Working with Canadians to improve the health and vibrancy of our communities, our culture, and our environment

Free Concert Series, Canadian Opera Company. Photo: Karen E. Reeves

Working with Canadians to improve the health and vibrancy of our communities, our culture, and our environment

Ici les arbres s'enracinent dans l'eau, Théâtre français de Toronto. Photo Manuel Verreydt

Working with Canadians to improve the health and vibrancy of our communities, our culture, and our environment

Graduation Reception, Toronto Sector Skills Academy. Inclusive Local Economies. Photo: Henry Vanderspek

Working with Canadians to improve the health and vibrancy of our communities, our culture, and our environment

Hospitality Workers Training Centre. Opportunities Fund, Inclusive Local Economies. Photo: Guntar Kravis

Working with Canadians to improve the health and vibrancy of our communities, our culture, and our environment

Supporting sustainable livelihoods in northern communities through Tides Canada. Carbon Landscapes, Environment. Photo: Pat Kane

Working with Canadians to improve the health and vibrancy of our communities, our culture, and our environment

About

The Metcalf Foundation was established in 1960 by George Cedric Metcalf. We have three principal areas of focus: the environment, poverty reduction, and the performing arts. Through all of our work, we cultivate, support, and celebrate those working on the frontlines of social change.

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Our Programs

Environment

Inclusive Local Economies

Performing Arts

Environment

Working at the intersection of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods

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Inclusive Local Economies

Focusing on sustainable economic opportunities for low-income people and communities in Toronto

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Performing Arts

Supporting individual leadership and organizational innovation in the performing arts

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Innovation Fellowship

Providing critical thinkers with opportunities to address complex ecological, social, economic, and cultural issues

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Leading & Learning

Investing in non-profit leaders interested in pursuing professional leadership development and strengthening peer networks

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Featured Publication

Performing Arts / Innovation Fellowship

Art and the World After This

Driven by a sense of urgency and optimism, Art and the World After This makes the case for grounding the arts firmly in action as a powerful force for creating a better world. The report explores four distinct but interrelated disruptions which have shaken our world — the disruption of activity (pandemic), society (social unrest), industry (digital revolution), and the world (climate crisis) — as well as the unique value art brings to society. In this timely report, Metcalf Innovation Fellow David Maggs explores how the arts can serve a more applied and accountable role in society as a catalyst for meeting the profound challenges we face.

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Biennial Report

Weaving the Strands

Covering our activities over the last two years, this Biennial Report celebrates the work of our grantees and community. By supporting individuals and organizations, we hope to strengthen the social fabric and weave together relationships and experiences for common good and purpose.

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Inclusive Local Economies / Innovation Fellowship

When Training Works: Promising workforce development practices

Danielle Olsen and John MacLaughlin seek to deepen our understanding of how to connect job seekers to good jobs by illuminating the work of innovators – NPower Canada, Building Up, Elevate Plus Manufacturing, and ACCES Employment – who are leading the way in demonstrating how workforce solutions can be poverty reduction strategies.

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Environment

Indigenous-led Conservation and Carbon Storage in Canada

A range of opportunities and challenges for Indigenous-led conservation and carbon storage in Canada are identified in a new Metcalf-funded report from the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership. Emerging from a two-year research and engagement project, the report is informed by five components: a literature review, in-person gathering, individual interviews, the creation of eight short films, and mapping work that identifies carbon storage values across the country in relation to Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.

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Performing Arts / Innovation Fellowship

More than Money: How social finance can build resilience in the arts sector

With the traditional reliance upon grants and earned revenue under strain, the possibility of unlocking new pools of funds is both compelling and enticing. This report breaks new ground in exploring how the non-profit arts sector in Canada could harness the power of social finance to strengthen its financial footing by surveying national and international examples.

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Environment

Recommendations for Recovery and Budget Actions in 2020-2021

This year’s report by the Green Budget Coalition focuses on a comprehensive set of recommendations for how the federal government can follow-through on its commitment to a green recovery.

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