October/November 2024 Newsletter

Since our last edition...

We held our largest conference yet to celebrate PFC’s 25th anniversary as a network! Visit our website to relive or to discover the spirit and joy of Together 25 Ensemble held in Ottawa in late September. We are grateful to all the partners, speakers, participants and suppliers who joined forces for everyone to experience this very successful event... together! 

PFC Updates & Insights

Recordings of PFC’s 2024 National Conference - Together 25 Ensemble -Plenary Sessions:   

• Local Welcoming (with Elder Verna McGregor and Brian Jackson) 
• Words of Welcome and Closing Words (with Simon Mallett, Jean-Marc Mangin, Roger Beauchemin) 
• The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Self-determination (with Reeta Roy) 
• Cultivating inclusive relations (with Meredith Preston McGhie and Mohammed Hashim) 
• Celebration Concert (with Peter Katz) 

PFC News:  

• Together 25 Ensemble: The joy and fulfillment of learning together by André Vashist 
• Investing for Social Good: An Overview of Program-Related Investments by Leila Selouani 

Ahead of our conference, The Philanthropist Journal spoke to sector leaders about relevant topics and published the following Together 25 Ensemble article series:

• What are the fundamentals of philanthropy today?
• Building a coalition of the willing means power in numbers for the philanthropic sector.
• Philanthropic leaders reflect on major trends and tensions. 

Sara Krynitzki, PFC Director of Public Policy and Research, will be a speaker at the: 

• Navigating Grantmaking and Funding Non-Qualified Donees webinar hosted by CFC on November 13, 2024,
• Canadian National Fundraising Conference on November 18,
• Investigating Indigenous Issues: A Non-Profit Journalism Case Study session on November 27, 2024, at an Investigative Journalism Bureau event.
  More details below.  

We are recruiting a Program Coordinator! We are looking for someone with strong skills in collaboration and logistics, effective systems management, stakeholder communication, meeting organization, and use of databases and technology platforms. Learn more here.
We thank Krista Bissiallon for all her hard work in this role and wish her well with her future endeavors. 

Upcoming PFC Programming

Program and Grantmaking Staff Affinity Group Rendez-Vous 

Friday, November 1, 2024  (Online)
2-3 PM AT | 1-2PM ET |12-1PM CT |11-12PM MT |10AM-11AM PT

This 60-minute session will be an opportunity to share thoughts on how to get the most out of grants management systems (GMS) and ask any questions you may have! Sheila Carruthers from the Shaw Family Foundation will start the conversation. 

To learn more visit our program page here.  

Investment Roundtable  Affinity Group Meeting

Tuesday, November 19, 2024  (Online) 
2 PM AT | 1 PM ET | 12 PM CT| 11 AM MT | 10 PM PT

This 90-minute session will focus on Updates and Announcements; PFC Conference Learnings and Takeaways; Professional Development opportunities in 2025; Presentation* from the MRI Collaborative – a space for active impact investors to work on deal flow – hosted by Impact United 

Visit our program page.  

Member & Sector Job Board

• Manager, Programs and Partnerships, Rideau Hall Foundation 
• Chief Philanthropy Officer, Rideau Hall Foundation 
• Director, Partnership Investments, Ontario Trillium Foundation 
• Program Manager, Ontario Trillium Foundation  
• Assistant or Associate Professor – Public Policy and Administration (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership), Carleton University  
• Senior Manager, Communications, Azrieli Foundation 

Appointment and Awards

• Samantha MacDonald, new Director of Training, Rozsa Foundation 
• Adam Saifer, codirector, PhiLab Network 
• Elisabeth Robinot, codirector, PhiLab Network 

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

Member & Sector Insights

• Finance Engage Sustain (FES)' Managing Director, Alyssa Obrand, wrote in "Reflections on the PFC Together 25 Ensemble Conference" that she felt the conference had been a transformative experience, and is eager to continue important conversations, and looks forward to working with her team and the people she connected with to tackle challenges head-on.   

• The recording of the Walrus Talks Shifting Power in Philanthropy held recently in Toronto features a few PFC network leaders: (19:24) Jo-Anne Ryan, Vice President, Philanthropy Advisory Services, TD Wealth; (37:46) Liban Abokor, Managing Partner, Reimagine Labs; (49:41) Joanna Kerr, CEO, MakeWay; (59:35) Jess Tomlin, CEO, Equality Fund 

• The Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector has submitted its fourth report to the Minister of National Revenue. It contains 18 recommendations in 4 areas: the definition of charity and charitable purposes, the national inherent risk assessment policy, transparency and data on other qualified donees and NPOs, and the relationship between the CRA and the charitable sector. 

• Carleton University’s Charity Insights Canada Project which has been conducting a series of surveys in 2023-2024 assessing the state of advocacy across the sector, has uncovered that most Canadian charities do not engage in advocacy; that 43% report no change in their advocacy activities since the relaxation of regulations, and 37% note that advocacy is not relevant to their missions. The February 2024 answers reinforced resource limitations (cited by 51%), also surfacing two additional challenges: difficulty engaging with policymakers (33%) and difficulty identifying other organizations’ concerns and connecting with larger advocacy networks (20%). 

