Dragonfly Ventures engages in special projects inspired by the desire to fill unique gaps.

Exploring the Issue of Toxics

Old plastic bottles on the muddy ground

When we began considering the issue of toxics, we took a series of steps to better understand the topic:

01

Researching the state of toxics issues and efforts in Canada to better understand the opportunities and challenges.

02

Hosting a series of convenings to learn from NGOs, funders, experts, and academics on where there was traction for action.

03

Supporting the development and ongoing operations of a new coalition, the Coalition for Action on Toxics (CAT) to move towards action.

 

Currently, our program addresses the issue of toxics in the following ways:

  • Participation in and financial support of CAT to work towards federal legislation that requires chemicals be proven safe before being released for public sale and use. 

  • Supporting community-led action to address immediate toxic threats via grants from The Dragonfly Fund including:

    • Breast Cancer Action Quebec

    • Several Indigenous communities across the country addressing toxic contamination issues affecting the health of their communities and traditional territories

  • 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 including:


Our toxics work was featured in Tides Canada’s 2017 Year in Review.

Emotional Health and Well-Being

White woman sitting with laptop in nature

In 2018, Dragonfly Ventures began exploring how to foster the emotional health and well-being of the phenomenally dedicated individuals working in the charitable sector.

At the core of our interest was a desire to acknowledge the often emotionally challenging workplace situations experienced on a daily basis. Research was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 to better understand the needs of grantees generally and within the Dragonfly Fund’s community. Since then, additional top-up grants have been offered to the Dragonfly Fund grantees to ensure issues like depression and burnout can be addressed. 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.

This program was featured in a blog on the MakeWay website.

Covid-19 Rapid Response Grantmaking

Black woman wearing a face mask, walking near car traffic

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, our Dragonfly Fund committed $2 million in additional funding through our donor-advised fund at MakeWay Foundation.

This funding was distributed across Canada to charities that are supporting communities and individuals who are especially vulnerable: Women and children experiencing violence, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPoC) communities, and those who are food insecure.

While this funding is indeed aligned with Dragonfly Ventures existing vision, we chose to expand beyond our four focus areas. This expansion encompasses emergency relief for a broader range of charities that are ensuring people’s basic needs are supported, knowing that the coronavirus pandemic is shining a light on how our current systems are not adequately supporting those who need it most.

The majority of the funds were provided to shelters led by or serving BIPoC women and children. Additional grants were given to support food security, and front-line support for vulnerable Indigenous communities.

“We are living in unprecedented times. We are all experiencing a colossal shift in our daily personal, professional, emotional, physical and spiritual lives due to this modern-day plague. The most powerful being on this planet is invisible, and we have very little real understanding of how or why it affects us physically, let alone economically, or even spiritually. What we once believed to be secure isn’t any more. It is both terrifying, and also exhilarating as it is creating openings for tremendous change going forward. But the reality is that right now, it is creating immediate dire needs for many, especially people and communities that were already suffering from systemic barriers and racism. Yes, our government is stepping up to help those who need it the most, but we know it will not be enough with so many unable to access these resources.”

— Statement to Grantees from Dragonfly Ventures


Some of our grantees include: