June 2024 Newsletter

Since our last edition...

• This week, we released our 2024 Landscape Report a comprehensive study examining the current state and evolving dynamics of philanthropic foundations in Canada which marks a significant milestone in PFC’s ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering impact within the philanthropic sector. Learn more about the Landscape Report here. 

• We are very pleased to announce an exciting two-year partnership with Addenda Capital that will leverage both organizations’ know-how and reputations in improving and building knowledge, networks, and learning about responsible investment. This historic partnership, which will see Addenda as PFC’s Principal Partner for our 2024 National Conference to be held in Ottawa from September 23-25, along with the Principal Partner for our forthcoming investment learning series in 2025, highlights a desire to collaborate in advancing common objectives as well as shared values. Learn more here. 

• We launched an important new initiative, driven by expressed needs from within our network, we’ve called, “Towards Collaboration and Growth: Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World.” It seeks to increase understanding and collaboration in the Canadian philanthropic community, in the context of our increasingly polarized world, including extreme and escalating violence in Palestine and Israel, and growing Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab and Anti-Palestinian hate in Canada. Working with experts, the goal is to facilitate learning, expression, and compassionate listening to diverse perspectives with care and humility. See below for specific resources and activities.  

• We invited foundations across the country to register to attend our Together 25 Ensemble National Conference. Early bird rates for foundations are available until June 26. With only 400 tickets available, we encourage you to take advantage of this rate before we open tickets to the broader philanthropic community at the end of June.

PFC Updates & Insights

• New partnership in philanthropic research between Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC), PhiLab, and the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) at Carleton University represents a significant stride towards fostering a collaborative ecosystem in philanthropic research, teaching, and practice in Canada. Together, we aim to explore and address the evolving roles of philanthropy in advancing the common good. 

• Jean-Marc Mangin, alongside Carleton University’s Susan Phillips, put forward the need to establish a Centre for Philanthropy, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between research and practice to influence public policy based on evidence in “Carleton U. aims to put Canada on philanthropic map with research centre.”  

• Jean-Marc Mangin, alongside the Trottier Family Foundation quoted regarding decarbonation of the health sector, were featured in Le Devoir’s extensive Special Weekend Issue on Philanthropy (in French only). Among several topics Jean-Marc spoke of the diversification of staff and boards, impact investment, the growing pressure on the NGO sector’s workforce, and the potential impact of AI.

• PFC is hiring a Bilingual Conference Communications Coordinator (Part-time, project-based Contract), Philanthropic Foundations Canada 

Upcoming PFC Programming

Program and Grant making Staff
Affinity Group Rendez-Vous

Friday, June 7, 2024
2 PM AT | 1 PM ET | 12 PM CT| 11 AM MT | 10 PM PT (Online)

Join this dynamic 60-minute online gathering of Program and Grantmaking Staff in PFC member organizations designed to offer peer-driven collaboration, professional development and networking opportunities

Visit our event page here.

Facilitated Dialogue Session Series -
Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World

Monday, June 10, 2024 (Online)
4:30 PM AT | 3:30 PM ET | 2:30 PM CT| 1:30 PM MT | 12:30 PM PT
Pre-Session

Tuesday, June 11, 2024,  
Wednesday, June 12, 2024,
Wednesday, July 3, 2024,
12 - 6 PM AT |11 AM - 5 PM ET | 10 AM - 4 PM CT |9 AM - 3 PM MT |
8 AM - 2 PM PT (Online)
Theme 1: Personal and Professional Impact
Theme 2: Concerns about Sector Reactions and Responses
Theme 3: Aspirations for Change and Philanthropy’s Collective Role

Part of PFC’s broader initiative, Towards Collaboration and Growth: Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World, this series' core aim is to create an intentional and safer environment for leaders from PFC members and initiative partners to engage in meaningful discussions on the impact of polarization and discrimination, concerns about sector reactions and responses, aspirations for change, and the community’s collective role during this time.

To sign-up to join the pre-session and the facilitated dialogue sessions, click here. 

Investment Roundtable

Tuesday, June 11, 2024
2 PM AT | 1 PM ET | 12 PM CT| 11 AM MT | 10 PM PT (Hybrid)
Foundation House, 2 St Clair Ave E, Suite 300, Toronto
Agenda:  Introduction/Roundtable; Public & Private Markets; Operations; Investment Accelerator/Learning Series

This forum provides a unique and dedicated space for grantmaking and foundation investment staff and board members to discuss emerging investment trends in the sector as well as challenges and opportunities peers are facing, helping PFC members build networks and learnings with colleagues from across Canada.

Visit our program page.

Member Gathering in Vancouver

Thursday, June 13, 2024
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Local Time (In person)
Houssian Foundation, 2150, 745 Thurlow St, Vancouver

This special gathering will be an opportunity to connect in person with regionally-based peers and to enjoy a presentation and a discussion about PFC’s new Landscape Report Research on Canadian philanthropic foundations.

Visit our event page here.

Philanthropic Foundations Canada
Annual General Meeting

Monday, June 17, 2024 (Online)
1 PM AT |12 PM ET | 11 AM CT |10 AM MT | 9 AM PT

The business of this meeting will be to receive and consider the audited Financial Statements of the Corporation for the financial year ended December 31st, 2023, together with the report from the auditor and the report of the directors; to appoint as auditors for the 2024 fiscal year, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, until the next annual meeting of members, and to authorize the directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration; to transact such further and other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournments thereof. 

Member Gathering in Calgary

Monday, June 17, 2024
5:00 – 7:00 PM Local Time (In person)
Studio Bell | National Music Centre - In the Soundscapes Gallery
Level Two, East Block, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary 

This special gathering will be an opportunity to connect in person with regionally based peers, to meet PFC's Board Directors in person and to enjoy a presentation and a discussion about PFC’s new Landscape Report Research on Canadian philanthropic foundations. 

Visit our event page here.

Communications Affinity Group

Thursday, June 20, 2024
2 PM AT | 1 PM ET | 12 PM CT| 11 AM MT | 10 PM PT (Online)
Topic: Training workshop – Digital Communications and Accessibility

This monthly meeting between communications specialists and grantmaking practitioners is designed to discuss important or emerging strategic communications and public affairs issues relevant to Canadian foundations and philanthropy. The initiative supports the exchange of ideas, learning about relevant news, sharing intel and working together, while providing a forum for professional development, networking and dialogue.

Visit our event page here.

New Members

PFC is happy to welcome the following foundations to our member network:

Foundation for Black Communities 

Foundation for Black Communities exists to ensure every Black person in Canada can thrive and all Black communities have agency in defining their own future, a future where Black communities in Canada have the resources, organizations, and influence necessary to shape their own solution making and self-determination. As a philanthropic home for Black Communities in Canada, FFBC invests in change-making, working alongside Canadian community, philanthropic, political, and business organizations to ensure that Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused non-profit, charitable, and grassroots organizations have the sustained resources and infrastructures they need to make a meaningful impact. 

The Burgundy Legacy Foundation 

The Burgundy Legacy Foundation was established in 2020 by Burgundy Asset Management as a platform for philanthropy. It inspires a better world by advancing philanthropy and supporting the generosity of Burgundy’s employees, clients, and company. It aims to promote and facilitate philanthropic endeavours that align with its values, rooted in the fundamental principles of responsibility, knowledge, and community. 

The Future Generations Foundation

The Future Generations Foundation, an Indigenous-led and serving organization, formerly the NIB Trust Fund, was established as a trust in 1975 to study matters confronting First Nations, carry out research, to inform, to educate and to provide healing and reconciliation programs, services and initiatives for First Nations peoples. Today, the FG Foundation supports education programs aimed at healing, reconciliation, and knowledge building. The goal of the FG Foundation is to help First Nations and Métis people, organizations, and communities address the long-lasting impacts of the Indian residential schools system and to support education programs aimed at healing and reconciliation over many years. All FG Foundation funding is accessed through a competitive application process. 

GreenShield Cares

GreenShield Cares is the organization through which GreenShield, as a non-profit health and benefits company, reinvests its earnings and redeploys its health services to improve the well-being of those living in Canada through. Social impact drives GreenShield Cares’ purpose, and its commitment to advancing health equity touches everything it does. GreenShield’s Creating Shared Value model powers its mission, integrating its social impact with its business strategies. As it grows, it expands its impact and becomes an even stronger force for good in the communities it serves. 

The Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia

The Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia was established in 1985 by the Government of British Columbia, in cooperation with the real estate industry. In 1988, the foundation began making grants to support projects led by non-profit organizations to build relationships, and share knowledge to advance sustainable, equitable, and socially just land use and real estate practices across BC. 

The R. Howard Webster Foundation 

The R. Howard Webster Foundation makes grants to outstanding Canadian charitable organizations offering unique and inspiring programs or projects for the benefit, improvement and development of Canadian society. Its funding interests are within the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Medical, and Social Services.  

As a founding member of PFC, we warmly welcome the Howard Webster Foundation’s return. 

The Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation

The Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation represents the philanthropic efforts of an automotive company founded in Alberta in 1921. For generations, the Wolfe family have been eager to support efforts that build better communities. Presently, they believe it is their duty to give back to the same communities who have helped their business flourish for over 100 years. Since being created in 2022, the foundation is on a mission to reinvest in those communities by supporting local charities and promoting their programs. Each quarter, they partner with a different charitable organization to help support and promote their vision, mission, and programs. 

Member & Sector Job Board

• Bilingual Conference Communications Coordinator (Part-time, project-based Contract), Philanthropic Foundations Canada 

• Operations Assistant (2 openings), The Law Foundation of British Columbia (until filled) 

• Communications Officer, McConnell Foundation (June 13) 

Member & Sector Insights

• Canada Revenue Agency recently published its first edition of “Quarterly updates from the Charities Directorate”, a new way to share information and news, in which it reminded our sector of the new version of Form T3010, Registered Charity Information Return; of Guidance CG-032, Registered charities making grants to non-qualified donees; of the Report on the Charities Program 2021-22, among other items. 

• McConnell Foundation, Trottier Family Foundation, Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, Addenda Capital, Rally Assets experts are among the members of The Canadian Impact Investing Working Group who produced this Report on   Scaling Impact Investing In Canada Through Mobilizing Asset Owners which recommends 8 solutions to triple impact investing in Canada by 2030. 

• Lucie et André Chagnon, Inspirit, Laidlaw and McConnell Foundations have come together to create a “Toolkit for Working with Non-Qualified Donees (NQD)” which features guidelines, examples and FAQs to aid funders in partnering with NQDs. 

• Atkinson Foundation and The Lawson Foundation are among the funders of The Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education / University of Toronto and the Abilio — Childhood Knowledge Dissemination Centre, formerly the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development, at the Université Laval and Université de Montréal, who have produced “The 2023 Early Childhood Education Report”, which, among other things, assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service provision. 

• Brian Bronfman Family Foundation’s President, also co-founder of the Peace Network for Social Harmony, writes about the network’s partnership with Promoting Leadership for Empowerment, Development and Justice which launched new Solidarity Dialogues in “Living together in peace.”  

• Maytree’s Five Good Ideas Series shares insights into this author’s praxis as a frontline worker and an advocate, including successes and challenges faced in advocating for change for homeless and underhoused people in “Five Good Ideas on advocating for change from the frontline.” 

• Azrieli Foundation-supported Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence released a detailed report entitled “Caring in Canada”, on the state of care in Canada, bringing together a panel of experts and people with lived experience to discuss the findings from a survey completed by over 3,000 caregivers and care providers across the country. 

• Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation’s CEO Mark Gurvis’ thoughts on the importance of having a statement of values to inform current and prospective grantees of the context in which grant decisions will be made are featured in “Why Values Statements are Critical in Protecting Donor Intent.” 

• The Canadian Medical Association has heard from physicians across the country about the impact the proposed increase to the capital gains inclusion rate will have on medical practices in “CMA remains extremely concerned about the impact of capital gains tax proposal on access to care.” 

• Alliance Magazine’s article asks whether philanthropy risk-taking advantage can be used to take some of the risk off the table, or enhance the returns, such that the private sector and government can also participate in “How is climate finance reshaping philanthropy?” 

• Philanthropist Journal’s article entitled “Redefining philanthropy through radical, community-based collaboration” by Claude Pinard, the CEO of Centraide Montréal (and a former PFC Board director)  who believes we need to rethink how we support social transformation, offers five essential skills and pathways for catalytic philanthropy 

• Philanthropy Europe Association’s article entitled “The Vital Connection: How Journalism Strengthens the Impact of Philanthropy” explores how the relationship between philanthropy and journalism is mutually beneficial. 

• Stanford Social Innovation Review article entitled “Where Strategic Philanthropy Went Wrong”, which states that dramatic advances in the scale and sophistication of strategic philanthropy have not improved societal conditions, proposes empowerment philanthropy instead as a new approach to fostering political and economic self-determination. 

• Philanthropist Journal article entitled “The case for integrating tech considerations into strategic planning”discusses non-profits' missed opportunity to build their organization’s digital resilience. 

• New Power Labs’ latest Equity Shot celebrates Asian Heritage Month by digging deep to understand how capital flows to Asian and Pacific Islanders who make up roughly 20% of Canada’s population and an increasing share of newcomers in “How is capital flowing to Asian and Pacific Islander founders, leaders, and communities?” 

Upcoming Member & Sector Activities

• Imagine Canada Webinar entitled “Registered Charities Making Grants To Non-Qualified Donees” – Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 1-2:30 PM ET- Learn more and register here. 

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation/Coalition Against Anti-Asian Racism in Canada Webinar entitled “United Against Online Hate: A National Policy Forum on Combating Anti-Asian Racism” - Friday, June 7, 2024, 1:30 PM ET – Learn more and register here. 

• Lawson Foundation are Environmental Partner of Future of Good’s Social Finance Forum - June 12-13, 2024 – Learn more and register here.  

Members in the News

• RBC Foundation's support allows Dalhousie to offer counselling, mentorship, tutoring, career development, safe spaces, community building, admissions support, and Elder-in-Residence programs to empower students throughout their educational journey and prepare them for successful careers in health care in “RBC and Dalhousie partner to transform health‑care education.” 

• Suncor Energy Foundation’s funding to Aurora College’s STEM outreach program for another four years, empowering its teams to excel in providing exceptional education and mentorship is highlighted in “Suncor donates $600k to ARI’s STEM program.” 

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s President, Teresa Woo-Paw, expresses her concern about the under-reporting of hate crimes in the article entitled “Un rapport sur la haine anti-asiatique dresse un tableau « très inquiétant ».” (French) 

• The Foundation for Black Communities announced the recipients of its inaugural Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G) Program, an investment to empower Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving grassroots, non-profit, and charitable organizations across Canada in “Historic $9.1 Million Investment in 107 Black-Led Organizations.” 

• Martin Family Initiative gift has helped Ermineskin Cree Nation develop Early Years program which is helping parents go back to school or find employment in “5 years on, Maskwacis, Alta., early childhood program celebrates community connections and benefits.” 

• Mastercard Foundation’s President and CEO Reeta Roy’s return as jurors for the 2025 Global Pluralism Award, alongside renowned experts in a range of disciplines including policymaking, peacebuilding, human rights, foreign affairs, linguistic diversity and media, is referred to in “Leaders in philanthropy, conflict prevention and human rights join internal jury to select the next winners of the Global Pluralism Award.” 

• Choquette-Legault Foundation donation helps start up and develop a new Environmental Health and Biodiversity Research Centre in “Le Cégep de l’Outaouais inaugure son Centre de recherche en santé environnementale et biodiversité de l’Outaouais” (French) 

• The Catherine Donnelly Foundation’s support of the Afro Women and Youth Foundation and programs like the Women's Wellness and Vocational Circle is mentioned in “Program helps Northern Ontario newcomers learn valuable life skills” and its effort to transform the lives of the underserved is demonstrated through its support of the “Chaos and Control” Documentary in “New documentary exposes temporary foreign workers’ conditions in New Brunswick.” 

• The Rideau Hall Foundation’s award distribution to national winners and finalist teams of its Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge, aged 14 to 18, is highlighted in “Sixteen Ingenious Youth Recognized for Outstanding Innovation” titled Press Release and one of whose story is told in “NB youth recognized for drone that helps save lives.” 

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s series of two-day workshops on hate crimes, for law enforcement and communities, offered in twelve cities across Canada, are described in press release entitled “Federal Organizations Launch Workshops on Recognizing and Reporting Hate Crimes.” 

• Calgary Foundation gift provides Arts performances as main sponsor for the first Be Well school day game, in “Calgary Surge host a Be Well game for junior high students.” 

• Law Foundation of British Columbia gift helps provide 2SLGBTQIA+ community drastically needed equitable access to legal services in “B.C.’s first-ever pro-bono LGBTQ2 legal clinic to open in Vancouver.”   

• Sandra and Alain Bouchard Foundation and J. Armand Bombardier Foundation, among others, bring the Fondation Duceppe closer to its $2 million campaign goal of investing in the vital forces of culture and perpetuating best creative practices through the activities of its creation center in “Pour ses 40 ans, la Fondation Duceppe se dote d’une nouvelle approche” (French) 

• MakeWay’s project to create a 5-year trail network plan for the Hada region (Broughton Archipelago) with trail building programs and community planning events highlighted in “The BC Conservation & Biodiversity Awards celebrate the 2024 Award recipients.” 

• Definity Insurance Foundation’s grant to Northwest Territories SPCA offering discounted or free bags of dog food is highlighted in “NWT SPCA begins subsidized pet food program.” 

• Ivey Foundation gift, along with the Clean Economy Fund, help make First Nations Major Projects Coalition National Indigenous Electrification Strategy possible in “Indigenous electrification strategy released.” 

• Peter Gilgan Foundation’s story is told in “Mattamy founder’s Peter Gilgan Foundation gives millions | Canadian Family Offices” article. 

• The Azrieli Foundation’s continued efforts to support arts and culture are illustrated in “Ten Years of Music Prizes and a Bold, New Commitment.” 

• Peter Gilgan Foundation CEO, Peter Gilgan, O.C. and Azrieli Foundation CEO, Naomi Sara Azrieli, O.C., both new appointees of Order of Canada in “List of appointees: Order of Canada Ceremony - May 2, 2024.” 

• Trottier Family Foundation, Godin Family Foundation, and J.A. DeSève Foundation financial support make youth science festival possible in “Festival EURÊKA ! : la fête des sciences est de retour pour une 17e édition” (French) 

In Memoriam

• Tom Pick (1938-2024) - The Founding Director of The Otto and Marie Pick Foundation sadly passed away in April. He was an “ordinary, extraordinary man” and will be deeply missed.   

• David LePage (1948-2024) - David lived a full life, guided by his deep desire for a more equitable society. He was a leader in the development of a supportive ecosystem for social enterprise in Canada. He was recognized internationally as a social enterprise and social procurement leader, practitioner, and public policy architect. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Get in touch!

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