The two organizations are separate entities and collaborate in some areas. The Legion National Foundation was established by The Royal Canadian Legion and was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with a separate mission and mandate. The Foundation solely supports specific public Remembrance programs and military and RCMP family education, while the Legion continues to advocate on behalf of Veterans, promote Remembrance, and serve communities across the country.

The Legion National Foundation was created to meet the needs of both beneficiaries and donors across Canada. Royal Canadian Legion officials, over the years, were asked by prospective corporate and individual donors about philanthropic gifts that would result in both national impact and a tax receipt. Many generous people including corporate leaders are interested in making an impact on Veterans. The National scope and an official tax receipt were key to their philanthropic vision. The Royal Canadian Legion cannot issue tax receipts therefore, the next important step was to create a charitable organization that met the needs of both the donors and the needs of Veterans and Canadians. A case for support including Veterans Wellness, Scholarships and Bursaries, the Pilgrimages and the Remembrance Contests was established by a volunteer Board of Directors at the Legion National Foundation. The creation of the Legion National Foundation means donors give generously knowing their impact is from coast to coast to coast. 

Yes, a receipt will be provided the same day for online donations to the Foundation and can be viewed using a PDF viewer. To download a free Adobe Viewer, please click here. Receipts for mail-in donations will be sent out as soon as possible after receipt. For our monthly donors one consolidated receipt will be sent in February.

Generously donated funds support four main activities: Veterans’ Health and Wellness initiatives, Pilgrimages of Remembrance, Remembrance-themed literary and poster contests for youth, and scholarships and bursaries for family members of military and RCMP personnel. Funds are disbursed in accordance with the mission of the Foundation by our volunteer Board of Directors.

The Pilgrimage of Remembrance occurs during the summer months once every two years. The next Pilgrimage is scheduled for July 2023. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Pilgrimage next year may be impacted. Check back regularly on our website and social channels for updates.

At this time we only support the Legion pilgrimages. We are considering the future support of groups and organizations that conduct Pilgrimages of Remembrance and that align with Foundation mission and goals.

Yes, original artwork is returned to the artist. Winning artwork remains with the Foundation for a one-year period, until pre-determined display dates are over.

Yes, winning submissions from each year’s contest can be found on the Foundation’s website. Follow the link to Remembrance Contests.

The two programs are similar. Many Legion Branches and Commands currently offer scholarships and bursaries, usually to students residing in their jurisdiction. The Foundation’s scholarships and bursaries are done on a national scope and therefore will be awarded to students regardless of where they live in Canada.

Unfortunately not at this time. The scholarships and bursaries are designed to offer support to individuals who have completed the requirements of High School at a minimum.