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September 2025 Newsletter
Since our last edition...
Board Directors gathered for an in-person retreat, hosted by PFC member Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation in Nova Scotia, where they spent two days at Asitu’lisk, a learning centre which was recently returned to the Mi’kmaq people. Read our new Board Chair Ina Gutium’s blog post, “Embedding Reconciliation into the Core of our Work,” for more details.
We filled openings for our Board and committee positions, welcoming new members from among the PFC community. Learn more about our Board and committees’ configuration here.
PFC Updates & Insights
PFC Blog Post by André Vashist, Director of Learning and Collaboration, describes how PFC’s strategic areas of focus are guiding how we’ve re-organized our programs, the motivations that led us to update our convening model, and the way we’ve redesigned our website navigation. Based on usage data, we’ve decided to close the Member Portal, which was no longer meeting network needs. In response to the evolving digital landscape, our team is restructuring offerings and implementing more effective tools to foster direct online engagement across the network.
Our most recent Policy Advisory highlights our recommendations in our Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultation in Advance of the Upcoming Federal Budget 2025.
Podcast recording by CharityVillage, “Post-Election Wake-Up Call: What Canada’s New Federal Government Means for Nonprofits,” features Jean-Marc Mangin and fellow philanthropic leaders offering their views on how our sector can work with this government to serve Canadians' needs.
Guest Post by Sharilyn Hale, “Family + Philanthropy: Unpacking Great Governance for Generous Families,” reflects on the Great Governance Professional Development course she delivered this spring.
PFC Guest Post by New Power Labs, “Beyond Perceptions: Reflections from PFC’s Conference, One Year Out,” looks back on the results of a poll of approximately 80 philanthropic leaders and staff gauging their perceptions of funding diverse communities, and what’s needed to expand resources for those who remain underfunded.
We’d love to hear from you! We have issued new Guest Post Guidelines for PFC Blog, which invites you to share an opinion, research data, or a story regarding philanthropy in Canada that you think would interest the sector.
PFC Upcoming Programming
Select Programming Highlights
Save the Date! The PFC 2026 National Conference - Reciprocity - will be taking place September 23-25, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba / Treaty 1 Territory. Check out the full announcement here!
Walrus Talks:
Philanthropy in a Changing Canada
Wednesday, November 12, 7-9 PM PT (in person)
SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts - Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema
PFC is proud to partner with The Walrus, MakeWay, VanCity Community Foundation, Vancouver Foundation and RBC to bring a Walrus Talks to Vancouver! The talk is entitled: Philanthropy in a Changing Canada: How philanthropy is evolving to serve the needs of our communities. Learn more here.
Reconciliation Roundtable Gathering
Tuesday, November 4 (online)
3-5 PM AT/2-4PM ET/1-3 PM CT/12-2 PM MT/11 AM-1 PM PT
The Reconciliation Roundtable is a dedicated space for PFC members to come together in solidarity, reflection, and resolve. Rooted in The Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action on its 10 year anniversary, this gathering is about breathing life into the apology—moving beyond words to meaningful action. Register for the event here.
Upcoming Affinity Group Meetings
Communications Affinity Group Meeting
Branding with Purpose: Definity Foundation’s Communications Journey
Speaker: Abby Wong - Manager, Strategic and Granting Projects at Definity Foundation
Thursday, September 18 (online)
3-4 PM AT/2-3 PM ET/1-2 PM CT/12-1 PM MT/11 AM-12 PM PT
Program and Grantmaking Staff
Affinity Group Meeting
The Grantmaking Roundtable:
Mapping Career Trajectories in Philanthropy
Anil Varughese,
Supervisor, Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) Program at Carleton University
Kendra Kerr,
Director, Charitable Strategy and Governance, MLSE Foundation
Riz Ibrahim,
President & CEO, The Counselling Foundation of Canada
Friday, September 19 (online)
3-4:30 PM AT/2-3:30 PM ET/1-2:30 PM CT/12-1:30 PM MT/11 AM-12:30 PM PT
Quebec Affinity Group Meeting (in French)
Groupe philanthropique Québécois
Open Exchange – Impact Investing in Quebec: Realities and Nuances
Alexandra Chamberlin,
Investment Director, The McConnell Foundation
Tori Hellrung,
President of the Board, Investment Committee Member,
Béati Foundation
Tuesday, September 23, 10-11 AM ET (online)
Leaders of Colour Affinity Group Meeting
Leading from a Place of Connection, Care, and Collective Strength
Speaker: Suhrabi Jain
Wednesday, September 24 (online)
2-3:30 PM AT/1-2:30 PM ET/12-2: 30 PM CT/11 AM-12: 30 PM MT/10-11: 30 AM PT
CEO Peer Support Group Calls
Cohort 1: Thursday, September 25 (online)
4-5 PM AT/3-4 PM ET/2-3 PM CT/1-2 PM MT/12-1 PM PT
Cohort 2: Thursday, October 9 (online)
4-5 PM AT/3-4 PM ET/2-3 PM CT/1-2 PM MT/12-1 PM PT
Family Foundations Affinity Group Meeting
Friday, October 24 (online)
3-4 PM AT/2-3 PM ET/1-2 PM CT/12 AM-1 PM MT/11-12 AM PT
Speaker: Mike Prosserman, Board Chair, Acorn Seed Foundation
Healthy Aging Affinity Group Meeting
Wednesday, November 26 (online)
2-3:30 PM AT/1–2:30 PM ET/12-1:30 PM CT/
11 AM-12:30 PM MT/10-11:30 AM PT
ERRATUM: please note date above, corrected from our Fall Programming round-up.
Canada’s aging population presents both a challenge and an opportunity. This session will explore the consequences of inaction — from rising healthcare costs and caregiver burnout to deepening inequities among older adults. What are the long-term implications of failing to invest in aging-related systems and supports? And how can philanthropy play a catalytic role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future? Join us for a timely conversation that will help frame the urgency of healthy aging as a cross-sectoral issue, and inspire collaborative approaches to change. More details to come soon!
For more details about our full fall programming calendar,
check out our new online programming calendar and
refer to our Fall Programming Roundup
New Members
PFC is happy to welcome these newest members to our network:
Auxilium Foundation
The Auxilium Foundation’s mission is to support mental health and education in youth, by supporting community involvement and leadership. Its vision is to build a platform where youth can become community leaders, creating positive change in our society. It aims to empower youth by providing volunteer opportunities to give back to the community; creating valuable connections for students across Ottawa; and producing resources for education and mental health.
Black Opportunity Fund
The Black Opportunity Fund is a community-led organization, which supports a prosperous, healthy and thriving Black Canada by challenging anti-Black racism, by responding to long standing underinvestment in Black communities and, by working nationally to strengthen collective actions by Black organizations and leaders, helping them create new and more impactful ways to support and advocate for the community.
Hyatt Family Foundation
Rooted in its founding family’s values, the Hyatt Family Foundation seeks to partner with mission-aligned organizations that prioritize community-led solutions and sustainable impact in three core areas: supporting children, youth, and families; advancing healthcare; and promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls in international development contexts.
Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation is a charitable organization established by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and Indigenous Financial Institutions across Canada. Its mission centres on fostering success and empowerment among underserved Indigenous women, youth, and early-stage entrepreneurs across Canada by providing training, mentorship, access to technology, Internet and seed grants to ensure accessibility and equity while building capacity within the Indigenous economic development ecosystem.
Joyce Family Foundation
The Joyce Family Foundation, which was created by Canadian entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce (1930-2019), is a private foundation dedicated to supporting the social, economic and emotional well-being of children and youth by empowering them to develop into healthy, confident, independent contributors to Canadian society. Its primary focus is to provide access to education for children and youth with significant financial need or facing other socio-economic barriers to success.
National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada
The National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada is a new, independent organization, established through the National Sixties Scoop Settlement. Its mission is to accompany Survivors and their descendants along their healing journey by supporting cultural reclamation and reunification, holistic wellness services, advocacy, commemoration, and educational initiatives.
Announcements, Appointments
and Awards
MakeWay Board announced on July 14 that Alex Sardar joined the organization as its new President and CEO.
Trottier Family Foundation Board announced the appointment of Karel Mayrand as Chief Executive Officer, which became effective August 18, 2025.
Lyle S Hallman Foundation Board announced that John Neufeld will be joining them as the CEO full time in November.
Have any exciting news you’d like to share with our network? Let us know!
Member & Sector Job Board
- Research Assistant, Women in Philanthropy initiative, Carleton University MPNL Program. (By September 15)
- Manager, Granting, Waltons Trust
Member & Sector Insights
Canadian Family Office’s article “Private charitable foundations: What’s the best way to give money away?” features Jean-Marc Mangin, Hilary Pearson and Sharilyn Hale sharing dos-and-don’ts of good governance for private charitable foundations.
Carleton University’s Susan D. Phillips, PhD, Professor Emerita, Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, explores the topic of “Modernizing Charity Regulation for Greater Efficiency and Better Results”.
The Center for Creative Leadership’s guide “Reinvention Through Disruption: Moving From Perpetual Crisis to Collective Adaptability”, which can help nonprofit and social sector teams and organizations navigate turbulent times together, is highlighted in “Ask the Expert: Guidance for Leadership in Uncertainty”.
Living Library of Learning Invitations for changemakers by Sonja Miokovic is a curated OpenSource living library of 50+ (and growing) learning opportunities for our sector.
Zero Emissions Innovation Centre research, which shows that Climate action creates jobs and saves money - finding that green jobs have more than doubled in Vancouver - is mentioned in "Vancouver's Climate Progress: 2025 Highlights."
Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation-supported research, alongside Quebec’s ministries of Health, Families, Education and Higher Education, and several other Research entities, which suggests a need for earlier mental health support in schools, is mentioned in "Youth at risk of suicide show early warning signs that adults often miss."
New Power Labs believes that Canada needs more businesses, and more of them to thrive, arguing that elevating immigrant entrepreneurship is one way to get there, in "From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Innovation in Credit Risk Assessment for Immigrants in Canada".
Keith Sjögren, chair of the advisory council for Carleton University’s MPNL and DPNL programs, discusses why we need to rejuvenate charitable giving in Canada, the need for research in the field, and why charities need a bigger voice in Ottawa, in Canadian Family Offices' "'There are a whole bunch of people earning a lot of money who are not giving to charity'."
‘Indigenous Engagement and Partnership’ report, written by BHP Foundation, Reciprocal Consulting Inc. & Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community leaders, shares wise practices, criteria, and design principles for respectful, equitable partnerships that center self-determination, cultural safety, and lasting relationships with Indigenous Partners.
Interactive map and video about Graham Boeckh Foundation-funded Integrated Youth Services (IYS), which has become a truly pan-Canadian strategy for supporting the mental health and well-being of young people.
Makeway is reimagining how to recruit for its board of directors in "Slowing Down to Move Forward: Rethinking Our Board Recruitment".
Karma & Cents blog post “Rethinking Philanthropy: A New Era of Giving” highlights how some donors are choosing to give through collaborative models like Giving Circles that pool donations, amplify impact, and prioritize civic engagement.
Imagine Canada is developing a new data platform designed to provide timely, comprehensive insights into how institutional funding (from foundations, corporations, and governments, among others) flows across Canada’s charitable and nonprofit sector. Respond to the survey here.
Mark Blumberg’s “Private foundations are on the upswing, but not all families are doing them well”, published by Canadian Family Offices, presents pitfalls and problems with some foundations operating ‘on automatic’, arguing that some families shouldn’t set up foundations at all.
Malcolm Burrows argues there is no shame in a private foundation running its course in "When Private Foundations Die".
PhiLab Infographic "Limited-Life Foundations" summarises how to manage the closure of a foundation.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy also explores limited time foundations in “Should Every Foundation Sunset? Weighing the Pros and Cons” and “What Is More Urgent Than Today? Why Some Foundations Are Choosing to Wind Down”.
Upcoming Member & Sector Activities
Tuesday, September 16, from 4–6 PM ET - Laidlaw Foundation’s Reflecting on the Past 10 years at Foundation House in Toronto and online. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 12 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. MT / 3 p.m. ET - Inside the Narwhal Event: Housing and the Climate Connections, supported by the Real Estate Foundation of BC. Register here.
September 21 to October 2 - 11th edition of the Peace Days organized by the Network for Peace and Social Harmony. For more information, click here.
September 23–25 - The Circle’s All Members Gathering at the Vancouver Convention Centre - East Wing (1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver). Register here.
Tuesday, September 23・1:00pm EDT | Boosting Online Filing in Canada’s Charitable Sector (Imagine Canada). Register here.
Wednesday, September 24, 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET | WINGS’ Philanthropy as a Catalyst in Multi-stakeholder Partnerships. Register here.
September 22–26 | NCTR’s National Truth and Reconciliation Week (September Lunch and Learn sessions. Learn more and register here.
October, in Prince Edward County, ON | Impact United Academy Private Leadership Retreat for investors, asset owners, and practitioners committed to shaping the future of capital in Canada. To inquire about participation in future gatherings, reach Richard Muller here.
Throughout October | Fourth edition of the PhiLab Fall School: Philanthropic Renewal: Exploring the Future of Social Engagement, Register here.
Tuesday, October 7, from 9 AM to 5 PM in-person; 1:15 PM to 5:00 PM virtual (live stream) | 3rd Annual Charity Insights Canada Project Data Summit . Learn more and register here.
Thursday, October 9, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM ET | The Giving Black Virtual Conference 2025, a collaboration between agentsC Inc., Back Black, Black Philanthropy Month, and the authors of Collecting Courage. Register here.
Friday, October 10 Deadline | Max Bell Foundation Public Policy Training Institute 2026. A 6-month Calgary-based professional development program for staff and boards of charities want to advance their organization’s mission through public policy advocacy. Register here.
Wednesday, October 15 Deadline | Maytree Policy School 2026. A six-month Toronto-based program that supports non-profit organizations with a social policy focus to advance evidence-based public policy solutions. Apply here.
Wednesday, October 29, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, in Montreal, QC- CAEH25: National Conference on Ending Homelessness Funder Session. Learn more and register here.
November 12-13 in Toronto | New Power Labs’ Capital Unlocked Summit 2025 -Transforming the future of capital. Early bird tickets here.
November 25–26 in Ottawa | Humane Canada’s One Health, One Welfare Conference. Register here.
Members in the News
Rideau Hall Foundation, Donner Canadian Foundation, Gordon Foundation, and Metcalf Foundation’s philanthropic collaboration during the last federal election, which offers lessons about how philanthropy might support local journalism, is highlighted in the Philanthropist Journal’s "Philanthropy’s role in the nation-building project of local news”.
Calgary Foundation, Shaw Family Foundation, and Rosza Foundation grants, leadership development, training and capacity-building initiatives are highlighted in "How a Massive Funding Surge is Reshaping Calgary’s Arts Landscape".
Inspirit Foundation and partners including McConnell Foundation, Euphrosine Foundation, and the Sonor Foundation, announced the launch of a Journalism Futures Fund to support independent journalism, and to strengthen civic life and democracy in Canada, in "New multi-million-dollar fund for independent journalism in Canada launches".
Foundation for Black Communities grant, in partnership with other Victoria area granters, which supports a six-week skill-building program designed to ignite youths' interest in multiple trades, is mentioned in "Victoria youth program opens doors while teaching skills to build them".
Weston Family Foundation’s Northern Biodiversity Research Program grant, weaving Western science with Cree knowledge and producing research that not only advances ecological understanding but also addresses the priorities of the Indigenous communities in the region, is highlighted in "Bridging worlds as the ice recedes".
McConnell Foundation's president and CEO, Jane Rabinowicz, discusses affordability and sustainability in "Desjardins’ Amplifier Fund to Support Quebec Eco-Friendly Non-Profit Housing".
Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation grant, that will support the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in evaluating the current pre-kindergarten program, establishing a continuum of professional learning and curriculum development, and incorporating principles of outdoor play, is mentioned in "Provincial Government Partners with Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation to Enhance Pre-Kindergarten Programming".
Northpine Foundation's Sara Tessier, Impact Director of Formerly Incarcerated Persons, is quoted in "Housing project looks to keep former inmates in the classroom and out of jail", and another grant is mentioned in "Miltonians named Top 25 Canadian Immigrants award winners".
Graham Boeckh Foundation, whose partnership with federal government and other organizations will help strengthen and expand the existing Integrated Youth Services Network of Networks (IYS-Net) across the country, is highlighted in "Government of Canada invests in research to inform better youth mental health and wellness services across the country" and in "New research to inform better youth mental health and wellness services across Canada".
Atkinson Foundation, Lawson Foundation, Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation, and The Waltons Trust grants, in support of the Atkinson Centre, led authors to write about the real choice around the child-care system in "Why child-care vouchers aren’t the answer for working families this fall".
Trottier Family Foundation grant, which has allowed over 700 Concordia students to contribute to the Starsailor program since its inception in 2018, is highlighted in “Concordia’s student-built rocket takes flight”.
Azrieli Foundation grant, which helped fund research that suggests the brain may be a missing link in certain forms of high blood pressure traditionally attributed to the kidneys, is mentioned in "High-salt diet inflames the brain and raises blood pressure, study finds".
Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation grants to support a podcast which aims to bring together Jews, Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians, from across the country and the political divide, to sit down and have difficult conversations, are mentioned in "Introducing ‘In Good Faith’, a bold new podcast co-hosted by a rabbi and a Palestinian”.
Calgary Foundation's President & CEO, Eva Friesen, is interviewed in "Calgary Foundation hits $1 billion grant milestone, celebrates 70th year".
CMA Foundation donation, which will support two charities working in Gaza (UNICEF and Action against Hunger) providing humanitarian assistance, is mentioned in "CMA to rejoin the World Medical Association as part of its global health work”.
BHP Foundation's strategic alliance with Fundacion Kodea and the IdeoDigital project addressing the digital divide in Chile is highlighted in "Education for the future is not a future problem".
RBC Foundation grant, which is part of a partnership with other granters and Do More Ag for AgTalk, an online space in the agriculture sector for mental health connection and community, is mentioned in "Partnership renewal for mental health in agriculture support".
Rideau Hall Foundation grant, which aims to alleviate a shortage of teachers working in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada, is highlighted in “Indigenous teachers are getting community-based training that keeps education close to home”.
Mastercard Foundation grant, which aims to help an agri-food sector initiative in Ghana, is highlighted in "McGill launches Nkabom Collaborative with Ghanaian partners, Mastercard Foundation".
Real Estate Foundation of BC, co-manager with the First Nations Water Caucus of BC's Watershed Security Fund, is mentioned in "B.C.’s long-promised watershed security strategy is done. It’s just not public".
In Memoriam
Hilary Weston (1942-2025) - Hers was a life of service and volunteerism: as a director of the Weston Family Foundation, and a volunteer across a wide range of not-for-profit organizations, Hilary exemplified an unwavering commitment to community and country. In recent years, her passion for philanthropy and community service led her to found The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation. The foundation has committed close to $150 million since 2021, supporting organizations innovating in healthcare and research, social services, refugee settlement, arts and culture, education, and the environment. The PFC Team joins the philanthropic community to offer deepest condolences to family and friends.
Nathan Gilbert (1952–2025) - For over 30 years, he was the Executive Director of the Laidlaw Foundation, overseeing its transformation from a small family foundation to a major champion of environmental justice, community arts, and youth advocacy. The PFC Team joins Laidlaw Foundation Board, Members, and Staff to offer deepest condolences to his loved ones on this sad occasion.
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