WHO WE ARE

Walter and Maria Schroeder grew up in Winnipeg, in close-knit Mennonite families. While driving to Montreal for a family vacation in 1976, Walter sketched out an idea for a new Canadian-based bond rating agency he eventually named the Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS). Starting with just $1000 in working capital, Walter Schroeder built the company into one of the world’s premier bond rating agencies, with offices in New York, Chicago and London, and employees all over the world.

After the Schroeder family sold the company in 2014, Walter and Maria decided to devote their time to philanthropy. Their most personal efforts are concentrated in their hometown of Winnipeg, where they work with the Winnipeg School Division to provide food subsidies, education supports, bursaries, technology, and more to students in need. The Schroeder Foundation is also making an impact on healthcare in Canada by supporting research, services and rehabilitation, as well as advocating for increased government funding. The Schroeder family has also invested heavily in the arts in Newfoundland & Labrador, and Toronto through the creation of Terra Bruce Productions.

Latest News

11 Aug, 2025

Walter Schroeder Receives Order of Manitoba

On July 17, 2025, the Schroeder Foundation’s co-founder Walter Schroeder was invested into the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. The Order of Manitoba… more
21 Jul, 2025

A Journey of Hope: Siblings Who Fled Russia Earn Full Scholarships from The Schroeder Foundation

WINNIPEG – Ukrainian siblings Evgeniia Samoilova and Vladimir Samoilov, who fled Russia in search of safety and opportunity, have been awarded full post-secondary scholarships from… more
20 Mar, 2025

The Schroeder Foundation Visits Brokenhead Ojibway Nation

On June 5, 2024, The Schroeder Foundation and the Terra Bay Advisory Committee visited Brokenhead Ojibway Nation for a day of truth, reconciliation and learning…. more