Conferences

2026 National Conference

8 - 10 June 2026 / Registration is open

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 8-10, 2026
(funders-only gathering)

Unlocking new economic pathways to anchor environmental progress

We’re excited to welcome you to Charlottetown for Generate 2026!

As environment funders, we often reflect on the need to design durable environmental solutions by ensuring their relevance to, and impact on, everyday life, health, safety and wellbeing at the community level. We have learned, often the hard way, that environmental solutions must be anchored within broader social and economic agendas in order to stand the test of time, or risk being politicized as they are built up or torn down with every swing of the political pendulum. The days of funding ‘carbon tunnel vision’ projects and protection of pristine, untouched ecosystems that are out of sight and out of mind are now making way for initiatives that aim to garner broad public support.

As funders we are uniquely positioned to shape social, economic and environmental strategies. We have also seen time and time again that even the most well-crafted strategies will certainly fail without the cultural conditions that enable us to embrace and implement them. There is also ample evidence that culture is significantly shaped by microeconomics (the part of economics concerned with single factors rather than the economic system as a whole). Microeconomic conditions can dynamically alter deeply held beliefs and values, social norms, social cohesiveness and political and institutional engagement.

Therefore, it is incumbent on us as environmental funders to ensure that the environmental initiatives we fund are embedded within economic solutions that truly benefit people by generating good jobs, community wealth and infrastructure, and long-term savings to the public purse that can be redirected to critical areas of need such as healthcare, natural disaster responses, poverty reduction and much more.

Against the backdrop of strained Canada-US relations, the new federal approvals process for ‘nation-building’ projects, insufficient funding for the non-profit sector, significant backsliding on climate progress and nature protection, ever widening income disparity, increasing demand on public resources to respond to environmental crises, and the massive cloud of disinformation, decreasing trust and polarization:

  • How can we deepen our own capacity as funders to make better connections between environment and economy?
  • How do we unlock economic pathways that enable ecosystem restoration and regeneration, reduce emissions, spur clean innovation, and benefit as many people as possible by growing community wealth and resilience?
  • Can this be done within the status quo of our current economic system, or do these people-focused economic pathways need to be nested within alternative economic models? Who is our economic growth for? Who bears the economic costs of environmental degradation and climate change?
  • What can we learn from the wisdom of Indigenous communities and leaders in how to build holistic and regenerative economies that benefit current and future generations?  

EFC aims to serve as both a navigator and a safe harbour for our members, and our annual conference is THE must-attend event for environmental funders. It’s a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from a beautiful Canadian landscape, and to fortify our resolve and resilience to face the challenges ahead. Our gatherings are curated to offer space for connection, reflection, grounding, curiosity and thought-provoking presentations that lead to honest and genuine dialogue and action.

Join us in beautiful Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) to celebrate successes, explore burning questions, and strengthen the cohesiveness of this special community, as we pursue our collective vision of a safe and thriving planet that sustains all life.

Agenda

We’ll continue updating the agenda as sessions and activities are confirmed.

  • Day 1

    Atlantic Electricity Cooperation Initiative – Pre-Conference Session presented by Ivey Foundation

    Co-hosted by the Ivey Foundation and EFC, this gathering is part of the Atlantic Energy Prosperity Initiative, a regional effort bringing together partners to collectively support and advance informed decision-making on electricity systems across Atlantic Canada.  This event will feature a series of panel discussions with perspectives from across the region and an opportunity to collect audience input.

    Opening Reception

    The Opening Reception convenes conference participants, local leaders, and community members to foster networking and relationship-building ahead of the conference. The evening will feature welcome remarks from political leaders, with light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres served.

  • Day 2

    Morning Activity – Yoga (all levels)
    Breakfast
    Conference Opening
    SESSION 1: SAFEGUARDING CANADA’S ECONOMY AND SOVEREIGNTY

    Canada’s institutional, financial and political orientation is almost exclusively oriented to the priority and urgency of building economic resilience and protecting national sovereignty. What are the implications for advancing environmental solutions in this context? Join us to discuss practical approaches for keeping environmental progress moving forward — even when it’s not the headline.

    Speakers:
    Armine Yalnizyan, Economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers, Atkinson Foundation
    David Coletto, CEO, Abacus Data

    Remaining Speakers TBD

    Activity – Paired Walks
    SESSION 2: DEFENCE – CONCURRENT SESSIONS

    Session 2 focuses on strengthening environmental and philanthropic sector resilience against a backdrop of increasing and anticipated alt-right attacks fueled by mis/disinformation and powerful industry lobbying. Participants are invited to participate in smaller, concurrent discussions designed for deeper exchange and practical insight.

    Session 2A: Culture and Narrative Wars – fighting fire with fire
    Anti-environment forces have managed to successfully shift the Overton Window of Canadian public opinion through the use of highly sophisticated online and offline infrastructure designed to influence and shift narratives in ways that have directly contributed to the rollback of environmental progress in many areas. But, there is hope! Come and learn about a collective of Canadian superstars who are now building the counter-infrastructure, to fight fire with fire!

