Tamer Ibrahim oversees the Youth Collective Impact program at the Laidlaw Foundation: an initiative in partnership with Innoweave that helps organizations in local communities across Ontario develop, launch and implement collective impact approaches that directly improve outcomes for youth in their community. He currently sits on the board of directors at For Youth Initiative: a nonprofit organization that has served, inspired and advocated for thousands of teens and young adults in York South-Weston since 1995.

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Our class had the honour of listening to Tamer Ibrahim's advice and experience as a long-time member in the philanthropic field. He reiterated some key points that were extremely valuable and sparked discussion in our classroom. 

 

Tamer explained that the investment in youth by the government began due to an increasing rate of gun violence. The government hoped to inspire young people to make a difference in their communities, leaving a lasting impact on the province and country. Since the program began, many opportunities for youth to build charities and support positive change in their communities have developed. 

 

After discussing the grant proposal process, Tamer also reminded students never to sacrifice the mission of the organization. Difficult times will arise for all charities, but one must remain true to the vision that it was built upon. He also explained that as a charity, saying no is not a crime. There are only so many resources available to the organization, and the strong leaders of the charity must recognize when the outcome will be lower than the invest put into a cause. Helping as many people as possible is only an achievable goal if the charity is not worn out financially.  Finally, he discussed his support for social enterprises, and how creating businesses that generate profit AND give back to the community can help create a great lifestyle for the community members.

Terry Cooke is President and CEO of Hamilton Community Foundation. Terry’s career includes leadership positions in the private, public and non-profit sectors. He served as Chairman of the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth from 1994 to 2000. Terry is a past Chair of the Canadian Urban Institute and serves on the board of Community Foundations of Canada as well as a number of corporate organizations. In recognition of his community service, Terry has been a Paul Harris Fellow and a two-time recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

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During class on Monday, September 24, we had special guest Terry Cooke discuss the projects they are working on and answer our questions. He is a former McMaster graduate, and now leads the largest Community Foundation in Ontario.

 

The Foundation's most recent focuses have been 1) segregated Hamilton poverty, and 2) educational outcomes for racialized and low-income families.

 

As the largest investor for our class’s grant, the class was engaged in hearing what impact the Hamilton Community Foundation has already done in the community. Most recently, it has heavily invested in affordable housing, as well art projects and sustaining the art community. The previous #HamiltonForAll campaign is focused on reducing hate crimes and breaking down barriers. He reminded us to consider a grant as a long-term partnership, and to strive to form lasting relationships with community organizations.

 

Overall, our class was grateful for Terry’s insight, and we look forward to creating opportunities for positive change in the local community.