Congratulations to graduate students and , who both receive this year’s award that promotes Black leadership within the philanthropic and nonprofit sector and is championed by the generosity of the Black Canadian Fundraisers’ Collective.

“This scholarship is deeply meaningful to me, because it represents recognition and belonging within a sector where Black professionals have faced barriers to access mainstream opportunities for further education,” Martin-John says.

“Receiving the Award is both an honour聽and an affirmation,” Nyamande adds. “It represents more than financial support; it鈥檚 a meaningful investment in my leadership and a reminder that the sector is becoming more intentional about creating space for Black professionals. As someone who began my journey in community work in Zimbabwe, this recognition fuels my commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in philanthropy.”

In partnership with 杏吧原创 University, to Black students in the MPNL program. With the initiative and support of members of the Collective, the Award was established in 2020 to promote Black leadership within our sector and to make professional education more equitable and inclusive.

“Receiving this scholarship from my peers is a true honour,” Martin-John says. “It validates not only my professional contributions, but also the shared commitment within this community to invest in one another鈥檚 learning and leadership.”

Martin-John is Executive Director of the Family Education Centre and is a social change champion, community mobilizer, advocate and fund-development specialist who’s dedicated her career to strengthening capacity for marginalized and at-risk communities through revenue generation, program development and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work. She held leadership roles in the health-charity and social-justice sectors for 25 years.

“The MPNL program has challenged me to engage with perspectives and areas of practice that I may not have encountered as deeply through professional experience alone,” she explains. “The cohort model has also been a welcome addition, as it’s created an additional network of practitioners who are experts in their own right. Learning alongside peers with diverse experiences has enriched my academic experience at 杏吧原创.”

Tatenda Nyamande is an accomplished nonprofit leader with extensive experience in philanthropy and community development. Her journey in the nonprofit sector began by supporting vulnerable children at a Zimbabwean orphanage, sparking her lifelong commitment to social justice. She holds a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and has since built a multifaceted career in Canada spanning fund development, donor relations and organizational leadership.

“In the coming years, I hope to continue bridging gaps between donors, organizations and communities, particularly in spaces that serve marginalized groups,” she says. “Long term, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive philanthropic landscape where diverse voices not only have a seat at the table but also help shape the agenda.”

Listen to Nyamanda’s assessment of the MPNL program:

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Graduate student Mikayla Odut has received this year’s “Simone Joyaux Memorial Award,” which goes to an outstanding student who demonstrates volunteer leadership as a critical thinker, change-maker and bridge-builder.

The Award was established by Dr. Sharilyn Hale in honour of her mentor and friend Simone Joyaux, who had a passion for advanced learning, social justice and governance issues in the nonprofit sector.

“I鈥檓 extremely grateful for the support,” Odut says. “It means that I can take weekends off prioritizing my health and well-being, rather than trying to find freelance work to pay for educational expenses. The award gives me financial stability for at least two semesters, making sure I can put myself and my studies first.”

Odut works as the administrative coordinator at St. Joseph鈥檚 Parish, a diverse church and social-services centre. Her days are filled with donation record-keeping and philanthropic planning, supporting the centre鈥檚 various programs, building and operational management, and she provides administrative support for the rest of the staff. Working towards change in a diverse, multi-generational environment is important, and makes her time at the parish extremely rewarding.

“I enjoy the MPNL program, as I鈥檓 stuck with a bunch of like-minded charity geeks who want to work to make the world a better place,” Odut explains. “Having the support of the cohort makes my studies easier knowing I can rely on others 鈥� even though we are all in different cities and countries.”

Each year, the MPNL program distributes a number of scholarships and awards.

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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 “Dr. Tessa Hebb Graduate Award in Social Innovation” is awarded to students involved with a project in the not-for-profit sector through the 杏吧原创 Centre for Community Innovation. This year, Marlys Jordan (team lead), Damilola Abimboye, Erin Larmondin and Jeanette Wilson receive an Award for their MPNL capstone project, “Is Affordable Housing Really Affordable? The Dual Challenge of Providing Affordable Seniors Housing.”

The capstone report, in collaboration with , a nonprofit organization that provides affordable homes and services for seniors, families and individuals, looks at the D鈥橝rcy Affordable Housing Development in Okotoks, Alberta, just south of Calgary. The proposed Okotoks development is in the planning stages and targeted to provide affordable housing to seniors using a multi-tiered funding model.

The capstone looks at how multi-tiered funding strategies, including social finance mechanisms, can address affordability for both the housing provider and seniors . More broadly, it identifies systemic issues, like rising construction costs, inconsistent policy support, a lack of transparency in government practices, and limited collaboration among stakeholders, all of which impact the sector鈥檚 capacity to meet the demand for seniors housing. Their findings show that collaboration between governments, nonprofits, private-sector partners, and communities is essential to address a growing crisis.

The “Dr. Tessa Hebb Graduate Award in Social Innovation” (also known as the “2024 MPNL Social Innovation Fellowship Award”) was endowed in 2009 by an anonymous philanthropic gift to further 杏吧原创鈥檚 development of thought leaders, educators and professionals in the nonprofit sector. Preference is given to students who are pursuing research in civil society and whose work may enhance program or process innovation and capacity building in the nonprofit sector.

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In 2024, Linda Sumbo and Titilayo Adedeji receive the MPNL Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals. In partnership with 杏吧原创 University, the Black Canadian Fundraisers鈥� Collective offers this Award to Black students in the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e looking to make an actual, meaningful difference in someone鈥檚 life, this Award is a really good way to do that,” says Holly Bair-Marshall, a graduate of the MPNL program who received the Award in 2021 and continues to be part of the Collective today.

Titilayo Adedeji

“Receiving the Award is a deeply meaningful affirmation and recognition of my journey as a Black professional in the nonprofit sector,” Titilayo says. “It provides valuable support for my studies and inspires me to continue striving for excellence in all I do. It鈥檚 also a great source of motivation to deepen my impact. A significant portion of the Award will directly support Empowering Local Innovators (ELI), my latest initiative in West Africa, Nigeria, focused on fostering sustainable development in underserved communities.”

With the initiative and support of alumna Muthoni Kariuki and members of the Black Canadian
Fundraisers鈥� Collective, the Award was established in 2020 to promote Black leadership within the philanthropic and nonprofit sector and to make professional education more equitable and inclusive.

“The MPNL program is fulfilling everything I hoped it would,” Titilayo says. “It鈥檚 shaping my professional growth and transforming the way I approach philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Every day, I gain fresh insights from its engaging curriculum, live sessions with industry experts, and opportunities to connect and learn alongside my amazing peers. The process of learning, unlearning, and relearning has been eye-opening and empowering. By strengthening my skills in policy, leadership, impact measurement and financing, this program is preparing me to work toward eradicating systemic barriers, elevating marginalized voices, and leading meaningful, inclusive change in the nonprofit sector.”

Linda Sumbo

Linda grew up in a rural community in northern Ghana, where she witnessed the transformative role of nonprofits in providing resources to underserved communities. These initiatives inspired her to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector, dedicated to creating opportunities that empower others.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Linda worked with CARE International and World Vision for over six years, leading initiatives in health, nutrition, sanitation, and the well-being of women and children. Since immigrating to Canada, she has continued her commitment to community service by volunteering with various organizations to help newcomers integrate into Canadian society. Linda is advancing her expertise through the MPNL program, honing her skills in grantmaking and fundraising to drive social impact and sustainability.

As an emerging Black fundraising professional, she’s dedicated to promoting equity and inclusivity within the nonprofit sector. She sees herself as a changemaker, committed to advocating for collaborative, community-centred approaches that empower underserved populations and maximize the impact of donor dollars. Drawing on her journey from rural Ghana to becoming a nonprofit professional, Linda offers a unique perspective on the importance of community empowerment and collaboration. She’s passionate about transforming traditional provider-recipient dynamics by fostering partnerships that prioritize local insights and expertise.

