The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is grateful for the strong support it has received from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Waterloo. CIGI is also deeply thankful for the support it has received from generous philanthropists and other private donors. Today, CIGI is an innovative and successful example of public-private partnership in public policy research, educational and public outreach, and capacity building.

Public Support

CIGI would like to acknowledge the following principal sources of public-sector support:

In 2003, the Government of Canada provided a $30-million endowment grant to the organization, a portion of which has been protected and capitalized in perpetuity. This grant was matched by private donations and the income earned on the capitalized portion of the fund is being used to support world-leading research in the area of global governance, particularly in the area of global economic and financial governance, and to further Canada’s interest in having a stable and well-governed global economic system in order to enhance the standard of living and quality of life of its population.

In 2007, the Government of Ontario provided a $17-million grant to the organization which was matched by a private donation and is being spent over 10 years for the following purposes: to strengthen graduate programs in global governance at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University; for projects leading to a better understanding of the growth processes and economic diplomacy strategies of large emerging economies; for projects focusing on emerging global industrial, environmental and security governance challenges; and for projects that will assist the Government of Ontario and Ontario businesses and individuals in understanding the trade, financial and security linkages that exist between Ontario and other areas of the world.

In 2008, the City of Waterloo leased the land adjacent to CIGI and bordered by Erb Street and Father David Bauer Drive for $1 per year for the CIGI/Balsillie Centre of Excellence.  Under CIGI’s leadership and direction, the Balsillie Centre of Excellence will create resources and facilities to run programs of studies in partnership with the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and other universities in Canada and internationally. The Centre will house several schools and programs, including the already established Balsillie School of International Affairs.

In 2009, the Government of Canada, as part of its 2009 Knowledge Infrastructure Program, and the Government of Ontario, as part of its 2009 Budget commitment to invest in Ontario's colleges and universities, pledged $25 million each for building and infrastructure associated with creating the Balsillie Centre of Excellence. The $50 million will be matched by CIGI founder Jim Balsillie. Under CIGI’s leadership and direction, the Balsillie Centre of Excellence will create resources and facilities to run programs of studies at each school in partnership with the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and other universities in Canada and internationally.

In addition, CIGI acknowledges financial support received for various activities from several government-funded ministries, departments and agencies:

Federal
Canadian Foundation for Innovation
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Environment Canada
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)


Provincial
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
Ontario Research Fund

International (Public & Government Agencies)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Geneva Centre for the Public Control of Armed Forces
UK Government Department for International Development (DFID)

Private Support

CIGI would like to acknowledge the following principal sources of private support:

Jim Balsillie, co-Chief Executive Officer of Research In Motion (RIM), founded CIGI in 2002 with a vision that the world’s most pressing challenges needed greater structured dialogue and improved international governance mechanisms. In 2002 Mr. Balsillie made the original contribution of $ 20 million to CIGI’s endowment fund. Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of RIM, contributed $10 million. These donations were matched by the Government of Canada with $ 30 million. In 2007, Mr. Balsillie matched the $17 million contribution from the Ontario government. Over the years, Mr. Balsillie has made other additional donations in support of CIGI’s work.

In 2002, local philanthropists Anna and Klaus Woerner generously gifted their former country home, the property known as Woerner House, on Roseville Road, Cambridge, as an exclusive location for CIGI meetings and conferences. The property has approximately 12 developed acres, a swimming pool and more than 60 acres of beautiful forested land.

In 2007, an anonymous benefactor contributed a multi-million dollar donation in support of The African Initiative, a five-year CIGI program that will research, assess and develop policy solutions to address the socio-economic impacts of climate change on the African continent.

In addition, the following individuals and organizations have contributed to CIGI over the years:

Artindale and Partners
Dennis Kavelman
Encana Corporation
Gluskin Sheff & Associates
Kendall Cork
Kumpf Drive Limited (KDL)
Leah Lawrence
Michael Barnstijn & Louise MacCallum
Power Corporation
Richard and Norma Brock
Scotiabank
Solowave Design Inc.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
The Brascan Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation