1974-2024: A community is born
In April 1974, a group of concerned parents gathered for a meeting with a goal – to raise money for research into Crohn’s and colitis. At that time, research funding was practically non-existent. Awareness of the diseases was practically non-existent.
On July 1, 1976, the Canadian Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis was born – the charity that is now Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
Since 1974, we have funded almost 400 grants, investing $150 million into world-leading Canadian research, including projects that offer realistic hope for a cure. In addition, we provide programs that improve quality of life and reduce the isolation of living with or caring for someone with Crohn’s or colitis – youth camps, apps, and trusted information on-line, in person and by webinar.
We met the past challenges, achieving exceptional, inspiring moments of discovery, impact and hope. While we look back and celebrate all the progress – the needs are growing relentlessly to fund more research and programs that change lives.
Join our growing community and make an impact.
Watch some of our founders talk about the beginnings of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
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50 years of discovery, impact and hope
In our first 50 years, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada has partnered with the Crohn’s and colitis community to achieve an unmatched record of improving the lives of people affected – along with hope for future impact.
Research
Since our first research grant in 1976, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada has invested $150 million into research, supporting almost 400 projects. Find out more:
Our research is delivering impact and hope. Here are two examples:
Real hope for a cure
In 2023, the Genetic, Environmental and Microbial (GEM) Project published the finding that the combination of gut bacteria in those who develop Crohn’s disease is different from those who remain healthy – years before they develop Crohn’s. This offers real hope for a cure.
Read the full story.
Deep understanding of Crohn’s and colitis in Canada
The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada report offers a comprehensive snapshot of the state of care and implications for the future. First issued in 2008 and published every five years since then, these reports offer a deep understanding of the status of Crohn’s and colitis in Canada, an essential resource for anyone working in the field, studying these diseases or advocating for change.
Research milestones and impact
Programs for those affected
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada offers an unmatched range of national programs that make life a little easier for those affected:
- Camp Got2Go gives kids with Crohn’s and colitis a full, fun overnight camp experience
- Gutsy Peer Support offers the ability to learn, connect, share experiences and receive or offer emotional support
- Free apps
- GoHere washroom locator lets people know of nearby washrooms – no questions asked
- MyGut helps track, understand and manage your Crohns or colitis journey
- Trustworthy information – brochures, educational events (online and in-person) and an online community
By the numbers
| 41 |
Number of ongoing funded research projects in 2024 |
| 393 |
Total number of grants funded since 1974 |
| $145 million |
Total amount invested in research since 1974 |
| $22 million |
Investment in the Genetic, Environmental and Microbiome (GEM) Project looking into causes of Crohn’s disease since 2008 |
| 139 |
Students who have received a $5,000 AbbVie IBD Scholarship |
| 3,450 |
GoHere locations listed on app |
| 46,000 |
GoHere app downloads |
| 10,600 |
MyGut accounts |
| 2014 |
Year Camp Got2Go started |
| 55 |
Number of Gutsy Learning Series recorded sessions |
| 92,000 |
Views of Gutsy Learning Series online recorded sessions |
| 1.1 million |
Visitors to our websites in 2023 |
| $52 million |
Raised at Gutsy Walks since launched in 1996 |
We celebrate the hope and impact generated by our research and programs. At the same time, they spur us to do even more.
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