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Philanthropy Wired March 2026

Post author By Philanthropy Wired
Post date March 31, 2026

The Integrity of the Collective: What “Kapwa” Can Teach the Western Boardroom

Craig Morris, Senior Associate, S. Sutton & Assciates Inc.

From my current vantage point in the Philippines, looking back at a thirty-year career in the American nonprofit sector—from the streets of Chicago to national STEM initiatives—the distance provides a sobering clarity. I see a sector at a crossroads in a world that will be needing us more than ever in the coming years. While we have more compliance software, tools and apps to track KPIs and generate dashboards than ever before, I am witnessing a quiet, creeping crisis: a loss of genuine oversight and a thinning of leadership accountability.

In my three decades working across a wide range of charities, I’ve seen organizations passionately state their mission, only to see it undermined. Betrayals ranged from weak performance feedback and overly complex strategic plans to executive-level narcissism and outright embezzlement.

Too often, we see the “Illusion of Oversight.” We hear boards talk about building rigor, yet they continue to “blindly trust” staff reports without digging into the raw data. We see KPIs established to monitor health, but they are treated as performative art—glanced at, but never scrutinized. When boards fail to recruit members with specific expertise, or when leaders prioritize “politeness” over difficult questions, the foundation of the organization begins to rot.

The Wisdom of the Archipelago

Since relocating to the Philippines, I have been immersed in two cultural pillars that I believe offer a radical cure for the accountability crisis in the nonprofit sector: Kapwa and Bayanihan.

Kapwa is often translated as “shared identity” or “the self in the other.” It is the profound recognition that my neighbor is not separate from me. In the Philippine context, to harm another is to harm oneself. When we apply Kapwa to nonprofit leadership, accountability ceases to be a legal chore and becomes a moral imperative. If a leader misuses funds or a board member neglects their duty, they are not just “failing an organization”—they are violating the shared inner self of the community they serve.

Bayanihan is a foundational Filipino cultural value representing communal unity, teamwork, and helping neighbors without expecting rewards. Perhaps you have seen the iconic image of a village literally lifting a bamboo house (bahay kubo) onto their shoulders to move it to a new location. This is the essence of a Board of Directors. Every person under that house must carry their share of the weight. If one person stumbles or chooses to let go, the burden shifts onto others, and the entire structure risks collapse.

Moving Beyond Lip Service

We are excellent at “lip service” in the U.S.—the nodding of heads in a boardroom while the actual health of the organization remains a mystery to those tasked with guarding it. To “be the change” in our sector, we must move from passive attendance to active stewardship.

Audit Your Integrity, Not Just Your Books: Ask yourself, “Am I asking the uncomfortable questions, or am I staying silent to maintain ‘board harmony’?” Harmony without honesty is just a facade for failure.

Verify the Lift: In the spirit of Bayanihan, you must know exactly how much weight is being carried. Do not accept summary reports at face value. If you are on a board, you have a moral right and legal duty to understand the “why” behind the numbers.

Recruit for Rigor: A board is not a social club; it is a weight-bearing structure. We must intentionally recruit individuals with specific skills and experience to ensure the house doesn’t tilt.

As I consult with organizations globally from my home here in the Philippines, I am reminded that most of us who chose to work in the voluntary sector want to do good and not harm. Yet, when we allow oversight to lapse, harm is exactly what we facilitate.

We must return to the idea that we are all interconnected. Whether you are a staff leader in a community nonprofit or a board member for an international foundation, your integrity determines if the “house” we are all carrying moves forward or falls. Let us stop giving lip service to values and start putting them into action—now.

The sector—and the critical role it fills in the world we share—cannot afford anything less.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is a global network of consultants providing customized Innovation Teams of subject experts with specific technical expertise to help nonprofit organizations and philanthropists maximize their philanthropic efforts and achieve significant impact.

We are poised to partner and collaborate to help you realize your philanthropic potential. Complimentary consultations are available or contact us directly for an exploratory conversation.

Hearing Research International

Hearing Research International (HRI) is an international research foundation powered by Canadian Hearing Services (CHS), advancing innovative research in Hearing Health and Deaf Studies.

Operating over the last five years as CHS Global Partnerships for Research & Innovation, Global Partnerships became Canada’s largest funder dedicated to improving quality of life for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Research funding in the millions has been awarded by a 64-member scientific review grant panel from North America, Europe, and Australia to Canadian primary investigators working in collaboration with researchers in 20 countries.

Responding to a growing worldwide hearing-health challenge, the newly branded Hearing Research International was officially launched on World Hearing Day 2026, as a global foundation, positioning Hearing Health and Deaf Studies research on the world stage.

HRI represents the next evolution of research leadership, fostering collaboration across institutions, disciplines, and borders, setting the agenda for innovative research in the international research ecosystem. To shape the future, the foundation supports research that:

Advances prevention, identification and treatment
Strengthens accessibility and inclusion
Informs policy and professional practice
Improves quality of life for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals

HRI commits to investing in innovative research, fostering cross-border partnerships, shaping global research agendas, and translating knowledge into meaningful advancements. By catalyzing collaborations and connecting expertise, HRI research initiatives and partnerships, generate knowledge improving the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals worldwide.

Please see Representative Client Briefs for information on the range of our clients and projects.

Board Training, Management and Governance

Proper Board management and governance is essential for any nonprofit to assure the demands of steering, supporting and safeguarding organizations are met. Specific technical expertise is required to assure the structure and composition of the Board are suitable, meetings and communications are managed appropriately and members understand and are equipped to fulfill their responsibilities.

Board Training

Boards are in place to govern, though subject to the evolution and needs of the organization may take on various levels of involvement which encroach upon management and operations. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. provides training for Boards in governance and leadership, core duties and roles, the Chief Executive’s mandate, techniques to build strong relationships with the Chief Executive, management and evaluation of the Chief Executive’s performance and succession planning.

Board Management

The mechanics to properly manage meetings and committees, prepare reports and communications, update bylaws and facilitate the fiduciary responsibilities of the Board, require technical expertise and diplomacy to assure all run smoothly. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. takes a hand on approach to train staff assuring structure, process and products support the success of the Board.

Please see our Service offerings for a full list of our subject expertise areas.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is honored to announce From the Ground Up: Prospect Research for Nonprofits, a newly released book by Associate of S. Sutton & Associates Inc. Katherine Scott, and Sarah Marcotte. At a moment when nonprofit organizations are navigating an increasingly complex landscape of information, resources, and technology, the need for guidance that is both practical and well-grounded has become more pronounced. This publication responds to that need by offering a guide to prospect research for professionals, while reaffirming the field’s importance to philanthropic practice.

Prospect research has long played a vital role in fundraising, but its wider contribution to nonprofit practice is not always fully recognized. Too often, it is understood only in technical terms, when in fact it helps shape how organizations identify opportunities, manage information, and pursue mission with greater clarity. From the Ground Up: Prospect Research for Nonprofits reflects this understanding of the field. It brings into view the many ways prospect research informs sound decision-making, supports responsible fundraising, and strengthens the systems that allow nonprofit organizations to act with greater confidence and care.

The publication also reflects the depth of experience and perspective that Katherine and Sarah bring to the field. Together, they bring more than 35 years of experience in prospect research and development across a range of nonprofit settings, and both remain active in the community as speakers and thought leaders. Katherine brings over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, with work spanning Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) Canada, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canadian Red Cross, and Toronto Metropolitan University, alongside leadership in the profession as the former President of Apra Canada. Sarah, a librarian by profession, has spent nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector with a focus on prospect research, prospect management, and data management, including senior roles at SickKids Foundation, Weizmann Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross.

Katherine and Sarah’s contribution is especially timely. Across philanthropy, there is increasing recognition that effective fundraising depends on the quality of the systems and judgment that support it. In that sense, From the Ground Up speaks to a broader sector need. It offers new professionals a clear entry point, supports experienced practitioners in complex work, and reminds nonprofit leaders that research is central to mission.

In recognizing From the Ground Up: Prospect Research for Nonprofits, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is proud to celebrate a publication that makes a meaningful contribution to the sector. Books of this kind do more than expand knowledge. They help shape stronger practice, bring important work into clearer view, and leave the field better prepared to serve the public good with care and conviction.

From the Ground Up: Prospect Research for Nonprofits is available for purchase on Amazon.

Morris Price Jr., Executive Associate

Morris W. Price Jr. is a dynamic and results-oriented executive with over three decades of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, government, and the higher education sectors. He has a proven ability to lead with a strategic vision, and uses financial, programmatic, advocacy and communication resources while fostering an inclusive and collaborative organizational culture.

He is acknowledged for designing and executing effective initiatives that advance equity, foster systemic change, and support a range of causes, issues, and communities. His extensive knowledge of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations at both local and national levels enables him to leverage strategic relationships, mobilizing resources and partnerships to drive significant and lasting change.

Morris has a proven record in mentoring rising leaders, diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and building community relationships to drive impactful change and align with organizational mission.

In these capacities Morris has served as Vice President Grants and Impact, The Colorado Trust, Vice President and Executive Director, City Year Denver, District Director U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado 1st Congressional District, National Program Officer the Gill Foundation, Director of University, College and Community Relations the Daniels Fund, Associate Dean & Director of Undergraduate Admission, University of Denver, and Associate Dean & Director of Multicultural Admission, Depauw University.

Morris currently serves as the Chair of the Board for the Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority, President, Board of Directors Philanthropy Colorado, Secretary, Board of Trustees Rose Community Foundation, Board Member, Board of Directors, Colorado State University, and Secretary, Board of Directors, Denver Impact Fund.

His contributions have earned him significant recognition, including the Swanee Hunt Individual Leadership Award, the MLK Business Social Responsibility Award, Denver Urban Spectrum 25 Most Influential African Americans, and the NAACP Civil Rights & Social Justice Advocacy Commerce Award.

Morris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University.

