December 2023 Newsletter

Since our last edition...

• We announced our Conference 2024 programming streams and potential sessions lineup, as well as our call for speaker nominations. You can also learn more about our speaker selection process here. 

• We are recruiting for an Interim Director of Member Engagement & Communications (13-month maternity leave contract) - learn more about the role and apply here.

• We launched our strategic planning consultation process, hosting several conversations in Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. Stay tuned for more in-person and online sessions in 2024, and in the meantime don’t forget to fill out our Strategic Directions Feedback Survey.

• Our 2024 membership renewal campaign is ongoing - thank you to everyone who has renewed, and we look forward to collaborating in 2024!

2023 in Review

As we approach the end of another year, we would like to express our gratitude to our entire network for your support and engagement in 2023. We’re proud of our accomplishments from 2023 – here are just a few key highlights:

Grew Capacity-Building to Strengthen Foundation Practices:

• Organized regional events in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Halifax to discuss a range of issues, from good governance and succession to impact investment and affordable housing
• Shared peer experiences in implementing the Canadian Philanthropic Commitment on Climate Change
• Hosted the second cohort for our JEDI Accelerator, as participants develop foundation-specific action plans

Facilitated Collaboration Across the Sector:

• Launched new Arts Funders and Healthy Aging Affinity Groups, and grew Communications and Program & Grantmaking Staff Affinity Groups
• Held our annual CEO Retreat and introduced a new CEO Peer Support Group
• Expanded our peer-driven Investment Roundtable

Bolstered Philanthropic Sector through Public Policy Advocacy and Research:

• Engaged government as the new disbursement regime is being implemented (including disbursement quota, non-qualified donees guidelines, and T3010 updates)
• Launched a research initiative on "Evolving Narratives of Canadian Philanthropic Foundations" (report out in early 2024)
• Kept our members informed with timely memos and updates on crucial regulatory changes (Trust reporting; AMT; Bill 15 in Quebec; responsible investment)

Please note that our offices will be closed December 22, 2023-January 2, 2024 for the holidays. We wish everyone a restful break, and look forward to reconnecting and collaborating further with each of you in the new year!

PFC Updates & Insights

• Following the first year of implementation, signatories of The Canadian Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change (CPCCC) have shared their journeys through our CPCCC YEAR 1 Report, launched earlier this month. Download the report here, and enjoy reading it, sharing it with your network, and perhaps allowing it to inspire you to join the commitment, if you have not already!
• Sara Krynitzki published a blog post on The Fall Economic Statement 2023, and its impact on affordability and housing issues with the Affordable Housing Fund and the establishment of the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
• Sara Krynitzki published a blog post on Bill 15 in Québec and its impact on healthcare philanthropy, which outlines our current analysis as informed by legal experts as they relate to philanthropy.
• Eric St.Pierre, CEO of Trottier Family Foundation, wrote about his attendance at COP 28 through a guest blog post, Good COP, Bad COP - The Role of Philanthropy at COP28.
• Jean-Marc Mangin answered BNP's President Christian Bolduc's questions around "Bringing foundations and donors together to build a better world" as part of BNP Philanthropic Performance’s “Philanthropic Index” Podcast. 
• In case you missed it, check out our new Funding Journalism: A Guide for Canadian Philanthropy resource, developed in collaboration with Inspirit Foundation and the Local News Research Project at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Breaking Sector News

The CRA has just released the finalized guidance on granting to non-qualified donees. The Income Tax Act was amended in late 2022 to allow granting to non-qualified donees. Feedback from the PFC network and many of our partners and members have been instrumental in the development of these guidelines, which were written by the government to help charities understand and apply the new rules to their own work. Have a look at the new guidelines here, and stay tuned for more information from us in 2024 on the new guidelines and what they mean for the PFC network. 

PFC Programming -
Looking ahead to 2024

January Programming

CEO Peer Support Group Call

Thursday, January 11, 2024
4 PM AT | 3 PM ET | 2 PM CT| 1 PM MT | 12 PM PT (Online)
Topic: A preview of new research on the Canadian philanthropic landscape

Join this presentation where PFC will share new research on the evolving purposes of Canadian foundations. Engage in a reflective dialogue as we collectively consider the implications for the foundation CEO role and the requisite support mechanisms. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the discourse shaping the future of philanthropy in Canada and navigate the evolving landscape of foundation leadership. Please note, this call is for Executive Directors/CEOs only (or equivalent title) of PFC member foundations.

Introduction to Impact Investing Webinar

Thursday, January 23, 2024
2 PM AT | 1 PM ET | 12 PM CT| 11 AM MT | 10 AM PT (Online)
Speaker: Edmund Piro, Chief Investment Officer, McConnell Foundation 

This is an introductory session on the basics of impact investing – what it is, what it is not, and how foundations use impact investing as a strategy to align their assets with their mission. This inaugural session of our Together25 Webinar Series is open to anyone involved with foundations (staff, board member, volunteer, and partners). 

Communications Affinity Group

Thursday, January 25, 2024
2 PM AT | 1 PM ET | 12 PM CT| 11 AM MT | 10 AM PT (Online)

Join this regularly scheduled monthly meeting to discuss important or emerging strategic communications and public affairs issues relevant to Canadian foundations and philanthropy.

Winter-Spring 2024 Programming Preview

CEO Peer Support Group

• February 1, March 7, April 4 - learn more and register here.

Role of Funders in the Nonprofit Data Ecosystem

• February 8: Funders' role in the data ecosystem - learn more and register here
• February 27: Engaging as stewards in the nonprofit & philanthropic data ecosystem - learn more and register here

Program and Grantmaking Staff Affinity Group (PGSAG)

• February 16, April 19 - learn more and register here

Communications Affinity Group

• February 22, March 21, April 18, May 23, June 20 - learn more and register here

Investment Roundtable

• March 26, June 11 - learn more here and save the date

Canadian Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change

• Dates to be announced soon - stay tuned!

Healthy Aging Affinity Group

• March 27 - learn more here and save the date

Regional Member Gatherings

• Save the dates for our spring regional gatherings: March 27 (Montreal), April 9 (Toronto), May 7 (Ottawa-Gatineau), June 14 (Vancouver), June 17 (Calgary)

Together 25 Webinar Series

• Dates to be announced soon - stay tuned!

CEO Retreat

• May 13-15 - learn more here and save the date

Check out the event page on our website for
full calendar, registration information, and event updates

New PFC Members

The Helix Foundation for Children and Youth

A warm welcome to The Helix Foundation for Children and Youth, a new private foundation based in Toronto that works to build child and youth resilience by conducting research and policy analysis, funding promising programs and engaging with the public on how to support child & youth resilience.

The Jessiman Foundation

A warm welcome to The Jessiman Foundation, a private foundation based in Winnipeg which focuses on arts and culture and broader social services.

The Samuel Family Foundation

A warm welcome to The Samuel Family Foundation, a private foundation based in Toronto, which is dedicated to helping people improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to family, community and society. They focus their efforts on building and developing successful communities by increasing access to education, health and employment opportunities for everyone.

Member & Sector Job Board

• Interim Director of Member Engagement & Communications, PFC
• Program Officer, Communities, McConnell Foundation
• Engagement and Development Manager, KBF CANADA
• Administrative & Gift Coordinator, The Jarislowsky Foundation
• Program Manager, Conservation – Weston Family Foundation

Member & Sector Insights

• After 12 years of operation, McConnell Foundation's Innoweave Program moves to MakeWay to grow, transform, and support capacity strengthening across the sector.

• Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Carleton University aims to establish Canada’s first ‘school’ of philanthropy, building on their success over the past ten years.

• The Philanthropist Journal published this article on criticism and self-criticism of philanthropy, Criticism is good for philanthropy – if done well, in response to Allan Northcott’s op-ed We need better – and more useful – critique highlighting the importance of dialogue.

• Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security along with 55 organizations endorsed an open letter calling on the federal government to reduce food insecurity by 50% by 2030.

• PhiLab's podcast episode on the Role of Philanthropy in the world of Journalism featuring April Lindgren was sparked by her research project "Philanthropic Support for local journalism: A Canadian road map".

• Philanthropist Journal’s Funding journalism – for the sake of philanthropy and democracy article makes the case that healthy news ecosystems are critical to the well-being of our communities, planet, democracy – and funders’ missions. It also mentions our recently launched "Funding Journalism: A guide for Canadian philanthropy" resource, which is also presented by its authors in J-Source, a news source whose goal is to promote national discussion about journalism and journalism education.

• In this Philanthropist Journal story "Facing a moral conundrum head on: Funding in the time of climate crisis", colleagues from Suncor Energy Foundation explain how one of the ways they build trust with stakeholders is by not shying away from the difficult questions and dialogue.

• PhiLab’s Partner Series video on the McConnell Foundation's Trajectory presents the foundation's evolution since 1995, contributing to diverse and innovative approaches in community resilience, reconciliation, and climate change.

• This article "The Burden  of Care: Addressing Challenges in Employment in the Nonprofit Sector", based on a study conducted by the Environics Institute for Survey Research, in partnership with the Future Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, highlights that collaboration is a critical skill for the future in the nonprofit sector.

• Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s unrestricted $10M USD gift to the Equality Fund led to this reflection "A Bold Vote of Confidence for Even Bolder Action Ahead" which is one of gratitude and great resolve.

• The Brian Bronfman Foundation, Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation and Cole Foundation’s (among many other signatories) signed this Message of Solidarity from Civil Society. It is also covered in the Montreal Gazette's Prominent Montrealers call for solidarity and peace in the city, expressing their collective commitment to maintaining the peace and well-being of our communities, institutions and members.

