Tag: Blog

Why Local Philanthropy Matters

On February 9, 2026

Communities grow stronger when people choose to give back to the places they call home. Local philanthropy does not need to be large or complicated to make a real difference. Small steps can change how a neighbourhood feels, functions, and supports the people who live in it. Over the years, I have seen how steady involvement in local programs helps create long-lasting change, for both the recipients and the people who take part.

Local giving works best when it focuses on real needs. Every community has its own set of challenges, and those challenges are usually best understood by the people who live and work there. When you meet local leaders, teachers, volunteers, or program directors, you learn where the gaps are. Sometimes the need is food security. Sometimes it is access to after-school programs. Other times, it is support for seniors, youth training, or neighbourhood cleanups. Understanding these day-to-day realities helps make every contribution more meaningful.

One thing I have learned from past involvement with community groups is the value of trust. People respond well when they see steady support instead of one-time gestures. Trust grows when you show up, listen, ask questions, and offer help without expecting anything in return. Over time, that trust becomes the foundation for stronger networks. These networks often lead to partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and residents, which can support long-term community health.

Local philanthropy also supports resilience. When small charities receive regular help, they can plan ahead, grow programs, or support more families. A simple contribution, whether financial or hands-on, can help keep essential services running. These services often reach people during moments when they feel overwhelmed or uncertain. When a community has stable programs, people know they have somewhere to turn. That feeling of stability can improve their overall wellness.

Another important part of local giving is the human connection it creates. Many people think philanthropy is only about money, but time and attention have just as much value. Volunteering at a food bank, mentoring a young person, sharing skills with a non-profit, or attending a community event can open your eyes to the quiet work that keeps a neighbourhood strong. These moments create shared experiences, and those experiences build a sense of belonging. When more people feel connected to their community, everyone benefits.

Technology has also made it easier to support local charities. Community organizations now share updates, events, and needs online, which helps people stay informed. Small donations can be made with a few clicks. Volunteers can sign up for shifts through easy online forms. Digital tools help people stay engaged, even when their schedules are busy. This kind of access encourages more consistent involvement, which makes community groups stronger over time.

Local philanthropy can also inspire others. When friends, neighbours, or co-workers see someone taking action, it often encourages them to get involved as well. A ripple effect can form. A single effort sparks another, which then sparks another. Before long, you have more people showing interest in helping, and that collective energy can move a community forward in powerful ways.

Giving back does not need to follow a perfect plan. It just needs to be steady and sincere. Communities benefit when people choose to participate in ways that match their skills, interests, and time. Whether it is helping a youth program grow, assisting a local nonprofit with resources, or simply showing up to support an event, each act adds something valuable.

Local philanthropy reminds us that meaningful change starts close to home. When we support the people and organizations around us, we help create a stronger, more welcoming place for everybody. That kind of change lasts for years, and it often starts with small actions that anyone can take.

Philanthropy Beyond Charity: Making a Difference Through Impact-Driven Giving

By Adam Gant

On March 10, 2025

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity, Philanthropy

Philanthropy is often associated with giving money to people in need. Charity is the remedy for short-term problems, but making a long-term impact usually involves taking a different approach. Sustainable giving is about investing in solutions that allow people and communities to thrive independently.

Traditional charitable efforts can too often function as band-aids. Food drives and monetary donations temporarily alleviate suffering in the moment, but they do not address the causes of poverty and systemic inequalities. If we want to create meaningful change, we must shift our focus from transactional to transformative change. This means investing in education, infrastructure, and opportunities for self-sufficiency.

To create sustainable change, education and financial literacy are essential components. When people are capable of taking control of their own destiny, they can meaningfully give back to their community. Instead of a handout, educational programs, vocational training, and mentorship initiatives empower individuals with the skills and knowledge to be successful without needing to depend on help.

One of the most successful ways to do this is through an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy. In business, it is not about being right for the short term; it is about being right for the long run. Philanthropy should be no different. Instead of just providing resources, we should focus on establishing avenues for economic empowerment, be it through skills development, affordable housing, or building resilient local economies.

Let’s take community building, for instance. Building homes, schools, and clinics in underdeveloped regions does more than offer short-term assistance. It serves as the basis for progress over generations. When families have a stable home, children can get an education, parents can get a job, and whole communities can start to break out of the cycle of poverty. That is the difference between short-term assistance and making a lasting impact.

Building partnerships with organizations that are committed to sustainable change is also a part of strategic philanthropy. It’s not about outsiders coming in with a one-size-fits-all solution. The reality of impact often comes through meeting people where they are, understanding their needs, and helping ensure that what we do together lasts beyond a moment. Philanthropy at its best is not simply about charity but about partnership and empowerment.

One challenge that philanthropy faces is ensuring that aid does not create dependency. While it’s important to help people in need, long-term impact giving should encourage people to improve their circumstances instead of relying on outside assistance. This is where social entrepreneurship comes in, building businesses and projects that generate economic opportunities while addressing social challenges. By investing in job creation, vocational training, and small business development programs, philanthropy can drive true economic mobility.

Modern philanthropy is also aided by technology. Digital platforms, crowdfunding, and blockchain-backed transparency tools are increasing the effectiveness, accountability, and accessibility of charitable efforts. Donors want to know where their money is going, and data-driven giving ensures that resources are deployed to maximum impact.

The challenge for those who seek to make an impact is to transcend the notion of donating. Think about the long-term effects. What will this contribution signify in five, ten, or twenty years? Will it create resilience and opportunity? Is it going to help people become self-sufficient? Philanthropy should be measured not by how much we give but rather by how many lives we touch.

By shifting from charity to impact-driven philanthropy, we can create stronger, more independent communities. The aim is not to create dependence but rather to gradually instill the means to a future where the populations we work with will no longer need others to help them get back on their feet because they will be in control of their fate.

Creative Charitable Ideas for the Holidays

By Adam Gant

On November 18, 2024

In Adam Gant, Blog, Charity

With Halloween fully in the rearview, it’s time for the holiday blitz of lights, music, and gift-buying. The season also brings with it a strong spirit of giving in our communities. It feels great to spread warmth and kindness to those in need. Whether you have a few hours, a few dollars, or a heart full of creativity, there are countless ways to contribute positively. Here are some inspiring charitable ideas to make this holiday season brighter for everyone.

1. Support Local Food Banks with a Twist

Food banks are always in need of donations, but rather than simply dropping off canned goods, consider organizing a holiday “Reverse Advent Calendar” with your family or friends. Each day leading up to Christmas, add a non-perishable item to a box. On Christmas Eve, deliver it to your local food bank. Here in Victoria, BC, you can support organizations like the Mustard Seed Food Bank or the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society.

2. Host a Holiday Gift Drive for Local Shelters

Women’s shelters, homeless outreach programs, and youth centers appreciate thoughtful holiday gifts that bring comfort and hope. Organize a gift drive for items like warm blankets, gloves, hats, toiletries, and gift cards. In Victoria, shelters such as Sandy Merriman House or Our Place Society would be grateful for your contributions.

3. Adopt-a-Senior for the Holidays

Loneliness is a significant issue among seniors, particularly during the holidays. Through programs like “Adopt-a-Senior,” you can write heartfelt letters, deliver holiday baskets, or arrange virtual or in-person visits to bring joy to an elderly person’s day. Connect with local care homes in Victoria or reach out to organizations like Silver Threads Service to learn how you can help.

4. Eco-Friendly Holiday Cleanup and Tree Planting

In the spirit of giving back to our beautiful environment, organize a post-holiday cleanup at a local beach or park. This is a perfect way to start the New Year fresh while protecting B.C.’s stunning natural gifts. Consider partnering with environmental groups to plant trees in honor of loved ones or to celebrate the season of renewal. You can reach out to organizations like the Greater Victoria Green Team for guidance on eco-friendly initiatives.

5. Warmth for the Holidays: Coat and Sock Drives

The colder months can be particularly harsh for Victoria’s homeless population. Consider starting a coat and sock drive in your workplace, school, or community center. Warm socks, in particular, are a commonly overlooked but greatly appreciated item.

The holidays are a time for hope, love, and generosity. Here in B.C., we are surrounded by beauty and a strong sense of community. Let’s use this season to uplift those around us and inspire others to do the same. Whether through small gestures or grand plans, your creativity and compassion can create a ripple effect that lasts well into the New Year.

From my family to yours, wishing you a warm, joyful, and impactful holiday season.

Understanding Finances For A Non Profit

By Adam Gant

On March 2, 2022

In Adam Gant, Blog, Philanthropy

Running a nonprofit comes with more complications than a standard business, especially on the financial side. For one thing, all nonprofit organizations must deal with increased oversight.

There are certain ways that the finances for a nonprofit must be handled, from creating a plan to comparing results against a budget and everything in between. The whole process may feel like a headache at times, but overall it is a worthwhile endeavor that will ultimately result in success.

Additional Challenges

There are additional challenges that come with managing the finances for a nonprofit organization. There are the above concerns (oversight, tracking, etc.), but there are concerns such as taxes, paperwork, transparency, donor involvement, and expectations. Not to mention dealing with the public trust.

Financial Policies

Nonprofit organizations have a board of directors, and in turn, they have a fiduciary duty to ensure how the money is used within the organization. That is to say; they have to ensure that the promises made by the organization are kept.

One way that a board of directors will ensure this is by creating one (or several) policies. These policies will create a rule and description for how the money is handled, invested, or distributed.

An example of a nonprofit financial policy would be a conflict of interest policy. A conflict of interest policy protects the nonprofit in a variety of ways. For one, it would require those with a conflict of interest to take a step back or otherwise disclose the conflict. In turn, this protects the nonprofit from penalties while hoarding the board accountable.

The Council of Nonprofits has a list of possible financial policies for nonprofits, including gift acceptance policies, best practices for reimbursement, annual review of executive compensation, nonprofit Fiscal policies and procedures, and more.

Tools and Resources

When looking for tools and resources for a nonprofit, the National Council of Nonprofits is one of the first tools to approach. On top of making documents readily available, they actively work to keep up-to-date information for all nonprofit organizations.

Another available resource is the Financial Management Associates Insitute. Through them, nonprofits can find financial management courses—everything from excel basics to full accounting classes.

The Basics

Every nonprofit organization will need to have a plan for the basic parts of their financial planning. They will need a bookkeeping solution (one that is friendly to nonprofits and easily accessed for audits). On that note, they will also need to find the right accounting software or plan and work out the funding for it. Once that is established, immediately begin tracking all donations that come through. This may require some level of customization.

If the nonprofit doesn’t have a bank account, now is the time to get one. Once that is done, get bank reconciliations going. Finally, any nonprofit will need to learn how to create (and analyze) financial statements and reports.