The TCF began in 1988 when a group of Torontonians in business, teaching and academia came together to consider ways in helping alleviate poverty and need in Calcutta. We comprise an international executive (board of directors) in Toronto, with supporting members-at-large, and a management board in Calcutta.

All our organizing and fund raising in Toronto, and some in Calcutta, is done by volunteers. The international executive has no paid staff and these officers absorb the almost all regular administrative costs in Canada. Thus, practically all the money raised in Canada goes directly to the Calcutta board.

Funds are raised in Toronto through local events, an annual mail request, and the employees’ charitable funds of several large corporations and banks, such as Suncor, Ontario Hydro and The Royal Bank. We co-operate with other organizations (such as Toronto Sanskriti Sangstha) and have managed joint events with, for instance, Results Canada and Gems of Hope.

Each year several members from Toronto spend some time in Calcutta on project development and programme review.

The Toronto-Calcutta Foundation is registered with the Canadian government as a charity and participates in Canada’s annual “United Way” community fund-raising appeal. The TCA is registered in India to receive foreign funds and under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act.

...more history