Ethan Christopher Chua, Junior Associate

Ethan Chua has joined S. Sutton & Associates Inc. as a Junior Associate and Core Team member, parlaying his experience as a Business Development Analyst at Mastercard, Treasuries and Capital Markets Analyst at Metrobank, and Student Business Officer at Pacific Economic Development Canada, to enhance operational efficiency in cross-department processes, structural improvement plans, and the exploration of the use of AI to help efficiently connect with our ecosystem.

Ethan graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Minor in Commerce, and speaks in addition to English, Tagalog and Mandarin. Now residing in Manila Philippines and with Mastercard, Ethan successfully works on business development opportunities in the FinTech and digital banks space that positively impact the community around him.

Kenny Nguyen, Junior Associate

Kenny Nguyen has joined the Core Team of S. Sutton & Associates Inc. as a Junior Web Developer and System Administrator. Kenny specializes in Software Engineering and System Development and building scalable backend systems and production ready web platforms.

His past roles include Backend Software Engineer at HealthBridge AI, Software Developer at Netpalm, and Programming Instructor at Algorithmics Inc.

Kenny is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Information in Information Science.

Roace Estante, Junior Associate

Roace Estante has joined the firm as a Core Team Member focused on financial tracking and reporting.

A York University graduate with an Honors BA in Psychology, Roace brings diverse experiences having served with the Canadian Armed Forces and as a Supervisor at the Toronto Public Library, where he honed skills in leadership, workflow optimization, and stakeholder collaboration.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Information at the University of Toronto, exploring the intersection of technology, data, and organizational strategy, preparing for a career that bridges operations, information management, and innovation.

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Philanthropy Wired Newsletter

Philanthropy Wired September 2025

Post author By Philanthropy Wired
Post date October 1, 2025

US-Canada Nonprofits: Challenges and Opportunities of Working Together in 2025

Chiayi Tsui, Associate, S. Sutton and Associates Inc.

Economic uncertainty, political disillusionment, societal pressures, and emotional exhaustion…name your ill, and you have it in 2025. This environment creates challenging conditions for nonprofits tasked with addressing society’s various problems and presents complexities for any aspiring philanthropists. Despite some systemic differences between the US and Canada, similarities across the border reveal shared struggles. While thinking along national lines is sometimes helpful in framing an issue, the root of a problem usually transcends geographical boundaries.

How do we continuously do more with less? How do we respond to increasing polarization? How do we prepare for the future when we are having a hard time coping with the present? Let us look at trends across the US-Canada border as we ponder some of these big questions.

The Economic Squeeze

More than half of Americans polled by Gallup in early 2025 believed that the economy was getting worse, and this was before targeted tariffs, a tit-for-tat trade policy, and stock market losses which continued to deepen the sense of economic instability.

Canadians likewise are feeling less optimistic about their nation’s economic outlook, according to a Gallup poll. In fact, their optimism has been waning since the Great Financial Crisis in 2008, and really took a nose dive in 2021 as inflation increased significantly that year.

Economic uncertainty often negatively impacts nonprofits: donations decline as donors become more cautious with their giving, corporations face greater budget constraints, and governments reduce or redirect their aid. Unpredictability surrounding funding in turn impacts the services that nonprofits provide; a drop in the former due to economic strain often necessitates a drop in the latter. Yet, demand for nonprofit services – particularly food, housing, and health services – tends to rise in stressful times.

Civic and Political Decline

Another poll by The New York Times in late 2024 revealed eroded confidence in the US political system: more than three-fourths of respondents believed that American democracy was under threat, as checks and balances seemed to be crumbling under politicians’ power grabs.

Many Canadians are similarly disheartened and dissatisfied with the political scene– more than a third of Canadians, according to data collected by the Angus Reid Institute, find that the political parties have become too extreme and offer no potential for compromise.

Nonprofits walk a tightrope when it comes to expressing their values: espousing the “wrong” views risks getting public ire; staying silent risks losing the support of vociferous advocates. On the one hand are the donors whose disillusionment extends beyond the political realm; on the other are the donors who take on extreme stances and demand the same from nonprofits or they would withdraw their support. In both cases, it seems increasingly impossible to retain either group while remaining bipartisan.

Pressure from the Digital World

Meanwhile, the online world doesn’t offer any reprieve, and in fact can be a dominant source of pressure for people, especially younger adults. A study by Common Sense Media and Harvard Graduate School of Education reported that over 80% of American teens felt pressured by social media to appear a certain way or to measure themselves by others’ achievements.

Social media users in Canada are not immune to the phenomenon of cancel culture, where people get criticized, publicly shamed, and even ostracized for expressing beliefs deemed unacceptable. This has propelled entities– from individuals to corporations alike– to make public proclamations to align themselves with the righteous side…whatever that may be.

The pressure to always be “on” and to always say the “correct” thing has real consequences. Every entity is after more likes, more clicks, more shares, more dollars. While the Internet has allowed nonprofits to be omnipresent and to reach broader audiences, online interactions have prompted ideological fights rather than honest dialogues. Fear of backlash and public scrutiny has nonprofits claiming increasingly higher moral grounds, and the fear of losing relevance in today’s world forces participants to become obsessive and short-sighted.

Shared Struggles

These results offer glimpses into a broader sentiment of unease and emotional strain, and people are feeling a kind of collective fatigue. While it may be easy to say the Americans have it the roughest, tempting even to dismiss certain issues as pertaining to the US only, we needn’t look far to see that many key challenges faced by individuals and nonprofits are shared more broadly: from inflationary pressure and economic instability, to loss of pandemic relief support and Federal government pulling the plug on aid, to civic discourse deterioration…. In addition to any personal obstacles each individual faces, our miseries are compounded by problems unfolding on the national and global stages.

A Resilient Sector

The situation indeed seems dire, and all the statistics and anecdotes cited in the media paint a worrisome picture. However, this is also a good time to be reminded that nonprofits have always faced difficulties, and many have emerged from them stronger. For instance, the drastic Reagan-era budget cuts professionalized nonprofit and fundraising, and employment in the nonprofit sector grew and in fact became a vital source of jobs for people. Arguably, all quite good things that came from an otherwise terrible time.

And, however counterintuitive it may seem, depressed economic conditions offer the most growth opportunities. After the Great Financial Crisis, foundation assets took a hit but recovered nicely in the decade that followed. And the swift financial rebound in 2021 helped assets in US foundations exceed $1 trillion in that same year. Over the long haul, temporary dips become cumulative gains: data from Candid, a company specialized in nonprofit data reporting, indicates charitable giving has grown 4.3% annually for the past 40 years despite periods of economic downturn.

Challenge Into Change: How We Help

Just as growth becomes most prominent after depressed periods, so can we be the most resilient during challenging times. We can transform public discontent and appetite for change into a desire for action. We can find common ground despite divisive rhetoric. Obstacles can now be used as catalysts for change, and decisions made today will have repercussions that transcend boundaries. Now more than ever is the time to make meaningful and lasting changes. Let us help you articulate your beliefs and your vision, and transform good intentions into impactful action.

As philanthropic advisors, we help nonprofits and civic leaders in reaching their charitable aspirations, navigate uncertainty, respond to challenges, build resilient communities, and remain mission-driven. With international reach but local knowledge, we bring global perspectives to regional issues– whether economic, political, or cultural. We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and offer strategic advice across all stages of your philanthropic journey. Backed by a team of associates with deep expertise, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is here to help guide you on how to do good– even when the world feels anything but.

We are poised to partner and collaborate to help you realize your philanthropic potential. Complimentary consultations are available or contact us directly for an exploratory conversation.

Libra Philanthropies

Libra Philanthropies builds global human potential and fosters hope through powerful connections, programs, and resources, addressing complex and urgent challenges globally, having impacted 26 million lives, in 183 countries, and 400+ organizations, and counting.

Libra Philanthropies is a foundation comprised of initiatives that include social impact programs, strategic giving, and independent nonprofits, incubated by the Libra ecosystem. The power of a growing network helps accelerate and generate meaningful work through four core activities. Libra Philanthropies:

Establishes Nonprofits
Where there are unmet needs, Libra Philanthropies collaborates with community stakeholders to establish nonprofits around the world that grow to operate independently.

Catalyzes Existing Nonprofits
By combining hands-on support, operational expertise, capacity building, network connections, and strategic giving to scale and internationalize organizations, Libra Philanthropies brings forth existing nonprofits.

Empowers Leaders
By encouraging people around the world to recognize their unique potential through access to mentorship, skills development, and international networking opportunities that prioritize entrepreneurship, continued education, and personal growth, Libra Philanthropies amplifies leaders.

Funds Change
Through the provision of grants to organizations worldwide in five key areas: economic opportunity, education, health, community development, and leadership, Libra Philanthropies manifests change.

Major and Principal Gifts

Major and principal gifts represent an essential method of fundraising for institutions which have developed a cohort of donors who have been solicited and stewarded on a regular basis, albeit at lower levels. Though not exclusively, the vast majority of large gifts to an institution come from individuals already in its donor database. To be successful generating major and principal gifts a constellation of relationships must be built over time between a prospect or donor, the institution, volunteer leaders, subject experts and the gift officer who acts as the facilitator. All interactions are designed to engage, elicit and share information and create understanding of the impact of a potential commitment.

Major and principal gifts take time to cultivate and often evolve from small gifts to the annual fund. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. can help your team assess its readiness and develop capacity in major gifts staff and volunteers, analyze your major gift portfolio, and help you successfully apply best practices that blend well with your overall fundraising enterprise.

We can assist you to create structures of engagement to involve prospects in greater depth in your institution’s mission and priorities as well as effective structures to engage volunteers with prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation and stewardship.

Kate Sheehan, Executive Associate

With almost 40 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kate Sheehan is a seasoned fundraising and institutional advancement expert, with almost half her career spent at Northwestern University, where she rose through the ranks to serve as Director of Principal Gifts, followed by seven years as Senior Director of Development, Presidential Activities, supporting the university President in all fundraising work and serving as the liaison between the president’s office and the 300-member Alumni Relations and Development department. Kate’s experience also includes five years as the Vice President, Principal Gifts for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She has served in senior roles with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Art Institute of Boston, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.

Kate graduated from Indiana University/Bloomington with a BA in English. She holds certificates from University of Chicago and Advancement Resources and is the 2008 recipient of the Garfield Award (Northwestern University).

Kim West, Executive Associate

Kim West is a strategic and compassionate leader with over 30 years of experience driving impactful change across global NGOs and the private sector. Her expertise spans governance, organizational development, program strategy, and volunteer management, with a track record of transforming teams, securing multi-million-dollar funding, and leading inclusive initiatives across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the UK.

As a consultant, Kim has advised organizations such as CHRI, DAI Global, and the Danish Refugee Council, delivering solutions in governance, reintegration, and strategic planning.

Previously, she held senior leadership roles at African Initiatives, United Purpose, and VSO International, where she advanced inclusive education, gender equality, women/girls, indigenous communities and youth economic and social empowerment.

Kim also brings valuable private sector insight from earlier leadership roles at TD Financial Group, Kraft Foods, and Sun Life Financial.

She is known for her adaptive leadership, commitment to social justice, and ability to align mission-driven work with measurable outcomes.

Carolyn Hanson, Senior Associate

With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Carolyn Hanson specializes in Donor and Constituent Engagement. Her experience has included owning a successful nonprofit consulting business, working for the public information and philanthropy departments at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and providing writing services to various UN agencies, including UNDP’s HIV/AIDS Group, UNIFEM (now UN Women), the Office of the UNSGSA, and SDG Impact.

Carolyn graduated from Barnard College with a bachelor’s degree in English. As a grant writer, she has consistently raised more than $2 million per year. Her additional skills include direct mail marketing, copywriting, and editing. Carolyn’s wide-ranging experience has helped her develop subject-matter expertise in HIV/AIDS, global and public health, homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights, economic development, financial inclusion, animal welfare, and more.

As an independent consultant, she has worked with Housing Works, Bailey House, Bideawee, March of Dimes, and others.

Carolyn enjoys learning from her clients and helping them share their visions for a better world with donors and the public.

Chiayi Tsui, Associate

With more than 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Chiayi specializes in research of all types and generates insights from reading between the lines, connecting the dots, and deciphering patterns. Her experience as a prospect researcher has been mostly in the context of higher education fundraising. She also has background conducting research for archives, special collections, and a political organization. Previous experience includes working as associate director of prospect research at the University of Chicago and manager of prospect management at the University of Toronto, and serving as an ambassador of the Formosa Foundation.

Chiayi graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts and a minor in art history, and received her master’s degree in library science from Indiana University–Bloomington. She was American Library Association’s Spectrum Reach 21 Scholar and a US Department of State Title VII Grant recipient.

Jon Garrow, Associate

With more than 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jon Garrow specializes in advancement services. Some of his previous experience has included: director of prospect development at Montefiore Health System/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, head of fundraising operations at International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and instructor in fundraising operations at Rice University.

Jon graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor of arts in music and from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy with a master’s in philanthropy studies. He is currently completing an additional graduate degree in data science.

Jon is a leader in prospect development, serving on the board of Apra International, and received the 2024 Cecilia Hogan Award for contributions to the field.

Rex Fuller, Associate

Rex Fuller is an Associate who brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Rex is a seasoned fundraising strategist whose expertise spans large-scale campaigns, annual giving, strategic planning, and direct marketing. He is known for his ability to unite stakeholders around bold goals, elevate organizational visibility, and deliver measurable impact.

Rex’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing equity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. As Chief Executive Officer of The Center on Colfax, he led the development of two comprehensive three-year strategic plans, expanding services to include free mental health programs, disability initiatives, and young adult programming. Rex successfully navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, creating innovative virtual programming, including the first televised “virtual pride parade,” and spearheaded high-profile initiatives such as Stonewall 50, a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

Previously, as Vice President of Communications and Corporate Giving at The Center, Rex expanded corporate partnerships, oversaw brand transformation, and launched a new online information hub for the LGBTQ+ community. His leadership extended to producing Denver PrideFest, which attracts over 500,000 visitors and generates $1.5 million annually, and growing the Pride 5K from 200 to 4,000 runners, generating over $100,000 annually while introducing a peer-to-peer fundraising model.

Furthermore, Rex’s expertise extends to arts and culture, having served as Director of Sales and Marketing at Opera Colorado and in senior marketing roles at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Boulder Philharmonic. There, he combined creative vision with strategic marketing to broaden audiences, forge community partnerships, and launch city-wide cultural festivals.

At S. Sutton & Associates Inc., Rex applies his expertise in fundraising campaigns, annual giving, and strategic planning to help clients clarify their goals, activate board leadership, and inspire donor communities. His work is guided by the belief that successful fundraising begins with a clear vision and is sustained by authentic connections and shared purpose.

Kenshi Yu, Junior Associate

Kenshi Yu has joined the firm as a Core Team Member focused on financial tracking and reporting, monthly performance plans, and vendor relations.

A graduate of the renowned Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor in Project Management, Kenshi has served as a Trade Support Analyst at Goldstar Securities, a Retail Sales Trader at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, and Head of Finance at the startup Patch Pals. Drawing on this foundation, Kenshi specializes in corporate partnerships and financial planning, with transferable expertise in client relationship management, strategic finance, and high-value transactions.

Kenshi is now expanding his expertise through his studies at the University of Toronto, pursuing a Bachelor of Information at the University of Toronto, focusing on the intersection of technology, information, and business, in preparation for a career that bridges finance, fundraising strategy, and innovation.

Roberto Rafael IV Cabrera, Junior Associate

As a Junior Associate, Roberto L. Cabrera IV serves as the firm’s Proposal Project Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator, driving community engagement and impactful nonprofit and philanthropic initiatives.

Cabrera is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Management with a minor in Environmental Law & Policy at the University of Toronto, complemented by coursework in Sustainable Cities at Johns Hopkins University. His background in economics and urban planning equips him with the analytical and strategic skills necessary to support the firm’s mission effectively.

Cabrera’s experience includes founding the Revitalize Project, an initiative that raised funds for medical and school supplies through tote bag sales; interning as a Building Administrator for a commercial property in Southeast Asia, where he managed tenant relations and operations; and conducting research on sustainable city development and economic growth.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Cabrera thrives under pressure, embracing multiple responsibilities with grit. Inspired daily by his grandfather’s words, “Enjoy life,” he approaches challenges with determination and positivity, finding meaning in every step forward.

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Philanthropy Wired Newsletter

Philanthropy Wired August 2024

Post author By Philanthropy Wired
Post date August 18, 2024

Force Multipliers for Moving Capital to Impact

Microsoft is the world’s most valuable company with a market cap of $3.041T as of March 2024. The most recent Annual Meeting of the Microsoft Corporation was held in December 2023 and one of the most fascinating aspects of the presentation and question-and-answer period was the time allocated to discussion regarding the limitations of the free market, with a Microsoft executive explaining that “it doesn’t reach all”, and that “the force multiplier for Microsoft” to empower technical skills and education is not market-based but dependent upon teachers and schools, international nongovernmental organizations, the United Nations (UN) particularly UNICEF, and nonprofit/volunteer organizations.

The north American ecosystem is replete interpretations of how for-profit entities and civil society working together towards the greater good, as so beautifully captured by Eric Saarvala, MBA, CSR-P, G. Dipl. SR&S in The Semantics of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Social Purpose and Sustainability.

At the same time the growing and evolving phenomenon of impact investing in North America is amplified through the adoption of the tri-sector approach, with government adopting a social investment and social finance strategy, philanthropists and ultra-high net worth individuals adopting impact investing, and corporations (spurred on by shareholder activism) and business owners, deploying creative financial structures and vehicles.

Nowhere in the world is the concept of moving capital towards impact more dynamic than in Asia, with the epicenter in Singapore, where the concept of Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLIC’s) or Government Linked Corporations (GLC’s) in partnership with the social investment network are addressing increasing inequality and multi-dimensional poverty in many countries.

In 2014, India became the first country in the world to legislate corporate social responsibility for companies with an average net profit of at least fifty million rupees (approximately USD $816,000) over three consecutive years, requiring them to spend at least 2% of their three-year annual average net profit on CSR initiatives

Japan is driving the development of pay for success models to leverage government spending to attract philanthropic and private capital. In 2020, Japan was the third largest issuer of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) worldwide, issuing a total of USD $8.3 million worth of SIBs.

Doubling down on its “common prosperity” approach, China is driving policy changes across the three resource distribution layers of market mechanisms, taxation and fiscal transfers, and charity and philanthropy. Paired with the Charity Law that came into force in 2016, corporate, philanthropic, and individual giving has soared in recent years.

Transforming the Indonesian economy is National Petroleum Limited, commonly known as Petronas, a global Malaysian energy group with a presence in over 100 countries. Established in 1974, it is a legal entity incorporated under the Malaysian Companies Act. The corporation is vested with all oil and gas resources in Malaysia and is entrusted with the responsibility of developing and adding value to these resources.

In the annual Fortune Global 500 list for 2022, Petronas was ranked at 216th. It also ranked 48th globally in the 2020 Bentley Infrastructure 500. The Financial Times has identified Petronas as one of the “new seven sisters”, considered to be influential and mainly state-owned national oil and gas companies from countries outside the OECD.

Petronas provides a substantial source of income for the Malaysian government, accounting for more than 15% of the government’s revenue from 2015 to 2020.

Petronas bestows educational sponsorships in the form of convertible loans upon both Malaysian and international students, facilitating their pursuit of higher education at local or overseas universities.

Upon successful completion of their tertiary studies, scholars absorbed into Petronas have their convertible loans transformed into comprehensive scholarships. These scholars are contractually obliged to serve the company for a period of two years for each year of sponsorship.

Petronas has its own research university, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), built in 1997 and located in Seri Iskandar, Perak.

The gold standard of public foundations is Temasek Holdings, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, which has committed or SGD 2 billion of its portfolio to community support. The Temasek Foundation, one of the philanthropic arms has deployed more than SGD 791 million to date. Yet another arm, Philanthropy Asia Alliance, creates multi-sector partnerships across the world as a force for good, fostering innovation, driving momentum and scaling impact.

The Secret Sauce (Abridged)

Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) is a unique funders’ network based in Singapore committed to building a vibrant and high impact social investment community across Asia. As an advocate, capacity builder, and platform that cuts across private, public, and social sectors, AVPN embraces all types of engagement to improve the effectiveness of members across the Asia-Pacific region.

The core mission of AVPN is to increase the flow of financial, human, and intellectual capital to the social sector by connecting and empowering key stakeholders from funders to the social purpose organisations they support. With over 600 members across 32 countries, AVPN is catalysing the movement towards a more strategic, collaborative, and outcome-focused approach to social investing, ensuring that resources are deployed as effectively as possible to address key social challenges facing Asia today and in the future.

What follows are the top-line components to move capital to impact captured in an amazing Philanthropy Handbook developed by AVPN.

Multi-Disciplinary Networks and Collaboration

Globally impact organizations continue to expand in size and shape from charities to ground-up initiatives and for-profit organizations, reinforced by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), which are premised on all sectors of society contributing to solutions – not just government but business, civil society, academics, media and crucially philanthropy.

Collaborations can take many shapes, ranging from the informal and unstructured exchange of knowledge to the formally structured long-term pooling of resources. Examples of formalised collaborations include pooled funds, giving circles, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

A multidisciplinary approach can accomplish more in addressing complex social issues where there is no silver bullet. Where relevant, teams engage data managers/researchers, technology experts and players in other disciplines to assess working hypotheses, validate assumptions or prototype/iterate interventions and help program partners refine strategies and plans.

Collaboration and partnership are key to understand the issues more holistically, to develop a working hypothesis of what could make a meaningful difference, undergirding the work in curating, designing and/or supporting different programs and research projects.

Blended Finance

Blended finance is the use of catalytic capital from public or philanthropic sources to increase private sector investment in sustainable development. It is a structuring approach that allows actors from the private and public sector to work alongside while pursuing different objectives. Actors’ objectives can include financial return, social impact, or a blend of both.

Public or philanthropic capital acts as a catalyst to attract and enable private sector investment by accepting disproportionate risk or concessionary returns.

An example is Social Impact Guarantee (SIG): SIGs are results-based financing mechanisms that allow donors to ensure that their donation achieves the intended social impact, failing which a portion of funding is returned or recycled. SIGs are a subset of Pay for Success (PFS) funding structures, an outcomes-based, ‘cash-on-delivery’ model for achieving social impact. Besides SIGs, PFS models also encompass Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) and Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) which provide bridge financing while the results of the program are being determined.

Accountability through Data-Driven Assessments

Assessment is only as good as the quality of the data collected. Best practice is to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework or work with knowledge partners and impact assessment professionals, to align this framework to global standards, such as the Impact Management Project’s (IMP) Five Dimensions of Impact or the SDG targets and indicators, to assure reporting reflects global conversations.

Researching the systems programs operate within, working directly with impact organisations, conducting in-depth field scans to ensure programs are relevant, adopting human-centered and co-designed program development principles to monitor closely to learn, yet not to control, helps grantees to measure the reach and outcomes of programs and where necessary provide grantees additional technical assistance and capacity-building support for performance management and measurement.

Close monitoring enables changes to be made that can enhance the design of future iterations of the program based on lessons learned.

A fascinating organization with offices throughout the region, supporting this work is the Center for Evidence and Implementation.

Embracing an approach of continual review and regular course-correcting is essential for the next components, innovate, amplify, and scale.

Innovate, Amplify and Scale

The entrepreneurial approach to moving capital to impact applied so successfully in Asia can be captured in three words, innovate, amplify, and scale.

Impactful giving supports initiatives that address the social challenges of our generation. Beyond a data-driven mindset and approach, two cornerstones underlie an effective giving strategy, deepening an understanding of the underlying issues of social challenges and the local operating environment, and identifying innovative ideas and programs with potential for scalability and long-lasting social impact.

To be evidence-informed, willing to take on calculated risks with innovative and untested approaches, not deterred from supporting bold ideas with some risk of failure, especially if the outcome is potentially transformative is the key to amplify, and scale impact.

Scaling through depth involves increasing the reach of a specific programme or initiative, for example by partnering with policy makers and regional governments.

Scaling in breadth entails widening the application of the same program or initiative across different geographies or thematic areas.

Collaboration is the most cost-effective approach to scale. Pooling capital, talent, and resources with others with similar interests allows leverage of skills and networks, creating larger resonance for the work.

Next Steps?

Force multipliers abound, opportunities for moving capital towards impact are in our hands. The world awaits.

We are poised to partner and collaborate to help you realize your philanthropic potential. Complimentary consultations are available or contact us directly for an exploratory conversation.

All good wishes for an impactful 2024!

Susan Sutton

International Fundraising

Thomas L. Friedman in his transformative tome, The World is Flat, gave voice to a phenomenon that “the global competitive playing field was being leveled. The world was being flattened”. His words are even truer today than when written in 2005. With steady globalization in the private sector there has been increased globalization in the nonprofit sector. S. Sutton and Associates has the experience and expertise to help you engage globally.

International fundraising presents a unique challenge, and implementation requires unique skill and expertise. S. Sutton and Associates can help your organization make the case for activity on the global stage, devise effective organizational structures and program strategies, identify and train the experienced major gift professional talent, build the right case for support, manage long distance and culturally diverse constituents and track and align global initiatives organization-wide.

Learn more

Dr. Shirley Cheechoo C.M. (Cree), Strategic Advisor
S. Sutton & Associates Inc.

Dr. Shirley Cheechoo is a highly respected leader, celebrated for her diverse contributions as an artist, filmmaker, educator, and advocate for Indigenous representation. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to enriching the arts and preserving Indigenous heritage.

Professional Journey

As the Founder and Artistic Director of the esteemed Weengushk Film Institute, Dr. Cheechoo has played a pivotal role in nurturing Indigenous filmmakers, fostering talent, and amplifying authentic voices. A recognized trailblazer, Dr. Cheechoo has achieved many notable milestones, including being the first person from a First Nation to write, produce, direct, and act in a feature-length Canadian film.

Her artistic journey began on stage. Before helming award-winning films, Dr. Cheechoo established herself as a playwright, actor, and director of notable plays. In 1984, she co-founded the Debajehmujig Theatre Group, the longest-running Indigenous theatre company in North America. This experience solidified her passion for storytelling and paved the way for her transition to film.

In 1998, she made her directorial debut with the short film Silent Tears. This poignant exploration of a childhood winter trip garnered critical acclaim and won the Telefilm Canada and Northern Canada Award for Best Canadian Aboriginal Language Program at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival.

Beyond the screen, Dr. Cheechoo’s achievements extend to visual art. Her paintings grace exhibitions worldwide, and commissioned works include Christmas cards for UNICEF, Amnesty International, and The Ontario Native Women’s Association. Her art can be found in esteemed private and public collections around the globe.

Academic and Professional Accolades

Dr. Cheechoo’s artistic journey spanned prestigious programs like Sundance and the Canadian Film Centre, but her focus wasn’t solely institutional. She actively participated in Indigenous initiatives (Telefilm Canada, National Screen Institute (NSI) and honed her craft through labs (Director’s Labs, Writer’s Lab) and workshops (Women in the Director’s Chair). Her experience encompassed directing (on the Rez), screenwriting (McIntyre, Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) workshop), and scene study (Hickman, Balos, Dunsmore, Bassett). Her exploration extended beyond film (Shakespeare with Greenblatt, audition skills with Aikins, commercials with Clydesdale) and into theatre (Writer in Residence, De-ba-jeh-mu-jig).

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Order of Canada in 2018. She also served as Chancellor of Brock University from 2015 to 2020, the first woman and first Indigenous person to hold this position. During her tenure, she inspired students and faculty, served as an advocate for inclusivity, and left a lasting impact on the culture of the university.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Dr. Cheechoo is deeply committed to fostering cultural enrichment and community engagement. Kasheese Studios, the art gallery she co-owns, showcases Indigenous art, while Spoken Song, her film production company, champions Indigenous voices on screen. This dedication extends beyond the arts – Dr. Cheechoo has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Ontario Trillium Foundation (2005-present) and the Canadian Centre for Diversity (2008-present). Her leadership has made an impact at MCTV and the Canadian Film Centre, further solidifying her commitment to advancing artistic expression across the country.

Dr. Shirley Cheechoo’s legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring resilience of Indigenous heritage. Her tireless dedication to storytelling and cultural preservation continues to shape Canada’s cultural landscape and inspire generations to come.

Professional and Artistic Achievements

Reconciliation is a Verb

The Indigenous territories that make up about 22 percent of the world’s land surface hold 80 percent of the world’s remaining biodiversity. And while biodiversity is under threat everywhere, it is declining more slowly in areas managed by Indigenous peoples. Every direction you look, the ways to stop the mass extinction of species are deeply tied to the knowledge and practices of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge and knowledge systems are key to designing a sustainable future for all. International environmental negotiations need to go beyond tokenistic participation of Indigenous Peoples to a genuine integration of their worldviews and knowledge. Respecting and promoting their collective rights to their lands, self-determination, and consent is vital to strengthening their role as custodians of nature and agents of change. 

In June 2017 the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented 94 “Calls to Action” to further reconciliation between Canadian and Indigenous peoples. Canada was the first country to take this action and is making progress to change the colonial laws, policies, and institutions that continue to exist in many parts of its society, but it is slow.  

The federal government is accountable for 76 of the 94 Calls to Action – either alone or in partnership with the provinces and territories. As of January 1, 2024, according to Indigenous Watchdog, 11 of those Calls to Action are complete, 39 are in progress, 13 are stalled, and 13 have not been started.

Of the 18 of the Calls to Action for which the responsibility lies with the church and other entities like post-secondary educational institutions, only two have been completed.

The call is out for all Canadians to double-down their commitment to the work of truth and reconciliation by pushing for the implementation of all 94 Calls to Action.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. recognizes the importance of true engagement with Indigenous peoples in Canada and worldwide, for as the saying goes, “When we are not at the table, it means we are on the table.”

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires that free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples be obtained in matters of fundamental importance for their rights, survival, dignity, and well-being. Moreover, consultations to obtain this consent must respect local governance and decision-making processes and structures; must occur in indigenous languages and on indigenous peoples’ time frames; and be free of coercion or threat. Indigenous peoples must engage as equal partners and knowledge holders.

With this in mind we are honored to welcome Dr. Shirley Cheechoo, C.M. (Cree) to S. Sutton & Associates Inc. as our newest Strategic Advisor, lending an Indigenous voice to all that we do.

Obie & Ax Inc.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is delighted to announce a new Strategic Alliance with Obie & Ax United Inc.

First to market, Obie & Ax is the largest and leading international full-service podcast production firm, providing turnkey solutions to Government Agencies, Charities, and Corporations around the world.

The award-winning team and global experts collaborate to tailor a podcast to the client’s specific needs, using both audio and video podcasts to bridge the communication gap to provide rich information for DEI, talent, retention, community engagement, sustainability, and thought leadership.

To explore the world of possibilities for Obie and Ax Inc. to amplify your message E-mail us a Contact@SSutton-and-Associates.com

JoAnne Dolan, Executive Associate

As an advancement executive with over 30 years of experience, JoAnne Dolan has a proven track record developing and implementing fundraising campaigns and providing strategic management to effectively address priorities from inception to implementation in academic healthcare and higher education. While JoAnne’s core expertise is Major and Principal Gifts, she has wide experience in developing planned giving programs, prospect pipeline and move management development, building and stewarding strategic relationships, and volunteer/Board management.

As the Executive Director for the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, JoAnne was responsible for leading a team of thirteen, raising $15M-$20M annually including successfully orchestrating a capital campaign.

JoAnne also has served as the Assistant Vice President of Principal Gifts at The George Washington University where she served as a strategist soliciting seven figure gifts. In addition, JoAnne was the Assistant Vice President of the Loyola University of Maryland.

She was the founding Director of Development at Maryvale Preparatory School and served in various fundraising capacities at the Baltimore Opera Company.

JoAnne graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and Art History and received a Masters Degree in Administrative Science from the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. She holds a certificate in the Business of Medicine from Johns Hopkins and her teacher’s certification in English from Towson University.

Jennifer Lynch-McKinney, Associate

With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer Lynch-McKinney, MNA has served the Arts & Culture, Animal Welfare, Education, Housing and Community Based Membership and Advocacy nonprofit sectors, serving as Manager of Annual Fund and Advancement for the Cleveland Zoological Society, Annual Fund Manager for ASM Materials Education Foundation and Institutional Advancement Manager for University Circle, Inc.

Today, Jennifer applies her skill and talent as Manager of Fundraising at CHN Housing Partners, a highly seasoned, nonprofit affordable housing developer and housing service provider that works with its partners to solve major housing challenges for low-income people and underserved communities. CHN partners with cities and organizations to deliver housing solutions for their constituents, with utility companies, financial institutions, and public agencies to manage and deliver large-scale housing resources to the community, and with people—low-income individuals, families, seniors, the disabled and the homeless—to improve their housing stability.

Through partnerships CHN has developed over 7,000 affordable homes, and each year serves over 60,000 families through a wide array of housing services.

Working in Ohio and neighboring states, CHN preserves and expands affordable housing, building equitable communities. By investing in affordable housing, CHN invests in families, communities, and the economy – CHN invests in the power of a permanent address.

Jennifer is passionate about the work she does with various organizational partners and works hard as an advocate for the voices that need to be heard and the work that needs to be done to improve individuals and our communities.

Jennifer completed the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Civic Leadership Institute, is a board member of One Health Organization, past chair of The Gathering Place’s Race for the Place fundraiser, a member of the Advisory Board for Ashland University Women in Leadership Certificate Program and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Cleveland chapter.

Bryan Hulscher, Associate

Bryan Hulscher brings nearly two decades of high-impact skillful relationship building to nurture alliances, successfully drive revenue, foster collaboration, and effectively communicate mission-critical goals to align stakeholder values. He has achieved fund development success in Direct Marketing and Annual Giving, Major and Principal Gifts, Donor Relations & Stewardship, Volunteer Management, International Development and Foundation Management, while serving The Rotary Foundation, YMCA of the USA, Motorola Solutions Foundation, U.S. Peace Corps (Botswana), and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Valparaiso University, has achieved fundraising certificates from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Veritus Group Academy, and attended Cambridge University where he was in the International Studies Program.

Kyle Atienza, Junior Associate

A graduate of the University of Toronto Arts & Science Program, Kyle Atienza achieved an Honours Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Genetics and pursued his passion for combining science, psychology, and technology to improve user experiences through human-centered design by also achieving a diploma in UX/UI Design from BrainStation

UX design focuses on creating a seamless and meaningful user experience by understanding user needs, conducting research, and designing intuitive interfaces, while UI design focuses on the visual, interactive elements of a product to create aesthetically pleasing interfaces.

In addition to applying his talent and skill with Medtronic and COL Financial, Kyle currently serves as a UX Designer for Mike Paul Atelier, to improve the atelier experience by enhancing the digital experience.

North America

South Asia

Europe

East Asia

Africa

Australia & New Zealand

Middle East

Philanthropy Wired Newsletter

Philanthropy Wired June 2023

Post author By Philanthropy Wired
Post date June 14, 2023

Philanthropy Wired June 2023

Biden Makes Historic Moves toward Environmental Justice EPA Seeks EJ Grantmakers and Worthy Projects

Cory Sinclair, Associate, S. Sutton & Associates Inc.

Environmentalism and Environmental Justice (EJ) have long been at odds with each other. In April 1970, when largely middle class and white Americans celebrated the first Earth Day by the millions, African-American sociologist Nathan Hare penned a scathing essay titled “Black Ecology,” in which he described the environmental realities of Black life in the United States and argued that those realities received little notice from mainstream environmentalists. While environmentalism works to preserve our natural resources and minimize the negative impacts of human activity on the planet, the EJ movement seeks to also establish an equitable distribution of both the benefits and burdens of the environment. EJ activism generally arises from an existing or imminent local issue, one with detrimental impacts on where people work and live. These EJ activists are mostly people of color and of limited means, who have grown frustrated that their concerns are not more widely recognized and addressed. A similar concern is playing out now in the field of artificial intelligence.

Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens

Jeff Comfort, Executive Associate and Strategic Advisor S. Sutton & Associates Inc.

“Knowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.” This quote is usually attributed to philosopher extraordinaire, Jimi Hendrix. I’m in my fourth decade working in planned giving, and I’m more convinced than ever that listening is the single most important skill for planned giving officers. Strong technical skills may be helpful in closing some gifts. Strong listening skills result in gifts of a lifetime.

Read more from Jeff on tips for successful planned giving strategies.

Jeff Comfort is a seasoned professional with 38 years of gift planning experience. Currently serving as vice president of principal gifts and gift planning at the Oregon State University Foundation (OSUF), Jeff provides strategic leadership to the gift planning program that assists donors in making deferred, assets-based or complex gifts to the university. Year in and year out, gift planning provides over 25% of total fundraising at OSUF.

Jeff spent 18 years at Georgetown University, where he oversaw university-wide gift planning efforts resulting in approximately $500 million of gift commitments and receipts in his tenure. Before arriving at Georgetown in 1995, he spent 11 years in Denver directing the gift planning program for the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medical (now National Jewish Health).

As a volunteer leader of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (formerly the National Committee on Planned Giving), Jeff served as president, chaired the 10th National Conference on Planned Giving and was a member of the NCPG board of directors for five years. Additionally, he was a member of the ethics committee and chaired the task force on gift valuation. Jeff chaired the CASE National Conference on Planned Giving for 10 years from 2008 to 2018.

Fundraising Area of Expertise: Planned and Legacy Gifts

Sector Experience: Education and Healthcare

Jeff’s Fundraising Must Have: Prospects

Planned and Legacy Gifts

Planned and legacy gifts often represent the largest gift of an individual’s lifetime and may be through gifts of appreciated assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate and other non-liquid assets or by will or bequest. An important component of any evolving development program seeking to create a pipeline of support at every level is a robust and sophisticated approach to encouraging planned and legacy gifts.

Raising Sights

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. will provide direction to enable your organization to effectively engage your supporters in complex gift conversations, raising their sights and increasing the impact they can have on your mission.

We offer advice and counsel to develop and maintain a program for planned and legacy giving including:

Prospect identification
Staff structure and processes
Direct marketing
Gift accounting for complicated asset transfers, including tax requirements and restrictions
Recognition and stewardship programs
Use of volunteer and expert advisory boards
Training for staff and volunteers

Learn More

Pikesville Armory Foundation

Capital Campaign

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is honored to have been selected to serve as fundraising counsel for the Pikesville Armory Foundation’s (PAF) first Capital Campaign. Initial steps will be to conduct a feasibility study, development program review, and SWOT analysis, resulting in the development of a two-year campaign plan. Senior Associates Warren Davis, Sherryl Fisher and Lupe Ramos-Silva comprise the Innovation Team assembled for the project.

The estimated budget for the redevelopment of Armory Place is $90 million, to be raised through philanthropic support from individuals, foundations and corporations in the greater Baltimore community, the state of Maryland, the region and nationally, and through federal, state, and Baltimore County grants, all incentivized by significant tax credits created by the project.

Built in 1903, the Pikesville Armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as a remarkable example of 20th Century landscape and architectural composition. Located in Pikesville, a bedroom community of Baltimore, Maryland, the Armory campus is comprised of 14 acres, including approximately 225,000 square feet of buildings.

The historic Pikesville Armory was decommissioned in 2016 and shortly thereafter Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed a Commission to consult with the Pikesville community on future uses for the Armory. Over a two-year period of community meetings, focus groups, interviews, and an online survey with over 1500 respondents, the Commission agreed on a unanimous vision of the Pikesville Armory as a unique community asset that should be held in the public trust to benefit Pikesville and the surrounding area’s diverse community.

The Commission envisioned a multi-use venue for recreation, cultural arts, historic preservation, and community development and engagement, which will also serve as a catalyst for the economic revitalization of Pikesville.

The non-profit Pikesville Armory Foundation was created to carry out the vision and the redevelopment of this unique and historic architectural gem and beautiful campus grounds, and to lead the public-private partnership with Baltimore County, and the State of Maryland.

The completed project will be known as Armory Place. It will continue to provide a meeting place for veterans and will include a large indoor recreation space for basketball and other sports, a library branch and senior center, performance venues, event and meeting spaces, a café, classroom and studio space, an incubator hub, a Boys & Girls Club branch, and a public school Culinary Arts program. The grounds will include public art, walking paths, playing fields, a large playground, pickleball courts, a Veterans Memorial garden, and a park that will host the local Farmers Market and outdoor performances.

This once-in-a-generation opportunity launched with PAF, development partner Seawall Company, and S. Sutton & Associates Inc., serving as fundraising counsel.

Charmain Emerson, Associate

A seasoned professional, Charmain Emerson helps people realize their real story. She strives to empower authenticity and inclusivity to drive economic opportunities. She is a passionate communications leader/strategist with lived experience and professional expertise that have organically extended into facilitating community consultations, DEI board governance, stakeholder relations, brand reputation management, and media relations.

Charmain co-founded the Black Opportunity Fund, a charitable organization creating economic and social change across Canada, and through her own agency she has advised some of Canada’s leading corporations as well as vital public sector organizations serving Canada’s most vulnerable citizens. Clients and colleagues describe her as an energetic and motivational collaborator, and problem solver who is committed to delivering positive outcomes.

Entering the field as a broadcast journalist with the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC), Rogers and Global, Charmain later served as the Legislative Communications Advisor for the Minister of Culture and Communications Ontario and held Director of Communications roles for multiple for and nonprofit entities, including the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Charmain volunteers extensively serving on the Board of Canada’s fastest-growing hospital network, Trillium Health Partners Foundation, Canada’s iconic Soulpepper Theatre Company, and the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

A graduate of McMaster University, Charmain holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts, English and Humanities. Read more about Charmain.

Roger Ali, Senior Associate

With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Roger D. Ali is a seasoned professional with deep and broad experience as a fundraising executive, administrator, and consultant, committed to the industry and the discipline, as exemplified by his recent election as the Chair-Elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global.

Roger is a major gifts strategist with a proven track record of leading teams and comprehensive fundraising and marketing programs to raise $120 million+, including several capital and endowment campaigns. Some of his previous experience has included: President & CEO, Niagara Health Foundation, Vice President, Development, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation and Executive Director, Bishop Strathan School Foundation.

Roger also holds a Chartered Director (C. Dir) designation in Governance from the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University; an MBA from Athabasca University as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Administration and Management and is a Certified Fundraising Executive since 2000. He has continued executive level education at Harvard and Stanford Universities, and is the past President of the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter, where he was awarded the Recipient of Outstanding Leadership Award in 2017. Read more about Roger.

North America

Philanthropy Wired Newsletter

Philanthropy Wired: January 2023

Post author By Philanthropy Wired
Post date January 26, 2023

Philanthropy Wired: January 2023

New Year, New Perspective, Inspiration and Evolution

Needs, wants, desires, and yes, sometimes fantasies. The new year brings with it the opportunity to evaluate and reframe, plan, and execute. The question for most organizations at any stage is what’s next, what can be accomplished, and what’s needed to bridge the divide between the current and the desired state.

For many nonprofits and NGO’s, the composition of the dollars raised is the metric and the inspiration to evolve, for example, building on direct mail to establish or enhance major and principal gift programs. But, what’s realistic and attainable? A Fundraising Maturity Analysis can provide valuable insights to help you set course.

Stages of Maturity
Nonprofits and NGO’s maturity level can be defined as:

Foundational
Focused on gaining operational stability and sustainability, while transforming its fundraising capabilities via its process, practice, people, perspective, and tools.

Evolving
Focused on operational growth, while integrating fundraising tactics such as peer-to-peer networking, donor analytics, direct marketing, donor segmentation and pipeline building as a means for continued development.

Optimized
Focused on operational and strategic expansion with sophisticated processes and practices for charitable brand-building, while efficiently using its tools and people to achieve the same.

Fundraising Maturity Analysis
A snapshot analysis of fundraising within an organization in relation to specific measurement areas defines the maturity level. An internal view of fundraising can also serve as a diagnostic assessment of the divide between the current and desired state and what’s realistic and attainable.

An organization’s maturity can be delineated using the following measurement areas/factors defined as:

Process – A systematic approach of structuring an organization’s activities as it pertains to fundraising. In short, it relates to an integrated set of activities that manages the life cycle of a donor within an institution.

Practice – Specific activities/events that an organization performs to attract or sustain gift-giving by donors. Examples of activities include a direct solicitation for gifts, donor recognition, events etc.

People – An organization’s talent pool both in terms of skill set and capacity needed to meet fundraising objectives.

Perspective – An organization’s fundraising ideology surrounding key questions such as – What is the approach to fundraising from prime-donors? What is an acceptable condition or source of giving? What is the organization’s charitable impact narrative?

Tools – Systems, standards, and procedures in place that help drive efficiency and proficiency in fundraising activities.

Whether your organization has foundational, evolving, or optimized maturity, a careful audit and analysis of measurement areas and factors and an assessment of corresponding maturity can help to set priorities, strategies, tactics, and timeframe to achieve the next evolutionary stage, and indeed, feed a healthy cycle of inspiration and evolution.

If you would like to explore how we can help you move your organization from one evolutionary stage of maturity to the next, please consider a complimentary consultation.

Wishing all health, success, inspiration, evolution, and a year of positive heartfelt experiences,

Susan Sutton

Weengushk Film Institute: Fundraising Campaign Feasibility Study and Strategic Plan

Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) is a worldclass media arts and artist-focused film and television-training centre, dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of Indigenous youth. While celebrating and sharing their voices, these emerging Indigenous artists learn market-leading and life skills as they begin their path towards inspired and sustainable futures. Through an understanding of tradition, culture and identity, WFI envisions the collection, preservation and representation of new creative voices. The development and recognition of Indigenous youth at WFI supports the important contribution of Indigenous stories to the Canadian arts landscape. WFI is the first program of its kind to be accredited by a Canadian University, and proud of their partnership with Brock University.

Here’s what our partners say about us…

“This was a top-notch project from beginning to end. Completing the work in short timeframe was so helpful to our small organization and every benchmark was met along the way. Having consultants from outside of our industry gave us a fresh external perspective on our work, which helped us answer some of the big questions we wrestle with. Plus, the team was thoughtful and very responsive. I’ve been involved in other strategic planning initiatives as both and ED and a board member and S. Sutton & Associates Inc. delivered more value in a fraction of the time and for less cost than anything I’ve worked on before.”

Abby Goldstein
President & Executive Director, Public Radio Program Directors Association
(PRPD)

With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Cory Sinclair specializes in Donor and Constituent Engagement. Previous experience includes work with UCLA Performing Arts, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Habitat for Humanity, the Hollywood Food Coalition, and several Los Angeles based social service nonprofits. In the for-profit arena Cory spent several years in the film industry as a writer and in production.

Cory holds an interfield Ph.D. in music and nonprofit management from Claremont Graduate University. His research interests include cultural policy and the relationship between philanthropy and public-private partnerships.

Fundraising Area of Expertise: Cory’s core expertise is in Donor and Constituent Engagement. He also has experience in Advancement Services and Project Management.

Sector Experience: Education, Arts & Culture, Community Based Membership and Advocacy.

Cory’s Fundraising Must Have: Innovative use of public funding, when possible, to stimulate community interest and lay the foundation for private financial support.

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act Calls on the Nonprofit Sector to Think Creatively

Cory Sinclair, Associate, S. Sutton & Associates Inc.

U.S. government spending is often subject to the political climate, with the budgets of federal agencies fluctuating from one Congress to another. This requires nonprofit organizations to keep a close eye on current events, study recent funding trends, and take note of which agencies are receiving money and what types of programs, organizations, and collaborations they are likely to support.

Now that President Joe Biden has signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, the federal government will make major investments in healthcare, domestic energy production, and the environment. More than a dozen federal agencies will receive funding, with the majority of the direct appropriations going to three of them: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These agencies will all move quickly to implement the provisions of the legislation.

This presents opportunities. Nonprofits should brainstorm about possible projects and programs that may pique the interest of one or more of the federal agencies. “Innovation has never been more important for environmental science,” according to EPA’s website. This sentiment extends to other agencies as well, where innovation grants, prizes, and programs are on offer.

Development Program Review and Expansion Strategies

The competitive environment for philanthropic dollars increases expectations for performance and forces regular re-examination of the entire fundraising enterprise. S. Sutton & Associates Inc.’s philanthropic consulting team can work with you to assess the overall effectiveness of your program and opportunities for expansion.

Comprehensive Review of Development

Organizations in steady state or embarking on an expansion of fundraising efforts need to examine how well current approaches have been working. How your fundraising program has performed in the past will inform strategies for the future.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. starts by reviewing your organization’s historic results. Our consultants interview stakeholders, development team members and institutional leaders to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of your current fundraising program.

With this information, we provide feedback on staffing, organizational structure, resource investment, program initiatives, policies, procedures, products, staff and departmental structure, and integration to ensure the maximum return on investment and elevated performance of your fundraising program. Learn more.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

Rob Donelson, Executive Associate

With more than 40 years of advancement experience in the higher education and healthcare sectors in three countries, Rob specializes in: Development Program Review and Expansion Strategies. Some of his previous experience has included: VP, Development & Alumni Relations, Wilfrid Laurier University; Executive Director, Development & Alumni Relations, University College Cork, Ireland; and Executive Director of Advancement, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Rob graduated from the University of Waterloo (St. Jerome’s College) with a BA in English and History. Acknowledged for his leadership in the area of charitable accountability, Rob led the first registered charity in Canada to earn the Ethical Fundraising License and the first university to earn the Standards Accreditation Trustmark from Imagine Canada. He has served on the board of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education. Rob was named the Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Horseshoe Chapter, and received the Mission Legacy Award of the St. Joseph’s Health System. Read more about Rob.

Sterling Garcia, Associate

With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sterling Garcia has served as Director of Development for Florida State University and the University of Florida, and as Major Gifts Officer for UnidosUS, the largest nonprofit Hispanic/Latino civil rights organization in the United States.

Sterling graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and from Florida State University with a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration with a minor in Institutional Advancement. Sterling also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Board Governance & Community Leadership from Alvernia University. Sterling is also a decorated veteran, having served as a United Stated Marine, receiving several awards including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal and two Humanitarian Service medals. Read more about Sterling.

Ann Hordylan, Associate

With more than 19 years of design and construction Project Management experience, Ann understands the unique challenges for nonprofits when undertaking new builds, renovations, restorations and relocations as evidenced by her work with H&M Canada, Katz Group Canada, The City of Brampton and Massey Hall.

In addition to Ann’s practical experiences, Ann also holds a Diploma from Humber College in Interior Design and has undertaken Project Management at Ryerson University in Toronto. Read more about Ann.

Helen Grafton, Junior Associate

With more than 5 years of experience in marketing and communications within the nonprofit sector, Helen Grafton specializes in social media management, project/event management and content creation.

Helen’s expertise includes marketing and development of healthcare and higher education institutions. Some of her previous experience includes multiple roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She began her nonprofit fundraising career in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Helen graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication. Read more about Helen.

North America

East and South Asia

Asia’s female financial firepower surges to record highs

Europe

Philanthropy Wired Newsletter

Philanthropy Wired: August 2022

Post author By Philanthropy Wired
Post date August 6, 2022

Know Your Donor – Due Diligence to Decipher the Dark Side and Dirty Dollars

The news is replete with examples of the dark alleys of today, enabled by the Dark Web, unscrupulous crowd funding sites and “reputable” institutions.

A massive leak from one of the world’s biggest private banks, Credit Suisse, has exposed the hidden wealth of clients involved in torture, drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption, and other serious crimes. Details of accounts linked to 30,000 Credit Suisse clients all over the world are contained in the leak, which unmasks the beneficiaries of more than 100bn Swiss francs (£80bn) held in one of Switzerland’s best-known financial institutions. The leak points to widespread failures of due diligence by Credit Suisse, despite repeated pledges over decades to weed out dubious clients and illicit funds.

They include a human trafficker in the Philippines, a Hong Kong stock exchange boss jailed for bribery, a billionaire who ordered the murder of his Lebanese pop star girlfriend and executives who looted Venezuela’s state oil company, as well as corrupt politicians from Egypt to Ukraine.

One Vatican-owned account in the data was used to spend €350m (£290m) in an allegedly fraudulent investment in London property that is at the centre of an ongoing criminal trial of several defendants, including a cardinal.

Due diligence is not only for new clients. Banks are required to continually reassess existing customers. The 2017 report said Credit Suisse screened customers at least every three years and as often as once a year for the riskiest clients.

In recent years the philanthropic sector has been susceptible to major financial crimes. Risk assessment and corresponding services are important for nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations to assure donors are known and the dark side and dirty dollars can be deciphered.

This month we profile Junior Associate Ammna Nasser, an expert in global risk management, antimoney laundering and high-risk sectors for the Royal Bank of Canada. Ammna’s article on Risk Assessment Services deals with legal, financial, and reputational risks for the sector, Know Your Customer (KYC) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and practical steps that can be taken now. The philanthropic sector offers significant benefits to the most vulnerable. With good due diligence and monitoring efforts, charitable projects can be conducted in a safer fashion without threat to the integrity of the charitable entity.

Good luck and start monitoring, and if you need our support, we are here, as Risk Management and Fundraising Governance is but one of 16 service offerings provided by S. Sutton & Associates Inc. and our stellar Associates, including Ammna!

Together we’re better,

Susan

Ontario Science Centre: Customer Relationship Management Data Migration

On September 26, 1969, a radio signal from over 1.5 billion light-years away struck a circuit that raised the curtain at the Ontario Science Centre’s official opening. As a gift to the people of Ontario to mark Canada’s Centennial, the provincial government commissioned architect Raymond Moriyama in 1964 to design the Ontario Science Centre—one of the first interactive science museums in the world. The Science Centre has since welcomed more than 54 million visitors.

Today the Ontario Science Centre is one of Ontario’s most significant cultural attractions, welcoming an estimated one million visitors each year, 20% from outside of Ontario, and 13% from outside of Canada. The Centre has 58,000 active members, hosts 165,000 Ontario students each year, 77,000 visitors annually through community access programs, and has become more than a destination. The Science Centre is a space where visitors of all ages can learn-through-play and discover ways to think like a scientist every day.

Guided by the belief that science, technology and innovation will help us shape a better future, the Ontario Science Centre continues to lead the way internationally with an incredible team of scientists, educators and exhibition creators who conceive, develop, design and build world-class exhibitions, award-winning educational programs and innovative science learning experiences.

As a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario, the Science Centre relies on provincial support as well as generous individuals, corporations and foundations that share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support.

Junior Associate Natalia Branco and Associate Eduardo Araujo will comprise the Innovation Team conducting a data migration project from the legacy customer relationship management system, in use for the last 20 years, to Salesforce.

Northwest Arkansas Equality, Inc.: Development of a Major Gift Program

Northwest Arkansas Equality, Inc. (NWA Equality) is a community education, advocacy, resource, and service organization working to achieve full equality while creating an environment that embraces and supports the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community of Northwest Arkansas. NWA Equality’s services, events, and partnerships impact over 30,000 people annually throughout the greater Ozarks region.

We welcome back Northwest Arkansas Equality Inc. as a repeat client, interested in building upon the strategic plan that we developed last year. Associate Linda Boedeker led a four-month project to develop a more robust major gift program, including the development of a case for support, refreshed digital properties, collateral materials, tools and processes, and board and volunteer training sessions.

Public Radio Program Directors Association: Strategic Planning

We are pleased to welcome the Public Radio Program Directors Association (PRPD) as a new client. PRPD is a membership organization that advocates for high-quality programming and provides resources for public media program directors and staff, content managers, and independent producers. Members representing over 800 public media outlets—including national networks, local stations, and independent enterprises—benefit by sharing professional expertise and knowledge of industry trends, enabling them to boost the quality of their programming and operations.

PRPD seeks to be a leader in the industry, serving as a beacon for best practices and guidance to station leaders, providing the best possible service to their local audiences. Given the changes in the listening platforms and historical revenue model for the industry at large, PRPD saw an opportunity to look inward and determine their role in the public media landscape and how it can best position itself for mission service. The PRPD staff and volunteer leadership recognized that to remain relevant and financially sustainable, PRPD needed to examine every aspect of its mission and operations and identify who they seek to serve and how best to do so. At the crux of this goal is growing and diversifying the association’s funding streams and improving program services for the target audience.

The four-month strategic planning project was designed to provide an internal and external review by the Innovation Team members Randy Gorod, Katherine Scott and Lauren Bergquist to gain deep understanding of the issues of greatest concern to PRPD, successes and challenges, vision for the future role in the public media landscape, previous strategic plan, and funding model, all against the legacy mission statement. This inquiry informed questions explored through an extensive stakeholder analysis and consultation, an environmental scan of member organizations and a SWOT Analysis, with the goal to grow and diversify the organization’s funding streams, improve program services for the target audience(s), and set ambitious but achievable goals and objectives.

The strategic planning project was designed to draw conclusions whether PRPD’s current mission statement, infrastructure, funding/fundraising models, and offerings met the new goals and objectives, and revise accordingly, to achieve the objectives of the new strategic plan, and corresponding operations plan.

Principles of equity, diversity, access, inclusion, and anti-racism guided the entire project in its design and facilitation.

AIR Artists: Fundraising Mentorship and Coaching, Case for Support

AIR Artists is an innovative artists-in-residence program which helps to revitalize small towns by creating dynamic arts and crafts scenes celebrating the regions’ natural resources. By developing unused properties and building environmentally friendly residences and studios, AIR Artists creates a vibrant and creative community in which artists live and work and visitors learn about the arts while exploring the city’s rich culture.

Artists apply for a two-year program, during which they have the space and time they need to explore new ideas within their chosen mediums. Architect Steven Bingler has designed comfortable eco-friendly Shibusa cottages that blend with the landscape and provide a soothing respite from the outside world.

Supported by grants, philanthropy and earned income, each AIR site is independently funded and self-sustaining. Participating artists donate a portion of their work to the AIR art collection. Artists in residence and invited guests conduct workshops, and on-site retail stores offer artists’ wares for sale.

The inaugural AIR Artists site, Andalusia, Alabama, a former textile town, celebrates the textile arts.

During the summer of 2022 Senior Associate Debbie Flinn is providing fundraising mentorship and coaching and will collaborate on the development of a Case for Support.

Ammna Nasser, Junior Associate, S. Sutton & Associates Inc.

Know Your Customer (KYC) Due Diligence is an imperative first step when looking to establish a long-term relationship with a client; one which contributes to the success of a business operating in any industry. In the philanthropic sector, it plays a key role when prospecting and securing new donors, in addition to periodic Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on existing donor individuals and/or entities, to ensure potential risks are averted. Risks could range from: Legal (i.e. would engaging with a supporter, or accepting a donation expose the organization to legal or regulatory challenges?), Financial (i.e. could receiving a gift affect the organization’s ability to raise funding in future?), and Reputational (i.e. is the funding unethical, or inappropriate given the organization’s mission, or by the standards of the stakeholder community? What is the source of the gift?).

Given the rise of a global network, donors can range from companies and/or people who operate in a high risk sector, derive over fifty percent of their revenue from a ‘high risk’ or sanctioned country, or simply are Politically Exposed Persons (PEP).

