PFC’s 25th Anniversary Conference 2024 Together 25 Ensemble PFC’s 2024 National Conference Together 25 Ensemble was our biggest one yet – bringing members, friends, partners, and philanthropic sector leaders together to tackle the urgent challenges of our times. Together 25 Ensemble Plenaries Building on the success of our 2022 conference in Montreal – we gathered in Ottawa to celebrate PFC’s 25th anniversary as a network! We designed a conference experience to combine learning, dialogue, and collaboration to enable the philanthropic sector to further its role in advancing a just, equitable and sustainable future. Local Welcoming Presentation by Elder Verna McGregor and words and songs by Brian Jackson Opening Reception and Networking Words of Welcome by Simon Mallett, Chair of the Board of Directors and Jean-Marc Mangin, President and CEO of Philanthropic Foundations Canada The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Self-determination The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Self-determination – Reeta Roy, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation Cultivating inclusive communities and connections for the road ahead Conference Closing Conference Closing with Jean-Marc Mangin of Philanthropic Foundations Canada, Roger beauchemin of Addenda Capital, and Brian Jackson of the un-ceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory. Together 25 Ensemble Plenary Session Recordings Local Welcoming Conference Opening The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Self-determination Cultivating inclusive communities and connections for the road ahead Conference Closing Conference News and Insights PFC News Together 25 Ensemble: The joy and fulfillment of learning together André Vashist PFC News 4 mins read Oct 15, 2024 PFC News Together 25 Ensemble: Inspired by Imagination André Vashist PFC News 7 mins read May 15, 2024 PFC News We are all leaders in knowledge-sharing André Vashist PFC News 5 mins read Dec 15, 2023 PFC News We Are All One Drum André Vashist PFC News 4 mins read Sep 27, 2023 Our Media Partner The Philanthropist Journal Guest Posts Why some foundations are not letting ‘risk’ stop them from partnering with non-qualified donees Guest Posts Dec 10, 2024 While the barriers to funding traditionally under-resourced organizations and communities can be systemic, these foundations share how their partnerships transform community organizations that are often […] Guest Posts Inviting difficulty into the room at PFC’s “Together 25 Ensemble” (National Conference) Guest Posts Dec 3, 2024 Philanthropic Foundations Canada’s 25th anniversary conference addressed polarization head-on – with tangible resources from conflict mediators to move forward during tense times. Guest Posts What are the fundamentals of philanthropy today? Guest Posts Oct 9, 2024 Funders and conference speakers say they’ll be highlighting non-qualified donees, participatory grantmaking, and youth-led organizing as fundamental to working in philanthropy today at Philanthropic Foundations Canada’s 25th-anniversary gathering. Guest Posts Building a coalition of the willing means power in numbers for the philanthropic sector Guest Posts Oct 9, 2024 Collaborations, or the lack of them, will feature prominently at the Philanthropic Foundations Canada 25th-anniversary conference in Ottawa, when leaders will be challenged to stop […] Guest Posts Philanthropic leaders reflect on major trends – and tensions Guest Posts Oct 9, 2024 Much ink has been spilled about the tensions in society writ large lately, and this spills over into philanthropy. Ahead of the Philanthropic Foundations Canada conference in September, The Philanthropist Journal spoke to leaders about what trends are top of mind for them this year – and which tensions they’ve noticed of late. Our Program Plenaries Trends & Tensions Collaboration Fundamentals Plenaries Local Welcoming with Elder Verna McGregor and Brian Jackson Conference Opening Reception Reeta Roy: The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Self-determination Celebration Concert with Peter Katz Cultivating inclusive communities and connections for the road ahead with Meredith Preston McGhie and Mohammed Hashim Conference Closing with Jean-Marc Mangin, Roger Beauchemin, Brian Jackson Trends & Tensions Good Governance Practices for Foundation Indigenous-led Philanthropy: Northern Perspectives Granting to Non-qualified Donees: What you need to know Grantmaking Practices: Trust Based & Participatory Making Your Portfolios a Force for Good: Aligning investments with your foundation’s values Approaches to supporting youth and young adults in our communities Q&A with the Canada Revenue Agency and Department of Finance Canada Supporting Climate Action & Biodiversity Collaboration Philanthropy’s Call to Climate Action A Session to Improve Your Reconciliation Outcomes: From Purpose to Action – Together Black, Indigenous and People of Colour in Philanthropy Government Grantmaking and Philanthropy The Canadian Philanthropy Research Puzzle: What picture are we seeing? What pieces are missing? Building a Social Finance Ecosystem International Grantmaking: Supporting Local and Global Challenges Fundamentals Complicating the Narrative: New forms of journalism Political Winds are Blowing: What does that mean for philanthropy? Addressing the Housing Crisis Philanthropy and the Maelstrom Facing Universities Let’s Debate: Sunsets, Limited Terms & Perpetuity Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World Underfunded: Understanding the Gaps Investing: What’s at Issue? Transforming Philanthropy: An Open Dialogue September 23, 2024 Day 1 Plenary Local Welcoming Located on traditional un-ceded Algonquin territory, Ottawa is home to approximately 40,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and the Indigenous communities are diverse, representing many nations, languages and customs. In our Welcome Plenary, we will be accompanied by Elder Verna McGregor, of the Algonquin community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, alongside Brian Jackson from McConnell Foundation, also of the Anishinaabe community (Wekwâgam). Plenary Opening Reception and Networking An opportunity to connect with peers on our opening day with light refreshments. We will have opening remarks provided by PFC’s CEO and our Presenting Partner, Addenda Capital. September 24, 2024 Day 2 Plenary CEO Breakfast – for PFC members from grantmaking organizations An exclusive breakfast meeting designed for foundation CEOs, Executive Director and CEO-equivalent leaders who are PFC members from grantmaking organizations. This will be a rare opportunity to hear from seasoned leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities of the philanthropic sector. Several distinguished former CEOs will share their experiences and insights. They will discuss the challenges and successes during their tenure and reflect on the evolving role of foundations. Don’t miss this chance to learn from and connect with peers in a meaningful dialogue. Plenary The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Self-determination In this talk, Mastercard Foundation President and CEO Reeta Roy will share the approach used by Canada’s largest foundation to support education and pathways to meaningful livelihoods for young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada. This includes co-creating with Indigenous and African-led institutions and working with young people to advance self-determination. Trends & Tensions Complicating the Narrative: New forms of journalism There are many ways to tell a story, and we rely on media for information. In this session, we will hear from media and media funders on how different types of journalism can help surface deeper and more equitable versions of a story. This is important in an age of mis- and dis-information, where journalism can provide clarity and understanding, not further division. Good Governance Practices for Foundations Anchored in the fundamental roles and duties of a foundation board, this workshop will highlight and explore leading practices in the board development cycle that support exceptional governance in foundations at any stage of their journey. The session will be led by Dr. Sharilyn Hale, President at Watermark Philanthropic Counsel. A Chartered Director, she is an expert in nonprofit and family philanthropy governance, and teaches governance and leadership at Carleton University. Indigenous-led Philanthropy: Northern Perspectives Learn about Indigenous-led philanthropy in the Arctic that is rooted in Indigenous cultures, traditions, and self-identified goals for the future. In this session, we will hear from the Annauma Community Foundation and the Gordon Foundation on their work in the community. Philanthropy’s Call to Climate Action In this session, hosted by the steering committee members of the Canadian Philanthropy Commitment On Climate Change, conference participants looking to learn more or begin their climate journey will have the opportunity to connect with foundations that are long-time leaders in the climate space. This session will include facilitated networking with climate philanthropy leaders where you can ask questions, learn about the journey, and explore your interest in climate change action. Trends & Tensions Political Winds are Blowing: What does that mean for philanthropy? Political winds are blowing, with the next federal election on the horizon, the US Presidential election happening this year, and other relevant local and global events impacting politics in Canada. Hear from veteran Canadian political insiders from different political stripes about what to expect over the next year and a half, and what foundations and other charities should be thinking about in their work to advance the common good. Plenary Celebration Concert with Peter Katz In his newest keynote concert, Peter Katz shows audiences how to harness the remarkable power of celebration. Far from superficial pleasure, Katz’s version of celebration is a co-created experience that can revolutionize individuals and teams before, during, and after their most pivotal moments. It is based on the goal of helping people realize that they are not alone and that rather than constantly focus on the negative, there is a human necessity to band together and relish in the potential moments of success that lie ahead. As a Juno Award-nominated and internationally recognized singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and facilitator, Katz understands how to create the right container to identify and amplify our brightest milestones and propel ourselves towards our biggest wins yet. Collaboration A Session to Improve Your Reconciliation Outcomes: From Purpose to Action – Together In this session, facilitated by Indigenous leaders in the philanthropic sector, we will explore broadly how we can move towards action in order to improve our reconciliation outcomes. A