Transforming capital and philanthropy: Community Foundations of Canada

By Emel Tabaku, Transformation Storytelling Fellow and Michelle Baldwin, Senior Advisor Transformation, Community Foundations of Canada

Introduction: A vision for transformation

Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) and community foundations from across Canada are exploring and leading a transformative journey to redefine philanthropy – a vision that demands radical changes in how we think, operate and allocate resources in the sector. CFC’s Transformation Strategy guides them as they learn from and support community foundations and the wider philanthropic sector to experiment, challenge and reshape traditional power structures, mindsets, value flows¹, and systems, and prioritise accountability for today and future generations.

The need for transformation

The Covid-19 pandemic, growing racial inequities, and the intensifying climate crisis have underscored the urgency for transformation, now more than ever. Transformation is fundamentally about building awareness of the belief systems we hold and questioning whether they truly serve our institutions, society, and the future we aspire to create. In response, CFC launched its Transformation Strategy, which focuses on reimagining philanthropy’s role in fostering systemic change. 

The approach taken by CFC has been twofold: involving both an exploration of new roles, pathways and aspirations for systems change within themselves and the wider philanthropic sector, and the development of an agile, network-like structure within the organisation. CFC is testing three levers of change to transform capital and philanthropy: 

1. Learning & Networks: The Transforming Capital initiative fosters spaces for dialogue, peer-to-peer support, and actionable insights on reshaping capital and the future of philanthropy. 
2. Innovation & Experimentation: The Emerging Technology in Philanthropy and Social Impact initiative examines the role of philanthropy in shaping digital infrastructures, exploring how AI, web3, and blockchain can shift power, transform systems and shape better futures. 
3. Storytelling & Narrative Shifting: The Transformation Storytelling Fellowship promotes new narratives around transformation, amplifying diverse voices and stories that drive systemic change.

Learnings from the experience

CFC’s transformation journey has been guided by critical learnings that inform its approach:

1. Refining the audience: Engaging with community foundations and philanthropic and social impact leaders who are eager to explore transformation approaches. This process hopes to meet leaders where they’re at, while CFC learns from them and in turn supports them.
2. Community first: Centering voices and decision-making with equity and intergenerational and Indigenous communities challenges and reimagines traditional power structures and colonial practices within philanthropy, including CFC.
3. Mobilising all forms of capital: Unlocking and mobilising various forms of capital – social, financial, political, narrative, cultural, and technological – to address complex community issues holistically, leads to long-term positive impact. 
4. Collaborative space for innovation and experimentation: Creating spaces for co-creation allows the testing of new ideas and models.
5. Cross-sector and global learning and action: Engaging with the broader philanthropic, business and government sectors and global partners to drive collaborative learning, and innovative solutions and create lasting impact.
6. Embrace the tensions: By anticipating tensions, particularly around complex issues like racial equity, the future of endowment, and regulatory changes, CFC strives to foster an open and safe environment for learning and experimentation.

The power of storytelling and narrative shifting 

Central to CFC’s transformation efforts is a bold storytelling approach that communicates the need for future-oriented, systemic shifts to transform philanthropy – not just small, incremental changes or optimisations. By amplifying diverse and intergenerational voices, CFC looks to impact through storytelling. This commitment is reflected through initiatives like the Transformation Storytelling Fellowship, the Generative Imagination Circle alumni network, and the WINGS Transformation Case Studies, along with the Bolder, Faster, Together: Perspectives on Societal Transition series in partnership with the Transition Innovation Group. 

By sharing intergenerational stories, case studies and co-imaginative practices, CFC hopes to fundamentally shift mindsets, and inspire radical practices and meaningful connections focused on the future of philanthropy. These authentic narratives, showcasing how community foundations are at the forefront of transformation, have helped reshape public perceptions of philanthropy and highlight the power of collaborative impact.

