Ottawa Network for Education

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 day. No other community organization has the same reach and ability to respond and deliver much-needed programs to schools across the region.

TOP FUNDING SOURCES

• Government: 52.33%
• Corporate: 4.39%
• Foundations and other charities: 24.71%
• Individual: 3.58%
• Other (educational institutions): 14.99%

How you can help

Give

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 with our seven programs. Each year we provide over 2.6 million nutritious meals and equip more than 9,000 youth with the financial literacy, career readiness skills and knowledge for their future careers.

As teachers and parents continue to adapt to new learning situations, ONFE is alongside, helping students in new ways that meet public health guidelines. Because of our commitment to removing barriers and providing opportunities to all K-12 children and youth, our programs are offered free to students. This is only possible with the support of generous donors and funders.

This school year programs include the School Breakfast Program, providing students in need with a nutritious breakfast; Classroom Gardens, teaching students to grow nutritious food, Volunteers in Education, offering in person and virtual volunteering in school and at home, during classes and after school; JA Ottawa, offering virtual and in person financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for grades 6 to 12; Ottawa Reads, volunteers reading to K-Grade 3; Assistive Technologies resources for parents, teachers, and students available on our website, and the step for Youth in Schools Community Coalition, a multi-agency effort coordinated by ONFE, which provides counselling to youth on problematic substance and technology use.

Volunteer

Our volunteers provide vital support to students to help meet their complex needs. This year, one-on-one volunteering opportunities are available through in person and video conferencing, so that students continue to be supported where they learn.

Volunteers tell us that helping a student is one of the most fulfilling things they’ve done. And year after year, teachers tell us that caring volunteers make an immense difference to children in need of extra support.

EVENTS + FUNDRAISING

The Spark Soirée

The Spark Soirée is a fun-filled gala in support of our School Breakfast Program. Our in-person gala will be back on May 6, 2023! Allow us to engage you and your company in an evening of entertainment and networking with other caring community-minded individuals and business professionals, as well as executives from Ottawa’s four school boards. You will be recognized as a company that invests in K-12 students in Ottawa. Join us as we help every child start the school day nourished and ready to learn on equal footing with their peers.