This year The Philanthropist Journal published 72 articles, written by 52 writers, with 158 sources sharing their perspectives. We couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you for reading, sharing, writing, reviewing, advising, and taking the time to be interviewed for our articles. Thank you for trusting us with your stories and perspectives. Your voices and contributions build community and spark important discussions and debate in our sector.
Here are 10 of our most-read stories, with plenty more to discover. Enjoy!
When the expert is your cousin: Indigenous alternatives to ‘distrust by default’ conflict-of-interest rules
COI policies have contributed to a working culture that’s antithetical to Indigenous ways of working, Aiden Cyr writes. He talks to four Indigenous social impact leaders whose insights suggest that the path forward may instead lie in “mutuality of interest.”
What do the political changes of 2025 mean for the sector? Five leaders weigh in
Massive changes in government direction are in store this year. Leaders in the philanthropic, charitable, and non-profit sector share how they’re gearing up – and what’s top of mind in 2025.
It’s just another masking Monday: ADHD, menstruation, and work
Work is hard when meds and menstruation don’t get along. Philanthropist Journal writing fellow Lydia Phillip speaks to neurodivergent menstruators to better understand inherent challenges and build collective empathy toward more inclusive, accessible workplaces.
Is generational change coming to foundation philanthropy?
With a turbulent external environment, growing pressure on charities, and internal shifts in leadership and focus, the philanthropic sector is navigating significant change. It’s all adding up to what may be the biggest shift to foundation philanthropy we’ve seen in Canada, Hilary Pearson writes.
More articles read in 2025
Ellen Gabriel: 35 years after the so-called Oka Crisis
More than three decades after the Mohawk Resistance at Kanesatake, the activist, artist, and filmmaker who was on the front lines doesn’t see much progress in Canada’s treatment of Indigenous Peoples. She hopes her new book will help educate Canadians.
A short history of voluntary sector–government relations in Canada (revisited)
The original version of this story, published in 2007, is one of The Philanthropist Journal’s most popular pieces of all time. In this updated version, Peter Elson and Peyton Carmichael expand on that detailed (and not so short) history.
Unpacking DAFs, the fastest-growing way to give in Canada
Donor-advised funds are gaining traction – and are also at the heart of a complicated debate.
Dismantling founder’s syndrome
Founder’s syndrome is widely whispered about in the non-profit sector but rarely analyzed or dismantled. Contributor Susanna Kislenko has been studying the phenomenon for years and offers some insight.
Can the non-profit sector adopt voluntary standards to improve its data problem?
Strengthening data literacy, expanding data capacity, and improving data-driven strategies has been a rising priority in the sector. Is the solution in community-led best practices, or does the sector need more?
Gender-affirming care for trans teens in Canada is under attack – here’s how non-profits are responding
In January, Alberta became the third province to announce restrictions on gender-affirming care for teens. But this hasn’t stopped 2SLGBTQIA-serving organizations from advocating on behalf of youth and their families, combating misinformation, and providing protection against hate crimes.
