Watermark Matters | February 2026

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February 2026 Edition

One of the most inspiring aspects of our work at Watermark is witnessing how philanthropy transforms people, places, and practices. In recent months, we’ve had the privilege of helping clients protect water systems, nurture civil discourse, magnify the power of music, and seed awe in the wonders of space.

But behind these outward facing commitments is Watermark's essential, internal work: clarifying purpose, crafting strategy, and building the governance infrastructure and resilience needed to make change last.

Our new website is officially live. We’ve redesigned it to better reflect these values, featuring case vignettes and expanded resources. Our goal remains the same: to help you give, learn, and govern with purpose, clarity and confidence. Tell us what you think.

Sharilyn

Passing the baton? Legacy and the Rise of Next-Gen Givers

While seasoned philanthropists remain the cornerstone of charitable giving—donating with the highest frequency and volume—a significant shift is well underway. As demographic and economic landscapes evolve, a historic transfer of wealth raises a vital question: Do philanthropic values resonate with the next generation?

At Watermark, we often work with generous young wealth creators. We also support families hoping to involve younger family members in giving. While every family's dynamics and goals are unique, research and experience show that some strategies are far more effective than others at bridging the generational gap. One thing is certain: next-gen givers aren’t just following in footsteps; they have bold ideas of their own.

Join the Conversation: What does this generational shift mean for your family, your favorite charities, and the future of philanthropy? On February 26th, join Sharilyn Hale and Canadian Family Offices for a free, expert-led panel discussion: "Who Will Give? Philanthropy and the Next Gen."

Women in Philanthropy: Quiet No More

Women have long held important roles in philanthropy as donors, volunteers, nonprofit employees, and advisors, and their contributions are increasingly visible and influential. With International Women's Day around the corner, a new 3-year study at Carleton University's Masters in Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership program is exploring this trajectory and deepening the field of research.

Funded by philanthropist Roslyn Bern, and led by Dr. Lisa Trefzger Clarke, the Women in Philanthropy project is being informed by interviews and roundtables with women across the country, to increase learning and develop tools to support women on their giving journey. Sharilyn serves on the study's Advisory Committee. To follow the study, participate, or view key findings, visit WiP.

Jargon, Philanthropy & Acting Together

The professionalization of funders and the nonprofit sector in recent years has led to the widespread use of specialized language to describe people, issues and potential solutions. Watermark often hears from people new to philanthropy or the community sector a sense of bewilderment, wishing organizations and programs opted for more plain language in their communications, and sometimes feeling conscious about using the wrong words.

Nonprofits' Addiction to Jargon is Eroding Public Trust speaks to the underlaying drivers and potential impacts of this practice. It is not a call for dumbing down, or rejecting important values reflected in language choices. It is an acknowledgement that philanthropy should not be about insiders and outsiders - positions language can reinforce - but rather, being partners in shared purpose and even working across lines of difference.

At a time of increased polarization and shifting economic ground, shared purpose and the practice of working and acting together to build social and democratic capacity is needed more than ever, as advocated in Both sides now: Embracing hope and harsh realities in Canadian philanthropy.