Toronto Foundation

Copy reads: #GiveToGain. International Women’s Day. Organizations you can support. Photo of women smiling.

Organizations you can support: 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, Abiona Centre, Adornment Stories, Afghan Women's Organization Refugee and Immigrant Services, ASE Community Foundation for Black Canadians, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Breathe Midwives

Organizations you can support: Call Auntie Clinic, CANVAS Arts Action Programs, Flaunt it Movement, Hijabi Ballers, Iranian Women's Organization Ontario, Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment, Lady Ballers Camp

Organizations you can support: Lay-Up Youth Basketball, North York Women's Shelter, Planned Parenthood Toronto, Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre, Women's Hostels Inc. (Nellie’s), Women’s Legal, Education and Action Fund (LEAF)

As the world marks 115 years of celebrating the achievements of women, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how each of us can help move that progress forward. This #IWD2026, consider supporting these organizations — and what we all gain when you do. torontofoundation.ca/give-to-gain #GiveToGain

Black Public Joy: Investing in What Holds Communities Together - Toronto Foundation Philanthropy has long been shaped by urgency-responding to crisis, harm and need. But sustaining civic life also depends on what helps people gather, express themselves and remain open to one another....

In a conversation with our President & CEO Sharon Avery, she shares how investing in public joy can strengthen the civic life funders are already committed to supporting. Read their discussion: torontofoundation.ca/black-public-joy-investing-in-what-holds-communities-together

Photo of Jay Pitter smiling and sitting on a table, looking down at her book, Black Public Joy.

Book Cover: Black Public Joy by Jay Pitter. No Permit or Permission Required

Philanthropy has long been shaped by urgency—but communities also need spaces for gathering, expression and joy.

Award-winning public space expert @jaypitter.bsky.social, and author of the newly released book Black Public Joy, describes public joy as a form of civic infrastructure.

Every day, nonprofits and their dedicated staff are at the heart of our communities. They build connections and support people where it matters most. This #NonprofitAppreciationWeek, we celebrate the incredible contributions of nonprofits and the vital role they play in creating vibrant communities.

Free to Play. Only one week left. Apply today. Photo of two children building a snowman.

Only one week left to apply! Let’s get children in Toronto moving, exploring and connecting outside! Apply for a #FreeToPlay grant today: torontofoundation.ca/free-to-play

Free to Play. Less than two weeks left! Apply today

📱 Canadian children now spend up to 8 hours a day on screens. That means fewer adventures outdoors and fewer chances to connect.

#FreeToPlay is funding local projects in Toronto to bring outdoor play back.

Apply by February 24: torontofoundation.ca/free-to-play

Organizations you can support: Foundation for Black Communities, Kalabash, Lady Ballers Camp, Mama's Healing Garden, Nia Centre for the Arts, Olive Branch of Hope

Organizations you can support: Ontario Black History Society, Parents of Black Children Canada, RISE Edutainment, Street Voices, Toronto Community Benefits Network, Wanasah: Mental Health Services for Black Youth

Black History Month. Honouring Black Brilliance.

Organizations you can support: Adornment Stories, ASE Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities, Black Creek Community Farm, Black Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Incubator, Black Food Sovereignty Alliance

Organizations you can support: Black Women in Motion, BrAIDS for AIDS, Breathe Midwives, Caribbean African Canadian Social (CAFCAN) Services, Centre Francophone Du Grand Toronto

30 years of Black brilliance. Join us in supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations making real impact in Toronto: torontofoundation.ca/honouring-black-brilliance/

#BlackHistoryMonth

Free to Play - Toronto Foundation Free to Play Now accepting applications Closing: February 24, 2026 8:00pm EST Toronto Foundation is excited to launch Free to Play, a new initiative, created in collaboration with Community Foundation...

Through #FreeToPlay, organizations across Toronto can get funding to support outdoor play projects. Organizations in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and Emerging Neighbourhoods are encouraged to apply: torontofoundation.ca/free-to-play

Free to Play. Organizations in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs) and Emerging Neighbourhoods. Apply today.

Where you live shouldn’t limit access to outdoor play or community connection — yet for many communities, it still does.

Charities can—and should—be savvy investors. Photo of small plants emerging from the soil, progressively getting bigger.

Grants and donations are vital—but they rarely give the stability or growth charities need to plan boldly. We believe there’s a better way.

Community Capital Pool. Toronto Foundation’s pooled investment fund, purpose-built for Canadian charities and nonprofits. Together with 40+ charity and nonprofit partners we’re proving investing isn’t just possible; it can be transformative.

Learn more and invest with us: torontofoundation.ca

With smarter investment, charities and nonprofits can expand impact, plan boldly and build long-term financial resilience. See how collective investing through our Community Capital Pool makes it possible. torontofoundation.ca/the-future-of-charitable-wealth-building

Quote from Deena Ladd, Executive Director, Workers' Action Centre: “Building a movement means I’m not taken care of until you’re taken care of.”

It was powerful to see how this shared space is building collaboration, community and a growing movement for decent work. Grateful for WAC’s leadership and the collective energy driving this work forward.

Photo of three people posing and smiling in front of a wall that reads “Worker’ Justice Centre”.

Cold weather outside, but so much warmth inside the Workers’ Justice Centre. Last week our team toured this newly renovated space—now home to several agencies advocating for workers’ rights—and celebrated the Workers’ Action Centre's (WAC) 20th anniversary.

Indigenous communities: Apply today. Free to Play.

Who can apply? In addition to registered charities and nonprofits with trustees, eligible applicants include: Indigenous Governing Bodies, Incorporated non-profit organizations, such as Indigenous nation/community. Examples of projects: Land-based learning for children, intergenerational exchanges to understand the importance of outdoor and risky play, naturalizing outdoor play spaces with programming for children

For Indigenous communities, outdoor play is more than fun—it’s connection to land, culture, ceremony, and healing, and a foundation for culturally relevant child development and self-determination. #FreeToPlay supports Indigenous-led solutions. Apply today: torontofoundation.ca/free-to-play

We’re hiring. Development Coordinator. Apply by February 18

Are you detail- and-process-oriented with a knack for building relationships? Apply to join our team as Development Coordinator today! bit.ly/4a4qrPb

Free to Play. Questions about applying? Join us December 17 at 2PM

Let’s get children in Toronto moving and connecting outside! We’re supporting community-driven projects through #FreeToPlay. Have questions about applying? Join our first virtual office hours on December 17 to get answers—register now to secure your spot! torontofoundation.ca/free-to-play/

Need ideas for Giving Tuesday? Three covers of Toronto Foundation’s Good to Give Guides. Torontofoundation.ca

#GivingTuesday is tomorrow! Use this opportunity to support local, high-impact organizations and make your generosity go further. Check out our resources to give thoughtfully and discover new ways to make a difference:

➡️ Good to Give Guides bit.ly/4p8GOQ4
➡️ Blog bit.ly/49GVjFX

#SFWF Sustainable Finance World Forum | SFWF A seven-day gathering that will advance awareness of sustainable finance as a tool used since time immemorial in communities and cultures across the world

Together, they’ll highlight how strategic investment can accelerate meaningful social impact. Learn more: sfwf.org

#SFWF25 #SFWF

Sustainable Finance World Forum 2025. Nov 22nd – Dec 2nd 2025. Photo of Sharon Avery, President and CEO at Toronto Foundation. She will be speaking on December 2 at 10am in the Philanthropic Investment Panel. Register now Maat@setsi.ca.

We’re excited to share that our President & CEO, Sharon Avery, will be on a #SFWF2025 panel exploring Philanthropic Investment for Impact, alongside Alifia Doriwala, Co-Chief Investment Officer at RockCreek.

We’re hiring. Manager, Fundholder Engagement and Development. Apply by November 17.

Are you a seasoned engagement and development manager who’d be energized by a new growth strategy and by delivering exemplary stewardship to our fundholders? Apply to join our team today! bit.ly/4nwcvkJ

#hiring

Environment. CEED Canada, Creative And Natural Outdoor Experiences Inc. (Project Canoe), Community Resilience to Extreme Weather (CREW), Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization, TTCriders

Health. Dr. Borna Meisami Commemorative Foundation, Help a Girl Out, Hydrocephalus Canada, The Collective of Child Welfare Survivors. Housing. Friends of Saint Francis Inc.

Read the story: torontofoundation.ca

26 more grantees. More community support and potential, realized.

Thanks to the generosity of 30+ fundholders, including many who chose to leave a legacy gift, we are funding 26 more organizations that applied for Toronto’s Vital Signs Grants. Meet the grantees.

Arts, Culture and recreation. Art City In St. James Town, Maple Leaf Theatre for Social Responsibility (Mixed Company Theatre), Orchestra Toronto, Reelworld Foundation, Shoot For Peace, Stay Golden, Story Planet, Beat the Streets.

Education and employment. Endless Possibilities and Hope Development Organization, OneChild Network & Support Inc., Vermont Square Parent-Child Mother Goose program(P-CMGP), 42 Voices, Afro Canadian Development Inc., CloudTronix Professional Services Inc (HR Purpose), The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario -Canada (ACFROC), Women Focus Canada Inc.

Generosity from our fundholders and legacy donors means 26 more organizations are getting the support they need — advancing climate action, menstrual equity and civic engagement in Toronto and so much more. Read the full story: bit.ly/4hakthP

Two people standing and performing. They are both holding pieces of paper in their hands and one person is looking down at the page. Native Earth Performing Arts. Good to Give Guide logo.

Native Earth Performing Arts. Since 1989, Native Earth Performing Art’s Weesageechak Festival has developed over 100 new dance and theatre works, earning local, national and international acclaim.

Learn more about Native Earth Performing Arts in our Good to Give Guide. Torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

Founded in 1982, @Native Earth Performing Arts is Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company, sharing First Nations cultural values with all people through theatre, dance and multi-disciplinary art. Learn more: torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

#NDTR2025

Invitation to Council Fire's Indigenous Legacy Gathering event. It reads: "You're invited! ILG 2025. Restoration of identity through our ceremonies and languages. We are all connected. 8th Annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering. Nathan Phillips Square - Toronto. September 29 and 30, 2025. Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre featuring the Spirit Garden, a space for teaching, learning, sharing and healing."

This September 29 and 30 don't miss joining Council Fire at their Annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering for a vibrant celebration of culture, community connection and to experience the 20,650 sq ft Spirit Garden.

Photo of five people sitting on chairs and playing handheld drums. Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. Good to Give Guide logo.

Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. After years of advocacy by Council Fire for a permanent cultural space at City Hall, the 20,650 sq ft Spirit Garden opened in September 2024. The project responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 82, which urges government to install Residential Schools Monument in every capital city to honour survivors and all the children who never returned home.

Learn more about Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre in our Good to Give Guide. Torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre supports the downtown Indigenous community, fostering spiritual and personal growth through counselling, material assistance and direct services. Learn more: torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

#NDTR2025

Photo of Anduhyaun’s kitchen and outdoor space. Anduhyaun. Good to Give Guide logo.

Quote from Anduhyaun: “This work is deeply personal. My paternal grandmother and great-grandmother are amongst the thousands of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIW). We’re offering supports that keep families in touch or together—even if they’re struggling. That heals families and communities.”

Learn more about Anduhyaun in our Good to Give Guide. Torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

Anduhyaun, meaning “our home” in Ojibwa, provides shelter and transitional housing for Indigenous women and children escaping violence, while reconnecting them with culture and community. Learn more: torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

#NDTR2025

Photo of five people smiling and posing for a photo. ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency. Good to Give Guide logo.

ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency. In 2026 ENAGB will launch their Competition Powwow at Woodbine Park. This large-scale cultural gathering has been a long-term vision of the Youth Council and will welcome thousands of dancers and visitors from across Turtle Island, celebrating Indigenous identity, resilience and community pride.

Learn more about ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency in our Good to Give Guide. Torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

ENAGB honors Indigenous youth voices, autonomy and nurtures the next generation of leaders through youth-led programs, the ENAGB Youth Council, and land-based learning. Learn more: torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

#NDTR2025

Architectural rendering of Wigwamen’s new affordable housing development in Scarborough. Wigwamen. Good to Give Guide logo.

Wigwamen owns and operates more than 875 units in 137 locations across Toronto—making them Ontario’s largest urban Indigenous housing provider.

Learn more about Wigwamen in our Good to Give Guide. Torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

From baby baskets to scholarships, Wigwamen supports Indigenous tenants at every stage of life, weaving together housing, care and community. Learn more: torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

#NDTR2025

Image of students wearing orange shirts posing for a class photo. Urban Indigenous Education Centre. Good to Give Guide logo.

Urban Indigenous Education Centre. Opportunities are created for learning from and with Indigenous communities through partnerships and professional learning, infusing Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum for all students.

Learn more about Urban Indigenous Education Centre in our Good to Give Guide. Torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

The Urban Indigenous Education Centre aims to enhance Indigenous student wellbeing and achievement and ensure Indigenous education for all educators and students in the TDSB. Learn more: torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

#NDTR2025

Tungasuvvingat Inuit’s logo. Good to Give Guide logo.

Tungasuvvingat Inuit. TI is the only Inuit-specific service organization of its kind in urban Canada. As the population of Inuit living outside of Inuit Nunangat now exceeds 40%, TI is recognized as a leading advocate for urban Inuit.

Learn more about Tungasuvvingat Inuit in our Good to Give Guide. Torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

Tungasuvvingat Inuit is a one-stop resource and support centre, offering nearly 30 programs from youth services to crisis intervention for Inuit in Ontario. Learn more: torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

#NDTR2025