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 to accelerate neuroscience for brains at their best. 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.

2025 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 non-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 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.
4. 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: Volunteer on Behalf of Branch Out at Alberta Beer Fest– Give Back
Challenge
This year Branch Out is an Alberta Beer Fest Charity of choice!! Get your team involved in making a positive impact by volunteering on behalf of Branch Out at two key events: the Edmonton Beer Fest (March 7+8) and the Calgary Beer Fest (May 2+3). This is a fun and exciting team-building opportunity while helping support and raise awareness. Volunteers will assist with various event tasks, including setup, registration, and supporting guests, all while engaging in the top beer event in Alberta!
Event Dates:
- Edmonton Beer Fest: March 7-8, 2025
- Calgary Beer Fest: May 2-3, 2025
Tasks:
Volunteers will support event logistics, registration, and guest relations at both festivals. Tasks may include:
- Branch Out booth support
- Event setup and takedown
- Guest registration and welcoming
- Assisting with information and inquiries about Branch Out and the event
- Supporting staff as needed throughout the event
Volunteer Perks:
- Free tickets to the festival for both Friday and Saturday
- Flexible 4-hour shifts – You pick your shift time!
- Enjoy snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and sample tokens for food during your shift.
- Access to one of Alberta’s top beer events while supporting a meaningful cause.
Instructions on How to Book This Opportunity:
1. Sign-Up: Teams can sign up by creating a volunteer profile at
https://albertabeerfestivals.com/festivals/edmonton-craft-beer-festival/
2. Profile Details:
- Provide contact info, company and t-shirt sizes.
- Choose the city you're volunteering in (Edmonton or Calgary).
- Confirm the partner (Branch Out) you’re volunteering on behalf of.
- Indicate if you’d like to be contacted for future volunteer opportunities with our partners.
- Note: Volunteers interested in working in the seminar areas must confirm if they hold a valid ProServe (necessary only for seminar roles).
3. Choose Roles and Shifts:
- Select preferred roles.
- Choose your shift time (4-hour shifts available).
4. Confirmation: After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with event details, assigned roles, and any necessary training information.
5. **It is important that you send us a list of everyone who has signed up from your company. Branch Out will receive a report from ABF and calculate points based on company emails and names.**
Maximum/Minimum Number of Participants:
- Minimum: 5 participants per company to receive a point
- Maximum: No Maximum
Impact on Your Organization:
● Raising Awareness
● Community Engagement
● Team Building
● Recognition
Option 2: Volunteer for Your Brain on Art - Where Art Meets Neuroscience
This year, Your Brain on Art (YBOA) 2025 brings science to life in a way that’s anything but ordinary. Through an inspiring collaboration between Canada’s top neuroscientists and talented artists, YBOA transforms complex brain research into stunning visual masterpieces. The event features a black-tie gala with an exclusive art showcase, live auction, live music, and fine wine—all in support of non-pharmaceutical neurological research. Now, we’re inviting you to be part of this experience by volunteering at YBOA 2025. Whether you’re helping set the stage, assisting with guest engagement, or supporting the art auction, your contribution will help make this extraordinary evening possible. You can also buy tickets to experience the event or get your company involved through sponsorship, gaining brand visibility while supporting neurological research.
Event Details
Date: November 6th, 2025
Location: Local Calgary Venue
Volunteer Roles
Art & Auction Support – Assist with displaying, handling, and organizing art pieces for the live auction.
Guest Experience – Welcome attendees, help with registration, and ensure a seamless experience.
Event Logistics – Help with event setup, coordinating vendors, and behind-the-scenes support.
Volunteer Perks
Be Part of an Exclusive Event – Experience an evening of art, music, and scientific discovery.
Network & Connect – Meet leading scientists, artists, and philanthropists.
Support a Meaningful Cause – Contribute to raising $100,000 for neurological research.
Enjoy a Unique Volunteer Experience – Light refreshments provided during your shift.
How to Get Involved
1. Sign Up Online
2. Select Your Company
3. Select Your Role & Shift: Choose where you’d like to help.
4. Receive Confirmation: You’ll get an email with details and training info.
Team & Company Participation
Minimum: 5 participants per company to receive a point
Maximum: No limit—bring your team
This is your chance to merge art, science, and community in an unforgettable way. Join us in bringing neuroscience to life—one masterpiece at a time.
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 to Donate:
- Donate online via our donation page
- Or send a cheque to:
Aleia Robin
Branch Out Neurological Foundation
838 11 Ave SW Suite 202
Calgary, AB T2R 0E5
- Etransfer and Paypal are also accepted.
Tax Receipt: We’ll send you an automatic tax receipt via email for online donations, and for cheque donations, you’ll get one by mail at year-end.
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 – $1000
Your Brain on Art (YBOA) is a unique event that brings together art, technology, and neuroscience in a fun and engaging way. Top Canadian neuroscientists collaborate with talented artists to create artwork inspired by cutting-edge research. This black-tie event features the art, a live auction, live music, and catering for 240+ guests who share a passion for science, art, and music. With over $220,000 raised in previous events, our 2025 goal is $100,000 through ticket sales, a live auction, and corporate sponsorships. We aim to attract an audience interested in medical innovation, neuroscience, as well as philanthropists and art enthusiasts.
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 2025 a success as we aim to raise
$100,000 to continue our mission!
Option 3: Community Impact Grant – $2000
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 2025/2026 year!
Your contribution directly supports projects that apply cutting-edge research to help people in meaningful ways.
2025 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 It Helps: As a generous donor, we will keep you updated on the progress of the grant you’ve supported and let you know when we've chosen the project.