The Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program, at 杏吧原创 University, hosted a PhilanthroThink webinar, “Why Rich People Give,” on Nov. 28, 2025. Below is a and a list of seven reasons why wealthy people give (with timestamps if you want to go to that part of the video):

8:26 They are influenced by the expectations of other wealthy people.
14:31 Philanthropy gives them hope and provides personal satisfaction.
20:44 Some want to respond to immediate needs with less structured giving.
29:43 Believing in a cause, giving purpose to life and developing relationships.
44:01 They feel a desire to give back to the community but are averse to risk.
54:51 They want to leave a legacy or set an example for their children.
58:40 They want to take advantage of tax incentives for giving.

Featuring (Principal, Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, UK) and (Pears Fellow, Centre for Philanthropy, University of Kent, UK), the webinar reviewed insights in “” (2025), a book they wrote, with Theresa Lloyd, that builds on two previous publications (“ and ““) and twenty years of research into why and how the richer members of our society engage in philanthropy.

reflected on their research and how the book’s insights apply to Canada. As the founding President of Philanthropic Foundations Canada, Pearson worked for decades with many of the largest private charitable foundations in Canada. She was also a strategic advisor and facilitator for many family foundations in their work to develop goals and to structure their governance and grantmaking practices.

The moderator was Susan Phillips, Professor Emerita in the MPNL program, 杏吧原创 University. Susan researches comparative public policy for the third sector, philanthropy and nonprofits, and public management. In 2023, she published 鈥淧hilanthropic Response to Disasters: Gifts, Givers and Consequences,鈥� with Alexandra Williamson and Diana Leat, and in 2021, published with Bob Wyatt, Canada鈥檚 first, comprehensive book about our country鈥檚 sector.

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Barb McInnes, co-founder and leader of the Ottawa Community Foundation for decades, was at the forefront of transformative work, creating new avenues for individuals to invest in their communities and foster change. Each year, the MPNL program awards the Barbara McInnes Scholarship in Philanthropy to an outstanding student entering the MPNL program, in recognition of Barb McInnes’s roles in shaping the Community Foundations of Canada, helping to develop foundations across the country, supporting the first steps of community foundations in Eastern Europe, and much more in Canada and around the world.

Now, you can read about her work and legacy in a recently published book. 鈥�,鈥� by Glenn McInnes. The book is a heartfelt exploration of her journey, through the eyes of those who experienced her mentorship, kindness and vision. Barb鈥檚 dedication to philanthropy left a mark on individuals, communities and the world at large. The book鈥檚 contributors are .

鈥淏arbara McInnes was a bold, visionary thinker who could turn big ideas into action,鈥� says Susan Phillips, Professor Emerita of the MPNL program. 鈥淪he was also an inspirational teacher whose regular guest lectures in MPNL, at 杏吧原创 University, were greatly valued by both students and faculty. Barb continues teaching us through the contributions of this book.”

鈥淚t offers important lessons for leadership in building stronger, more vibrant communities, and is a must read for anyone seeking to make a difference through philanthropy,鈥� Phillips says. “For those working in, or with, community foundations across Canada and internationally, this book is a treasure trove of ideas for nurturing authentic relationships and trust with boards, donors, grantees and community organizations.鈥�

Please join us for the celebratory book launch on Sept. 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the (OAG).

Also, for $30, and pick it up while attending the launch at the OAG. If you can’t make it to the launch, .

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The MPNL program hosted “Celebrating Philanthropy: Strengthening Canada鈥檚 Culture of Philanthropy” on June 26, 2025, at 杏吧原创 University. TD sponsored the event and panel. The panellists are listed below.

Panellists:

is a Professor of Law at the Sutherland School of Law, at University College Dublin, in Ireland, where she researches NGO Law, Governance, and Social Change, teaching in the area of Equity and the Law of Trusts. Oonagh has worked with the nonprofit sector, charity regulators and policymakers in a number of jurisdictions (including Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada). She specializes in the area of comparative charity regulation and nonprofit-state collaboration in public policy formation and development. Appointed by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Communities as Chair of the Independent Review of Charity Regulation in Northern Ireland in 2021, Oonagh and her Review Panel published their report in 2022, the recommendations of which were formerly accepted. A regular international speaker on comparative charity regulation matters, Oonagh has published extensively.

Liban Abokor is an MPNL Fellow, the CEO of Reimagine LABS, which empowers our sector with tools such as Navigator, and the Executive Director of Youth LEAPS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving educational and employment outcomes for Black youth in Toronto. Liban co-founded the Foundation for Black Communities, Canada鈥檚 first-ever philanthropic foundation dedicated to supporting Black-led, -serving, and -focused nonprofits and charities. He has 20 years of experience and leadership in the areas of education, healthcare, housing, philanthropy and social service. He formerly worked as a Policy Advisor for the Ontario Ministry of Health, and led Local Economic Development Initiatives for Toronto Community Housing. Regarded as a social impact leader in Canada, Liban is a key voice in the philanthropic sector, where he works to disrupt inequitable practices and modernize the sector through a justice-based approach.

Bob Wyatt is an MPNL alum and has been the Executive Director of the Muttart Foundation and since 1989. Following a career in journalism and public relations in both the government and private sector, he worked in the voluntary sector with capacity-building organizations to build a higher profile of the sector and to encourage its greater engagement in public-policy issues. As part of the Canadian government鈥檚 Voluntary Sector Initiative, he co-chaired the Joint Regulatory Table. He also served on the boards of a variety of organizations, and regularly advises boards on good governance practices. Bob has been Executive in Residence at the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, at Queensland University of Technology. He has received the Alberta Centennial Medal for outstanding contributions to the voluntary sector, has received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from 杏吧原创 University, and in 2022, he became a Member of the Order of Canada.

