The Circle on Philanthropy

Overview The Circle on Philanthropy, registered under the business number 834253080RR0001, is a nonprofit organization in Canada that focuses on transforming the philanthropic sector. It is Indigenous-led, with a team of women, and operates at the intersection of Indigenous and settler philanthropy. Established as an informal network in 2008, The Circle became a registered charity in 2012.

Mission and Goals

The Circle's primary mission is to redistribute wealth, activate wisdom, and strengthen organizational infrastructure with a focus on Indigenous peoples, organizations, communities, and nations. It aims to promote deeper understanding and respectful engagement between Indigenous communities and philanthropic organizations. The organization emphasizes the importance of community building, accountability, and inviting wholeness in its work.

Activities and Impact

• Community Building: The Circle fosters connections and supports the empowerment of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to build a stronger future.
• Philanthropic Engagement: It nurtures conversations and relationships between Indigenous communities and philanthropic organizations, recognizing and respecting the cultural practices and institutions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
• Cultural Understanding and Empowerment: The organization works to broaden public knowledge of Indigenous history and cultures, promoting Aboriginal models of philanthropy and strengthening Indigenous participation in governance and decision-making within philanthropic organizations.

Milestones and Recognition

A significant milestone for The Circle was the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, which motivated the philanthropic community to address historical harms. In response, The Circle initiated the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action to highlight the role of philanthropy in reconciliation.

Organizational Structure

As a registered charity, The Circle on Philanthropy is recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency and complies with its requirements. It operates with a focus on collaboration, respect for differing values, and a commitment to equality, reciprocity, and mutuality.

[1] https://the-circle.ca [2] https://www.philanthropyandaboriginalpeoples.ca [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-circle/ [4] https://feast-house.ca/organization/the-circle-on-philanthropy/ [5] https://philanthropyandaboriginalpeoples.wordpress.com/about/