Message from EFC President

When I became President of Estonian Foundation of Canada in 2015, I wanted to understand what worked and what could be improved within EFC and our Estonian diaspora. I heard from you that EFC is noble in our cause, local in our reach, and global in our impact. It is a testament to our founders who created this trusted charity more than fifty years ago. They helped us ensure a solid financial base to support our evolving community. But it is our members, donors, agent organizations and other funding recipients who make this community thrive and help ensure that EFC remains a stable beacon in an increasingly tumultuous world.

It is by necessity that EFC has a longer-term perspective while engaging in immediate and short-term needs. This means we support what works, as well as reviewing applications for new ideas and different ways of doing things.  At EFC we believe our community should be allowed to dream.

In 2025 we charted a renewed course with purposeful funding of initiatives, improvements in governance, and enhanced management of our operations. We are working with donors who want to make a greater impact with their donations and providing them with more information on planned giving and gifts of securities. EFC’s Board approved financial support to more than 31 projects and events with some organizations receiving operational grants such as children’s Estonian camps and heritage schools. EFC funding helps keep the fees more affordable and competitive with non-Estonian activities. EFC Scholarships continue to help reduce the financial burden of the cost of higher education for students.

EFC accepts applications for financial support twice a year and scholarship applications once a year. Our experienced and volunteer board of directors then reviews each request against our guidelines, approving those that align with our mandate supporting culture, heritage, language and education.

The decisions we all make today have a significant impact now and on future generations. Let’s keep our focus on what we have in common, united by the pride and passion we share for our heritage.

Thank you for your support. 

Eva Varangu

President

Estonian Foundation of Canada