Social Sector Fund

How would the Fund work?

The new policy would require qualifying foundations to each make a small annual grant to the Fund, counted within their Disbursement Quota obligations. These grants would go to a fit-for-purpose Sector Fund Agency to administer and invest in initiatives by capable organizations, to achieve shared priorities set out in a strategic plan for the sector.

  1. 1

    Sector-based contribution

    A very small contribution from qualifying grant-making foundations, structured through an amendment to the Income Tax Act.

    GIV3 proposes a grant of 0.025% of assets (0.00025 × assets): small enough to be a rounding error for each foundation, but adding up to $50+ million a year.

  2. 2

    Independent fund

    Grants flow to an arm’s-length, fit-for-purpose Social Sector Fund Agency, represented by sector stakeholders, with clear governance and public reporting.

  3. 3

    National strategy

    A national strategic plan for a stronger social sector would guide how the Fund is allocated.

    GIV3 research finds Canada lacks such a plan to set priorities among the most strategic initiatives and to provide a basis for accountability.

  4. 4

    Strategic investment

    Capable organizations are funded to deliver initiatives against the shared priorities identified in the strategic plan.

  • Government establishes the framework.
  • The sector sets the priorities.
  • Qualified organizations do the work.
  • No new federal funding.
  • No added burden on government.