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Philanthropy program guidelines

Our global philanthropic cause helps bring our purpose to life with investments in the prevention of type-2 diabetes, and a focus on programs that empower Canadians to take the steps they need to manage or stop diabetes. Our goal is to help people be healthier, and lead longer and more productive lives.

We want to empower young people to take action and improve their lives. That’s why we focus on supporting programs which encourage sustainable, positive behaviour changes such as:

  • Increasing levels of daily physical activity and improving nutrition and healthy eating habits.
  • Educating young people on type-2 diabetes and its related complications, making lifestyle choices for healthier futures, and on prevention and management methods.

Our preference is to support practical diabetes prevention programs which are driving measurable improvements in participants’ health outcomes and are focused on serving youth from underserved communities who are at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Diabetes

Sun Life has a long-standing focus on community wellness. We invest in initiatives that encourage healthy and active living in our communities, as well as help create a more inclusive society. To this end, we  partner with charitable organizations that align with our corporate giving strategies. Our goal is to make not just a donation, but also a real difference. We do this by harnessing the full breadth of our resources, including our people and expertise, to generate a positive impact.

Sun Life’s philanthropic giving in Canada focuses on two health causes: the prevention of type-2 diabetes, and the promotion of youth mental well-being. Within each of these health causes, we support philanthropic programs which:

  1. Focus on serving a youth demographic between the ages of 7 and 24 years old.
  2. Take a prevention-based approach to improving health outcomes and focus on helping young people to adopt positive behaviour changes.
  3. Offer practical programs with a structured learning curriculum.
  4. Focus on serving those most in need, particularly those from marginalized and underserved communities.

Mental health

Sun Life is committed to improving the mental well-being of young people by increasing their access to mental health services and equipping them with the tools and resources needed to take action and improve their mental health outcomes. In particular, we focus our philanthropic support to prevention-based mental health programs which improve participants’ mental resilience and ability to positively cope with stressful situations.

Our preference is to support practical programs which are driving measurable social impact and are focused on serving those youth most in need of mental health support, in particular those from Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

How to apply for funding

Submit an application for funding here

In Quebec, if you have general questions or would like to submit a sponsorship proposal to Sun Life, please send an email including an overview of the opportunity, target audience, timeline, geographic location, and all contact information to commandites.philanthropie@sunlife.com. Please allow at least 8 weeks to properly evaluate each opportunity. All information collected will remain confidential.

Exclusions

  • Organizations that do not qualify as a registered charity within the applicable market of operation
  • Religious organizations whose programs are limited to members of a specific religious denomination. However, non-denominational programs by religious groups intended for the general good of the community may be considered
  • Individuals or individual pursuits, Fraternities, lodges, Toastmaster societies, and other recreational or self-improvement organizations where participation is intended primarily for the personal advancement or benefit of the participants
  • Community service clubs such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc.
  • Operating expenses of United Way member agencies
  • Advocacy or special-interest groups
  • Capital campaigns, including the purchase of equipment for large-scale projects connected with construction and real estate
  • Political organizations including, but not limited to, political parties, candidates, and political action committees
  • Debt-reduction campaigns
  • Conferences, seminars and workshops
  • Fundraising events (including the purchase of tickets or tables)
  • Sports clubs, sports teams or sporting events such as golf tournaments
  • Local, regional or provincial campaigns or agencies affiliated with a national organization that is already receiving corporate support
  • Professional and technical associations