We believe research is important, and that knowledge is power. Compared to other G7 countries, Canada has a material research gap in philanthropy and the charitable landscape which impacts effectiveness, innovation, and the visibility of a sector that accounts for almost 10% of Canada’s GDP.

One of the barriers is a lack of funding. As such, my research partner Keith Sjogren and I are delighted to acknowledge the visionary partners who supported our recent research, including: Aqueduct Foundation, Bank of Montreal, Benefaction Foundation, Burgundy Legacy Foundation, Canada Gives Foundation, Desjardins Foundation, Charitable Gift Funds Canada Foundation, IG Wealth, Nicola Private Giving Foundation, Ottawa Community Foundation, Private Giving Foundation, Canadian Association of Gift Planners and the CAGP Foundation, and the Charity Insights Canada Project at Carleton University.

Speaking of Carleton, read this article from Canadian Family Offices about the opportunity to establish Canada’s first Centre on Philanthropy.

Sharilyn

Donor advised funds (DAFs) are the fastest growing charitable giving vehicle in Canada. Given their continued growth, it is beneficial for philanthropy that the relationship between DAFs and the charities that receive gifts from DAFs is a robust one. There are some challenges that can get in the way, such as low levels of knowledge about DAFs, concerns about disclosure, barriers to donor engagement and communications, and cumbersome gift administration.

We surveyed 1000+ charities, and spoke with over 60 charity leaders, DAF foundation executives, and other content experts and distilled insights into how the most common challenges might be tackled. More importantly, this report serves as a framework and invitation for the charitable sector to engage in deeper dialogue in order to co-create future pathways together. Important to charities and DAF foundations, this work impacts philanthropists too.

Women in Philanthropy Project

Year One Completed

Women have long held important roles in philanthropy as donors, volunteers, nonprofit employees, and advisors, and their contributions are increasingly visible and influential. The Women in Philanthropy study at Carleton University's Masters in Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership program is exploring these aspects and deepening the field of what we know.

Led by Dr. Lisa Trefzger Clarke, the project is heading into its second of three years, and continues to be informed by interviews and roundtables with women across the country, with the goal to increase learning and develop tools to support women on their giving journey. Sharilyn serves on the study's Advisory Committee. To follow the study, participate, and view the rich themes that have emerged from the first seven roundtables, visit WiP.

Investing charitable assets for

social impact

A Watermark Report

Last year, assets held in donor-advised funds (DAFs) in Canada were an estimated $12.4 billion, with more than $1 billion being granted to charities each year. But is even greater impact possible?

At a time when many philanthropists want to align their investing with their values, Watermark was engaged by TwinRiver Capital to explore this question. In 2025, Watermark released “Impact Investing & DAFs in Canada: Challenges and Opportunities with a view to the Future.”

We listened to donors, DAF foundations, and wealth advisors to identify the potential for wider adoption of impact investing with capital held in DAFs. Discover what we found.

Your trusted and independent guide. Let us help you give, learn and govern with purpose, clarity and confidence. 

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