Impactful Programs — Support that Makes a Difference

At Navalis, every program is designed with one purpose: to ensure no one in Canada’s naval family is left behind. Our initiatives respond to the unique realities of naval life — deployments at sea, relocations, physical and mental health challenges — and provide timely, meaningful support where it is needed most.

To best demonstrate results in terms of value, impact, and presence, the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund Navalis Foundation offers the following programs:

Financial Assistance for Individuals

Description: Individual assistance remains Navalis’ legacy program. With multiple partners in this area of support, Navalis has changed how it provides aid, focusing on partnering with other military-serving agencies to direct financial assistance in the most meaningful and impactful ways. Referring organizations (military-serving) receive requests, vet individual cases, identify specific needs, and call upon Navalis to supplement the funds they provide (filling a gap). Assistance is generally offered once per client who must be a naval veteran, serving member of the RCN, or a direct family member of the latter.

Eligibility: Individuals referred through and vetted by referring partner organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command and/or Provincial Commands, Padres, Support Our Troops, Veterans Canada, SISIP, etc.

Amount: up to $2,000

Application:  Military-serving organizations that have a client in need who meets the eligibility requirement may contact the Navalis Foundation at info@navalis.ca

Navalis Community Support Program (CSP)

Description:  Navalis’ mission remains rooted in support for Canada’s naval community. The CSP offers an alternative to individual support through partnerships and by providing grants that assist organizations with clients who have a direct connection to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). CSP grants allow Navalis to help more naval veterans, serving members, and their families.

Projects must support any or all of the following: former or current RCN members or their family members experiencing financial difficulties related to basic needs (e.g., shelter, food, clothing, utilities, transportation, medical expenses, moving costs); families of RCN members, particularly if the serving member is deployed; programs, workshops, and training that promote well-being and community-building within the naval family.

Eligibility: Applicants must be qualified donees (registered charitable organizations, or non-profit organizations with purposes that align with Navalis’ objectives); only request funds for services that have a direct impact on the naval community, namely, naval veterans, serving members, and families of serving members; be organizations that are national or provincial in scope. Smaller regional organizations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Individuals do not qualify.

Amount: up to and including $25,000

Application:  Military-serving organizations that meet the requirements may contact the Navalis Foundation for an application form at info@navalis.ca

Project Grants 

Description: Upon the recommendation of the Program Planning and Review Committee (PPRC), and at the discretion of the board, larger grants are awarded to projects of special interest and alignment with the RCNBF mission. This category of giving involves larger grants with significant dollar amounts. They fund major initiatives such as capital and/or multi-year projects that have a direct impact on our clientele. They aim to increase the donee’s capacity, and are substantial, often long-term, strategic efforts. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be qualified donees (registered charitable organizations) with purposes aligned with Navalis’ objectives; request funds for projects that have a direct impact on the naval community, namely, naval veterans, serving members, and families of serving members; be organizations that are national or provincial in scope. Individuals do not qualify.

Amount: up to and including $25,001 to $100,000

Application:  Organizations that meet the requirements may contact the Navalis Foundation to discuss at info@navalis.ca

Navalis Leadership Award

The award was created in 2020 by VAdm (Ret’d) Mark Norman to recognize a serving shipmate of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) whose outstanding efforts made a significant contribution to the overall quality of life and well-being within the broader naval community. 

Past winners have proven their merit through their generous actions both then and now.

Today, the Navalis Foundation works with the RCN to select a sailor whose volunteerism and desire to improve the life and working environment of fellow sailors earn them recognition through the RCN Certificate of Achievement Program (Bravo Zulu).

The RCN leadership honours the recipient with a plaque. The foundation makes $5,000 available to the winner to donate to the charity of their choice, preferably to support the naval community.