Funders

The Natural Step Canada is an entrepreneurial non-profit and a registered charitable organization. To deliver our programs, we rely on a mix of revenue streams including grants and sponsorships from foundations, corporations, and government.

Our funders share our understanding of the system conditions required to achieve a sustainable society and our sense of urgency about the change required to make the transition. They invest in us because we are:

Credible: We are trusted experts for sustainability. Building on rigorous scientific foundations, we have been at the forefront of sustainability theory and practice for more than two decades.
Ambitious yet Practical: We are committed to creating a future where all can thrive. We also know that implementing long-lasting solutions takes time and energy. Using a strategic approach, we help groups take practical steps towards sustainability.
Leading edge: We are recognized as sustainability leaders who work with and support other leaders and early adopters. Together we are creating news paths to a sustainable future.
Systems-based: We understand that solutions for sustainability require looking at the big picture and all of the interconnected parts and relationships in the systems around us. We help others use a systems approach to address the root causes of complex sustainability challenges.
Collaborative: We know that working together is critical to move towards sustainability and that we are just one player in a large system. We’re willing to place the issues at the center of our work and then team up with others to co-create solutions. We help others collaborate by building a shared language and by designing and facilitating effective processes.
Committed to Learning: We are always asking questions. Learning is part of our DNA. We enjoy learning at every step of the way. We are always reflecting on our own successes and challenges, exploring connections to others’ work, and looking for ways to increase our positive impact.
Innovative: We are committed to finding breakthrough solutions for sustainability that bring about lasting change. We like to design, test, and refine. We stay connected to what is on the cutting edge, and embrace new ideas.

Our funded programs focus on two primary intended impact areas that we believe are crucial to accelerating the transition to a sustainable society: enabling collaboration for systems change and building sustainability literacy.

Enabling Collaboration for Systems Change

The following organizations have invested in The Natural Step Canada’s capacity to enable collaboration for systems change since September 2012, for example through:

The Sustainability Transition Lab - a powerful collaborative approach to tackling complex social and environmental challenges.
Toward a Gold-standard for Sustainable Business – a collaborative project aiming to accelerate the sustainable business movement by advancing practice in the field of sustainable business rating and ranking
Accelerate: Collaborating for Sustainability – a conference to convene stakeholders tackling complex sustainability issues through collective action.

	Alberta Ecotrust Foundation Since 1992, Alberta Ecotrust has invested more than 6.5 million in the people and projects that are helping make Alberta a stronger, more sustainable place to live, work and play.
	Alberta Real Estate Foundation The Alberta Real Estate Foundation supports and originates initiatives that enhance the real estate industry and benefit the people of Alberta.
	Catherine Donnelly Foundation The Catherine Donnelly Foundation, established in 2003, is the financial and human legacy of the tireless efforts of a remarkable community of religious women, The Sisters of Service, and a testament to their work in communities across Canada.
	Cenovus Energy Cenovus Energy is a Canadian oil company. We're committed to applying fresh, progressive thinking to safely and responsibly unlock energy resources the world needs.
	Chemistry Industry Association of Canada The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada’s members create solutions to the world’s toughest problems, while adhering to Responsible Care®
	Landmark Group of Builders Landmark’s position for becoming a sustainable builder is not based on emotion, but on sound business principles, economics and progressive thinking. We believe sustainable building is a mega-trend that significantly improves the quality of our homes and benefits our customers.
	IKEA At IKEA, our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.
	Interface We’re going for zero. Mission Zero. Zero emissions. Zero waste. Zero oil. That’s right. ZERO oil. It’s a tough challenge since carpet is made from oil, and we’re more than halfway there. By using less energy and material, making products that last and recycling old carpet into new, we already have the most off oil carpet.
	ISL Engineering and Land Services The exceptional people at ISL have a new commitment for clients-a commitment to integrate sustainable practices into our culture, our operations and our professional services.
	MaRS Centre for Impact Investing The Centre for Impact Investing is a social finance hub and project incubator that acts as a neutral collaboration space for all sectors – government, community and private—to strengthen our collective ability to mobilize private capital for public good.
	Sheridan College Sheridan College is a publicly-funded institution overseen by a Board of Governors, consisting of both appointed and elected representatives.
	Suncor Energy Suncor is committed to a set of goals and values that guide our business decisions. Central to this is the principle of a triple-bottom-line. This means managing our operations and growth plans in a way that enhances social and economic benefits, while striving to minimize the environmental impact associated with development.
	Suncor Energy Foundation Suncor is committed to a set of goals and values that guide our business decisions. Central to this is the principle of a triple-bottom-line. This means managing our operations and growth plans in a way that enhances social and economic benefits, while striving to minimize the environmental impact associated with development.
	The Calgary Foundation The Calgary Foundation, established in 1955, facilitates collaborative philanthropy by making powerful connections between donors and community organizations for the long term benefit of Calgary and surrounding area.
	The City of Calgary Working together to create and sustain a vibrant, healthy, safe, and caring community.
	The Co-operators The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100% Canadian owned and operated company with $42.9 billion in assets under administration. We insure over two million people Canada-wide. We are active corporate members of our communities, a catalyst for a sustainable society and a true home-grown champion with strong co-operative roots.
	The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation Our vision at the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is a Canada where all people feel a sense of belonging and contribute as active citizens to improving the well-being of all. The Foundation is a private family foundation funding programs to foster a more innovative, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Canada.
	Zipcar Zipcar is the world's largest car sharing and car club service. It is an alternative to traditional car rental and car ownership.

Building Sustainability Literacy

The following organizations have invested in The Natural Step Canada’s initiatives to build sustainability literacy and capacity since January 2012, for example through:

Delivering high quality sustainability learning programs, such as:

MBA Sustainability Leadership Bootcamp
IMPACT! Sustainability Champions Program

The development and dissemination of practical and well-researched sustainability toolkits, guidebooks, and thought leadership reports, such as:

Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Planning Guide

	Affinity Credit Union Every day, Affinity invests member capital to help build strong and sustainable local communities. It's actually pretty simple: The money you deposit is invested in your community in the form of loans to local residents, businesses, farmers, community organizations and other local institutions.
	Alberta Real Estate Foundation The Alberta Real Estate Foundation supports and originates initiatives that enhance the real estate industry and benefit the people of Alberta.
	Alterna Savings For over 100 years, Alterna Savings has been conducting business based on cooperative principles, where decisions are made based less on corporate profits and more on the needs of its members.
	Calgary Economic Development Calgary Economic Development (CED) strives to make Calgary the undisputed choice for people and business. As Calgary's lead economic development agency, we work with businesses to facilitate growth, expedite local, national, and international business investment and trade development opportunities, and promote sustainable economic growth in the Calgary region.
	Catherine Donnelly Foundation The Catherine Donnelly Foundation, established in 2003, is the financial and human legacy of the tireless efforts of a remarkable community of religious women, The Sisters of Service, and a testament to their work in communities across Canada.
	Community Foundation of Ottawa The Community Foundation of Ottawa is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. As an independent centre for community philanthropy, it connects donors who care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community.
	Earth Day Canada The Earth Day Canada Community Environment Fund (CEF), in partnership with Sobeys Ontario, provides financial grants of up to $20 000 to support local environmental initiatives and projects in Ontario. As a result, registered not-for-profit organizations, registered charities, and schools have a greater opportunity to develop sustainable projects that educate and inspire action in communities across the province.
	Foundation of Greater Montreal The Foundation of Greater Montreal manages permanent endowment funds and supports local initiatives aimed at the well-being of the community.
	Landmark Group of Builders Landmark’s position for becoming a sustainable builder is not based on emotion, but on sound business principles, economics and progressive thinking. We believe sustainable building is a mega-trend that significantly improves the quality of our homes and benefits our customers.
	Meridian Credit Union Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, helping more than a quarter of a million Members grow their lives and businesses. As a credit union, we are 100 percent owned by our Members. We work only for them, with profits returned to our Members in the form of the best products and services we can offer.
	Ontario Trillium Foundation The Ontario Trillium Foundation enables Ontarians to work together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. We believe that communities across Ontario are rich in talent, creativity and drive, and our grants stimulate communities to build on these assets. The Foundation's goal, from the very beginning, has been to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario, and to strengthen the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives.
	Ottawa Sustainability Fund The Ottawa Sustainability Fund (the OSFund) was created in 2006 as a philanthropic fund of the Community Foundation of Ottawa (the Foundation). It enables donors to support with confidence projects that foster a sustainable society in the City of Ottawa.
	Pratt & Whitney Canada Pratt & Whitney Canada is a leader in the green evolution in aerospace with a new generation of technologies and environmental stewardship across all facets of its business, outperforming the most stringent ICAO standards. Today it is working on some 600 'green' projects in collaboration with 20 Universities across the country.
	Province of Ontario The Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment supports a strong, innovative economy that can provide jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all Ontarians.
	Service Canada Service Canada was created in 2005 to improve the delivery of government programs and services to Canadians, by making access to them faster, easier, and more convenient.
	Suncor Energy Foundation Suncor is committed to a set of goals and values that guide our business decisions. Central to this is the principle of a triple-bottom-line. This means managing our operations and growth plans in a way that enhances social and economic benefits, while striving to minimize the environmental impact associated with development.
	TD The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national organization, formed by TD Bank Financial Group, with a grassroots focus that funds local projects dedicated to preserving the environment. We work with Canadians who are committed to protecting the environment in their own community and across the country.
	TD Friends of the Environment Foundation The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national organization, formed by TD Bank Financial Group, with a grassroots focus that funds local projects dedicated to preserving the environment. We work with Canadians who are committed to protecting the environment in their own community and across the country.
	The Co-operators The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100% Canadian owned and operated company with $42.9 billion in assets under administration. We insure over two million people Canada-wide. We are active corporate members of our communities, a catalyst for a sustainable society and a true home-grown champion with strong co-operative roots.
	The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation Our vision at the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is a Canada where all people feel a sense of belonging and contribute as active citizens to improving the well-being of all. The Foundation is a private family foundation funding programs to foster a more innovative, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Canada.
	The Sovereign General Insurance Company A member of The Co-operator Group of Companies, The Sovereign General Insurance Company is a Canadian owned and operated property and casualty insurer, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta with full-service branches from coast-to-coast.
	The Walter J. Blackburn Foundation The foundation is a private charity which provides grants to charitable organizations in London and Southwestern Ontario in the areas of education, health, welfare, environment and the arts.