November 2025 Edition



We have a new look, but Watermark remains your trusted guide, helping you create a better tomorrow and envision a meaningful philanthropic legacy aligned with your values.

We specialize in supporting generous families through pivotal moments of transition, particularly as the rising generation prepares to lead. Let us help you give, learn and govern with greater purpose, clarity and confidence.

As we mark National Philanthropy Day on November 15, I hope this edition offers insights to support you on your path.

Sharilyn

A Family Foundation Won't Fix What Isn't Working



Families create charitable foundations to do good in the world, often hoping it will also be good for the family. In some cases, however, foundations are established with the goal of mending difficult and fractured family relationships, or are maintained in spite of challenging family dynamics that deplete goodwill.

In A Family Foundation Won't Fix What Isn't Working: Social capital and a pragmatic approach for generous families, Sharilyn and Ashley Blanchard of Lansberg Gersick Advisors (LGA), outline some common pitfalls generous families face and useful reflections as they chart an approach to philanthropy. In addition to leading Watermark, Sharilyn serves as an advisor with LGA, a global leader in family enterprise continuity and planning.

Join Sharilyn December 2 as she offers practical considerations for generous families, their staff, and advisors. This FREE webinar is hosted by Blumberg Charity Law.

What is a Donor-Advised Fund?



Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are the fastest growing charitable vehicle in Canada. The ease of administration, privacy, and the potential to access support services make DAFs an attractive alternative or companion to a private foundation. Yet, DAFs are not well understood by donors and advisors, nor the charities who receive gifts from DAF donors.

The Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) has released Empowering philanthropy: An overview of donor-advised funds, a suite of five practical resources tailored for donors, charities, financial professionals, and foundations. If DAFs are on your radar, learn more. 

Raising Generous Kids: Strategies for Parents and Grandparents



A common concern Watermark hears from affluent parents is about nurturing kindness, empathy and generosity in their children - in the context of wealth, and in some cases, extreme wealth. While philanthropy alone cannot ensure the moral and emotional development of children, when you model generosity and service, and introduce giving activities in developmentally appropriate ways, you are planting precious seeds for the future.

In time for the holidays, Violet's Song is a charming new book from Canada Helps that inspires children aged 4-6 to spread kindness, help others, and make the world a better place. Duke Chang of Canada Helps and Jo-Anne Ryan of TDs Private Giving Foundation discuss this new resource, highlight the power of generosity, and share practical strategies to engage kids of all ages in giving and sharing.

More than Boards and Bylaws: Governance as an Act of Care



Governance is the set of promises family members make to each other about how they will navigate decisions, honor their shared purpose, and welcome new voices. Earlier this year, Sharilyn led a 6-week governance education program for family members and foundation CEOs through Philanthropic Foundations Canada.

In Family + Philanthropy: Unpacking great governance for generous families, Sharilyn shares some of her reflections from the program, making the case for how learning about governance is an act of care for your family and your philanthropy.

Contact Watermark for support with your family's giving governance.

An Open Letter to Funders: We need you. Do Better



How philanthropists and funders engage with their charitable and nonprofit partners is as important as the funding they provide. In fact, some funding practices can cause unintended harm to charities and communities. Enter, trust-based funding practices.

The Tamarack Institute has posted an open letter from charities and nonprofits asking more funders to adopt giving approaches that build mutual trust and respect the sector as a strategic partner in building a resilient, inclusive Canada rather than just recipients of charitable dollars. Consider signing the letter. Charities hold our communities together. Let's fund them in ways that increase their strength, capacity and resilience.

Sharilyn's Curated Resources

For givers, advisors, leaders & nonprofit directors

Helping donors get unstuck.

Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2025.

Introduction to Canada's Nonprofit Sector: By the numbers.

Imagine Canada, 2025.

Just do it! What rich donors wish other rich people knew about philanthropy.

Rhodri Davies, 2025.

Navigating change with purpose: How affluent households shaped philanthropy.

Bank of America, 2025.

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

MacKenzie Scott, Yield Giving, 2025.

The Unseen hand of your past: How childhood money messages shape your wealth today.

Kelly Willis Green, Cidel, 2025.