History

• Carrying on Joseph-Armand Bombardier's work

The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation was established in 1965 to carry on the humanitarian work begun by Joseph-Armand Bombardier and contribute to the social mission of Bombardier, the company he founded in 1942.

1965 - Creation of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation

After the death of Joseph-Armand Bombardier in 1964, a foundation bearing his name is established in order to carry on his charitable work. The new foundation is headed by the late inventor’s wife, Yvonne L. Bombardier, along with her daughters Janine, Claire and Huguette.

 

 

1967 - A head office for the Foundation

In 1967, a building is erected at 1000 Avenue J.-A. Bombardier in Valcourt, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships region, to house the Foundation’s head office. The lower floor is used as a small cultural centre housing various activities and a library for Valcourt residents.

1971 - The J. Armand Bombardier Museum opens

The J. Armand Bombardier Museum officially opens in Valcourt to better promote the life and work of Joseph-Armand Bombardier. Its first exhibit presents the story of Joseph-Armand Bombardier through a history of his inventions. On the same occasion, the old Bombardier Garage, the inventor’s first workplace, is annexed to the Museum.

 

 

1972 - The Cultural Centre is founded

From the beginning, the Foundation places a great deal of importance on social, cultural and educational activities for the people of Valcourt. Originally held on the lower floor of the Foundation’s head office building, these activities quickly take on such a scale that the need for a separate building soon becomes apparent. The Cultural Centre is thus founded in 1972 to meet this need.

1978 - Death of Yvonne L. Bombardier

In 1978, after the death of the renowned inventor’s wife, the building housing the Foundation’s social and cultural activities is named the Yvonne L. Bombardier Cultural Centre. Janine Bombardier succeeds her mother as President of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation.

 

1981 - J. Armand Bombardier Foundation donations reach their first $1 million

After 16 years, thanks to the financial assistance of the Bombardier family and corporation, donations bestowed by the Foundation pass the $1 million mark. The following years will be marked by an intensive growth of the Foundation’s activities.

1990 - Expansion of the J. Armand Bombardier Museum

Two new rooms are added to the J. Armand Bombardier Museum. One houses a permanent International Snowmobile Exhibit while the other is dedicated to temporary exhibits relating to the Museum’s main themes.

 

 

1995 - J. Armand Bombardier Foundation donations exceed $10 million

Joseph-Armand Bombardier’s vision continues to live on. After 30 years in existence, donations granted by the Foundation amount to more than $10 million.

2000 - Grants Administration Office opens

The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation’s increasingly rapid growth leads to the opening of the Grants Administration Office in Montreal, in part to help bring the Foundation closer to the organizations it supports.

2002 - J. Armand Bombardier Foundation donations pass the $50 million mark

The Foundation’s work continues to expand. In 37 years, the Foundation has granted more than $50 million in donations.

2005 - The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation turns 40

Forty years in, the Bombardier family tradition continues, with a third generation now fully involved in the Foundation. Four of Joseph-Armand Bombardier’s grandchildren are now members of the Board of Governors.

2007- Joseph-Armand Bombardier centennial

The 100th anniversary of the birth of Joseph-Armand Bombardier is marked by numerous activities, including the opening of a new permanent exhibit at the J. Armand Bombardier Museum and a temporary exhibit of works by the Canadian painter Frederick Simpson Coburn at the Yvonne L. Bombardier Cultural Centre. One hundred years after his birth, the spirit of Joseph-Armand Bombardier continues to shine through the Foundation that bears his name. Since its creation in 1965, the Foundation has donated more than $85 million to nearly 1,000 organizations across Canada.

 

 

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