About the Fagan Foundation
A Foundation Built for Long–Term, Responsible Giving
The Fagan Foundation was founded by Steve Fagan after a career in business and several years of documentary photography work in Nepal and other remote regions. The Foundation was created to support specific charitable initiatives where need is clearly understood, local leadership is established, and long-term accountability is achievable.
Its first major initiative, the Tsum Valley Education Fund, grew from Steve’s repeated time in Tsum Valley and relationships formed with local families, schools and community leadership.
What the Foundation Supports
The Foundation supports charitable work where geography, poverty, or social circumstances limit access to education, basic necessities, essential services, and opportunities for children, youth, and communities.
The Foundation’s current initiative is the Tsum Valley Education Fund, through which approximately $310,000 CAD has been committed to support Compassion School.
Locally Led, Directly Supported
The Foundation supports needs identified by local leadership. For the Tsum Valley Education Fund, support is directed through defined commitments with Compassion School, with reporting provided to the Foundation and continued engagement through future visits to the school.
Steve Fagan with Compassion School students and school leadership at the opening ceremony for Compassion School, Lamagaun, Tsum Valley.
Relationship to Steve Fagan Photography
The Fagan Foundation and Steve Fagan Photography are separate. Steve Fagan Photography is a professional documentary photography practice. The Foundation is the philanthropic structure through which specific charitable initiatives are supported.
Documentary work helped create understanding and relationships that led to the Foundation’s first initiative and opportunities for meaningful support: the Tsum Valley Education Fund.
Charitable Status
The Fagan Foundation was incorporated in 2026 and has applied for registered charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency. Until registration is approved, the Foundation cannot issue official donation receipts for Canadian income tax purposes.