“Philanthropy & Democracy” Event
A recording of our Celebrating Philanthropy event, “Philanthropy and Democracy,” on June 18, 2026, is available:
What is philanthropy’s role in democracy? How can philanthropy in Canada create, sustain or revive civic spaces that foster community connection and trust? Does philanthropy itself need to be democratized?
Panellists
Holly Bair-Marshall
Holly is Founder and Principal of and is President-Elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Ottawa). to achieve their philanthropic potential through thoughtful strategy, practical guidance and meaningful impact. She’s a member of the Black Canadian Fundraisers鈥 Collective and for more than 10 years, worked with the National Arts Centre as Senior Development Officer and leader of the Major Gifts team. She’s also an MPNL alum.
Bill Cross
Bill has been a Professor in the Department of Political Science, at 杏吧原创 University, for nearly 20 years. He has researched Canadian and comparative political institutions, the connections between civil society and political parties, and intra-party democracy and organization. Recently, as part of his Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Non-profit Leadership (MPNL), program, he conducted research relating to governance of Canada鈥檚 national sports organizations, a timely subject, because of criticism of the way sport is organized in Canada.
Sabreena Delhon
is CEO of the , which is focused on strengthening and protecting Canadian democracy. She’s directed research and public-engagement initiatives that have made an impact across justice, academic and nonprofit sectors. She’s a Senior Fellow at Massey College and was host of Group Chat: Making Sense of Canada’s Democracy With a Few Friends, a podcast about contemporary issues in Canada鈥檚 democracy, and Humans of the House, a podcast about the lived experience of former Members of Parliament
Amanda Munday
is the Executive Director of , a youth, civic-engagement organization that asks, What happens when an entire generation stops believing the democratic system is meant for them? Her work centres on face-to-face organizing with young people and first-time voters across Canada, with a focus on voting engagement where trust, not persuasion, is the starting point. She’s known for translating abstract democratic ideals into practical action and designing strategies that move people from disengagement to participation.
Susan Phillips, CM
is moderator of the panel. She’s Professor Emerita in the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program, at 杏吧原创 University. She鈥檚 Faculty Supervisor with the Women in Philanthropy (WiP) project and Interim Director of the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP). She’s also co-author, with Bob Wyatt, of Intersections and Innovations: Change for Canada鈥檚 Voluntary and Nonprofit Sector, which presents essays and perspectives on the roles and inner workings of Canada鈥檚 charities.