PFC News Why Reciprocity, and Why Now? Andre Pawan Vashist PFC News 5 mins read April 20, 2026 News & Insights PFC News Why Reciprocity, and Why Now? At our last Conference in 2024, we gathered under the theme Together. We opened our gathering with the image of a drum: each voice distinct, each rhythm essential, sounding something larger when played in relationship. We closed it with a different metaphor: a shared meal. Like a pot of curry, built slowly and intentionally from many ingredients, the richness came not from any single element but from how they were combined, tended, and allowed to evolve together. As we reflected on this experience, one word remained with us. It lingered in the conversations, in the quiet moments between sessions, and in the relationships being formed and re‑formed across the room. That word was Reciprocity. Learning from Nature’s Way of Working In nature, reciprocity is not an abstract concept; it is a constant practice. Forests thrive through interdependence: trees share nutrients through interconnected root systems; fallen leaves nourish the soil that sustains future growth; cycles of rest and regeneration make renewal possible. Nothing exists in isolation, and nothing flourishes without giving as well as receiving. These lessons feel deeply relevant to philanthropy today. Our sector is being called to move beyond transactional relationships toward ways of working rooted in mutual care, shared responsibility, and long‑term commitment. Reciprocity asks us to acknowledge power and difference honestly, while still choosing to act together in support of communities and ecosystems, and in ways that honour their agency and leadership. This is why Reciprocity is the theme of our 2026 conference. Reciprocity as a Conference Experience Choosing reciprocity means re‑imagining not only what we talk about, but how we come together. This year, the conference is intentionally designed to create conditions for: Meaningful relationship‑building Shared learning and exchange Collaboration that extends beyond the event itself You’ll notice fewer traditional panels and more facilitated experiences, longer breaks between sessions, and intentional time for informal connection. We are making room for conversations to unfold at a human pace because trust, like ecosystems, grows over time. Our goal is simple and honest: to take one step forward from last year, learning as we go, and continuing to adapt in response to the moment we are in. Three Days, Three Forms of Relationship To hold different kinds of conversations well, the conference unfolds across three distinct but connected days: Philanthropy in Focus A day dedicated to funders coming together as peers, creating space for candid dialogue, reflection, and relationship‑building within philanthropic practice. The evening opens to all conference participants in a shared gathering grounded in local leadership and place. Sector Solutions A day designed to move beyond silos, bringing together nonprofits, funders, community leaders, government, and researchers. Here, we focus on shared challenges and explore where collective action can create greater impact than isolated efforts. Professional Development Our final morning centers on learning: practical knowledge, tools, and frameworks participants can take back to their organizations, collaborations, and communities. Woven throughout all three days are opportunities to connect, because relationships are not a side benefit of this gathering; they are essential. Grounded in Place and Community This year, we gather in Winnipeg, Manitoba, located within Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji‑Cree, Dene, and Dakota Peoples, and the Birthplace of the Métis Nation and the Heart of the Métis Nation Homeland. To honour place and local leadership, we have introduced a Host Committee composed of foundations, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders. Their guidance helps ground the conference in local context and ensures that community and Indigenous‑led perspectives are centered throughout the experience. An Invitation Reciprocity is not something we can declare, it is what we will practice. This conference is an invitation to: Show up with care and curiosity Listen deeply and share responsibility Strengthen relationships that extend beyond the gathering Co‑create pathways toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable future Like ecosystems, our sector is strongest when we recognize our interdependence and tend relationships with intention. We look forward to learning, sharing, and growing together. Share This Article Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email
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