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Moez Kassam

About Moez Kassam

Moez Kassam is Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of Anson Funds, one of Canada’s most prominent investment funds with total assets of $1.5 billion under management. He and his wife Marissa are deeply committed to an array of charitable causes in Toronto, throughout Canada and across the globe.

Posts by Moez Kassam:

Marissa and Moez Kassam Pledge To Support Students Through Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS) Program

Despite living in one of the world’s healthier economies, many Canadian children still struggle to access resources needed for them to learn, grow, and prosper. 

With the onset of the pandemic, many researchers have gone down the path of analyzing the adapting education system and its effect on students. Here are some findings from a few of these studies:

  • Three in ten Canadian families lacked access to online classes during the pandemic, and the same ratio of Canadian children (30 per cent) didn’t have a home computer to complete school assignments, according to a 2021 study from Ryerson’s Diversity Institute. 
  • Child hunger has spiked in Canada in recent years, with as many as 400,000 children showing up to food banks each month, GlobalNews.ca reported last year. That has led the government to start considering its first-ever national school food policy. 
  • In general, many Canadian schools are now chronically underfunded, The Conversation reported in 2020. 

To address some of these issues — at least locally — the Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS) created the School Opportunity Fund, which provides grants for schools aiming to improve the opportunities and resources available to their students. 

And the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation has pledged to help the program do just that. 

“We understand the needs of the Toronto community, because we have lived their experiences and shared these dreams,” says Moez Kassam. “We are deeply invested in their success.”

Although The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation supports a variety of initiatives to improve the lives of immigrants, artists and Toronto residents — at-risk children have always been a particular focus of the nonprofit. 

That’s why the TFSS’ School Opportunity Fund is so important.

Established in 2022, the School Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $5,000 for special projects that enhance learning for students in Toronto schools. The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation supports the program through the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, an independent, charitable organization dedicated to aiding students in the Toronto school district and removing barriers to their education.

Schools rely on their communities for support — including communities in Canada. Unfortunately, it’s often the schools with the biggest needs that struggle to find sufficient funding. 

In those areas, the School Opportunity Fund is a crucial lifeline. By providing food, medical care, emergency funds and after-school programs for children in need, students are given more of the resources they need to succeed in school — and in life.

Beyond their regular classroom learning, students thrive by participating in everything from sports, clubs, and arts, to nutrition programs,” the Toronto Foundation for Student Success explains on their website. “However, some communities are less able to raise funds than others, yet these are the ones that need support the most: this is what the School Opportunity Fund is for.” 

Examples of grant requests fulfilled by the program include computers and tablets, library resources, as well as equipment like refrigerators and freezers. Sometimes, a request does not need to be complex, but just for funding to provide hot meals for their students, which help promote a healthy diet.

The opportunity to make this kind of transformational difference in the lives of real people is the reason the Kassams created their foundation. It’s one of the five pillars of their foundation’s overall mission. Those areas of focus include food and shelter, healthcare and research, immigration, arts and culture — and, in this case, youth development and engagement. 

“Every child has potential, but as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise them and to give them the opportunity to succeed,” Moez Kassam said. “With the School Opportunity Fund, Marissa and I hope to make a small difference in the lives of Toronto children.”

You can donate directly to the Toronto Foundation for Student Success here.

Philanthropy’s Moral Compass

Stephen Covey once famously wrote, “There are three constants in life — change, choice and principles.”

This is true in philanthropy, as well. The choices you make will decide the survival of your organization and its effectiveness in reaching out to people in need. Your ability to anticipate and adapt to change will determine whether your organization flourishes or slows. Above all, the foundation of your organization should include a core set of principles.

Often embodied in a mission statement, principles are a compass for everyone involved in a philanthropic organization, from leadership to the volunteers in the field. Principles set expectations and encourage everyone to aim for — and achieve — high goals.

Fundamental principles are not meant to constrain your choices, but rather to give clear purpose and definition to your organization. The balance between flexibility and principle was best summarized by Thomas Jefferson: “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

For the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation, these are the essential principles we established at the very start:

Transparency

The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation follows a policy of openness and pledges clear, consistent, and timely communication with the public, applicants, grantees and donors.

Partnerships

The Foundation team engages leaders from a wide range of social, economic, political and cultural sectors to grow the impact of the Foundation’s work.

Thought leaders, entrepreneurs, writers, artists and front-line organizations are some of the important partners the Foundation seeks out for inclusion in its important missions.

Accountability

Accountability is a core principle that runs parallel to transparency. A foundation is accountable for much more than each dollar it receives; ultimately it is accountable for the efficiency and effectiveness of its programs. This trickles down to each family, group, and person it attempts to uplift and support.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion is very closely related to partnership. Including a wide range of communities and perspectives in the Foundation’s work not only demonstrates respect, but also magnifies the difference the foundation is able to make. The strength of partnerships with varying groups also allows an organization to expand and ensure the inclusion of groups that may have once been neglected.

