Moez Kassam - Moez Kassam and Marissa Kassam Foundation

Moez Kassam is a highly accomplished investor and philanthropist. He is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Anson Funds, a leading alternative asset management firm. His exceptional track record has earned him recognition as one of the globe’s top performers.

Driven by a deep commitment to social change, Moez co-founded the Moez & Marissa Kassam Equity Fund. This private foundation takes an investment approach to philanthropy, focusing on strategic initiatives that empower individuals and communities.

Moez actively serves on the advisory boards of several organizations, including the Toronto Library Foundation, the Canadian Olympic Foundation, and the Immigrant Access Fund. He is a passionate advocate for a more equitable world where everyone can reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What motivated you and Marissa to create the Moez & Marissa Kassam Equity Fund?

Moez Kassam: Toronto is very vibrant and diverse city which is one of the reasons why my wife and I love Toronto. However, there is still a lot of progress to be made regarding inequality and exclusion which is why we started the Foundation. The Foundation aims to level the playing field by making an impact through five key areas: Food and Shelter, Healthcare, Youth Development, Immigration, and the Arts.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your work with the Canadian Olympic Foundation?

Moez Kassam: Absolutely! In June 2020, I was honoured to join the board of directors for the Canadian Olympic Committee foundation. I’ve always loved the Olympics ever since I was young, so this feels like a great partnership. Supporting athletes is something that is so universal and breaks all barriers – it’s one of those few things that most of us can agree on!
Q: Is that why you chose to donate $1 million to the Canadian Olympic Foundation?
Q: The Moez & Marissa Kassam Equity Fund has also made a $1 million donation to Michael Garron Hospital for the creation of a new food court. What led to that decision?

Moez Kassam: I love food and cooking, and I am informally known as a “foodie” in some circles. Most people minimize the impact of food but in my opinion, healthy and delicious food can improve life in more profound ways than we usually acknowledge

On top of creating a new food court, the gift will also support the creation of a grassroots initiatives fund that will be focused on expanding the hospital’s community programs and inclusive and accessible healthcare. My wife and I are particularly passionate about this initiative, not only because it helps serve diverse and vulnerable populations, but because it will serve frontline healthcare workers. During COVID-19, healthcare workers have often put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us alive and we wanted to support them, and this seemed like the best way to get involved
Q: Where do you see the foundation going from here?

Moez Kassam: The Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation will continue to do everything possible to make life better for vulnerable people in Toronto. The five-pillar approach has worked well, but we’re always looking for new organizations that are worth supporting. As for specifics, I think it’s likely that housing will continue to grow as an issue that needs to be addressed in the Greater Toronto Area.
Q: What would you say to someone that wants to get more involved in charity work or philanthropy, but isn’t sure where to start?

Moez Kassam: I would tell them that the first step is to make a choice. It doesn’t matter what it is, but just get started. Once you have volunteered or donated to one organization, you understand that giving is its own reward. You also need to ask yourself what you feel passionate about and go from there. I knew that I wanted to make healthy meals part of our charitable work because I love food — the way it nourishes us and brings people together for a shared purpose. Other than that, I’d say look for ways to improve your community, wherever you live.