Conference In Person

Together 25 Ensemble – PFC’s 25th Anniversary Conference

10 January 2025 / Registration Closed

Thank you for coming together and making this conference the biggest one yet!!!!

Thank you to all those who came together in Ottawa from September 23 to 25, 2024. We will shorthly be publishing follow-up material for everyone to look back on or to experience the conference that was held.

PFC’s 2024 National Conference Together 25 Ensemble will be our biggest one yet – bringing members, friends, partners, and leaders in the sector together to tackle the urgent challenges of our times.

We have designed a conference experience that combines learning, dialogue, and collaboration to enable the philanthropic sector to further its role in advancing a just, equitable and sustainable future.

As part of PFC’s 25th anniversary as a network – and building on the success of our 2022 conference in Montreal – we invite you to join us in Ottawa this year!

What you can expect

Based on feedback from previous conferences, Together 25 Ensemble will offer:

  • Pragmatic, responsive, and collaborative approaches through member participation in conference design and presentation
  • Engagement and meaningful impact through multiple learning environments led by one another and sector leaders
  • Content mix of basics, best practices, reflection, and critical approaches, through three cross-cutting streams of key interest to the philanthropic community
  • Inclusive, respectful, and equitable representation in speakers, facilitators, and session design, ensuring they represent the breadth and diversity of our country
  • Authentic space to learn from and support Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving philanthropy
  • Ample opportunity for one-on-one and informal networking and connection to facilitate ongoing collaboration and impact

Read more about our approach here.

  • Where

    We are gathering on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People, now home to Canada’s national capital, Ottawa.

    We look forward to welcoming conference goers at The Westin Ottawa as our main conference venue. We also have very exciting evening programs that will take attendees into the community, at the National Gallery of Canada and to Parliament Hill.

  • When

    Monday, September 23 – Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

  • Who

    Our conference is open to the philanthropic sector, with a focus on foundations. We are open to foundations of all types and sizes, alongside nonprofits and charities, government, academia and emerging leaders.

  • How

    Scroll down for information. More items will be added as new elements are confirmed. Please visit this page to get all the up-to-date details on our program, registration, and frequently asked questions.

Eligibility

Registration Info

The event is open to the philanthropic sector, with a focus on foundations.

These are our registration categories:

  • Foundations (PFC members and non-members)
  • Nonprofits and Charities
  • Government
  • Academia
  • Students / underemployed
  • Confirmed PFC national conference partners
Foundation Ticket Types

Pricing Table

Ticket Types – Other than foundations

Pricing Table

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 employs 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.

Carters

Supporting Partner

Diversity Institute

Supporting Partner

Goodman Foundation

Supporting Partner

Imagine Canada

Supporting Partner

Jarislowsky Fraser Limited

Supporting Partner

Malatest

Supporting Partner

Miller Thomson

Supporting Partner

Myriad Canada

Supporting Partner

National Gallery of Canada

Supporting Partner

OPTrust Select

Supporting Partner

PhilanthPro

Supporting Partner

PwC

Supporting Partner

Realize Capital Partners

Supporting Partner

Responsible Communications

Supporting Partner

Tapestry Community Capital

Supporting Partner

Rally Assets

Supporting Partner

WCPD Foundation 

Supporting Partner

YellowTree Grant Services Inc.

Supporting Partner

The Philanthropist Journal

Media Partner

Location

The 2024 Annual Conference is being held at:

The Westin Ottawa
11 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

Our Policies

Philanthropic Foundations Canada and our membership wishes to ensure a culture of openness, clarity and kindness. Our refund and non-solicitation policy are here for your reference.

  • Non-Solicitation Policy

    PFC Purpose Statement
    The members of Philanthropic Foundations Canada are individually and collectively committed to the public good. We believe that public trust in our performance and behaviour is reinforced through the integrity and honesty we demonstrate in all our relationships, dealings, and transactions.

    PFC Non-solicitation policy
    One of the primary strengths and benefits of PFC membership is the ability to network and, in some cases, collaborate to improve the sector. This takes place both formally and informally. Members are encouraged to reach out to other members who may have similar identified interests. Members may also review the Member Directory, located on the PFC website, or contact the PFC Team for knowledge of potential collaborators. By working together, greater impact often results.

    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.

  • Refund Policy

    PFC Conference Cancellation Policy

    Refund fees are scheduled as follows:

    • Cancellation before September 9 – full refund minus a $100 processing fee
    • Cancellation on or after September 10, or for no-shows – non-refundable
    • Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to conference@pfc.ca.

