A Commitment to Canadian Potential
As Canadians, our ambitions define us — who we are and what we do. It’s time to show the world where that ambition can take us.
The Realize Ambition initiative is focused on activating Canadians. Over the past thirteen years, the Rideau Hall Foundation has prepared for this moment through:
- Visionary leadership that sets a bold direction,
- National programs that have engaged thousands of Canadians, and
- A network of partnerships that extends the Foundation’s impact across the country.
Today, we are calling on all Canadians to dream big — to take action and shape Canada’s future together.
Imagine a Canada where young people are equipped to realize their ambitions.
Where youth from all backgrounds are supported to pursue education, skills development, and meaningful employment.
Where innovation drives national prosperity and resilience.
Where Canadians are united through community and shared values.
Our Story So Far
The work of the Rideau Hall Foundation is long-term and enduring. It began with the vision of the RHF’s founder, the Right Honourable David Johnston.
The founding purpose of the Rideau Hall Foundation holds as true today as it did over a decade ago: mobilizing ideas, people, and resources across the country to tap into our national spirit and to help realize our shared ambition.
Since 2012, the RHF has delivered real results to hundreds of thousands of Canadians.
Today, we are seeking to accelerate the nation-building work that has taken root, while growing the RHF legacy endowment to $50M in honour of David Johnston’s legacy of service to Canada. Doing so will ensure the RHF is permanently secured to benefit all Canadians, and that our expanding program capacity is supported far into the future.
The Legacy
“Throughout my lifetime, I have often talked about the importance of building a smarter, more caring Canada. Through the Rideau Hall Foundation, we are seeing that vision take shape across the country. By using trust and empathy as our guideposts, we are creating the conditions where, as Canadians, we can fully realize our shared potential.”
The Right Honourable David Johnston
28th Governor General of Canada
Founder and Chair Emeritus of the Rideau Hall Foundation
What’s Next
“We are ambitious for Canada—how we engage with the world, how we connect with one another, and how we define ourselves as Canadians. Realize Ambition is the Rideau Hall Foundation’s $150 million campaign to accelerate our collective ambition—to connect and empower people, causes, and organizations who share a common belief in, and commitment to, a better Canada for all. Together we can narrow the gap between what is and what might be.”
J. ROBERT S. PRICHARD
Chair, Rideau Hall Foundation
“Now is the time to commit to excellence and innovation in everything we do for Canadians. Let’s create a Canada where dreamers, doers, and problem-solvers can realize their ambitions — for themselves and for the country. I look forward with excitement to what we can accomplish together, through the nation-building reach, commitment, and talent of the Rideau Hall Foundation’s team. With you as our partners, we will focus on the transformational — creating ripples of change and opportunity for all.”
TERESA MARQUES
President and CEO, Rideau Hall Foundation
The Realize Ambition campaign is grounded in the RHF’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, Creating Opportunities, Connecting Communities, and will accelerate these priorities to support a better Canada.
A Campaign Advisory Council — composed of Canadians who share the Foundation’s values and vision — will help bring this mission to life and ignite the shared potential of Canadians.
CONTACT US AT ambition@rhf-frh.ca
Teresa Marques
President and CEO
Rideau Hall Foundation
teresa.marques@rhf-frh.ca
James Price
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Rideau Hall Foundation
james.price@rhf-frh.ca
Charles McCulloch
Director, National Philanthropy and Partnerships
Rideau Hall Foundation
charles.mcculloch@rhf-frh.ca
View our Case for Support, an overview of the vision, goals, and impact of the Realize Ambition campaign.