Together 25 Ensemble

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.