Learning is an integral part of McConnell’s theory of change. We believe that self-reflection and sharing our distilled insights are key to ensuring that our experiments in philanthropy, social finance, and convening can be integrated into the work of our foundation and potentially, the sector as a whole. In 2016, in an effort to conduct […]
Learn moreThis fall, the McConnell Foundation, La Caisse d’économie Solidaire, Chagnon Foundation and Saputo Foundation introduced a brand new financial tool designed to help Quebec’s social economic and organizations working for the betterment of their communities. The new initiative, Garantie Solidaire, injects $15 million into the community sector through a loan guarantee program that is open […]
Learn more“Retrofitting” social services for greater inclusion What’s at stake? Research shows that people who belong to social networks experience higher levels of confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Social networks provide practical and emotional support for people and allow them to experience a sense of opportunity and reciprocity in their communities. Social participation is key to […]
Learn moreThe Evolution of Philanthropy The McConnell Foundation, along with a growing number of funders in Canada and internationally, is shifting its approach to philanthropy. The traditional model of charitable giving is based on noblesse oblige — the notion that people of means have an obligation to be generous to those less fortunate than themselves. This […]
Learn moreImproving Access to Post-Secondary Education for Low-Income Families Research shows that education savings plans help children as young as four years old develop a postsecondary-bound identity. Students with education savings plans perform better at school, and are more likely to enroll in and complete postsecondary education. Over the course of a generation, this is an […]
Learn moreby Alex Gillis Building or expanding subway, streetcar or bus networks in major cities can help reduce carbon emissions, but given that these projects cost millions — even billions — how do we know our investments are spent wisely? Canadian researchers want to use an age-old idea, “the wisdom of crowds”, to develop a groundbreaking […]
Learn moreDays before the opening of the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, over 50 foundations from around the world called on national leaders to take concerted, transnational action on climate change. The new coalition of foundations is called the F20, in reference to the G20 meeting last summer in Germany. June 13, 2018, La Malbaie, Quebec/ […]
Learn moreLast weekend, three teams represented Canada on the global stage at the Map the System final in Oxford, UK. Map the System is a competition run by the University of Oxford that encourages a systems-change approach by asking participants to gain an understanding of a social or environmental issue and its connecting factors. The teams from Simon Fraser University (SFU), Royal Roads […]
Learn moreBy Joanne Latimer Dawn Lavand, 33, does everything she can to make sure childbirth is a joyous occasion for Indigenous women. Working part time as a volunteer Indigenous doula in Winnipeg, she brings hand drums to maternity wards, where she fans women with eagle feathers, braids their hair and sings—all the while keeping an eye on […]
Learn moreLast weekend, Re-Code and the Trico Charitable Foundation co-hosted the second Canadian edition of Map the System in partnership with the Skoll Centre from the University of Oxford. Map the System is an ‘alternative’ challenge where post-secondary students are tasked with taking a systems approach to social change by demonstrating their understanding of a social or environmental issue. For the 2018 Canadian […]
Learn more