Anchored in Service Since 1942

Navalis began its journey on November 23, 1942, when it was founded as the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund (RCNBF). Its purpose was clear: provide immediate financial assistance to members of the Royal Canadian Navy returning from the Battle of the Atlantic. Guided by prominent naval officers, the Fund drew its initial capital from an undistributed balance of World War I prize money, as well as contributions from canteens, officers’ messes, and generous friends of the naval services.

Building a Lasting Mission

As the Second World War drew to a close, trustees recognized that support would be needed long after demobilization. On July 4, 1945, the Fund was reorganized as the Canadian Naval Service Benevolent Trust Fund and received a formal charter under the Dominion Companies Act. This ensured its mission would endure in peacetime.

When Canada’s Forces unified on February 1, 1968, a new Financial Assistance Fund was established for those who joined after unification, while the Benevolent Fund continued to serve personnel with prior naval service.

Expanding Who We Serve

Over the decades, our mandate has steadily broadened to reflect Canada’s evolving naval community:

  • 1992–1993 — Merchant navy war veterans and their dependents become eligible for all benefits.
  • 1994 Grandchildren of members and veterans of the RCN become eligible for educational assistance
  • 1998–1999 — The organization extends eligibility to all naval forces and Canadian Forces members who served at least one year with Maritime Command.
  • 2005 — Active naval personnel, including reservists on full-time service, gain access to financial assistance when other Canadian Forces resources are exhausted. The educational program is replaced with a more flexible bursary system
  • 2019 – The board of directors undertakes a comprehensive review of the mission, vision, mandate, programming, and funding of the organization
  • 2020 – The board of directors rolls out the Strategy for Renewal 2021-2024
  • 2021 – The RCNBF hires its first Executive Director and shifts the board from a working to a governance model
  • 2023 ­– The organization undertakes a comprehensive needs assessment and re-aligns its programs
  • 2025 – The organization obtains foundation status and undergoes major rebranding to become Fondation Navalis Foundation
From RCNBF to Navalis

In 2025, we embraced a new name and a modern identity — Navalis — to reflect our expanded scope, renewed mission, and forward-looking approach. While our look and language have evolved, our purpose remains unchanged: to ensure that no one in Canada’s naval family is left behind.

From a wartime relief fund to a national charitable organization, we have delivered over $20 million in assistance to more than 42,000 Canadians. With every chapter, our commitment has remained anchored in service, compassion, and impact.