Strategic Focus and Impact

Strategic focus and impact are, in the end, the clearest test of any foundation’s value. Every philanthropist has a dream, but ideals and noble goals are not enough. Philanthropic organizations are ultimately measured by their impact, and their effectiveness is based largely by the ability to focus on the mission, and the ability to choose useful methods that can bring success to the mission.

With the trusted guidance of a moral compass, a philanthropic organization can navigate any challenge, and arrive at once-unimaginable destinations. If the compass is lost, it’s only a matter of time before the organization finds itself adrift. Constantly reflecting on the purpose of the charity, and the many individuals and families who are lifted by its work, will ensure that an organization stays on course, always headed North.

Homes First: Essential Support for Toronto’s Homeless

In times of prosperity or times of recession, the issue of homelessness continues to worsen. It’s not only a local issue, it is a provincial and national one, which all citizens should be concerned with.

There is a common misconception that the homeless are people who may have made a choice (whether it be drugs or anything else) that has brought them to this fate. However, the reality is that the homeless population includes children, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, and even individuals with full-time jobs — with their wage being too low to sustain a place to stay. Additional factors that could lead to homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, rising unemployment, and mental illness.

The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation is working to address this issue head-on, starting with Ontario. One of the ways we are doing this is by supporting an incredibly effective organization in this area of focus, Homes First Canada.

Homes First offers housing to Toronto’s homeless with 15 shelters that aim to be occupied by  people in need, especially those from displaced and marginalized communities. The organization provides places to stay and essential support services to more than 1,600 seniors, families, and single adults in the Toronto area every night.

According to the organization, Homes First “has developed a support model that includes medical/psychiatric services, medication monitoring, assistance with maintaining personal hygiene and clean-living spaces, financial management, navigating the criminal justice system, and a host of additional age-specific supports. All staff and volunteers are trained to work with individuals with complex mental health, substance use, and life skills issues.” This in a nutshell, tackles so many of the factors that people affected by the issue may have to face, or will be concerned with.

Our Foundation urges everyone to get involved — we understand that not everyone has the means to spend a great deal of money or time, however, even a single random act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Here are some ways businesses can help improve the condition of the homeless and give them life-changing opportunities:

● Contribute goods to organizations helping the homeless. If you own a restaurant or grocery store, partner with local organizations that collect remaining food you have at the end of the day. Donations of clothing, furniture and electronic devices can also make a big impact.

● If you are a business with unused or under-utilized space, make your facilities available as shelter, especially in colder months.

● Network with people in local organizations that are working to improve the lives of the homeless. Visit their facilities, and ask them what they need.

● Encourage your employees to volunteer, and make it easy for them to do so.

● If practical, implement a program in your own business that will allow homeless individuals to work at your company as an apprentice, intern or employee, allowing them to gain valuable skills and expand their future employment opportunities.

● Help organizations that are addressing issues of addiction and mental illness, which are catalysts for the downward trajectory that so often leads to life on the streets.

● Within your own business, put in place support systems that will provide mental health, addiction and domestic abuse resources to your own people who may be in need. Keep your employees informed of the employee assistance you provide, as well as programs that are available to them through state and federal agencies.

● Make a long-term commitment. The homeless crisis won’t be fading away anytime soon. The time is always now, to help the individuals and families who are living on the street, or at risk of falling into homelessness.

Teaching Philanthropy: Saving the Youngest by Engaging Our Youngest

Philanthropy is often closely associated with targeted assistance that may be centered on health, housing, social support, research, crisis intervention and the arts. But it’s important to remember that philanthropy is also about educating others and instilling principles of charity in ourselves and our children.

Philanthropists are motivated by passion. It’s not a passion for numbers and allocating resources. At its most basic, it is a passion for doing good in the world and uplifting people and communities.

The motivation of passion is often misidentified as motivation for monetary or reputational gain. Although there may be recognition tied to the work they do, philanthropists at their core seek satisfaction in creating opportunities and making notable changes in the world – changes that can largely impact at least one person’s life.

Philanthropists know that through charity, one does not seek to improve just the outside world, but also to truly improve themselves. The notion of giving back and attaining satisfaction through making a difference in society is something that has been passed down from generation to generation as one of the standard pillars of society.

Winston Churchill put it best when he said: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” This perspective is an invaluable legacy to give to a child.

At The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation, children are central to our initiatives. We understand that society would essentially amount to nothing without us as a collective shaping and elevating the future generation. Through our support of various causes like improving neonatal care, sitting on Boards for business innovation for students and donating to various organizations that aim to uplift children, we set out to assist children growing into being the best version of themselves.

In an article for The Philanthropic Initiative, Ellen Remmer writes that “guiding and involving … children in philanthropy in age-appropriate ways creates paths toward a greater personal understanding and self-worth based on solid values. These children grow up to appreciate their roles within a broader community and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends across their endeavors.”

