A deeper look at the news, innovations, and shifts in philanthropy, funding, and giving, from the Future of Good editorial team.
Canadian grocery prices rose 27 per cent between 2020 and 2025, outpacing the rate of inflation. Four companies control 75 per cent of the Canadian grocery market. Public and non-profit stores could help; however, the whole food system needs fixing, say experts, much like housing; Canadians need and want more options.
By removing themselves from the funding pool, Save the Children hopes to influence where the remaining money goes - hopefully, they say, to local aid organizations. It’s rare to see an organization withdraw from funding - will others do the same?
Non-profits that have participated in – and benefited from – revenue diversification programs say that they have been able to generate unrestricted revenue that reduces their reliance on the grantmaking cycle. On the other hand, those who run the programs recognize that a significant “mindset shift” is needed for many in the non-profit sector.
This landmark $86 million donation to MakeWay signals a powerful shift toward values-based philanthropy that prioritizes trust, humility, and long-term impact. At a time of economic uncertainty and mounting pressure on communities, it offers a rare opportunity to invest in both urgent needs and the resilience of grassroots-led change.
Investing in Canadian economic sovereignty is a big policy and business priority. Economic Nutrition is a financial innovation tool that can support individual organizations to understand the impact of their financial decisions and supplier relationships.
On October 10, the Carney government announced the National School Food program will be permanent with $216 million in annual funding starting in 2029. Making this program permanent could be the first step into a systemic change by creating a national ecosystem of social caterers and food security non-profit.
