Our history

Centraide of Greater Montreal stems from a group of charitable agencies that served different sectors of our community. It is the proud heir to a long tradition of community service.

1966: Strength in unity

The Federated Appeal of Greater Montreal is formed from the union of five federations that actively raise funds for distribution to social and community agencies in the dioceses of Montreal and St-Jean.

The founders

• La Fédération des oeuvres de charité canadiennes françaises
  
• The United Red Feather
  
• L’Association des oeuvres de santé
  
• La Fédération et Conseil de bien-être de la Rive-Sud
  
• The Federation of Catholic Community Services

The concept

At the request of donor businesses, hold a single annual fundraising campaign in order to:

• Canvass donors only once a year;
  
• Reduce administration costs;
  
• Raise more money.

The first united campaign

Kicks off on April 2, 1968, at Place Ville-Marie under the chairmanship of Jean Drapeau. Raises $9 million.

1974: Unity equals efficiency

After working together for a few years, the federations decide to turn over all their activities to the Federated Appeal of Greater Montreal. In addition to conducting the annual fundraising campaign, the Federated Appeal will now distribute the proceeds as well.

The objectives

• Conduct an annual fundraising campaign;
  
• Distribute the proceeds to community agencies so as to meet people’s real needs;
  
• Provide equitable services to all community groups in the Greater Montreal area;
  
• Provide sound financial management.

1975: Centraide is born

On May 10, 1975, the Federated Appeal of Greater Montreal becomes Centraide Montreal. In October, Centraide kicks off its first campaign under its new name.

Centraide Montreal finances 111 community-based voluntary agencies.

In 1986, Centraide raises $18,054,000, which is double the amount collected in 1968.

In 1989, over 200 agencies are being funded by Centraide.

1992: Centraide grows

In 1992, Centraide Montreal is renamed Centraide of Greater Montreal to better reflect the extensive territory it serves.

In 1999, after conducting a major strategic planning exercise, Centraide of Greater Montreal published its "Strategic Guidelines for the 2000s".

In 2000, Centraide published "Building Caring Communities and Supporting their Ability to Act", a report based on the findings of its Advisory Committee on Social Issues. This publication analyzes our social context, identifies the major social issues in our community, and proposes strategies for meeting Centraide's challenges in the years ahead.

In 2003, Centraide published a guideline for philanthropic action entitled "A Gift for Sharing to Build Caring Communities".

Review the most important events in the history of Centraide in this special 20th anniversary edition of Journal Centraide.

© 2001, Centraide of Greater Montreal
All rights reserved