History of the Suncor Energy Foundation

Suncor volunteers supporting the Beakerhead festival in Calgary through the SunCares Community Giving Program. Volunteers dressed as safety bananas and managed art, science and engineering activities.

Suncor Energy Foundation history at a glance

Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF) is a private, charitable foundation established by Suncor in 1998. As a large business, Suncor needed an effective approach to organizing and managing its many philanthropic activities. Fully funded by Suncor, the foundation complements Suncor’s other community investments.

In addition, SEF allows us to continue supporting our communities during difficult economic times. As seen in past downturns, many non-profit organizations, which were reliant on corporate giving and grants, struggled to obtain funding. SEF’s reserve fund – an accumulation of surplus contributions made by Suncor – provides us with an opportunity to continue funding more steadily. That’s important for several reasons, including because we aim to make contributions toward long-term, transformative change.

SEF also provides governance for funding and administration policies, ensuring compliance with government requirements, overseeing approval for major grants and maintaining alignment to the strategy outlined above.

SEF is grateful for the advice of an Indigenous Youth Advisory Council, formed in 2019 to bring Indigenous youth feedback to the Foundation and to Suncor.