In June 2025, the Lawson Foundation will officially launch our updated Strategic Direction, setting the course for our work in the years ahead.
As we near this milestone, we are taking stock—of what we’ve learned, how the landscape is shifting, and where we can continue to enable lasting impact.
For over 30 years, the Lawson Foundation has supported the healthy development of children and youth in Canada, always embracing opportunities to evolve our approach and meet emerging needs. Now, as we update our strategic direction, our commitment remains the same: working upstream, strengthening systems, and supporting community-driven solutions.
This year-long process has been guided by both internal reflection and external expertise, including the development of a number of insightful reports that are helping shape our thinking about the road ahead.
We are excited to share three of these reports below, which have been particularly valuable in deepening our understanding of the shifting philanthropic landscape, the future of early childhood development, and the role of youth leadership in Canada’s climate and environmental sector.
The Lawson Foundation has always believed that sharing knowledge and learning together is essential to strengthening the collective impact of the philanthropic sector. We invite you to explore these reports, reflect on their insights, and share them within your networks.
Imagining What’s Next: Strategic Foresight for Early Childhood in Canada (Access Full Report)
Climate change, technological advances, income inequality, workforce challenges, accessibility, and policy shifts are shaping the future of early childhood development (ECD) in Canada. Using a foresight methodology, this report explores seven drivers of ECD futures that will impact children, families, practitioners, and policymakers. The report explores four possible scenarios to use as tools to imagine the future. It highlights the role of systemic changes, demographic shifts, and social determinants of health in shaping how children grow, learn, and thrive. This companion worksheet can help you explore how to apply the report in your ECD work.
Landscape Briefing on Canadian Philanthropy (Access Full Report)
Philanthropy in Canada is evolving. How can funders move beyond traditional models toward more trust-based, equity-driven approaches? This report examines key shifts in the sector, including funding practices, participatory grantmaking, the regulatory environment, and the role of foundations as convenors and network builders. It also explores challenges related to climate action, reconciliation, and financial sustainability and raises critical questions for the future of philanthropy in Canada.
Catalyzing Change: Youth Leadership in Canada’s Climate and Environmental Sector (Access Full Report)
Young people are at the forefront of climate action, but systemic barriers—such as limited funding, burnout, and lack of institutional support—hinder their long-term impact. This report maps the current landscape of youth-led environmental movements in Canada, identifies challenges faced by BIPOC and Indigenous youth, and outlines how philanthropy can better support youth climate leadership through movement-building, alternative funding strategies, and capacity-building initiatives.
Amanda Mayer