April 2025 Newsletter

Since our last edition...

• We have launched our “Meeting the Moment” initiative, which will support the PFC network to better understand the context of the U.S. Administration’s approach to American policy, how these policies affect philanthropic leaders in Canada – and their intersection with the Canadian political environment. Its goal is to offer reflections and actions for Canadian philanthropic grantmakers. 

PFC Updates & Insights

Other related resources in the “Meeting the Moment” series include:  

• Jean-Marc Mangin’s blogpost entitled “Philanthropy’s Role in Supporting Canada Through an Existential Crisis: Some Reflections”. 

• The recording of Jean-Marc Mangin’s participation in the PhilanthroThink event hosted by Carleton University’s MPNL on the topic of “US Developments in Philanthropy and Civil Society: Implications for Canada and Beyond?” 

• Our Partner Addenda Capital’s guest blogpost by Yanick Desnoyers entitled “Trump Tariffs: Taming the Unexpected”. 

• Dr. Michele Fugiel Gartner’s Sector Brief entitled “Trump 2.0 and US Philanthropy: Reflections and Actions for Canadian Philanthropic Foundations, which attempts to make sense of key developments and offer tangible considerations for the Canadian philanthropic sector. 

PFC Programming

Great Governance for Family Philanthropy 

PFC’s six week program is now underway! 
Wednesdays through to May 7th, 2025 

CEO Peer Support Group Calls

Thursdays (online) 
4-5 PM AT / 3-4 PM ET / 2-3 PM CT/ 1-2 PM MT / 12-1 PM PT 

Click here to learn more

Program and Grantmaking Staff Affinity Group Rendez-Vous 

Fridays (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

Friday, May 9, 2025:
Deepening the Practice of Trust-Based Philanthropy 

Communications Affinity Group Meeting 

Thursdays (online) 
3-4 PM AT / 2-3 PM ET / 1-2 PM CT/ 12-1 PM MT / 11 AM-12 PM PT

Thursday, April 17, 2025:
Meeting the Moment: Communications Strategies in a Turbulent Political Landscape

Investment Roundtable Meeting 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (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

This session will feature a roundtable format where participants can connect, reflect, and exchange ideas on key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the investment landscape. 

Click here to apply. 

Canadian Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change Signatory Roundtable 

Thursday, April 24, 2025 (online) 

2-3:30 PM AT/1-2:30 PM ET/12-1:30 PM CT/
11 AM-12:30 PM MT / 10 AM-11:30 AM PT 

Updates from signatories and updates on programs: report and mentorship 

Click here to learn more. 

Leaders of Colour Affinity Group Meeting

Solidarity and Open Conversation

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (online) 
2-3 PM AT / 1-2 PM ET / 12-2 PM CT/ 11 AM-12 PM MT / 10-11 AM PT

New Members

PFC is happy to welcome these newest members to our network: 

Charities Aid Foundation Canada (CAF Canada)

Charities Aid Foundation Canada (CAF Canada) is a registered charity that facilitates charitable giving towards tangible, positive changes in communities around the globe. They monitor ongoing disasters and support response and relief efforts, enabling impactful philanthropy.  They support a globally engaged and empowered Canadian donor community, working with different partners around the world to implement and oversee projects that further their diverse charitable purposes. 

Eenou-Eyou Community Foundation 

The Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation provides philanthropic support for the Crees of Eeyou Istchee, in northern Quebec. The Foundation is Cree-led, with a Board of Directors comprised of Cree government and civil society leaders, promoting the social and cultural development priorities of the Cree nation. The Foundation works to build capacity and resiliency in the Cree communities and institutions through funds related to education, youth development, culture, health and social services, and community development. 

PwC Canada

PwC Canada is proud to have a 110-year history of helping Canadian organizations thrive. Their purpose guides them in responding to the major shifts shaping the world by integrating a firm-wide environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments into everything they do.   

Announcements, Appointments
and Awards

• Eric St-Pierre, Founding Executive Director of the Trottier Family Foundation, recently announced that, after almost a decade in that position, he has decided to step down and to pass the baton over to new leadership. In the interim, Claire Trottier is acting ED.  

• Udlu Hanson, Director Emeritus of the Rideau Hall Foundation is the 2024 recipient of the National Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award. 

• Jason Enouy B.A., JD, Board Director of the Raymond James Canada Foundation recently joined the Board of Directors for the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments. 

• Zero Emissions Innovation Centre is among the 2025 BC Cleantech Awards Winners as the recipient of the Cleantech Supporter of the Year award: Led by Melina Scholefield, ZEIC accelerates climate solutions through programs like Building to Electrification, ZEBx, and BC Retrofit Accelerator.  

• Former Counselling Foundation of Canada’s long-standing Board Director, Dr. Rob Shea (June 12, 1963 - May 20, 2024) was posthumously recognized with Memorial University’s Etta St. John Wileman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Career Development. 

Have any exciting news you’d like to share with our network? Let us know! 

Member & Sector Job Board

• Director, Combatting Hate Hub, Canadian Race Relations Foundation 

• Director, People and Culture, Canadian Race Relations Foundation 

• Director of Finance, Canadian Race Relations Foundation  

• Manager, Collaboration and Relationships, Combatting Hate Hub, Canadian Race Relations Foundation 

• Manager, Program Design and Implementation, Combatting Hate Hub, Canadian Race Relations Foundation 

• Manager, Strategic Policy Development and Research, Combatting Hate Hub, Canadian Race Relations Foundation 

• Senior Administrative Coordinator – Class Proceedings Committee, Law Foundation of Ontario 

Member & Sector Insights

Articles related to "meeting the moment" here in Canada and the US:

• Imagine Canada’s “Nonprofit sector must remain strong, especially in time of economic turmoil”describes its concern about the consequences of the tariffs on our economy, the sector and the communities we serve. 

• Ontario Nonprofit Network’s "Canada First investing for charities and foundations in Ontario: Is it even allowed?" describes how, in response to U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade war, individuals and organizations across Canada who are looking for ways to shift their buying to support the Canadian economy can support these efforts is by looking at their investment portfolio to shift to more Canadian investments. 

• Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and National Center for Family Philanthropy-led coalition’s  "Meet the Moment: A Call to Action for Philanthropy in 2025 (and Beyond)" campaign invites funders to do everything within their power to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money, and nurture possibility.  

• The Center for Effective Philanthropy's "A Wave Forming? Funders Taking Action in Response to a Challenging Context" describes the ways nonprofits in the USA are looking for more support from their foundation funders, as they grapple with a Trump administration. 

• The Chronicle of Philanthropy's "In a Time of Nonprofit Defunding, Will Foundations Put More Money on the Line?" describes how an answer might be coming after progressive foundations in the U.S. have been largely silent in response to Trump administration policies and "As Funders Face New Levels of Risk, What Does Bravery Look Like?"describes how today’s philanthropic leaders, boards, and staff who have had little practice assessing or dealing with risk in our own workplaces, might feel that all that is about to change.    
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• Imagine Canada is tracking and analyzing party commitments in this “Federal Party Platform Analysis 2025” to highlight those relevant to the sector and, in collaboration with organizations across the country, has also developed a policy platform for the nonprofit sector which acts as a roadmap for the first 100 days of the new government, outlining key priorities to strengthen the sector’s ability to serve Canadians. 

• Several PFC member CEOs (from McConnell Foundation, Fondation Beati foundation, Definity Insurance Foundation, Pathy Family Foundation, Houssian Foundation, Lawson Foundation) are quoted in connection with progress toward a generational shift that could have a major impact on social justice and on Canadian communities that have been underfunded or neglected in this article by Hilary Pearson in The Philanthropist Journal “Is generational change coming to foundation philanthropy?” 

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation-funded survey (Race relations in Canada 2024: A survey of Canadian public opinion and experience), which shows that one in six Canadians say they have or possibly been the target of a hate incident in the past year, is mentioned in "Election 2025: Canadian Anti-Hate Network’s Concerns". 

• Mastercard Foundation podcast "Transcending Boundaries – Conversations with Reeta Roy" is a space where leaders share stories of personal journeys, offering listeners a unique opportunity to learn directly from them by sharing their perspectives on values-based leadership, embodying it from a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds. 

• Law Foundation of Ontario’s Responsive Grant, which has allowed a small initiative to expand services and to hire a dedicated community outreach worker who oversees student involvement, builds partnerships and trains frontline community workers is highlighted in "Osgoode's ID Clinic offers hope, empowerment to vulnerable individuals". 

• McConnell Foundation and Philab's “Innovative Practices in Grantmaking and Capital Transfers” explores how, in grantmaking, the term “capital transfer” refers to funding that reduces the funder’s endowment to strategically support its partners, through their operations, to implement special projects, to create a new organization or contribute to or build an endowment or long-term fund.  

• Ivey Foundation president, Bruce Lourie, explains why he says Canada's electricity delivering system needs to be revamped in "Why Canada's electricity system needs a more unified approach" and in "Set electrons free: Canada needs a less fragmented approach to delivering electricity". 

• Weston Family Foundation’s Homegrown Innovation Challenge Program believes Canadian farmers and tech innovators need to play leadership roles in the future of food: together. Learn more and watch videos here. 

• Equality Fund marks five years of activating philanthropic support for over 1,000 organizations across 100 countries - from Indigenous women reclaiming land rights in Guyana to gender quotas translating to history-making representation for women leaders in Mongolia. The next five years are mission critical, and they are mobilizing even more resources as described in this video. 

• MPNL at Carleton University’s PhilanthroThink Podcast on Rethinking Trust-Based Philanthropy interviews Linsey Sherman-Zekulin, co-founder of Happy Roots Foundation, a private foundation based in Ottawa, where they champion a trust-based approach to philanthropy and grant-making. 

• Philanthropisms Podcast episode exploring Philanthropy, Democracy & Multiracial Pluralism featuring Farai Chideya, journalist, writer, academic and lead author of a recent report from Bridgespan Group, "Philanthropy for a Multiracial Democracy: How Investing in Pluralism Can Open the Aperture for Democracy Funders". 

• Inspirit Foundation's Director of Finance shares his opinion with Toronto Star readers in "Why are companies fleeing DEI when it’s clearly more profitable?" 

• Professor and Canada Research Chair in Governance and Artificial Intelligence at the School of Public Policy and Administration, at Carleton University, Adegboyega Ojo, spoke to PANL Perspectives about “AI tools and technology in the public and nonprofit sectors”. 

• The CRA’s Charities Directorate, whose mandate is to maintain the integrity of the charitable sector and the confidence of Canadian donors, recently issued its “Report on the Charities Program 2023 to 2024”. 

• The Canadian Race Relations Foundation welcomes the release of Canada’s first federal Indigenous Justice Strategy in its communiqué "Addressing systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples in Canada’s justice system".  

• Imagine Canada’s HR Intervals launches HR Checkup Tool to help you assess the current health of your organization’s HR. It’s the perfect tool for nonprofit leaders looking for practical advice and easy-to-use resources to make a real impact. Take your free assessment here. 

• Future of Good's "Funders are receiving more AI proposals, but not all are well-equipped to assess them" explores findings from Project Evident’s report and how traditional philanthropic foundations might need to call on third-party resources to evaluate grant proposals related to AI projects. 

• New Power Labs’ recent Equity Shot entitled “Pitch like a girl?”, argues that true competence isn’t about fitting into gender norms but about the ability to lead, strategize, and execute effectively. 

Upcoming Member & Sector Activities

• The Covering Canada: Election 2025 Fund has been launched by the Public Policy Forum, the Rideau Hall Foundation and the Michener Awards Foundation as a non-partisan granting initiative to support journalists at small- and medium-sized media outlets in covering the 2025 federal election. Learn more here. 

• Wednesday 16 April, 2025, at 12:00 UTC - Philea and WINGS invite you to the launch of the first-ever International Philanthropy Commitment Progress Report which contains key insights into how signatories of the International Commitment are progressing across the seven pillars, from Education and Learning to Influence and Advocacy, and highlights collective achievements, challenges, and crucial recommendations. Register here. 

• Wednesday, April 23rd to June 4th on Wednesdays at 12pm PT/3pm ET. Live online training course on Foundations in Blended Finance offered by Spring and open to family offices, private and family foundations, community and corporate foundations, financial institutions, and government organizations who have the vision and capacity to invest in blended finance opportunities. Learn more and register here. 

• Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 11:30 AM-1:45 PM ET - Luncheon with Karel Mayrand of the Foundation of Greater Montreal - “Investing in Impactful Philanthropy”.  At a time when philanthropic resources are struggling to keep pace with growing needs, the event is meant to help Montreal philanthropy consider how it must evolve to maximize the impact of every dollar invested. Click here to register. 

• Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 1 PM ET, Salytics and Imagine Canada take you behind the scenes of their digital renovation journey, highlighting the challenges, strategic solutions, and long-term impact of their partnership. Learn more and register here. 

• Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Montreal Climate Summit - the city's annual climate change conference - supported by the Trottier Family Foundation - returns for the 4th year to the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal! Early bird rate available until February 17, 2025. Register here. 

• Tuesday, May 13 to Thursday May 15, 2025, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - Environment Funders Canada Conference: Navigate 2025 and beyond. Learn how best to navigate the polarities of our current world, while building new pathways to a better world. Only open to funders (staff, board members and wealth holders), including those who are not current EFC members. Learn more and register here. 

