Our Research
Women in Philanthropy Research Initiative
Women in Philanthropy is a research initiative to addresses women’s giving in Canada and to build a field of research along with practical tools for women beginning or continuing their philanthropy.
The project goals are to:
- Facilitate mutual learning among women philanthropists and changemakers of different generations and communities.
- Understand the different paths women are taking in their philanthropy and share lessons that will be of value to others.
- Develop current and future research capacity and expertise on women in philanthropy by increasing the number of Canadian scholars engaged in this research.
- Advance thought leadership and broader awareness of women in philanthropy through communication with wider audiences.
This research began in Spring 2025 and is being conducted in several stages. To stay up to date on the project’s progress, follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Research Updates
Phase 1
We are currently conducting phase 1 research in Quebec, interviewing women philanthropists living in the province. Nous sommes à la recherche des femmes philantropes qui sont situées au Québec!
Phase 2
This project is currently in the second year of research.
Informed by our first year of research with women as philanthropists, the second year focuses on the wealth shift and advisors who may offer guidance about philanthropy.
We are continuing our literature reviews on the history of women’s philanthropy in Canada and women in the contemporary sector, while considering the different forms of philanthropy and causes taken up by women in Canada.
Our approach to research is inclusive, building on intersectional frameworks as we seek opportunities to collaborate and connect with people interested and involved in the sector.
If you would like to connect with us about our research, please email us at wip@carleton.ca.
Roundtable Discussions
Beginning in June 2025, the Women in Philanthropy Research Initiative began hosting gatherings of women involved in the nonprofit sector. The result has been generative discussions that offer a space for women to share experiences and ideas. We continue to host these roundtables as a space for mutual learning.
View the reports:
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable One Report
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable Two Report
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable Three Report
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable Four Report
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable Five Report
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable Six Report
Women in Philanthropy Roundtable Seven Report
Publications, Conferences, and Presentations
Trefzger Clarke, L., Phillips, S., Norris, A., & Jama, N. (2026, July 14-17). Tidal Shift: Women’s philanthropy in Canada. 17th Annual International Society for Third-Sector Research Conference [Conference Paper], Lisbon, Portugal.
Women in Philanthropy, Research Presentation and Panel Moderation, Women in Philanthropy Learning Event, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Toronto Chapter, Toronto, Ontario, April 2026
Trefzger Clarke, L., & Norris, A. (2025). Book review: The uprising of women in philanthropy [Manuscript Accepted for Publication]. Voluntas.
Women in Philanthropy, Presentation, TOgather Conference 2025, Association of Fundraising Professional, Toronto Chapter, Toronto, Ontario, September 2025
Women in Philanthropy in the Conversation
October 24, 2025
Philanthropic Habits of Canadian Women to be the Topic of New Research at Carleton – Canadian Family Offices
July 15, 2025
Celebrating Philanthropy Event Discusses Chair in Philanthropy – Centre for Philanthropy and Civil Society
June 19, 2025
Lisa Trefzger Clarke Ramps Up the “Women in Development” Initiative – PANL Perspectives
Want to talk to us about our research? Contact us at WiP@carleton.ca.