Philanthropy and Nonprofits in the ‘Innovation Economy’
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The MPNL program and TD Bank Group invite you to join the Annual TD Lecture on Philanthropy — Philanthropy and Nonprofits in the ‘Innovation Economy’ — on April 16, 2026, 3:30 p.m. (EDT), .
Canada is in the process of reinventing our economy to be more productive and innovative. What is the role of the philanthropic and charitable/nonprofit sector in this new economy? How does the sector support innovation? How can the sector be a full partner in this reinvention process? (Note, the event will be recorded and the recording distributed.)
Panellists
is a Professor, the Munk Chair of Innovation Studies, and Co-Director of the at the University of Toronto. He’s also co-director of the program on Innovation, Equity and the Future of Prosperity at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). In 2021, he published the award-winning book , which argues that there are models for innovation-based growth that don鈥檛 rely on a flourishing high-tech industry and that communities waste time, money and energy pursuing this high-tech road to nowhere. Instead, he proposes that communities focus on where they fit within four stages in the global production process and recognize that all localities have certain advantages relative to at least one stage of the global process and that the trick is in recognizing those advantages.
is the CEO of , a leader in social finance and innovation, dedicated to driving systemic change through mission-based strategies and collaboration across sectors. For decades, she’s led organizations and initiatives focused on creating positive social and environmental progress through strategic philanthropy, media and arts, social innovation and impact investing. In addition to roles as CEO of the Inspirit Foundation, Executive Director at Rally Assets, and President of PTV Productions, she’s served in governance and advisory roles for numerous organizations. Andrea currently serves as a Director for the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority. She’s committed to finding innovative ways to support cohesive and prosperous communities and was recognized in 2017 with a Governor General鈥檚 Meritorious Service Award.
is the CEO of , which is a national, non-partisan, registered charity shaping a bigger, bolder Canada. She’s a leader and strategist who advances smart, long-term solutions for Canada鈥檚 prosperity and who speaks regularly about philanthropy, social innovation and the social sector. Century Initiative is a network of diverse leaders and experts in business, academia and the charitable sector from across the country united by a shared belief that, with the right approach to growth, we can enhance our economic strength and resilience at home and our influence abroad. Through leading research and convening, Century Initiative champions data-driven solutions for responsible population growth, advocates for long-term planning for future generations, and drives bold policies that secure Canada鈥檚 future.
The panel will be moderated by , who’s Professor Emerita in the School of Public Policy and Administration, at 杏吧原创 University, and who founded the MPNL program — and who recently received the Order of Canada. In 2021, she published a book, with Bob Wyatt of the Muttart Foundation and Amanda Mayer of the Lawson Foundation, called ,” which presents essays and different perspectives on the roles and inner workings of Canada鈥檚 charities, including their innovations. She’s currently Faculty Supervisor with the Women in Philanthropy (WiP) project and Interim Director of the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP).