Estonian-Canadians have established many charities and foundations that directly benefit our community. The reasons for charitable giving are obvious – support your community, be part of something bigger, join a cause, feel better about yourself and get a tax deduction from the government. Based on the latest 2016 data available from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Estonian-Canadian charities in Canada collected approx. $808K in charitable donations and funded over $6 million in charitable programs. The amount of receipted donations is considerably lower compared to 2015 (from $1.6 million down to $808K), while the charitable spending has remained stable. However, large majority (76%) of this is spent by the Estonian Relief Committee in Canada that operates Ehatare retirement home in Scarborough with significant government funding.
It is important to note that due to the different accounting practices and funding restrictions set by CRA, the numbers below do not tell the full story. This is especially true for charities and foundations which own significant real estate (book value vs market value), fund community programs that can't be classified as charitable activities or receive significant government funding. Year-to-year revenue and donations numbers also vary depending on whether significant bequests have been received for the year. It is recommended to contact the charity directly to get more information.
As of 2016, there was a total of 21 Estonian-related charities and foundations in Canada. In order to encourage community donations and to provide some transparency to their operations, the following overview provides some background information.
All the data in Spreadsheet
Top 5 by revenue Estonian Relief Committee In Canada - $4,733,207 Estonian Foundation Of Canada - $758,898 Estonian Studies Centre - $446,559 St. Peter's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Of Toronto - $284,446 Estonian Baptist Church Of Toronto - $120,705
Top 5 by receipted donations Estonian Studies Centre - $220,956 St. Peter's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Of Toronto - $141,803 Estonian Baptist Church Of Toronto - $114,428 Estonian Foundation Of Canada - $94,049 Estonian Relief Committee In Canada - $51,389
Top 5 By Charitable Programs Estonian Relief Committee In Canada - $4,643,960 St. Peter's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Of Toronto - $353,693 Estonian Studies Centre - $213,985 Estonian Foundation Of Canada - $209,015 St Peter's Estonian Evangelical Church In Vancouver - $178,418
Top 5 By Net Assets Estonian Church Foundation - $6,509,506 Ehatare Foundation - $3,232,816 Estonian Foundation Of Canada - $3,100,846 Estonian Relief Committee In Canada - $3,017,438 St. Andrews Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation In Toronto - $2,185,005
In alphabetical order
CHAIR OF ESTONIAN STUDIES FOUNDATION Established: 1984 Contact: 416-250-7003 Ongoing programs: The primary purpose of the charity is to maintain a Chair of Estonian Studies at the University of Toronto and to receive and maintain funds for the endowment of such Chair. Directors: Peeter Einola, Olev Trass, Kaja Telmet, Tonis Laar, Juri Daniel, Laas Leivat, Jaan Meri, Merike Remmel, Anita Saar, Tarmo Remmel
CHAIR OF ESTONIAN STUDIES FOUNDATION
Revenue: $22,270 Total Expenses: $26,564 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $26,064 Total Assets: $16,969 Total Liabilities: $38,655
DEANERY OF THE ESTONIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CANADA Established: 1996 Contact: 416-484-0471 Ongoing programs: support to Estonian Lutheran congregations in Canada to carry out mission work and outreach. We also provide charitable donations to the Lutheran Church in Estonia for the restoration of church buildings. Directors: Mart Salumae, Leena M. Liivet
Revenue: $21,954 Total Expenses: $19,769 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $14,414 Total Assets: $35,897 Total Liabilities: $1,100
Ehatare Foundation Established: 2010 Contact: - Ongoing programs: To establish, operate and maintain a seniors' retirement residence and nursing home, including by providing programs and/or services for personal care, nursing, housekeeping, meals, shopping assistance, recreation, education and social integration. Directors: Raul Pumber, Raimond Kurba, Marju Saagi
Revenue: $64,185 Receipted: $0 Total Expenses: $2,599 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: n/a Total Assets: $3,235,658 Total Liabilities: $2,842
