The Discovery Pod

In a world where public funding for healthcare often covers the essentials but leaves a gap for transformative growth, how can philanthropy become the true catalyst for change? Today, we connect with  Paul Rossmann , President and CEO of the  Calgary Health Foundation . Paul leads one of Alberta’s most significant healthcare fundraising organizations. He reveals how his team is strategic...

In an era where healthcare demands are outpacing traditional capital and public funding, philanthropic organizations must evolve—and fast. The  Oakville Hospital Foundation  is doing just that. Join us as CEO  Mary McPherson  shares the blueprint for their massive revenue growth, transforming from a post-campaign slump of $8-9 million to nearly $23 million annually. Discover ho...

The current landscape of mental health support in Canada is more critical and complex than ever, with Canadians continuing to struggle under economic pressures and global uncertainty. To explore the path forward, we’re joined by  Akela Peoples , CEO of  Mental Health Research Canada  and a leader twice recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful women. In this essential conversation...

The global landscape of humanitarian aid is facing unprecedented challenges, marked by increasingly complex, protracted crises and massive funding disruptions. How do organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, navigate this new reality, especially when core principles like neutrality are tested and government support is pulled? In this powerful conversation,&nbs...

Tired of working in silos? For over two decades, the  Center for Social Innovation  (CSI) has shown that collaboration—and the power of social capital—is the engine of change. In this deep-dive conversation, CSI Co-founder and CEO  Tonya Surman  shares the journey of building one of the world’s first co-working spaces—a home for changemakers where “the chaos is everywhere” and...

Imagine a conservation portfolio the size of 180 Stanley Parks, and then imagine being the person tasked with growing it.  The Nature Trust of British Columbia  is at a critical crossroads, moving from government-heavy funding to a future driven by private philanthropic vision. To lead this evolution, they are searching for a Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications, a role...

In the high-stakes world of healthcare philanthropy, few opportunities offer the chance to build a legacy from the ground up.  Lions Gate Hospital Foundation  (LGHF)—a small but mighty team responsible for massive capital campaigns like the $127 million Paul Myers Tower—is creating a Director of Philanthropy role. This isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of major gi...

In the world of sports leadership, few organizations embody dedication, impact, and pure joy like Special Olympics Canada. But what does it take to lead a movement of over 40,000 athletes and 20,000 volunteers across a country as vast as Canada? In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with  Gail Hamamoto , CEO of  Special Olympics Canada , to explore her leadership journey. Gail shar...

The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) is searching for its next Executive Director—a pivotal role that goes far beyond traditional association management. Are you ready to join a passionate, “fun, nerdy, quirky, cool” team of professionals dedicated to solving some of Canada’s most pressing challenges? In this spotlight episode, CSLA President Matthew Mills and Board Member Teri Cant...

In the complex, high-stakes arena of environmental action, how do leaders sustain momentum when public attention shifts and funding remains a challenge? We sat down with  Chris Severson-Baker , Executive Director of the  Pembina Institute , a leading Canadian clean energy think tank, to explore the critical tension between deep, foundational research and the sustained, repetitive advocac...

What does it take to build the right social impact partnerships? Douglas Nelson talks all about it with  Sarah Saso , VP of ESG & Social Impact at  Meridian Credit Union . She explains the importance of strategically aligning core business interests and maintaining open communication at all times in developing fruitful partnerships in the social profit sector. Sarah also talks about...

A wish is far more than a fleeting moment of joy; it is a scientifically-backed medical intervention that can fundamentally alter a child’s healing journey.  Meaghan Stovel McKnight , Chief Executive Officer of  Make-A-Wish Canada , joins the conversation to dismantle the “last wish” myth and replace it with the  Wishes are Medicine  framework, which highlights the measurable c...

Nearly one in three Canadians reported having their human rights violated in 2024. Because of this alarming reality, the mission of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has never been more important. Douglas Nelson sits down with  Mena Gainpaulsingh , CEO of the  Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights , to share their fundraising efforts for this national institution fighting fo...

The landscape of local philanthropy and social change is constantly evolving, requiring organizations to innovate and adapt. Douglas Nelson has a great conversation with  Dan Clement , President & CEO of  United Way Centraide Canada , about the organization’s unique role as a “local impact, national platform” backbone for social good. Dan shares the three core pillars of their work—e...

Navigating the complexities of fundraising leadership in a changing donor landscape requires both unparalleled expertise and a dedication to constant evolution. We sit down with  Roger D. Ali , the second Canadian and current  AFP Global  Chair, to discuss his remarkable career and the key insights he’s gathered from the sector. Roger shares the biggest concerns he’s heard from AFP...

How do you maintain momentum after the record-setting success of a $600 million campaign? Learn the critical role of organizational readiness and strategic ambition in this master class on philanthropic leadership. Douglas Nelson sits down with  Anne-Marie Newton , President & CEO of the  Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation , who openly shares her experience navi...

Osteoporosis may seem like a normal part of aging, but it is actually a sign of some internal problems that you must address at once.  Dr. Famida Jiwa , President and CEO of  Osteoporosis Canada , joins Douglas Nelson to share how they are raising awareness about the wrong perceptions about bone health and fractures. She discusses how their team balances real science with real human stor...

The continuous challenge of balancing advocacy, fundraising, and programs is a fundamental tension for leaders in the international development sector. Douglas Nelson explores this dynamic with  Allison Alley , President and CEO of  World Vision Canada , who oversees efforts to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Allison shares her unique perspective on leading through seismic...

Uncover the essential nonprofit fundraising insights needed to anchor your organization in abundance for 2026 and beyond. In a special “Ask Doug Anything” session,  Douglas Nelson  sits down with  Samantha Gayfer , Director of Strategic Development at The Discovery Group, to tackle the sector’s most persistent challenges. They dive into critical shifts in donor behavior trends, disc...

Hogan’s Alley Society  (HAS) is dedicated to advancing the social, political, economic, and cultural well-being of the Black community in Metro Vancouver. Douglas Nelson sits down with their inaugural executive director,  Djaka Blais , who talks about their place-making efforts focused on nonprofit housing development and community engagement. Djaka discusses how they embrace Afrocentric...

Whenever the economy stumbles or takes a moment to take a breath, the social profit sector gets concerned about what will happen with corporate philanthropy. Douglas Nelson delves into the current state of corporate partnerships in Canada with  Adam Starkman , President and CEO of  Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations . He offers valuable insights on building and driving meaningful c...

The donor community is one of the powerhouses of every philanthropic group, and therefore must be given proper support and appreciation.  Covenant House Vancouver , a non-profit organization supporting young people living in “hidden homelessness,” aims to boost their fundraising efforts through their newly created role: Director of Donor Engagement and Operations. Talking about the responsibi...

Raising money is one of the lifelines of any hospital foundation. It ensures the organization’s longevity and capacity to save many lives. Douglas Nelson offers a glimpse of what it takes to build successful fundraising models with  Jennifer Molloy , CEO of the  Royal University Hospital Foundation . She shares the challenges and successes of raising money for the largest clinical teachi...

To make the social profit sector more equitable, inclusive, and effective, an optimistic vision from a committed leader is necessary.  Tanya Rumble , executive director of the  Toronto Metropolitan University , takes her social profit leadership approach to the next level to make this dream a reality. She joins Douglas Nelson to share how she promotes inclusive fundraising practices and...

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which is growing quicker in Canada than many other countries and Jessica Diniz leads the charge in unlocking brand-new health breakthroughs to accelerate the pace of its research. She joins Douglas Nelson to share her experiences and insights as the president and CEO of  Breakthrough T1D , one of Canada’s top national health charities dedicated t...