Foundations and the Transition to a Future Good for People, Planet and Place: Partnership development and initial research

Justification of research project

In response to the urgency of climate change and growing social inequalities, this project aims to explore the role grantmaking foundations—particularly those led by settlers in Canada—can play in supporting a just transition, one that ensures a fair future for people, the planet, and place. While most foundations have not significantly reoriented their philanthropic practices or investments toward this goal, networks such as CEGN and EDGE Funders Alliance seek to mobilize sector actors for collective reflection. The project includes engagement activities (videoconferences, an international gathering in Montreal with EDGE Funders in November 2019), a preliminary review of grey and academic literature on key transition frameworks (including “just transition”), and an initial scan of ongoing cultural and educational transformation initiatives within Canada’s settler-led philanthropic sector. This preparatory phase will lay the groundwork for a broader, multi-stakeholder research initiative.

Research purpose

To explore how grantmaking foundations—particularly those operating within colonial contexts—can actively and effectively contribute to a just transition by reshaping their practices, organizational cultures, and investment strategies to support deep, systemic societal transformation.

Research approach

• Engage current and new partners to co-develop a collaborative research agenda.

• Organize engagement activities, including:

  • Thematic videoconferences

  • A gathering with EDGE Funders Alliance in Montreal (November 2019)

• Preliminary review of grey and academic literature on major transition frameworks (e.g., just transition)

• Information gathering on existing engagement and education activities in Canada’s settler-led philanthropic sector

• Co-development of a formal research project plan to be submitted to PhiLab for funding and support