diverse group of facilitators will offer the opportunity for participants in this session to dive deep into various topics where we can ask questions, receive advice and collectively commit to renewed goals. Trends & Tensions Addressing the Housing Crisis Lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest, most intractable issues of our time, affecting every community in Canada. How can philanthropy help address this problem? Hear from experts and practitioners working across the sector about a range of approaches in a variety of contexts that different philanthropic actors are taking, from investment to grantmaking to policy action and beyond. Gain fresh ideas and practical inspiration as to how to address the housing crisis with the resources your foundation stewards. Fundamentals Granting to Non-qualified Donees: What you need to know In 2022, new rules were introduced by the Government of Canada through changes to the Income Tax Act, permitting granting to non-qualified donees – organizations in Canada and internationally that contribute to charitable activities, but do not have registered charity status. In this session, legal experts and practitioners will share their thoughts on the new rules, what they signify for our sector, and practical tips to help funders utilize this new, additional pathway to partnering with on-the-ground organizations and initiatives. Fundamentals Grantmaking Practices: Trust Based & Participatory Hear from peers through a series of lightning talks followed by discussion on different approaches to trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking. Presenters will share their experience ranging from governance, program design, sharing power, integrating inclusivity, and engaging marginalized communities. Our discussion will open up dialogue on creative and simple ways we explore reciprocity, exchange ideas, share practices, and get funds to organizations in a more equitable way. Trends & Tensions Philanthropy and the Maelstrom Facing Universities Please note: this session will be mostly presented in French. *Simultaneous interpretation available* – pick up your headset at the Registration desk. What is the role of philanthropy in supporting our universities which face multiple crises: safeguarding freedom of expression and real dialogue in a plural and polarized society, responding to the climate emergency, engaging with vulnerable communities, supporting research relevant to societal issues and addressing government underfunding. How can philanthropy better support our civil society institutions without substituting for government responsibilities? Collaboration Black, Indigenous and People of Colour in Philanthropy A space for participants who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour to have a safe and brave space to convene and find solidarity. This session is a continuation of the BIPOC-only space PFC offered at the 2022 conference. Collaboration Government Grantmaking and Philanthropy Connecting grantmaking activities between government and philanthropy is important to working together on issues that matter to our communities. In this session, we will have representatives from various government grantmaking programs share ways they are currently and seeking to collaborate. In addition, we will have members of the philanthropic community share their experiences working with government grantmakers. Fundamentals Making Your Portfolios a Force for Good: Aligning investments with your foundation’s values Join our expert panel to explore how foundations can transform their investment portfolios into powerful tools for positive change beyond financial returns. Whether your foundation is just starting or well along its way to align its portfolio with your values, this session will provide essential tools and strategies to achieve financial goals and drive real-world impact. Learn about key questions to ask your investment managers on impact, achieving net zero, engagement with investee companies, or other priorities. Collaboration The Canadian Philanthropy Research Puzzle: What picture are we seeing? What pieces are missing? Dive into the landscape of Canadian philanthropic research in a session designed to bridge academic and practitioner perspectives. Our expert panelists will share their latest findings and methodologies, focusing on leadership, justice, and rural philanthropy. Audience members are encouraged to engage and discuss their own research questions, making this session ideal for academics, practitioners, and philanthropy enthusiasts alike. Imaginarium: An Evening Social at National Gallery of Canada Join us at the National Gallery of Canada for an evening social within a beautiful space, access to one of kind art exhibit and wonderful cultural experiences. This is an opportunity to unwind from a day of conference programming and connect with new and familiar peers in the sector. Attendees will have a chance to experience the Radical Stitch exhibit at the Gallery that invites us into the past and present, as we imagine new worlds. In addition, we will have authentic experiences that showcase culture, food, and music that is reflective and respectful of Canada’s diverse Indigenous heritage. September 25, 2024 Day 3 Fundamentals Approaches to supporting youth and young adults in our communities Engaging the next generation in philanthropy is critical as we look into the future. In this session we will hear from organizations engaging, supporting and empowering youth and young adults. Collaboration Building a Social Finance Ecosystem What is the role of philanthropy in building the social finance ecosystem in order to allocate more resources to our shared challenges? We know the Social Finance Fund wholesalers cannot do it alone and there are a number of foundations interested in being engaged. This session will be facilitated by Boann Social Impact and Realize Capital Partners to collectively build the ecosystem to do finance differently and flow capital more equitably. Trends & Tensions Let’s Debate: Sunsets, Limited Terms & Perpetuity In this session, foundations with different endowment approaches will debate their respective rationales around sunsets, limited-life and perpetuity. This is an opportunity to explore different questions around these models, such as: Do we want to spend down or exist in perpetuity? Do we need to think long-term or address our most pressing issues? Are we comfortable discussing the broader culture of wealth accumulation? The audience will get to weigh in after the debate with their own questions and comments. Trends & Tensions Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World Join us for an insightful session on the PFC initiative, “Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World.” This presentation will share key learnings and aspirations for change that emerged from the National Dialogue Series. We’ll explore how open dialogue on challenging topics can foster understanding and create common ground, enabling us to address pressing social issues more effectively. Trends & Tensions Underfunded: Understanding the Gaps Many equity deserving leaders and communities are overlooked and underestimated. In this session, we will hear insights, strategies and opportunities to collobarate in addressing funding and captial gaps faced by various underfunded groups. Collaboration International Grantmaking: Supporting Local and Global Challenges Philanthropy is a critical partner in supporting challenges happening in our international community, ranging from strategic investments aligned to foundation missions to responding to humanitarian needs. In this session, participants will hear from experienced grantmakers supporting communities and projects around the world. In a globalized context, there is an opportunity to engage in important local and global challenges that reflect our interconnectedness. Trends & Tensions Investing: What’s at Issue? In this session, we are going to explore issue areas that are becoming more investable and hear from practitioners on their approach to align their investment strategies to their missions. The issue areas our presenters will be discussing are housing, climate, gender-lens, arts alongside ESG considerations and other investment tools. Participants will walk away with deeper understanding of how to invest in these issue areas, as well as how to approach their own issue areas using their investment strategy. Fundamentals Q&A with the Canada Revenue Agency and Department of Finance Canada Our sector’s regulators have a wealth of knowledge to share about their work in administering the legal rules that govern our sector. Meet representatives from the CRA’s Charities Directorate and the Department of Finance Canada, and dialogue with them directly on issues and questions you and your peers have for them to learn more about what’s new, what’s top of mind, and what’s on the horizon from a regulatory perspective. Fundamentals Fundamentals Supporting Climate Action & Biodiversity Addressing climate change and biodiversity loss is a whole society challenge, that crosses borders, affects multiple generations, and touches us locally and globally. Hear from leaders working diligently on this issue and learn about different approaches being taken to make progress. Trends & Tensions Transforming Philanthropy: An Open Dialogue This session will be setup as a participatory group discussion, sometimes know as a fishbowl, offering an opportunity for everyone to participate in this conversation. Our speakers will start the conversation with their perspectives around how philanthropy can and is being transformed, then inviting participants to enter the discussion and share their own views on transforming philanthropy. Plenary Moving Capital. Shifting Power – An interactive questionnaire Plenary Cultivating inclusive communities and connections for the road ahead Philanthropy is vital to strengthening the social fabric of our society, through programs, investments, grants, and other forms of leadership – yet our sector, like all sectors, is being tested by many new and intractable challenges, from racism and polarization to political instability to threats to our democracy and beyond. In our closing plenary, Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General for the Global Centre for Pluralism, and Mohammed Hashim, Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation will share their insights, expertise and personal stories to help us reflect on our learnings from throughout the conference and inspire action for the road ahead. Plenary Conference Closing Inspiring Impact: Nonprofit Reception on Parliament Hill You are cordially invited to the Together 25 Ensemble Closing reception Inspiring Impact: Nonprofit Reception on Parliament Hill. Please join us to celebrate the work and contributions of Senator Ratna Omidvar, a champion of Canada’s nonprofit and charitable sector, as