AFP in Canada IDEAA Report
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) Report is the result of a collective vision rooted in accountability and the belief that the systemic change needed in the nonprofit/charitable sector and in AFP in Canada to confront pervasive inequities requires an urgent response that starts from within. This report is not a conclusion, but a deliberate and necessary early step.
Experiences of racism within the AFP Greater Toronto chapter were a catalyst for this work, highlighting the broader systemic issues across our sector. The dedicated members of our boards, who are driving meaningful transformation in their local communities and institutions, acknowledge our shared responsibility to dismantle oppressive systems including those within the AFP infrastructure. Collectively, we understand that our roles as leaders demand transparency and accountability to our shared constituents. The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada, in partnership with AFP Canada (collectively “AFP in Canada”), has made a strategic investment in this work including engaging a specialized consultancy, Power of Discourse, to lead an independent examination of AFP in Canada’s structures and practices. We hope it will extend far beyond our organizations to influence broader change across the sector.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all current and past members who contributed to this process with honesty, courage, and vulnerability. Your voices, experiences, and perspectives have shaped this report and will continue to guide the evolving strategies.
We recognize that our work is part of a broader effort across the AFP network. In collaboration with AFP Global and other entities, we will continue to support shared learning and collective action. We’ve established a joint AFP in Canada IDEAA Implementation Committee, and in the months ahead, we’ll prioritize the recommendations, assign responsibilities, and develop a work plan with clear timelines and regular updates to our membership. As we move into further implementation, we are committed to ensuring that this work is informed not only by current and former AFP members, but also by voices across the broader philanthropic sector.
As part of our commitment to transparency, we are releasing the report in full. This will be followed by a discussion with chapter leaders this month, as well as a webinar later this summer. We hope it invites critical dialogue, reflection, and that our members and broader sector continue to hold us accountable for action to create a more just and equitable future for our profession.
Included in this release is a letter from our executive sponsor, Birgit Smith Burton, immediate past chair of AFP Global, who shares her reflections on the significance of this work.
Thank you for joining us on this ongoing journey toward equity, justice, and belonging.
AFP Canada
AFP Foundation for Philanthropy - Canada
