Our mission is to support and nurture programs, enhancements, research, and innovations at charitable organizations in Nova Scotia that work in the areas of Autism and the Arts, with the aim to foster bridges and intersectionality between the two, for the enrichment of both.
The Foundation’s interests — Autism and the Arts — come from its founders, Joan and Jack Craig.
The Foundation’s objectives are rooted in Joan’s early life. Inspiration comes from her son, Robert (Bob) Craig, and their family’s shared appreciation for performing, visual, and literary arts. As a young woman, Joan’s natural optimism was fed by the transformative power of the Arts. As young mother to her son Bob, who is on the Autism Spectrum, Joan was challenged by the lack of information about autism and a deficit of supports to help her and Bob. Through these experiences, Joan witnessed, and developed interest in, the beneficial relationship between arts and autism.
What we support
Primary Focus
Joan’s leadership as founder of Autism Nova Scotia is recognized through the Craig Foundation, which historically gives the majority of its annual support to Autism Nova Scotia. Additionally, the Foundation has made significant long-term annual commitments to seven core organizations: Catapult Society, Joan and Jack Chair in Autism Research at Dalhousie University, Neptune Theatre, SMILE, Symphony Nova Scotia, Two Planks and Passion Theatre Company, and the National Arts Centre (Music Circle) in Ottawa. The Foundation makes smaller annual gifts to many organizations throughout Nova Scotia, predominantly in the visual and performing arts.
Funding Preferences
The Craig Foundation prefers to fund programs and typically does not consider funding capital assets, building requests, or endowment funds.
Geographic Reach
The primary geographic focus of the Craig Foundation is Nova Scotia. Occasionally, exceptions are considered when innovative ideas within the scope of our mission align with opportunity.
Throughout our work in Autism and the Arts, we aim to model an ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respect. We support organizations, programming and creative expression that reinforce these values for audiences and participants alike. We are committed to encouraging initiatives that count everybody in and leave nobody behind.
How to apply
Priority is given to organizations with whom we have a history of support. However, the Craig Foundation will continue to evolve and to reflect changing needs and opportunities.
Eligibility
Charitable organization status is required. Grants are not made to individuals.
Please send correspondence to:
The Craig Foundation
PO Box 8924 Stn A
Halifax, NS B3K 5M6
Trustees
Adriane Abbott
Scott Burke
Joan Craig, CM
Danny Graham, KC
Edwin Harris, KC
Ian A. Sutherland
ADVISOR
John Roy, FCA
HONORARY TRUSTEE
Robert J. Craig