A tangible step towards reconciliation

In January of this year, 20 grants were announced to support the work of charitable organizations pursuing specific strategies in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. This announcement marks a tangible step toward “building a fair and more just country” as envisioned in the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action, which The Winnipeg Foundation signed in 2015. It is also a direct response to our Vital Signs® report issued fall 2017.

These grants relied heavily on the guidance and decision making of an Indigenous Advisory Committee. Read more about Reconciliation Grants – Supporting Truth and Reconciliation. With more than 80 applications to consider, our staff listened to and learned about the priorities and perspectives the Committee viewed as being important. This new understanding will influence our Grants Team’s deliberations for years to come. And of course, the 20 selected projects will be carefully monitored so the knowledge gained can be shared with others. In total, $1.3 million in funding has been provided to date for these Reconciliation Grants – an augmented budget thanks to generous donors, particularly those interested in supporting concrete reconciliation efforts by community agencies.

Our Youth in Philanthropy participants are also embarking on a new effort, again aligned with the findings of the Commission. This grant-making initiative, called ‘Walking Together’, will lend support to youth-led reconciliation programs in our city.

The Winnipeg Foundation, like so many other organizations, is attempting to improve relationships with the Indigenous community. We know systems must adjust to restore the equity, respect and trust that existed when Treaty One was signed almost 150 years ago. We acknowledge the important work of our partner agencies in delivering specific programs.

For those wishing to target a gift in support of reconciliation, we have created a non-endowed Reconciliation Fund. To make a flow-through gift, go to wpgfdn.org/ReconciliationGrantsFund.

Our vision is ‘a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all’ and we remain committed to the Declaration’s goal of “a more inclusive Canada”.