Holly Bair-Marshall received the Award in 2021 and is part of the Black Canadian Fundraisers鈥� Collective today

“What inspiring students this year,” says Holly Bair-Marshall, was impacted by both the Award and the network of Black fundraisers that accompanies it. “Funds and scholarships are a great way to actually move the needle, but more than just the financial aspect, you鈥檙e helping support networks, which is really important.鈥�

She says winning the Award has also garnered recognition in her professional life. 鈥淎s a Black woman, every little bit helps,鈥� she says.

Holly encourages donors of all backgrounds to participate because, 鈥渨e鈥檝e all come to understand and realize the value of having diverse voices at the table.鈥� She says it鈥檚 no longer a question of 鈥榟ow do we do it,鈥� because this Award presents a simple answer.”

Please visit PANL Perspectives for stories about last year’s recipient and past recipients of the MPNL Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals.

Banner photo is courtesy of Jamshed Khedri.

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This year鈥檚 recipient of the , Maggie Larocque, wears quite a few hats.

鈥淢y full-time job is Coordinator and Site Manager at BGC South Coast, BC, a job that involves running a neighborhood house here in Vancouver,鈥� says Larocque, who鈥檚 studying full-time in the MPNL program. 鈥淎nd I鈥檓 also the founder of the Uplift Canada Foundation, a youth-led organization that upcycles donated clothing. The Foundation work is close to my heart.鈥�

The Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding graduate student who demonstrates a strong potential for leadership and innovation in community engagement. It was founded by Ted Jackson and Magda Seydegart for full-time students applying to the MPNL program.

Larocque also mentors children, and participates in a wide range of community projects.

鈥淚 balance work with full-time studies,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t’s a lot, but manageable. I’m a big planner, with the big calendars and everything. I’m constantly learning new things in class that I apply at work right away.鈥�

鈥淚t means a lot to me that the Jackson family sees potential in me in the work that I’m doing in the community,鈥� she says. 鈥淧ersonally, it feels like they’re supporting me and believe in me.鈥�

She鈥檚 also an author. 鈥淚 recently published a children’s book, . I originally wrote the book at age six, and inspired by the children I mentor, decided to revamp the story this past summer. It鈥檚 a story about self-confidence, self-esteem, grit and determination.鈥�

Larocque is thankful to Dr. Susan Phillips and others for creating the MPNL program. 鈥淚t aligns perfectly with the work I’m currently doing and the work I’m pursuing, including a PhD application,鈥� she says.

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Jen Garden is the recipient of the 2024 Simone Joyaux Memorial Award, which was established in 2021 by Dr. Sharilyn Hale in honour of Simone, who was Dr. Hale’s mentor, colleague and friend.

鈥淚 had the honour of meeting Simone Joyaux a number of years ago, when I did a fundraising workshop with her and other prominent fundraising leaders,” Garden says. “She was an absolute light, and she was funny, and she was brutally honest about the sector 鈥� and I saw a side of fundraising that I hadn’t seen before.鈥�

鈥淲atching her, I saw how I could become better, in 15 or 20 years, become a better fundraiser with a voice and personality similar to hers,” Garden adds. “I’m a bubbly person, with a big personality, but, at that point in my career, when I met her, I was in the arts sector, and fundraising then had a different, subdued tone. Seeing her, a vibrant, exciting person who could hold a room with her incredible personality, I saw what else I could do in future fundraising.鈥�

