At Viewpoint Foundation, we are proud to partner and support exceptional organizations driving meaningful change in our community. In 2024, these organizations provided programs and initiatives that strove to create a more resilient, equitable, and thriving society. In this month’s article, we are going to look back at these organizations and highlight some of the…

In last month’s issue of Invested, I explored the ethics of philanthropy and the potential issue of an imbalance of power between philanthropic funders and the organizations they support, highlighting the need for approaches that empower community and charitable organizations. One such approach is the use of community bonds—an innovative social finance tool that enables…

Philanthropy plays a vital role in addressing pressing social issues, funding essential services, and supporting innovation where the public sector falls short. At Viewpoint Foundation, we believe it has the potential to spark transformative change. However, philanthropy also raises ethical questions, particularly regarding the power dynamics between donors and recipients. The question we are attempting…

I recently spoke with an associate from a charitable organization supported by Viewpoint Foundation, who introduced me to the concept of multi-year donations that account for inflation. The current rising costs of living, rent, and utilities impact non-profit organizations just as much as the individuals they strive to assist. Shelter costs in Canada for example…

Last month, we delved into “strategic philanthropy,” where funds are allocated based on predefined goals and monitored outcomes. However, the philanthropic sector has recently undergone a transformative shift with the emergence of trust-based philanthropy. This innovative approach redefines the traditional donor-recipient relationship, placing a strong emphasis on mutual respect, transparency, and long-term collaboration. In a…

Effective giving is its own unique discipline because it typically involves addressing the very challenges that have defied market or government solutions. (Buchanan, Giving Done Right, 2019)In previous issues of Invested, we have explored the intersection of business and philanthropy. From social enterprises and impact investing to ethical consumerism, we’ve seen philanthropic efforts increasingly adopting…

In a world where profit often reigns supreme, a growing movement is emerging — one that blends business acumen with a passionate commitment to societal change. The movement is social entrepreneurship, and similarly to impact and ESG investing, the traditional models of profit-driven enterprises are no longer the sole focus of entrepreneurs and investors. Social…

“The rallying cry for philanthropy to change has been resounding and gaining momentum over the past few years. It comes from non-profit leaders, academics, the general public, and… from those engaged in the philanthropic sector itself.” (Alberg-Seberich & Ganji, 2023)The Viewpoint Foundation has been supporting causes in Calgary and across Canada since 2002. Since then,…

Last month in Invested, we got into “impact investing.” This month, we tackle ESG investing. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have a few notable differences that we will explore, along with the ins and outs of what ESG investing is and why it is experiencing pushback. Understanding ESG Investing ESG investing is a strategy…