She offers several proven ways to engage children in charitable behavior, from random acts of kindness to family or school-based campaigns, including:

Explore and make the most of teachable moments.

“Children are observant and wiser than they let on. They are aware, in their own ways, about the issues others face. As such, there are age-appropriate ways to ‘unshelter’ children and create moments to talk about issues facing the world today.… They are waiting for you to teach them.”

Make philanthropy fun.

“Of all the experiences in the world, the opportunity to know you have made a difference and have found, or are exploring your way toward, purpose in life is one of the sweetest.”

Of course, it’s not hard to make philanthropy fun, because in the end every charitable act brings joy into the life of another person – the same societal pillar that has been passed down for generations.

As author H. Jackson Brown Jr. wrote, “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

Canadian Healthcare: Challenges and Opportunities

“We are so lucky to live in Canada and have the healthcare system we do. It’s the backbone of our society, something that was underlined for us during this most recent pandemic, and we need to make sure our hospitals and our health-care professionals have the support they need to maintain this wonderful national treasure.”

— Moez Kassam, co-founder of The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation and Chief Investment Officer for Anson Funds.


Moez Kassam and his wife Marissa Kassam have long recognized how special the Canadian healthcare system is, particularly when contrasted with medical and health insurance systems in other parts of the world.

As business leaders, they also recognize that the Canadian system faces an array of challenges moving forward, from funding shortfalls to the profound demographic shifts that are escalating costs and straining resources.

A recent survey by the international professional services company Accenture outlines the strengths and emerging critical needs of the system. A key finding was that Canadians are satisfied, overall, with the existing system, but also believe there is much room for improvement, especially in regard to access, quality of care and available treatment options.

On the positive side, Accenture believes that chances for improving the system are good, given that it remains a high priority for federal and provincial governments, as well as the industry. In addition, the system is broadly popular with the public, even as many recognize that there are areas in need of reform.

On the other hand, Accenture noted that Canada’s system falls short in a number of important metrics when compared with universal health care coverage in many other advanced industrial democracies.

One issue is access. According to the survey: “One in four (or approximately 26%) Canadians still find it difficult to navigate the healthcare system, whether it’s to identify an adequate entry point into the system, find the right medical facility/treatment or where to go for a specific concern, find available services in the community, etc.”

Canadians are comfortable with the idea that healthcare is a fundamental responsibility of the government. Nevertheless, a majority believe non-covered treatment options such as physiotherapy, nutritionists, naturopaths and private primary care services should be important components of a modern, comprehensive health care system. Many Canadians willingly pay out-of-pocket for these services.

Quality of care is a top concern, according to the survey: “Only 15% of the respondents’ care providers adopt a more proactive approach and are invested in the respondents’ health (either taking interest beyond immediate needs or helping to plan and manage health).”

Based on the survey results, Accenture sees greater collaboration as the way to sustain and improve the health care system. This includes business, government and charitable institutions, all working together to strengthen and broaden medical care. As leaders in both the business and philanthropic sectors, Moez and Marissa Kassam are excited to continue to play a vital role in supporting, advancing and expanding this valuable Canadian right.

Sinai Health Donation Targets South Asia Neonatal Mortality Rates

For the doctors, nurses, scientists and caregivers of Sinai Health, one of the most effective prescriptions for improving medical care around the world is philanthropy.

The generosity of donors helps create new programs, fund research and multiplies the resources available to their professionals. These funds support their tireless efforts to battle disease, save lives, discover cures and improve health outcomes for millions of people.

The recent $2.5 million donation from the Moez & Marissa Kassam Foundation is one such example Sinai recently heralded in a news release. The gift will allow Sinai to “bring its world-leading women’s and infants program to communities across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through the launch of a new fellowship program,” notes the Sinai Health Foundation (SHF).

“Philanthropy is essential for advancing research, care, and outcomes for those facing cancer, a high-risk pregnancy, stroke recovery, and other conditions and diseases. Thanks to philanthropy, SHF helps fund world-class facilities and offers patients access to some of the most impactful clinical trials and studies that have taken place over the past 30 years.”

In South Asia, the need is immense. A comprehensive study by Pakistani researchers highlighted the magnitude of the issue: “High rates of newborn mortality and intrapartum stillbirths are a major challenge across the region, and are associated with poor quality of care in both community and facility settings. Further reductions in under-5 mortality will require action on the dual challenge of improving care during pregnancy and childbirth in community settings and facilitation of facility births, as well as improving care of newborns in referral facilities.”

In recent years there has been progress, but much more needs to be done. The fellowship will allow the fellows to have access to knowledge that may not have been accessible to them due to cultural barriers. The fellowship program will be a steppingstone to bridge the gap between these types of communities and provide exposure where it is needed. The fellows will learn from the best at Sinai Health and apply the techniques they learned in their home countries. 


“We are excited for the Moez and Marissa Kassam Fellows to foster greater cultural awareness across Sinai Health and look forward to the benefits that will be realized here in Canada and South Asia,” added Marissa Kassam.