Inspiring Potential

Transforming Communities

The James A. Burton & Family Foundation exists to strengthen communities through bold, disciplined, and purpose-driven investments.

Two children in front of an open car trunk filled with boxes of food, each holding a sign that says "Food Drive - Non-perishable items needed." The signs also display the "Food4Kids" logo. The scene is set in a parking lot on a rainy day.
Panel discussion with four people seated on stage, large screen behind them displays text: "One BOLD statement on... 'How might the future of our community benefit from our actions today?'"
Theatrical performance with actors in vintage costumes dancing on stage with cute wooden carts as props.
Smiling woman being photographed by a person holding a smartphone at a gathering or event.
A smiling teenage boy with dark hair wearing an orange shirt is sitting in a theater, leaning on an adult, surrounded by other people, mostly children and teenagers, seated in rows of theater seats.
Group of children sitting on grass in a park, some making heart shapes with their hands, participating in an outdoor event with a speaker or performer in the background.
Four people performing on a dark stage, with three of them raising their fists in the air, dressed in oversized brown and gray clothing.

Who We Are

The James A. Burton & Family Foundation is more than a grantmaking body—its purpose is to be a catalytic organization that partners with communities to create social value, solve complex problems, and activate transformation.  

A commitment to courageous collaboration, experiential learning, and disciplined leadership drives our work. We seek to ignite systemic change through projects that are grounded in place, empowered by purpose, and driven by the highest standards of competence and integrity.  

JABFF is more than a funder. We are a catalyst for change, working alongside communities to create a lasting impact. 

A group of people dressed in winter clothing, standing in a snowy park with leafless trees. They are observing two statues on pedestals, covered with snow, and a metal arch structure. The ground and trees are covered in snow, creating a winter landscape.
A classroom setting with a group of adults seated around tables, listening to a speaker standing near a whiteboard and a wall-mounted screen. The screen displays a presentation about "Project Based Learning." Notes and charts are visible on the walls.

Our Vision and Mission

A misty forest trail with wooden steps leading through lush greenery and trees.

To inspire communities to achieve their highest potential by cultivating innovative, inclusive, and courageous initiatives and leadership, creating a legacy defined by purpose, possibility, and sustainability for future generations. 

JABFF supports bold, community-rooted initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, develop competent leadership, empower the next generation, and build sustainable systems of wellbeing through philanthropy, collaboration, and creative engagement.

Our Guiding Values

Competence with Compassion: High performance and lived empathy drive all decisions. 

Legacy Through Action: Giving is a philosophy, not a transaction. 

Collaboration Over Control: We lead by aligning strengths, not dominating agendas. 

Courage and Calculated Risk: We support bold ideas when grounded in evidence and informed by leadership. 

Community-Building: We honour and integrate our history, heritage, culture, and Indigenous reconciliation as foundational elements in strengthening communities.  

Innovative, Place-based Learning: We partner with communities and local champions to promote novel educational programs in the arts and the environment, all grounded in lived experience. 

Two people smiling outdoors; one wears a t-shirt with text and holds a colorful cupcake, and the other wears a bright red shirt.
Three people standing beside a van with "The Lighthouse Outreach" logo.
Wooden boardwalk in a forested area with lush green trees and hills in the background.