Walking the Talk on Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of Community Foundations in Canada

Abstract

The United Nations 2030 Agenda creates an opportunity for philanthropic foundations to become more collaborative and transformative in their work toward global goals. This article provides global and national context to adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals by Canadian community foundations through a multiple case study. Special attention is paid to the roles played in collective action by the Community Foundations of Canada, grassroots actors, and innovative practices in that process of adoption. Social innovation originating in grassroots work that is diffused horizontally by the Community Foundations of Canada to its member foundations was key antecedent to adoption. Enduring collaboration dynamics involving community foundations, prior engagement with data collection and a shared measurement framework, and space for local discussion and adaptation around the framework are identified as key enablers for adoption. Early effects of adoption for mapping, reporting, and aligning purposes include reframing current work and promoting new activities and leadership roles, paving the way for new partnerships, and providing a coherent planning framework and strategic focus to grantmaking.