ESTONIAN ARTS CENTRE Established: 1975 Contact:www.estarts.ca Ongoing programs: Maintenance of charity's archive & art collection Promotion of Estonian music - concerts Directors: Viljar Weimann, Charles Kipper, Avo Kittask, Evi Vahtra
Revenue: $7,043 Total Expenses: $10,697 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: n/a Total Assets: $192,813 Total Liabilities: $192,813
ESTONIAN BAPTIST CHURCH OF TORONTO Established: 1982 Contact: 416-282-3419 Ongoing programs: The primary purpose of the Estonian Baptist Church of Toronto is to proclaim & teach Christian doctrine, to promote a Christian lifestyle to members of the congregation and adherents in accordance with the teachings of the holy bible. We also organize and hold religious services, Christian education programs, activities and youth work. We teach and perform sacred music, direct and perform welfare & relief activities both in Canada and abroad, regular weekly services and meetings are held in the church facility as well as in nursing & seniors homes. Directors: CHARLES KIPPER, ERWIN PAIVEL, JURI PUUSAAG, KALJO SULD, MARIKA WILBIKS, PAUL WILBIKS
Revenue: $120,705 Total Expenses: $136,345 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $22,085 Total Assets: $821,879 Total Liabilities: $821,879
ESTONIAN CHURCH FOUNDATION Established: 1967 Contact: 778-229-6574 Ongoing programs: We operate and maintain a church facility that serves two Estonian congregations and also serves as a community centre and a library Directors: OLEV RUMM, ENNO PAAT, KULLIKE KOVAMEES, MARI KAUL-RAHIMAN, VELLO PUSS, EDDA DAVIS, THOMAS PAJUR, ALAR SUURKASK, MARJE SUURKASK, VALVE KAUL, PAUL KOVAMEES, KAERMA ALGUR
Revenue: $18,720 Total Expenses: $56,744 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $55,926 Total Assets: $6,509,566 Total Liabilities: n/a
ESTONIAN ECUMENICAL RELIEF ORGANIZATION Established: 1990 Contact: 416-528-5399 Ongoing programs: Medical Projects, Student Scholarships Directors: Mari-Ann TAMMARK, Toomas MERILO, Mart PIKKOV, Laas LEIVAT, Avo KITTASK, Aarne LUIK
Revenue: $16,609 Total Expenses: $3,944 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $2,118 Total Assets: n/a Total Liabilities: n/a
Estonian Foundation of Canada Established: 1974 Contact:www.estonianfoundation.ca Ongoing programs: EFC provides and supports Estonian cultural and heritage programs across Canada. This includes advancing education through language, history and cultural programs, and scholarships; increasing the public's understanding and appreciation of the arts; promoting the public's understanding and appreciation of Canada's multicultural community by supporting the heritage and history of Estonians in Canada. Directors: Eva Varangu, Mihkel Holmberg, Peeter Poldre, Toomas Kutti, Lia Hess, Katrin Roop, Eevi Novek, Elli Kipper, Martin Weiler
Revenue: $758,898 Total Expenses: $435,810 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $209,015 Total Assets: $3,884,128 Total Liabilities: $783,282
ESTONIAN RELIEF COMMITTEE IN CANADA Established: 1980 Contact: 416-528-5399 Ongoing programs: Estonian Relief Committee in Canada (ERC), is a Canada wide Estonian aid organization. Its objectives are to draw together Estonians and their organizations in Canada to provide aid for the benefit of the Estonian community, give or organize aid to needy Estonians, and to establish and maintain or support children s summer camps, nursing and retirement homes and other social services and community organization. Directors: Raul Pumber, Marju Saagi, Marja Soots, Marika Sepp, Allan Eistrat, Ulo Lindstrom, Kairi Hemingway, Paul Wilbiks, Raimond Kurba
Revenue: $4,733,207 Total Expenses: $4,690,132 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $4,643,960 Total Assets: $3,578,947 Total Liabilities: $561,509
ESTONIAN SCOUTS AND GUIDES IN CANADA Established: 1986 Contact: Ongoing programs: 1.Regular activities of Scouts and Guides (Meetings, competitions, training programs.) 2.Summer champs and Jamborees 3.Maintaining Camp facility 4.Purchase supplies and equipment for activities. Directors: Enno Agur, Ingrid Kutt, Ivar Nippak, Tiiu Remmel, Toomas Kutti, Tiina Tamm, Lydia E Van der Veen, Aleks Kivi
Revenue: $84,544 Total Expenses: $118,076 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $117,033 Total Assets: $569,794 Total Liabilities: $9,479
Estonian Studies Centre Established: 2010 Contact: 416-925-9405 Ongoing programs: To promote programs, facilities and endeavours related to Estonian studies in Canada. Directors: Anne Agur, Kadi Kais, Jaan Kruus, Asta Lokk, Jaan Meri, Anne Osso, Norman Reintamm, Merike Remmel, Kaja Telmet.
