Publications

The guide provides information on what types of funding partnerships we engage in and how we assess proposals.

This document provides instructions and a sample application for our focus area funding streams.

Acting on the net-zero carbon imperative For decades, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that to avoid catastrophic climate-related risks to our natural and physical environment, we must limit the global rise in temperatures to no more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era. In its most recent report in 2023, […]

  In this webinar, our program staff explained our new approach to the Communities focus area, including how we got here, as well as our updated priorities and funding strategies. The webinar also shared resources for applicants and answered participant questions. Watch the video above, or download the presentation slides, including the summary of the […]

The guide provides information on what types of funding partnerships we engage in and how we assess proposals.

2024 marked the second full year of our new investment strategy and our commitments to build a 100% impact investment portfolio by 2028 and achieve net-zero portfolio carbon emissions by 2050. The second half of the year saw rising pushback against the consideration of ESG (environmental, social and governance) and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) factors in investment processes. This polarization has challenged existing impact investing and net-zero commitments worldwide. In this context, we reaffirm our commitments to social equity, net-zero alignment and impact investing. We do not see these values as controversial but rather essential to fulfil our mission to strive for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable society that can successfully address its complex challenges.

Acting on the net-zero carbon imperative For decades, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that to avoid catastrophic climate-related risks to our natural and physical environment, we must limit the global rise in temperatures to no more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era. In its most recent report in 2023, […]

The purpose of the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIP&P) is to outline the principles governing the investment policy of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and to address key matters such as investment beliefs and the asset mix.

Considering the importance of the work being done by non-qualified donees (NQDs), a group of funders — including ​Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, Inspirit, Laidlaw Foundation and the McConnell Foundation — ​have come together to create a toolkit to help and encourage more funders to support NQDs. As a collective, our experience lies primarily in […]

In 2023 the crises of our time seemed to multiply. Climate change-fueled disasters like wildfires smothered North America in smoke, the cost of housing reached historic highs, and conflicts abroad created rising tensions and fear of violence in communities closer to home. Their implications disproportionately affect certain groups, compounding the effects of division and polarization. […]

The McConnell Foundation greatly values our relationships with our partners. We aim to work in a spirit of mutual accountability. In 2023, the Center for Effecitve Philanthropy conducted a second perception survey - four years after the first one - with current partners.

The Reconciliation focus area webinar shared the latest updated strategies. Also, find the webinar PowerPoint slides and Q&A summary.

This summary of the Questions & Answers period to the Reconciliation Webinar on November 7 2023. In October 2023 we announced a refinement to our Reconciliation Focus Area. We shared the latest updates during our November 7, 2022 Reconciliation Focus Area webinar.