2026 Working in Canadian Foundations Putting People First: Foundation Staff, Roles, and Practices Welcome to Working in Canadian Foundations. For too long, conversations about philanthropy in Canada have relied on assumptions, anecdotes, and data from elsewhere. That is beginning to change. One of PFC’s most important investments has been to build Canadian philanthropic research capacity through a dedicated research role, partnerships with academic institutions, and a commitment to generating evidence that reflects the Canadian context. A message from the team CEO Researcher From the CEO This report is a transformational step in that journey. For the first time, we have a clearer picture of the people working inside Canadian foundations, including their roles, experiences, challenges, and contributions. In a period of profound change for philanthropy, understanding the human capacity behind this work matters. Strong institutions are built by people, and stronger philanthropy requires a better understanding of the people who shape it every day. This report is another important step in PFC’s ongoing commitment to advancing a more Canadian story about philanthropy. One grounded in evidence, informed by practice, and focused on the possibilities ahead. Jean-Marc Mangin President & CEO Thank you from the Lead Researcher This report builds on decades of inquiry into foundation work rather than beginning anew. Working in Canadian Foundations draws on earlier studies, including The Foundation Administrator (Zurcher and Dunstan, 1972) and Working in Foundations (Odendahl et al., 1985), extending this line of inquiry into the Canadian context. It also benefited from a first-time peer review process that strengthened the report in important ways. I am especially grateful to Andre Williams, Bruce Lawson, Caledonia Mathieson, Laetitia Gill, Teresa Marques, and Dr. Tim Mueller, who said yes to the unknown. Their thoughtful feedback, support, and encouragement made this report stronger. Understanding foundations begins with understanding individual experience. Twenty years after falling into foundation work, I am grateful for this research opportunity. “My sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed through surveys, interviews, and feedback.” I also thank the leadership and team at Philanthropic Foundations Canada for their commitment to a people-and-practice research agenda and for their ongoing support. Michele Fugiel Gartner Lead Researcher, Philanthropic Foundations Canada Executive Summary Working in Canadian Foundations is an inaugural report that examines the roles and practices of foundation staff, who play a vital yet often overlooked part in Canadian philanthropic foundations. Using data from CRA T3010, PFC’s Foundation Staff Survey, PFC Salary and Benefits records, and the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP), it offers the most comprehensive overview available of foundation staff and experiences influencing their work across Canada. This report serves as the baseline for ongoing evaluations of philanthropic workplace cultures, which are continually evolving. This report is for foundation staff, board members, individuals interested in working in foundations, charities, and nonprofits, as well as researchers, students, and the general public. What This Research Reveals A Small but Growing Workforce Diverse Entry and Preparation Career Progression: A Structural Constraint Organizations: Increasingly Formalized, but at Different Stages Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Progress with Gaps A Field Under Pressure The Role of Sector Infrastructure A Sector Shaped by Its People The strength of Canadian foundations rests on the people doing the work and the conditions that support them. Working in Canadian Foundations sheds light on both the achievements and shortcomings in understanding foundation work across Canada. It highlights a field that is expanding but remains inconsistent and under-researched, particularly regarding how roles, skills, and practices develop. It positions foundation staff as a visible and valuable part of Canada’s philanthropic story. It serves as a point of departure for further research and interest in studying foundations, their people, and their practices.