Small Actions,

Big Impacts!

NEWSLETTER COMING SOON

Want to stay in the loop with all the exciting things happening at the Burton Family Foundation? From arts education updates to community initiatives and exclusive stories, our newsletter is your go-to place for everything creative and inspiring!

Follow our journey.

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Follow our journey. *

Burton Family Foundation

Your Community BFF

The Burton Family Foundation is rooted in something close to our hearts: the belief that everyone deserves the chance to express themselves through the arts.

Co-founded by father–daughter duo Brian Burton and Ashley Burton Rantala, our mission is deeply personal. As a family from Northern Ontario, we’ve seen first-hand how artistic creativity and opportunity can spark confidence, connection, and possibility. Together, we wanted to give back to the community that shaped us—by opening more doors for local artists, dreamers, and changemakers.

Through mentorship, community partnerships, and grassroots grants, our goal is simple: to nurture imagination and keep creativity thriving across Northern Ontario.

This is More than a Foundation.

It’s our family legacy, built on love, purpose, and a shared belief that the arts truly matter.

Join us in keeping creativity alive.

Meet BFF's Executive Director & Co/Founder, Ashley Burton Rantala

Ashley brings over 25 years of experience in the performing arts industry and education. She is passionate about creating accessible arts education opportunities and supporting her community in Northern Ontario.

Ashley Burton Rantala is a passionate community leader and advocate for arts and culture, with more than 20 years of experience across education, business, academics, and community initiatives. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration and building opportunities where creativity and connection can thrive.

As Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Burton Family Foundation, Ashley champions access to the arts while also supporting community-rooted projects that reflect local voices and needs. From mentorship programs to cultural partnerships, she works to ensure that individuals and communities across Northern Ontario have the resources to explore, express, and grow through the arts.

With a background that bridges education and the arts, Ashley brings people together to spark dialogue, cultivate creativity, and strengthen community bonds. She is recognized for her ability to turn ideas into action, weaving together artistic vision and community engagement to create inclusive spaces where the arts are celebrated as a vital part of life and well-being.

The Burton Family Foundation invests in youth and champions the arts as a pathway to opportunity, confidence, and connection.

PROGRAMS WE FUND

We support:

  • Youth Arts Education – Creative workshops and training that spark exploration and skill-building.

  • Creative Leadership – Arts-based projects that grow confidence, teamwork, and youth leadership.

  • Cultural Access & Equity – Expanding access to performances, exhibitions, and cultural experiences.

  • Community-Rooted Initiatives – Local projects addressing underserved needs and amplifying youth voices.

  • Mentorship & Pathways – Connecting emerging artists with guidance and opportunities for growth.

  • Arts & Well-Being – Programs using creativity to support resilience, expression, and mental health.

  • Collaborative Partnerships – Schools, organizations, and community groups working together for impact.