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

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MPNL and TD Bank Group hosted Philanthropy & Nonprofits in the ‘Innovation Economy’ on April 16, 2026:

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?

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).

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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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In “Two-Eyed Seeing” (Episode 4, Season 1 of our PhilanthroThink Podcast), tells hosts Megan Skyvington and Emily Goodwin how Indigenous-led approaches are reshaping philanthropy and how we need trust-based philanthropy, community engagement and “two-eyed seeing.” Wanda is co-founder of the and co-founder of . Driven by a passion for collaborative solutions, Wanda bridges gaps between diverse stakeholders, specializing in creating partnerships that drive positive social impact while promoting cultural respect and reciprocity. Listen or watch on (also available below), or .

Chapters:

00:00 Intro and Indigenous Acknowledgment
02:25 Wanda Brascoup茅’s Journey into Philanthropy
05:23 Decolonizing Philanthropy: Rethinking Power Dynamics
07:09 Indigenous-Led Initiatives: Changing the Philanthropic Landscape
12:54 The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund: A Case Study
20:09 Trust-Based Philanthropy: Building Relationships with Communities
24:40 Grounding in Community Values
27:23 Daily Reflections on Philanthropy
29:56 Building Trust in Philanthropic Processes
31:51 Engaging with Indigenous Communities
34:07 Humility and the Future of Philanthropy
36:34 Hope for the Philanthropic Sector
38:43 Encouraging Trust-Based Philanthropy
40:17 Learning from Past Experiences
44:13 Looking Ahead: Questions for Future Generations

Host and Co-hosts: and .

Production: .

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen鈥擜pple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube鈥攁nd leave us a review. Let us know what topics you鈥檇 like us to explore next. Help us create insightful stories by sharing this episode with fellow nonprofit enthusiasts and changemakers.

The PhilanthroThink Podcast is a series that complements our PhilanthroThink discussion series from 杏吧原创 University鈥檚 Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders and innovative thinkers to dig into the challenges, opportunities and strategies shaping the sector both at home and abroad.

Banner photo is courtesy of David Gomez.

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Featuring Dr. Paloma Raggo, Director of the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) and Associate Professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration, at 杏吧原创 University,

in conversation with

Dr. Susan Phillips, Professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration.

Rising demand, shrinking financial resources, and an overburdened workforce are creating a trilemma that threatens the sustainability of Canada鈥檚 charities. Immediate action is needed to stabilize funding, support workforce retention, and build resilience against economic shocks. On May 7, 2025, Dr. Raggo discussed recent data from CICP-PCPOB and insights that could help policymakers, funders and anyone exploring solutions.

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In Episode 2 of Season 1 of the PhilanthroThink Podcast, hosts Megan Skyvington and Daniel H. Lanteigne sit with Blake C. Goldring, Canadian business leader, philanthropist and Executive Chairman of AGF Management. Through and contributions to universities and other institutions, his philanthropic work stands out in health care, education, the arts and the military. In the podcast, he shares how he was asked to serve as Honorary Colonel in The Royal Regiment of Canada (his response: 鈥淵ou鈥檝e got the wrong guy. I鈥檓 a Bay Street guy.鈥�) and how that moment led to nearly two decades of national service. He also reflects on leadership, legacy and the power of giving time, talent and treasure. Watch or listen to the full episode below, or to Philanthrothink on or . Please subscribe to “PhilanthroThink” and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Thank you to IG Private Wealth Management for a grant to make the PhilanthroThink Podcast series possible.

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In the Episode1 of Season 1 of our PhilanthroThink Podcast series, hosts Megan Skyvington and Daniel H. Lanteigne sit with Linsey Sherman-Zekulin, a dynamic nonprofit leader, philanthropist and co-founder of , a private charitable foundation in Ottawa, and , a femme-focused travel and advocacy brand. At Happy Roots, Linsey is championing a trust-based approach to philanthropy and grant-making, something she discusses in Episode 1. You can find it below or on ,听 辞谤听.

Rethinking Trust-Based Philanthropy: A Conversation with Linsey Sherman-Zekulin

At the start of the interview, the hosts ask Linsey to share her journey into philanthropy and the key experiences that shaped her approach. She explains that the transition into philanthropy became more personal in 2019, when a shift in her family鈥檚 circumstances鈥攁nd an entrepreneurial spark from her husband鈥攑aved the way for founding Happy Roots Foundation. This private charitable foundation is dedicated to a trust-based approach to grant-making, especially in the realm of infant and early childhood mental health. Linsey explains that by choosing this focus, she was able to connect her professional passions with her desire to make a tangible difference in the community.

She also highlights the importance of being flexible in her approach. Rather than relying on lengthy reports, Linsey says she prefers regular, informal conversations with her partners, which allows them to adjust their strategies in real-time. This approach not only builds stronger relationships but also ensures that the funding makes an impact.

At the end of the discussion, we understand that trust is at the centre of the foundation’s work, as it gives grantees the room to do what they do best鈥攈elp others.

Linsey also discusses navigating respectively and thoughtfully the philanthropic landscape, knowing that there has been a longstanding power dynamic between funders and recipients.

The conversation later touches on the entrepreneurial elements of her Foundation鈥檚 work: 鈥淚 do think there is something entrepreneurial about it. And I never considered myself particularly entrepreneurial, although, in the last couple of years, I’ve sort of dipped my toe into entrepreneurial life and learned a lot about it. And there are some really exciting things that come about when you kind of embrace that mindset.鈥�

Lindsey also says that she hopes more people embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, particularly when considering higher-risk projects to support. With that mindset, there’s an opportunity to take risks in solving complex problems that might otherwise not be solved.

Thank you to IG Private Wealth Management for a grant to make the PhilanthroThink Podcast series possible.

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Recording of “US Developments in Philanthropy and Civil Society: Implications for Canada and Beyond?”

This was a PhilanthroThink event hosted by the MPNL program on March 4, 2025.

Panelists:

Benjamin Soskis is a Senior Research Associate, at the , in the US. His work explores the ways historical inquiry can inform contemporary philanthropic practice. He’s especially interested in the relationship between philanthropy and democratic norms and institutions. A historian and journalist, Soskis is the coeditor of HistPhil, a web publication devoted to the history of civil society and the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

Malcolm Burrows is the Founder and Executive Director of . He started his charity career in 1990 and spent 13 years working for three Toronto charities before becoming Head of Philanthropic Advisory Services at Scotia Wealth Management in 2004. Malcolm is an active charity volunteer, writer, educator and public policy advocate for the charitable sector. He’s fortunate to work with Aqueduct鈥檚 outstanding team and Board, and particularly loves collaborating with, and learning from, Aqueduct鈥檚 donors.

Jean-Marc Mangin has been President and CEO of (PFC) since 2019. He’s energized by foundations working together and with civil society partners and governments to strengthen the common good. Prior to PFC, Jean-Marc was Executive Director of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, a national organization of Canadian researchers and scholars. Over a 25-year career, he’s served with the UN, various NGOs and the Canadian government in responding to global humanitarian disasters and development challenges.

Moderator: Susan Phillips is a Professor in the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program, in the School of Public Policy and Administration, at 杏吧原创 University. Her research focuses on comparative public policy for the third sector; philanthropy and nonprofits; and public management. Her most recent book is 鈥淧hilanthropic Response to Disasters: Gifts, Givers and Consequences,鈥� with Alexandra Williamson and Diana Leat. She also co-edited the book with Bob Wyatt.

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“Community Philanthropy: Canadian and International Innovations” was the 2024 Celebrating Philanthropy event run by the MPNL program. It took place on June 27, 2024, at 杏吧原创 University, in Ottawa.

For a video recording of the full event and bios of panellists, visit this PANL Perspectives page.

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Recording of “Nonprofit Founders and Organizational Succession: Joys and Challenges”

A virtual event from the MPNL program on March 26, 2024.

The panellists:

Susanna Kislenko is a social psychologist who researches founder leadership in both nonprofit and for-profit contexts. Kislenko is an Adjunct Research Professor in the School of Public Policy & Administration, at 杏吧原创 University, and is the Skoll Centre Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Oxford. Prior to entering academia, she worked in the non-profit sector across Canada for 12 years, holding a number of leadership roles in social service organizations.

Marc Hull-Jacquin is the Founder and CEO of , is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. Shelter Movers collaborates with local businesses and community agencies to support people, primarily women and children, as they transition to a life free of violence.

Dr. Paloma Raggo is an Assistant Professor at the School of Public Policy and Administration, at 杏吧原创 University, and Director of Charity Insights Canada Project / Projet Canada Perspectives des Organismes de Bienfaisance (CICP-PCPOB), which aims to ensure that policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and the general public have accurate, timely, and comprehensive information about the charitable sector in Canada.

Mary A. Tidlund is an accomplished business leader, board member, nonprofit consultant and international philanthropist who co-founded numerous corporations, including Williston Wildcatters Oil Corporation, and founded the former Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation. She’s the author of . Her former Foundation worked in 29 countries for 19 years and focused on empowering women and children to make lasting changes in health, education and the alleviation of poverty.

Dr. Susan Phillips, Graduate Supervisor of 杏吧原创 University鈥檚 Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program and Professor in 杏吧原创鈥檚 School of Public Policy & Administration, will moderate the panel. Her research focuses on comparative public policy for the third sector; philanthropy and nonprofits; and public management. She recently published a book, 鈥淧hilanthropic Response to Disasters: Gifts, Givers and Consequences,鈥� with Alexandra Williamson and Diana Leat.

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