It was created after the death of Barry Zukerman, a successful member of the Canadian financial community. To honour his memory, the foundation's inaugural project was the creation of the Barry Zukerman Investment Fund at McGill University. Since then there have been many other organizations and projects funded by the Foundation. Some of these have included, The Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre at Earl Bales Park, the founding of The Toronto Jewish Film Festival, Kolel: The Adult Center of Liberal Jewish Learning, Women's and Children's V.O.I.C.E., Canine Companions for Independence U.S.A and the Canadian Women's Foundation.