    Substitutions
    Substitutions / Ticket transfers may be made at any time; however, only one substitution is permitted per registration, in accordance with PFC’s eligibility policy. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for ensuring that all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that registration and substitution are met and that contact information for the new registrant is updated with PFC’s registration team. Requests for substitutions must be submitted in writing by email to conference@pfc.ca.

  • Payment policy

    We accept VISA, American Express (AMEX), MasterCard, EFTs, E-transfers and cheques as methods of payment.

    Electronic Funds Transfer
    Bank information: TD Canada Trust
    Beneficiary: Philanthropic Foundations Canada
    Transit number: 00171
    Institution: (0) 004
    Bank account: 5217071
    Note: please specify sender and purpose of contribution

    E-Transfer/INTERAC
    Please send to info@pfc.ca
    Note: you will need to send password in a separate email to info@pfc.ca

    To pay by cheque
    Please make cheques payable to: Philanthropic Foundations Canada
    Mail your cheque with a copy of your invoice to:
    Philanthropic Foundations Canada, 1095 St. Alexandre Street, Montréal, Québec, H2Z 1P8

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are frequently asked questions about the 2024 national conference.

Conference Location

Conference Registration

Conference Accommodation

Travel and Transportation

  • I’m travelling from out of town to attend Together 25 Ensemble – how do I get to Ottawa?

    By air: the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is 15km away from The Westin Ottawa, and the downtown core.

    By VIA Rail train: the Ottawa Train Station is 4.5km away from The Westin Ottawa, and the downtown core. 

  • Are there any travel discounts available?

    Discounted rates for air and train travel to Ottawa are available with the following providers.

    VIA Rail
    To book travel with VIA Rail, please use Discount Code as a corporate code: 14543.

    VIA is offering travelers 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class. Subject to the conditions and restrictions of the fare plan to which the additional discount is being applied. Discount does not apply in any Escape fares and Prestige Class.  


    Applicable Rules

    • The fare discount is available for travel between September 20, 2024 to September 28, 2024  
    • The fare discount is available for travel from all stations throughout the VIA system to Ottawa and return
    • The fare discount applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking.  

    Air Canada

    To book travel with Air Canada, please enter your promotion code in the Promotion Code box: QRZ4W421.

    Customers will benefit from an instant online registration and enjoy a ten per cent discount on eligible fares.

    Applicable Rules

    • The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (CA)
      The travel period begins Monday, September 16, 2024 and ends Wednesday, October 02, 2024.
    • Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
    • For North America 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel 10% on standard fares & higher.

    West Jet

    5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border. No discount will apply to Basic or Business class bookings.  

    To take advantage of this offer, you will need the discount code listed. Please visit www.westjet.com/conventions to make a booking online.  

    Applicable Rules 

    • The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, ON 
    • The travel period begins Monday, September 16, 2024 and ends Wednesday, October 02, 2024.
    • Coupon Code: Guest web/Travel Agent web 3L7T0ZK  
    • Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS only YBL46
  • I will be travelling by car. Is there parking nearby?

    On-site parking at The Westin Ottawa is available at $30/day. An electric car charging station is available on site. 

  • I am taking public transportation to the Conference. What’s the best way to get to The Westin Ottawa?

    OC Transpo, Ottawa’s public transportation system, has buses and trains that will bring you near The Westin Ottawa. The Westin Ottawa is a 5 minute walk from Rideau Station (O-Train). The Travel Planner Guide is available here. 

Conference Language

  • In which language is the event being held?

    We will be offering the conference program in both English and French. Simultaneous Interpretation in English and French will be offered for sessions held at The Westin Ottawa – this includes all Plenary sessions and three of five concurrent sessions. 

    For our evening events, remarks will be offered in both English and French.

Conference Accessibility

Conference Experience

  • When can I see the full schedule of the Conference?

    Click here to see our Conference Schedule at-a-glance, to give you a sense of how to plan for your participation. 

    Starting in June, speakers will be announced, and elements of the conference programming will be shared. Updates will be released early-summer, and the final pieces of Together 25 Ensemble will be shared in full at the beginning of September. Please visit our website for full high-level details.

    Registered conference attendees will be given access to our main conference site and event management platform (hosted on CVENT) where you will be able to access information on speakers, presentations, and other conference details as they become available.

  • Will individual presentations given as part of Together 25 Ensemble be made available to attendees?

    Conference attendees will be able to access conference session content being made available by presenters — including speaker presentations — through our conference site and event management platform (hosted on CVENT). There may be some conversations or sessions that have materials developed for session attendees only.

  • What is included in the conference registration?

    We have designed a conference experience that combines learning, dialogue, and collaboration to enable the philanthropic sector to further its role in advancing a just, equitable and sustainable future.  

