Diversity, equity and inclusion from the ground up

Justification of research project

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are increasingly common in the Canadian philanthropic sector. However, most existing research has taken a top-down perspective, focusing on foundation-level policies or internal data collection, with little attention given to the voices of equity-focused organizations (donees). To address this gap, Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC), in collaboration with PhiLab and the Fondation Chagnon, launched a research project in February 2020 titled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the Ground Up: The Experience of Donees Working Towards Equity in the Canadian Philanthropic Sector.” Led by Dr. Adam Saifer and Dr. Jean-Marc Fontan, the project seeks to amplify the perspectives of grantees and understand their lived experiences with DEI integration in philanthropic relationships. The project will be carried out over twelve months and will result in reports, presentations, and articles shared with PFC members and the broader sector.

Research purpose

To examine how equity-focused organizations in Canada experience, navigate, and respond to philanthropic foundations’ DEI-related policies and practices, and to identify actionable strategies that can improve equity-driven collaboration and funding mechanisms from the perspective of grantees.

Research approach

• In-depth qualitative interviews with leaders of Canadian organizations working on equity issues and receiving philanthropic support

• Exploration of grantees’ experiences, focusing on:

  • Challenges in implementing DEI-centered frameworks

  • Collaborations with funders

  • Accountability and outcome reporting practices

• Analysis of strategies used by grantees to resist or overcome structural and institutional barriers

• Application of findings to guide philanthropic foundations and professionals in developing more inclusive and responsive policies, programs, and advocacy strategies

• Knowledge mobilization outputs: reports, presentations, and articles communicated to PFC members