OPENROAD FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW 2026 COMMUNITY GIVING PROGRAM
The Foundation will award $500,000 through public application grants as part of a 2026 giving program totalling $750,000 in community support
Richmond, B.C., January 6, 2026 – OpenRoad Foundation, the registered philanthropic arm of OpenRoad Auto, is excited to launch its 2026 Community Giving Program, committing $750,000 in total community grants this year to support charitable organizations and grassroots initiatives in British Columbia and Ontario.
As part of the campaign, the Foundation will distribute $500,000 through a public application process, awarding 20 community grants across two granting cycles, in the spring and fall, with 10 grants per cycle ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
“We believe strong communities are built through shared responsibility and sustained efforts by those within it,” explains Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto and Board Chair of OpenRoad Foundation. “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past two years – contributing more than $1.5 million in community grants and supporting more than 60 community partners where OpenRoad Auto is located across Canada.”
Public applications will open online in two phases:
Spring Cycle: January 1 to February 14, 2026
Fall Cycle: June 1 to July 15, 2026.
Those selected will be invited to participate in full grant applications. To be eligible, organizations must: be a Canadian registered charity in good standing; and serve communities in Metro Vancouver, Greater Toronto Area, or Southwestern Ontario.
Funding decisions, made by the board and advisory committee, continue to follow OpenRoad Foundation’s three core pillars:
Community - We believe that people should be empowered and given the opportunity to redefine what is possible for themselves and their communities;
Environment - We support initiatives that sustain our robust ecosystem; and
Education - We support opportunities for academic success and leadership initiatives.
In addition to the public application grants, OpenRoad Foundation is engaging OpenRoad Auto associates through three additional giving programs, focused on local impact and strategic partnerships. Together with its public 2026 Community Giving Program, OpenRoad Foundation aims to support more than 30 organizations in this coming year.
“By expanding our grants program in 2026 and combining public application funding with OpenRoad Auto associate-led giving initiatives, we’re able to further our impact and reach a broader range of organizations – both emerging and established,” adds Shea Studler, Manager of OpenRoad Foundation. “Our goal from the start is to support meaningful work across the regions OpenRoad Auto serves. This approach empowers our associates to play an active role in giving back.”
In 2025, as part of the 25 in 25 campaign, $625,000 was awarded to 25 non-profit organizations in Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto. In addition, OpenRoad Foundation launched its inaugural Seeds of Change fundraiser, together with the Panatch Family Foundation, in August, raising $177,000 for Vancouver Food Runners. Other notable initiatives include volunteerism by OpenRoad Auto associates, organizing special events, such as 100 Paintings for Hogan's Alley, and the annual Pet Photos with Santa with Club OpenRoad.
To learn more about OpenRoad Foundation’s 2026 Community Giving Program, please visit openroadfoundation.ca/2026giving.