From Charity to Change : Inside the World of Canadian Foundations

A look behind the walls of private foundations to better understand the roles they play in today’s Canada. A timely contribution to the current debate on the legitimacy of organized philanthropy in an era of increasing social division and inequality, in __From Charity to Change__ Hilary Pearson draws on personal experience and interviews with foundation leaders from across Canada to make a compelling case for the valuable role played by private philanthropy in addressing the challenges of our rapidly changing times. "The world of philanthropy and private foundations remains mysterious to most Canadians. Memorably likened to giraffes, foundations are "creatures that should not exist, but they do, surrounded by a certain mystique." In From Charity to Change Hilary Pearson demystifies the world of Canadian philanthropy, offering a portrait of today's foundation landscape and highlighting organizations that are acting with purpose on some of the most pressing social and economic challenges of our time: climate change, the future of cities, education and the evolving workforce, housing, and the urgent need to repair and build new relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Pearson, who for two decades worked with leaders of foundations across Canada, provides an insider's perspective on the ways these organizations continue to evolve. Through personal interviews with private funders--large and small, long-established and newly-formed--Pearson describes their strategies and the varied roles they play, whether as convenors, advocates, brokers, or partners. A timely contribution to the current debate on the legitimacy of organized philanthropy in an era of increasing social division and inequality, From Charity to Change makes a compelling case for the valuable role private philanthropy plays in addressing the challenges of our rapidly changing times."-- Provided by publisher The world of philanthropy and private foundations remains mysterious to most Canadians. Memorably likened to giraffes, foundations are creatures that should not exist, but they do, surrounded by a certain mystique. In From Charity to Change Hilary Pearson demystifies the world of Canadian philanthropy, offering a portrait of today's foundation landscape and highlighting organizations that are acting with purpose on some of the most pressing social and economic challenges of our time: climate change, the future of cities, education and the evolving workforce, housing, and the urgent need to repair and build new relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Pearson, who for two decades worked with leaders of foundations across Canada, provides an insider's perspective on the ways these organizations continue to evolve. Through personal interviews with private funders – large and small, long established and newly formed – Pearson describes their strategies and the varied roles they play, whether as convenors, advocates, brokers, or partners. A timely contribution to the current debate on the legitimacy of organized philanthropy in an era of increasing social division and inequality, From Charity to Change makes a compelling case for the valuable role private philanthropy plays in addressing the challenges of our rapidly changing times. Cover 1 From Charity to Change 2 Title 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 Contents 8 Tables and Figures 10 Acknowledgments 12 Introduction What Is Philanthropy For? 16 1 The Landscape of Private Foundations in Canada 30 2 The Changing Roles of Foundations 46 3 Building Fields The Counselling Foundation of Canada, the Lawson Foundation, the J.W. McConnell Foundation, the Inspirit Foundation 61 4 Strengthening Community The Metcalf Foundation, the McConnell Foundation, the Atkinson Foundation 77 5 Shifting Power The Lucie et André Chagnon Foundation, the Laidlaw Foundation, the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation 91 6 Advancing Public Policy Maytree, Max Bell Foundation, the Muttart Foundation 106 7 Confronting Climate Change The Ivey Foundation, the Donner Canadian Foundation, the Trottier Family Foundation 121 8 Partnering for Impact The Graham Boeckh Foundation, the Helderleigh Foundation, the Azrieli Foundation 135 9 Reconciliation through Relationship The Gordon Foundation, the Catherine Donnelly Foundation, the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund 148 10 Conclusion Why Foundations Matter 162 Notes 172 Bibliography 182 Index 188