Ontario philanthropist John McCutcheon pledges $20 million to launch Canada Freshwater Challenge Fund

The donation, to be distributed among seven charities, marks a historic commitment to protecting vital water resources.

Nature lover and philanthropist John McCutcheon will leave an enduring legacy for freshwater conservation in Canada, with a bequest gift of $20 million to be distributed to seven organizations. Announced on National Philanthropy Day, it will be the largest private donation by an individual to freshwater conservation in Canada’s history.

The donation will be used to create the Canada Freshwater Challenge Fund and shine a spotlight on the urgency of conserving our nation’s freshwater resources.

The health of all living beings, our food systems and our economies depend on an abundance of clean and accessible water. However, the supply of fresh water is finite. With some of the most abundant reservoirs of freshwater in the world, Canada must protect and care for this limited resource. Our waters face many threats, including climate change, causing rising temperatures and disruptions to water cycles; destruction of aquatic habitats; loss of biodiversity; contamination; and more.

But with careful conservation and stewardship, there is hope.
By working together, we have the power to affect change on a global scale. The Canada Freshwater Challenge Fund will support environmental charities that have different strengths — including data collection, education and conservation — all of which contribute to the protection of one of the planet’s most important resources.

Thanks to John’s generous gift, these charities will continue to find ways to protect and restore our country’s freshwater resources.

The Canada Freshwater Challenge Fund will be distributed across seven organizations: the Nature Conservancy of Canada, World Wildlife Fund-Canada, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, DataStream, Ontario Water Centre/ClearWater Farm and the International Institute for Sustainable Development — Experimental Lakes Area. Through different activities and missions, each group protects and cares for freshwater in Canada.

“We are reminded of the importance of freshwater, this essential ingredient of life, every time we turn on a tap, pour a glass of water, wash our clothes, pass a sparkling lake or swift running stream. Without freshwater for humanity and our natural world, what do we have? It's up to each of us to appreciate how vulnerable we are by becoming knowledgeable about the freshwater resources on which our communities depend and doing what we can to protect and care for them.” — John McCutcheon

“John McCutcheon's generosity recognizes that Canada can lead in global freshwater conservation. With John’s visionary support, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCS Canada) will continue to generate key science and take action to protect wetlands and conserve freshwater, including in partnership with Indigenous communities. By conserving freshwater ecosystems and safeguarding wetlands we can ensure that these vital environments continue to support biodiversity, sustain communities and contribute to global climate resilience.” — Justina Ray, PhD, President and Senior Scientist, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Other quotes

“With this gift, John is making a powerful statement about the role that individuals can play in protecting the natural world that underpins our way of life. With his help, the Nature Conservancy of Canada will protect and restore even more critical wetlands that help to filter our drinking water and prevent flooding. His is a gift that will impact communities for generations to come.” — Dana Kleniewski, Regional Vice President — Ontario Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada

“This remarkable bequest is a significant milestone for freshwater conservation in Canada. It not only enables vital research and restoration work, but also strengthens our commitment to protecting the lifeblood of our ecosystems and communities. With this support, we are poised to tackle the pressing challenges facing our lakes, rivers and wetlands, ensuring they are safeguarded for the future.” — Elizabeth Hendriks, Vice-President of Restoration & Regeneration, WWF-Canada

"A lifelong philanthropist, John’s commitment to supporting the environment continues to benefit both people and wildlife across Canada. Donors like John allow our organization to protect vulnerable habitat throughout the moraine. His work has helped ensure the conservation of freshwater resources and allowed for greater resiliency against the effects of climate change. Through his generous spirit, John provides a model for all of us to do more to support the ecosystems and communities around us." — Susan Walmer, CEO, CPA, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust

“In making this gift and bringing these organizations together, John is showing the leadership we need to safeguard our freshwater. With this funding, DataStream will improve access to water data to help protect the lakes, rivers, and streams we all rely on.” — Katherine Balpataky, Executive Director, DataStream

“The breadth and diversity of John’s legacy gift is thoughtful and impactful. By including the Ontario Water Centre educational charity in his mix, he is directly involving and inspiring young people through hands-on learning in nature at ClearWater Farm, and at home through our new multi-platform Future Chicken animated ecotainment initiative that uses humour and fun to involve kids in climate action. — Annabel Slaight, CM, O.Ont., Founding Chair, Ontario Water Centre

“John McCutcheon’s unprecedented gift to the future of Canada’s invaluable freshwater supplies is nothing short of visionary. IISD Experimental Lakes Area, the world’s freshwater laboratory, based right here in Canada, will use this incredibly generous gift to build our future, but also to build Northern Ontario’s first Centre for Climate Change Learning — a focal point for climate education and community building in the region to inspire young Canadians and generations to come.” — Pauline Gerrard, Executive Director, IISD Experimental Lakes Area