Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation

What Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation does

The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable organization founded in 1974 and headquartered in Ottawa. It serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for three affiliated institutions: CHEO itself, the CHEO Research Institute, and the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. The foundation's functional role is to mobilize philanthropic capital — individual donations, corporate giving, planned giving, gift of securities, community fundraising, lotteries, and special events — in support of pediatric clinical care, research, and hospice services in eastern Ontario.

The foundation operates a diversified philanthropic revenue model anchored by individual giving and recurring corporate partnerships with CN, RBC, TD, and Giant Tiger. Its current strategic centerpiece is the "Kids These Days" capital campaign, a $220 million initiative — the largest in the foundation's history — directed at expanding pediatric research, clinical programs, and family-centered services. The foundation also benefits from a $35 million partnership gift routed through SickKids to advance precision child and youth mental health.

Governance and operating structure: the foundation is led by President and CEO Steve Read and operates with 51-100 employees. It is a member of Children's Miracle Network, providing national-level affiliation and donor network reach. The foundation's customer base is its donor ecosystem, comprising individual donors, community fundraisers, lottery participants, and corporate sponsors, with no disclosed revenue figures and no external ownership.

Name

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation

Legal name

CHEO Foundation

Website

https://cheofoundation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1974 that raises philanthropic funds for CHEO, the CHEO Research Institute, and the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice, serving pediatric patients and families across eastern Ontario.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pediatric Healthcare Charitable Fundraising

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

akta.pro primary industry

Maternal, Child & Family Health Organizations (BPAGACAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

Keywords

• Pediatric healthcare fundraising
• Charitable foundation services
• Community event fundraising
• Corporate philanthropy programs
• Planned giving and donations

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and monthly donations from individual supporters, including monthly giving programs that provide steady funding for ongoing and emergency needs.
2. Lotteries: Dream of a Lifetime Lottery and 50/50 Lottery generate significant revenue through ticket sales, with prizes including homes, vehicles, vacations, and cash.
3. Special Events: Signature events including CN Cycle for CHEO, CHEO Telethon, Gala, Charity Classic, Teddy Bears' Picnic, and RBC Race for the Kids.
4. Corporate Giving and Sponsorships: Corporate donations, event sponsorships, employee giving programs, and matching gift campaigns from businesses.
5. Planned Giving and Estate Gifts: Legacy gifts through wills, endowment funds starting at $25,000, and estate donations.
6. Gift of Securities: Donations of appreciated stocks or mutual funds as a tax-effective giving method.
7. Community Fundraising: Independent community events organized by supporters, including lemonade stands, bake sales, car washes, and school fundraisers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CHEO Foundation is the dedicated fundraising arm of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), CHEO Research Institute, and Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. It raises, manages, and disburses charitable funds through individual donations, monthly giving, planned/legacy gifts, lottery programs (Dream of a Lifetime Lottery, 50/50 Lottery), signature events (CN Cycle for CHEO, Telethon, Gala, Charity Classic, Teddy Bears' Picnic, RBC Race for the Kids), corporate partnerships, and community fundraising initiatives to support pediatric healthcare, research, and family support services.

Product overview

CHEO Foundation operates as a charitable foundation (not a technology company) that manages a portfolio of fundraising products and programs to support the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the CHEO Research Institute, and Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. The product portfolio consists of signature fundraising events (CN Cycle for CHEO, CHEO Telethon, Teddy Bears' Picnic, CHEO Gala, CHEO Charity Classic, RBC Race for the Kids), lottery products (Dream of a Lifetime Lottery, 50/50 Lottery), and specialized giving programs (Monthly Donations, Hair Donation Ottawa, Give a Bear Hug, Corporate Giving). These products work together to generate donations through community events, lotteries, corporate partnerships, and individual giving to fund pediatric healthcare, research, and support services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CN Cycle for CHEO An annual cycling and walking event that is CHEO Foundation's largest fundraiser for pediatric oncology care and research, drawing participants of all ages.
• Dream of a Lifetime Lottery Annual lottery offering prizes including a Minto Dream Home, vehicles, vacations, and cash, with proceeds supporting CHEO pediatric healthcare programs.
• CHEO 50/50 Lottery A 50/50 raffle lottery in which ticket purchasers can win half the jackpot, with the remainder supporting CHEO's care and programs.
• CHEO Telethon A two-week fundraising campaign culminating in a live CTV Ottawa broadcast featuring matched corporate donations supporting CHEO, the CHEO Research Institute, and Roger Neilson Children's Hospice.
• CHEO's Teddy Bears' Picnic A free annual family day event presented by Giant Tiger featuring activities and entertainment as a thank-you to community supporters of CHEO.
• CHEO Gala A black-tie celebration presented by TD Bank Group dedicated to raising funds and awareness for children with physical, developmental, and behavioral needs.
• CHEO Charity Classic An annual golf tournament hosted at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and presented by RBC supporting CHEO's Kids These Days redevelopment campaign.
• CHEO's RBC Race for the Kids A walk/run event raising funds for CHEO's largest redevelopment campaign in its 50-year history.
• Monthly Donation Program A recurring donation program allowing supporters to provide steady, reliable funding for CHEO's ongoing and emergency needs.
• Kids Helping Kids A youth engagement program encouraging children to organize fundraisers such as lemonade stands, bake sales, and car washes to support their peers at CHEO.
• Hair Donation Ottawa A year-round initiative supporting children with cancer by accepting hair donations to fund critical cancer research at CHEO.
• Give a Bear Hug A tribute program allowing donors to recognize exceptional care at CHEO by making a donation in honor of dedicated staff members.
• Corporate Giving Program Corporate sponsorship and engagement opportunities including employee giving, company volunteering, and event sponsorship for businesses supporting pediatric healthcare.
• Planned Giving and Legacy Program A planned giving program through wills, endowments starting at $25,000, and estate donations, allowing supporters to create a lasting philanthropic legacy.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $2.1 million raised through CN Cycle for CHEO 2026 for oncology care and research
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

