The Vancouver, BC based Arpeg Group of Companies and its founding Mathisen business family undertook to formalize their rich history of philanthropic endeavours by creating The Mathisen Family Private Foundation (MFPF). In 2014 The Mathisen Family Private Foundation was officially granted non-profit status as a registered charity in order to continue a long tradition of A.K. and B.M. Mathisen’s (pictured) support for the communities which we call home; the Salish Sea Region of BC and Washington State. By inspiring family-led giving, the Mathisen Family Private Foundation is a proud extension of our four-generation family and the values which have steered our business and family for over 60 years.
We’re a small foundation with funds of $75,000-$100,000 to grant to organizations annually. Large and capital campaigns can be difficult for the committee to approve. In the past successful applications will serve many beneficiaries, have a lasting impact past one year, and/or allow for the purchase of specific equipment that will support the organization and work you do. As a small committee with relatively small funds we ask for a simple application and no follow-up reports are needed, as with grants. We do appreciate alignment with the areas outlined below.


The following guiding principles are the embodiment of our philanthropic focus:
- To support the advancement, treatment, and/or education of Health Care and Research
- To support the appreciation, participation, and/or understanding of Arts and Culture
- To support the advancement of Education
- To support the advancement and/or participation of Sport
Our MFPF donation committee meets three times a year, at the end of April, July and November. Proposals are to be submitted by the 15th of each giving period (April, July, and November). to allow our multi-generational committee an opportunity to review submissions. Our goal is to communicate decisions within a week of our committee meetings an
Volunteer Opportunities?
As a family, we look to partner with unique causes and events as another way to support and engage with organizations in our communities. We’d love to hear about volunteer opportunities your organization hosts. Send volunteer opportunities to [email protected] with Volunteer as the email subject and details on the volunteer request within.
Organizations We Support
Here are some examples of the great community partners of the Mathisen Family Private Foundation:
- Autism BC www.autismbc.ca/about
- Awkward Stage Production Society (ASP) www.awkwardstageproductions.com
- Beach House Theatre Society www.beachhousetheatre.org
- Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland www.bigsisters.bc.ca
- Canadian Premature Babies Foundation www.cpbf-fbpc.org
- Canucks Autism Network www.canucksautism.ca
- Crescent Beach Swimming Club www.cbswimclub.ca
- Earl Marriot Secondary www.surreyschools.ca/schools/earlmarriott
- Espoir For All Society www.espoirsociety.com
- Haida Gwaii Regional Recreation Commission www.hgrec.com
- Harvest Project www.harvestproject.org
- Kupaa Foundation www.kupaafoundation.org
- Northern Rockies Seniors Society www.nrss.ca
- One Girl Can Society www.onegirlcan.com
- Pacific Alzheimer Research Foundation www.parf.ca
- PAL Vancouver www.palvancouver.org
- Raven Spirit Dance Society www.ravenspiritdance.com
- Richmond Gateway Theatre Society www.gatewaytheatre.com
- River City Squash www.rivercitysquash.org
- Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.ca
- St. John Society (British Columbia and Yukon) www.supportsja.ca
- Surrey Urban Mission Society www.sumsplace.ca
- The Altitude Project www.altitudeproject.ca
- The Polygon Gallery www.thepolygon.ca
- The Writer’s Exchange www.vancouverwe.com
- UBC www.ubc.ca
- Union Gospel Mission Foundation www.ugm.ca
- Vancouver College www.vc.bc.ca
- Vancouver Opera Association www.vancouveropera.ca
- Vancouver Public Library Foundation www.vplf.ca
- YWCA Metro Vancouver www.ywcavan.org