Sustainable communities: The role for philanthropy

Join Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers’ Network as we explore the role for philanthropy in nurturing sustainability initiatives in communities across Canada.  Our towns and cities are on the front lines of a range of environmental challenges and funders — whether community, private, government or corporate — are in a good position to help drive the solutions we need. Community Foundations of Canada and CEGN, with support from and in partnership with the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, will host a webinar series over the next several months focusing on a number of topics including advancing green infrastructure; connecting local parks and people; and spurring active transportation.

The first webinar will be held on Friday, October 26 from 1 – 2 p.m. EDT and will provide a 101 introduction to green infrastructure in Canadian communities — the use of vegetation, soils, and green technologies to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create healthy urban environments. With the number and severity of floods growing due to climate change, green infrastructure initiatives provide a practical adaptation strategy for communities across the country (and globe). The webinar will zero in on the ways by which funders can support community engagement and policy work to advance green infrastructure. Speakers include: Thomas Bowers, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation; Roy Brooke, The Municipal Natural Assets Initiative; Sharyn Inward, Green Communities Canada, and Sheila Leahy, Regional Team Co-ordinator, Great Lakes One Water Partnership.