CharityVillage Connects

AI for Impact: How Nonprofits Are Turning Tech into Social GoodIn this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we explore how nonprofits across Canada are beginning to harness the power of artificial intelligence to advance their missions. Through real-world case studies and conversations with sector leaders, we spotlight tangible examples of how AI is being used today, from streamlining operations and enhancing donor engagement to improving service delivery. Tune in today for practical insights and inspiration to help you navigate this fast-evolving landscape.  Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Elena Yunusov, Executive Director, Human Feedback FoundationAnne-Marie Newton, President and CEO, CAMH FoundationDan Kershaw, Executive Director, Furniture BankJason Shim, Chief Digital Officer, Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital ResilienceTim Lockie, Chief Executive Officer, The Human StackJessica Vestergaard, Grant Writer & Founder, Written With PurposeAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Canada Launches Landmark National Program to Equip Nonprofits with AI for Social Impact Raise program (Human Feedback Foundation 2025) A made-in-Canada model for responsible AI is putting nonprofits at the centre (Digital Journal, 2025)Her job interview was with an AI bot. It was odd (CBC, 2025)Digital Guidance (The Human Stack, 2021)CCNDR Research reports on tech skills gaps (CCNDR, 2025)AI and Automation (CICP, 2025)Getting Started with AI in 2025 (Furniture Bank, 2025)Unlocking the Power of Deep Research: Opportunity AI at work (Furniture Bank, 2025)‘Malicious’ AI willing to sacrifice human lives to avoid being shut down, shocking study reveals (NY Post, 2025)The Grant Circle (Written with Purpose, 2025)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #giving #AI

Explore how nonprofits across Canada are beginning to harness the power of artificial intelligence to advance their missions. Through real-world case studies and conversations with sector leaders, we spotlight tangible examples of how AI is being used today, from streamlining operations and enhancing donor engagement to improving service delivery. Tune in today for practical insights and inspiration to help you navigate this fast-evolving landscape.  #podcast #giving

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a hard look at the well-being of Canada’s nonprofit workforce, with a spotlight on the frontline staff who form the backbone of essential community services. We uncover troubling data from recent research reports about food insecurity, burnout, and the systemic challenges facing nonprofit workers. Joining us for this discussion are sector leaders and researchers who provide context for these findings and share practical solutions.  Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance ·       Anouk Bertner, Executive Director, Future of Good·       Steven Ayer, President & Founder, Common Good Strategies·       Akela Peoples, CEO, Mental Health Research Canada·       Anne-Marie Newton, President & CEO, CAMH Foundation·       Dr. Kate Toth, Director of Coaching & Partner Success, YMCA WorkWell·       Mitzie Hunter, President & CEO, Canadian Women’s Foundation About your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional CharityVillage Resources from this Episode·       CharityVillage eLearning: Best Practices for Stress Management and Mindfulness at Work Dealing with Difficult People Developing Emotional Resiliency and Self-Care Resolving Conflict Workplace Mental Health and Psychological Safety Certificate Program·       Workplace Mental Health Resources for Nonprofit Managers and Professionals·       CharityVillage Mental Health Guide (Free)·       Fostering Personal and Collective Wellbeing: A workbook and guide for social service providers (Free)Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:·       The Changemaker Wellbeing Index 2025 (Future of Good)·       Poll 24 (Mental Health Research Canada)·       Insights to Impact: The State of Employee Wellbeing in Canadian Nonprofit Organizations (YMCA WorkWell, 2024)·       Poverty in Canada Through a Deprivation Lens (Food Banks Canada, 2024)·       Why studies show burnout is getting worse: ‘Employees are exhausted’ (Global News, 2024)·       Poll 23 (Mental Health Research Canada)·       Youth mental health in decline: Canadians much more likely to blame cost of living than international peers (King’s College London, 2025)·       CBC Radio: Mental Health Study (2025)·       Online Hate and Harassment: The American Experience 2024 (Anti-Defamation League)·       Study on Feminist Brain Drain in the VAW Shelter Sector (Women’s Shelters Canada, 2024)·       Burnout is the new threat to Canada’s economy – especially for women (The Prosperity Project, 2023)·       Challenging Gendered Digital Harm (Canadian Women’s Foundation)·       Rude behaviour spiked in Ontario classrooms after COVID-19: Brock research (2024)·       Opening Minds·       Mental Health Commission of Canada·       Workplace Mental Health Resource Centre (CAMH)·       Access CAMHLearn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a hard look at the well-being of Canada’s nonprofit workforce, with a spotlight on the frontline staff who form the backbone of essential community services. We uncover troubling data from recent research reports about foodinsecurity, burnout, and the systemic challenges facing nonprofit workers. Joining us for this discussion are sector leaders and researchers who provide context for these findings and share practical solutions.Subscribe so you don't miss the full episode coming August 26, 2025.

Episode 32 In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a close look at the insights revealed in the 2025 CanadaHelps Giving Report about the landscape of charitable giving in Canada, and what these insights mean for your nonprofit or charity. Joined by sector leaders, we examine donor trends, shifting patterns of giving, and the broader implications for fundraising in today’s uncertain economic climate. Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Nicole Danesi, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Brand, CanadaHelpsAllen Davidov, Senior Vice President, Practice Leader of the Not-for-profit, Energy, and Tourism Sectors, Environics AnalyticsAneil Gokhale, Director of Philanthropy, Toronto FoundationSamantha Cooke, Vice President, Philanthropy, Daily Bread Food BankSarah Midanik, President & CEO, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack FundAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:The Giving Report 2025 (CanadaHelps) [Past Giving Reports are available at the bottom of this page]Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.

In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a close look at the insights revealed in the 2025 CanadaHelps Giving Report about the landscape of charitable giving in Canada, and what these insights mean for your nonprofit or charity. Joined by sector leaders, we examine donor trends, shifting patterns of giving, and the broader implications for fundraising in today’s uncertain economic climate. 

Episode 31 – Post-Election Wake-Up Call: What Canada’s New Federal Government Means for NonprofitsIt’s been about three months now, since Canada elected its new government. What will this new federal government mean for Canada's nonprofit sector? What policy shifts can we anticipate? How will funding be affected? And what should nonprofit leaders be watching for, in the months ahead? In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we speak with several nonprofit leaders and government relations experts to help us unpack what we might expect from our newly elected government and better understand what the nonprofit sector can do to work with this government to serve the needs of Canadians.Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Christopher Holz, Government Relations Advisor, capitalWAndrew Chunilall, CEO, Community Foundations of CanadaJean-Marc Mangin, President & CEO, Philanthropic Foundations CanadaMitzie Hunter, President & CEO, Canadian Women’s FoundationAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Canada Strong (Liberal Party of Canada 2025 Platform)2025 Speech from the ThroneMandate Letter from the Prime Minister (May 21, 2025)Trump 2.0 and US Philanthropy: Reflections and Actions for Canadian Philanthropic Foundations (Philanthropic Foundations Canada)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast

It’s been about three months now, since Canada elected its new government. What will this new federal government mean for Canada's nonprofit sector? What policy shifts can we anticipate? How will funding be affected? And what should nonprofit leaders be watching for, in the months ahead? In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we speak with several nonprofit leaders and government relations experts to help us unpack what we might expect from our newly elected government and better understand what the nonprofit sector can do to work with this government to serve the needs of Canadians.#podcast

Episode 30 – Should Money Talk? Inequities in Funding and Influence in the Nonprofit Sector  They say money talks. Is this true for the nonprofit sector, where a relatively small number of large charities receive the lion’s share of available funding? Have well-funded charities dominated the public policy governing our sector, drowning out the voices of the vast majority of small charities and nonprofits across the country?  In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a closer look at the impact this inequitable power dynamic has on the sector, the problems it causes, and what can be done about it.  Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance  Steven Ayer, President and Founder, Common Good Strategies John Hallward, President, Sector3Insights Mark Blumberg, Lawyer, Blumbergs Professional Corporation Liban Abokor, CEO, Reimagine LABS Minnie Njeri Karanja, Founder and Executive Director, Impact Weaving Coaching and Consulting  About your Host Mary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads. Past CharityVillage Connects Episodes Canadian Philanthropy: Time for a Shake Up? (Discussion of disbursement quota) Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: Unfunded: Black Communities Overlooked by Canadian Philanthropy (2020)  Foundation for Black Communities Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector Canadian charities giving to Indigenous Charities and Qualified Donees - 2019 (Canadian Charity Law, 2022) Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here. 

Episode 30 – Should Money Talk? Inequities in Funding and Influence in the Nonprofit Sector They say money talks. Is this true for the nonprofit sector, where a relatively small number of large charities receive the lion’s share of available funding? Have well-funded charities dominated the public policy governing our sector, drowning out the voices of the vast majority of small charities and nonprofits across the country?  In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a closer look at the impact this inequitable power dynamic has on the sector, the problems it causes, and what can be done about it. 

