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September 2023 Newsletter
October Programming at PFC
Ottawa Regional Member Gathering
Tuesday, October 3, 10 AM - Noon ET, followed by lunch (In-person)
Members and friends gathering and luncheon in Ottawa, which will be an opportunity to reconnect with National Capital Area-based peers and help start designing PFC’s 2024 Conference to be held next September in Ottawa - stay tuned for the announcement coming soon!
Healthy Aging Affinity Group Inaugural Meeting
Wednesday, October 4, 1 - 3 PM ET (Online)
Join our newest Affinity Group dedicated to Healthy Aging, an initiative by and for funders who recognize that supporting older adults is a crucial yet under-funded area that philanthropy can help strengthen. This new group aims to foster a collaborative community, exchange leading practices, share knowledge, and explore how to leverage collective action for greater impact.
CEO Peer Support Group Inaugural Meeting
Thursday, October 5, 3 - 4 PM ET (Online)
This new group designed especially for CEOs/EDs (or equivalent title) has sprung out of a desire, which emerged during the CEO Retreat in May, to continue the conversations between retreats as a way of sharing information, building relationships, and supporting one another. Each meeting will have a cross-cutting theme relevant to different types of foundations, and ample opportunity to talk and learn from one another.
Canadian Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change Workshop
Tuesday, October 17, 1 - 3:30 PM ET (Online)
Join the monthly community of practice for a workshop on one of the CPCCC's 7 pillars. CPCCC is a call to action on all foundations and other funders to signal their commitment to act on climate change regardless of their respective missions. Join this workshop to support your implementation journey, or to learn more about the commitment.
Communications Affinity Group Workshop: Government Relations Training
Tuesday, October 19,1 - 3 PM ET (Online)
At this special two-hour online workshop delivered by Pamela Uppal, the Director of Policy at the Ontario Nonprofit Network, participants will learn more about government relations, and how as non-profits, charities and funders, we can best participate in the political process. The session will particularly focus on Government Relations (GR) as an advocacy tactic that participants can use to amplify the needs of the sector and communities we serve.
Montreal Regional Member Gathering
October 25, 5 - 7 PM ET (In-person)
This special regional gathering of members and friends in Montreal will be an opportunity to reconnect with regionally-based peers and dive into the topic of affordable housing, with a special panel on the topic by leading foundations working in the field, followed by a reception.
Program & Grantmaking Staff Affinity Group
October 27, 1 - 2 PM ET (Online)
Join our regularly-scheduled program staff-led get-together for PFC members, where participants learn about and discuss topics relevant to their work as program and grantmaking staff.
PFC Programming Calendar Nov-Dec
Regional Member Gatherings
- Nov 6 in Toronto @ 4 PM ET (hybrid / in-person and online): Funding journalism in the context of threats to democracy and new regulations. Register here
- Nov 10 in Halifax @ 12:30 PM AT (in-person): Register here
- Nov 20 in Calgary @ 11:30 AM MT (in-person): Discussion with PFC's post-doctoral fellow Michele Fugiel Gartner's on her research findings around the Evolving Narratives of Canadian Philanthropic Foundations. Register here.
- Nov 22 in Vancouver @ 5 PT (in-person; please note time change): Register here
Communications Affinity Group
Investment Roundtable
Nov 28 @ 10:30 AM ET (in person) and @ 11 AM ET (online): Save the date, and sign up here to be added to our distribution list for more information.
PGSAG Rendez-Vous
- Dec 1 @ 1:00 PM ET (online): Register here.
Canadian Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change
- Dec 5 @ 1:00 PM ET (online): Register here.
Visit our website regularly for full updated details of our programs.
Partner Programming
Philanthropy Supporting Ukraine (Sept 28 @ 2:00 PM ET, online): Join us and partners the Council on Foundations, Mott Foundation, and Community Foundations of Canada for a roundtable discussion on how philanthropy can apply lessons from the war in Ukraine and support education systems during and after a crisis and in conflict zones across the globe. Register here.
New PFC Member: CIBC Foundation
Warm welcome to our newest member, CIBC Foundation, who is is a private foundation that serves to advance social and economic equity by creating greater access to opportunities for underserved communities in Canada. Causes it supports include: 1) supporting cancer initiatives, to create a future where no one has to fear a cancer diagnosis; 2) championing inclusive communities, to advance economic inclusion for all; 3) investing in financial education, to ensure everyone has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of financial wellbeing.
New Canadian Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change Signatory: The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation
Warm welcome to the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, our newest CPCCC signatory! CPCCC calls on all funders in this land, regardless of their mission, to come together and commit to act on climate change. The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, which focuses on poverty prevention, did precisely that with their commitment. Join them and 50+ other signatories by reading and signing the commitment and signaling your willingness to work across the seven pillars of action.
Member Job Board
- Program Manager, The Rossy Foundation (closes Sep.26)
Members in the News
Mastercard Foundation's extends its partnership with EntrepreNorth to drive a movement of Indigenous entrepreneurship that uplifts leadership, mobilizes changemakers, empowers innovation, and makes financing more equitable in EntrepreNorth And The Mastercard Foundation Extend Partnership To Ignite A Movement Of Indigenous Entrepreneurs Across The North
Rideau Hall Foundation’s President & CEO, Teresa Marques, reviews Hilary Pearson’s Book “From Charity to Change” in Policy Magazine highlighting that foundations have the potential to be drivers of genuine innovation, to take risks that government cannot, and to use their platforms to inform and shift dominant public narratives.
Graham Boeckh Foundation and other donors help fill service gaps in the youth mental health and substance use system in Ontario in “Wellness Hub welcomes new youth every day”.
Gupta Family Foundation’s President and CEO, Reetu Gupta, launches her book entitled "Auspicious: Embracing the Path Toward Courage, Conviction and Confidence" written as a guide for inspirational, professional, and spiritual direction.
Solcz Family Foundation answers the Windsor Family Homes & Community Partnerships plea, helping to fund job opportunities for seven students in “Community support saves the I CAN Summer Camp”.
RBC Foundation supports the installation of a container farm for growing hyper-local, pesticide-free spinach and other greens year-round in British Columbia in "Urban farm in Abbotsford receives $100,000 donation."
Claude Chagnon, Chair of the Lucie et André Chagnon Foundation and co-signatories: Hélène Dufresne, Chair of Fondation Dufresne et Gauthier; Nadia Duguay, Executive Director of Fondation Béati; Andrée Lévesque, Chair of Fondation Solstice; Sylvie and Claire Trottier of Trottier Family Foundation argue why it is imperative and urgent for philanthropic players to intervene in support of the news media, including local and alternative media in "La philanthropie ne peut rester silencieuse".
The Trico Charitable Foundation's Founder, Wayne Chiu, is honored by his alma mater in ICYMI: Wayne Chiu Champions Social Entrepreneurship While Receiving Honorary Degree.
Musagetes Foundation is highlighted for providing funding for an iconic space at the University of Waterloo in About Musagetes Architecture Library.
Temerty Foundation makes a transformational gift to NOSM University, who will rename its Centre for Social Accountability, The Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity, and use the funds to help advance and grow social accountability and health equity initiatives in Northern Ontario’s med school receives $10M gift.
The Peter Gilgan Foundation helped channel $5.65 million to support increased capacity for youth mental health programs at William Osler Health System in Cycling fundraiser raises millions for Osler Foundation to benefit hospitals in Brampton and Etobicoke.
The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation Observatoire des tout-petits unveiled a new report highlighting the difficulty of obtaining specialized health and education services for children with special needs in Toddlers with special needs doubly disadvantaged by Quebec system: report.
Suncor Energy Foundation’s Post-Secondary Donation Program grants funds to Keyano College on Treaty No. 8 Territory in Alberta to assist in advancing the college's commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge and culture on campus in Keyano College receives funding to integrate Indigenous culture on campus
The Asper Foundation's Chair and Trustee, Gail Asper, is part of the panel of judges who selected this year's winners of the Diverse Minds Creative Writing Competition in B’nai Brith Celebrates Diverse Minds 2023 Winners.
Upcoming Member & Sector Activities
Peace Days 2023: Take Action for Equality, Build Peace (Sept 21-Oct 2, in-person in Montreal and online): Discover and take part in the program of over 50 activities presented by over 40 partners for the Peace Network for Social Harmony's upcoming Peace Days, with this year's edition encouraging participants to take concrete action for equity. View the program and register here.
Transforming Philanthropy: Navigating the Equity Journey (Sept 26 at 1 p.m. ET): Béati Foundation’s Maya Sakkal discusses what intentional equity, diversity, and inclusion work looks like. For more details and to register, click here
Black Leadership Summit (Sept 27-28, online): Future of Good and the Foundation for Black Communities are hosting a digital-first conference to celebrate Black leadership in social change, and guide senior leaders and teams interested in equity and inclusion to become more impactful in their anti-racism work. Register here.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day (Sept 30): Several PFC members are actively involved, including The Martin Family Initiative, who is mentioned as part of Manitoba Teachers’ Society's Truth and Reconciliation Week (Sept 25-30) under Canadian Teachers Federation resources available to honour, participate in and reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and beyond.
Calgary Foundation's Vital City 2023 (Oct 4 @ 4:30 PM MT in-person in Calgary): Eva Friesen will present the foundation's year-in-review, followed by Nick Saul who will share insights on developing the economic and social conditions for people to access food with dignity and, ultimately, thrive. Register here.
Quick Connects for Change (Oct 4 @ 5:30 PM ET, in-person in Toronto): PFC members are invited to join Toronto Foundation for a re-imagined speed-dating event, connecting fundholders and local community organizations in a musical chairs-like format with opportunities to connect and learn together. Register here.
Compliance with Ontario's Not-for-profit Corporations Act Webinars (Oct. 4 and 11 @ 1 PM ET, online): Join this free Ontario Nonprofit Network’s two-part webinar series. Nonprofits have until October 18, 2024 to update their bylaws and letters patent to comply with ONCA. Participants will work through their bylaws and letters patent and a workbook to identify what they might want or need to change in order to comply. Register here.
Maytree’s Policy School 2024 is receiving applications until October 17. Policy professionals in a position to influence the public policy direction of their organization and interested in enhancing their effectiveness in the policy process should consider applying. Learn more and apply here.
The Circle's Fall Feast (Oct 31-Nov 2, online). The event is a time for harvesting our collective wisdom and sharing that abundance with members and the sector. Join them to feast and share the wealth and abundance of communities. Register here.
Future of Good is calling for nominations for 2024's 30 Young Impact Leaders (Nov 3): If you know young leaders (20-39) driving change from inside existing organizations and who deserve recognition, nominate them here.
Funder’s Table on Ending Homelessness at CAEH23 National Conference (Nov 9 @ 3:30 PM AT, in-person in Halifax): Join the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness for an inspiring conversation and strategy session for foundations and philanthropists, to discuss the role of philanthropy in ending homelessness and explore what else needs to happen for the tide to turn. Join peers from Home Depot Canada Foundation, United Way Halifax, and Pathy Family Foundation for a collaborative discussion and interactive session to chart a national course for success and share best funding practices. Register for the funders' table and reception here, and the full CAEH23 conference here.
Rideau Hall Foundation's Arctic Inspiration Youth Prize is now open for nominations: learn more and submit a proposal here.
Bhayana Family Foundation and a coalition of organizations including PFC are advocating in favour of a Day of Recognition for the Nonprofit Sector in Canada. Read more about the context here.
Member & Sector Insights
Imagine Canada’s “How are organizations using social finance?” describes 22 organizations' different stages of investment readiness (including PFC members United Church of Canada and Inspirit Foundation) as they share their social finance journeys.
The Azrieli Foundation announced awardees of their 2022 Science Grants Program funding call around “New ideas to Advance Knowledge in Neurodevelopment”.
LesLois Shaw Foundation recently incubated and launched a new charity: Baby Love Beginnings, with a goal of eliminating diaper need in Toronto. They started it because more than 1 in 5 families cannot afford diapers for their baby in Toronto.
Weston Family Foundation's Weston Family Prairie Grassland Initiative, together with Nature Conservancy of Canada/Conservation de la nature Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Meewasin Valley Authority, Parks Canada, and Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation, aims to expand the amount of land protection in the prairies.
The Atkinson Foundation prepared an ESG disclosure standards for investment products statement and invites other funders to do the same. This represent the first global voluntary standards for disclosing how an investment product considers ESG issues in its objectives, investment process, and stewardship activities.
The Cole Foundation's Barry Cole talks about cultural philanthropy in Philab’s most recent podcast episode.
Volunteer Canada's Don McRae raises a red flag regarding decreasing rates of volunteerism in Canada in Volunteer-Supporting Charities Are Closing at Alarming Rates
The Philanthropist Journal highlights how Indigenous philanthropic leadership themes emerge from new stories in Shelley Price: Storytelling the philanthropic landscape – Collective restorying of giving and sharing through Indigenous perspectives.
A University of Chicago study points to a “substantial” increase in philanthropic funding for journalism over the past five years, particularly to outlets that serve poor and minority communities in Journalism has seen a substantial rise in philanthropic spending over the past 5 years.
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