Contact Us

Metcalf Foundation

38 Madison Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
M5R 2S1

Fax: 416-926-0370
info@metcalffoundation.com

Sandy Houston, President and CEO
shouston@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 223

Adriana Beemans, Inclusive Local Economies Program Director
abeemans@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 224

Michael Trent, Performing Arts Program Director
mtrent@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 225

Andre Vallillee, Environment Program Director
avallillee@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 230

Janet Lewis, CA, Director of Finance
jlewis@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 228

Catherine Annau, Communications Manager
cannau@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 241

Heather Dunford, Grants Manager
hdunford@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 233

Annie Rawlings, Office Manager and Executive Assistant
arawlings@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 221

Anne Perdue, Senior Editor
aperdue@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366

Molly Willats, Programs Intern
intern@metcalffoundation.com
416-926-0366 x 227

Spotlight

Environmentalists, what are we fighting for?

Metcalf Interview
Graham Saul

Environmentalist Graham Saul is the most recent Metcalf Innovation Fellow. The Metcalf Innovation Fellowship program provides critical thinkers with the... >

Inaugural Staging Change Cohort Announced

The Metcalf Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of fourteen Toronto-based performing arts companies and organizations for acceptance into Stage 1... >

Staging Change Associate Facilitator Training Initiative Participants Named

The Foundation is delighted to announce the nine people chosen to participate in the first Staging Change Associate Facilitator Training Initiative. They... >

Summer 2018 Newsletter

Johanna Metcalf died on July 19, 2018. The Foundation mourns her. She has been at the heart of our work for the last forty years. Her approach to philanthropy... >

Metcalf Photo Essay: TSSA 2018 June Retreat

PHI National President Jodi Sturgeon shared how PHI National, a non-profit social enterprise operating in across America, improved standards and wages across... >

Metcalf Photo Essay: Cafe Opened by Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee

The opening of a shipping container cafe in R.V. Burgess Park is the latest development in the remarkable 10-year process spearheaded by the Thorncliffe Park... >

Metcalf renews support of Ontario Artistic Leadership Residency at National Theatre School of Canada

In 2017, the National Theatre of School of Canada launched the Artistic Leadership Residency Program. With support from the Birks Family Foundation, BMO, and... >

METCALF INTERVIEW: Jodi Sturgeon

In early June, Metcalf invited Jodi Sturgeon to join our 2018 Toronto Sector Skills Academy as a guest faculty member. Jodi is President of PHI, America’s... >

Hudson Bay and James Bay Lowlands & Mackenzie River Basin announced as focus areas for Carbon Landscapes

The Foundation is pleased to announce the Hudson Bay and James Bay Lowlands and the Mackenzie River Basin as our geographical areas of funding focus under... >

Toronto’s Great Streets: Redesigning Streets for a Growing City and Better Neighbourhoods

Toronto’s Great Streets: Redesigning Streets for a Growing City and Better Neighborhoods is a new report by the Ryerson City Building Institute with... >

Inaugural Carbon Landscapes Grants Awarded

Metcalf is delighted to announce the inaugural grants in our Environment Program’s Carbon Landscapes funding stream. The goal of Carbon Landscapes is to... >

First Cohort of Climate Blueprints Grantees Approved

Metcalf is pleased to announce the first cohort of grantees in our Environment Program’s Climate Blueprints funding stream. The goal of Climate... >

Spring 2018 Leading and Learning Grants Awarded

Metcalf is pleased to announce that three initiatives were awarded grants from our Leading and Learning granting program. The Friends of the Greenbelt... >

2016/2017 – Depth of Field

Click here to read our 2016–2017 Biennial Report.

Toronto Centre for Active Transportation Releases #BuildTheVisionTO Report

Aiming to make road safety a key issue in this fall’s Toronto municipal election, Metcalf grantee Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT), in... >

Staging Change
Case Studies from EmcArts

Metcalf’s new multi-year strategic funding program in the Performing Arts, Staging Change, is being delivered with EmcArts. We highlight five case studies... >

Spring 2018 Newsletter

Recent highlights from the Foundation and across our community of partners and grantees.

Good Food, Good Jobs

While there has been a policy push to support a good food/local food agenda as a way to invest and strengthen local economies, missing from the discussion has... >

Green Budget Coalition Celebrates Budget 2018

For the Green Budget Coalition, the 2018 federal budget is cause for celebration. The Liberal government has committed $1.3B over five years to expand... >

Cycle City Grantees Announced

Metcalf is delighted to announce that three initiatives in our Environment Program’s Cycle City funding stream have been greenlit for 2018.

Metcalf Interview
John Stapleton

One of the foremost experts on poverty in Canada, John has served on the most recent poverty reduction processes at all three levels of government.

Environment Program welcomes New Advisors

The Metcalf Foundation is pleased to welcome advisors to our two new Environment Program funding streams, Carbon Landscapes and Climate Blueprints, as well as... >

Congratulations to the 2018 Toronto Sector Skills Academy Cohort

The Metcalf Foundation, in partnership with the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program and with support from the Counselling Foundation of Canada,... >

Metcalf Interview
Richard Evans

Co-founder of EmcArts and a leader in adaptive change for cultural organizations, Richard Evans talked with us about his vision for Metcalf's Staging Change.

Staging Change Information Session on April 23, 2018

On April 23, 2018, close to 110 people gathered for an information session. The presentation slides are now available to download.

Staging Change Associate Facilitator Training Initiative Outline Released

The following message was sent from Sandy Houston, Metcalf’s President and CEO, to sector partners and colleagues in March 2018 sharing more information on... >

Learning to be a Bicycle Friendly Driver: Driver Training Program for Safely Sharing the Road with Bicycles Feasibility Study

Bicyclists and pedestrians account for 59 per cent of all the people killed or seriously injured on Toronto’s streets between 2005 and 2016 according to a... >

Metcalf Interview
Sheila Maguire

Sheila Maguire has few rivals in the world of workforce development. In a career spanning over four decades, she has worked on three continents and created... >

Winter 2018 Newsletter

Recent highlights from the Foundation and across our community of partners and grantees.

Leading and Learning Participants Benefit from Professional Development Grants

Italy, California, Montreal, and New York. These are just some of the destinations participants in the Leading and Learning Program have visited to further... >

Staging Change: a New program in the Performing Arts

The following message was sent from Sandy Houston, Metcalf’s President and CEO, to sector partners and colleagues in February 2018 announcing the launch of a... >

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

More than Money: How social finance can build resilience in the arts sector breaks new ground in exploring how the non-profit arts sector in Canada could... >

Over 100 MPS and Senators ask Finance Minister for $1.4 billion investment in Canadian Nature

A group of Members of Parliament and Senators from the Liberal, Conservative, and New Democratic parties have co-signed a letter to federal Finance Minister... >

City of Toronto Seeking Ideas for $50 million Smart City Competition

The City of Toronto wants to hear your new and ambitious ideas about how data and technology can be utilized to create to make a meaningful impact to life in... >

Five ways Social Finance can transform arts organizations

Here are the top five ways that social finance can build resilience in the arts sector - an except from our forthcoming report.

New Report on zero emission vehicles puts Canada on the road to meet key climate commitments by 2030

Achieving Canada’s long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets will require stronger policies to encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs),... >

Mowat Report Offers Innovative Solution to Meeting our climate commitments

Canada’s persistent inability to meet self-imposed greenhouse gas emission reduction targets can be fixed by creating an innovative intergovernmental... >

Toronto Arts Foundation Highlights Two Bold Initiatives in New Theatre Report

A recently published report highlights how Generator and The RISER Project both target Toronto's independent theatre scene, making it easier to produce new... >

Toronto Sector Skills Academy 2018 Applications Now Open

Established with the Aspen Institute, the TSSA is the first leadership program in Canada dedicated to sector-focused workforce development.

Toronto Sector Skills Academy 2018 Information Session & Webinar

This video recording of the January 2018 webinar provides an overview of the 10-month program in advance of the February 16, 2018 application deadline.

New Environment Funding Streams & Other Program Updates

The following note was sent from Sandy Houston, Metcalf’s President and CEO, to sector partners and colleagues in November 2017 announcing the launch of a... >

Metcalf Foundation Newsletter: November 2017

Recent highlights from the Foundation and across our community of partners and grantees.

