Catherine Donnelly Foundation ranks 8th among Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders

October 31, 2024

Catherine Donnelly Foundation ranks 8th among Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation is honoured to rank 8th among Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders in a survey by QuakeLab and The Future of Good. This new annual ranking assesses the ‘state of funding equity’ among the largest 500 Canadian foundations by assets and celebrates the progress funders are making in centring equity and inclusion in their grantmaking and investing.

“CDF is proud to have our commitment to equity and inclusion recognized,” says Executive Director Claire Barcik. “Our work in this area is ongoing. We’re a work in progress and we’re grateful to Future of Good and QuakeLab for showcasing new models and approaches that inspire CDF and others to commit to deeper understanding and new learnings.”

Vinod Rajasekaran, CEO of Future of Good, emphasizes the significance of this recognition by noting “this annual list is groundbreaking in its ability to spotlight foundations that are truly advancing equitable funding practices.”

Top 50 recipients were selected based on a rigorous methodology and taxonomy, grounded in racial and social justice theory and practice, and developed with input from research, philanthropic and social change leaders from across the country. The ranking consists of metrics such as DEI efforts, transparency, team and governance, and the grant application process.

Last year’s landmark study, Shifting power dynamics: Equity, diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector by the Equitable Recovery Collective found that while Canadian charities and nonprofits overwhelmingly express support for the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), many have significant growth ahead to achieve those goals. Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders has the power to shift that narrative and cultivate a community of diverse and skilled philanthropic professionals and organizations who lead with integrity, serve as ethical stewards and advocate for progress and systems change.

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation prioritizes the funding of Black, Indigenous, and racialized-led and -serving organizations and equity-deserving populations in our granting streams. We are committed to increasing dialogue and deepening reciprocal relationships with Indigenous partners. We continue to deepen our commitment to a trust-based approach to philanthropy by offering more operational vs. project grants, increasing the number of multi-year grants, providing flexible reporting methods, enhancing accessibility and expanding the Foundation’s work and relationships with equity-deserving groups through direct outreach.

The Foundation has made it a priority to align our investment portfolio with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, including Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequality (SDG 10). The Foundation is also proud to advance its impact investing efforts through strategic investments in our areas of focus (affordable housing, environment/climate justice and civic engagement for social change), creating meaningful impact beyond traditional grantmaking. These investments enable us to amplify our mission, making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Canada.

To view who else is on the Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders visit the 2024 Top 50 Equitable Funders list (subscriber only).

To learn more about our work visit our website at www.catherinedonnellyfoundation.org or contact Policy and Communication Officer Steve Brearton at sbrearton@catherinedonnellyfoundation.org or directly at 647-457-5397.