In 2011, the Donner Canadian Foundation supported more than 90 charitable organizations. Fifteen percent of the Foundation's granting was devoted to public policy research and education, and just over 15 percent supported international development and human rights projects. A further 15 percent of the Foundation's granting was directed toward land and wildlife conservation, and 20 percent supported organizations delivering social services. The Foundation's remaining granting 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.