WATCH: Author Hilary Pearson talks the power of giving with Board of Governors Chair Helen Antoniou

What motivates people and organizations to give? This question is central to a conversation between Helen Antoniou, chair of Concordia University’s Board of Governors, and Hilary Pearson, author and founding president of Philanthropic Foundations Canada. 

Drawing from her book, From Charity to Change: Inside the World of Canadian Foundations, Pearson challenges conventional views of philanthropy, presenting foundations as powerful agents of systemic change.

Pearson and Antoniou also discuss the shift in philanthropic support for universities, with a growing emphasis on innovative educational programs over traditional infrastructure projects. 

“If you’re a foundation interested in change [by] supporting students and helping them think about innovation — a university gives you that opportunity.”

Watch the video above to learn more.