In 2017, the Donner Canadian Foundation supported more than 70 charitable organizations. The Foundation devoted 17 percent of its granting to public policy research and education, and 30 percent to environment and wildlife preservation. The Foundation also directed 12 percent of its granting toward international development and human rights, and over 22 percent to organizations delivering social services. The Foundation's remaining grants sustained a variety of worthy projects.

The Donner Canadian Foundation does not regularly respond to letters of inquiry or unsolicited requests for funding.

However, it does maintain files about charitable organizations and their work. The Foundation uses this information – along with proactive research and input from advisors – in its search for high-potential projects. To inform this search, charitable organizations may send the Foundation’s Executive Director a two- to three-page description of their goals and programs. If there is a potential match between this work and the interests of the Foundation, Staff will contact the charity for more information.