    As a part of your registration, you will receive access to the entire three-day conference program and conference site and event management platform. Through the conference platform (hosted on CVENT), you will be able to connect with other attendees, access important information, and view conference content. 

    Conference registration includes meals, as well as discounted rates on travel and accommodation.

  • Are meals included in the conference registration?

    Yes. All registration types include the following meals:  

    • Monday, September 23 – Light evening reception meal 
    • Tuesday, September 24 – Breakfast, buffet lunch, dînatoire-style evening meal
    • Wednesday, September 25 – Breakfast, buffet lunch, light evening reception meal

    Note: conference meals will include vegetarian, vegan, Halal, Kosher, and gluten-free options to meet your dietary preferences and restrictions. 

  • Is registration (an RSVP) required to attend the evening events?

    Yes. There is no additional cost to attend, but it is helpful for our planning to be able to anticipate the number of participants at each evening event. 

    During the Conference Registration process, please register your attendance for our evening events:

    • Monday, September 23: 5-8pm Welcome Plenary and at The Westin Ottawa
    • Tuesday, September 24: 6-9pm Evening Social at the National Gallery of Canada.
    • Wednesday, September 25: 5-8pm Inspiring Impact: Nonprofit Reception on Parliament Hill at the Sir John A Macdonald Building

    Thank you!

  • I see you use the term Dine Around, can you explain what that is?

    A Dine Around is an additional dinner event held at a restaurant, organized around a topic or theme, and hosted by a fellow-conference attendee (and not PFC staff). To enrich the conference experience, PFC has designated Monday evening as a time to Dine Around to encourage participants to meet like-minded people, connect with friends and colleagues, and begin the conference experience together. 

    Information and details about Dine Around opportunities will be sent to conference attendees in advance of Together 25 Ensemble, including details of each dinner host, topic and location.  Each organized host will directly collect RSVPs for their Dine Around. Stay tuned !

Conference Policies

  • What is your refund, cancellation, and substitution policy?

    Refund and Cancellation policy

    Refund fees are scheduled as follows:

    • Cancellation before September 9 – full refund minus a $100 processing fee
    • Cancellation on or after September 10, or for no-shows – non-refundable
    • Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to conference@pfc.ca. 

    Substitutions

    Substitutions may be made at any time; however, only one substitution is permitted per registration, in accordance with PFC’s eligibility policy. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for ensuring that all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that registration and substitution are met and that contact information for the new registrant is updated with PFC’s registration team. Requests for substitutions must be submitted in writing by email to conference@pfc.ca.

  • Does the PFC membership’s non-solicitation policy apply to and during the conference experience?

    Yes. Our conference is open to individuals in the philanthropic sector who are not currently members of the PFC network. This policy applies to all conference participants – PFC members and non-PFC members.   

    One of the primary strengths and benefits of PFC membership is the ability to network and, in some cases, collaborate to improve the sector. This takes place both formally and informally. Members are encouraged to reach out to other members who may have similar identified interests. Members may also review the HUB, located on the PFC website, or contact the PFC Office for knowledge of potential collaborators. By working together, greater impact often results. 

    We are committed to fostering an environment in which attendees can engage in meaningful discussions, networking, and collaboration.

  • Can I approach foundations for funding during the event?

    We respectfully ask conference registrants and attendees not to engage in uninvited solicitation for funding, investment, or any form of financial transaction during the conference.  

    PFC’s national conference adheres to a clear non-solicitation policy to facilitate the conference experience. We are committed to fostering an environment in which attendees can engage in meaningful discussions, networking, and collaboration.

  • What payment methods are accepted by PFC and how can I process my payment?

    We accept VISA, American Express (AMEX), MasterCard, EFTs, E-transfers and cheques as methods of payment.

    Electronic Funds Transfer
    Bank information: TD Canada Trust
    Beneficiary: Philanthropic Foundations Canada
    Transit number: 00171
    Institution: (0) 004
    Bank account: 5217071
    Note: please specify sender and purpose of contribution

    E-Transfer/INTERAC
    Please send to info@pfc.ca
    Note: you will need to send password in a separate email to info@pfc.ca

    To pay by cheque
    Please make cheques payable to: Philanthropic Foundations Canada
    Mail your cheque with a copy of your invoice to:
    Philanthropic Foundations Canada, 1095 St. Alexandre Street, Montréal, Québec, H2Z 1P8

Other

Stay tuned for more details

Be on the lookout for the conference agenda – including Speakers and Session news – which will be released in the coming weeks.

Save Monday, September 23 through to Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in your calendar, spread the word, and start getting into the “spirit of One Drum”. Let’s keep working together to strengthen Canadian philanthropy for a just, equitable, and sustainable world.