Reflections from AFP Greater Vancouver’s Government Relations Portfolio
One of the roles of the AFP Greater Vancouver Government Relations Committee is to help members understand government initiatives and consider how they may intersect with the charitable sector. As governments introduce new legislation, update strategies, and set priorities, our goal is to provide context, encourage thoughtful discussion, and help fundraising professionals navigate an evolving policy landscape.
The recently released BC Anti-Racism Action Plan is one such initiative. This plan, set to guide provincial priorities for the next two years, marks the fulfillment of Part 2 of the 2024 Anti-Racism Act.
After reviewing the plan, several key facts stand out. It includes 37 actions across eight pillars, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic racism in British Columbia. That means the actions span multiple sectors—including health care, education, employment, justice, public safety, climate response, and public service delivery. Both The Plan and The Act specifically mention commitments to Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities.
For charities and fundraising professionals, the BC Anti-Racism Action Plan is useful because it signals where the Province is directing attention, funding, and accountability, especially around equity, reconciliation, and access to services. Organizations whose work touches on health, social services, education, community development, newcomer services, reconciliation, or equity may find it helpful to consider how these priorities align with their own strategic objectives, partnerships, and long-term planning. Organizations can also use it to test whether their programs and fundraising narratives are aligned with public priorities, and to strengthen partnerships by showing how their work supports safer, more inclusive, and more responsive services. It also helps frame funding proposals around long-term systems change rather than one-off activities, which can make a stronger case for donors who want evidence of policy relevance and measurable community impact.
For example, the BC Anti-Racism Action Plan is directly relevant to today’s healthcare issues in BC because it targets the racism and discrimination that continue to shape access, trust, and outcomes for Indigenous and racialized patients, including barriers that can lead people to delay care or disengage from follow-up treatment. In practice, healthcare organizations can use the plan to guide better care by embedding cultural safety training, improving complaint and incident-response processes, using data to identify inequities, and aligning service design with community voices so care feels safer, more respectful, and more responsive. In relation to fundraising, equity-focused fundraising can support the capacity-building work the plan calls for such as cultural safety education, Indigenous-led programs, patient navigation, community outreach, and evaluation; while giving donors a clear, values-based case for investing in measurable health equity improvements.
Strong examples of anti-racism and equity focused organizations within our sector already exist. Here are a few organizations and resources for you to review:
Resources:
- AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter: Idea Resource Hub
- AFP Global: AFP Idea
- Community-Centric Fundraising: CCM Movement
- BC Policy Solutions: Policies for Racial and Socio-Economic Equity
- The Circle: The Circle on Philanthropy
- Johnson Center: Community-Centric Fundraising Report
Five Questions to Consider
As you reflect on the BC Anti-Racism Action Plan, consider the following questions:
- How might evolving government priorities influence our organization’s work?
Understanding the broader policy environment and legislative processes can help identify opportunities for collaboration, funding alignment, or strategic partnerships.
- Are we building authentic relationships with the communities we serve?
Whether working with Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, or other populations, meaningful engagement is strengthened through transparent relationships, listening, and reciprocal partnership.
- Is your governance system and leadership structure set up to systemically empower the flourishing of diverse perspectives?
Boards, committees, staff, and volunteers all shape organizational culture and decision-making. Periodically reflecting on whose voices are valued is a helpful exercise.
- Are we prepared to discuss equity and inclusion with donors and partners?
Many supporters are increasingly interested in understanding how organizations foster belonging, reduce barriers, and measure impact. Being able to articulate your approach can strengthen trust and engagement.
- How can philanthropy complement public investment?
Government, community organizations, and philanthropy each have distinct but interconnected roles. The greatest impact often comes when these sectors work together to support community-led solutions and create lasting change.
From the Government Relations Desk
We believe that healthy communities depend on strong relationships between philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and public institutions. Strengthening understanding across these spaces is an ongoing process—and one that benefits the entire sector. If there are policy developments you would like the Government Relations Committee to explore in future reflections, we welcome hearing from members.
AFP Greater Vancouver is committed to supporting ethical, non-partisan dialogue that strengthens understanding between policymakers and the fundraising profession. These reflections are intended to inform and educate our community as public policy conversations continue to evolve.
Nathania Fung, Gillian Der, and Jeanneth Jacome
Government Relations Committee
AFP Greater Vancouver