How to Confront Racism in Philanthropy

Black leaders and entrepreneurs lack access to venture capital. This article argues that charitable organizations and foundations should lift up those who need it most. Aaron T. Walker, founder, and CEO of Camelback Ventures whose mission is to develop early-stage underrepresented entrepreneurs is trying to close the funding gap, in part by staging racial justice training for white executives at philanthropic foundations and corporations. Read More

African American Philanthropy: A Culture of Generosity

The Stanford Social Innovation Review argues that non-profits and financial advisors working with African American communities should commit to diversity and inclusion across their organizations. They should also dedicate resources to identify, solicit, and steward Black donors on their own terms. Read More

David Olusoga: Racism in British TV has Led to “Lost Generation” of Black Talent

Supporting journalism, media, and democracy is key in Canada. Has systemic racism in Canadian television forced out a generation of Black talent like it did in the UK? David Olusoga, via the Guardian, argues that the impact of this can be seen in “unrepresentative programs that failed to reflect modern Britain.” Read More

Human Rights and Internet Access 

Governments assume that internet shutdowns could help them get away with police brutality & silencing protests. This podcast, on a collaboration with Amnesty International, The Economist, and Witness, reflects on the importance of documenting & preserving video evidence of human rights abuse in the context of an internet shutdown. Find it Here

As WE Scandal Drags On, So Does Government Inaction on Systemic Racism 

Where is the action plan on systemic racism from the federal government? Asks columnist Hawa Y. Mire as they call for citizens to show the government where funding gaps exist in Black communities. They also question levels of accountability and propose half of the WE Charity funds to be earmarked for Black communities. Read More

MP Visits Homes Across Nunavut, Says People are Living in Mould Boxes

Nunavut’s NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq calls for the government to respond and invest in safe housing needs in her territory after they witness several communities struggling with poor living conditions. This article also features a petition in hopes of bringing awareness to the issue as safe and affordable housing are long-standing issues in Nunavut. Read More

Pandemic Pressures Imperil YMCA’s Invaluable Services

Nova Scotia’s economic instability impacts the YMCA’s adaptability to COVID-19. As social services working as operational charities are losing funding, volunteers, and resources, the needs for Nova Scotians are increasing and becoming more prevalent. Since access is related to privilege, this article reviews how YMCA worked with diligence to secure funding for electronic devices for newcomer families to connect with the Centre for Immigrant Programs online. Read More

Philanthropy Australia Unveils its Priorities for a Post-COVID Future

Australia’s philanthropic body outlined policy priorities that incorporate additional giving and offer greater support to charities in need. Their policy actions call for temporarily increased charitable gift deductions to maintain giving levels and a $1 billion specialized not-for-profit loan fund to deliver a new source of income for charities. Read More

SDG 17: Cargill Provided $115M in Total Charitable Contributions in 2020

This article reviews Cargill’s purpose to nourish communities in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way through their national and global initiatives and partnerships. Cargill has hosted 860 000 farmers working with sustainable agricultural practices and business practices and provided 39M meals to global and local food bank partners. Read More

Non-Profits at Risk Because of Pandemic, Survey Finds

A recent Ontario Non-profit Network (ONN) survey suggests that the pandemic had a significant economic impact on non-profits and charities. Based on statistics, it predicts that 1 in 5 Ontario non-profits could be forced to shut down by the end of year if a collaborative approach is not adopted by organizations. 58 000 non-profits were already forced to close its doors that added to an increase in systemic issues. Read More

What are Charities Learning from the WE Scandal?

This article argues that there are lessons learned from the WE Charity scandal. One of them emphasizing proactive transparency and its importance compared with the consequences of not being transparent. “Charities that opt for complexly confusing business structures over transparency are ripe for accusations of self-dealing. ” Read More

The Hewitt Foundation is happy to announce that its website is now live! Find It Here

Auditors Point Out Deficiencies in SDG Schemes 

The Auditor General of Pakistan has pointed out irregularities of a substantial amount during a special audit of Sustainable Development Programme schemes for the financial years 2016-17 and 2017-18 of Punjab government under the targets set by the federal Planning Commission. Read More

Corporate Environmental Reporting Could Help Close the SDG Data Gap

Efforts to leverage corporate environmental data to address the SDG data gap are increasingly gathering attention in a number of jurisdictions. For 77% of environment-related SDGs indicators, there is either insufficient data to assess progress (68%) or it is unlikely that the target will be met without scaling up action (9%). Read More

Global Goals Week 2020: Partners Unite in Call to Recover Better Ahead of Sustainable Development Goals’ 5th Anniversary

Global Goals Week (18-26 September) will take place virtually this year, focusing on bringing leaders and citizens together in accelerating progress towards SDGs. This year’s theme will be “factivism” which will be drawing attention to the state of the Goal’s progress and gaps in action plan to deliver Goals by 2030. Read More