we mark the occasion of her retirement. The event will be hosted by Philip Lawrence – MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South, along with Philanthropic Foundations Canada and Imagine Canada, and will bring together leaders from the Canadian nonprofit and charitable sector, Parliamentarians, Senators, civil society, and Hill leadership. Photo Gallery Feel free to download and use these images if you or someone from your organization appears in them, but please make sure to credit PFC and the photographer Cattroll Photo Associates. Images are sorted in chronological order. Password: pfc Thank You To Our Partners Addenda Capital Principal Partner With more than $37 billion in assets under management, Addenda Capital is recognized as a leader in sustainable investing. From climate transition to impact investing to traditional strategies, the Firm’s multi-asset solutions seek to provide enhanced returns for its institutional and private wealth clientele. Co-owned by The Co-operators Group and its employees, Addenda empaloys over 179 people in its offices in Toronto, Guelph and Regina, with its head office in Montreal. The firm is a signatory of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) and its Montréal Carbon Pledge, and is an Investor Member of the Green Bond Principles. Supporting Partners Carters Diversity Institute Goodman Foundation Imagine Canada Jarislowsky Fraser Limited Malatest Miller Thomson Myriad Canada National Gallery of Canada OPTrust Select PhilanthPro PwC Realize Capital Partners Responsible Communications Tapestry Community Capital Rally Assets WCPD Foundation YellowTree Grant Services Inc. The Philanthropist Journal Media Partner Conference Principles & Policies Principles Policies Together 25 Ensemble Principles PFC strengthens Canadian philanthropy – in all of its diversity – in pursuit of a just, equitable, and sustainable world. We respectfully ask that attendees consider our aspirational culture principles as they spend their time and energies at the PFC conference We will all help create inclusive spaces for conference participants to engage in dialogue, learn and act collaboratively. We are all responsible for contributing to a safe(r) space to engage in dialogue. We respect that participants will have different perspectives and experiences. We recognize that some conversations will be difficult, and may be personal and emotionally sensitive. We value respectful listening and engagement, and will use calling in strategies to encourage and support the learning process, such as asking questions to understand, naming discomfort, and offering differing opinions without expectation to agree. We prioritize well-being throughout the conference, and we will do what we need to be present, to take care of ourselves, and each other. We are committed to fostering an environment in which all conference attendees can engage in meaningful discussions, networking, and collaboration. We ask all conference attendees not to engage in uninvited solicitation for funding, investment, or any form of financial transaction during the conference. Thank you for your commitment to these conference culture principles. PFC Conference Non -Solicitation Policy We are committed to fostering an environment in which all conference attendees can engage in meaningful discussions, networking, and collaboration. We ask all conference attendees not to engage in uninvited solicitation for funding, investment, or any form of financial transaction during the conference. Thank you for your cooperation.
PFC News Together 25 Ensemble: The joy and fulfillment of learning together André Vashist PFC News 4 mins read Oct 15, 2024
PFC News Together 25 Ensemble: Inspired by Imagination André Vashist PFC News 7 mins read May 15, 2024
Guest Posts Why some foundations are not letting ‘risk’ stop them from partnering with non-qualified donees Guest Posts Dec 10, 2024 While the barriers to funding traditionally under-resourced organizations and communities can be systemic, these foundations share how their partnerships transform community organizations that are often […]
Guest Posts Inviting difficulty into the room at PFC’s “Together 25 Ensemble” (National Conference) Guest Posts Dec 3, 2024 Philanthropic Foundations Canada’s 25th anniversary conference addressed polarization head-on – with tangible resources from conflict mediators to move forward during tense times.
Guest Posts What are the fundamentals of philanthropy today? Guest Posts Oct 9, 2024 Funders and conference speakers say they’ll be highlighting non-qualified donees, participatory grantmaking, and youth-led organizing as fundamental to working in philanthropy today at Philanthropic Foundations Canada’s 25th-anniversary gathering.
Guest Posts Building a coalition of the willing means power in numbers for the philanthropic sector Guest Posts Oct 9, 2024 Collaborations, or the lack of them, will feature prominently at the Philanthropic Foundations Canada 25th-anniversary conference in Ottawa, when leaders will be challenged to stop […]
Guest Posts Philanthropic leaders reflect on major trends – and tensions Guest Posts Oct 9, 2024 Much ink has been spilled about the tensions in society writ large lately, and this spills over into philanthropy. Ahead of the Philanthropic Foundations Canada conference in September, The Philanthropist Journal spoke to leaders about what trends are top of mind for them this year – and which tensions they’ve noticed of late.