Calling it ’knowledge philanthropy’ rather than ‘pro bono’ makes me feel like I am giving, rather than giving something away
As an entrepreneur I get a lot of requests to give away expertise ‘for a good cause’. Many times I have to say no. However, I have started to intentionally incorporated knowledge philanthropy into my lifestyle portfolio (not my business portfolio). Here are some of the lessons I learned around how I say ‘YES!’ to…
Some schools in Liberia are well supplied with materials because of the power of one Canadian student asking a simple question
Teacher and motivational speaker Jack Canfield tells us, “Take the risk to ask for whatever you need and want. If someone says no, you are no worse off than when you started. If someone says yes, you are a lot better off.” Following Canfield’s principle can benefit us and others. This lesson was taught to me by…
Haskayne's Trico Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Centre launched with $5-million gift from Wayne and Eleanor Chiu
The University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business has launched a new Trico Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Centre with $5-million gift from Wayne and Eleanor Chiu, BComm’85, through their Trico Charitable Foundation. The donation will go towards U of C’s $1.3-billion Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High. “I believe that, by engaging the University of Calgary,…
Mark Starratt talks about how StarrGazer Advisory Inc. strives to remove roadblocks to economic success
Mark Starratt is principal at StarrGazer Advisory Inc. What is StarrGazer and what does it do? Starratt: StarrGazer Advisory Inc. is a consulting firm that I started last year as I was preparing to retire from the investment management industry after more than two decades of serving complex families. I really enjoyed the opportunity to…
The Roundup Music Fest on July 10 and the Oxford Stomp on July 12 rely on corporate support
Two annual concerts during the Calgary Stampede are raising money again this year in support of the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre. The centre’s mandate is to assist Canadian Forces personnel and their families cope with unique military lifestyle challenges. Proceeds from the Stampede concerts will support programs and services, including prevention, support and intervention…
David O'Brien and Geoffrey Cumming will be giving up to $6 million each in CAWST's matching fundraising campaign.
Two businessmen and philanthropists are providing a multi-million dollar boost to a Calgary-based global water charity. CAWST, Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology, has announced significant gifts from David O'Brien and Geoffrey Cumming that will see all new donations matched, up to $12 million. Both will be giving up to $6 million in the…
What does a properly functioning board of directors look like and how can its members pull their weight?
If you’ve ever sat on the board of a non-profit or charity, sports organization or even a company, you’ve probably noticed that most meetings are boring. Usually one person, the president, runs the meeting using Robert’s Rules of Order. After minimal discussion, the board votes on agenda items, provided a quorum has shown up. Without…
Three local student-athletes to receive scholarships as part of this evening’s annual dinner
Since its inception 57 years ago, the Calgary Italian Sportsmen’s Dinner Association has donated more than $2 million to various charitable organizations and schools throughout Calgary. The association has been able to do so thanks to strong support from Calgary’s corporate and professional community, which either sponsors the association’s annual dinner or buys tickets to…
Guy Mallabone of Global Philanthropic Canada talks about how donors have evolved and expectations around giving have changed
Guy Mallabone is president and CEO of Global Philanthropic Canada. What is Global Philanthropic and what does it do? Mallabone: Global Philanthropic Canada is a full-service national fundraising consultancy. That means we help non-profit organizations understand how to raise philanthropic support. We help build capacity by teaching the art and science of aligning organizational mission…
The Calgary Stampede Foundation has received an endowment gift of $1 million from Wayne and Eleanor Chiu, who own prominent homebuilder Trico Homes in the city. In a news release, the Stampede said the endowment will support the Foundation’s education programs, such as Stampede School and OH Ranch School and their innovative approach to engaging…