The famous Massey Foundation (established in 1896) was the first charitable trust of its kind in Canada. It is often referred to as the first charity in Canada, but it would be a mistake to think this is where charity in Canada started.
This week, host Nick Bridges is joined by Know History’s very own Sara Wilmshurst. With her unique background in fundraising management, Sara is the perfect person to guide us through the history of charity in Canada.
How did British common law influence our definition of charity? What effect did World War I have on charities in Canadian culture? What led to our ability to write off charitable donation on our taxes? And, what in the world is The Federation Fundraising Movement?
For these answers and more, join Nick and Sara as they notice the history of charity in Canada.
About Our Guest
Sara Wilmshurst has worked at Know History since January 2018. She received an MA in History from the University of Guelph and a certificate in Fundraising Management from Humber College. When Sara isn’t doing historical research or volunteering as a fundraiser, she can often be found petting dogs, watching superhero movies, and drinking too much tea.
Bibliography
“About Us.” United Way Centraide Canada. http://www.unitedway.ca/about-us/ (accessed 14 April 2019).
Blumberg, Mark. “Key statistics on Canada’s charity and non-profit sector.” Canadian Charity Law https://www.canadiancharitylaw.ca/blog/key_statistics_on_canadas_charity_and_non_profit_sector (accessed 14 April 2019).
Carter, George E. “Taxation in Canada.” The Canadian Encyclopedia https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/taxation (accessed 14 April 2019).
Elson, Peter R. “A Short History of Voluntary Sector-Government Relations in Canada.” The Philanthropist 21, no. 1 (July 2007): 36-74.
Fishman, James J. “The Political Use of Private Benevolence: The Statute of Charitable Uses.” Pace Law Faculty Publications. http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/lawfaculty/487 (accessed 14 April 2019).
Hardy, Patricia. “A History of Philanthropy in Canada.” In Excellence in Fundraising in Canada, Vol. 2, edited by Guy Mallabone, 13-28. Toronto: Civil Sector Press, 2014.
King, David. “How religion motivates people to give and serve.” The Conversation http://theconversation.com/how-religion-motivates-people-to-give-and-serve-81662 (accessed 14 April 2019).
Malik, Nuzhat. “Defining ‘Charity’ and ‘Charitable Purposes’ in the United Kingdom.” The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law 11, no. 1 (November 2008): 36-50.
National Philanthropic Trust. “A History of Modern Philanthropy”. www.historyofgiving.org (accessed 13 April 2019).
Picard, Andre. “Charities.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/charities (accessed 14 April 2019).
Tillotson, Shirley. Contributing Citizens: modern charitable fundraising and the making of the welfare state, 1920-66. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2008.
Watson, Rod. “Charity and the Canadian Income Tax: An Erratic History. The Philanthropist 5, no 1 (January 1985): 3-21.
Wilmshurst, Sara J. “[T]he dust-up which Dr. Bates appears intent on creating”:Changes in the Health League of Canada’s Support, Funding, and Status, 1944-1975,” Master’s thesis, University of Guelph, 2015.
Credits
Hosts: Nick Bridges and Sara Wilmshurst
Producers: Robin Mullins and Emily Cuggy
Research: Sara Wilmshurst
Audio Editing: Sara Wilmshurst
Web Content: Casandra Masse
Image Credit: People eating at a soup kitchen. 1931. Library and Archives Canada / PA-168131.