Impact Philanthropy

A Matter of Leadership and Trust

Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

501 De La Gauchetière Street West, Montreal

Conference & Cocktail Reception - FREE

In French

Philanthropy is undergoing a profound transformation. Amid mounting societal pressures, funding challenges and a substantial shift in what is expected of charitable organizations, philanthropy is, now more than ever, a strategic priority for today’s executives and board members.

This forum is for decision-makers who want to step back and develop a clearer perspective on the forces shaping philanthropy in order to be able to drive more compelling results. The high-level discussions will delve into changing practices, the central role trust plays for philanthropists and organizations alike, and the growing importance of philanthropy in funding key initiatives.

Hear what top thought leaders, experts and practitioners have to say about emerging challenges and practical tools you can use to amplify your impact.

  • Rethink what generosity is and means through the lens of accountability and sustainability.
  • Explore the trust mechanisms that are the backbone of strong philanthropic relationships.
  • Understand the strategic role of philanthropy, especially in funding the fourth estate that is essential to upholding democracy.

This is a unique opportunity to be informed, to be inspired and to engage in in-depth conversations about a very timely topic. Join us for critical insights on how the landscape is changing, brush up on the latest practices and forge meaningful connections with like-minded professionals.

EVENT OBJECTIVES

  • Encourage participants to think strategically about vital issues in contemporary philanthropy, including media funding and new governance models.
  • Inspire leaders, donors and organizations to revisit their philanthropic policies and make them more impactful.
  • Provide a space for high-level discussions that are conducive to building networks and creating an engaged community.
  • Showcase HEC Montréal and its partners as leading voices in contemporary philanthropy.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

This event is designed for leaders, executives, donors, board members, philanthropy professionals, and representatives of nonprofit and mission-driven organizations who are interested in exploring the latest trends in philanthropy.

4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Arrival and registration

4:30 p.m. to 4:35 p.m. — Opening Remarks and Introduction

  • Michel Patry, President and Chief Executive Officer, HEC Montréal Foundation; Professor Emeritus and former Director, HEC Montréal

4:35 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. — Building Relationships, Amplifying Philanthropic Impact

  • Jean-Marc Chouinard, Senior Advisor, Strategy and Management, and former President, Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation
  • Hilary Pearson, former President, Philanthropic Foundations Canada
  • Lili-Anna Pereša, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Commission of Canada

Moderator: Laetitia Gill Motte, international philanthropy expert and Co-Director of the Master of Advanced Studies in Philanthropy at the University of Geneva

5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Funding the Media: The Growing Role of Philanthropy

  • François Cardinal, Vice-President, Information, and Deputy Editor, La Presse
  • Ana Sofía Hibon, Senior Program Manager, Inspirit Foundation
  • Gilles Marchand, Director, Media and Philanthropy Initiative, University of Geneva

Moderator: Sylvain Lafrance, Director, HEC Montréal Media Management Hub; former Executive Vice-President, Radio-Canada; former Chair, Radios francophones publiques

6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. — Introduction to the “Microprogramme en philanthropie contemporaine”

  • Charlotte Blanche, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, HEC Montréal
  • Hilary Pearson, philanthropy mentor for the first cohort

6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Networking Reception

Charlotte Blanche

Charlotte Blanche , MSc (Management), PhD (Management)

Assistant Professor, Department of Management, HEC Montréal

Jean-Marc Chouinard

Jean-Marc Chouinard , BBA (Sociology), MSc (Urban Planning)

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Management, and former President, Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation

Laetitia Gill Motte

Laetitia Gill Motte

International philanthropy expert and Co-Director of the Master of Advanced Studies in Philanthropy at the University of Geneva

Ana Sofía Hibon

Ana Sofía Hibon , BBA (International Development)

Senior Program Manager, Inspirit Foundation

Sylvain Lafrance

Adjunct Professor, HEC Montréal

Gilles Marchand

Gilles Marchand , MSc (Sociology)

Director, Media and Philanthropy Initiative, University of Geneva

Michel Patry , MSc (Applied Economics), PhD (Economics)

President and CEO, HEC Montréal Foundation and Professor Emeritus, HEC Montréal

Lili-Anna Pereša , Eng.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Commission of Canada

Hilary Pearson

Hilary Pearson , MSc, CM

Former President, Philanthropic Foundations Canada

An event hosted by HEC Montréal, in conjunction with Maecenas, the Media Management Hub and Executive Education HEC Montréal to celebrate the launch of the “Microprogramme en philanthropie contemporaine”.

Maecenas Media Management Hub
Catherine Lauriault
QUESTIONS?

Catherine Lauriault

Event Project Manager

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