Branch Out Neurological Foundation

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Branch Out's vision: A world free from neurological disorders

The Branch Out Neurological Foundation is a registered Canadian charity with a mission fueled by curiosity. We venture beyond pharma treatments for neurological conditions, investing in innovative and tech solutions that transform lives and push the boundaries of what's possible. We provide grant funding to researchers at universities across Canada who are pursuing technological solutions and non-pharmaceutical approaches to treat and prevent all forms of neurological conditions. We’re all about entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and ‘branching out’ to discover incredible solutions for those struggling with neurological conditions.

2026 Giving Opportunities

Complete Giving Opportunities to earn points in the September Games standings!

Lunch and Learns
Join us for an engaging Lunch & Learn to explore how Branch Out is accelerating innovative, tech-based, and beyond pharmaceutical solutions for neurological disorders. This interactive session introduces participants to the cutting-edge research we fund, real-world success stories, and ways to get involved in driving change in brain health.
Whether your team is passionate about mental well-being, neuroscience, or simply curious about how innovation is shaping the future, this session is a great way to connect with a meaningful cause.
How to Book
1. Email hello@branchoutfoundation.com with your preferred date and time.
2. Indicate whether you’d like a virtual or in-person session.
3. Pick a topic you would like to explore:
- Biohacking Burnout with Sleep
- Psychedelics and Addiction Recovery
- Your Brain on Cannabis
- Unlocking Neurodiversity Superpowers
- Musically Charged Brain Health
- Healthy Technology Habits 1.0
- Healthy Technology 2.0
- Gut-Brain-Mind Connection
- Food Basics & Supplements for Thinking
- Exercise - Just How Good Is It For Us?
We’ll coordinate the details and confirm availability.
Group Size
- Minimum: 10 participants
- Maximum: 50 participants (for in-person) / No limit (for virtual)
Impact on Branch Out
By hosting a Lunch & Learn, your company helps expand awareness of neurological disorders and the groundbreaking solutions that can transform lives. Increased engagement leads to:
- More funding for life-changing research
- Greater community support for brain health initiatives
- New corporate partnerships that drive innovation
Interested in hosting a Lunch & Learn? Let’s make brain health a priority together!
Option 1: Ride in our June Bike Tour — Create a Team of Three or More Riders
Celebrate Branch Out’s 15th annual Bike Tour by riding through the beautiful foothills of Diamond Valley on June 13, 2026, starting and finishing at the Millarville Race Track.
Teams of three riders can choose from 40 km, 80 km, or 100 km routes, with all rider levels welcome. All bikes are welcome too — including e-bikes, tandem bikes, and trikes.
Riders will enjoy a Stampede-style pre-ride breakfast, well-stocked rest stops, portable showers, recovery areas, and a beer garden at the finish line. Families are encouraged to attend and join in the fun, with carnival games, a delicious BBQ, and prizes to wrap up the day.
Join us in pedaling toward a shared goal: supporting innovative brain health research across Canada.
Details:
Friday, June 12, 2026 – 4-8 pm
- Campgrounds open, registration and event kick off
Saturday, June 13, 2026 – 7 am - 8 pm
- Bike Tour complete with breakfast, rest stops, lunch, rest and recovery zones, and BBQ dinner
Tasks:
- Riders must register on Zeffy (link below)
- Riders are required to fundraise a minimum of $500
- Participate on the day of Bike Tour
Rider Perks:
- Be a part of a moving experience!
- Exclusive rider swag bag
- Enjoy all of what Bike Tour has to offer with food, snacks, recovery zones, entertainment, and non-alcoholic beverages (there will be some complementary alcoholic beverages available)
- Option to book a complimentary campground site at Millarville Race Track
Instructions on How to Book This Opportunity:
1. Sign-Up: Register your rider team here: https://branchoutfoundation.com/event-rider/
2. Email: hello@branchoutfoundation.com once you have registered your team
Maximum/Minimum Number of Participants:
- Minimum: 3 riders per company to receive a point
Impact on Your Organization:
- Raising Awareness
- Community Engagement
- Team Building
Option 2: Volunteer at Our June Bike Tour — Create a Team of Five Volunteers
Bike Tour volunteers are the heart of the event. They play a crucial role in creating a fun, safe, and meaningful experience for riders and families alike. Volunteer roles range from route set-up and cheering riders along the course, to supporting rest stops, recovery zones, and the beer garden.
