Founded in 1942 as the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund, our organization has long provided financial support to members of the Royal Canadian Navy and their families. Today, as the Navalis Foundation, our mission has grown to include broader support to agencies that serve particular needs within the naval family, as well as leadership recognition and remembrance.

Driven by passionate volunteers and a dedicated core team, we work in partnership with donors, sponsors, and the community to ensure meaningful, measurable impact.

Promoting the well-being of the naval community to enrich the lives of sailors, veterans, and their families.

Supporting our naval family as our own.

• Engaged: We reach out and engage proactively with stakeholders
• Inclusive: We welcome everyone from our broad and diverse community
• Progressive: We foster learning and embrace promising ideas and leading practices
• Agile: We are responsive to changing needs and opportunities.

Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, CMM, CD

A respected naval leader and advocate, Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman embodies the dedication and integrity that define Canada’s naval community. After more than 39 years of distinguished service—including his tenure as Vice‑Chief of the Defence Staff—Mark retired from the Royal Canadian Navy in 2019.

Beginning his career as a reserve diesel mechanic, Mark rose through the ranks to become one of the Navy’s most accomplished and respected officers. His leadership, authenticity, and lifelong commitment to those who serve, earned him the admiration of colleagues and Canadians alike.

Since retirement, Mark has devoted his time and energy to supporting charitable and community initiatives—most notably as Champion of Navalis. Recognizing the Foundation’s vital role in strengthening the fabric of Canada’s naval community, he has committed his profile and influence to helping position Navalis for future success.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Vice‑Admiral (Ret’d) Norman exemplifies the Foundation’s raison d’être: sailors helping sailors.

The Navalis team is driven by compassion, integrity, and a deep respect for naval service. Meet the dedicated staff who deliver programs and build the relationships that power our work.

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 Canada’s naval family in times of emergency and distress. Guided by prominent naval officers and headquarters officials, the Fund drew its initial capital from an undistributed balance of World War I prize money, along with contributions from canteens, officers’ messes, and generous friends of the naval services.