WINGS transformation case studies

Through the WINGS Philanthropy Transformation Initiative (PTI), community foundations across Canada were able to share their transformation journeys. Each case study showcases unique stories of reshaping philanthropy from the inside out – by challenging outdated belief systems and replacing them with new practices that prioritise collaboration, trust, and transformative change at the community level. Rooted in three key mindset shifts – enabling change, walking the talk, and keeping humanity’s future in sight – PTI aligns closely with CFC’s transformation strategy, creating a unified vision for authentic, future-focused, and community-driven philanthropy.

Featured community foundations: Transformation in action

Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT)

Founded in 2000, CBT challenges traditional philanthropy by embracing community-led development and integrating First Nations living philosophies with modern environmental practices. Rather than imposing external solutions, CBT empowers local communities to shape their sustainable development initiatives, aligning with Principle 10: Keep Humanity’s Future in Sight of the Philanthropy Transformation Initiative². Through funding youth leadership programmes, climate action projects, and cultural heritage initiatives, CBT fosters a sense of identity and belonging, while emphasising that true resilience comes from within. By shifting from top-down approaches to collaborative, locally driven efforts, CBT champions a new belief system where community-driven solutions are central to addressing environmental and cultural challenges for the benefit of future generations.

Foundation of Greater Montreal (FGM)

FGM transformed its philanthropic approach during the Covid-19 pandemic by embracing trust-based philanthropy and redistributing power to local communities. Moving away from traditional, elitist grantmaking, FGM responded to the urgent needs of its communities by distributing over $12 million in emergency grants, in line with Principle 3: Practice trust, distribute power, and support local agency of the Philanthropy Transformation Initiative³. This shift reflects a new belief system that emphasises social equity, local agency, and the importance of community-led decision-making. FGM’s commitment to impact investing and empowering grassroots initiatives is helping reshape the philanthropic landscape by prioritising collaboration and trust over transactional giving.

Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation (UICF)

Founded in 2018 to support Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada, UICF works to decolonise philanthropy by fostering partnerships that respect Indigenous knowledge, governance, and culture, reflecting Principle 5: Invest in strengthening giving ecosystems and grow philanthropic societies of the Philanthropy Transformation Initiative⁴. By funding initiatives such as the ta’n telo’ltimk bursary programme, which has allocated nearly $8 million to support Indigenous youth, and language revitalisation projects, UICF empowers Indigenous communities to take control of their future. Their work embodies a belief system where philanthropy is an act of empowerment, not charity, and where Indigenous self-determination is central to long-term success and resilience.

Conclusion: A call to action

Community foundations and CFC are in a continuous state of transformation – learning, iterating, and collaborating with partners locally and globally. This shared journey starts with the critical act of unlearning: challenging entrenched assumptions and practices to build systems that equitably serve everyone. Transformation requires collective imagination, bold action, and unwavering commitment to reimagining philanthropy’s role in shaping better futures for all.

What does transformation in philanthropy mean to you? How can we reimagine philanthropy together? Join the CFC Transform Capital Initiative here and the AI for Social Impact Collaborative here.

_______________________________________________

1. How value is created, transferred, and transformed within the philanthropic ecosystem, beyond just monetary contributions. Resource allocation, knowledge and expertise, advocacy and influence are some examples of value flows. Power imbalances are a significant issue in how and what we value.
2. https://transformphilanthropy.wingsweb.org/principles/principle-10 
3. https://transformphilanthropy.wingsweb.org/principles/principle-3  
4. https://transformphilanthropy.wingsweb.org/principles/principle-5  

Emel Tabaku is a Transformation Storytelling Fellow with CFC, exploring philanthropy’s role in advancing equity and belonging. She is also the Founder of RCAD Initiative, a nonprofit driving social change through community arts. Emel was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalists for her contributions to sustainability.

Michelle Baldwin is Senior Advisor, Transformation with Community Foundations of Canada where she is exploring the potential to transform capital, philanthropy and systems. She is engaged in networks, teaching and communities exploring collaborative governance and how we mobilize and distribute capital and decision making in more equitable ways.

To get first access to our blogs every month, subscribe to our newsletter here.