Giving

Advancement

Bridging the aspirations of our creative community with the resources needed to realize them.

The Advancement Office is responsible for fundraising and creating meaningful connections to advance the mission of the University. We foster lifelong relationships with donors, organizations, alums, parents and friends to strengthen engagement and cultivate a culture of philanthropy to drive forward the transformative work happening on campus. Our team works closely with faculties, departments and stakeholders of the University to collaborate on groundbreaking initiatives and bring positive change. Together, with the support of our donors, we are shaping the future of creativity and education, one meaningful contribution at a time.

Donor impact stories

Meet George and Martha Butterfield: Cultivating Creativity and Community at OCAD University

George and Martha Butterfield have generously donated over $1.1 million to OCAD U. In the year 2000, after a transformative gift towards the Ideas Need Space Campaign, Butterfield Park was named in their honour. Their recent gift of $500,000 played a pivotal role in kicking off the Butterfield Park Revitalization campaign. This significant contribution underscores their dedication to creating vibrant and sustainable spaces for creativity, learning and community engagement.

28 October, 2024

OCAD U grads provide $50,000 gift to encourage students to build tech companies with purpose

Tackling employee burnout may have not been on the minds of CG Chen and Geordie Graham when they were students, but the OCAD University graduates saw a need and it was timely, especially during the pandemic.

16 September, 2021

Butterfield Park revitalization project launches in late July

OCAD University is proud to announce the completion of the Butterfield Park revitalization fundraising campaign, raising over $1.7 million towards the project.

4 July, 2024

From alum to benefactor: Pixie Shaw funds new project connecting students with established artists

Lady Elizabeth (Pixie) Mudge Massey Shaw, a cherished alum of the Ontario College of Art (OCA, now OCAD University), has made a lasting impact both as an artist

28 October, 2024

$10K gift from Mejuri supports jewelry students

OCAD U is among five post-secondary North American institutions selected – and the only university in Canada – to receive the Mejuri Design Excellence Awar

5 November, 2024

Meet Rosalie and Isadore Sharp: Shaping the Future of Art and Design

Rosalie and Isadore Sharp's transformative philanthropy, with gifts totalling nearly $9 million, has left an indelible mark on OCAD University. As OCAD U’s largest donor to date, their unparalleled generosity has reshaped the campus, prominently establishing the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design and the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion. These iconic structures have not only enhanced the University's architectural landscape but also solidified OCAD U's position as a global beacon of creativity and innovation.

29 October, 2024

Introducing new peer-led mental health program funded by the McCall MacBain Foundation

OCAD University is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to prioritize student mental health and well-being.

25 April, 2024

Areas of Support

Your support empowers OCAD U students, researchers and faculty to bring to life innovative, industry-leading art and design work and services.

When making a donation to OCAD U, you can direct your gift to a priority area of your choice or to a specific fund like OCAD U's Greatest Needs Fund.

Learn about key areas of support

Stay Connected

Visit us

For any donors or prospective donors interested in learning about our campus, please contact us for more information or to schedule a tour.

Ways to Give

From one-time, monthly, or annual contributions to endowments and corporate sponsorships, there are many ways you can support OCAD U.

Donate today

Canada's Oldest and Largest

OCAD U is Canada's oldest, largest and leading art and design university, located in downtown Toronto since 1876.

OCAD U is more than a traditional university. We are a major cultural force and city-builder. Our Cultural Policy Hub, Global Centre for Climate Action and the renowned Inclusive Design Research Centre are at the forefront of innovation. We host an annual graduate exhibition which is the largest free art and design show in Canada, and are at the heart of bringing art and design to our city and beyond.

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