As most recognize the value of philanthropy as legitimately doing good and addressing serious societal issues, others propose that a paradox exists, where tax dollars are directed away from the collective agenda, and where philanthropists are addressing issues of personal relevance with wealth amassed through business practices that may have created those very issues in the first place.

The 2020 FRANK Debate explores these important and, at times, contradictory issues through the question:

Has philanthropy become a barrier to true social good?

Moderator: Sharon Avery, Toronto Foundation

Pro: Jon McPhedran Waitzer, Resource Movement
Kris Archie, The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

Con: Serena Hak, The Donor Motivation Program
Iryna Khovrenkov, University of Regina