Jennifer Laughton

How has philanthropy and volunteering inspired the Black community?

Many black Canadians emigrated from countries around the world that have limited or no social safety net, few institutions that advocate on behalf of those at risk or those on the margins of society.  Understanding the need for these types of services, many within the black community in the greater GTA have taken the opportunity to create, volunteer and financially support organizations that provide essential services for members of our community.  Black Canadians have founded and supported very successful charitable endeavors such as literacy programs, services for abused women and educational achievement programs for youth. Inspired by the success and impact of these institutions black Canadians have become a visible fundraising force within our communities and major philanthropists that impact the broader social and cultural landscape. 

What are the most important trends, currently shaping the future of fundraising?

I believe the most significant trends shaping philanthropy today are Canada’s changing demographics, technology and globalization.  We are all aware the baby boomer population has the largest pool of wealth every seen in history.  They are ready to transfer that wealth to worthy institutions or pass it on to the next generation.  In addition, technology is significantly changing fundraising both locally and globally.  Technology has increased donor awareness of global needs and facilitates charitable giving well beyond traditional communities. Technology also helps donors maintain a personalized connection with the recipients of their gifts even if they are half way around the world.  Charitable organizations like Kiva that provide microfinancing on global scale are a good example of how technology can be used to fundraise globally.  I believe technology will continue to drive and influence how we reach, steward and communicate with both the current and the next generation of philanthropists. 

Has working in Ontario, affected your professional work or personal outlook?

Working in Golden Horseshoe I have seen the increasingly important role visible minorities play in philanthropy.  Many well established groups such as Blacks, East Asians, South Asians and communities from across the Middle East are having a growing impact on the traditional donor base. In addition, the profession itself is attracting a more diverse workforce drawn for the many communities living with the Golden Horseshoe.  As a fundraising professional it is very gratifying to see such diversity within the donor base as well as the opportunity to introduce the next generation of fundraisers to the profession.

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Jennifer Laughton has worked as a senior fundraiser within a variety of leading institutions. She led the Ontario Science Centre’s first ever capital campaign, managed leadership, planned, annual giving and communications portfolios at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Jennifer was the Director of Leadership Gifts at Trillium Health Centre Foundation for five years. During her tenure there, she doubled the number of seven figure gifts to the hospital and led the leadership gifts division during two successful campaigns of $36 and $15 million respectively. 

In her new role as Vice President of McMaster Children’s Hospital & McMaster University Health Centre, Jennifer is responsible for providing leadership planning, implementing fundraising programs and activities for one of Canada’s leading academic health science centres.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts & Science (Honours) from the University of Toronto. She is a member of AFP and AHP and is an active community volunteer.