Beyond Preconceptions About Philanthropy
As a child, whenever philanthropy was mentioned, the image that came to mind was that of a white man in his fifties, wearing a tie, displaying a slight smile in a half-profile photograph. This photo was typically accompanied by a thank-you message on the first page of a glossy magazine. I believed then that the act of these philanthropists—giving money—automatically improved the lives of beneficiaries.
Beyond Preconceptions About Philanthropy
As a child, whenever philanthropy was mentioned, the image that came to mind was that of a white man in his fifties, wearing a tie, displaying a slight smile in a half-profile photograph. This photo was typically accompanied by a thank-you message on the first page of a glossy magazine. I believed then that the act of these philanthropists—giving money—automatically improved the lives of beneficiaries.
Deconstructing Philanthropy Myths
Since joining the Mission inclusion team, I have discovered that a foundation’s work is markedly more complex. As Trust-Based Philanthropy leaders point out:
We often consider philanthropy as a simple equation of inputs and outputs, presuming a cause-and-effect relationship between investment and results. However, to support genuine social, environmental, political, and economic change, we must accept that this work is complex, progressive, messy, unpredictable, and anything but simple. 
Foundations in Canada: An Unfamiliar Reality
A recent mapping of the Canadian philanthropic landscape reveals that most foundations operate without staff. Only 26% of public foundations and 9% of private foundations report having staff members. Among these, the vast majority (85% of private and 75% of public foundations) have fewer than ten people.
“10 people is quite a team,” one might say. Indeed, it depends on the work to be undertaken: if one believes the work consists solely of transferring money from one place to another and then communicating about it, that might work, but the reality is that to be an agent of change, one must mobilize professionals from various sectors.
Deconstructing Philanthropy Myths
Since joining the Mission inclusion team, I have discovered that a foundation’s work is markedly more complex. As Trust-Based Philanthropy leaders point out:
We often consider philanthropy as a simple equation of inputs and outputs, presuming a cause-and-effect relationship between investment and results. However, to support genuine social, environmental, political, and economic change, we must accept that this work is complex, progressive, messy, unpredictable, and anything but simple.Foundations in Canada: An Unfamiliar Reality
A recent mapping of the Canadian philanthropic landscape reveals that most foundations operate without staff. Only 26% of public foundations and 9% of private foundations report having staff members. Among these, the vast majority (85% of private and 75% of public foundations) have fewer than ten people.
“10 people is quite a team,” one might say. Indeed, it depends on the work to be undertaken: if one believes the work consists solely of transferring money from one place to another and then communicating about it, that might work, but the reality is that to be an agent of change, one must mobilize professionals from various sectors.
Let’s Look More Closely at
Everything We Do Daily:
The Philanthropic Development Team Takes on
Several Essential Responsibilities:
Identifying and analyzing funding opportunities Maintaining and developing relationships with the donor community Organizing and managing fundraising campaigns Writing and presenting funding proposals Managing and accounting for funds Planning and organizing fundraising events
The Finance Team Plays a Crucial Role in:
Managing the foundation’s annual budget Monitoring income and expenditure Preparing periodic financial reports Ensuring compliance with fiscal and legal standards Managing donations and other received funds Conducting internal audits Coordinating with other teams for financial planning Evaluating and mitigating financial risks
The Programme Teams are at the Heart of Our Mission:
Maintaining collaborative relationships with funded organizations Monitoring, supporting, and evaluating projects Determining funding programmes and priorities Participating in coordination tables and collective mobilization bodies Seeking new sources of funding and collaboration Learning from other foundations’ practices Managing budgets, payments, and documentation Facilitating communities of practice and exchange
The Communications Team Ensures Our Influence Through:
Managing the foundation’s image and visibility Implementing brand image strategies Writing and disseminating content about our projects and results Coordinating media relations and public affairs Managing social networks and digital platforms Managing the website and pages dedicated to all our actions Organizing events and awareness campaigns Sending Foundation communications to all our stakeholders
The Human Resources Team Ensures Our Values are Embodied Internally:
Recruiting people who embody our values and represent diversity Promoting inclusive and respectful work practices Developing well-being and work-life balance policies Creating an environment conducive to professional growth Establishing dialogue spaces to strengthen our organizational cultureLet’s Look More Closely at Everything We Do Daily:
The Philanthropic Development Team Takes on Several Essential Responsibilities:
Identifying and analyzing funding opportunities Maintaining and developing relationships with the donor community Organizing and managing fundraising campaigns Writing and presenting funding proposals Managing and accounting for funds Planning and organizing fundraising events
The Finance Team Plays a Crucial Role in:
Managing the foundation’s annual budget Monitoring income and expenditure Preparing periodic financial reports Ensuring compliance with fiscal and legal standards Managing donations and other received funds Conducting internal audits Coordinating with other teams for financial planning Evaluating and mitigating financial risks
The Programme Teams are at the Heart of Our Mission:
Maintaining collaborative relationships with funded organizations Monitoring, supporting, and evaluating projects Determining funding programmes and priorities Participating in coordination tables and collective mobilization bodies Seeking new sources of funding and collaboration Learning from other foundations’ practices Managing budgets, payments, and documentation Facilitating communities of practice and exchange
The Communications Team Ensures Our Influence Through:
Managing the foundation’s image and visibility Implementing brand image strategies Writing and disseminating content about our projects and results Coordinating media relations and public affairs Managing social networks and digital platforms Managing the website and pages dedicated to all our actions Organizing events and awareness campaigns Sending Foundation communications to all our stakeholders
The Human Resources Team Ensures Our Values are Embodied Internally:
Recruiting people who embody our values and represent diversity Promoting inclusive and respectful work practices Developing well-being and work-life balance policies Creating an environment conducive to professional growth Establishing dialogue spaces to strengthen our organizational cultureThe Power of Social Change
Phew! I could continue. But the message is clear: on this National Philanthropy Day, let’s celebrate the constant hard work of professionals in this sector. Their expertise and commitment, combined with the generosity of donors, create this essential synergy for lasting social change.
The Power of Social Change
Phew! I could continue. But the message is clear: on this National Philanthropy Day, let’s celebrate the constant hard work of professionals in this sector. Their expertise and commitment, combined with the generosity of donors, create this essential synergy for lasting social change.
Sofia Urrutia
Senior Advisor
Knowledge Mobilisation
Mission inclusion
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