Our Mission

The Richard and Shelley Baker Family Foundation supports initiatives that uphold human dignity and strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Through thoughtful philanthropy, we invest in work that promotes stability, opportunity, and hope.

Our giving is guided by a commitment to human dignity, strong families, compassionate and ethical healthcare, education, housing, and social justice.

We support organizations that help individuals and families build healthier, more self-sufficient lives.

Youth & Family Well-Being

Supporting programs that protect children, stabilize families, and foster healthy development at every stage of life.

Education & Opportunity

Investing in access to learning and skills that open doors for individuals and communities facing barriers.

Healthcare & Healing

Advancing compassionate, ethical, and life-affirming care for patients, families, and those facing serious illness.

Housing & Stability

Funding initiatives that provide safe, stable housing as a foundation for well-being and self-sufficiency.

Intergenerational Legacy

Cultivating a shared sense of responsibility, generosity, and service by involving family members in philanthropy and stewardship across generations.

Community Support

Partnering with organizations that address inequality and build stronger, more equitable communities.

Our Story

Our Beginnings

The Richard and Shelley Baker Family Foundation was established in 2003 and reflects the shared values and long-standing philanthropic priorities of its founders. From the outset, the Foundation’s giving has focused on supporting individuals and families facing vulnerability, with an emphasis on dignity, care, and opportunity.

While Shelley guided much of the Foundation’s early giving, Rick was a committed partner in shaping its direction and supporting its work. Over time, the Foundation’s priorities evolved through lived experience, thoughtful discernment, and a deep commitment to service.

It's Personal for Us

The Foundation’s emphasis on healthcare was later deepened through Rick’s experience with pancreatic cancer and the personal decision by Rick and Shelley Baker to support the establishment of the Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at London Health Sciences Centre.

While this contribution was made personally and not through the Foundation, the experience continues to inform the Foundation’s values and philanthropic discernment, reinforcing its commitment to compassionate, ethical, and life-affirming care.

The Purpose

A central purpose of the Foundation is to pass on a legacy of thoughtful and values-driven giving to future generations.

By involving family members in philanthropy and stewardship, the Foundation seeks to cultivate a shared sense of responsibility, generosity, and service—ensuring that its mission and values endure over time.

Baker Family Foundation Community Approach

Our Approach

The Richard and Shelley Baker Family Foundation believes that thoughtful philanthropy requires clarity of values, careful stewardship, and a commitment to long-term impact.

Our giving is shaped by lived experience and guided by principles that place human dignity at the center of every decision.

We approach grant-making as a responsibility grounded in relationship and trust. In evaluating requests, we consider alignment with our values, respect for human dignity, and the potential for meaningful and sustained impact.

Our goal is to partner with organizations whose work strengthens communities and restores hope.

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Dignity. Generosity. Enduring Impact.