Call for Research Participants: Trust & Accountability in Canada’s Charitable, Philanthropic & Regulatory/Public Sectors
Call for participants
A research project with the School of Public Policy and Administration, at Carleton University, is looking for participants for focus groups for a study about trust, transparency and accountability among charities, foundations, governments and the public. The project is led by Nathan Grasse, Principal Investigator, and is part of a broader international comparative study.
Trust and Accountability in Canada’s Charitable, Philanthropic and Regulatory/Public Sectors
For focus groups for this study, we’re looking for individuals or employees from four sectors:
1) operating charities and/or nonprofit organizations
2) grant-making foundations
3) government agencies and/or regulatory bodies
4) members of the Canadian public with an interest in civil society and institutional accountability
Participation is voluntary and confidential, and all responses will be de-identified before analysis. Also, you may withdraw from the study at any time within one month after your session’s conclusion.
Focus groups
Single Audience Focus Groups (SAFG): structured peer discussions among representatives from the same sector (1.5 hours each).
Multi-Audience Focus Groups (MAFG): cross-sector, guided dialogues with representatives from four sectors: charities/nonprofits; foundations; government/regulatory; and the public (2.5 hours each).
As a token of appreciation, SAFG participants will each receive a $75 gift card per session and MAFG participants will each receive a $125 gift card per session.
Dates & times (2026)
All groups will take place at the Metcalfe Hotel (123 Metcalfe St., in Ottawa). Virtual groups will also be offered (see below, in “How to express your interest in participating”).
Monday June 22 (all times are EDT)
9:30-11:00 am: SAFG for charities/nonprofit representatives
1:00-2:30 pm: SAFG for government employees
3:00-4:30 pm: SAFG for foundation reps
Tuesday, June 23 (times are EDT)
11:00 am to 12:30 pm: SAFG for members of the general public
2:00-4:30 pm: MAFG session 1 for individuals from a mix of four sectors. Note, to maintain research integrity, participants who participate in this session must commit to participating in the next two sessions on July 27 and August 24.
Monday, July 27
2:00-4:30 pm: MAFG session 2
Monday, August 24
2:00-4:30 pm: MAFG session 3
This study has received ethics clearance (protocol #125374) from the Carleton University Research Ethics Board (CUREB).
How to express your interest in participating
In the subject line of an email to TAPCanada@cunet.carleton.ca, please indicate which of the following focus groups you wish to participate in: (1) SAFG Charities; (2) SAFG Foundations; (3) SAFG Government; (4) SAFG Public; or (5) MAFG. Also, provide a brief description of your involvement with the sector. A member of our research team will follow up with more information, including ethical considerations, and will confirm your interest before registering you in the study.
If you’re interested in attending virtually, rather than in person, please note this in your email. More information about virtual sessions will be provided.
We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for supporting this important study.
Nathan Grasse, PhD
Principal Investigator,
School of Public Policy & Administration,
Carleton University