Dragonfly Ventures work is made possible through reciprocal relationships with communities, organizations, companies, and funds.

Below is a snapshot of companies and organizations we have supported through one or more of our financial and non-financial tools. These relationships represent diverse ways of bringing our mission, vision, and values to life.  

Fair Finance Fund
Coralus
Cidel
Canada's National Observer
Farmers For Climate Solutions
Genus
Ilisaqsivik
Foundation for Black Communities
Windmill Microlending
Black Creek Farm Community

Our Projects

Inspired by our desire to fill unique gaps, Dragonfly Ventures dives deeply in specific areas to elevate our work. 

Toxic Elimination

Dragonfly Ventures’ Toxics Program is focused on addressing the urgent challenges caused by toxic substances. We advance solutions that centre equity and prioritize environmental and human health.

By supporting innovative projects and collaborations, this program aims to catalyze positive change and create a healthier, safer environment for all people living in Canada.

Dragonfly Ventures has been deeply involved in issue of toxics since 2014.  Our work is informed by research we commissioned on the state of the issue, and engagement of those actively working in the space. Our integrated approach focuses on:

  • An improved policy framework to effectively regulate toxic substances in Canada. This work is supported by the creation and management of the Coalition for on Action on Toxics (CAT), a project that now resides within our foundation.

  • Supporting community-led action to address immediate threats.

  • Investing in funds and companies that focus on safe alternatives to reduce the overall pervasiveness of and exposure to toxic chemicals in our daily lives.

  • Improving public understanding of the impact of toxics on human health and the natural environment while being mindful of recognizing that the onus is on those creating and regulating the toxic substances. 

  • Investing in research and innovation that supports the elimination of harmful substances and provides truly safe alternatives.

  • Screening out chemical companies from our public investments.

Safer Made
Satya Organic
Ecojustice
Aisle
David Suzuki Foundation
Environmental Defence
Canadian Association Physicians for the Environment
Breast Cancer Action Quebec
Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Recompose
Indigenous Climate Action
Dispersa

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

In 2018, Dragonfly Ventures began exploring how to foster the emotional health and well-being of the dedicated individuals working in the organizations we were supporting through charitable grants. 

At the core of our interest was a desire to acknowledge the significant gap in the charitable sector: prioritizing the output of charities who face increased workload, limited resources, and low salaries without considering the health and wellbeing of the people doing the work.

Research was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 to better understand the needs of grantees generally and within The Dragonfly Fund community. Since then, additional grants have been offered to The Dragonfly Fund grantees to nurture the health of the employees and volunteers within the organization. Recipients self-direct how the funds are used to support the emotional health and well-being of their employees and volunteers. This has become a permanent practice within The Dragonfly Fund’s annual granting process and has become an approach we foster in our relationships with our investments.