About Research and Education Foundation

Imagine the possibilities – Did you know that more than 200 awards, grants and scholarships in family medicine were awarded by the Research and Education Foundation (REF) last year? Donations to the REF support research and continuing education initiatives of family physicians, clinicians, researchers, teachers, medical students, and family medicine residents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Research and Education Foundation (REF)?: The Research and Education Foundation of the College of Family Physicians of Canada replaces the Sustaining Fund of the College. The Foundation is a registered charitable organization (business number 88828 8669 RR001) which raises money to support family medicine research and education in Canada.
2. How is the REF governed?: The Research and Education Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 10 directors and four officers. Of the 10 directors, five are family physicians and two are non-physicians. The REF board endeavours to have national representation. The board is legally and financially accountable for the activities of the REF.
3. What is the mission of the REF?: The REF of the College of Family Physicians of Canada is dedicated to raising funds to recognize and support current and future family doctors in their pursuit of the best health for the population.
4. Who will be asked to support the REF?: The REF will draw its support from CFPC members, non-members with an interest in family medicine, corporations and foundations. In order for the REF to be a credible organization when promoting the need for family medicine research and education, CFPC membership support is critical to the REF's future success in soliciting funds from outside the College.
5. How will new awards and grants be decided?: The REF is responsible for raising funds. The Honours and Awards (H & A) Committee of the CFPC is the body charged with the responsibility of reviewing and recommending new award and project proposals to the CFPC Executive Committee, as well as selecting the award recipients.
6. Can proposals for new awards or projects be directed to the REF?: Proposals for new awards or projects should be directed by email to the Honours and Awards (H & A) Committee.
7. How can I make my donation?: Donations can be made by cash, cheque, as well as any major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Cheques should be made payable to the Research and Education Foundation.
8. How will my donation be used?: Donations to the REF will be used to fund family medicine research and education projects. Donations can be further designated into one (or a combination of) the following areas:
Research Activities supports family medicine research projects and activities, including The Janus Project - Family Physicians Meeting the Needs of Tomorrow's Society.
Physician Education supports undergraduate and postgraduate training and educational opportunities in family medicine through the CFPC Honours and Awards Program.
Practice Management supports projects that will improve management techniques in family physicians' offices - especially involving the development of computers in family medicine.
Patient Education supports initiatives aimed at raising awareness of our patients so that they may take steps to improve their own health.
General Fund supports all of the current projects of the Research and Education Foundation and will be applied to the areas of greatest funding need in a given year, including the CFPC's Child Health initiatives.
9. Can I make a planned gift?: Planned gifts to the REF can be made through bequests, life insurance policies or annuities. For more information about planned giving and the REF please contact our Development Manager, Research and Education Foundation at:
2630 Skymark Ave.
Mississauga, ON L4W 5A4
(905) 629-0900 or 1-800-387-6197
10. How will my donation be acknowledged?: Donations to the REF will be acknowledged (depending on donor category) by letter, in Candian Family Physician (CFP), in the REF newsletter, and in the REF Annual Report. Those who wish to make anonymous donations will be respected.