Interviews A Vision for the Future: Ruth MacKenzie Ruth MacKenzie Jun 30, 2022 4 mins read News & Insights Interviews A Vision for the Future: Ruth MacKenzie As the world changes, the non-profit and charitable social sector is adapting, and so must philanthropy. Our sector is a fundamental aspect of civil society, but reform is paramount. The status quo is not sufficient. Inequity is rampant in our communities, and there are global challenges we must step up to meet. In our new series, A Vision for the Future, PFC has asked non-profit leaders to share their understandings of where our sector is today, what its role is, and where we need to go. We’ll be sharing new contributions regularly, both in blog and podcast format, throughout spring 2022. What three things motivate you today about the charitable and nonprofit sector? The role the sector plays in facilitating social change. Our inherent purpose to speak out and be active participants in the narrative.The sector’s ultimate purpose about being for public benefit. Our focus on mission and purpose.The sector being increasingly recognized as both a force for positive change and a solution to societal problems and challenges. This was particularly evidenced during the pandemic. What three things need to evolve to create a more sustainable philanthropic community for all people in Canada? There is a natural competitiveness in the sector that needs to evolve into a greater spirit of collaboration. Through collaboration comes a greater understanding of context and a greater possibility of impactThe sector as a whole needs to be more open to change within itself. Change needs to be seen as a disruptor that pushes social evolution, not something that is feared. There needs to be less protectionism by organizations when it comes to infrastructure and resources, and for the individualistic preservation of organizations and institutions, which are sometimes prioritised over purpose and impact.Speaking from the perspective of CAGP, we need greater buy-in from leadership (boards/c-suite) to support and drive strategic philanthropy. Asset-based giving and deferred giving, particularly through charitable gifts in wills, require long-term vision, investment, and patience, but the pay-off can be enormous and is a significant part of the long-term sustainability of charities. As we continue to battle COVID, what gives you hope? As a long-time activist, it’s a core belief that hope is an essential and eternal element of purpose. Aside from that, and not particularly related to COVID, but perhaps during COVID, the more prevalent embracing by the sector of the essential need for the sector to change and evolve towards greater inclusivity, social justice and reconciliation gives me hope. At the same time there needs to be more than an openness, but also a commitment to action that includes self-reflection, a responsibility to do the work and a willingness to give up authority, influence, and advantage. If you could change one thing about the nonprofit sector, what would it be? Speaking from a fundraising and philanthropic perspective, we need to evolve away from a donor-centered mindset towards a community-centered culture. What would you keep the same? As a sector, our sense of mission and purpose; to recognize and confidently represent ourselves as being of social purpose and public benefit. The sector needs to continue to focus on impact and demand adequate resources so that the real work around the mission can get done. How important are Canada’s foundations to the well-being of Canadians? Foundations play a vital role as conduits that facilitate and support social change, both as supporters of charities and initiatives that address vital social needs, but also to provide a strategic examination of root causes and facilitate policy and systems changes to ultimately resolve long-term social issues and challenges. What are the most pressing issues that government needs to be paying attention to right now when it comes to the philanthropic sector? The Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector spent a considerable amount of time examining the charitable sector, speaking to the sector, considering what its needs are, and how it can be better supported by government, so I would say implementing the recommendations in their final report! Complete these sentences: The philanthropic sector of the future should look like…an essential, powerful voice and force for social change. For philanthropy to renew its social contract with Canadians, what needs to happen is…a commitment to and action on creating a society that is fairer and more just and equitable. Share This Article Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email