We’re excited and grateful to welcome volunteer teams to Branch Out’s 15th annual Bike Tour on June 13, 2026, riding through the beautiful foothills of Diamond Valley, with the event starting and finishing at the Millarville Race Track. Riders will be cycling 40 km, 80 km, or 100 km, and the day will include a Stampede-style breakfast, amazing rest stops, portable showers, recovery zones, carnival games, a beer garden, a BBQ, and prizes.
Only 10 volunteer teams will be accepted as part of the Calgary Corporate Challenge, so we encourage early registration. To be awarded the Give Back Challenge point, all volunteers must attend and complete their scheduled Bike Tour shift.
Details:
Friday, June 12, 2026 – 4-8 pm
- Campgrounds open, registration and event kick off
Saturday, June 13, 2026 – 7 am - 8 pm
- Bike Tour!
Tasks:
- Volunteers will support event logistics, registration, and guest relations
- Registration booth
- Route setup and/or takedown
- On route cheering squad(s)
- Social media assistance
- Rest stop setup and/or takedown
- Recovery zone(s) setup and/or takedown
- Guest relations in our beer gardens
- Silent auction
- Assisting with information and inquiries about Branch Out and the event
- Supporting staff as needed throughout the event
Volunteer Perks:
- Exclusive volunteer swag and swag bag
- 4-hour shifts
- Enjoy all of what Bike Tour has to offer with food, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Be a part of a meaningful cause
Instructions on How to Book This Opportunity:
1. Sign-Up: Register your volunteers here: https://branchoutfoundation.com/volunteer/
2. Email: hello@branchoutfoundation.com with the list of team members who are volunteering
Maximum/Minimum Number of Participants:
- Minimum: 5 volunteers per company to receive a point
Impact on Your Organization:
- Raising Awareness
- Community Engagement
- Team Building
- Recognition
Option 1: General Donation for Sustainability Fund – $500
This fund helps Branch Out keep doing amazing work for the long haul. It ensures we can continue advancing research and solutions for neurological disorders, making sure our mission stays strong and sustainable for years to come.
How It Helps: Your donation ensures we have the resources to keep funding important projects that have a lasting impact on the community.
Option 2: Support Your Brain On Art: Where Art meets Neuroscience – $1,000
Your Brain on Art (YBOA) is a unique event that brings together art and neuroscience in a fun and engaging way. Top Canadian neuroscientists collaborate with talented artists to create original artwork inspired by cutting-edge research.
This black-tie event features the original artwork, a live auction, live music, and catering for 240+ guests who share a passion for science, art, and philanthropy.
With over $320,000 raised in previous events, our 2026 goal is $100,000 through ticket sales, a live auction, and corporate sponsorships. We attract an audience of C-suite leaders, visionaries, scientists, and patrons.
How It Helps: This funding helps us continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in neuroscience while celebrating the creativity and innovation that art brings to science. Your contribution helps make YBOA 2026 a success as we aim to raise $100,000 to continue our mission!
Option 3: Community Impact Grant – $2,000
The Impact Grant supports the application of neuroCAM (neuro complementary and alternative medicine) research beyond the lab, where it can make a real difference in the community. We encourage groundbreaking ideas that translate scientific discoveries into practical, real-world solutions, improving the lives of those living with neurological conditions.
By supporting our Impact Grant, your company will get its name and logo featured on one of our grants for the 2026/2027 year!
Your contribution directly supports projects that apply cutting-edge research to help people in meaningful ways.
- Please email hello@branchoutfoundation.com to let us know you are donating specifically for the Impact Grant option.
Example:
Powerchair Soccer Community Intervention - University of Lethbridge: The lab is studying a powerchair soccer program aimed at improving mental health, stress, and social support for individuals with physical disabilities. Participants provide biological and psychological data before and after four months of weekly sessions, which are then analyzed to assess the program’s impact. The goal is to identify metabolic biomarkers and better understand the biological, psychological, and social benefits of powerchair sports.
How to Donate:
- Donate online via our donation page
- Or send a cheque to:
- Faizan Malik
Branch Out Neurological Foundation
607, 550 11 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2R 1M7
- Etransfer and Paypal are also accepted.
- Please email hello@branchoutfoundation.com to let us know you are donating specifically to Your Brain on Art.
Tax Receipt: For online donations, you’ll receive an automatic tax receipt by email. If you donate by cheque, we’ll mail your receipt at the end of the year.