The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization funding programs that support Canadians in building a more innovative, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient society.
We encourage you to explore our site, share in our learning and contribute your voice.
Learn more about our founder, history, and where we are headed.
“There has never been a better time to reconsider the role of capital markets in creating sustainable value for our society.”
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Our initiatives share some common characteristics: all are based on engaging people directly in learning and problem-solving, all have qualities of innovation in their approach and all seek not simply to solve problems, but to transform systems.
Maintaining clear records of our recent granting history is an important part of the Foundation’s commitment to accessibility and knowledge-sharing. As a public record of our evolving efforts to support Canadians in building a more resilient society, this database is a living document.
Social inclusion lies at the heart of what it is to be a citizen. It is not simply to be accepted, but to be recognised for the qualities, skills and values each person represents. It is to belong and to contribute, to be fully a citizen with rights and obligations.
Often invoked in relation to maintaining the natural systems supporting life, sustainability also refers to social systems: balancing the preservation of knowledge with the emergence of innovation. Briefly, sustainability can be defined as living as though we planned on staying here.
You can’t find new answers just by asking the old questions. For the Foundation, social innovation is the process of applying new approaches, perceptions or programs to meet social needs.
Resilience links social and ecological systems; people and nature. Increasing resilience means investing in our collective capacity to face challenges at multiple levels. The Foundation works to support innovative approaches to this challenge.
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Investing, building the marketplace and supporting community organizations.
For Social Innovation resources and materials, visit the SiG Knowledge Hub.
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The Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the McConnell Social Innovation Fund, a new initiative aimed at creating a more resilient society by supporting breakthrough ideas and approaches, game changing strategies and collaborations, and continuous innovation. Learn more.
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We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint