Using Relationship Mapping to Research Private Family Foundations
Private family foundations play a significant role in Canadian philanthropy. For researchers, understanding the people behind these foundations—and their connections—is key. Relationship mapping helps uncover how board members link across charities and companies, revealing potential pathways for outreach and engagement.
What Is Relationship Mapping?
Relationship mapping shows how individuals are connected through board memberships, professional roles, and other affiliations. For prospect research, it can help:
- Identify individuals who sit on multiple boards
- Uncover cross-sector ties between charities and businesses
- Understand influence and access points within a network
This is especially valuable when engaging with private family foundations, where personal networks often guide giving.
Examples of Foundations and Their Networks
Weston Family Foundation
Overview: A major funder in health, science, and the environment.
Board Connections: Galen G. Weston Jr. is Chairman and CEO of George Weston Limited and Executive Chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited. Past and current Weston family members have also served with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum. Mapping these connections can help identify shared interests in conservation, food security, and education.
Bronfman Family Foundation
Overview: Focuses on culture, urban sustainability, and community life.
Board Connections: Bronfman family members have held roles with the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, and McGill University. Their legacy in Seagram and involvement in The Samuel Bronfman Foundation (U.S.) further link them to academic and cultural institutions.
Laidlaw Foundation
Overview: Supports youth-led initiatives, arts, and Indigenous reconciliation.
Board Connections: Directors and advisors have been involved with the Toronto Arts Council, the Centre for Young Black Professionals (CYBP), and the Atkinson Foundation. These links reflect a strong focus on local community building and equity.
How to Use Relationship Mapping in Research
- Collect Board Data: Use charity and corporate filings to track directorships
- Map the Network: Platforms like CharityCAN can visualize how people connect across sectors
- Identify Overlap: Look for individuals with ties to both your organization and target foundations
Final Thoughts
Private family foundations often operate within tight-knit networks. Relationship mapping gives fundraisers a strategic advantage by revealing shared governance and mutual affiliations. Whether it’s identifying a corporate board connection or a shared trustee on a museum or university board, these insights can help tailor cultivation and deepen engagement.