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The MPNL program signed a Memorandum of Understanding with and to collaborate in the advancement of philanthropic research, teaching and practice in Canada and explore the changing roles of philanthropy in addressing Canadian social insecurities and climate change.

PFC, with its rich history of supporting philanthropic foundations, is launching its as it celebrates its 25th year.

“The MOU between PhiLab, PFC and the MPNL program is an important milestone in our commitment to sharing research, translating knowledge, providing education for practitioners, and developing the next generation of philanthropy researchers,” says Jean-Marc Mangin, President & CEO of PFC. “This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in philanthropy, fostering deeper understanding and more impactful philanthropic efforts.”

At the same time, PhiLab鈥檚 renewed national structure will continue to bring together philanthropic researchers across the country and raise the profile of philanthropic research.

The three-way partnership will enable research collaborations on:

• sector data access and analysis;
• the evolving impact of sector regulation;
• monitoring of grantmaking and investing practices; and
• exploring new philanthropic vehicles, and the changing roles of philanthropy in addressing Canadian social needs.

The partnership builds on several years of ad hoc collaboration.

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This year, graduate students in the MPNL program flew from Canada to Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of an MPNL course, Philanthropy and the SDGs, run in conjunction with the at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University).

“The course attracted me because I don’t know a lot about African philanthropy and the SDGs,” says MPNL student Katelyn MacCormac. “A lot of my background in the nonprofit sector is connected to accessibility organizations — but I know there’s so much more to the sector. This was a good opportunity for me to grow into roles involving international development, and it was cool to spend a semester online learning with the South African professors and students.”

The online course was conducted for both the Canadian and South African students, who, like the MPNL students, are also completing a masters degree in philanthropy.

“I’d never heard of the Sustainable Development Goals, and taking the course was my first in-depth look at what they mean and how they’re part of an international agenda,” says MPNL student Emma Murgida.

The to end poverty, improve health, reduce inequality, tackle climate change and attain other goals before 2030.

“I learned what different parts of the world are doing to address the SDGs, especially because the 2030 goal is approaching,” Murgida says. “The field visits in South Africa helped with that, as did the academic analyses from the South African instructors in class. It was a holistic experience.”

MPNL student Meghan Maack agrees. “Via Zoom, we’d had three or four sessions, led by professors at Wits University, and meeting the students and profs in person in Johannesburg was exciting.”

“We visited a farm and learned about sustainability practices there, such as growing indigenous Africa crops and using local seeds,” MacCormac adds. “The woman running the farm, Siphiwe Sithole, was focused on , which is about ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture globally. Her programming empowers other farmers, who she partners with, so that they can expand their operations. There’s an educational component for kids and people who don’t know about sustainable farming.”

MPNL student Katelyn James visited the same farm, run by , a nonprofit organization that supports small-scale farmers to grow indigenous African crops.

“Siphiwe Sithole, the founder, explained that her goal is to decolonize food and create sustainable businesses for farmers,” James explains. “Education and advocacy are a big part of her work. The indigenous crops are nutritious and drought-resistant, but knowledge about growing them has been mainly lost. As more and more farmers learn how to grow these crops and share their knowledge, the impact is multiplied.”

James was also impressed with , a South African women鈥檚 rights organization, especially with how it engaged graduate students and how it worked within feminist principles.

“When we were at Gender Links, the day started like we were in a classroom, sitting in a U shape, and everyone was engaged, both the Canadian MPNL students and the students at the Centre for African Philanthropy program,” James adds. “It was a bit like the MPNL’s Summer Institute, because of the high level of engagement and level of learning.”

“We visited one of Gender Links main locations, which was beautiful,” adds Katelyn MacCormac. “The location is for conferences and women who meet to discuss their experiences. The organization also provides women with entrepreneurship training, so that they can work to be economically independent.”

“It’s been interesting to think about growing into this area, as it’s not one that I would have seen myself working in before the course,” MacCormac says. “And since I’ve been back, I’ve met many people who tell me that African philanthropy and the SDGs, or the links between Canada and the sustainable development that’s happening in Africa, are part of their work.”

“The course was great,” Katelyn James adds. “It was the highlight of the MPNL program for me.”

Photos are courtesy of Katelyn MacCormac, Meghan Maack, Emma Murgida and Katelyn James.

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Prof. Anil Varughese is the new Graduate Supervisor of the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership programs, in the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) at 杏吧原创 University. He’s worked at 杏吧原创 since joining SPPA in 2010, after his PhD in Political Science (at the University of Toronto). He completed his MA in Politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University and his BA in Philosophy at the University of Madras, both in India.

He teaches mainly in the Masters of Public Policy and Administration program, in SPPA, and is teaching the capstone course in the MPNL program.

His research spans three thematic areas, with special reference to the global south:

1. political communication and political behaviour;
2. governance and democratic deepening; and
3. social policy.

Broadly, his research seeks to understand how public policy can be harnessed to create equity-enhancing outcomes in the developing world.

He’s in the early stages of developing a research project on South Asian (immigrant) philanthropy and its intersection with democracy and public policy.

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