    Speakers:
    Aurore Fauret, Climate Program Director, Trottier Foundation
    Gareth Gransaull, ReGeneration
    Katie McChesney, Organizing Exchange
    Juhi Sohani, Imagining an Otherwise

    Session 2B: Indigenous Litigation
    This session explores the growing role of Indigenous-led litigation in advancing environmental protection, rights, and sovereignty across Canada. The discussion will highlight emerging strategies, lessons learned, and what it means to support this work in a rapidly evolving legal and political landscape

    Speakers:
    Sara Mainville, Managing Partner, JFK Law
    Merle Alexandre, Principal, Miller Titerle Law Corporation
    Meaghan Calcari Campbell, Program Officer, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

    Session 2C: Guarding Against Sector Attacks and Misinformation
    As environmental and social sectors face increasing scrutiny, coordinated attacks, and misinformation, how can funders and leaders respond with clarity and resilience? This session shares lived experiences, lessons learned, and emerging approaches to building stronger, more intersectional defence infrastructure.

    Speakers:
    Betsy Apple, Executive Director, Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef)
    Joanna Kerr, Founder and Principal, NutHatch
    Kate Turner, Coordinator, Building Power Network
    Sadia Zaman, CEO, Inspirit Foundation

     

    Lunch

    During lunch, conference attendees can connect with representatives from Environment Funders Canada’s Funder Interest Groups: Let’s Talk Climate and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).

    SESSION 3: OFFENCE – BUILDING A NATURE-POSITIVE AND CLEAN ECONOMY

    There are many theoretical discussions about the economic opportunities associated with proactively building a low-carbon, nature positive economy. This session aims to move past opportunity articulation, to instead explore practical examples of where opportunities have actually been seized and implemented, to better understand how barriers were overcome and power was shifted.

    Speakers:
    Jigar Shah, Co-Managing Partner and Host of the Energy Empire and Open Circuit Podcasts, Multiplier*
    Brian Kettenring, Co-President, Global Fund for a New Economy
    David Flood, Executive Director, Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc.

    Remaining Speakers TBD

    Break
    SESSION 4: CONCURRENT FUNDER-LED SESSIONS

    Session 4 provides the opportunity for EFC Members to lead sessions of their choosing.

    Session 4A: Climate & Cities

    Session facilitators:
    Rod Ruff, President & CEO, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation
    Sarah Lusina, Director, Grants, Programs and Engagement, Metro Vancouver Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC)
    Melina Scholefield, Executive Director, Metro Vancouver Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC)

    Session 4B: Water Security

    Session facilitators:
    Marie-Paule Jeansonne, Executive Director, de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation
    Leanne Sexsmith, Director, Strategic Programs and Partnerships, Real Estate Foundation of BC
    Bridgitte Taylor, BC Program Lead, MakeWay

    Session 4C: Evaluating Impact

    Session facilitators:
    Trilby Smith, Senior Director for Programs and Learning, Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation
    Florianne Lemoine, Program Director, Climate and Health, Definity Insurance Foundation
    Ben Liadsky, Program Manager, The Counselling Foundation of Canada

    Session 4D: Nature Finance

    Session facilitators:
    Jeremy Guth, Trustee, Woodcock Foundation
    Carolynn Beaty, Executive Director, The Sitka Foundation

    Break
    Offsite dinner at Lobster on the Wharf

    Our offsite dinner takes us to a Charlottetown favourite, Lobster on the Wharf, where stunning waterfront views set the scene for an evening of kicking back with great company. Our conference attendees will enjoy a buffet featuring a PEI potato bar, fresh seafood, and lively entertainment from local musicians.

    2025 marks EFC’s 25th anniversary! Don’t miss a trip down memory lane, with a chance to contribute your photos and memories to our shared Prezi presentation.

    Please note that our dinner will be on the second floor of the restaurant and includes an extended deck overlooking Charlottetown Harbour.

  • Day 3

    Morning Activity – Sunrise ceremony with Mi’kmaq Elder Junior Peter-Paul

    Greet the sun with a Sunrise Ceremony led by Elder Junior Peter Paul, a reflective gathering to honour the Creator, Mother Earth, residential school survivors, children, and elders. Participants will form a circle to smudge and join in a blessing and song as the sun rises, giving thanks for the light it brings to humans, animals, and plants.

    Breakfast (and optional info sessions on three EFC funder collaboratives)
    SESSION 5: EXPANDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PHILANTHROPY PIE

    Drawing on new research recently commissioned by EFC, this session examines strategies to grow overall funding for environmental work by engaging new donors, sectors, and approaches, with the goal of increasing the scale and impact of environmental philanthropy.