• Philanthropy can play a crucial role as a strategic convenor, connecting governments and civil society across sectors to drive progress on the SDGs. Explore the full recommendations of the C20 Working Group co-chaired by WINGS and the International Institute for Environment and Development. 

• Max Bell Foundation has published “Evaluating Advocacy for Developing, Adopting and Implementing Public Policy: A collection of resources” useful to anyone interested in planning and assessing public policy advocacy efforts. 

• Definity Insurance Foundation report entitled "Analysis of Philanthropic Capital Flow and Relevant Social Outcomes" highlights philanthropic activity across Canada, spotlighting underfunded regions and delves into regional differences in the outcomes of their Community Investment Framework, particularly at the intersection of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized identities. 

• Imagine Canada webinar recording about “Reconciliation in Action: The Role of the Charitable & Nonprofit Sector” featuring panelists Mélanie Valcin, United for Literacy (President & CEO); Wanda Brascoupé, Indigenous Philanthropy Advisors (Co-Founder); Taya Tootoo, Arctic Children and Youth Foundation (Executive Director) 

• Calgary Foundation's Tim Fox, VP, Indigenous Relations and Equity Strategy; McConnell Foundation's Jane Rabinowicz, President and CEO; Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund’s Janine Manning, Executive Team Lead, among others, were guest speakers of CharityVillage Connects podcast's most recent episode entitled "Reconciliation and the Nonprofit Sector: Where Are We Now?” to mark Canada’s 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in which Indigenous nonprofit leaders from across the country talk about whether any progress has been made in how the nonprofit sector supports, funds and collaborates with Indigenous-led organizations. 

• In Charles Keidan's view, as stated in Alliance Magazine article entitled "Five percent or more", "foundations should be required to donate five percent or more of their assets each year. Yet, British philanthropy seems stubbornly opposed to such a requirement. All of this is in contrast to the US and Canada where payouts are already the norm." 

• Philanthropy is called to evolve from a transactional relationship to a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to social justice in The Foundation Review's article entitled "The Weight of Power: Reframing Evaluation in Philanthropy to Amplify the Voices of Communities of Color." 

• Philanthropy is increasingly examining its historical roots, particularly connections to the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved African peoples. Association of Charitable Foundations' Catherine Seymour discusses their 'Origins of Wealth' toolkit, which provides guidelines for foundations to promote transparency and deepen their understanding of how historical injustices influence current racial equity efforts. 

• Calgary Foundation’s 2024 Quality of Life Report entitled "Just holding it together" tells a story of a city split in two directions — the haves and the have nots.  

• The Counselling Foundation of Canada has shared its 2023 Activity Report and its Strategic Plan 2025-2029 which represents its current best thinking and highlights both what it knows to be true as well as what it is curious to explore and learn more about. 

Upcoming Member & Sector Activities

• Hilary Pearson is delighted to invite you to the (re) launch of her book “À quoi sert la philanthropie”, the French version of “From Charity to Change” (Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET), on the 3rd floor Lounge of Notman House, 51 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal). Register here. 

• Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) invites you to Navigating Grantmaking and Funding Non-Qualified Donees fireside chat (Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET) during which Tracey Vavrek, Director of Network Engagement at CFC and Sara Krynitzki, Director of Public Affairs & Research at PFC will discuss the Good Grantmaking Guide and best practices for community foundations to enhance their grantmaking strategies. Register here. 

• Lawson Foundation’s webinar on the Kiishkimansi Wellness Circle (Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM (ET) invites you to learn about how the organization assists Indigenous youth in reconnecting to the Land, and learning their Language, Ceremonies and ancestral ways. Register here. 

• Carleton University/Charity Insights Canada Project's (CICP) second Annual Data Summit (Thursday, November 14, 2024) promises a deep dive into the year's findings, offering a comprehensive look at the pulse of the charitable sector. Register here. 

• McConnell Foundation's Jabe Rabinowicz and Sonor Foundation's Narinder Dhami will speak at up-coming Capital Unlocked 2024 —a two-day Summit (Wednesday November 20 – Thursday November 21, 2024, in Toronto) gathering 150+ investors, funders, and leaders to unlock capital for underfunded founders and communities across Canada. Register here. 

• MakeWay and Right Relations Collaborative invite you to an online conversation around “How can philanthropy work in true partnership to uplift Indigenous-led work? (Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT). Speakers are ‘Cúagilákv (Jess H̓áust̓i), co-lead of the Right Relations Collaborative and Joanna Kerr, President and CEO of MakeWay. Register here.  

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation and The Globe and Mail introduce Finding Common Ground: Addressing hate and racism in Canada that will take place virtually on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, between 12:45 PM and 5 PM (ET). First event in a series of nationwide conversations in 2024 and 2025 focused on fighting hate and racism in communities, health care, public institutions, and online spaces to drive change for a better Canada.  

