About

The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that develops and applies innovative approaches to social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges. We do so through granting and investing, capacity building, convening, and co-creation with grantees, partners and the public.

We want a country in which:

• public, private and social sectors are engaged in active efforts to close the gap between the socioeconomic wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people
• the public sector, private investors and philanthropists separately and collaboratively deploy financial capital to create positive social and environmental impact
• social innovation is an integral part of Canada’s innovation ecosystem, enabling civic institutions to co-create policies, initiatives and programs that enable citizens to contribute a diversity of skills and perspectives to Canadian society
• public, private and civil society sectors act collaboratively and courageously to advance human thriving and address shared challenges
• humans’ social and economic footprint is in balance with the natural ecosystems that sustain life.

We envision a Canada in which the economy and social systems advance the wellbeing of all people, and in which the natural environment is stewarded for the benefit of future generations and all life. We are committed to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and seek to unleash the resources and creativity of individuals and organizations from all sectors to solve social challenges.

The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation engages Canadians in building a society that is inclusive, reconciled, sustainable and resilient—and that advances progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.