• Tuesday, May 13 to Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec - Sustainable Finance Summit "Aligning Finance with Planetary Boundaries" will feature the Trottier Family Foundation as the presenter of a Keynote Conversation and Jeff Cyr, CEO, Raven Indigenous Outcomes Funds as a speaker. Learn more and register here. 

• Tuesday, May 27 to Thursday May 29, 2025, in Kjipuktuk | Halifax, Nova Scotia – The biennial Community Foundations of Canada Conference: Illuminate 2025. What will philanthropy look like in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years? Philanthropy, like the rest of the world, continues to shift; as we grapple with growing climate crisis, community division, (un)affordability and many other major issues. Learn more and register here.

Members in the News

• Conconi Family Foundation's philanthropic support, which helped create a building which is named in honour of the philanthropic legacy of Gordon B. Shrum, who graduated from UBC in 1958, is mentioned in "UBC opens Gordon B. Shrum Building, Canada’s first purpose-built biomedical engineering facility".  

• Azrieli Foundation-funded Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence program, whose earlier report "Giving Care: An Approach to a Better Caregiving Landscape in Canada" found that 59 per cent of caregivers felt they needed breaks from their responsibilities and many others reported feeling lonely or isolated, is highlighted in "How caregivers are taking time to breathe and reduce stress". 

• Cole Foundation grant, which will help three Indigenous-themed theatre productions get a better shot at success is highlighted in "Cole Foundation hands out grants to Indigenous theatre projects." 

• Vancity Community Foundation is highlighted among the successful recipients of federal funding for demonstration initiatives and solutions labs that are exploring how to unlock capital, pool resources, adopt new models, and secure land for the community housing sector in "Federal government invests in the Community Housing Sector to increase Affordable Housing Supply", and also among the organizations listed as part of an investment that will fund the 172 new homes for Indigenous individuals and families in Vancouver in "Landmark Indigenous Housing Project Honoured with Copper Plate Ceremony in Vancouver". 

• Sonor Foundation two-year funding, which helps LGBTQ+ organization Quadrangle N.L. offer supports for trans people including for those looking to legally change their name or travel for medical procedures, is mentioned in "Finding 'gender euphoria': Meet Quadrangle's trans navigator." 

• RBC Foundation donation, to help Saskatchewan Polytech enhance current programming and course materials to equip current and future students develop green skills to support a sustainable economy and future, aligning with Canada's goal of achieving a net zero economy, is highlighted in "RBC Foundation helps Sask Polytech students prepare for sustainable energy careers" 

• Weston Family proposal regarding a significant philanthropic donation to upgrade and potentially maintain Queen's Park North - one of downtown Toronto’s largest public green spaces - is highlighted in "Mayor Chow asks city to accept Weston family donation to revamp Queen’s Park North". 

• Rideau Hall Foundation grant to help deal with climate change adaptation to face the disproportionate impact climate disruption has on women and girls.is highlighted in "Exploring the intersection of climate change, water security and gender equity". 

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation-funded research and content which support the "Behind Racism: Challenging the Way We Think" exhibit are highlighted in "Galt Museum and Archives exhibit aims to spark conversations on racism, bias". 

• Maytree's Alexi White's contribution as an expert speaker on policy-writing is highlighted in "McMaster team marks a milestone at Policython". 

• Northpine Foundation's pledge to help vulnerable people get long-term and sustainable housing, as long as St. John's shelter hits predetermined targets, is highlighted in "Philanthropist couple investing in The Gathering Place — but it comes with strings". 

• Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation's contribution made in 2023 toward the first phase of construction to achieve a new community and recreation centre is highlighted in "Plan for Vancouver’s new Jewish Community Centre shrinks, while residential towers rise" 

• McLean Foundation's philanthropic support toward the Conservation Excellence Certification Program is highlighted in "Couchiching Conservancy among first in Canada to earn 'significant' certification" and toward the Soil Superheroes Exhibit, which presents soil health as a critical issue affecting food security, climate change, and sustainability, is highlighted in "Royal Manitoba Winter Fair begins March 31st at Brandon’s Keystone Centre". 

• RBC Foundation donation which helps improve the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority's ability to monitor river and weather conditions is mentioned in "SVCA upgrades hydrometric network thanks to grant funding" 

• Weston Family Foundation grant to a University of Calgary project, which aims to create a comprehensive wildlife health, insect, and pathogen surveillance network integrating community-driven monitoring with advanced genomic techniques, is highlighted in "UCalgary creates network for arctic wildlife conservation" 

Get in touch!

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