• Laidlaw Foundation’s Public Statement on the Current Situation in Gaza states its belief that it is crucial to uphold the principles of freedom of expression, academic  freedom, and the right to express solidarity without fear of reprisals, and that it remains dedicated to fostering an environment where young people are engaged and empowered in decision-making and to advocate for systems change.

• Fondation Béati’s 2022-23 Activity Report (in French) highlights the promising results since the team's formal adoption of trust-based philanthropy.

• Azrieli Foundation’s 2023 Impact Report shows how their "catalytic philanthropy" has galvanized communities in the arts, architecture, Holocaust education, science, healthcare and caregiving. The foundation also recently highlighted its donation for emergency support to victims of violence in Israel.

• The United Church of Canada's Empowering churches: Unleashing capital for sustainable community transformation is a case study highlighted in "Unlocking Purpose through Social Finance", a report based on research conducted by Imagine Canada.

• In The Discovery Group’s podcast on The Houssian Foundation with Mira Oreck, the foundation's Executive Director, she describes the foundation’s commitment to advancing gender equality, mental sustainability, and community resilience to grant-making and impact investing. 

• Imagine Canada’s RECAP OF THE 2023 IMAGINE CANADA HILL DAY underlines how the day acted as a successful catalyst for conversations in key policy areas such as Making federal funding more equitable and effective, Home in  Government,  and Data for effective decision making.

• In Fondation de France's New report on Philanthropy and Democracy, co-authored by Prof. Sylvain Lefevre, from Université du Québec à Montréal, highlights among other topics, philanthropy's response to the polycrisis.

• Beyond Borders is a series sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as part of its efforts to learn with communities around the world to advance health equity.

• Trico Charitable Foundation's Dan Overall finds important messages for the impact community in Charles Dickens’ famous seasonal ghost story: "What can A Christmas Carol teach us about social entrepreneurship?"

Upcoming Member & Sector Activities

• Future of Good's Live Journalism event "Life after COP28" (Dec 21 at 2:30 PM ET, online) with Eric St-Pierre, Trottier Family Foundation's CEO, reflecting back on his attendance at COP 28 in Dubai. Learn more and register here.

• The Pathy Foundation's application process for its intensive 12-month experiential learning Fellowship is open (Jan 5, 2024 Deadline).  Learn more and apply here.

• The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation's Excellence Grants for the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs (by Jan 12, 2024, online) are designed to promote the role of women in different sectors of economic and community development, and to recognize the excellence of projects led by women in these sectors. Learn more and apply here.

• The Dais and Toronto Metropolitan University's Secure and Responsible Technology Policy Foundations (Registration deadline by Jan 14): 8-week course designed for professionals across policymaker and technology communities who want to advance responsible tech policy in Canada. Learn more and register here.

• Cidel Asset Management invites PFC members based in Toronto to a breakfast discussion on the Cidel Canadian Impact Bond Fund featuring: Gary Morris, Head of Fixed Income and Sean Emmons, Senior Credit Analyst (Jan 31, 2024 at 8 AM ET, in person). Attendance is limited. Register here by Jan 17, 2024. 

• Join the next meeting of the SOGI Funders’ Affinity Group on Feb 14, 2024. This is a pan-Canadian network of philanthropic and government funders initiated in 2022, which supports efforts to strengthen collaboration, provides a forum for knowledge exchange and helps members maximize their impact in supporting the 2SLGBTQi+ community. Register here.

Members in the News

• Weston Family Foundation is highlighted in New conservation agreement in southern Alberta preserves endangered Prairie grasslands

• La Fondation Mirella et Lino Saputo, La Fondation Azrieli, La Fondation Hewitt, La Fondation Molson, La Fondation Choquette Legault are thanked as donors in Un nouveau centre multiservice pour les personnes autistes et leur famille voit let joir dans la région de Lanaudière

• Mastercard Foundation’s partnership with University of Manitoba is discussed in Partnership paving the way for systemic change

• RBC Foundation’s funding supports mental health and well-being initiatives in Halton Learning Foundation helping students conquer financial barriers

• Bruce Lourie, president of the Ivey Foundation, shares his views in 97,000 at COP: A questionable parade of oil execs and climate groupies

• Elizabeth McIsaac, president of the Maytree Foundation, recommends providing homes instead of just temporary shelter to the unhoused in Canadian think tank suggests using public land, converting office buildings into housing

• $25-million gift from the Azrieli Foundation is driving research that will change the lives of children, teens, and adults

• The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation financially supported this vast study on early child care in Dévoilement d'une étude sur les besoins de flexibilité en matière de garde - La moitié des parents d'enfants de 0 à 5 ans ont besoin d'une plus grande flexibilité dans l'offre de services de garde éducatifs

 In memoriam

We are sad to share the news that the United Church of Canada Foundation's Board Chair, the Reverend Tim Reaburn has passed away. Rev. Reaburn served the Foundation since 2019; first on the Audit Committee, then assuming the role of Chair in June 2022.

Get in touch!

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