Testimonials
Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes
This book about the work of an extraordinary individual is an antidote to the arrogance of power that can plague, not just organized philanthropy, but our nation states as well. We Americans have a lot to learn from our Canadian neighbors about how big money cannot solve problems in isolation from a community’s (or nation’s) multiple constituencies. 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
Vice President (retired), Council on Foundations, Past chair CAF America, Senior Fellow, Center on Nonprofits, Philanthropy and Social Enterprise George Mason University USA
“A rare and true glimpse into the challenges, decisions, and quiet triumphs that define community leadership. These stories will resonate with leaders of community foundations, past and present, as they speak to the beauty and complexity of building trust, shifting power, and navigating relationships across sectors and communities—and how Barb did it all with grace and determination.”
Andrea Dick
President Community Foundations of Canada
"This book is a meaningful legacy for change-makers in the community foundations movement across the world. At this time, when humanity seems to be lacking social imagination to “think big” in the face of today’s challenges of inequalities, threats to democracy and climate change, Barbara’s legacy is immensely precious.”
Carola Carazzone
Segretaria generale Assifero —Associazione italiana delle fondazioni ed enti filantropici, Roma Vice-President Philea—Philanthropy Europe Association
“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 Mangin
President & CEO Philanthropic Foundations Canada
A rare and true glimpse into the challenges, decisions, and quiet triumphs that define community leadership.
Andrea Dicks
President | Community Foundations of Canada
“Barbara McInnes was a bold, visionary thinker who could turn big ideas into action. She was also an inspirational teacher whose regular guest lectures in the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) at Carleton University were greatly valued by both students and faculty. Barb continues teaching us through the contributions of this book. It 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. For those working in, or with, community foundations across Canada and internationally, 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
“Mahatma Ghandi’s quote, “be the change that you wish to see in the world” captures Barb’s wisdom. Change comes from within, a lesson that is often lost in our world today. Barb shared a story of a family trip she made to Kerala, India. Barb described being welcomed and invited to join the community in celebrating festivals and events. In a place where Barb could have felt a lack of belonging due to cultural and language barriers, she was right at home. Her smile, love of people and authentic curiosity in others allowed her sense of belonging to flourish. Barb’s essence removed the barriers that would normally inhibit human connection. This was a real-life example of being the change you wish to see in the world.”
Andrew Chunilall CPA, CA, ICD.D, ACC
Past Chair of Wings (Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support) Chair, Forward Global Canada CEO, Community Foundations of Canada
“Barb McInnes was an inspired and inspiring leader with much to teach all community foundations and funds. Her principles of leading with humility, curiosity, passion and a little bit of mischief have vaulted the Ottawa Community Foundation to great success and secured her position as a significant influence in community foundations across Canada as well as internationally. The lessons her friends and colleagues recount in this book can be applied broadly to both start-ups or well-established funds and are valuable tools for establishing their principles and approach.”
Edith Cody-Rice
Committee Member & Donor Mississippi Mills Community Fund
"This book is a warm and honest tribute to Barb McInnes, who 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 of community foundations in Eastern Europe and helped open doors for the model to grow in large parts of Europe—including Germany—where her approach to donor-advised funds left a lasting impression. What stood out about Barb wasn’t just her leadership, but how she made people feel. She 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)
A treasure trove of Ideas! Barb continues teaching us through the contributions of this book. It 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.
Susan Phillips
Professor Emerita Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership School of Public Policy and Administration Carleton University
“I see Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes as both an inspiration and a guide for those in small Association of Fundraising Professionals’ chapters or nonprofit organizations. It offers a compelling model of leadership grounded in humility, vision, and heart. Barb’s story reminds us that even a small platform can create lasting impact. Barb didn’t just raise funds—she raised expectations.”
Christina Morgan, CFRE
Past President AFP Newfoundland and Labrador
“The insights that Barbara imparted to those she collaborated with, resonate throughout the stories in this book. I am reminded of how essential good governance is—necessitating robust leadership, the establishment of diverse boards, and the cultivation of a learning culture during uncertain times. As a master connector, Barbara and I envisioned the creation of environments where individuals would feel a sense of belonging.”
Roger D. Ali
Chair AFP Global Board, Social Sector Executive & Consultant