Ottawa, Thursday, August 22, 2013
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It is a pleasure to join you here for this celebration of philanthropy. I am particularly pleased that this discussion is being held in conjunction with the new Master’s of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program offered here at Carleton University—the first degree of its kind in Canada.
To say that philanthropy is of great importance to our society is an obvious statement. You are here because you’re convinced of that, because you believe that giving is important.
Let me speak for a moment on the value of this degree. Universities have always looked to the future, reacting to and predicting societal shifts and trying to prepare students to live, work, think and thrive in the new reality.
While philanthropy, in one form or another, has been around for centuries, it is constantly evolving, changing to meet the times.
And we must evolve with it.
As more and more students work to obtain this master’s degree, I believe that education, combined with practical experience, will allow them to be the leaders that philanthropy needs. It will allow them not only to react to trends, but also to create them. They will be affecting the changing face of philanthropy.
And in this respect, there is so much to consider.
Let me give you some insight into what I’ve learned during my time as governor general.
I have spoken with many Canadians, those who have achieved success and those who are struggling, and with so many others besides.
In my conversations with them, I have been heartened to note that regardless of their circumstances, people want to give back. They all have ideals, they have goals, they have vision. They have passion and energy, and the desire to make this country a better place to live.
Canadians are united under their convictions: to helping others, to giving freely of their time and talent, not to mention their resources, to create a stronger country.
As a result, so many good things have come to fruition—I have seen this first-hand in communities across the country. I have seen this in Winnipeg, with Hannah Taylor who founded The Ladybug Foundation, which helps the homeless in the community.
I could go on for hours on the successes I have seen, but thankfully for you I won’t! I will only say how proud I was to see the new and creative ways people have found to help others.
Yet, even with all we have accomplished, we must recognize the challenges we still face. Whether it is because some in our society lack means or others direction—although certainly none lack dedication—we must still address serious social and societal issues, such as poverty and mental illness.
What Canada needs, what philanthropy needs, is people such as yourselves, future and established leaders of third sector organizations, people willing to delve into community problems and seek solutions.
In his book, Why Philanthropy Matters, Zoltan J. Acs, professor at George Mason University in the United States, writes that “Philanthropy . . . is part of the implicit social contract that continuously nurtures and revitalizes a society.”
As those community leaders who are here with us today already know, all of you beginning this program are part of that social contract.
As a member of the philanthropic community, you can make a real contribution to strengthening and revitalizing the contract, for yourself and for others. You have a great responsibility to maintain it so that we can improve the world around us.
Let me give you an example of your responsibility. Many philanthropists are speaking more and more about the impact of their giving. They want their donations to mean something, to count in the long run. They want to see a return on investment of social change.
And they will look to you—as the leaders of philanthropy and non-profit organizations—to spend wisely, to think innovatively, to leave a lasting impact that can be measured.
That is why professionalism and ethics are two principles to be absorbed in your studies and adhered to rigorously as you practice your profession.
Yours is an important role, and you must ensure that the highest standards are met. It is not a commitment made lightly, but it is one well worth the effort.
You are embarking on a long journey, one that is fraught with challenges, but also one that is very rewarding.
As some of you begin your studies, and as others continue to help the community and build a smarter, more caring nation, I want to leave you with a few questions to consider: what is the future of philanthropy?
What will it look like for our country’s 150th birthday in 2017?
What will it look like beyond that?
I look forward to hearing from you, your thoughts on where philanthropy is and how we can engage all Canadians in the art of giving.
When we work together, we can build a better Canada in which we can all thrive. This is not an abstract concept; I have seen it for myself. The future of giving in Canada is in your hands, and I can think of no safer place for it to be.
Good luck in your studies and thank you for continuing to make philanthropy a Canadian value. And thank you as well for creating a program in which Canadians can learn to become the future leaders that philanthropic and non-profit organizations need.
