Omega develops and supports initiatives that promote financial
self-sufficiency through microfinance and enhancing the savings capacity
and financial literacy of low to modest-income families. In addition, we support
the development of philanthropic responses to community needs using
capital endowments as one way to ensure long-term solutions are found to
meet pressing community needs.
Omega was originally founded to raise endowment capital to help fund the
operations and programs of Calmeadow, a Canadian charity and leader in
the field of microfinance.
Our recent programs include:
SmartSAVER strengthens modest-income Canadian families' ability to save for their children's post-secondary education using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB).
The Omega Foundation is committed to building an environmentally sustainable Canada for future generations. EcoSAVER will support government and industry efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Prior to 2005, Omega was actively involved with Calmeadow, a registered Canadian NGO operating from San Jose, Costa Rica. From modest beginnings as a charity founded by Linda Haynes and Martin Connell in 1993, Calmeadow's work has produced far-reaching impact on the global microfinance industry with the organization investing, advocating and participating in several landmark microfinance events over the years. For 27 years, Calmeadow has supported innovative ideas in microfinance to promote greater levels of efficiency and outreach through the commercial provision of financial services to low-income borrowers and microentrepreneurs.
Through a long-term grant relationship with the Toronto Community Foundation (TCF),
Omega funds have helped TCF build a growth strategy that has led to a more than
doubling of assets over a ten-year period, while creating a strong leadership
role in the philanthropic sector of Toronto.
TCF is a registered, public, non-profit charity created for and by the people of Toronto.
Martin P. Connell
Linda D. L. Haynes
Tim Brodhead
Edward J. Waitzer
Martin P. Connell, President and CEO
Linda D.L Haynes, Vice President
Luke Connell, Executive Director
Ralph Kroman, Secretary
Janet Lewis, Treasurer
The Omega Foundation is a Canadian registered charity. Registration # 136402948RR0001.