Sam Watts

Three Philanthropic Considerations

Thinking Philanthropically Important news! Donors might need to donate more intentionally to causes they support because there has been a revenue decline in most charitable sectors. According to Canada Helps,...
London Calling: Help, we’re being invaded!

London Calling: Help, we’re being invaded!

What We Choose To Remember I was surprised last month by a documentary film – A London Lost: The Death of an English City – which made the remarkable claim that London is no longer English because it has been ...
Sam Watts

The solutions are simple – they are not easy

Think Philanthropically Some readers have expressed concern about the recent report that identified a big increase in the population experiencing homelessness. Yes, the challenge of visible homelessness is gro...
JGH staff - Project Hero

Say Thank You with the Hero Project!

Did a doctor, nurse, or other staff member at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) make a difference to you or a loved one? The Hero Project provides a meaningful way for you to express your gratitude – and pay it...
Sam Watts

Is “Celebrity Philanthropy” Helpful?

Think Philanthropically What do Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Warren Buffet, Melinda Gates, Ed Sheeran, Mackenzie Bezos, Taylor Swift, Matt Damon, Jennifer Garner, Bono, and Beyoncé all have in common?  The...
Sam Watts

Do local community organizations need reinvention?

Think Philanthropically Why would anyone suggest that the local charitable and community services sector ought to reimagine their programs or services? Who would have the audacity to raise questions about the ...
Sam Watts

Put philanthropic funds to work now

Think Philanthropically Most people agree that it is foolish to respond to a major crisis with half-measures.  It is generally advisable to act decisively and deploy a disproportionate amount of resources so t...
Sam Watts

Homelessness – there are solutions

Think Philanthropically I work with people who serve people experiencing homelessness. In the past couple of years, hundreds of articles and opinion pieces have been written about this issue. Many of these art...