About Us

Founded in 1918, the CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast.

At CNIB, everyone belongs

At CNIB, we champion accessibility, diversity and equity to foster a sense of belonging. When we embrace accessible practices, diverse perspectives and equitable opportunities, we create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. United by our mission to change what it is to be blind through innovative programs and powerful advocacy that enable Canadians impacted by blindness to live the lives they choose; we are stronger together. As an equal opportunity employer, employees can bring their best selves to work at CNIB because everyone belongs.

Elderly woman in red is walking and being guided by another woman who is wearing a yellow shirt and olive green pants.

Mission and Values

Learn about our mission and the values that animate everything we do.

A young black man with sight loss and a middle-aged white woman sit at desk while having a conversation. There are boxed lunches on the table.

Who We Serve

At CNIB, we are committed to empowering Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or who have low vision to live the lives they choose. Each year, we connect with individuals from all age groups and regions of the country, providing programs and services that cater to their unique needs. The following information gives an overview of who we reached during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

A young man sits at a picnic table outdoors at Lake Joe and types on a Perkins Brailler. He is wearing sunglasses and his white cane rests along the picnic table bench. To the left of him is a large blue presentation board with information about braille.

Our Impact

From children and youth programs to employment workshops, recreational activities, peer support groups and technology training sessions, our innovative programs are designed to educate, engage, and support our participants across all areas of their lives.

Two images of people shown side-by-side: on the left an older woman with light skin, and on the right, a younger man with dark skin, both smiling.

The Way Forward

Built on the direction and feedback of people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind across Canada, The Way Forward is CNIB’s five-year strategic plan, which we believe will create lasting change for our community nationwide.

A brunette woman sits and smiles at a blond woman with a white cane, as both sit next to a sign for a fragrant garden.

Our Team

Meet the ambitious team behind CNIB from coast to coast.

CNIB Century of Change Award medal in its opened box

Awards

Our CNIB awards recognize people and groups changing what it is to be blind today.

A person with a white cane poses for a photo in an office corridor.

Join the team that's changing what it means to be blind

At CNIB, we’re on a mission to break down barriers and create a world where people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can live the lives they choose. We’re curious, ambitious, and driven by purpose – and we’re just getting started!

CNIB Reconciliation Icon. A graphic art illustration featuring a stylized eye within a ring or circle. The bottom part of the design features an eye and yellow waves with a double-curve mosaic. Above the eye, there is a yellow 8-point star with a white eagle head in the centre of the design. Text: CNIB Reconciliation The Way Forward.

Reconciliation – The Way Forward

At CNIB, we are committed to changing what it is to be blind for Indigenous Peoples through collaboration and engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country.

A diverse group of people in a circle fist bump on another in collaboration

Our Accountability

We’re committed to handling all feedback with care and to resolving issues in a timely, respectful and fair way.

A group of men in suits sitting in a room with a dining table in from of them.

A Proudly Canadian History

Learn about CNIB’s impact over a century of change in Canada.

Man in black baseball cap looking through red magnifier

Accessibility at CNIB

Learn about CNIB’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

A man using a white cane walks with a sighted volunteer along a boardwalk on a sunny day.

Publications

Find our strategic plans, annual reports and more.

Group of Diverse Business People Discussing About World Issues

International Affairs

We are an active participant on the international stage, working with government and other non-profit organizations and to share expertise and professional resources with people experiencing sight loss.

Two schoolchildren in a classroom laughing. One is holding a small blue ball.

Financial Statements

Get information on our funding practices and how your donation makes a difference.

CNIB participants, staff and volunteers sporting white t-shirts, baseball caps and smiles at the Toronto Pride parade

Diversity & Inclusion: We are CNIB

The communities we serve are diverse and rich in culture and history. There are many factors that overlap with one’s sight loss journey. How these factors work together to form a person’s lived experience is essential in shaping their identity. Here, we will explore the many faces and facets of intersectionality with being blind, partially sighted or Deafblind.

Three canvassers working on behalf of CNIB smile for the camera while standing on a sidewalk in a residential neighbourhood. Each canvasser is wearing a yellow CNIB baseball cap, vest, and lanyard with photo identification.

Have you seen us in your neighbourhood?

Yes, we are fundraising! CNIB has partnered with fundraising organization Globalfaces Direct, TNI and Public Outreach to fundraise safely for monthly donations in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and other regions across Canada.