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

• CN (Canadian National Railway)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of CN Cycle for CHEO - the largest annual fundraiser for oncology care and research. Partnership spans 19+ years, with CN employees participating and CN providing significant funding support for pediatric cancer care.
• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of CHEO Charity Classic golf tournament and CHEO's RBC Race for the Kids. Committed to $1 million goal over three years for Kids These Days redevelopment campaign.
• TD Bank GroupflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of annual CHEO Gala - black-tie fundraising event for children with developmental disabilities.
• Giant TigercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of CHEO's Teddy Bears' Picnic - annual free family event thanking community supporters.
• Hydro OttawaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO's Teddy Bears' Picnic event.
• LIUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO's Teddy Bears' Picnic event.
• Modern NiagaraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO's Teddy Bears' Picnic event and CHEO Charity Classic.
• Sezlik.comminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO's Teddy Bears' Picnic event.
• Staff ForumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO's Teddy Bears' Picnic event.
• DesjardinsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• TraneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• FCiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• Claridge HomesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• Guardian Partners IncminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• VictaulicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• RichcraftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• GFL EnvironmentalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• District RealtyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• CalianminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• PCL ConstructorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• Diligent ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• Lincoln Heights FordminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• Air Canada FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• Halo Car WashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• BumpminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• Limestone Bay EstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Charity Classic presented by RBC.
• SickKidsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner$35 million gift partnership advancing precision mental health care. Collaborative research initiative to better predict, diagnose faster, and treat mental health conditions more effectively in children and youth.
• Minto CommunitiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates Dream Home prize for Dream of a Lifetime Lottery - $3.7 million grand prize package.
• La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & DécorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFurnishes the Dream Home for Dream of a Lifetime Lottery.
• Star Motors of Ottawa IncminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV for Dream of a Lifetime Lottery grand prize.
• Children's Miracle NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHEO Foundation is a member of Children's Miracle Network, benefiting from national fundraising campaigns and corporate partnerships.
• Atlético OttawacoreGTM or Marketing Partner$5 per ticket donated to CHEO for every Atlético Ottawa home game purchased through CHEO's special link. Ongoing partnership throughout soccer season.
• FullscriptminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Gala presented by TD.
• Key Rate MortgageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Gala presented by TD.
• Bear SterlingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Gala presented by TD.
• Bell CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Gala presented by TD.
• CMLS FinancialminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Gala presented by TD.
• Star MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Gala presented by TD.
• Ledcor GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CHEO Gala presented by TD.
• HOPE VolleyballcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCHEO is a charity recipient for HOPE Volleyball SummerFest 2026 - one of Ottawa's largest summer volleyball events.
• Ottawa BluesfestcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCHEO Night at Ottawa Bluesfest - second year partnership featuring 50/50 lottery sales and tap-to-donate stations at one of North America's premier music festivals.
• Mental Health GalacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of Ottawa's leading fundraisers in support of mental illness; donations directed to CHEO Mental Health Services.
• Wonderland Tea PartyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFundraising event supporting mental health services for children and youth at CHEO.
• Maddy's GalacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual event in support of Roger Neilson Children's Hospice, founded by the Otto family in memory of their daughter Maddy who faced cancer bravely.
• 24 Hour YogapaloozaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerContinuous yoga event dedicated to supporting childhood cancer treatments and research at CHEO.
• RCMP Musical RideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremonies event includes donations to Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. Beloved Canadian summer tradition.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Children's Miracle Network: National member organization of which CHEO Foundation is a member. Provides collective corporate partnerships, national campaigns, and brand infrastructure that individual hospital foundations leverage; broader network rather than direct competitor.

Direct peers

• BC Children's Hospital Foundation: Fundraising foundation for BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver. Same model: raises and grants funds for a regional pediatric hospital, runs signature events, lotteries, and major-gift campaigns targeting a defined provincial catchment.
• Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation: Foundation supporting the Montreal Children's Hospital (McGill University Health Centre). Comparable pediatric hospital fundraising structure with signature events, lotteries, and planned giving, serving a defined Quebec catchment.
• Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation: Fundraising foundation for Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary. Operates the same model of signature events, lotteries, and corporate partnerships to fund pediatric care, research, and family support in a defined provincial region.
• SickKids Foundation: Fundraising arm of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, the largest pediatric hospital foundation in Canada. Directly comparable as a children's hospital foundation running capital campaigns, lotteries, and signature events; CHEO has even partnered with SickKids on a $35M precision mental health initiative.
• IWK Foundation: Foundation for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, the Maritime region's leading pediatric and women's hospital. Comparable scope, donor base, and event-driven fundraising mix.
• Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba: Fundraising arm of Children's Hospital-HSC Winnipeg. Same regional pediatric hospital foundation model serving Manitoba with signature events, community fundraising, and major gift programs.
• Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation: Fundraising foundation for the Janeway Children's Hospital in St. John's, Newfoundland. Similar model at smaller regional scale—signature events, lotteries, and community fundraising for pediatric care.

Regional players

• Ottawa Hospital Foundation: Fundraising arm of The Ottawa Hospital, the adult counterpart to CHEO in the same regional market. Operates the same signature-event, lottery, and major-gift model and competes for the same local corporate sponsors and individual donors in Ottawa.
• United Way East Ontario: Regional community fundraising organization serving Eastern Ontario, including Ottawa. Comparable model of workplace giving, corporate partnerships, and community event fundraising, competing for the same Ottawa-area donor pool.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CHEOvideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/CHEOkids
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cheofoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/cheohospital/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 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 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation