The Philanthropist Journal is a free online publication that provides a forum for thoughtful discussion and debate about the charitable and non-profit sector in Canada. Since 1972, it has been publishing articles and analysis directed toward practitioners, scholars, supporters, and others engaged in the sector.
Our articles come from two main sources:
- We assign stories to and welcome pitches from professional journalists on subjects of interest to the sector. Writers are paid a competitive rate agreed upon when the story is accepted and invoiced after the final edit is accepted.
- We accept pitches from (and occasionally commission articles from) sector experts and practitioners on subjects of interest to the sector. Sector writers, typically writing on behalf of their organizations, are not paid.
We are interested in well-written, original articles in plain English or French – analysis, op-eds, interviews, case studies and guides, book reviews – that will be relevant to a range of people connected to the sector: board and staff members, volunteers, donors, financial advisors, government officials, scholars and researchers, among others. Overall, we are looking for articles that explore new ideas or approaches and different perspectives from various parts of the sector.
The Philanthropist Journal began as a scholarly journal, and while we continue to publish occasional scholarly pieces, we are interested in articles with more of a journalistic tone. We understand that there are many ways to tell a story, however, and urge contributors to use the format that best allows them to get their point across in a lively, accessible style that promotes learning, dialogue, and discussion among readers.
Submitting a proposal
Before sending a proposal for an article or op-ed, spend some time on our website to familiarize yourself with our style, tone, and topics.
Your pitch – one or two paragraphs – should be written in the body of your email and include the key points you plan to cover, any necessary background information, any people you plan to interview, your qualifications for writing about this topic, and why this story matters now. Please include links to any previously published work or other relevant resumé details.
To our sector writers: Rather than a list of your achievements, we’re interested in hearing about the lessons you’ve learned and practical advice that readers can apply to their own work. If you’re pitching an op-ed to make a case for something, remember that our audience is sector workers and leaders, not the general public; our readers want to know what they can do with what they’ve learned from you.
What we don’t publish
We do not publish notices about courses, upcoming events, job opportunities, advertising, press releases, or breaking news stories.
What you can expect
If your proposal is accepted, one of our editors will contact you to discuss next steps. If you don’t hear from us within two weeks, feel free to pitch your story idea elsewhere.
Visual art
We publish illustrations and photography by artists committed to “social good” and from a variety of perspectives to accompany written work in the magazine. Our visual work is mainly by invitation, but queries are welcome.