Fast Forward: Harnessing the power of philanthropy to build a better tomorrow

This session will address the impact of COVID-19 on the nonprofit sector, the urgent need for a reform of the charitable sector, and the importance of accelerating diversity, equity, and inclusion for meeting our collective goals.

This is a virtual training intended for staff at all levels that explores anti-oppression, anti-racism, and anti-Black racism within an organizational context. During this 2-hour session, participants will dig deeper into issues of race, inclusion, and equity through the use of interactive and experiential activities within a Canadian context.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-standing racial inequalities that are rooted in systemic racism. Recent events show that philanthropy can and should better respond to anti-racist movements and adopt an equity lens to grantmaking and governance. This discussion aims to exchange best practices to help equip organizations in the building of more equitable, just, and inclusive environments.

ESG, responsible investment, and impact investment are becoming commonly placed concepts. Nonetheless, the distinctions can be confusing. Board Directors are intrigued but cognizant of their fiduciary duty. Can we invest in impact and meet our fiduciary duty? How do I engage my managers about what they are(n’t) doing? Who sources and manages these investments? Are all impact investments private? This session for directors will aim to respond to these key questions and concerns on mission-aligned investing.

An economic transition cannot happen without a massive shift in private sector capital flows, and that will only happen at the necessary scale with a shift in public policy. Learn more about the role that Canadian philanthropists are playing in what might be the most fundamental shift needed for a successful transition to a low carbon economy.

ESG, responsible investment, and impact investment are becoming commonly placed concepts. Nonetheless, the distinctions can be confusing. Board Directors are intrigued but cognizant of their fiduciary duty. Can we invest in impact and meet our fiduciary duty? How do I engage my managers about what they are(n’t) doing? Who sources and manages these investments? Are all impact investments private? This session for directors will aim to respond to these key questions and concerns on mission-aligned investing.

COVID-19, climate change, racial injustice, the gig economy, rise of authoritarianism, mental health, AI, and the future of work. Youth aren’t approaching climate change action in a silo. Their more holistic approach challenges the funding community but also opens new opportunities for meaningful and transformative impact. Achieving a multiplier effect on social impact requires greater collaboration and risk-taking.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted several flaws in the social contract, such as systemic discrimination. The pandemic compounds the forces of conflict and climate change, which were already slowing poverty reduction progress. We are now witnessing a near-perfect storm, which is forcing us to rethink the post-COVID-19 era and to reflect on what we can and must do differently as we look to 2030.

Partnership-Based Philanthropy as a tool for systems change. The panellists will share insights from a 10-month learning pilot, The Foundation Academy for Collaboration, which explored the ways in which Foundations can be better allies for systems change. How might we show up differently for our nation’s more effective social entrepreneurs? What is needed from the philanthropic sector to enable timely innovation on our nation’s most pressing problems? The panellists will share what they’ve learned and invite you to join them on the next steps of experimentation.

This year saw us Tackle the notion of certainty Rethink promises of health and security Reckon with racial inequality in nearly every institution in this country All this while working to serve our family, communities, philanthropic peers, partners, and grantees. We have all been stretched. As a sector, folks are grappling with how to reimagine the future – and our invitation is to reimagine a future upon which our practices and policies are oriented to justice and equity. We’re called toward a future in which our investments no longer perpetuate harm to communities and the planet. Where the labour of reorientation toward justice – at the scale necessary is an extensive undertaking – one that will continue to cause discomfort and require persistent action. We will continue to be stretched. How do we remain persistent? How do we act boldly and in alignment with values of justice, equity and social good? One pathway to consider is to focus on the following idea – Reimagining the future begins with reimagining self and reorienting to wellness and healing. Join Kris Archie (The Circle) for a session focused on self-compassion, healing, and nourishment. Kris Archie will share teachings and tools for self-care and reflection. These tools can help us step boldly into moments that call for interruption, action, reparations and sharing power. This will be a reflective, participatory session. Our invitation is that folks prepare to show up on time and stay the whole time. This is not a great session for multi-tasking, popping in and out or participating while distracted. We invite folks to take part if they’re ready for getting rooted, nourished and prepared for creating a different future-oriented toward justice. 3:00-4 PM: Armchair Discussion: Building community, networks, and ecosystems during a crisis Kathy Reich from the Ford Foundation will discuss with Jean-Marc Chouinard from the Chagnon Foundation if and how philanthropic practices are changing to better accompany partners during a historic crisis. What are the key obstacles for trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking?

Press pause and join us to reflect on the philanthropic practices and approaches adopted by foundations in this unique time.