The Glenn Gould Foundation was established in Toronto in 1983 and is a registered Canadian charitable organization. The Foundation not only seeks to extend awareness of Glenn Gould as an extraordinary musician, communicator and thinker, but also to extend his legacy through initiatives that realize the transformative impact of the arts on individual lives and society. Over its history, the Foundation has engaged in a wide range of artistic, cultural and educational activities including presenting concerts, symposia, commissioning art works, support for young and emerging artists, presenting art exhibitions, creating school study guides, publications, assistance with artists and researchers. These activities have taken place both in Canada and abroad. The most significant of the Foundation’s initiatives is The GlennGould Prize.

The mission of The Glenn Gould Foundation is to honour Glenn Gould’s spirit and legacy by celebrating brilliance, promoting creativity and transforming lives through the power of music and the arts with the Foundation’s signature activities, including The Glenn Gould Prize and a wide range of other artistic, cultural, educational and social initiatives. The Glenn Gould Foundation, in the spirit of Glenn Gould, inspires, supports and celebrates artistic endeavour by globally implementing its mission.

Both a national and international cultural institution, The Glenn Gould Prize is recognized as one of the world’s premier honours in celebration of artistic excellence. The Prize resonates strongly across borders and cultures because of its connection to one of the world’s pre-eminent musical icons, making it a gift from Canada to the world.

The $100,000 Cdn Glenn Gould Prize is awarded to an individual for a unique lifetime contribution that has enriched the human condition through the arts. Candidates are nominated by the public and Laureates are selected by an international jury of distinguished artists and arts professionals. The Glenn Gould Prize promotes the vital connection between artistic excellence and the transformation of lives. Each Glenn Gould Prize Laureate also chooses an outstanding young artist to receive the $15,000 Cdn City of Toronto Glenn Gould Protégé Prize. The ideals of The Glenn Gould Prize are expressed by the motto, "From Celebration, to Inspiration, to Transformation.”