Philanthropy leaders urge the sector to lean more into policy advocacy

Author Neha Chollangi
While the fear of being too controversial may hold philanthropic organizations back from taking risks, experts say the real risk is for the communities who face inequities

Why It Matters

Philanthropyโ€™s risk-averse tendencies have been a barrier to instigating systemic change โ€” challenging power in philanthropic institutions is the first step in reimagining the sector for the future.

This story is in partnership with Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC). See our editorial ethics and standards here.

When COVID-19 created urgency for crisis support in times of social and economic instability, there was a clear rise in philanthropic giving. Philanthropy Foundations Canadaโ€™s report on Canadian philanthropyโ€™s response to the pandemic shows that in 2020, COVID response funding increased from $99 million in May to over $116 million in July.ย 

And yet, some philanthropic leaders say that the sector needs to play a larger role in not only funding social issues, but working to diminish those issues altogether.ย 

During the closing panel of PFCโ€™s annual 2022 c

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