About Us

Our Mission

The River Philip Foundation believes every individual should have the opportunity to develop to their full potential and lead a healthy, productive life. The Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for individuals within Atlantic Canadian communities by supporting initiatives which help resolve social, economic and civic challenges, and make a tangible difference.

Our History

Established in 2005 by the Bragg Family, the River Philip Foundation provides investment and support to improve the quality of life in rural communities, primarily located in Atlantic Canada.

Since inception, over $59 million has been donated to support education, at risk youth, performing arts, and community-based facilities.

Our Values

Collaboration

The Foundation believes, when and where appropriate, in partnering or collaborating with sector experts as well as other philanthropic foundations and governments to assist with community-based change projects.

Innovative

Social and economic challenges are complex, interrelated issues which affect all communities. Addressing these issues requires innovative new ideas, calculated risk taking, and rigorous on-going assessment. The Foundation welcomes new ideas which have the potential to solve community challenges, and is willing to invest in them accordingly.

Efficiency and Effectiveness

The Foundation is not only committed to using its resources effectively and efficiently, but strongly believes in making investments in organizations that have demonstrated resourcefulness (efficiency) and have a strong record of making a difference (effective) within their communities, or can demonstrate that they have the potential to make a difference in the future.

Respect

In all its interactions, the River Philip Foundation treats individuals, organizations, and ideas with the utmost respect.

Flexibility and learning

As the Foundation and its partners observe what is effective in addressing community and social economic challenges, those learnings will be leveraged to adapt for the future.

Impact

The Foundation wants to ensure that its investments, improve the lives of residents of the communities within which they are invested. As a result, evaluation of outcomes achieved by charities funded is required.

Our Team

Board of Directors

John Bragg

Judith Bragg

Lee Bragg

Matthew Bragg

Carolyn Bragg

Patricia Bragg

Deborah Shaffner

Staff

Jacqueline Ward, Administrator

Special Projects

Floyd Dykeman

To Connect with Us

To connect with the River Philip Foundation:

River Philip Foundation
PO Box 220 4881 Main Street
Oxford, NS B0M 1P0

Telephone:  902-447-2100 ext. 6059
Mobile:  902-669-0158

Jacqueline.Ward@RiverPhilipFoundation.ca

Our Latest News

How Pascal Siakam supports the dreams of fellow Cameroonians attending UNB

June 16, 2025

Erick Mbianda wasn’t planning to attend university this past year because his family in Cameroon…

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The Feasibility of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

June 16, 2025

Through your support, Dr. Martin Sénéchal, Professor with the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University…

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The Role of Sleep Disruption and Stress in Metabolic Dysfunction in Women

June 16, 2025

Through your support, Dr. Erin Mulvihill, Director of the Energy Substrate Metabolism Research Laboratory at…

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Applications Now Open for New Amherst Housing Community

May 27, 2025

Amherst, Nova Scotia – Applications are now open for a new housing community called The Groves at…

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$1.2 Million Invested in Huntington Disease Research

January 20, 2025

Monday, January 20 – The Huntington Society of Canada (HSC), Brain Canada, and the River…

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Transformational Giving: River Philip Foundation gives $2.5 million to Dalhousie medical research projects

October 2, 2024

Faculty of medicine researchers will be able to test the ability of blueberries, exercise and…

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2024 Recipients of the John Bragg Award for Atlantic Canada

September 6, 2024

Three organizations to receive a $50,000 grant for projects that share the stories of inspiring…

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The Wearables Project at the Dartmouth General Hospital

August 12, 2024

Learn more about the Wearables Project in the Dartmouth General Hospital’s Emergency Department. Innovation in…

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Recipient of the River Philip Foundation Journalism Scholarship

December 13, 2023

Knowing as much as they do about the interview process, it’s no surprise that journalists…

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