Rural Philanthropy: Mapping Patterns of Charitable Giving in Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada's Atlantic Region

Abstract

Philanthropy is often considered a core social norm in small, sometimes isolated communities. It manifests in the propensity of local service clubs, church groups, individuals, and entire communities to band together to support those who struggle. This project examines the landscape of environmental non-profits and their relationships to charitable giving, specifically in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), and more broadly across Atlantic Canada. This research uses an exploratory mixed-methods approach. The methods employed in this research include a systematic literature review and jurisdictional scan, secondary statistical analysis of Canada Revenue Agency data, and semi-structured interviews with participants from a pool of environmental charities and non-profits in NL to identify existing patterns of environmental philanthropy in Newfoundland, as well as the benefits, challenges and barriers and faced by environmental organizations and support needed to participate in the sector as a whole.