We encourage the exploration of bold ideas and innovations that are effective and human-centered.
Founded by the Michael H. McCain Family, the Daymark Foundation aims to transform the way we think about and address mental health in Canada. We are united in our resolve to measurably improve outcomes at scale.
Our Approach
We recognize the complexity of the issues we seek to address, and understand the limits of traditional grantmaking. Our approach is to:
Think Systemically
We try to take a step back and see a field as a whole, with all the interconnectivity that lies within it. We look for key leverage points that can tip a system in a positive direction, and interventions that have broad ripple effects. We dig deep to understand and address root causes.
Play the Long Game
We understand that real change takes time. In addition to supporting initiatives that provide immediate benefit to people struggling with mental illness, we also invest in activities that will generate impact over the longer-term. We believe in starting small but thinking big, with a view towards scale and sustainability.
Unblinkered Funding
We understand that many different actors have a role to play in transforming mental health—this includes charities as well as non-profit organizations, social enterprises and the private sector. We seek to engage with a range of organization types in order to achieve our goals.
Engage Meaningfully
We are more than just a funder: the Daymark Foundation can contribute to field-level impact as a convenor, thought partner, and capacity-builder. We want to get our hands dirty and work closely with stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals.
Learn and
Reflect
We know that there are no easy answers. We hypothesize how to achieve our goals, pay attention to see if we are on the right track, and change course if necessary. We see every grant and project as an opportunity to learn, and challenge ourselves and our partners to apply learnings to future efforts.
Measure
Impact
We commit to using data to track progress towards our goals and objectives. We believe in the power of metrics to tell a story, and to push the Daymark Foundation and its project partners towards excellence. We use measurement and evaluation to inform strategy and ultimately, improve impact.
Staff
Vani Jain
Executive Director
Vani is a dedicated and experienced leader with a passion for systems change. Throughout her work in medical education, mental health, corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, the key thread in Vani’s career is a true passion for meaningful, long-lasting social impact. Prior to joining the Daymark Foundation as founding Executive Director, Vani led the McConnell Foundation’s mental health, well-being and K-12 education portfolios. She has also held roles in communications, public policy, government relations, and program development.
André Rebeiz
Program Manager
André is a project professional with a drive for social impact and turning ideas into reality. He has an interdisciplinary background in the social sciences and completed graduate studies in Public Management at Sciences Po in Paris, France. André’s work in the non-profit sector spanned roles including research, knowledge mobilization, and program management. Prior to joining the Daymark Foundation, André created and led a national initiative aimed at sustainably improving workplace mental health and well-being in the public education sector.
Board
Lauren Jones-Davies
Executive Chair
Lauren has spent most of her career in marketing and strategy, starting with packaged goods marketing for PepsiCo in Canada and the UK. Following her MBA from London Business School, Lauren worked with several early stage companies on strategy and operations. Lauren is a long-time champion of mental health, which she most recently channelled into establishing the Daymark Foundation on behalf of her family. Lauren is also a Director of McCain Capital and Chairman Mills.
Board Members
Michael H. McCain
Jonathan McCain
Hilary McCain
Scott McCain
Hannah McCain
Lynda Kuhn
David Goldbloom
Uppala Chandrasekera