Past, Present, and Philanthropy with Hilary Pearson

In Episode 6 (Season 2) of the PhilanthroThink Podcast (below), MPNL hosts Mandy Pui and Mekayla Dionne speak with , Director of the Clarus Foundation, about family, service and what gets passed down from one generation of givers to the next.

Hilary Pearson grew up in a family woven into Canadian public life

Her grandfather was Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, and her mother, Senator Landon Pearson, championed children’s rights — and her father, Geoffrey Pearson, was a diplomat. In the podcast, she remembers a childhood spent moving between France, Mexico, India and Ottawa, and watching her grandfather light the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill in 1967. Service, she says, was never something her family talked about. It was simply what they did. The quality she sees in all of them, and hopes she shares, is curiosity.

She explains how she and her husband, Michael Sabia, created the Clarus Foundation, named for the Latin word for light, and how it’s fed her own curiosity as much as it’s supported others. She also tells the story of a connection that goes back a generation: Michael’s mother, feminist leader Laura Sabia, famously vowed to march a million women on Ottawa unless Prime Minister Pearson created a Royal Commission on the Status of Women. Today, Hilary and Michael support young women at Brock University through the Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Awards, and have long backed the Loran Scholars Foundation.

To close, Hilary leaves a challenge for the next guest and for every donor listening. With an enormous transfer of wealth under way, too much money is sitting in bequests and donor-advised funds (DAFs), instead of reaching organizations now. How, she asks, can we get past “slow philanthropy” and accelerate giving over the next five years?

Hear or watch the podcast on , or listen on the “PhilanthroThink” podcast on or Apple Podcasts.

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

00:00 Introduction to PhilanthroThink
01:53 Growing up with Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and a family of service
04:08 Centennial year and seeing Canada from abroad
07:44 Family lessons beyond the titles
13:47 Curiosity as a family trait
15:25 When giving became personal
20:00 The story behind her Claris Foundation
24:09 Laura Sabia, Lester Pearson and a family connection
31:18 A gift that keeps on giving
32:51 Advertisement: A word from IG Private Wealth Management
34:49 What does a world that uses AI for good look like?
38:11 Slow philanthropy and accelerating giving

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Register above for our in-person PhilanthroTHINK on Oct. 1, 2026, in Ottawa:

Building the Foundations for Future Giving: Lessons from Australia, a Conversation with Krystian Seibert

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
Room 5302D in Richcraft Hall, ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University, Ottawa

(Attendance will be capped at 30 people.)

In 2024, Australia led a once-in-a-generation inquiry into the policy framework supporting philanthropy, and released a blueprint to help the country reach its national goal of doubling philanthropic giving by 2030. , a Commissioner for that inquiry, discusses lessons learned for enhancing giving and modernizing the regulatory framework for philanthropy and charities in Canada.

Seibert recently became a Member of the Advisory Board for the , appointed by the Australian government’s Assistant Minister for Charities. Also, he’s the Executive Director (Policy and Sector Development) of , a nonprofit organization of 800 trusts, foundations, donors and others who strengthen giving towards a more generous, just and sustainable future. Seibert leads work in shaping policy outcomes and driving strategic initiatives to grow giving and its impact.

The post Lessons from Australia: A Conversation with Krystian Seibert appeared first on MPNL.

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

The post “Philanthropy & Democracy” Event appeared first on MPNL.

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’t 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’s 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’s 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’s future.

The panel will be moderated by , who’s Professor Emerita in the School of Public Policy and Administration, at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ 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’s 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).

The post Philanthropy & Nonprofits in the ‘Innovation Economy’ appeared first on MPNL.

The Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program, at ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ 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, ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University. Susan researches comparative public policy for the third sector, philanthropy and nonprofits, and public management. In 2023, she published “Philanthropic Response to Disasters: Gifts, Givers and Consequences,” with Alexandra Williamson and Diana Leat, and in 2021, published with Bob Wyatt, Canada’s first, comprehensive book about our country’s 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 BrascoupĂ©’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—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave us a review. Let us know what topics you’d 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 ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University’s 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 ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ 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’s 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.

The post At a Tipping Point: The Trilemma Facing Canada’s Charitable Sector appeared first on MPNL.

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: “You’ve got the wrong guy. I’m a Bay Street guy.”) 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.

The post S1, E2: Suits, Salutes and Service: Blake Goldring on Leaving His Mark appeared first on MPNL.

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 ,Ěý ´Ç°ůĚý.

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’s circumstances—and an entrepreneurial spark from her husband—paved 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—help 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’s work: “I 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.”

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.

The post Linsey Sherman-Zekulin appeared first on MPNL.

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’s outstanding team and Board, and particularly loves collaborating with, and learning from, Aqueduct’s 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 ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University. Her research focuses on comparative public policy for the third sector; philanthropy and nonprofits; and public management. Her most recent book is “Philanthropic Response to Disasters: Gifts, Givers and Consequences,” with Alexandra Williamson and Diana Leat. She also co-edited the book with Bob Wyatt.

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