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. If can’t attend in person, virtual participation may be available; please indicate your preference for a virtual session in your email, and we’ll follow up with a possible arrangement. 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.
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).
Dates & times (2026)
All groups will take place at the Metcalfe Hotel (123 Metcalfe St., in Ottawa).
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 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
Time TBD: MAFG session
Monday, August 24
Time TBD: MAFG session
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. If you’re interested in attending virtually, rather than in person, please note this in the email. A member of the research team will follow up with more information, including ethical considerations, and will confirm your interest before registering you in the study.
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