Wesley Maurice Nicol (1931-2016)

Wes was a successful lawyer, land developer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in Ottawa, Canada. In 1966 he founded Tartan Homes, a housing company that continues to play a central role in the growth of the Ottawa urban area. He established the Wesley M Nicol Foundation ("Foundation") to support charities working to improve the lives of others through community outreach, education, health, and the arts. These areas form the four pillars upon which the Foundation is based. Two distinct grant programs operate under the Foundation and are managed today by his family.

Grant Programs

General Fund

The General Fund supports Canadian-based charities whose activities fall under one or more of foundation's four pillars of support.

Ottawa Community Outreach Fund

The Ottawa Community Outreach Fund supports Ottawa-based charities working with marginalized members of our community through various outreach programs.

Grant Programs

The Wesley M Nicol Foundation does not have an office or a formal application process. Solicitations from registered charities are reviewed, but the Foundation generally operates anonymously and does not respond to solicitations.

General Program

Supports Canadian-based charities whose activities fall under one or more of Foundation's four pillars of support. Twice a year, members of the Foundation meet to decide upon grant allocations. The majority are made anonymously.

Ottawa Community Outreach Program

Supports Ottawa-based charities working with marginalized members of the community. These grants are generally not anonymous. The Foundation will engage and work collaboratively with recipients as appropriate.