Advancement
Perimeter is supported by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, as well as by significant philanthropic support from private sector corporations, foundations, and individuals. Together, we aim to build the world’s best theoretical physics institute for research, training, and outreach.
Our government and philanthropic partners understand that an investment in theoretical physics is an investment in the lowest-cost, highest-impact area of science. Future breakthroughs with the power to transform society will flow from discoveries in theoretical physics – and these discoveries might be made in any or many areas of study, from quantum computing, to machine learning, to advanced algorithms for precision cosmology, or anywhere in between. The Institute’s supporters, both public and private, are key partners in building a strategic scientific asset for Canada’s future and helping to ensure near- and long-term competitiveness and prosperity in Ontario.
The Governments of Canada and Ontario have shared our vision and provided major operating funding to Perimeter since its beginnings. In 2023/24, Perimeter’s funding with both the provincial and federal governments was renewed to continue supporting scientific operations. These investments continue to sustain Perimeter’s ongoing success and help position Ontario, and Canada, as a leading centre of theoretical physics on the global stage.
Over one-third of Perimeter’s annual operating budget is supported by a community of visionary philanthropic supporters, which continues to grow.
Perimeter Institute recognizes and thanks the following donors who have made cumulative gifts totalling $100,000 or more since 2014, following the lead of Perimeter’s founding donor, Mike Lazaridis.
Airlie Foundation
BMO Financial Group
Anne-Marie Canning
Cenovus Energy
Coril Holdings
The Cowan Foundation
Joanne Cuthbertson and Charlie Fischer
The Daniel Family Foundation
The Delaney Family
Carlo Fidani
The Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin Charitable Foundation
Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc.
The Peter and Shelagh Godsoe Family Foundation
Google Canada
Scott Griffin Foundation
John & Deborah Harris Family Foundation
Intact Financial Corporation
The Krembil Foundation
Linamar Corporation
Tim Locke
Maplesoft
The Marsland Family
Stavros Niarchos Foundation
Pattison Outdoor Advertising
Power Corporation of Canada
Ptarmigan Charitable Foundation
RBC Foundation
Riddell Family Charitable Foundation
Scotiabank
Michael Serbinis and Laura Adams
Dr. Scott A. and Sherry Shannon-Vanstone and family
Shaw Communications
The Simons Foundation
Corinne Squire and Neil Turok
Brian Sullivan
Sun Life Financial
John Templeton Foundation
Mac Van Wielingen,
Viewpoint Foundation
Thank you and farewell to two generous supporters and friends, Board members emeriti Robert (Robin) Korthals and Peter Godsoe.
Perimeter Institute pays tribute to generous friend and champion Robin Korthals. Robin joined Perimeter Institute as a Board member in 2001, one of the pioneering supporters who have shown deep commitment and a shared vision for advancing humanity through science.
Robin had a long and illustrious career in Canada’s finance industry, including serving as President of TD Bank from 1981 to 1995. He brought his brilliant mind and expertise to solving fundamental issues faced at Perimeter in those early years, including building the endowment and creating the financial sustainability the Institute needed to thrive.
But beyond his invaluable counsel was the warmth and humanity Robin brought to his role as a Board member. Robin led with kindness and generosity, earning the respect and admiration of all who worked with him. He also extended his extraordinary commitment to Perimeter Institute through financial support. In 2004, Robin began a series of gifts to Perimeter, supporting all aspects of our mandate – research, training, and outreach – including a generous and transformative $1 million bequest in his estate.
“Robin will be remembered for his deep curiosity, commitment to the discovery of ideas and his wonderful soul. It was always a delight to hear his excitement for Perimeter’s work to explore the mysteries of the universe,” said Andrea Grimm, Director, Strategic Philanthropy. “His brilliant mind embraced a big-picture view of the world, and he generously lent his inquiring mind and strategic perspective to the order of the day. We were most fortunate to have the benefit of his Board leadership in our founding years, his long-time support, and to now enjoy being a part of his ongoing legacy.”
“Robin will be remembered for his deep curiosity, commitment to the discovery of ideas and his wonderful soul. We were most fortunate to have the benefit of his Board leadership in our founding years, his long-time support, and to now enjoy being a part of his ongoing legacy.”
Andrea Grimm, Director, Strategic Philanthropy
Peter Godsoe was a highly successful business leader in Canada’s finance sector and a community builder, who received the Order of Canada in 2001 and the Order of Ontario in 2002 for his leadership and philanthropy. He had a storied career at the Bank of Nova Scotia, starting as a teller and eventually rising to President and CEO from 1992 to 2003. Peter’s leadership saw Scotiabank grow from the fifth largest to the second largest Canadian bank and the second largest Canadian company.
But Peter, along with his wife Shelagh, was also a visionary philanthropist, focused on building a better Canada. In his retirement, Peter joined Perimeter Institute’s Board of Directors, serving from 2008 to 2017. Perimeter benefitted greatly from his Board leadership, which came during a period of intense growth.
Stefan Pregelj, Senior Director, Finance and Operations, reflected on his time working with Peter: “For nearly 10 years, Mr. Godsoe was a source of invaluable guidance and insight for both me and Perimeter. His unwavering dedication and support have shaped my growth and deepened my understanding. I am very grateful for the time he invested, the expertise he shared, and his mentorship, which has left a lasting mark on my personal journey and on Perimeter’s success.”
Peter believed strongly in investing in people and, in 2014, established The Peter and Shelagh Godsoe Family Foundation Award for Exceptional Emerging Talent,with a transformative and generous $1 million endowed gift. The award supports graduate student training at Perimeter, empowering some of the best and brightest young physicists to reach their fullest potential.
Peter was a true embodiment of Perimeter Institute’s vision and mission – he had a keen intellect, valued collaboration, and embraced the unconventional.
“For nearly 10 years, Mr. Godsoe was a source of invaluable guidance and insight for both me and Perimeter. I am very grateful for the time he invested, the expertise he shared, and his mentorship, which has left a lasting mark on my personal journey and on Perimeter’s success.”
Stefan Pregelj, Senior Director, Finance and Operations