The Award is for outstanding, part-time MPNL students, such as Jen Garden

鈥淚 was thrilled to receive it,” Garden says. “On top of part-time studies in MPNL, I have a demanding full-time job, as Chapter Director with Make-A-Wish Canada, and my husband is a full-time student — and we have two young girls. So, making this journey through the MPNL program has taken time and money 鈥� and the gift of the award is life-changing at the moment.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank 杏吧原创 University and the selection committee 鈥� and also thank Dr. Hale for establishing the award in Simone’s honour and memory,” Garden says. “It鈥檚 humbling to be recognized, and I’m grateful.鈥�

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The recently created a new scholarship for MPNL students. The Burgundy Legacy Foundation Philanthropy Award ($3,500) is awarded annually to an outstanding graduate student who’s entering or continuing in the program, with preference given to a student, either full-time or part-time, who has an interest in financial management of charities and nonprofits.

“The partnership with the MPNL program is a good match for us, as education overall is important,” says Jane Adams, Philanthropy Manager at the Burgundy Legacy Foundation.

“Charities need to have people with expertise in philanthropy but also with skills in leadership and the capacities and expertise to run a charity, and MPNL does that,” she says.

The Burgundy Legacy Foundation was started in 2020 and serves as a focused philanthropic platform for Burgundy Asset Management, which has a long history of philanthropic engagement. The Foundation prioritizes giving back to communities and causes that are important to its clients and employees.

“杏吧原创’s MPNL program is unique — it’s the only master’s program of its kind in Canada — and the program and courses, including the financial-management courses, are intriguing to us,” Adams explains. “It’s gratifying to partner with the program and support students in some small way, especially in terms of students’ financial literacy.”

“Master’s programs aren’t inexpensive,” she adds. “Tuition and other costs are high, and people’s disposable income is being eradicated by current economic factors, so we wanted to support students who could truly use the funds. I’m thrilled that we can help.”

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In 2023, Damilola Abimboye, an MPNL graduate student, receives an MPNL Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals.

In partnership with 杏吧原创, the Black Canadian Fundraisers鈥� Collective offers this award to Black students in the MPNL program.

“Raised with the notion of service to mankind, I have always been interested in social welfare and social-injustice-related issues,” Abimboye says. “This interest increased during my undergraduate studies. As an undergraduate student, I participated in various volunteer opportunities, and I was keen about helping the surrounding community. This drive led me to start a non-profit organization to assist marginalized individuals and families.”

The second change relates to a lack of coordination among organizations.

“This challenge has resulted in the reinventing of the wheel when it comes to programs and activities,” she explains. “A more coordinated system or a networked approach with respect to the landscape of the sector would help in promoting efficiency and productivity in the sector.鈥�

Please visit PANL Perspectives for stories from past recipients of the MPNL Award for Black Emerging Fundraising Professionals, and .

Damilola Abimboye is on . Banner photo is courtesy of Jamshed Khedri.

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, a registered charity that helps Canadians and their advisors harness the advantages of strategic giving, announced two, new awards for MPNL and DPNL students.

The Benefaction Foundation Travel Fund for the Summer Institute ($7,500) assists full-time and part-time students accepted into the DPNL or MPNL program, helping them with travel costs to participate in the program’s Summer Institute, a two-week, in-class series of courses and events on the campus of 杏吧原创 University.

The Benefaction Award for Philanthropic Leadership ($5,000) is awarded annually to an outstanding, full-time graduate student who’s entering the MPNL program, with preference given to racialized students.

“We chose to structure our support in the form of a student bursary and travel fund in recognition that not all students have an equal opportunity to participate in the MPNL program, and we wanted to help make the program more accessible,” says Karen Hudson, Vice President of Growth Initiatives at Benefaction.”

“It was Keith Sjo虉gren (Chair of the MPNL program’s Advisory Council) who first raised the opportunity for us to get involved,” Hudson explains. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for Keith, and have worked with him closely on various projects over the years, so his personal endorsement was key for us. It didn鈥檛 take much convincing for us to see the alignment with our values as an organization. We look forward to a continued partnership with the team at 杏吧原创.”

Banner photo is courtesy of Kenrick Mills.

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