Fondation Jean-Charles Bonenfant
The Fondation Jean-Charles Bonenfant is a Canadian nonprofit organization (Registration Number: 118923481RR0001) dedicated to fostering public understanding of political and parliamentary institutions in Québec. Established in 1978, it promotes democratic engagement through educational programs, scholarships, and collaborations with governmental and civil society partners.

Mission and Objectives

The foundation’s mission centers on advancing knowledge of parliamentary democracy by supporting research, educational initiatives, and public participation. Key objectives include:

• Democracy education: Offering programs to help citizens understand Québec’s parliamentary system[1][3].
• Scholarships: Providing financial support to undergraduates conducting research related to political institutions, including annual $1,000 awards for projects promoting democratic values[1][4].
• Public engagement: Collaborating with the National Assembly of Québec to host educational activities such as conferences, exhibitions, and workshops[5][3].

History and Partnerships

Founded to honor Jean-Charles Bonenfant, a prominent figure in Québec’s parliamentary scholarship, the organization has expanded its influence through partnerships, including a collaboration with Caisse Desjardins de l'Administration et des Services publics since 2023[1]. International engagements, such as a 2024 meeting with South Africa’s FW de Klerk Foundation, highlight its commitment to global democratic discourse[2].

Programs and Impact

The foundation’s initiatives prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, targeting diverse demographics through tailored activities. Key projects include:

• Research grants: Supporting academic work on parliamentary governance[1][4].
• Youth outreach: Designing programs to educate younger generations about political participation[3].
• Public events: Partnering with the National Assembly to host cultural and educational programming at Québec’s parliamentary buildings[5].

Values

Guiding principles include education (prioritizing democratic literacy), commitment (collaborative partnerships), accessibility (removing barriers to participation), and openness (embracing diverse perspectives)[1][3].