I just read a press release issued by the British Cabinet office of the Third Sector announcing the appointment of philanthropist and thought-leader, Dame Stephanie Shirley to the new post of Ambassador of Philanthropy.

The role of the Ambassador of Philanthropy is to , "work over the coming year to act as the voice of philanthropy as well as championing innovative and effective forms of giving, and to make recommendations to Government about how to encourage and facilitate giving. Her work will also inform the Giving and Philanthropy Summit to be held later this year to look at how to encourage giving amongst the more affluent parts of society, as well as considering how to support and encourage charitable giving more generally."

Is it time that Canada has a similar Ambassador?  Currently in our political system we have the Charities Directorate whose role is to provide access to information on the charitable sector as it pertains to the Income Tax Act. Anyone who has tried to navigate the income tax waters of the charitable sector understands the importance of this group, however, their role stops once your tax questions are answered. Should there be a stronger tie between government and philanthropy?

Imagine Canada, the various Chambers of Voluntary Sector Organizations, Philanthropic Foundations of Canada and some smaller groups have taken on limited advocacy roles within the sector, but I have not found one group or individual who represents the interests of the individual/family donor. Has anyone else heard of any? Please let me know.