Philanthropic Foundations Canada plays an active role in engaging governments, civil society partners, and decision-makers to create enabling environments for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Canada.  

This work is driven by PFC’s purpose to strengthen Canadian philanthropy – in all its diversity – in pursuit of a just, equitable, and sustainable world. We work hard to align and amplify our efforts in public policy and advocacy towards improving public understanding of philanthropic organizations, and the policy environment for philanthropy and the broader non-profit and charitable sector. 

This work is rooted in insights from PFC programming, research, and partnerships, as well as current affairs and external events. 

Our policy priorities include: 

1. Fostering an inclusive disbursement quota (DQ) policy framework  

2. Ensuring an effective regime for grants to non-qualified donees (NQDs) 

3. Increasing impact investment 

4. Addressing the sector’s data deficit  

5. Working with stakeholders for sector champions in government  

6. Monitoring policy issues across Canada for ramifications that may be national in scope, to be addressed on a case-by-case basis  

Our strategies include government relations, member and community engagement, developing and disseminating strategic insights and research, and steering robust and timely communications efforts. 

Our work is guided by input and insights from our network, and a standing board committee comprised of PFC board members, as well as PFC members and sector experts who advise us on the direction of our policy work.