The CPS Foundation Celebrates its 50^th Anniversary

The CPS Foundation was founded and received its’ Letters Patent on November 5, 1975 with 5 forward thinking Members who initially were all Directors. In 2025 we now have 10 Members of which 7 are Directors as we continue to work diligently on our succession planning.  

The Foundation has stayed the course with its objectives and funding guidelines which have remained unchanged from the start. They call for donations to be retained in perpetuity with any grants or distributions to come from investment returns on the donations. Over the past 50 years the CPS Foundation has been the recipient of an aggregate $1,000,000 in donations yielding returns of approx. $980,000 (after expenses) and facilitating distributions and funding commitments to CPS-ECP of approx. $955,000.

We thank all of the Members of Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons for their support over the past 50 years and look forward to continuing our relationship for many more years to come.

About The CPS Foundation

Who We Are

• The Canadian Power Squadrons Foundation (the CPS Foundation) is a charitable Corporation established in 1975 (Letters Patent November 5, 1975), and is a separate entity from Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons/Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance (CPS-ECP).
• Today the Foundation is a strong, well-established, successful organization, managed by seven Directors elected by Foundation Members at its Annual General Meeting.

Objectives

• To provide funding for training and study courses and facilities in the field of boating, seamanship, piloting, navigation and safe handling of boats of all kind.
• And to extend support to the objectives of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons

Funding Guidelines, Governance & Grants

• The Foundation retains and invests all donated funds and only disburses the returns, subject to minimum annual distribution requirements established by The Charities Directorate.
• The Charities Directorate decrees there be a separation between the Foundation and CPS-ECP
• Funding is regularly provided to CPS-ECP as Grants for specific projects, at the discretion of the Foundation Directors who consider all suggested projects in the light of usefulness to the organization as a whole.

Success & Management

• Much of the credit for the success of the Foundation goes to the Members of CPS-ECP and many personal donations to the various programs in a special and generous way.
• All donations are placed in a professionally managed investment account to facilitate a solid base to ensure long term financial health.
• Management is provided by a Board of seven Directors elected from the Foundation Membership
• Membership in the Foundation is by Director invitation.

Current Programs

• Memorial & Recognition Log: This is the Foundation's longest-running program dating back to 1975.
• Honour Roll: This is a Squadron or District program and is our most beneficial program in terms of fund building.
• Affinity Pin: This program provides an opportunity for personal recognition and/or participation.

Donations

• E-transfer services for donations are now available. To use this feature please review the process under the “Donations tab” then select the appropriate category tab and follow the E-transfer instructions:
  • Memorial & Recognition Log Donations
  • Honour Roll Donations
  • General Donations
• Alternatively, you can continue to send your donations via cheque thru the CPS-ECP National Office as noted on the respective donation tab and form, or phone 1-888-277-2628 ext. 0157