Giving

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.

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150 FUTURES

As part of OCAD U 150, OCAD University announced its most ambitious scholarship initiative to date: 150 FUTURES, which will provide 150 undergraduate students with a free education.

Student leaning over to draw details on a piece of work standing up against a wall

150 for 150

Help ensure creative talent can flourish at OCAD U. Your gift to the 150 for 150 Fund provides scholarships, bursaries and awards that help students overcome financial barriers and pursue their creative futures.

Donor news

OCAD U marks 150th anniversary with 150 fully funded scholarships

The 150 FUTURES initiative launches with two $1 million leadership gifts, one from Nancy McCain and Bill Morneau, and one from John and Jan MacIntyre.

October 20, 2026

A night of art, design and community at the OCAD U Gala

More than 300 guests gathered for the second annual OCAD U Gala, raising $420,000 through an evening of art, design and community. Proceeds from the event will support student bursaries at OCAD University.

June 4, 2026

Taking graduate work beyond the studio

With support from the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, OCAD U graduate students are expanding their practice through travel, experimentation and new creative work.

May 5, 2026

Rosalie Sharp honoured with inaugural Chancellor’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The OCAD U award recognizes Rosalie Sharp’s extraordinary contributions to the advancement of art, design and culture in Toronto and across Canada.

October 22, 2025

Celebrating the revitalization of Butterfield Park

OCAD University welcomed over 100 guests to Butterfield Park on September 10 to celebrate the revitalized space and recognize the donors who made the transformation possible.

September 12, 2025

David Binet’s philanthropy surpasses $1 million with new gift to OCAD U

OCAD University is recognizing long-time supporter and former Board of Governors Vice-Chair David Binet, whose philanthropy to the University has now surpassed $1 million, with a recent $700,000 gift to establish the David Binet Design Leadership Fund.

September 11, 2025

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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