Who We Fundraise With Matters: Representation in Philanthropy (with Alain Mootoo)

Across the nonprofit and charitable sector, organizations regularly talk about equity, community impact, and meeting people where they are. But there's a harder question that often goes unasked: who is actually doing the fundraising - and who isn't? 

Fundraising teams frequently don't reflect the diversity of the communities they raise funds for. That gap isn't just a moral concern - it has real consequences for trust, relationships, and the sector's long-term sustainability.

In this episode of Let's Imagine, host Bruce MacDonald is joined by Alain Mootoo, Chief Operating Officer of the CAMH Foundation. Alain oversees the full operations of the Foundation - including the people, strategy, and systems that make fundraising possible. He has also drawn on his own lived experience as an immigrant to Canada, a foreign-trained professional, and a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to launch award-winning programs and events for marginalized populations across the country. 

Together, they explore why representation in fundraising teams matters strategically, not just symbolically; how lived experience shapes the way trust is built with donors and communities; what structural and cultural barriers keep diverse talent from entering and advancing in the field; and what it looks like to create genuine pathways to fundraising leadership for people from marginalized backgrounds.

Make sure to check out our full episode list. This episode is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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