We believe trust is built through transparency. Below are answers to the most common questions from students, donors, and institutional partners.
Dr. Gordon L. Diewert was a dedicated educator and advocate for student success in British Columbia. His legacy reflects a deep commitment to reducing barriers to learning — including food insecurity.
The Foundation honours his values by providing dignified, scalable grocery support to students who are struggling to afford food.
Yes. The Gordon L. Diewert Foundation is a registered Canadian charity (BN: 88446 1328 RR0001), and eligible donations receive official Canadian tax receipts.
Tax rules vary depending on individual circumstances, so donors should seek professional tax advice for specific guidance.
Unless otherwise stated, 90% of every donation goes directly to student grocery support. Up to 10% supports essential charitable operations such as administration, compliance, and program oversight.
This ensures the Foundation remains transparent, accountable, and effective over time.
Unlike traditional food banks, the Foundation partners with Cocendo to provide private digital grocery support that students can use at participating stores. This gives students choice, flexibility, and privacy.
The model reduces stigma, integrates with everyday shopping, and scales easily across campuses and communities.
Institutions or trusted partners typically identify students who need support, following their own policies and privacy requirements.
Students then receive secure digital grocery support — such as a digital card or balance — that can be used at participating merchants. Transaction data is used only to administer the program and evaluate impact.
The Foundation and Cocendo track only what is necessary to ensure funds are used for food and to evaluate program impact.
Where possible, information is aggregated or de‑identified so individual students’ purchases are not visible to donors, partners, or the public.
In some cases, the Foundation may grant funds to qualified donees — such as universities, colleges, or other registered charities — to administer student food support programs in alignment with CRA guidelines and the Foundation’s mission.
Institutions may also work directly with Cocendo to implement the digital grocery support model, with the Foundation remaining the charity of record for designated donations.
Businesses can join Cocendo as merchants, allowing a portion of everyday customer purchases or net gift card revenue to support student grocery programs held by the Foundation or other qualified charities.
There are also opportunities for sponsorships, special campaigns, and co‑branded initiatives that highlight your business’s impact on reducing student hunger.
The Foundation, Cocendo, and participating institutions work together to minimize the personal information collected and to use secure, privacy‑protective processes.
Full details are outlined in the Foundation’s Privacy Policy and any applicable Cocendo or institutional privacy notices.
The Foundation collects basic contact and payment information needed to process donations, issue receipts, and communicate with donors and partners, as described in the Privacy Policy.
Information is never sold or rented and is shared only with service providers or partners when necessary to deliver programs or meet legal obligations.
Yes. As a registered Canadian charity (BN: 88446 1328 RR0001), the Foundation issues official tax receipts for eligible donations, which may qualify for Canadian income tax credits.
Donors should consult a tax professional for advice specific to their situation.
90% of receipted donations directly fund student grocery support. The remaining 10% supports essential operations such as administration, compliance, and program oversight.
All funds remain under the Foundation’s charitable stewardship.
Donations are securely processed through trusted third‑party payment providers. Tax receipts are issued automatically via email for eligible donations over $10.
On average, every $5 provides one nutritious grocery order for a student.
Businesses can join Cocendo as merchants at no upfront cost. A portion of everyday customer purchases — or 100% of net gift card revenue — is directed to student grocery support held by the Foundation.
This creates a community safety net without affecting pricing or daily operations. Contact us to get started.
Institutions can receive grants from the Foundation (as qualified donees) or work with Cocendo to distribute digital grocery cards directly to students, following institutional privacy policies.
This scalable model reduces stigma and provides students with flexible, dignified grocery support.
Volunteers support outreach, institutional partnerships, awareness campaigns, and events. Advocates help connect with businesses, campuses, and community groups.
Sign up through the Volunteer form to receive training and upcoming opportunities.
Eligible students, identified through partner institutions or outreach, receive private digital grocery cards redeemable at participating merchants.
This ensures choice, dignity, and seamless use — without lineups or public disclosure.
Unlike traditional food banks, this program provides flexible digital grocery support that students can use at participating stores. This preserves privacy, eliminates stigma, and allows students to choose the food they need.
All Cocendo‑designated revenue supports food access.
Post‑secondary students facing food insecurity may qualify, verified through trusted partners such as campus services.
Institutions may receive funds or digital cards for direct distribution under their own policies, and students may also self‑refer through confidential channels.
Dr. Gordon L. Diewert was a BC educator dedicated to student success. The Foundation honours his legacy by addressing food insecurity through innovative, compassionate tools that empower students while preserving dignity and choice.
The Gordon L. Diewert Foundation is supported by the Cocendo Social Engine, a platform that transforms everyday spending into meals, scholarships, and community impact.
© 2026 Gordon L. Diewert Foundation
Registered Canadian Charity BN: 88446 1328 RR0001
Powered by Cocendo – helping communities feed students with dignity and innovation.