OpenRoad Foundation goes bigger in ’26, committing $750,000 to community charities
Hope Air, which provides free travel, accommodations and meals for low-income Canadians needing essential medical care far from home, was among the 25 recipients of $25,000 grants last year as part of OpenRoad Foundation's 25 in 25 campaign. Photo courtesy of OpenRoad Foundation.
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OpenRoad Auto’s charitable arm is flexing its muscle.
After awarding $625,000 in grants last year, OpenRoad Foundation is going even bigger in its 2026 Community Giving Program, committing to $750,000 in total community grants to support charitable organizations and grassroots initiatives in British Columbia and Ontario.
As part of the campaign, the foundation said it will distribute $500,000 through a public application process, awarding 20 community grants in two granting cycles, 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,” said OpenRoad Auto CEO Christian Chia, who serves as chairman 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 be open online from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14 for the spring cycle, and June 1 to July 15 for the fall cycle. 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 the metro Vancouver or Greater Toronto area, or Southwestern Ontario.
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Funding decisions, made by the board and advisory committee, will follow OpenRoad Foundation’s three core pillars.
Community: We believe 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.
Education: We support opportunities for academic success and leadership initiatives.
In addition to the public application grants, OpenRoad Foundation is engaging OpenRoad Auto employees through three additional giving programs focused on local impact and strategic partnerships.
Between its two programs, OpenRoad Foundation aims to support more than 30 organizations in the 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,” OpenRoad Foundation manager Shea Studler said. “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.”
As part of the 25 in 25 campaign, $625,000 was awarded to 25 non-profit organizations in Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto in 2025. The foundation also joined with the Panatch Family Foundation to launch the inaugural Seeds of Change fundraiser in August, raising $177,000 for Vancouver Food Runners.
Other initiatives included 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.