Revenue: $446,559 Total Expenses: $241,939 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $213,985 Total Assets: $740,529 Total Liabilities: $34,945
ESTONIAN UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH OF VANCOUVER Established: 1967 Contact: 604-541-9853 Ongoing programs: 1) Retain a place of worship for the congregation 2) Support missionary organizations & evangelism. 3) Social outreach, religious fellowship & auxiliary organizations. Directors: Peter Lepik, Anne Lepik, Villi Vink, Andres Kirves, Thomas Kirves, Tiiu Jaager, Hugo Liiva
Revenue: $14,364 Total Expenses: $100,377 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $98,877 Total Assets: $459,157 Total Liabilities: n/a
FIRST ESTONIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION IN HAMILTON Established: 1967 Contact: - Ongoing programs: Serving the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Community in Hamilton and surrounding area as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada Directors: Jaan Pallop, Evy Beraldo, Marion Code, Leena Jaanimagi, Toomas Eichenbaum, Tiina Coverdale, Toomas Saar
Revenue: $26,128 Total Expenses: $32,863 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $2,740 Total Assets: $284,415 Total Liabilities: $0
SOCIETY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ESTONIAN STUDIES IN CANADA Established: 1981 Contact: 604-874-1696 Ongoing programs: SAESC's programs continued in 2016 as in previous years: lectures, musical performances, commemorations, celebrations to observe important dates in the Canadian-Estonian community. Directors: Juta K Kitching, Anne Tork, Irene Olljum, Edda Davis, Erli Lepik, Teas Tanner, Viktor Remmelg, Tarmo Viitre
Revenue: $345 Total Expenses: $725 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $725 Total Assets: $26,352 Total Liabilities: n/a
ST PETER'S ESTONIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN VANCOUVER Established: 1967 Contact: n/a Ongoing programs: Sunday services, wedding/funerals, confirmation classes, counselling sessions, sunday school Directors: Milvi Puusepp, Christina Naano-Vesik, Virve Harris, Armas Kivislid, Linda Johnson, Erik Allas, Ats Selder, Lydia Naano, Aug Ants
Revenue: $41,489 Total Expenses: $183,995 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $178,418 Total Assets: $1,571,903 Total Liabilities: $8,055
ST. ANDREWS ESTONIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION IN TORONTO Established: 1967 Contact: 416-923-5172 Ongoing programs: We hold worship services weekly. We give pastoral care. We provide ministries for women, men, youth and children weekly. Operators and administrators of a religious congregation for the benefit of its members and the community. Directors: Riina S Klaas, Juri Silmberg, Viiu Kanep, Enn Kiilaspea, Hans Westerblom, Heli Kopti, Epp Aruja
Revenue: $55,596 Total Expenses: $167,809 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $149,756 Total Assets: $2,185,005 Total Liabilities: n/a
ST. JOHN'S ESTONIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Established: 1967 Contact: 514-488-0589 Ongoing programs: We hold worship services twice a month with fellowship gatherings - We offer and give pastoral care. Directors: Piret Koppel, Tiiu Poldma, Jules Smeets, Aino Arik, Agnet Toke, Anne Altosaar, Matthew Anderson
Revenue: $29,043 Total Expenses: $98,682 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $56,731 Total Assets: $420,129 Total Liabilities: $91,886
ST. PAUL'S ESTONIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION IN OTTAWA Established: 1993 Contact: 613-741-7118 Ongoing programs: Our charity organized one church service at the Latvian Peace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ottawa Directors: Erich Järvlepp, Aino Rebanc, Tiit Kauri
Revenue: $735 Total Expenses: $1,080 Charitable programs: $885 Total Assets: n/a Total Liabilities: n/a
ST. PETER'S ESTONIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF TORONTO Established: 1967 Contact: 416-483-5847 Ongoing programs: Operate a church and its related activities Directors: Peeter Poldre, Juri Laansoo, Liivia Kangsepp, Naani Holsmer, Leena Liivet, Mart Salumae, Talvi Maimets, Allar Viinamae, Kairi Taul-Hemingway
Revenue: $284,446 Total Expenses: $353,693 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $353,693 Total Assets: $1,909,848 Total Liabilities: $74,834
VANCOUVER ESTONIAN ORTHODOX CONGREGATION Established: 1967 Contact: n/a Ongoing programs: We hold worship services periodically We hold funeral services (IF Required). Directors: Enno Paat, Marje Suurkask, Kullike Kovamees, Leida Normsoo
Revenue: $2,875 Total Expenses: $5,196 Charitable programs + Gifts to other charities: $1,305 Total Assets: $18,479 Total Liabilities: n/a
