10 years after the TRC, Indigenous philanthropy is gaining momentum
In 2015, the Canadian philanthropic community made a “pledge to do better” on reconciliation. At an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of Action, Indigenous-led charitable foundations took centre stage.
The most important infrastructure isn’t in the budget
Philanthropy has a crucial role to play in supporting the chronically underfunded work of gender justice organizations – which are holding communities together in an age of precarity – and the moment is now.
The growing demand for philanthropic dollars
Foundations have seen a dramatic increase in funding requests for the same granting dollars. Is there an opportunity for philanthropy to work more collaboratively in the face of these pressures?
What does a ‘trilemma’ mean for the sector in 2026? We turned the tables and asked journalists to weigh in
We asked journalists who cover the sector to share what they’ve been hearing and thinking about the challenges facing the charitable and philanthropic sector in 2026.
Featured
Analysis
How to support non-profits in AI adoption
Non-profit leaders are struggling to figure out how AI fits into their organizations while navigating ethical, privacy, and governance concerns. Contributor Julie Sobowale looks at some of the challenges and opportunities.
Creative outlets: Why some non-profit leaders are picking up the mic
Creative pursuits outside of work like stand-up comedy or playing in a band might just be what your colleagues in the philanthropic sector need right now – to counter burnout, strengthen skills, or express their whole selves.
Philanthropy and Funding
‘Both Sides Now’: Embracing hope and harsh realities in Canadian philanthropy
What does it mean for Canadian philanthropy to meet this moment? In 2025, the Philanthropic Foundations Canada network gathered across the country to ask this urgent question. PFC’s president and CEO shares what they heard, as well as three commitments for the new year.
The need for investment to counter economic abuse is a philanthropic blind spot
Economic abuse is an urgent issue that remains invisible in both philanthropy and corporate responsibility, the CEO of the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment argues. Addressing this injustice will strengthen families, communities, and the entire economy, she writes.
Case Studies & Guides
Strategy development at medium-sized non-profits
The 1Up Single Parent Resource Centre in Victoria recently rethought and refreshed its fundamental strategy and inventory of programs. Board member Erwin Martinez shares their experience, and a model he invites other non-profit boards to follow.
Lessons learned through local economic development
In response to funding trends and increasing service demands, some community organizations, including United Way Centraide, are shifting from traditional funding models to community investment strategies. President and CEO Dan Clement shares three case studies that highlight how it works.
Decolonization and Reconciliation
Northern Manitoba shows philanthropy how to move from transaction to transformation
The lessons emerging from the work of the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, and Community Collaborative – about collaboration, relationships, and learning to be a good helper – “can and should be adopted by all of philanthropy.”
The power of unrestricted support: A story of Indigenous strength and sovereignty
At the 25th International Funders for Indigenous Peoples Global Conference in Kenya, one theme stood out, Rachael Sonola writes: Indigenous sovereignty is not just about land or governance; it is about the power to decide, to shape, and to thrive on our own terms.
Series on Work in Progress
Volunteerism: In crisis or at a crossroads?
With volunteering in Canada in decline, contributor Yvonne Rodney looks at the data and talks to sector leaders to ponder the way forward. The solution, she writes, includes acknowledging the impact of the pandemic, understanding generational differences, and convincing funders to do more to help organizations.
The decision to step down: Reflections from four foundation leaders
When long-serving leaders leave their roles, what can we learn from them that will help our sector traverse the challenging times ahead?
Building a sense of belonging and connection at work in the hybrid era
With remote and hybrid work the new norm post-pandemic, non-profits are tailoring strategies to ensure that employees feel heard, seen, and valued – and have discovered that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Subscribe
Canadian non-profit sector news, in your inbox
Never miss news and analysis by and for the Canadian non-profit sector
Most Popular
Analysis
To grieve, to learn, to unite: A eulogy for an ever-shifting sector
The loss, or realignment, of a funder affects the entire charitable sector, and how it chooses to say its goodbyes has far-reaching implications, both practical and emotional, contributor Angela Long writes.
Philanthropy can be a catalyst for local media but not the long-term answer to ongoing challenges
At a three-day symposium in Charlottetown, the overarching takeaway was the urgency and scale of the challenges for independent journalism, and the indisputable through line was the resilience and determination of those fighting to keep their publications afloat.
Stopping the funding rollercoaster for feminist and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations
A projected 80% decrease in Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) funding ahead of the federal budget highlighted a level of precariousness that feminist and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and activists have been calling attention to for decades.
Avoiding founder’s syndrome through good governance
A strong, engaged board is one of the most effective mechanisms for ensuring that founder control doesn’t supersede an organization’s needs and objectives, Susanna Kislenko and Cathy Barr write. They share some key strategies and a new guide for founder-led organizations.
More articles From the Archives
A short history of voluntary sector–government relations in Canada (revisited)
The original version of this story, published in 2007, is one of The Philanthropist Journal’s most popular pieces of all time. In this updated version, Peter Elson and Peyton Carmichael expand on that detailed (and not so short) history.
Charities and the rule against perpetuities
Charitable status is a legally privileged status. The law in numerous ways, ranging from the trivial to the noteworthy, confers legal advantages upon charities. These legal advantages are often misunderstood.
‘We don’t have a word for philanthropy’
What do Indigenous Peoples mean when they talk about Indigenous philanthropy? Miles Morrisseau put this question and others to Indigenous people who are leaders in the philanthropic sector.
Strategies for a caring society
This article was developed from a paper presented at Investigating in the Whole Community: Strategies for a Caring Society, a conference organized by the Trillium
Featured Contributors
-
Angela Long
Angela Long is a freelance writer currently working on a book about rural journalism in Canada.
-
Yvonne Rodney
Yvonne Rodney is a Toronto author, career consultant, speaker, and non-profit worker with extensive experience in career development. She is the author of Moving On: A Quick Guide for Non-Profit Workers and Military to Civilian Employment: A Career Practitioner’s Guide.
-
Christina Palassio
Christina Palassio is a non-profit communications professional and freelance writer. When she tweets, she does so at @mcpalassio.
-
Tim Harper
Tim Harper is a Toronto-based writer. He is a former Washington correspondent and national affairs columnist with the Toronto Star.
- All Featured Contributors