First, the philanthropic entity should establish a comprehensive and clear risk appetite, and design parameters or a ‘risk grid’ to categorize an individual and/or entity within or outside of risk. Once a trigger list is solidified, if met by a prospect, a further review could be mandated. A trigger list could often comprise unclear source(s) of wealth, complex organization structures, international prospects, and perhaps, involvement in known crimes and/or scandals. Then, a program should be established making note of pertinent policies and procedures, which acknowledge the company’s mandate, and abide by the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is operating. This should be followed by regular team meetings to obtain valuable feedback and finesse the process.

Although most organizations may not have sophisticated software to conduct KYC or due diligence searches, we live in an information era, therefore resources can be readily accessed on the internet using open source intelligence gathering techniques in the absence of expensive memberships, and subscriptions. Open source intelligence (OSINT) is the practice of collecting information from published or otherwise publicly available sources and can be used to identify significant high risk information.

To start the process, the following are initial steps a prospect researcher should employ when conducting OSINT. First and foremost, does this organization exist legally? Try a simple google search using the registered “name of entity”, “address”, “phone number” and “email address”, always using “. This allows the researcher to target their search. If it is a local Canadian prospect, and a public company, you can use Sedar while Open Corporates enables us to identify most registered companies in the world.

Second, has this organization, beneficial owner, or the prospect donor individual been involved in any form of crime; one which may have attracted widespread media attention? The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists is an excellent resource. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, legally International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Inc., is an independent global network of 280 investigative journalists and over 100 media organizations spanning more than 100 countries. You can visit it here: International Consortium of Investigative Journalists:

Some other useful resources include: Transparency International, Interpol Wanted Persons, United Nations Sanctioned Persons

Learning the basics of verification, conducting an investigation efficiently, and within a given time frame is pertinent. Some things to remember include: ensure your research is verified – one way to do so is to use diverse and reputable sources. Storing a donors’ information appropriately is key, and should abide by Data Protection laws.

The philanthropic sector offers significant benefits to the most vulnerable. However in recent years it has been susceptible to major financial crimes. But, with good due diligence and monitoring efforts, charitable projects can be conducted in a safer fashion without threat to the integrity of the entity. Good luck, and start monitoring!

Ammna Nasser is a skilled social researcher and published author with a focus on identity politics, counter-terrorism, risk and financial crimes. She has demonstrated strong analytic skill sets across the financial services, consulting, higher education and academic research sectors in the Middle East, West Africa, Europe, and North America.

Currently serving as an analyst in Global Risk Management, Anti-Money Laundering (High- Risk Sectors) for the Royal Bank of Canada, her experience also includes serving as the Middle East & Northern Africa (MENA) Liaison Officer for the King’s College London Think Tank where she monitored existing and established new partnerships with journalists, diplomats and professors, and Liaison & Research Officer for the South Asia and Middle East Forum, U.K., addressing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, composing briefing reports for the British Parliament, and reporting the forum from the House of Commons in London for Diplomatic Magazine.

Ammna holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Development from Middlesex University, U.K., and a Master of Arts in International Relations from King’s College London’s renowned Department of War Studies.

Ammna’s volunteer work includes serving the Royal Bank of Canada Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the C.D. Howe Institute & WOMAN ACT, the United Nations Association-Canada branch, and Global Service Learning of Amizade, in Jukwa Village Ghana.

Ammna has published extensively including, The Era of ‘Dirty Data’: Understanding Who Said What and How, for the Women in Security Committee of ASIS International, the worlds largest membership organization for security management professionals.

Fundraising Area of Expertise: Ammna is an expert in Risk Management and Fundraising Governance, Donor and Constituent Engagement.

Sector Experience: Community Based Advocacy and Membership Organizations, including Micro-Finance, and Higher Education.

Ammna’s Fundraising Must Have: Strategic vision, sustainability, and a commitment to transparency to all stakeholders.

Risk Management and Fundraising Governance

As donors increasingly demand tangible assurance their money is well spent and regulators question the costs of fundraising, nonprofit executives and their boards need to know how to build trust in their organization. We bring knowledge about “best practices” in fundraising and are fully conversant with standards that exist to assess them.

We can work with you to understand risks associated with various fundraising approaches. We can train your staff on effective processes and we can develop tools for your Board to gain and maintain confidence that your organization’s reputation is in good hands.

Providing Direction

Risk management is essential for any organization and S. Sutton & Associates Inc. understands reputational risk around fundraising operations and results presents particular vulnerability.

With that in mind our senior consultants with years in the arena also understand that with competing demands Boards need simple methods to assess risk, carefully considered solutions and if necessary, strategic remediation to restore trust.

In keeping with the methodology of the firm, our experts are able to provide a complete audit and assessment of your current state, articulating potential vulnerabilities and actionable strategies to avoid issues. Guidance and training for executive leadership staff is available to establish a framework going forward.

If the Board is placed in a position to consider remediation, our experts provide actionable steps for the organization to deploy and guidance for short term crisis communications and long term confidence building measures.

To explore how we can help, please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Here’s what our partners say about us…

“I’ve spoken with Susan Sutton, and have found her to be sincere, knowledgeable, and very easy to connect with. In a time when change is an everyday inevitability, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. offers help for camps and conference centres as they navigate the often-difficult areas of Strategic Planning and Change Management. “

Sharon Fraess,
National Director, Christian Camping International/Canada

Earlier this year we celebrated an anniversary, as it was just five years ago in April that S. Sutton & Associates Inc. was launched and incorporated in Canada and the U.S. I could wax philosophic about the pain, the gain, the teachable moments, lessons learned, and all that has been derived from the process of moving from a start-up to an early-stage, and now to a growth-stage company. Long story short we have built a viable enterprise that is moving to its next stage of evolution.

The Innovation Team Model differentiates us, our service offerings are our table stakes, but it is the talent assembled, the Associates, who define our position in the marketplace. A huge thanks goes to the entire network of Associates who have made this possible!

This month we are also pleased to welcome four new Associates who bring a depth and breadth of experience and expertise. With these wonderful additions this brings our network of Associates to just over 100 based in the U.S. and Canada, enabling us to curate and customize just the right Innovation Teams for our clients.

With that in mind we are pleased to profile three new and one returning client, who are benefiting from our unique model, the U.S.- based Public Radio Program Directors Association, AIR Artists, and Northwest Arkansas Equality Inc. and the Toronto- based Ontario Science Centre.

Stay tuned for more to come in the coming weeks. Wishing all a terrific fall!

Susan

Jeffrey Comfort, Executive Associate Strategic Advisor

Jeff has 38 years of gift planning experience. He currently is vice president of principal gifts and gift planning at the Oregon State University Foundation (OSUF), where he provides strategic leadership to the gift planning program that assists donors in making deferred, assets-based or complex gifts to the university. Year in and year out, gift planning provides over 25% of total fundraising at OSUF.

He spent 18 years at Georgetown University, where he oversaw university-wide gift planning efforts resulting in approximately $500 million of gift commitments and receipts in his tenure.

Before arriving at Georgetown in 1995, he spent 11 years in Denver directing the gift planning program for the National Jewish Medical and Research Center. As a volunteer leader of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (formerly the National Committee on Planned Giving), Jeff served as president, chaired the 10th National Conference on Planned Giving and was a member of the NCPG board of directors for five years. Additionally, he was a member of the ethics committee and chaired the task force on gift valuation. Jeff chaired the CASE National Conference on Planned Giving for 10 years from 2008 to 2018.

Area of Expertise: Jeffrey’s core expertise is in Planned and Legacy Gifts, Principal and Major Gifts

Experience: Education, Healthcare

Fundraising Must Have: Prospects

Braden Swab, Associate

With more than 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Braden Swab (P.Eng., PMP) specializes in project management of capital projects. Currently serving as Project Leader with Engineering Ministries International Canada (EMI Canada), Braden has served nonprofit organizations in Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Haiti, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cambodia, Albania, Burundi, the U.S. and South Africa, leading teams of architects and engineers to design schools, medical facilities, children’s homes, churches, and youth camps.

Braden graduated from the University of Calgary with a bachelor’s degree in Geomatics Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Alberta Canada and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Area of Expertise: Braden’s core expertise is in Project Management, Donor and Constituent Engagement, including videography and photography, and Capital Project Fundraising

Experience: Education, Healthcare, International Development

Fundraising Must Have: An unmistakable passion for your “why” and a clearly articulated vision for the future your impact will create.

Kyle Tan, Junior Associate

Kyle is a core team member of the firm serving our back-office operations, with responsibility for monthly performance plans, financial projections and forecasting, and vendor relations. A sophomore at the University of Toronto in the Rotman Commerce program, Kyle plans to pursue a specialization in Management, with a dual focus in Finance and Marketing, along with a minor in Economics. Outside the classroom, Kyle is involved in the Rotman Commerce Students’ Association, the Rotman Commerce Consulting Association, and the Filipino Students’ Association of Toronto.

Area of Expertise: Advancement Services

Experience: Education, Community Based Membership & Advocacy

Fundraising Must Have: Solid back-office operation

Ali Caner, Associate

With a decade-long marketing career, Ali’s experience includes a wide array of marketing sub-disciplines including content marketing (strategy, production, editing), paid and organic traffic acquisition, lead generation, social media management and business development. Ali also possesses expertise in events management, data analytics, corporate giving, and project management. Passionate about how technology and data can be integrated in a long-term marketing strategy to improve performance and help clients attain their business objectives, Ali has helped for public, private and nonprofit organizations of various sizes and in multiple sectors to fully implement and harness the power of technology and data in their marketing efforts.

Ali studied Social and Political Sciences at Sabanci Universitesi in Istanbul Turkey and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In addition to English, Ali speaks Turkish.

Fundraising Area of Expertise: Ali’s core expertise is in donor and constituent engagement, including traffic acquisition, content marketing and data analytics.

Sector Experience: Public, private, and nonprofit organizations in healthcare, tourism, electronics, and insurance

Fundraising Must Have: A strong understanding of your target audience ––no matter your cause; patience and strategy to devise a long-term relationship with them; and utilizing data to make informed decisions.

North America

EAST AND SOUTH ASIA

Europe