Barbara McInnes loved to dance but found that cancer was an unappealing and awkward partner. Early in the morning on July 1st, with a brilliant smile on her face, she took one last solo twirl and left cancer behind as she died peacefully at home in the arms of her daughters.

Barbara worked tirelessly over decades to enhance the culture of philanthropy in Ottawa, in Canada, and internationally. During her 27 years as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Ottawa, she developed new avenues and partnerships that enabled generous citizens to invest in their community. She helped to steer the Community Foundations of Canada and the International Transatlantic Community Foundation Network and fostered numerous local foundations across the country.

Barbara provided leadership to such organizations as Carleton University, the Ottawa School of Art, the United Way of Ottawa, Shorefast Foundation, the Equality Fund, Telus Ottawa, Compassionate Ottawa, PAL Ottawa. Refugee 613 and more.  For her exemplary leadership in the philanthropic community, she was invested to the Order of Canada in 2010 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from AFP Ottawa in June 2021.

Perhaps even more significant than her accolades and incredible career and service achievements, is how Barb inspired, supported and mentored people throughout her illustrious career.

The Barbara McInnes Executive Mentoring Project Fund will pay tribute to her legacy in fundraising and mentorship by:

• providing bursaries and scholarships through the AFP Ottawa Chapter to new Executive Directors from underrepresented groups in Ottawa and from small NGOs and charities;
• supporting executive level mentorship within the profession, particularly for leaders from underrepresented groups; and
• encouraging and promoting diversity and inclusion in the fundraising profession in Ottawa.

Those wishing to donate to the fund in honour of Barb are invited to do so here:  https://afpcan.akaraisin.com/ui/BarbaraMcInnesFund.  Charitable tax receipts will be provided by AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada.

Thank you for your generous support in honour of Barbara McInnes.