walkathon fundraiser. The foundation also runs Black medical student scholarships and partners on prostate cancer genetics and survivorship research.
Product overview
The Walnut Foundation offers a community health services portfolio centered on Black men's health and prostate cancer support. The core offerings include monthly prostate cancer support groups, Wellness Works information sessions, and educational resources (Q&A Hub). Annual programming includes the Prostate Cancer Conference, Black History Month Symposium, and Walk the Path Walkathon. Direct health services comprise mobile PSA testing clinics in partnership with healthcare institutions. Research initiatives focus on genetics and post-prostatectomy outcomes. The foundation also supports education through Black medical student scholarships and community outreach.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Mobile PSA Testing Clinics Free pop-up PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood testing clinics for Black men aged 40+ in the Greater Toronto Area, delivered at community venues in partnership with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, TAIBU Community Health Centre, and Black Creek Community Health Centre. Clinics also include blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, follow-up guidance within six weeks, and community amenities.
- Monthly Prostate Cancer Support Group Monthly virtual (and historically in-person) men-only support group for Black men affected by prostate cancer — those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in recovery — providing a confidential space to share experiences and receive peer support. Held the last Thursday of every month at 7pm.
- Wellness Works Monthly Information Sessions
- Annual Prostate Cancer Conference Annual in-person conference bringing together men, partners, healthcare professionals, and advocates to explore the full prostate cancer journey from screening to survivorship. The 2025 edition was titled "Walking the Path Together."
- Annual Black History Month Symposium Annual February symposium held during Black History Month exploring critical health issues impacting the Black community, including brain health, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's, and prostate cancer. The 2026 symposium focused on brain health as we age.
- Walk the Path Walkathon Annual walkathon and community fundraiser held at Etobicoke Trail in Brampton that raises awareness for prostate cancer in Black men while promoting physical wellness and community connection.
- Membership Program Annual membership program with individual membership at $10/year and corporate membership at $50/year, providing access to support groups, information sessions, and community resources while generating recurring revenue.
- Black Medical Student Scholarships Endowment-funded scholarships for Black medical students at the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine, supporting the development of future Black medical professionals.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 530 men served through PSA testing clinics with over 20% requiring medical follow-up after early detection
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Walnut Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Walnut Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
The Walnut Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Dr. Neil Fleshner, GU Clinic)coreCollaboration with Dr. Neil Fleshner, renowned Urologist, on Family Genetics in Prostate Cancer research project. Study uses blood samples to examine genetic mutations across the entire genome in Black men with aggressive prostate cancer. The foundation works with the research team to develop culturally sensitive strategies for sharing genetic results with patients and families.
- TAIBU Community Health CentrecorePartner in providing free PSA blood tests to Black men aged 40+ in the Greater Toronto Area. TAIBU Community Health Centre supports the mobile PSA testing clinic initiative.
- Black Creek Community Health CentrecorePartner in providing free PSA blood tests to Black men aged 40+ in the Greater Toronto Area. Black Creek Community Health Centre supports the mobile PSA testing clinic initiative.
- UBC Men's Health Research Program (Dr. John Oliffe, Christy Chan)coreThe foundation shares research opportunities from UBC Men's Health Research Program for men who have undergone prostate cancer surgery. Christy Chan, PhD candidate, presents on men's experiences after prostatectomy. Study examines recovery, relationships, quality of life, and challenges during the first two years following surgery.
- MovembercoreMovember provides keynotes and support for prostate cancer awareness initiatives. Atiqa Mohammad, Director of Cancer Program Implementation, Canada spoke at the 2025 Annual Conference. The foundation's peer navigators are certified through TrueNTH, a Movember initiative.
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre (Dr. Danny Vesprini)coreDr. Danny Vesprini, Radiation Oncologist, serves as moderator at the 2025 Annual Conference on treatment paths from low-grade to advanced prostate cancer.
- University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of MedicinecoreEstablished endowment providing scholarships to Black medical students attending the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Foundation plans to add endowments at select medical schools in target communities.
- George Brown CollegeminorDr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College and prostate cancer survivor, serves as Honorary Chair of the Walk the Path Walkathon 2026.
- Prostate Cancer Support of TorontominorWinston Klass, Director, previously chaired Prostate Cancer Support of Toronto and started the Toronto Warriors support group for advanced prostate cancer patients.
- Canadian Cancer SocietyminorAndré Rose, Director of Youth Engagement, serves on the Canadian Cancer Society's Black Advisory Committee.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The Walnut Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Movember Foundation: Global men's health foundation funding prostate cancer, mental health, and testicular cancer programs worldwide — broader scope and massive scale, but a direct funder and certifier of Walnut's peer navigation program.
- Canadian Cancer Society: Canada's largest national cancer charity providing research funding, patient support, and prevention programs — overlapping mission across all cancer types with established Canadian infrastructure and government relationships.
Direct peers
- ZERO Prostate Cancer: Leading US prostate cancer nonprofit that runs free mobile screening events, support groups, and patient navigation — overlapping service portfolio and target population (including Black men at elevated risk).
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: Major US prostate cancer research and awareness foundation funding cutting-edge research and patient education — comparable as a research-driven prostate cancer nonprofit with active grantmaking.
- Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN): US-based nonprofit focused on eliminating the prostate cancer disparity gap in Black men through education, awareness, and early detection — directly paralleling Walnut's mission, target demographic, and community-based screening model.
- Black Health Alliance: Canadian nonprofit working to improve health and well-being of Black communities in Canada through research, education, and community engagement — overlapping health-equity focus and Canadian operating geography.
- Us TOO International: Prostate cancer support group network offering peer-led meetings, education, and patient resources — closely aligned with Walnut's monthly support group and peer navigation model.
Regional players
- Prostate Cancer UK: UK's leading prostate cancer charity running awareness campaigns, support services, and research funding — highly comparable mission but operating in a different national healthcare system.
- Prostate Cancer Support Ottawa: Canadian prostate cancer support organization running peer support groups — comparable support group model and mission, but operating in a different Canadian region from Walnut's GTA focus.
Others
- TrueNTH (Movember initiative): Movember-led global program supporting improved prostate cancer survivorship through peer navigation and lifestyle interventions — directly certifies Walnut's peer navigators and represents an enabling ecosystem relationship.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Walnut Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Walnut Foundation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Walnut Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Walnut Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
The Walnut Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Walnut Foundation 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 The Walnut Foundation
What does The Walnut Foundation do?
The Walnut Foundation provides free community-based prostate cancer support and Black men's health services, including mobile pop-up PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood testing clinics across the Greater Toronto Area, monthly virtual peer support groups, monthly wellness information sessions, annual educational conferences, and a walkathon fundraiser. The foundation also runs Black medical student scholarships and partners on prostate cancer genetics and survivorship research.
Is The Walnut Foundation a public or private company?
The Walnut Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Walnut Foundation founded?
The Walnut Foundation was founded in 2007. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Walnut Foundation based?
The Walnut Foundation is headquartered in Brampton, Canada, in the North America region.
How does The Walnut Foundation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are membership Fees.
Who are The Walnut Foundation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Movember Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society. Direct peers are ZERO Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), Black Health Alliance and Us TOO International. Regional players are Prostate Cancer UK and Prostate Cancer Support Ottawa. TrueNTH (Movember initiative) is listed as an others.
Does The Walnut Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Walnut Foundation.
What industry is The Walnut Foundation in?
The Walnut Foundation's product category is Community Men's Health & Prostate Cancer Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAB, Community Foundations, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAL, Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8300.