Our approach

Community investment

As a company with deep roots in Canada, we view community investments not simply as a responsibility, but as an essential component in building strong and healthy communities.

Since the 1890s when Imperial gave its first donation to a fishermen’s mission in Newfoundland, charitable giving has been an integral part of our tradition. Over the years, Imperial has contributed to thousands of charitable and non-profit initiatives in every area of Canadian life – supporting communities, contributing to quality of life, and touching the lives of Canadians.

In 2010, our community giving totalled more than $14.8 million.

Our approach to giving
Imperial Oil and our main philanthropic arm, the Imperial Oil Foundation, concentrate support in a few key areas – education, environment and community programs – and select programs that align community needs with business interests. We work with hundreds of community partners across Canada to provide funding and expertise.

Click here to read a list of organizations we supported in the last year.

Funding eligibility

To be eligible for a grant, an organization must be either:

  • a charitable organization with a valid CRA registration number
  • a registered non-profit organization with a valid B/N business registration number
  • a Canadian public education institution or a government body
  • a local community or Aboriginal group

Our primary focus is in communities where we have operations or interests, including:

  • Alberta: Anzac, Bragg Creek, Bonnyville, Calgary, Carstairs, Cold Lake, Drayton Valley, Cynthia, Edmonton, Fort McMurray and the surrounding communities in Wood Buffalo, Medicine Hat, Millarville, Morley, Nanton, Olds and Rocky Mountain House
  • British Columbia: Fort Nelson and Fort St. John
  • Ontario: Nanticoke, Sarnia and Toronto
  • Nova Scotia: Dartmouth, Goldboro, Halifax and Point Tupper
  • New Brunswick: Moncton and St. John
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's
  • Northwest Territories: Aklavik, Colville Lake, Deline, Fort Good Hope, Fort McPherson, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Inuvik, Jean
  • Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Norman Wells, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Trout Lake, Tsiigehtchic, Tulita, Tuktoyaktuk, Ulukhaktok and Wrigley

We fund programs and events that:

  • promote science, math and technology education at all levels of learning from early childhood to post-secondary studies
  • advance environmental education, conservation and research
  • support community-based initiatives, including cultural events and skill development.

The following organizations and activities are ineligible for grants:

  • For-profit businesses
  • Organizations based outside of Canada
  • Activities taking place outside of Canada
  • Political parties or candidates
  • Individual applicants or individual pursuits
  • Advocacy or lobbying groups
  • Religious or politically-affiliated organizations
  • Endowments or matching grants
  • Capital campaigns
  • Building infrastructure
  • On-going operating budgets
  • Private clubs funded through membership fees
  • Scholarship chair programs
  • Debt-reduction campaigns
  • Trusts or funds