Over the past two years, our team at the Definity Foundation has prioritized learning by immersing ourselves in numerous networks, gatherings, webinars, and engaging in research and connecting with knowledge keepers to explore issues related to philanthropy, food systems, climate action, and the social purpose sector.
To better understand the breadth of our learning, we commissioned a synthesis report to help us make sense of all the insights we’ve gathered. The resulting themes and concepts have provided us with a clearer picture of the intersections within these sectors and how they relate to one another.
We recognize that this is just the beginning. These insights will serve as a foundation for how we approach our roadmap moving forward. They will inform our decisions, guide our strategies, and help us stay attuned to the complexities and opportunities in these spaces. Our goal is to let our learning continue to unfold and influence our work in meaningful ways.
We share our sensemaking of this learning here. By distilling insights into 5 digestible takeaways and sharing with our networks, we contribute to a broader understanding of the path forward.
- Challenges and Opportunities in the Social Purpose Sector
The social purpose sector, essential to Canada’s well-being, faces significant challenges. One of the most pressing is the
Additionally, funding in the sector is often concentrated in large, established organizations, leaving smaller, grassroots initiatives without adequate resources. A “winner-takes-most” funding structure limits the capacity for innovation and marginalizes communities that need support the most. Moving toward multi-year, flexible grants, like those promoted by Definity, could foster stronger, more collaborative relationships between funders and grantees, supporting long-term solutions to complex social problems.
Finally, the sector’s reliance on a small pool of wealthy donors creates a vulnerability to their preferences, which can sometimes prioritize personal beliefs over evidence-based interventions. Diversifying funding sources, exploring social finance, and engaging younger generations are essential for addressing these challenges. However, it’s important to carefully examine these options to ensure they don’t perpetuate existing inequalities.
- The Crisis of Food Sovereignty in Canada
Canada’s food sovereignty has eroded over the past two decades, leading to increasing reliance on imported food. Over 65% of our food travels long distances, contributing to environmental harm and disconnecting local food systems from the people who rely on them. Oligopolies dominate the food industry, stifling the potential of smaller, regional businesses and innovative food solutions. Government policies often favor large corporations, creating barriers for smaller enterprises and making it difficult for local, community-driven food systems to flourish.
Despite the challenges, there are promising opportunities. Strengthening local food systems not only improves access to fresh, nutritious food, but it also reduces the environmental footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Moreover, empowering communities and embracing regenerative agriculture could transform Canada’s food landscape. Supporting alternative food networks, such as , offers a direct counterbalance to corporate control and can play a key role in reshaping food systems. With alternative food systems comes a new set of challenges to overcome, such as accessibility, affordability, and cultural relevance to Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities. This is the new work to be done and illustrates the critical importance of initiatives such as Inclusive Prosperity’s African Canadian Farmers Fund and Nourish Fund.
- Food Insecurity and the Ties to Poverty
Food insecurity in Canada is directly tied to rising poverty and housing costs. As the cost of living rises, many households are faced with impossible choices between food, shelter, and other basic needs. The demand for food bank services has reached unprecedented levels, underscoring the need for a more robust social safety net. The issue is not just about food access but also about addressing the systemic issues that prevent people from achieving economic security.
The government’s failure to address these issues through comprehensive, long-term policy solutions is exacerbating the problem. Public policies need to prioritize equitable access to resources, including food, housing, and healthcare. Successful programs, like the school food program in Newfoundland, offer valuable lessons that could be adapted and expanded across the country, particularly for marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people with disabilities.
- Addressing Corporate Profiteering and the Need for Alternatives
Corporate profiteering, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors, exacerbates systemic inequalities and deepens environmental harm. Large agribusinesses dominate the market, driving up food prices and sidelining local producers. Addressing this requires not just policy changes but a shift in how we perceive food systems. Food should not be treated as a commodity to be speculated upon, but as a public good that supports communities.
Alternative food networks—such as local food co-ops, farmers’ markets, and community-based initiatives—offer a crucial counterbalance to the power of large corporations. By supporting these initiatives, we can begin to create a more sustainable, equitable food system that prioritizes the needs of communities over corporate profits.
- Reimagining Climate Action in Canada
The climate crisis presents an existential threat to communities across Canada, yet political will and financial resources for meaningful action remain insufficient. Governments often prioritize policies that are acceptable to the fossil fuel industry, leading to half-measures that benefit short-term corporate interests rather than addressing the root causes of climate change. Despite significant government subsidies to the fossil fuel industry—among the highest in the G20—real climate action remains stifled.
To overcome these barriers, we must reframe climate action in terms that resonate with communities. The polarization of climate issues is fueled by narratives pushed by the oil and gas industry, which create confusion and resistance to transformative action. However, many Canadians believe climate change is a pressing issue, and the focus must be on making concrete, actionable steps that demonstrate the benefits of addressing climate change, such as through jobs, health, and local economic development.
Youth climate initiatives, including youth employability programs, offer a promising pathway for engaging young people in climate action, particularly in regions heavily influenced by the oil and gas industry. Moreover, industries like agriculture have a unique opportunity to drive sustainability, particularly through the adoption of regenerative farming practices. Canada’s leadership in this area could not only mitigate environmental damage but also create economic opportunities in rural communities.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
Our engagement over the past two years has revealed the depth of the challenges faced by Canada’s social purpose sector, food systems, and climate action initiatives. While these challenges are significant, they also present opportunities for transformative change. By addressing data gaps, diversifying funding sources, reframing climate action, and supporting local, community-driven solutions, we can begin to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all Canadians.
The key to overcoming these challenges lies in collaboration—between funders, non-profits, policymakers, and communities. Only through collective action can we ensure that all Canadians have access to nutritious food, sustainable livelihoods, and a healthy, thriving environment. The work ahead is significant, but with determination, innovation, and a commitment to justice, we can rise to the occasion.