Senior Fellow
Monica Patten

Monica Patten is the President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), which works to enhance the quality of life and vitality in Canadian communities.

She is Council Chair of the Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development, a joint initiative of the voluntary sector and Ottawa's two universities. Monica has been involved in Canada's Voluntary Sector Initiative for several years and is now Chair of the Voluntary Sector Forum - a body that coordinates the work of the Voluntary Sector Initiative. In April 2002, the Public Policy Forum honoured her for her leadership contribution in the voluntary sector. Monica is active in several international initiatives to promote philanthropy and strengthen civil society. She is on the advisory committee of the Transatlantic Community Foundation Network (TCFN) hosted by the Bertelsmann Foundation, and has advised on the development of community foundations in many parts of the world.

CFC is the membership organization for Canada's vibrant and growing network of over 155 community foundations. Its three strategic goals are: to support established and developing community foundations in their endowment building and donor services, grantmaking and community leadership, and their role as accountable stewards of community assets; to promote and advance philanthropy and community foundations; and to model philanthropic leadership in Canada and internationally. CFC offers professional development and training opportunities to its members; provides communication links and acts as an information clearinghouse; facilitates partnerships and initiatives with national and regional funders; reflects member views and concerns on philanthropic issues; and promotes sound public policy.