The Desjardins Foundation has a new advisory board on educational success

What's the secret to long-term relevance if you're an organization? Experts are quick to agree that there are no easy answers. Sustainability depends on a number of complex factors. What all successful organizations seem to have in common, though, are a long-term vision and the? ability to anticipate changes in our society.

We see this with companies, and with foundations as well.

The Desjardins Foundation took a big step toward solidifying its future by forming an advisory board on educational success. "We're proud of everything we've accomplished since we started in 1970," says Nancy Lee, Executive Director of the Desjardins Foundation. "Over 50 years later, some of the needs we address have stayed the same, which shows how relevant our mission still is." However, others needs have changed over time. So it's crucial that we make the right choices."

The advisory board, which met for the first time in June 2024, includes 9 members from Quebec and Ontario, all of whom are experts on education. "Right away you could sense the enthusiasm in the room," says Lee. "Talking to the board members has been very motivating for us. Their profiles vary: Some are from universities, while others are from organizations involved in the field. At every meeting, we'll discuss and get their insights on different topics. This will guide our decision-making and give our actions greater impact."

Vision and maturity
"This advisory board speaks to the Desjardins Foundation's vision," says board member Andrée Mayer-Périard. 

As Executive Director of Montreal Hooked on School and President of Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative, she's seen first-hand the highs and lows that schools experience. Mayer-Périard is impressed with the quality of the conversations she's witnessed. "The Foundation is known for its student scholarships, its support for education professionals, and its partnerships. But the Foundation wants to take it a step further by also addressing the complex, multifaceted issues that affect educational success."

Indeed, there are many challenges. "I believe that students face different challenges depending on where they live," says Mayer-Périard, "whether they're in the Côte-Nord, Saguenay, Outaouais, Quebec City or Montreal regions. What's more, their experiences also vary from kindergarten to university."

"In some ways," adds Lee, "the advisory board is our sounding board, a tool that helps us gain perspective. We have all this knowledge, and we don't want to just keep it for ourselves! We want to share our knowledge with the caisses and credit union, the Desjardins teams that work with schools from elementary to university, the organizations we support as well as like-minded foundations." The approach is a definite draw for the advisory board members, who have a new forum to meet and speak with industry peers.

Lee feels that this way of doing things is largely influenced by the cooperative movement. "Cooperation is all about individuals coming together for the greater good. It's very inspiring for us! That spirit is what we're trying to channel with this advisory board. First, we bring our ideas for initiatives and partnerships to support young people. After analysis, we put them in place. Then, we assess the results. And that gives us even more ideas. It's like a wheel that keeps on turning! This process will reinforce our commitment to young people."

Mayer-Périard, for her part, applauds Desjardins's commitment. "It's terrific. This ongoing dialogue with youth—fostered among others by President and CEO of Desjardins Guy Cormier, along with the Foundation's actions—is just amazing. Our young people need it, plus they have excellent ideas and solutions to offer us."