Episode 29 – Growing Pains: How Canada’s Population Boom Affects NonprofitsIn this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a careful look at how recent, unprecedented population growth in Canada is impacting charities and nonprofits. With organizations already struggling to cope with a rising demand in services, does a surge in population add further strain to an already overstretched sector? Are there opportunities that exist to help organizations grow their staff, volunteers, and donors? Join us as we explore this topic with sector experts, who offer nuanced answers to the question: What does a significant population increase mean for the Canadian nonprofit and charitable sector?Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Steven Ayer, President and Founder, Common Good StrategiesCarolyn Stewart, CEO, Feed OntarioAndrew Chunilall, CEO, Community Foundations of CanadaOlga Stachova, CEO, MOSAICAleks Dughman, Co-Executive Director, Rainbow RefugeeKishone Roy, Executive Director, The Federation of Community Social Services of BC About your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Toronto Vital Signs: Roundup on Growth (Toronto Foundation, 2024) 2024 HungerCount (Food Banks Canada)Navigating New Horizons: The contributions and perspectives of multicultural Canadians (Imagine Canada, 2023)Toronto Vital Signs: The Power of Us (Toronto Foundation, 2023)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.

Episode 29 – Growing Pains: How Canada’s Population Boom Affects NonprofitsIn this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we take a careful look at how recent, unprecedented population growth in Canada is impacting charities and nonprofits. With organizations already struggling to cope with a rising demand in services, does a surge in population add further strain to an already overstretched sector? Are there opportunities that exist to help organizations grow their staff, volunteers, and donors? Join us as we explore this topic with sector experts, who offer nuanced answers to the question: What does a significant population increase mean for the Canadian nonprofit and charitable sector?

Episode 28 – Navigating Political and Economic Upheaval: Advice from Nonprofits on the FrontlineIn the last episode of CharityVillage Connects, we talked to government relations and fundraising experts about how nonprofits and charities can navigate the political change and economic impacts currently coming at us at such a dizzying pace. With the continued threat of tariffs from the US President Trump administration, and with both federal and provincial elections looming here at home, we thought it worthwhile to dig even deeper into the topic of governmental change and find out how nonprofit organizations across the country are coping with it all. In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, representatives from frontline organizations share their realities, concerns, and strategies for survival and transformation in these challenging times.Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Christopher Holz, Government Relations Advisor, capitalWAndrew Chunilall, CEO, Community Foundations of CanadaCarolyn Stewart, CEO, Feed OntarioNicole Danesi, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Brand, CanadaHelpsOlga Stachova, CEO, MOSAIC Aleks Selim Dughman Manzur, Co-Executive Director, Rainbow RefugeeAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional CharityVillage Resources from this EpisodeCharityVillage Connects: Navigating the Stormy Waters of Political UncertaintyAdditional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Weekly Results: Current Issues and Challenges (Charity Insights Canada Project, February 5, 2025)HungerCount 2024 (Food Banks Canada) The Giving Report 2024 (CanadaHelps)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #economics #charity 

Navigating the Stormy Waters of Political Uncertainty: Government Relations for NonprofitsWith elections happening across the provinces and the potential for a federal election at any time, how to navigate political change is top of mind for many nonprofit leaders. How can your organization engage in government relations, lobby for social change, and access government funding, especially during such an unprecedented time of uncertainty? Get insights and advice from sector experts in this episode of CharityVillage Connects.#podcast #politics

 Navigating the Stormy Waters of Political Uncertainty: Government Relations for NonprofitsWith elections happening across the provinces and the potential for a federal election at any time, how to navigate political change is top of mind for many nonprofit leaders. How can your organization engage in government relations, lobby for social change, and access government funding, especially during such an unprecedented time of uncertainty? Get insights and advice from sector experts in this episode of CharityVillage Connects.Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Christopher Holz, Government Relations Advisor, capitalWJesse Clarke, Owner and CEO, JN Clarke ConsultingKathryn Babcock, CEO, capitalWNiti Bhotoia, Vice President, capitalWAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:What trends will impact charities and nonprofits in the first quarter of 2024? (Imagine Canada) [features December 2023 opinion poll data]Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (Statistics Canada)Public policy dialogue and development activities by charities (Government of Canada)Learn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #charity 

