Rebecca Darwent

Rebecca Darwent is a philanthropic advisor and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing equity, liberation, and abundance through wealth and resource redistribution.

Sector
Roles

  • Co-founded first-ever grantmaking foundation dedicated to Black communities in Canada that exists to ensure every Black person in Canada can thrive and all Black communities have agency in defining their own future.

    Lead on fundraising, strategy, communications, and operations to capitalize $300M endowment.

  • Democratizing and diversifying philanthropy through the power of collective giving, specifically raising awareness of and funding to community-led collaboratives through sector trainings, convenings, thought leadership and advocacy.

  • Part of the inaugural board, providing strategic advice, leadership, and governance to organization staff. Oversees the operational and financial performance of the philanthropic membership organization’s expansion into Canada.

About
Rebecca

Rebecca Darwent is a philanthropic advisor and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing equity, liberation, and abundance through wealth and resource redistribution. With over 15 years of experience, I have led strategy, policy, fundraising, and partnerships, mobilizing multimillion-dollar investments in equity, health, and education.

As a co-founder of the Foundation for Black Communities, I led the fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy that resulted in a historic $200 million commitment to Black philanthropy by the Canadian government, ensuring sustainable resources are available for Black communities to thrive, engage in solution-making, and create lasting impact. I currently sit on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Black Communities, The Philanthropy Workshop Canada, and Laidlaw Foundation. ​​I am a 2024 Young Global Leader, Women Leaders for the World Fellow and a Canadian Millennium Laureate.

  • Destination Canada Logo

  • “I’ve witnessed what Rebecca accomplished in just two years such as co-founding and growing the Foundation for Black Communities, while also fundraising over $16 million dollars, engaging multiple stakeholders on Black Philanthropy, and advising HNWI to mobilize resources in new ways. Clearly Rebecca is a driven strategic leader, but she does this while being authentic and thoughtful in every interaction as well.”

    Jaimi Cortes
    Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Marin Community Foundation

  • “Rebecca is a standout for what she’s been able to accomplish. She is just oozing with inspiration in every way.”

    Julie Abrams
    CEO, How Women Lead

  • “What shines through in the various spaces I have been privileged to work with Rebecca Darwent or watch her work, is what underpins and undergirds her Intelligence, Resourcefulness, and Dynamism: Empathy. Rebecca is a consummate professional who knows not only how to get the job done, but, also, how to do it in a way that affirms, supports, and encourages the humanity of others.”

    Dr. Joseph Smith
    Executive Director, Generation Chosen

  • “Rebecca is an accomplished leader in the philanthropic sector who excels at governance and supporting family foundations. She is a strategic thinker with a critical lens in complex situations. Furthermore, she sees opportunity in challenges. It is an absolute pleasure to work with her!”

    Janine Manning
    President, Laidlaw Foundation