From left to right: standing in the back, Janaina Carla Da Silva, André Couillard, Martin Caron, May Faraj, Martin Bourassa; seated in front, Maya Raic, Jean-François Côté, Marie-Bénédicte Pretty.
Photo: Thierry du Bois
Thirty million dollars raised between November 2021 and April 2026, five million more than the original goal: the IRCM Foundation’s Driven by Life Capital Campaign, has been a resounding success for research that leads to cures.
“A capital campaign always requires a great deal of work. It is about building lasting relationships. It is about succeeding in reaching people and businesses on a level that truly matters to them. We were fortunate to have outstanding business partners by our side, and their commitment enabled us to surpass our expectations,” said André Couillard, outgoing Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“The current environment is challenging for research funding; resources are scarce, raising concerns about stagnation or even setbacks in biomedical advances addressing complex diseases and pandemics, among other threats. The success of this campaign is therefore even more remarkable and essential to continue the invaluable work being carried out in innovative laboratories. We are deeply grateful to all our donors, whose support breathes life into our sustained efforts,” added Dr. Jean-François Côté, President and Scientific Director of the IRCM.
Reaching the Target and Surpassing the Goal
With strong support from donors, the IRCM Foundation not only met its initial target but exceeded it by 20%. The funds raised will be invested specifically to advance research progress.
Examples of projects made possible by the campaign:
- Major support from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation for Dr. Emilia Liana Falcone’s work on long COVID.
- Significant contributions from the Œuvres du Dr Depaties and the Pillenière Foundation supporting Dr. Michel Cayouette’s research on degenerative retinal diseases that can lead to blindness.
- Support from the Lazaridis Family Foundation for Dr. Michel Chrétien’s research on the antiviral properties of isoquercetin.
- Funding from the Doggone Foundation for Dr. Artur Kania’s work on chronic pain.
- A contribution from Guillevin International leading to the creation of a research chair in cancer.
- A strong commitment to the next generation of researchers through student training, scholarship programs, and scientific activities, with support from National Bank and BMO Financial Group, among others.
The campaign not only funded major scientific projects but also helped to sustainably strengthen the research ecosystem by reinforcing collaboration, training, and innovation. Key achievements include:
- The creation of the IRCM Sidney Altman RNA Therapeutic Hub, with the support of the Hewitt Foundation, the Molson Foundation, and the Bellini Foundation.
- The establishment of the Mila and Brian Mulroney Philanthropic Chair in Diabetes at the IRCM, the result of collective efforts to ensure lasting support for research.
The Journey Continues: A Call to Action
The IRCM Foundation warmly thanks all its donors, volunteers, and partners whose commitment makes bold, human-centered, and forward-looking research possible.
“Building on this momentum, we will continue our efforts to mobilize new allies and expand our impact. Join us and become part of the IRCM Foundation’s philanthropic legacy,” says Maya Raic, Board Member and Chair of the Ad Hoc Major Donations Committee.
Partners remain firmly committed. “Research needs strong allies. Our society needs institutions capable of investing in what truly matters,” noted Martin Caron of National Bank.
“The major impact of the funds raised by the Foundation is to serve as a financial leverage and to foster collaboration within the research community through partnerships that allow us to act more quickly and bring the laboratory closer to patients,” emphasized Martin Bourassa, President of the IRCM Foundation.
Let’s continue to mobilize to advance health.
