On May 25, 2026, a group of Canadian family business owners and family office members participated in an exclusive “hard hat tour” of Foundry Vancouver’s newest facility in Yaletown. The visit showcased how private philanthropy can extend far beyond traditional cheque-writing—leveraging the same entrepreneurial skills that built their businesses to create meaningful, systemic social impact.

Applying the Entrepreneurial Mindset to Philanthropy

Family business leaders brought their operational expertise and strategic thinking to the table, exploring how the “4 T’s” of philanthropy—Time, Talent, Treasure, and Ties—can be deployed more effectively. Together with other levers like capacity-building investments and meaningful youth engagement in program design, donors helped successfully adapt Australia’s Integrated Youth Services model to meet Canadian needs.

This entrepreneurial approach to giving is defined by a commitment to building a healthier and thriving society through innovation, practical solutions, and sustainable impact. Key characteristics include:

  • Acting as Catalysts for Change*: Making “Big Bets” through multi-year, large-scale investments that shift systems and introduce new models.
  • Aligning Identity and Purpose: For many wealth creators, their business legacy and philanthropic vision are deeply connected.
  • Driving Innovation and Outcomes: Connecting youth talent to real-world results—STEM projects, intellectual property creation, commercialization, and eventual job creation and economic growth.
  • Values-Based Wealth Transfer: Intentionally passing on both capital *and* values to the next generation, while thoughtfully navigating the balance between family influence and empowerment.

Group of donors in yellow vests and hard hat at a building renovation site. There is a natural wall as the backdrop.Community Collaboration in Yaletown

Located in the heart of vibrant, gentrified Yaletown, the new Foundry centre could have faced NIMBY concerns. Instead, strong support from local business and residential owners helped champion the project. Among the attendees was John Evans, developer of the Opus Hotel and a neighbour just two doors down, who joined as a community representative.

Ian and Andrew Boeckh, Trustees of the Graham Boeckh Foundation and key architects of Canada’s Integrated Youth Services (IYS) network joined the tour as well. Their insights highlighted practical ways entrepreneurs are tackling complex “wicked” problems—particularly youth mental health and system navigation.

The Power of Talent Alongside Treasure

One resource shared, is the national IYS map developed by Andrew Boeckh. This is an excellent example of how family funders can contribute specialized skills in addition to financial support. Such projects also create meaningful opportunities for the rising generation to become actively involved in family philanthropy.

For Family Business Owners & Family Offices

Events like this demonstrate the unique position Canadian family enterprises hold. It is their ability to combine entrepreneurial drive, long-term thinking, and community leadership to create lasting impact across generations.

About the Hosts: 

The event was organized by Karma & Cents Inc., Foundry, James A. Burton & Family Foundation, and Graham Boeckh Foundation. Special thanks to Jordie Burton, Ian and Andrew Boeckh and John Evans for making this insightful and inspiring event possible.

Foundry

Foundry is British Columbia’s leading integrated youth services network. The organization offers young people aged 12–24 seamless access to mental health support, substance use services, primary care, peer support, and social services under one roof. With 20 centres currently operating across the province and another 20 in development, the new Foundry Downtown location will serve as the provincial hub for innovation, research, training, and care delivery.

How we can help

Curious about integrating entrepreneurial philanthropy into your family’s strategy? Contact Karma & Cents to explore how your Time, Talent, Treasure, and Ties can drive meaningful change.