PFC News PFC Program Recap 2025 : Deepening Roots, Strengthening Our Network André Vashist PFC News 5 mins read February 13, 2026 News & Insights PFC News PFC Program Recap 2025 : Deepening Roots, Strengthening Our Network In 2025, more than1,000 people participated in PFC’s Affinity Groups, professional development programs, and regional gatherings. Across the country, members showed a clear desire for connection, shared learning, and collaboration; even as the philanthropic landscape continues to shift. As we pause for a winter moment, we’re taking stock of what this year taught us. Like a forest that regenerates beneath the surface, our network has been quietly strengthening its roots: deepening relationships, building capacity, and preparing for the next season of collective work. What We Learned This Year Across Affinity Groups, roundtables, and regional conversations, several themes surfaced again and again: A move from principles to practice in trust-based and participatory grantmaking based and participatory grantmaking A shared commitment to equity, Indigenous leadership, and relational approaches A strong appetite for collaboration, that is also paired with real operational constraints A focus on strategic resilience across governance, leadership, and workforce wellbeing A shift from metrics to storytelling and learning-centered evaluation centered evaluation Growing communications needs in increasingly polarized contexts Rising interest in impact investing, AI, and data-driven decision-making driven decisionmaking These themes shaped our programming and will guide our work heading into 2026. Affinity Groups: The Heart of Our Network Much of this year’s energy came from our Affinity Groups, each with its own culture, purpose, and rhythm. In 2025, we expanded PFC Convenes with new groups including: CEO Support Group Leaders of Color in Philanthropy Groupe philanthropique québécois Family Foundations Affinity Group These groups have become spaces for candid conversation, peer support, technical learning, and field-building. Members consistently told us that small group formats created deeper connections and more meaningful dialogue. Our Community Weavers, volunteers who codesign programming, curate content, and help knit the network together, played a key role in making these spaces vibrant and responsive. A Few Highlights From the Year While we’re saving the full program list for our annual report, a few moments stood out: Regional Gatherings Held in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal, these sessions brought funders together to explore practical strategies for navigating economic uncertainty and building long term resilience. Reconciliation Roundtable Twenty four foundations gathered to reflect on progress and explore pathways for expanding Indigenous philanthropy, embedding Indigenous representation in governance, and strengthening trust-based reporting. Walrus Talks Hundreds joined in person and online for a cross-sector conversation on how philanthropy can help shape a safe, equitable, and resilient future for Canada. CEO Retreat Leaders from across the country came together for honest conversations about collaboration, leadership, and the evolving demands of philanthropic work. These moments reminded us that in person and meaningful connection remains essential; and deeply valued. Emergent Network Insights Across the year, four insights rose to the surface: 1. Our network holds deep, diverse expertise. You never know who is working on what; and unexpected collaborations often emerge. 2. Members look to PFC for steadiness. In a time of uncertainty, PFC serves as an anchor and a trusted convener. 3. In person connection matters more than ever. After years of digital first convening, face-to-face gatherings remain among our most valued offerings. 4. “Never assume.” Members arrive with different needs, experiences, and cultural contexts. Curiosity and humility remain essential. Looking Toward 2026 Our 2025 Membership Engagement Survey showed improved ratings across Affinity Groups compared to 2024. This is a strong signal that PFC Convenes and PFC Connects are meeting member needs. Here’s how we’ll be building on that momentum as we launch our Affinity Group programming in 2026: More member-led leadership: Members will be able to express interest in joining Community Weavers or Steering Committees. Better balance of learning and networking: We’ll pilot short small group networking breakouts at the start of meetings. Thoughtful facilitation: Clear agendas, candid dialogue, and strong moderation will remain core to our approach. Realtime feedback: Each session will end with a brief poll to gather ideas and gauge satisfaction. Mix of broad and niche topics: With 3–4 meetings per year, we can diversify formats and topics to meet varied needs. More in person connection: We’re exploring lightweight support for locally self organized gatherings and assessing options for expanding regional events in 2027. Our goal is simple: to strengthen the member experience by creating Affinity Groups that are high-quality, codesigned, and rooted in genuine connection. Firmly Planted For What Comes Next As we look toward 2026, we’re carrying forward the momentum, clarity, and connection that this year helped cultivate. Our network continues to evolve — and like a forest preparing for its next season of growth, we’re strengthening the roots that sustain us: deeper relationships, shared learning, and a commitment to showing up for one another. With every moment we are connected, we are tending to a more resilient, and impactful philanthropic ecosystem. Share This Article Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email
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