A deeper look at the news, innovations, and shifts in philanthropy, funding, and giving, from the Future of Good editorial team.
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.
Donations of securities, which include stocks, bonds and mutual funds, are a growing mode of giving at CanadaHelps. Driven largely by older and retired donors, this mode of giving also reduces an individual’s capital gains tax burden.
Racial inequities in philanthropic funding perpetuate systemic injustice and weaken the non-profit sector’s collective impact by sidelining diverse leaders and ideas. To break this cycle, funders must move beyond awareness to action—restructuring relationships, governance, and evaluation practices to ensure equitable access to capital and opportunity.
The current Liberal government has pledged to accelerate the delivery of nation-building initiatives and build Canada’s resilience. However, the affordability crisis has been slowing the economy and affecting communities, while a large portion of retail investors’ money is invested abroad. The social finance sector wants to persuade the federal government that it is part of the solution and that its model aligns with Canada’s challenges.
The rise in food insecurity in Canada highlights the larger economic pressures Canadians face, showing the real effects of the affordability crisis and the need for systemic solutions.