• University of Toronto’s Investigative Journalism Bureau invites you to “Investigating Indigenous Issues: A Non-Profit Journalism Case Study” (Wednesday, November 27 · 8:30 - 10 AM ET at the Health Sciences Building, Room 57, 155 College Street, Toronto). Spots are limited so please register. Light refreshments will be served. Register here. 

• The “Fields of Philanthropy” Fall School (from 9 AM, Wednesday, November 27 to 3 PM, Friday November 29, 2024, ET) aims to explore the role of philanthropy in the development of diverse geographic areas and fields of action, encompassing political, social, economic and cultural aspects. Register here.  

• The Sustainable Finance Forum 2024 ((November 28-29, 2024, Ottawa). Register here.

• The Charity Insights Canada Project released a free Introduction to Data Literacy in the Nonprofit Sector course, which provides individuals with foundational knowledge to improve their confidence in their ability to work with data. If you are interested in taking this free course, click here. 

• Second call for proposals under the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund illustrates federal government's commitment to supporting Black Canadians to reach their full potential by building a better, fairer and more inclusive country for everyone. Learn more here.

Members in the News

• Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation and Zero Emissions Innovation Centre grants, which will contribute to allow the BC Retrofit Accelerator to provide hands-on guidance to the owners and managers of larger commercial and residential properties are mentioned in "BC Retrofit Accelerator launches to kick-start decarbonization efforts." 

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation's Chair and former provincial cabinet minister in Alberta, Teresa Woo-Paw, said reports of foreign interference in Canadian elections are also driving a rise in anti-Asian racism in "Canada needs to do more to protect diaspora populations from foreign pressure, inquiry hears." 

• Lawson Foundation grant allowing The Sustainable Act to offer its Climate Cafes program on a national scale is highlighted in "Climate conversations to encourage action". 

• Calgary Foundation's 2024 Quality of Life Survey results, which suggest a downward trend of Calgarians donating their money and time with 67 per cent of people making donations in 2024, compared to 75 per cent in 2023, are highlighted in "Food demand at Calgary shelters on the rise this Thanksgiving" as well as in "Quality of life in Calgary down 14% since 2020: report" and “Quality of life survey sheds light on ‘people in peril’: Calgary Foundation”. 

• Law Foundation of Ontario grants which support access to justice for individuals with disabilities, survivors of violence, Indigenous communities, and other vulnerable groups are highlighted in "Law Foundation of Ontario awards $1.5M to support access to justice for vulnerable groups." 

• RBC Foundation grant which will support the installation of essential accessibility features is highlighted in "Building Together receives boost from feds, RBC Foundation". Another grant, which helps junior apprentices get experience from various professionals and trades people while working on a variety of project, is mentioned in "Skills Nunavut hammers home training in the trades over the summer." This other donation, which is part of its commitment to supporting and celebrating Indigenous cultures through the arts, is mentioned in "Indigenous Artist Project at Lynnwood gets financial boost". 

• Graham Boeckh Foundation named Honorary 2024 Pardes Prize recipient for its work in improving mental health care for people living with or at risk for mental illness in this newswire entitled "Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Awards 2024 Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health to Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong and Graham Boeckh Foundation." 

• Rideau Hall Foundation's new Norman Webster Fellowship, which is designed to amplify small Canadian newsrooms' ecosystems; recognize their critical role in keeping communities connected; provide a diversity of voices and opinions; and maintain their journalistic independence, is highlighted in news release entitled "New Journalism Fellowship Invests in Local Journalism and Encourages Small Newsrooms to Think Big." 

• The Real Estate Foundation of BC's support of the First Nations Water Caucus - together with the First Nations Fisheries Council of British Columbia (FNFC) - was highlighted in this press release announcing the inaugural recipients of the Watershed Security Fund grants entitled "Watershed Security Fund Grant Recipients: Empowering Communities for Climate Resilience and Ecological Restoration in BC." 

• The Pathy Family Foundation's 12-month fellowship which offers students an opportunity to design, plan, and implement community-focused project ideas and is expanding to more universities across Canada is mentioned in "KPU students now eligible for $50,000 community and social change fellowship." 

• Mastercard Foundation-funded partnership project called ‘Young Africa Works’, which began in 2021 and wraps up in 2024 and is managed by Colleges and Institutes Canada and delivered by Nova Scotia Community College, Vancouver Community College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is highlighted in "Saskatchewan Polytechnic welding instructors assist Kenya's Weru Vocational Technical College."  And, two Mastercard Foundation-funded Scholars, who are among 29 students, representing 12 different nationalities, making up the sixth cohort of McGill University's Max Bell School of Public Policy, are featured in the article entitled "Introducing our Sixth MPP Cohort." 

In Memoriam

Ode Belzile

It is with deep sadness that we received news today of the sudden passing
of our friend and colleague, Ode.

During her 17 years with the , she distinguished herself by her sharp intelligence, her boundless commitment, her infinite admiration for the work of the organizations and her concern for the well-being and development of her team. She left an immense void. Our thoughts are with her loved ones. (From the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation LinkedIn feed). 

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