Why the CAMH Foundation is Unique (And Why You Want to Work There)
The CAMH Foundation’s vision is to inspire philanthropy to solve the greatest mental health challenges of our time. That’s a tall order, and it requires a unique approach to make a dent. There is a huge mental health fallout coming from COVID alone, and while people are talking about mental health more, there’s a lot of work to be done.
When the CAMH Foundation works with donors on its 10+ person philanthropy team, it’s not just a question of how much money donors can give. Instead, it’s a long-term relationship focused on matching a donation to an area of impact As the team grows, it’s looking for people who care deeply about mental health and want the chance to connect dollars with real change. If you’re looking for your next role and love building relationships in a complex environment, here’s why you should check out the CAMH Foundation.
(PS: Already sold on the CAMH Foundation? Check out available CAMH Foundation jobs on Bloom’s Job Board.)
You get resources and growth opportunities
The CAMH Foundation has about 65 people, and the philanthropy team is just over 10 people. That size means you have a lot of room to grow — the opportunity is by no means tapped out. The team is very open to new ideas, not entrenched in its ways over decades with a huge staff. In that way, it’s a great place for entrepreneurial thinkers who want to take on new challenges. But at the same, the foundation has resources. You won’t be stuck with great ideas and no opportunity to make it happen, which can be the case in the charitable sector.
You fundraise for impact, not transactions
The team believes the best stewardship is a donation well spent. The organization doesn’t focus on just getting dollars in the door, but matching donors and gifts with the right projects. It’s that mix that allows CAMH to have an impact, and it’s the soul of how the organization fundraises. People on the philanthropy team are not sales machines meant to seek out every dollar from a donor. Instead, your role is to cultivate lasting relationships that truly connect a donor’s wishes with the right impact
You’re at the cutting edge of mental health research and care
A key part of the job is matching donors with the organization’s areas of impact. That means you get to spend a lot of your time learning about mental health from every angle. Not only are you interacting with researchers conducting studies, but also patients receiving care at CAMH’s downtown Toronto campus. The unique mix of academic study and lived experience gives you an in-depth understanding of the mental health ecosystem, both what’s great about it and what needs to improve. For a curious mind passionate about mental health, it’s one of the best possible positions to be in.
You’re joining a team of problem solvers
Nearly everyone who joins the CAMH Foundation staff has some experience with mental health, whether personally or someone close to them. Because the staff has firsthand experience with mental health care, they are great resources when it comes to identifying gaps. From there, everyone is keen to bridge the gaps, fill holes, and otherwise improve care for everyone. It’s not just that people have lived experience, it’s that people genuinely want to solve problems. That energy applies to all fundraising activities, learning opportunities, and engagements on CAMH’s campus.
You’ll be supported and have some fun perks
Working for the CAMH Foundation offers some really fun perks. From a resources perspective, staff have access to a gym, fitness facilities, and parks along the multi-acre Queen West (in downtown Toronto) campus. This not only gives them opportunities to connect with and foster their own mental health but also interact with patients who also use the facilities, learning about their journeys on an even deeper level.
On the personal side, the team focuses on the community. They shy away from describing themselves as a “family,” with all the baggage that term carries. Instead, they anchor on the concept of being a community. In a community, everyone is supported. Sometimes bad things can happen, as is a reality of life, but the team consciously thinks about how it can support each other through the hard times and celebrate during the good times. It’s a team that tries its best to reflect real life, not a made-up vision of what a team ‘should’ be.
Mental health is health
Ultimately, the CAMH Foundation is building a better future for Canada. They work in tight collaboration with medical professionals, researchers, and donors to ensure that promising projects are well-resourced so real change can happen. If you’re the type of person that wants to sit at the centre of mental health innovation and are comfortable with complex moving parts, this could be a perfect place for you.
Check out available CAMH Foundation jobs on Bloom’s Job Board
