In late summer of 1940, three boys exploring the French countryside climbed into a deserted fox den and descended into a world that humans had not visited in 20,000 years. The caves of Lascaux are famous for their age and timeless beauty; chambers filled with countless meticulous images. At a time when early humans were…
Imagine that a couple has decided to remodel their kitchen. In preparation, they visit a tile store. A salesperson there works with them to choose the perfect backsplash. Everyone is happy with the final selection and the salesperson begins making arrangement for payment and delivery. Just then the husband pulls out a document from his…
This is the fourth article in our series about social innovation. The series is published as a collaboration between The Philanthropist and McConnell Foundation. The challenge with understanding systemic change is that it is like describing a lake in which you are currently swimming. In Part I of this reflection on Robert Couchman’s 1992 article…
This is the third article in our series about social innovation. The series is published as a collaboration between The Philanthropist and McConnell Foundation. In June 2013, Alastair Wilson of the UK’s School for Social Entrepreneurs visited Toronto and convinced an audience of nearly 50 people to squeeze into a somewhat airless room at 7am…
This article is the eighth in a series on Indigenous Communities and Philanthropy. SUMMARY: The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada strives to promote dialogue amongst First Nations, Métis, Inuit communities; private, public and community foundations; corporate philanthropy programs, charitable organizations, and United Ways. This article describes the origins of The Circle and the…
This is the first in a series of articles on Indigenous Communities and Philanthropy. In his 5th Century, BCE, play “Prometheus Bound,” the Greek playwright Aeschylus tells the tale of Prometheus, son of Zeus, taking pity when he encounters a group of sickly creatures. Prometheus provides them with two special gifts: fire and blind…