Mapping Right-Wing Philanthropy in Canada

Justification of research project

In the wake of COVID-19 and growing social and environmental justice movements, this project investigates how some Canadian philanthropic foundations actively support right-wing causes. It aims to map and classify foundations that fund conservative or anti-environmental movements in Canada. The findings will provide insight into how these institutions influence public discourse and philanthropic policy and lay the groundwork for future critical interventions in sectoral reform debates.

Research question

How do Canadian grantmaking foundations support right-wing social and (anti-)environmental organizations and movements, and what role do they play in legitimizing right-wing ideas in Canada?

Research purpose

The research focuses on the involvement of Canadian philanthropic foundations in funding, supporting, and legitimizing right-wing social and (anti-)environmental movements. It aims to map, analyze, and understand the conservative philanthropic practices in Canada and examine their ideological and political influence within the broader philanthropic and civic landscape

Research approach

1. Comprehensive literature review on:
   • Contemporary right-wing movements in Canada
   • The relationship between philanthropy and social change
2. Informal interviews/discussions with experts on Canadian conservative movements, facilitated by team member Dr. Fahad Ahmad.
3. Empirical mapping and analysis of grantmaking foundations that support right-wing causes, using:
   • Publicly available data from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
   • Grey literature, media sources, and archival materials
4. Critical analysis of how foundations contribute to the ideological legitimization of right-wing narratives.