On Thursday January 20, 2022 we hosted a webinar about our two stage application process. The webinar provides an overview of our focus areas as well as the new process for applying for McConnell Foundation funding. On this page you will find a recording of the webinar and the webinar slides, including a summary of […]
Learn moreMcConnell started its journey of impact investing in 2007 when we made a $10 million bridge loan to finance part of the construction of Quest University. The loan was repaid in full with interest in 2009. This was an important milestone for us. The experience of making a direct investment in a grantee and making […]
Learn moreSeedChange works to improve farmers’ livelihoods, increase biodiversity, and promote seed and food sovereignty — critical components in the health of people and of the ecosystems that sustain us. For over 30 years, SeedChange has worked with Canadians and partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America to strengthen biodiversity, food sovereignty and the rights of […]
Learn moreCould a network of regulatory experimentation labs in cities build legitimacy and shape inclusive innovation toward a great transition? The societal crises of ecological collapse and inequality require bold collective action. Yet the foundations of collective action are shaking; trust in government and institutions has eroded. It is at the scale of cities and communities […]
Learn moreThis is a transformative moment for cities in Canada Cities are the wellspring of solutions Cities are increasingly the home of humanity, heralding the Urbanocene Epoch. According to the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, globally, cities consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, […]
Learn moreThis report presents ten lessons learned about changing institutional food (purchasing and food services) and identifies barriers as well as levers for change in the larger systems of which these institutions are a part. We hope the report will inform and inspire institutions, organizations, funders and policy makers to leverage local, sustainable food purchasing by institutions and bring about significant social, economic, health and environmental impacts.
Learn moreThis report explores the current Canadian food system and highlights key opportunities for funders to support work to drive significant and systemic impact in this field. There are three sections: an overview of the Canadian food system based on the perspective of select stakeholders, an assessment of the current national funding landscape through analysis of survey data, and detailed profiles of participating Canadian funding organizations.
Learn moreA new guide to help with the assessment of changes in the physical, natural, financial and human dimensions of a project, using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. Based on a theory often used in international development projects, it was developed by Ricardo Ramirez with input from several partners. It was tested by two projects in Saskatoon and Nova Scotia, and while it was developed to support projects funded under the Regional Value Chain program, we hope that it proves useful to a wider audience.
Learn moreThe year 2017, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Canada, offers Canadians an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, where we are today, and where we could go.
Learn moreFood, Farms, Fish and Finance, a new report commissioned by the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, examines impact investing in local sustainable food systems in Canada.
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