What we do
The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) is a charitable organization that collaborates with partners from education, business, government, and the community to develop enriching programs for K-12 students. Working with the four public school boards, ONFE supports children and youth in English and French. We fuel kids and ignite learning, making sure all children in Ottawa have an equal start every school day. No other community organization has the same reach and ability to respond and deliver much-needed programs to schools across the region. During the 2023-24 school year, our programs achieved remarkable milestones.
Every school day, our School Breakfast Program provided over 22,000 meals and snacks in over 200 schools, and we continued our unwavering advocacy for a National School Food Program, emphasizing the importance of nutritious meals as the foundation for focused learning.
The Classroom Gardens Program partnered with Gatineau-based Plantaform to pilot a revolutionary smart indoor garden using fogponics technology at a local high school.
Our Volunteers in Education program celebrated its 30th anniversary, continuing to support teachers and students in person and through virtual tutoring.
Our OttawaReads program marked a significant achievement, with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP celebrating 20 years of partnership at Queen Elizabeth Public School offering early literacy support from kindergarten to grade three.
JA Ottawa expanded its impact, teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness skills to more students than ever before by hosting our first province-wide French virtual World of Choices event, attended by nearly 3,000 students.
And in our ongoing efforts to support student well-being, we also coordinated the STEP for Youth in Schools community coalition, collaborating with 30 dedicated partners to address substance use, mental health, and technology use in high schools.
How you can help
Donate and partner
Every year, we need to raise over $1-million from the local community to run our essential programs for K-12 students. By donating to ONFE, you are helping us fuel kids and ignite learning every school day.
Volunteer
Our volunteers provide vital support to students to help meet their complex needs. One-on-one volunteering opportunities are available through in person and video conferencing, so that students continue to be supported where they learn.
To learn more about this charity, please visit the latest issue of the Giving Guide here:
