There are many ways to explore the subject matter of Hilary Pearson’s book From Charity to Change— Inside the World of Canadian Foundations. That she chose to look at foundations through the lens of the issues they address, makes the book an interesting read and potentially sets a premise for a series of books (although there is no indication that this is her intention).
From Charity to Change is a behind-the-scenes snapshot of some Canada’s leading foundations, mixed in with some newer, lesser-known organizations. From 2001-2019, Ms. Pearson was the founding president of Philanthropic Foundations Canada, a position that most certainly engendered the level of trust needed to gain the granular details of day-to-day decision-making and longer-term strategic planning for each of the foundations featured.
The book chronicles the evolution of each foundation, beginning with their historical position of “passive funder” to their more current role as an “active partner” in the development and evaluation of programs that play an important part in every part of society. The profiled foundations are grouped around seven themes: building fields, strengthening community, shifting power, public policy, confronting climate change, partnering for impact, and advancing reconciliation through relationship. The funder and the funded work together to create positive outcomes.
She acknowledges that Canadian Foundations are young compared to their American counterparts, noting that they are working hard to improve governance while strengthening ties with the people and communities they are involved with philanthropically. The commitment of funding is intended as an ongoing and evolving process – a true investment with measurable outcomes and adjustments based on those outcomes.
The book is a peek into the inner workings of some Canada’s largest foundations. (The Mastercard Foundation being the largest, was not covered, likely because it is an independent global organization based in Toronto.) While working in development for a large Canadian University, I had the good fortune to interact with many of the foundations covered in the book, seeing the process from the vantage point of the recipient. It would be great to have a follow-up to the book that takes an insiders look from both sides to explain best practices in the field.
Working with a foundation can expand the capacity of an organization well beyond the funded program. Many foundations are now offering value-add learning opportunities to community-based organizations, in an effort to help increase efficiencies with organizations; a way of leveling the playing field so that all can benefit from the relationship.
Reading this book from the perspective of a fundraiser, it was interesting to note that most foundations no longer accept unsolicited applications. I was also reminded that if you have the opportunity to present a proposal, be mindful of the funding guidelines, the Foundation’s expectations and your organization’s capacity to meet the outlined goals. For example, one profiled foundation gives out multi-year term grants. This means that during the time you are getting the project off the ground, you also need to be seeking additional longer-term funding, because the granting foundation’s funding guidelines are very strict. Once the grant term ends—the funding stops—no matter the success of the program. If you have not done the due diligence in finding long-term funding you will find yourself without means to keep it going.
From Charity to Change: Inside the World of Canadian Foundations allows the reader to meet the over thirty leaders interviewed for the book. Hilary Pearson is a wonderful writer, packing the pages with insights and commentary. She beautifully ties in a look at our most pressing challenges and includes Issues that have gained importance more recently, including: youth mental health, (heightened by the pandemic) the environment and the “urgent need to repair and build new relationships with Indigenous Peoples.” It is a recommended read for anyone interested in the changing model of philanthropy in Canada and the role that foundations can play.
Get your copy of From Charity to Change here.
Debbie Dankoff, MPNL, PPCC, CFRE has been working in the not-for-profit sector for over thirty years. The bulk of her career has been in major gift fundraising for higher education. Debbie is a certified Professional & Personal Coach, who uses her training when consulting for a variety of organizations in the charitable sector; her focus being on organizational development, donor stewardship and self-care.
