Malcolm Burrows

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Malcolm is a philanthropic advisor with over 30 years of experience. He is head, philanthropic advisory services at Scotia Wealth Management and founder of Aqueduct Foundation. Views are his own. malcolm.burrows@scotiawealth.com

Caravaggio and Complex Charitable Purposes

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The story of the Confraternità del Pio Monte Della Misericordia and Caravaggio’s painting is a fascinating example of how art and charity can intertwine to convey a powerful mission. In 1602, seven idealistic noblemen founded the Confraternità del Pio Monte Della Misericordia in Naples, Italy.  Their mission was ambitious, and no doubt the product of multiple feverish strategic planning sessions. Rather than focus on one charitable purpose – for example, feeding….

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Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

Donor Recognition in the Commons

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Here’s a charity trade secret.  One of the best products in a fundraiser’s toolkit is “donor recognition”, in particular naming a piece of real estate.  Recognition is effective in inspiring donors, and for some, but not all, an important part of charitable giving.  However, donor recognition sometimes produces a backlash from the public. Yes, donor recognition is gracious and pragmatic, but public space is branded by private citizens and money…..

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Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized

Canadian Charity Law’s Turning Point

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[caption id="attachment_21029" align="aligncenter" width="322"] Aura Vaucrosson, Canadian Charity Law Pioneer, with Malcolm Burrows[/caption] In the 1970s, Canadian charity law dramatically evolved and became imbedded in the Income Tax Act.  While this is ancient history, I have personal connections with the drafting Working Group at the Department of Finance that I rediscovered. To my delight, after 45 years, I reconnected with one of the drafters in Ottawa this summer.  Aura (Elliott)….

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Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

Charities have Fiduciary Duties as Estate Beneficiaries

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I recently spoke to an estate lawyer who told me she would never recommend certain charities to clients. Why?  Because of the way these charities treated estate trustees. Some charities are unduly litigious, grind on fees, and are obstreperous about releases. It’s not the first time I’ve heard this comment from estate professionals – and some traumatized lay executors and family members. Sympathy for Charities It’s hard to evaluate the….

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Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized

The Foundation Perpetuity Myth

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The philanthropic community has a perpetuity obsession.  Critics of perpetuity believe that preserving capital, restricting payout, and existing forever is the pernicious norm.  Admittedly, for some foundations, perpetuity a sacred ideal, an aspiration that is sometimes unquestioned.  Foundations that “spend-down” are valorized as rare entities that value community impact over capital.  But the reality is more complex.  There is a long history of foundations that aren’t perpetual, and in Canada….

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Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized
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