About
Physicians and community leaders, united in generosity
Founded in 1988, the Physicians Philanthropic Fund is a registered Canadian charity based in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. We bring together physicians and community representatives to support local charitable organizations through our biennial gala fundraiser.
Every dollar raised at the gala goes directly to carefully selected charities serving the Valley. Our members volunteer their time and expertise, and no part of the Fund's income is distributed to its members.
We believe that the people who care for a community's health are uniquely positioned to understand its needs — and uniquely motivated to help meet them.
The PPF operates on a biennial cycle centred around our gala fundraiser. In the months leading up to the gala, our Charitable Allocation Committee issues a public call for applications from organizations across the Annapolis Valley. We evaluate each application based on community impact, organizational capacity, and alignment with our mission, then select three to five recipients to receive funding.
At the gala, guests enjoy fine dining, live entertainment, and the opportunity to bid on extraordinary live and silent auction items. All proceeds — from ticket sales, auction bids, and sponsorships — are directed to the selected charities in January 2027.
Charities supported at our 2024 gala
Of proceeds directed to selected charitable recipients
Raised for Annapolis Valley charities to date
1988
The Physicians Philanthropic Fund is established and registered as a charity by Annapolis Valley physicians and community leaders.
2019
A gala raises $38,000 for Annapolis Valley causes.
2022
Speak Easy Cocktail Party at Maritime Cider Express Co. in Kentville, with music by The Night Shift, supporting Apple Tree Landing, CAREY ME, and Catapult Leadership Foundation.
2024
An Evening in Paris at Maritime Cider Express Co. in Kentville raises more than $40,000 for five local organizations: 9 Lives Cats Rescue, Valley Doulas, Scrappy Lady Productions, After The Bell, and Gaspereau Elementary Home & School Association.
2026
A Secret Garden brings the community together once again for an enchanted evening of generosity in the Annapolis Valley.
Our Process
A transparent, community-focused approach to directing funds where they're needed most
At least six months before each gala, we issue a public call for applications through local media, physician networks, and community channels across the Annapolis Valley.
Our Charitable Allocation Committee evaluates each application based on community impact, alignment with our mission, organizational capacity, and clarity of purpose.
The Committee recommends 3-5 recipients and proposed funding amounts to the full Board, which votes to approve the final list. All members with conflicts of interest recuse themselves.
In January 2027, approved funds are disbursed directly to the selected charities. Recipients are announced at the gala and on our website.
Organizations that have received funding must wait eight years (four gala cycles) before reapplying, ensuring our support reaches the widest range of community needs.
The PPF is governed by a Board of Directors composed of 6-10 members, including licensed physicians and community representatives from the Annapolis Valley. All members serve as Directors, ensuring that every voice is heard in our charitable decisions.
Our Board maintains comprehensive By-Laws compliant with the Nova Scotia Societies Act, along with a Board Policy Manual that governs tax receipting, auction procedures, charitable allocation, and financial reporting. As a registered charity (Business Number 891438426RR0001), we file annual T3010 returns with the Canada Revenue Agency and maintain full transparency in our financial operations.