About us

Denā (देना):—(v) to give; to grant; to confer, to bestow; to entrust, to assign; to yield, to surrender

The Dena Foundation was created as a means to serve the growing Indo-Canadian population. What first began as a small community in the major centres in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Edmonton, we are now one of the largest minority groups in Canada with a population nearing 2,000,000 in 2024.

Charity within the community began as a donation to the local religious institution, a temple, a masjid, a gurdwara, a church, as an opportunity to a meeting spot with those who share the same culture, values and history. Countless numbers of the "Houses of God" have been built.

It was initially believed that the religious institutions would remain a home to the community, in some ways, it has, but in others, there is much more required.

The Indo-Canadian community has grown, and with it, the needs of the community has also grown. From medical health to mental health, growing safe food to having food in our kitchens, from educating our families to educating the community, and the most important - credibility and transparency in all of the services that are required.

The Dena Foundation offers clientele to create a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), which can be used in a multitude of ways. A family based donation fund, a group raising funds for a specific cause, a corporate philanthropic endeavour, or as a part of your estate and trust planning. Our team can put together a customized plan for you, and action it on your behalf. We can work with you, your family, your accountant, your financial planners, your lawyers, and even your estate.

We are here to help you to achieve your philanthropic journey, with an understanding of your life experiences, using our collective experiences in Canada.