Government Relations and Change Elections#podcasts Chartity

Episode 26 – Celebrating the 2024 CharityVillage Award Winners Join us in celebrating the 2024 winners of the CharityVillage Awards! These winners were announced on November 20, 2024, at our annual conference, and now is your chance to hear more about their exceptional achievements. With winners in categories such as volunteer management, workplace mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and overall staff and volunteer impact, it’s a great chance to hear more about why their programs, services, and organizations as a whole stood out to our panel of expert judges. Hear from our award winners, in this episode of CharityVillage Connects!Meet Our GuestsMarla Smith, Director of Development, Niagara Children’s Centre - Best Fundraising Campaign (Under 20 Staff)Hannah Westner, Senior Project Manager, LearnSphere - Best Employer - Workplace Mental Health (Under 20 Staff)Hasan-Ali Abidi, Senior Advisor, Play Forever - Best Contribution to Youth Advancement - IndividualMahlikah Outten, Director of Programming for Neighbourhood Impact, Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development - Best Employer - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (Under 20 Staff) - co-winner Carolyn Saenz, Associate Director, Systems & Infrastructure, East Scarborough Storefront - A Project of Makeway - Best Employer - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (Under 20 Staff) - co-winnerPulsara Batra, Manager, Volunteer Services/Mentorship Program, Covenant House Toronto - Best Employer - Volunteer Management (20+ staff) - co-winnerMargaret Jetelina, Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society - Best Employer - Volunteer Management (20+ Staff) - co-winner Anukrati Nigam, Program and Administrative Officer, PEGASUS Institute - Best Volunteer Management (Under 20 Staff) and Best Volunteer Management ProfessionalMaria Guardado - Volunteer Impact - co-winner Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough - Volunteer Impact - co-winnerAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:CharityVillage Conference & AwardsFull list of all CharityVillage 2024 Award Winners and FinalistsLearn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.#podcast #charity

Celebrating the 2024 CharityVillage Award Winners Join us in celebrating the 2024 winners of the CharityVillage Awards! These winners were announced on November 20, 2024, at our annual conference, and now is your chance to hear more about their exceptional achievements. With winners in categories such as volunteer management, workplace mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and overall staff and volunteer impact, it’s a great chance to hear more about why their programs, services, and organizations as a whole stood out to our panel of expert judges. Hear from our award winners, in this episode of CharityVillage Connects!

Episode 25 – Accessible Workplaces: Is the Canadian Nonprofit Sector Falling Behind?According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, the employment rate for persons with disabilitiescurrently sits at 62%. While this figure has risen in recent years, it’s clear that more work can be done tocreate more inclusive and accessible workplaces that welcome Canadians with disabilities. In thisepisode of CharityVillage Connects, we talk to accessibility experts from across the sector to find outabout the challenges and barriers that contribute to this employment gap, along with what nonprofitorganizations like yours can do to address these barriers within workplaces, programming, andcommunities.Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Ryan Straschnitzki, Founder, Straz Strong Foundation Ingrid Muschta, Director of Special Projects and Innovation, Ontario Disability EmploymentNetwork (ODEN) Wanda Deschamps, Founder and Principal, Liberty Co Lorin MacDonald, Human Rights Lawyer and Accessibility Advocate Anthony Frisina, Speaker, Author, and Consultant David Lepofsky, Chair, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act AllianceAbout your HostMary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a backgroundin media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she wasappointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal forcharities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sistercompany, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource thatconnects top employers with top students and grads.CharityVillage Resources from this Episode CharityVillage eLearning: OHSA and AODA Compliance Training for Employees CharityVillage eLearning: OHSA and AODA Compliance Training for Leaders and SupervisorsAdditional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017-2022 (Statistics Canada) Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities (Government of Canada) Canadian Income Survey, 2021 (Statistics Canada) $956-million downtown Toronto courthouse plagued by accessibility issues, provincial reportfinds (Toronto Star) Billion-dollar Accessibility Bungle, Video by David Lepofsky, 14- min version, 49-min version New Toronto Courthouse’s Disability Barriers Hit the Toronto Star’s Front Page (AODA Alliance) Roadblocks on the career path: Challenges faced by persons with disabilities in employment(Canadian Human Rights Commission) Ontario Disabilities Employment Network (ODEN) Training Opportunities Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (Government of Ontario) Will Toronto ever lose its basement bathroom problem? (NOW Toronto, 2017) Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact (Job Accommodation Network, US, 2020) Canadian Human Rights Act (Canadian Human Rights Commission) Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional Training Canadian Association for Supported EmploymentLearn more and listen to the full interviews with the guests here.

Accessible Workplaces: Is the Canadian Nonprofit Sector Falling Behind?According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, the employment rate for persons with disabilitiescurrently sits at 62%. While this figure has risen in recent years, it’s clear that more work can be done tocreate more inclusive and accessible workplaces that welcome Canadians with disabilities. In thisepisode of CharityVillage Connects, we talk to accessibility experts from across the sector to find outabout the challenges and barriers that contribute to this employment gap, along with what nonprofitorganizations like yours can do to address these barriers within workplaces, programming, andcommunities.