City council votes to make Bloor Street bike lanes permanent

Following a year-long pilot project on Bloor Street, on November 7 Toronto City Council voted 36 to 6 in favour of making the bike lanes between Avenue Road... >

Metcalf provides technical assistance for Ontario Sector Partnership Planning Grant

Earlier this year, the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development introduced the Sector Partnership Planning Grant (SPPG). The objective of... >

Pembina report calls attention to escalating freight emissions

Most Canadians don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the carbon footprint of freight. But we should and we must think about it, according to Bora... >

2016-17 TSSA grads share success stories

In 2016, the Metcalf Foundation launched the Toronto Sector Skills Academy (TSSA) in partnership with the Aspen Institute. The TSSA is a leadership... >

Green Budget Coalition seeks increased investments in nature

In its annual budget report released late September, the Green Budget Coalition of Canada advises that a substantial public investment in Canada’s ecosystems... >

Mayor backs cargo bikes as Pembina releases cyclelogistics report

Mayor John Tory took a cargo bike out for a spin in a show of support for the announcement by UPS that they are launching a cargo bike delivery pilot project... >

CrSI 2014 cohort presents their findings

In September, participants from the Foundation’s 2014 Creative Strategies Incubator gathered to present their findings gleaned from three years of strategic... >

Stories from the Inc.
2017 Learning Network

From a commitment to developing deeper relationships with underserved communities such as francophone youth, Spanish-speakers, newcomers, Indigenous people,... >

Why Bloor? Why Now?

Over the past year, the Metcalf Foundation in partnership with Powerline Films captured the transformation of Bloor Street as part of the pilot bike lane... >

Introducing the Creative Strategies Incubator 2017 cohort

The Metcalf Foundation is delighted to announce the five companies selected to participate in the 2017 Creative Strategies Incubator (CrSI). Aluna Theatre,... >

Creative Strategies Incubator 2014 Cohort Public Sharing: Relationships, Audiences, and Communities

Please join us for a public event in recognition of the second cohort of performing arts companies to complete the Creative Strategies Incubator program.

Arts for Youth Award highlights importance of mentorship

Congratulations to The Artists Mentoring Youth (AMY) Project for winning the Toronto Arts Foundation’s 2017 Arts for Youth Award. The award honours an... >

Support for bike lanes continues to grow

80% of Torontonians support bike lanes. That’s a finding from a new poll commissioned by the David Suzuki Foundation in partnership with Cycle Toronto.

Clean energy is here to stay

The Transition Takes Hold, from Clean Energy Canada, analyzes the global market for clean energy investments.

New report examines possible routes to 2030 emissions-reduction targets

A rising carbon price is the most cost-effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But on its own, it’s not enough.

The evolution of Toronto’s streets leads to accessibility

For almost a century, streets have belonged to cars and trucks. But in cities around the world, and most definitely in Toronto, calls are growing louder for... >

Talking Sector Strategies on The Agenda with Steve Paikin

Metcalf grantee Building Up is breaking down the barriers that many Canadians face in finding employment.

Metcalf Foundation Newsletter: May 2017

Recent highlights from the Foundation and across our community of partners and grantees.

Building an Ontario Green Jobs Strategy

Recommendations to ensure that Ontario's climate plans can also alleviate social and economic inequity by creating jobs for people in need.

How the Danforth East Pop-Up Project moved grassroots practice to policy change

After achieving a major victory at City Hall, we've shared their three strategies for systems impact.

Convening the Creative Strategies Incubator

Our reflections and lingering questions from a unique opportunity for learning and exchange.

Introducing Artscape Daniels Launchpad. How can it help performing artists?

Artscape CEO Tim Jones explains how the one-stop entrepreneurship hub is igniting creative businesses.

Announcing the newest Cycle City Grantees

Including a York University bike hub, research on repurposing Toronto's laneways as cycle routes, and an event that turns busy streets into "paved parks."

“Sharing economy” or on-demand service economy?

In the span of just a few years, the term “sharing economy” has become entrenched in the public discourse. What kinds of activities does this term... >

Metcalf Launches New Program for Professional Leadership

Applications are now being accepted from non-profit professionals and organizations working within Metcalf's three program areas.

Metcalf Foundation Newsletter: February 2017

The Green Prosperity series concludes, what a basic income could look like in Canada, and how performing arts companies are exploring new revenue sources.

National Housing Collaborative lays foundation for housing support

A pan-Canadian coalition of housing associations and major foundations are calling for policies that provide long-term housing affordability.

Performing Arts Interns Announcement

We are pleased to introduce the nine most recent participants of our performing arts internship program, who were admitted to the program in late 2016.

A Basic Income for Canadians: What would change?

Metcalf Innovation Fellow John Stapleton’s latest report illustrates how a basic income would work in real-life situations.

Building a 21st Century Cycling City

16 recommendations that can dramatically increase the city's cycling population over the next five years.

Making Electric Vehicles Happen in Canada

"Canada will not shift to a sustainable zero-carbon transportation system without extensive and long-term policy support."

Cycle City Application Guidelines Released

The goal of Cycle City is to support and strengthen an active constituency and a culture of cycling in Toronto.

Federal government ends the “4-in/4-out” rule for Canada’s migrant workers

An important first step has been made in reforming Canada's controversial Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Out with the coal, in with the new

A Metcalf-funded report finds eliminating coal power plants will likely prevent 1000+ premature deaths and provide billions of dollars in health benefits.

Canada’s Electric Vehicle Policy Report Card

Report compiles effective policies that can make cleaner cars an easier choice for all Canadians.

Solitary Confinement Series

Metcalf Innovation Fellow John Stapleton explores the difficulties that social assistance recipients face when pursuing self-employment.

Metcalf Foundation Newsletter: October 2016

Grantees' important work in cycling and climate policy, connecting low-wage workers to decent jobs, and creative strategies in the performing arts.

How cooking together can build trust and spur creativity

Metcalf convenes the Creative Strategies Incubator around the kitchen table.

Scarborough Cycles: building a culture of cycling in the suburbs

Scarborough Cycles' Marvin Macaraig on the value of cycling infrastructure, local leadership, and other opportunities for building bike culture in the suburbs.

Climate News Roundup

In the past month, three Metcalf grantees from the Environment program released timely research examining Canada's positions and policies on climate change.

Announcing the 2016 Opportunities Fund Grantees

Four grants have been approved in the second round of 2016, all of which build upon previously funded work.

Introducing the 2016-17 Toronto Sector Skills Academy Cohort

Metcalf's new professional development program builds the capacity of local leaders to connect low-wage workers to good jobs in a growing economy.

Gabriel’s Story: How the TFWP Impacts Canada’s Migrant Workers

We spoke with migrant worker Gabriel Allahdua about the exploitation he's faced under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Video Stories from the 2013 Creative Strategies Incubator

Our series of short videos follows five performing arts companies as they explore new approaches to, or alternative sources of, generating revenue.

Fay Faraday talks Migrant Dreams and the TFWP on The Agenda with Steve Paikin

Metcalf Innovation Fellow Fay Faraday joins a panel discussion on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Are We There Yet? Report Talks Transit Investment in the GTHA

Progress report calls for an aligned approach to transit funding supported by all levels of government.

Application Information for the 2016-17 Toronto Sector Skills Academy

Building the capacity of local leaders to grow, strengthen, and sustain sector strategies within the city.

Do you have the talent to lead?

A 10-month mentorship program links young professionals with likeminded and established leaders in the cultural sector.

How SummerWorks’ mobile app is connecting art with audiences

Navigate the genre-fusing SummerWorks Festival with their new mobile app.

Nancy Webster on the value of internships, mentors, and female leadership in the performing arts

We caught up with the prolific arts manager and theatre champion who's made an indelible mark on Toronto's performing arts community.

Introducing the 2016 Creative Strategies Incubator

The 2016 focus issue is "providing greater opportunities for artistic work to achieve its potential."

Vulnerable Households and the Smart Grid in Ontario: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

Report presents opportunities for Ontario to navigate its technical energy system transformation while improving social equity and economic resilience.

Green Prosperity Papers

A series of papers that bridge the environment and economy through topics such as social justice, fiscal reform, and democratic governance.

Prototyping in Practice: How Designing Effective Social Services Begins and Ends with People

Mini-profiles illustrate how 23 non-profit leaders and policy makers made change in their organizations.

Canada’s Choice: Decent Work or Entrenched Exploitation for Canada’s Migrant Workers?

Report finds changes to the TFWP have left migrant workers more vulnerable to exploitation and further narrowed access to permanent residence.

Nick Saul Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Ryerson University

In recognition of his lifelong commitment to community organizing and social justice.

Toronto’s Cycling Network is Growing

It's been a great bike month for Toronto cyclists.

Pricing Works: How Pricing Of Municipal Services And Infrastructure Can Lead To Healthier And More Efficient Cities

Pricing policy tools can help address environmental problems and generate revenue to increase the financial sustainability of our cities.

2014/2015 – Intersections

Click here to read our 2014/2015 Biennial Report.

Our Future King: Rethinking Toronto’s busiest surface transit corridor

Eight urban thinkers on how we can design a more functional, free-flowing King Street.

5 Key Takeaways from Demo-Day with InWithForward

How can human-centred design help social safety nets to act more like trampolines? 5 tips on rethinking program and policy design from the ground up.

Celebrate Bike Month with our Partners and Grantees

Bike Month is an opportunity for cyclists of all skill levels to promote and participate in the GTHA's vibrant bike culture.

Building Toronto: Achieving Social Inclusion in Toronto’s Emerging Green Economy

An inclusive green economy founded on high labour standards can improve community wellbeing while strengthening environmental sustainability.

Metcalf Innovation Fellow Fay Faraday to Receive the Spirit of Barbra Schlifer Award

The award is given to a Canadian woman who has made a demonstrable contribution to increasing women’s access to safety and justice.

Incenting the Nature of Cities

Report builds the business case for cities to invest in green infrastructure using six market-based tools deployed across North America as case studies.

Angus Reid Poll Shows City-Wide Support for Cycling Infrastructure Investment

Torontonians from across the city strongly support a safe cycling network—and they want it built as soon as possible.

Metcalf Foundation Newsletter – May 2016

From bike lanes on Bloor to the Inclusive Local Economies Symposium, our May newsletter shares highlights from Metcalf, our partners, and grantees.

Inclusive Local Economies Symposium Strengthens Sector Learning

Quotes, takeaways, and photos from the day-long convening of our grantee community.

Celebrating the 2013 Creative Strategies Incubator Cohort

Please join us for a public event in recognition of the first cohort of performing arts companies to complete the Creative Strategies Incubator program.

Bike Lanes destined for Bloor Street

The 2.6-kilometre stretch of lanes will run eastbound and westbound between Shaw Street and Avenue Road.

A New Era of Environmental Governance in Canada

Report offers recommendations for how contemporary policy makers and political leaders may restore public confidence in their environmental governance.

Resilient Neighbourhood Economies Report

Findings from a three-year pilot designed to help create economic opportunities for low-income residents of Thorncliffe Park and Kingston-Galloway/Orton Park.

Intermission Magazine Puts Toronto’s Theatre Community Centre Stage

Covering emerging issues in the performing arts, reviews of Toronto productions, personal essays, and interviews with artists and creators.

Plant-inspired material represents a strong step forward for renewable energy

An emerald-green gel can harnesses renewable energy from solar and wind sources, and more importantly, store it indefinitely.

Metcalf Innovation Fellow Dr. Sarah Schulman Shares Her “Grounded” Approach

A new online platform provides policy makers with a clearer picture of the lives of street-involved adults.

A New Standard for Sustainable Aggregates

Universal certification process provides relief for local communities, environmental groups, and aggregate producers.

Metcalf Named a Cycling Visionary at the Toronto Bike Awards

Awards honour people and organizations that demonstrate leadership in encouraging cycling for employees, customers, and the community.

John Stapleton Addresses Rising Food Prices on BNN and CTV

This spike in prices particularly impacts Canadian families with low incomes.

Metcalf Foundation newsletter – February 2016

Discover how our partners and grantees are redesigning social service delivery, improving local air quality, and strengthening community in the performing arts