Who We Are

The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE)

is a charitable organization that collaborates with partners from education, business, government, and the community to develop enriching programs for K-12 students. Working with the four public school boards, ONFE supports children and youth in English and French. We fuel kids and ignite learning, making sure all children in Ottawa have an equal start every day. No other community organization has the same reach and ability to respond and deliver much-needed programs to schools across the region.

Our Mission

We fuel students and ignite learning through equitable programming, ensuring every student can grow and thrive.

Foundational Principles

These principles are more than aspirations – they are commitments. They shape how we think, how we act, and how we lead. They ensure that no matter the initiative or objective, our work remains grounded in who we are and the future we want to create together.

Future Ready

We aim for future-readiness and sustainability. It includes embracing technology and fostering innovative programs that strengthen strategic partnerships and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive today and tomorrow.

Community Connector

We are uniquely positioned as a trusted collaborator and convenor. We bring together diverse partners and sectors—across education, business, government and community—to co-create programs and drive meaningful impact.

Experiential Learning

We upskill our capabilities by providing hands-on learning opportunities to connect theory with practice for lasting impact.

Social Responsibility

We embed sustainable practices, promote equitable access to programs that include a diversity, equity and inclusion less. We contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

1. Sustainable Growth for Future-Readiness

Our growth strategy ensures ONFE and Ottawa students remain future ready. By securing a sustainable financial future to support our mission, we aim to diversify revenue streams and enhance our operational resilience to adapt to evolving economic and social conditions.

Additionally, we will integrate advanced technology to streamline operational and financial processes and enhance decision-making capabilities, including analytics to better understand donor behaviour and program performance.

2. Build Strong Partnerships as a Community Connector

ONFE is a community connector that thrives on collaboration. We seek to deepen existing relationships and build new strategic alliances to connect communities and amplify our impact, with a particular focus on strengthening partnerships with Ottawa’s publicly funded school boards.
Finally, we will emphasize partnerships with the private sector, foundations, and government agencies to support advocacy efforts and fund program development and expansion.

3. Build Resilience with Experiential Learning

Our people (staff, volunteers, students, board) are the heart of ONFE’s success. We are committed to investing in our team’s growth and improving systems to improve program delivery.

We will implement targeted capacity-building initiatives, including advanced training for volunteers and staff—with a particular focus on supporting French-speaking volunteers—to strengthen our workplace culture and organizational resilience.

Through these efforts, we will enhance our ability to deliver innovative experiential learning programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive today and tomorrow.

4. Amplify our Impact and Embed Social Responsibility

At ONFE, we are committed to driving meaningful change by amplifying our efforts through impactful storytelling and social responsibility practices that help us build community awareness, attract support, and inspire involvement.

Our impact in the community

Last year, the Ottawa Network for Education invested more than $4 million in education programs.

Get the latest updates

Learn more about the individuals, organizations, and companies that make ONFE tick.

Meet the people at ONFE

Our Board of Directors and staff are passionate about children and youth, and education.

Careers at ONFE

If you want to help children and youth thrive in school and in life, we invite you to browse our employment opportunities.

Contact Us

Have a question or need more information?

Ottawa Network for Education
900 Morrison Drive, Suite 205
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8K7

Tel.: 613-366-3085

Email: info@onfe-rope.ca