Change happens when communities lead. From bold policies to reimagined funding models, the future of philanthropy is being rewritten. This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting community foundations’ stories of action in the new season of Shifting Power– a Communities for Gender Equality podcast.
Last season, we shared powerful stories from social impact leaders funded through the Fund for Gender Equality and the Communities for Gender Equality program. This season, we’re diving deeper. You’ll hear directly from community foundations–from urban hubs like London and Vancouver to rural communities in Manitoba — as they take bold steps towards gender equality.
Catch up on Season 1 with host and CFC president, Andrea Dicks as she chats with recipients from the Fund for Gender Equality who are shifting power in their communities.
Season 2 asks: What does it take for an organization to change how it functions? How can they respond to local needs—and what are the unexpected challenges that come up along the way? Join our host, Yom Bekele, as she navigates these questions with community foundation leaders.
Communities for Gender Equality
Communities for Gender Equality isn’t just about funding—it’s about rethinking the way things work. Since 2019, community foundations across the country have stepped up, making gender equality a priority. That means reworking hiring practices, rethinking procurement, and reshaping governance to build more just, equitable systems.
By 2022, the third cohort of community foundations took it even further—moving $3.4M into 125 organizations that are driving real change in their communities. Organizations led by, for, and with people who know what’s needed. These are the leaders making gender equality real in their communities. Because when systems change, belonging follows.
Subscribe now or check back here as we upload new podcasts every week!
Episode 1: From Policy to Progress
Penny Day of the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia shares how her foundation leveraged Communities for Gender Equality to update bylaws, ensuring investments align with gender and climate-conscious values.
Lori Runciman of the London Community Foundation reflects on how feminist grantmaking and policy changes, such as prioritizing vendors from marginalized groups, have reshaped her foundation’s approach to equity.
Episode 2: Community-First Funding
Jennifer Debues of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough Foundation speaks about embracing participatory grantmaking—an approach that puts funding decisions into the hands of the communities most affected. This shift not only ensured funds reached those who needed them most but also helped validate and amplify gender-focused work that often goes unnoticed.
Despite being the “tiniest Community Foundation,” Manda Aufochs Gillespie of Cortes Island Community Foundation shares how her small but mighty team is taking bold steps to challenge traditional funding models, from tackling food insecurity to prioritizing immediate impact over long-term financial reserves.
Episode 3: Regional Partners, Real Change
Mindy Stroet, formerly with the Prince George Community Foundation, talks about working with regional partners to ensure resources reach those who need them most. Through Communities for Gender Equality, the foundation supported programs that empower young girls and address systemic issues such as food insecurity.
Harry Daley of The Greater Saint John Community Foundation shares his personal transformation through CGE. The foundation has revamped its grant review process to include those with lived experience, ensuring that funding decisions are rooted in community knowledge.
Episode 4: Daring to Disrupt
Marie-Andrée Farmer of the Foundation of Greater Montreal and Perrine Vasseur of Fondation Québec Philanthrope describe how participation in the Communities for Gender Equality empowered them to implement innovative practices within their foundations.
Anny Champoux, formerly of Philanthropie Laurentides, a first-time cohort participant, believes that all foundations should dare to get involved in this type of initiative, which also strengthens the sense of belonging to the network. This episode is only available in French.
