The Jack Long Foundation for Community Development is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of affordable housing through community-based planning and engagement. Registered under the business number 862875317RR0001, the foundation operates primarily in Calgary, Alberta, and emphasizes participatory urban development that involves active input from local residents and stakeholders.

History and Background

The foundation honors the legacy of Jack Long (1925–2001), a nationally respected architect, urban planner, and community activist from Calgary. Jack Long was a strong advocate for inclusive, participational planning processes, best encapsulated by his guiding principle, “Every man the planner.” He championed the idea that the proper and most meaningful viewpoint in planning is that of the community itself, insisting that neighborhoods have the right and responsibility to shape their own futures. His work was particularly noted in his home community of Inglewood, where he led neighborhood-driven redevelopment efforts in the late 1960s and 1970s.

After Jack Long’s passing, the foundation was established to preserve and continue his vision by developing low-income and affordable housing projects that engage communities as active stakeholders[2][3].

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Jack Long Foundation is to encourage, support, and facilitate projects and processes that promote social and ethical responsibility, build healthy environments, and foster dynamic and balanced urban communities where all residents can participate and contribute. Central to this mission is the foundation’s unique approach to affordable housing planning, which is deeply community-based and participational.

The foundation’s programs bring together community members, stakeholders, and like-minded organizations to collaboratively identify community needs, objectives, and opportunities related to housing and neighborhood planning. Their process is tailored to involve face-to-face dialogue and grassroots organizing, ensuring that plans reflect the perspectives and aspirations of the community rather than external impositions.

The foundation also assists other nonprofit organizations with community outreach, consultation, and engagement, helping them build vital local relationships necessary for successful housing and community development projects[2][4].

Impact and Volunteerism

The Jack Long Foundation fosters change by empowering communities to create homes with dignity and contribute positively to their neighborhoods. Volunteer involvement is a key component of the foundation’s operations, with volunteers supporting everything from physical home repairs and outdoor projects to event planning and fundraising efforts.

The foundation’s emphasis on collaboration and hands-on participation reflects Jack Long’s enduring belief in the value of community-driven planning and development[3].

Recognition and Registration

The Jack Long Foundation for Community Development is a registered Canadian charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), complying fully with the regulatory requirements set for charitable organizations in Canada. Its charitable registration number is 862875317RR0001[4][5].

In summary, the Jack Long Foundation for Community Development serves as a catalyst for community-led affordable housing initiatives, grounded in the principles of participatory urban planning championed by its namesake, Jack Long. Through its inclusive processes and programs, it continues to shape healthy, equitable neighborhoods in Calgary and beyond.