Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CNS Food for Health Foundation?
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) Food for Health Foundation is a registered charitable organization established to advance nutrition science, education, research, and public health in Canada.
The Foundation was created to support initiatives that strengthen the understanding and application of nutrition science through research, education, knowledge sharing, scholarships, awards, and other charitable activities that contribute to the health and well-being of Canadians.
The Foundation currently operates in a stewardship capacity, maintaining its charitable status, governance framework, and assets while exploring opportunities to support future initiatives that align with its charitable purposes.
2. What's the difference between CNS and the Foundation?
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) is a professional organization that brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, trainees, and other professionals with an interest in nutrition science and practice. CNS supports its community through scientific exchange, professional development, networking, and knowledge dissemination.
The CNS Food for Health Foundation is a separate registered charitable organization affiliated with CNS. Its purpose is to support charitable activities that advance nutrition science, education, research, and public health. The Foundation was established to provide a charitable vehicle through which scholarships, awards, educational initiatives, research activities, and other charitable programs may be supported when resources and opportunities permit.
3. How is CNS related to the Foundation?
The Foundation was established by CNS and remains closely affiliated with the Society. While CNS and the Foundation are separate legal entities, they share a common commitment to advancing nutrition science and improving the health of Canadians.
The Foundation reports annually to CNS and maintains close alignment with CNS priorities. The current Foundation Board is composed of members of the CNS Board of Directors, ensuring strong governance, accountability, and strategic alignment between the two organizations.
As opportunities and resources become available, the Foundation may support scholarships, awards, research initiatives, educational programs, knowledge translation activities, and other charitable projects that further its mission.
4. What activities may the Foundation support?
Consistent with its charitable purposes, the Foundation may support:
- Nutrition research and innovation
- Scholarships, bursaries, and student support
- Awards recognizing excellence in nutrition science
- Professional education and continuing learning opportunities
- Knowledge translation and public engagement initiatives
- Public health and nutrition policy activities
- Other charitable projects that advance nutrition science and health in Canada
The Foundation evaluates opportunities based on available resources, partnerships, and strategic priorities.
5. Why is the Foundation being maintained?
The Foundation serves as an important charitable resource for the nutrition community. By maintaining its charitable status, governance structure, and assets, the Foundation preserves the ability to support future charitable initiatives as opportunities arise.
This stewardship approach ensures that the Foundation remains ready to activate programs and initiatives that align with its mission when sufficient resources and capacity become available.
6. How can I support the Foundation?
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the advancement of nutrition science and health in Canada are encouraged to connect with CNS and the Foundation to learn about future opportunities for partnership, philanthropy, and charitable initiatives.
As the Foundation develops new programs and opportunities, information will be shared through CNS communication channels and the Foundation website.
Looking Ahead
The future of nutrition science is filled with opportunity. The CNS Food for Health Foundation exists to help support that future by preserving a charitable platform that can advance research, education, innovation, and public health for the benefit of Canadians.