August is Black Philanthropy Month
Each year, NCF pauses to reflect, learn and deepen our understanding and definitions of philanthropy; beyond the stereotypes, beyond the Western worldview, and beyond the colonial perspective.
In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - a world-wide campaign- we are pleased to share our conversation with Janet Madume, Executive Director of Welland Heritage & Multicultural Centre and Employment Solutions.
Janet arrived in Canada 22 years ago and shares her story and how the values of philanthropy are central to her origin story and her way of giving back to community.
Listen to the LIVE interview on Youtube or enjoy the interview below.
INTERVIEW
Can you tell me a bit about your story? When did you come to Canada and where was home for you?
I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and came to Canada seeking new opportunities for my family and my future in 2004. Like many newcomers, the journey involved adapting to a new culture, building networks from scratch, and learning how to navigate new systems. Those experiences shaped my passion for helping immigrants and newcomers succeed.
Today, through my work with the Welland Heritage Council and Employment Solutions, I have the privilege of supporting individuals who are on similar journeys. I understand firsthand the challenges of settling in a new country, but I also know the incredible strengths that newcomers bring to their communities.
From NCF's past conversations around Black philanthropy, we know that the term "philanthropy" is often associated with wealth and privilege. Do you have examples from your own life where philanthropy looked different?
Absolutely. Growing up, philanthropy was not something we called philanthropy. It was simply how communities cared for one another.
If a family was struggling, neighbours would contribute food, time, advice, or support. People shared what they had, even when resources were limited. That spirit of collective care is something I carried with me to Canada.
For me, philanthropy is not only about financial donations. It includes mentoring young people, volunteering, sharing professional expertise, opening doors for others, and helping people access opportunities. Those acts may not always appear in fundraising reports, but they have tremendous impact.
How do you see philanthropy playing out in your work and among immigrant communities?
I see philanthropy every day in immigrant communities.
Many newcomers give back long before they are financially established. They volunteer, translate for others, help people find housing or employment, drive neighbours to appointments, and support community events.
At the Welland Heritage Council, I regularly witness individuals contributing their time and talents because they want others to succeed. These contributions create stronger communities and help newcomers feel connected and valued.
Philanthropy in immigrant communities is often rooted in mutual support and collective success rather than individual recognition.
You are passionate about empowering the next generation of Black Canadians. How is the next generation carrying on the values of community, generosity, and giving back?
I am encouraged by what I see in young people today.
Many young Black Canadians are volunteering, advocating for social issues, mentoring peers, supporting local initiatives, and using technology to raise awareness and mobilize communities.
They may express generosity differently than previous generations, but the values remain the same. They care deeply about community, equity, and creating opportunities for others.
One of the most important things we can do is create spaces where young people can lead, contribute ideas, and see themselves reflected in leadership roles.
The theme of the 2026 Black Philanthropy Month is "Many Voices, One Movement." What does this theme mean to you?
This theme resonates strongly with me because the Black community is not a single story.
We come from different countries, cultures, languages, faiths, and experiences. Yet despite those differences, we are connected by a shared commitment to community, resilience, and progress.
"Many Voices, One Movement" recognizes that meaningful change happens when diverse perspectives come together around common goals. Every voice matters, whether it belongs to a donor, volunteer, youth leader, entrepreneur, nonprofit worker, or community advocate.
To me, the theme is a reminder that collective action is powerful. When we work together, we create stronger and more inclusive communities for everyone.
Additional Closing Thought:
One message I would like people to take away is that philanthropy exists all around us. It is found in generosity, mentorship, volunteerism, advocacy, and community leadership. Financial giving is important, but it is only one part of the story. Communities thrive because people invest their time, knowledge, and care in one another every day.
I also believe that many of us underestimate the impact we have on other people's lives. Sometimes a conversation, a word of encouragement, a referral, or simply taking the time to listen can change someone's path. Those everyday acts of kindness are often where philanthropy begins.
As someone who works closely with newcomers and diverse communities, I have seen how powerful it is when people feel welcomed, valued, and included. When individuals succeed, entire families benefit, and when families thrive, communities become stronger.
I hope we continue to broaden our understanding of what it means to give back. Not everyone can make a large financial contribution, but everyone has something meaningful to offer. Whether it is time, knowledge, experience, connections, or compassion, every contribution matters.
Ultimately, philanthropy is about creating opportunities for others and leaving our communities better than we found them. It is about recognizing that our success is connected and that we all have a role to play in helping one another move forward.
