From Intention to Action: Connecting National and Global Philanthropy at a Critical Moment
By WINGS and Philanthropic Foundations Canada
We are at a critical juncture. In a moment defined by overlapping crises – deepening inequality, climate breakdown, shrinking civic space, and geopolitical fragmentation – the question is no longer whether philanthropy needs to act differently, but whether we are ready to act together, and now.
Across regions, there is growing recognition that no single organisation, network, or country can address these challenges alone. The question is no longer whether collaboration matters, but how we move from alignment to meaningful, sustained joint action.
It is in this context that, in September 2026, two major philanthropy gatherings in Canada (also known as Turtle Island, a name used by many Indigenous Peoples for North America) – hosted by Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC) and WINGS – offer a unique opportunity to connect national and global conversations at a time when both are urgently needed.
A moment for philanthropy to come together
Philanthropy is navigating a period of significant transition. Established models are being tested, new actors are emerging, and expectations around accountability, equity, and impact continue to evolve.
At the same time, there is increasing recognition of the importance of philanthropy infrastructure – the networks, support organisations, and ecosystems that enable giving to be more effective, more coordinated, and more responsive to community needs.
Bringing together different parts of this ecosystem – from national foundations to global support organisations – is essential if philanthropy is to meet the scale and complexity of today’s challenges.
RECIPROCITY: 2026 PFC National Conference
PFC’s national conference is a transformative gathering of foundation leaders, charitable organisations, community stakeholders, and the broader non-profit sector, coming together to explore the evolving role of philanthropy in a rapidly changing landscape. Building on the momentum of recent gatherings, the 2026 conference will continue to deepen learning, strengthen relationships, and support the evolution of philanthropic practice in Canada. The conference is being held September 23-25, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba/Treaty 1 Territory and Homeland of the Red River Métis.
This year’s theme – Reciprocity – calls us to engage philanthropy as a space of mutual exchange, shared responsibility, and collective action. This theme highlights the role of reciprocity as a cornerstone of fostering care, support, and trust within the philanthropic and charitable ecosystem. Among our objectives is to create space and conditions to build meaningful relationships while encouraging collaboration and a sense of shared agency within the evolving needs of the sector, to encourage deeper trust and lasting impact.
Over three days, participants will explore:
- Philanthropy in Focus: A space for foundations to deepen peer relationships and engage in candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead, as emerging issues reshape philanthropic practice
- Sector Solutions: National conversations and facilitated sessions bringing non-profits, funders, government, and researchers together to identify shared challenges and co‑create solutions
- Professional Development: Practical learning to equip participants with the tools, frameworks, and confidence needed to navigate a rapidly evolving sector and advance aligned, informed, and effective practice
- Networking & Relationship‑Building: A conference designed with connection at its core, because trust and relationships make collaboration possible
WINGSForum 2026: From intention to action
From 28-30 September 2026, WINGSForum will bring together a global community of philanthropy support organisations, funders, and ecosystem actors in Montreal under the theme ACT: Activate, Collaborate, Transcend.
WINGSForum 2026 is not a space for reflection alone – it is a space for doing. Over three days, participants will engage in action-oriented sessions, peer exchange, and practical learning designed to move from intention to implementation – identifying concrete steps and applying them in their day-to-day work.
WINGSForum will explore how philanthropy can:
- Activate collective will for systemic change
- Collaborate more effectively across sectors and geographies
- Transcend existing structures to build stronger, more resilient ecosystems
At its core, the Forum is about strengthening the connections, capabilities, and relationships needed to drive lasting change.
What this collaboration makes possible
By intentionally connecting these two gatherings, PFC and WINGS are creating an opportunity to bridge national and global perspectives, local practice and international learning, and established institutions with emerging approaches.
For participants, this creates a rare moment to engage across different levels of the philanthropy ecosystem within a single week – deepening relationships, sharing insights, and exploring how ideas travel across contexts.
For the sector more broadly, it reflects a growing recognition that stronger alignment across philanthropy infrastructure is essential to addressing today’s challenges.
These gatherings also take place shortly after Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. While not the focus of this collaboration, we acknowledge this context and the responsibility it carries – a reminder that meaningful action in philanthropy must be grounded in respect for Indigenous rights, histories, and leadership.
Looking ahead
To facilitate this collaboration for participants of both conferences, in the weeks ahead, PFC and WINGS will be sharing:
- Discount codes for participants attending both events
- Accommodation details for WINGS participants travelling to Winnipeg
- Opportunities for PFC members to connect with the global community in Montreal
- Updates on the International and Canadian Philanthropy Commitments on Climate Change, and other shared touchpoints between the two events
As philanthropy continues to evolve, the ability to connect across geographies, sectors, and approaches will become increasingly important.
Moments like this, where national and global convenings are intentionally aligned, offer more than logistical convenience. They create space for new ideas to emerge, for relationships to deepen, and for collective action to take shape.
At a time when the need for coordinated, courageous, and practical action is clearer than ever, the question is not whether change is possible, but whether we are ready to act on it.
