An independent, Canadian grant making foundation, The Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation is dedicated to the development of sound and innovative public policies.
Patrick Johnston Takes on New Assignment
Hugh Segal, Chair of the Board of Directors has announced that foundation
President and CEO, Patrick Johnston, will take on a major new project
to examine Canada's development assistance programme and, in particular,
the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). More
2008 Annual Report Now Available
We are pleased to advise that a PDF
version of the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation Annual Report for
2008 is now available on the Foundation website. Printed copies
can be requested by phoning (416) 601 4776; or by emailing kalson@gordonfn.org.
Market Losses Impact Foundation
Like many other endowed foundations, the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation
has been severely affected by the ongoing turmoil in the markets. Since
January 2008, the market value of our assets has declined by 31% and
they are now at their lowest level since 1996. While we have been reluctant
to reduce our spending, it is now evident that a failure to do so could
imperil the sustainability of the foundation. The current situation
will necessitate some difficult decisions in the weeks and months to
come. Please keep checking our website for details of future changes
to our current programme priorities.
2009 Water Policy Fellowships Awarded
Recipients of the 2009 Water Policy Fellowships have just been announced.
Four students from a variety of disciplines in Canadian universities
were chosen for $15,000 fellowships. Each includes a partnership with
a non-governmental organization. The goal is to support emerging leadership,
by linking students with policy mentors and promoting better links between
research and Canadian public policy. ...
read more
Canadian North Programme
Please note that, due to budget constraints precipitated by the current
economic downturn, the Foundation will not be considering new project
requests under the Canadian North programme
until Autumn of 2009.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Canada’s World
On March 11, Canada’s World, is launching the results of their national
consultation process: a new citizen-driven agenda for Canada’s foreign
policy. ...
read more
Blue, Green and Virtual Water Requirements
in the Driest Watershed in Canada
This groundbreaking
report, the first of its kind in Canada,
compares the irrigation requirements of different crops and recreational
uses such as fruit orchards, forage crops, vegetables and golf courses
in the Okanagan watershed. These findings will greatly assist the Okanagan
Water Board and federal/provincial agencies in determining future water
needs and how to arrive at sustainable water management in view of continuing
growth and recreational expansion.
... read more
Gordon Global Fellow releases short film
2008 Fellow Jessie Thomson's film, Home Free, on efforts to resolve
the long-standing situation of Burundian refugees in Tanzania, will
be screened in Ottawa on February 22nd.
... read more
All My Relations: A gathering to strengthen understanding
between foundations and Aboriginal peoples
This report is a summary of a gathering that took place in Winnipeg,
Manitoba this past spring. The gathering marked the first time philanthropic
foundations have assembled together with the aim to better understand
Aboriginal peoples, communities and issues in Canada. This event was
the start of a journey toward toward improving effectiveness in Aboriginal-focused
philanthropy and as a starting point to network and collaborate around
Aboriginal Peoples’ ideas and initiatives over the long term. As well,
a collaborative website – called Circle on Aboriginal Grantmaking
in Canada – has been set up to serve as a virtual space
for dialogue and sharing. ...
read more
View the Foundation's recent Grants and Agreements.
View the Foundation's Fall 2008 e-newsletter.