Our Indigenous members are like family. We are committed to knowing our members by name, and when you become a member, you will get our direct lines and an invitation to reach out any time.
In acknowledging that the settler philanthropic wealth in so-called canada was built on the lands and labour of Indigenous peoples, we waive membership fees for Indigenous-led member organizations and offer reduced rates to our paid programming.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Gatherings
There are invitations to gatherings throughout the year, some of which will be for Indigenous peoples only.
Meaningful Connection
The Circle looks for ways to weave together our members’ visions, organizations, and strategies that advance Indigenous justice and sovereignty.
Resources
The Circle is continuing to build a bundle of resources that support Indigenous-led organizations centering collective values and wellness.
Individualized Support
What we offer to our members is as varied as our members themselves! If you are looking for an introduction, advice, amplification or any other support – reach out because if we don’t have the answer, we probably can find someone who does.
Sector Coaching Calls
Indigenous member organizations can book a 1-1 call with someone on our senior leadership team. Through coaching, we embolden your power and uplift your voice with funders.
Professional Services
We are committed to supporting low/no cost professional services that center your vision and uplift your values. Reach out and we’ll see what we can do.
CURRENT MEMBER OFFERINGS
Blumberg’s Professional Corporation
From now until January 31, 2026 Indigenous members have access to ONE free online course. There are 36 courses to choose from and you’ll have access to your course of choice for a full year. View the full suite of courses and email members@circleonphilanthropy.ca for your code to waive the enrollment fee.
Seasonal Member Connects
Member Connects are an opportunity for our Indigenous-led and Settler Philanthropic members to connect with one another and with The Circle. In 2026, your Member Connects will provide Circle updates and will prioritize more dialogue and feature Indigenous members doing transformative work.
Cousins in Philanthropy
CiP is a new program we’re offering for Indigenous peoples who work within the philanthropic sector. If you’d like to inquire about this emerging initiative, contact Nicole Lamy at nicole@circleonphilanthropy.ca.
Visit our Gathering Hub, where all our upcoming events and gatherings are listed.
We operate on an annual intake for membership applications, this allows us to strengthen our presence with our current members. By aligning the intake cycle annually, we can go with a rhythm that allows for stronger relationship-building, and strengthening our commitments to full engagement and accountability with our Membership.
The link to our application form is available October 1-31 of each year. We invite interested organizations to come back and visit us in October.
- Submit Application in October.
- The Circle Summer team reviews applications.
- Eligible organizations will be invited to a 1:1 call.
- The Circle reviews and makes a final decision regarding your application.
- You’ll hear back from The Circle by January (if not sooner).
After completing the application process, you will receive an official communication from us regarding your membership. If your organization is not accepted for membership at this time, we’ll share why. If all is aligned, you will receive a welcome package and you can begin activating your full membership.
We value engagement as much as accountability with our members. We show up fully for our members and expect active engagement in return.
We invite Indigenous-led members to complete a renewal survey annually in November of each year. This yearly check-in is designed to continue your membership and your responses help shape The Circle’s upcoming programs and offerings. Completing it – and our review of your responses – enacts our guiding values of curiosity, abundance, reciprocity, accountability.
The annual renewal is an opportunity for honest reflection and assessment on your organization’s engagement throughout the year. It’s a time for feedback and guidance, or a chance to reconsider your membership so we can prioritize members who show up.
Current and prospective members are welcome to attend our public events and gatherings throughout the year. Sign up for Seasonal Newsletter and the Circle Bulletin for current invitations and information. You are also welcome to check out our social media platforms (LinkedIn and Bluesky).
