Highlighting the groundbreaking Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP)—a $335 million, Indigenous-led initiative blending philanthropy, government, and private investment. We will explore how family offices and foundations can empower First Nations, protect critical marine ecosystems, and support resilient coastal communities through innovative co-management and conservation finance models.

This dialogue will spotlight the rapid rise and evolution of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in Vancouver and British Columbia. Panels examine how DAFs offer flexibility, legacy planning, and impact-focused giving; discuss success stories, tax-efficient strategies, and how DAFs are being used to support oceans, Indigenous programs, and a new generation of philanthropic priorities in the region.

Exploring the shift toward collaborative “trust-based” philanthropy, where family offices and foundations engage deeply with communities and deploy patient capital for long-term change. Discussion includes new approaches to stewardship, active engagement in program design, and alignment with Indigenous and climate justice priorities to ensure measurable, lasting outcomes.

We will examine how family offices and philanthropic funds are supporting marine-centered ventures—such as clean technology, coastal restoration, and sustainable fisheries. Featuring collaborations between Indigenous entrepreneurs, environmental NGOs, and private impact capital, illustrating Vancouver’s unique position as a North American hub for ocean innovation.

This session will highlight models where family offices and foundations are forging new partnerships with Indigenous communities for mutual social, environmental, and economic benefit. Explore co-created initiatives, co-investment strategies, and stories of shared leadership that are redefining both philanthropy and business in coastal BC.