    Speaker:
    Steve Joneslee, Principal, Steve S.J. Lee Consulting
    Suzanne Duncan, KCI
    Devika Shah, Executive Director, Environment Funders Canada (Moderator)

    Break
    Lunch and Local Field Trips

    During the lunch and field trips portion of the conference, participants will grab a boxed lunch and join one of two field trips to step outside the conference centre, learn from local leaders, and visit special places of interest.

    Field Trip A: Exploring Climate, Coastlines, and Community on PEI’s North Shore (supported by RBC Foundation and Wilburforce Foundation)

    Field Trip B: Walking the Forests of PEI: Restoration, Stewardship, and Place at Macphail Woods (supported by North Family Foundation and TD Friends of the Environment)

    SESSION 6: FACILITATED FUNDER SHARING SESSION

    One of the reasons funders attend EFC’s annual conference is to get a better understanding of the environmental funding landscape. Who is funding what? Where is the energy and momentum? What are the strategic collaboration opportunities? This session will be expertly facilitated to help you get a good snapshot of where the rest of your peers are at!

    Facilitator:
    Barb Sweazey, Founder and Principal, Barb Sweazey Professional Services Inc.

    SESSION 7: DEBATE – CAN WE WIN ON ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT RETOOLING OUR CURRENT ECONOMIC SYSTEM?

    This closing debate explores whether meaningful environmental progress can be achieved within our current economic system, or if deeper structural change is necessary. Speakers will challenge prevailing assumptions, offering contrasting perspectives on whether reform or full-scale transformation is required to address the climate crisis.

    Speakers:
    Colette Murphy, CEO, Atkinson Foundation
    Linda McQuaig, Author and Journalist
    Rachel Wasserman, Fellow, Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project
    Arlene Dickenson, Founder and General Partner, District Ventures Capital

    Remaining Speakers TBD

    Conference Closing & Thank Yous
    Post-Conference External Session – Atlantic Funders Collaborative

Registration

EFC’s conference is ONLY open to funders (staff, board members, and wealth holders), including those who are not current EFC members.

No-pitch Zone: Some attendees act as both grantmakers and grantseekers in different capacities. While funders are encouraged to work together to identify co-funding opportunities where relevant, we are committed to creating a trusted space where funders can come together to learn and share without solicitation for funding or pressure to fund in a particular way. In line with our Member Code of Conduct, attendees may not act in a grantseeking capacity and conversations need to remain at the funder-to-funder level.

Pre-Conference Field Trips

This year, we’re excited to offer two day trips to different points on the island! You’re welcome to join us for one or take advantage of both trip options. Simply choose the trip(s) you’d like to attend and register by clicking the links below.

Trip A: Sunday, June 7th (all day) will include a visit to Lennox Island First Nation, guided by community leaders and Knowledge Keepers, followed by a private group dinner at The Table in New London. Learn more and register at the Trip A Eventbrite page. Please note: There is a waitlist for this trip.

Trip B: Monday June 8th (half day) will visit the Basin Head Marine Protected Area, featuring guided walks and a visit to the Basin Head Fisheries Museum. Learn more and register at the Trip B Eventbrite page. 

PREMIER LEVEL SPONSORS

CHAMPION LEVEL SPONSORS

STEWARD LEVEL SPONSORS

The Venue

Confederation Centre of the Arts

Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — the birthplace of Confederation — the Centre was constructed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 where Canada was first proposed. Built as a national memorial to Confederation, the Centre’s goal was to celebrate Canada and its people through the arts. Since then, Confederation Centre of the Arts has evolved to become a national convening place for conversations on the evolution of Canada through the lens of visual and performing arts, and heritage activities. The Centre is also undergoing the largest rejuvenation project in its 60-year history — just in time for our 2026 conference!

Local land stewardship contribution

Macphail Woods

EFC’s commitment to a future that is good for people, planet, and place will underpin the planning and delivery of our conference. In this spirit, we have included a local land stewardship contribution in the registration to Macphail Woods (ecological forestry project) in PEI. Through its leadership in restoring the endangered Wabanaki-Acadian forest, managing public lands using sustainable forestry practices, and propagating native and rare species, Macphail Woods is helping rebuild healthier, more resilient forest ecosystems across Prince Edward Island. Just as importantly, its commitment to education and on-the-land learning ensures this work supports both thriving ecosystems and the people who learn from, care for, and steward these landscapes.

Planning Committee

Namendra Anand, GreenStep, Co-Chair
Kristina Inrig, Sustainable Capacity Foundation, Co-Chair
Alison Ronson, Weston Family Foundation
Anne Mark and Claire Barcik, Catherine Donnelly Foundation
Dana Decent and Floraine Lemoine, Definity Foundation
Hannah Bradshaw, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
Karine Parvin, Donner Canadian Foundation
Melina Scholefield and Sarah Lusina, ZEIC
Nicholas LePage, Echo Foundation
Trilby Smith, Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation