Overview

Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes is an essential read for anyone in philanthropy who seeks to build genuine community impact rather than just fund projects. Through thirty-six real stories, the book distills the wisdom of Barb McInnes-one of Canada's most respected philanthropic leaders-into practical, human lessons on trust, humility, and collaboration. Readers learn how authentic relationships, shared purpose, and quiet leadership can achieve lasting change. The book illustrates how to align values with action, engage donors as partners, and create spaces where generosity becomes a collective act. As leaders like Susan Phillips describe it, the book is a ""treasure trove of ideas"" for nurturing trust with donors, boards, and communities. For professionals in philanthropy, it offers both inspiration and a roadmap-showing how thoughtful, people-centered giving can transform institutions and strengthen the fabric of communities. This book is a warm tribute to Barbara McInnes, whose visionary and compassionate leadership helped shape the community foundation movement in Canada and beyond. As President and CEO of the Ottawa Community Foundation for 27 years, Barb championed local action while forging national and international connections that strengthened philanthropy everywhere. Her influence extended far beyond Ottawa-she helped build Community Foundations of Canada, the Transatlantic Community Foundation Network, and supported the creation of new foundations across Canada and Eastern Europe. Her approach to donor-advised funds and her belief in trust, listening, and encouragement left a lasting global impact. This book reflects the spirit of her leadership and the communities she inspired.

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9780920736029

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Reviews

""Through the testimonials of real people in the field, this book brings to life the basic principles of elective philanthropy. We may think we already know the lessons-but we are more likely to put them into practice after reading the thoughtful, candid and inspiring examples before us."" Char Mollison Past Vice President, Council on Foundations, Past chair CAF America, Senior Fellow, Center on Philanthropy George Mason University ""At a time of overwhelming gloom about the dismal state of the world, Barb's legacy remains highly relevant to all of us: with perseverance, humour, joy and love, what initially seems impossible becomes possible when building inclusive and dynamic communities."" Jean-Marc Mangion President & CEO Philanthropic Foundations Canada ""Barbara McInnes was a bold, visionary thinker who could turn big ideas into action. This book offers important lessons for leadership in building stronger, more vibrant communities, and is a must read for anyone seeking to make a difference through philanthropy. This book is a treasure trove of ideas for nurturing authentic relationships and trust with boards, donors, grantees and community organizations."" Susan Phillips Professor Emerita Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership School of Public Policy and Administration Carleton University ""Barb McInnes led with love for her community and helped shape what community foundations have become today. Barb understood that local action is powerful, but she also saw the value of connecting that work nationally and internationally. She supported the first steps in Eastern Europe and helped open doors in large parts of Europe where her approach to donor-advised funds left a lasting impression. Barb listened, she trusted, and she encouraged at a time when the idea of community foundations was still new in many European countries. This book reflects that spirit."" Dr. Kathrin Dombrowski Coordinating Director European Community Foundation Initiative (ECFI)

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