Sam Watts

What Needs to Change in Canadian Philanthropy?

Think Philanthropically Last month this column left readers in suspense. We suggested that some things need to change in order for philanthropic efforts to shift into a 21st century mindset and that a number o...
Sam Watts

Changing Our Approach to Philanthropy

Think Philanthropically “Billions are wasted on ineffective philanthropy” – Michael Porter I will risk being a bit repetitive. This column has frequently focused on the need to change the way we think and act ...
A guided tour of Edinburgh Castle was informative and entertaining

Three Perfect Days in Edinburgh

Plenty of people recommend Edinburgh as a “must visit” city. Sometimes third party endorsements can produce unrealistic expectations. Where Edinburgh is concerned, the favourable comments were 100% accurate. It...
Sam Watts

Kindness Can Overcome Fear

Think Philanthropically An ill wind of fear risks permeating our perceptions. It is rooted in genuine concern for the wellbeing of our families and neighbours but it can lead to a variety of misunderstandings....
Overlooking The Thames River

Six glorious days in London

Is it possible to see a city of 620 square miles, in six days?  The answer is yes – and no.  It is certainly impossible to see everything, but with some diligent preparation you can experience London in a varie...
Sam Watts

Support Your Local Theatre

Think Philanthropically “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” - Oscar Wilde ...
Sam Watts

Community Service in the Workplace

Think Philanthropically We often focus on individual acts when we think about philanthropy. Financial generosity can be a very personal thing. The same is true of volunteering. As individuals we donate our ti...
Sam Watts

Let’s develop capacity and capability

“The next time you're looking at a charity, don't ask about the rate of their overhead; ask about the scale of their dreams…and what resources they need to make them come true.” – Dan Pallotta Canada’s charitab...
Sam Watts

Being Charitable in Times of Incivility

Think Philanthropically  “If you haven’t got any charity in your heart then you have the worst kind of heart trouble” - Bob Hope Turn on the news.  What do we see and hear?  Much of the reporting covers storie...
Sam Watts

When journalists identify the wrong scandal

Think Philanthropically The non-profit sector is an economic driver, contributing over 192 billion dollars to Canada’s GDP. Is it scandalous that a few non-profit executives appear to be overpaid?  Probably.  B...