About the Role

Background

Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) is a national charity dedicated to support, educate & celebrate innovation & entrepreneurship among business owners in marginalized communities.

Our objectives:

• Support entrepreneurs and innovators within marginalized communities nationwide
• Create education and mentorship opportunities designed specifically for entrepreneurs within marginalized communities
• Deliver reliable, in-depth research to steer advocacy with both the private and public sector to influence change for the better
• Celebrate and promote excellence in Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship in marginalized communities

IEF’s sole “member” is the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, who manages/stewards the charity. 

About this Committee

The Fundraising Committee is critical to ensuring IEF’s financial sustainability and operational security. With a group focused on fundraising and ensuring the costs associated with accomplishing our mission are properly resourced, we can maximize our impact and confidently strengthen our relationships with members, partners and the broader community.

Goals of Instituting a Standing Fundraising Committee

• Focused Leadership: A dedicated group will provide the time, attention, and expertise necessary to organize and execute fundraising initiatives while alleviating the burden of IEF’s leadership team’s many responsibilities.
• Board Engagement and Accountability: Board members will actively participate in fundraising, enhancing their sense of ownership and accountability. 

Structure and Responsibilities

1. Committee Composition
   1. The Fundraising Committee will consist of a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of four (4) board members, plus additional non-board members as needed (e.g., community leaders, donors, or experts in fundraising).
   2. The committee will be chaired by a board member, who will report directly to the full Board of Directors.
2. Core Committee Board Responsibilities
   1. Support the committee Chair in their responsibilities to the board of directors
      1. Develop and Oversee Fundraising Strategy: The committee will create its own comprehensive fundraising plan with clear objectives, timelines, and key performance indicators.
      2. Set Annual Fundraising Goals: The committee will set and review fundraising targets each year in collaboration with the finance and executive teams.
      3. Monitor and Report Progress: The committee will regularly assess fundraising performance and provide progress reports to the Board of Directors.
   2. Organize Fundraising Events and Campaigns: The committee will take the lead in organizing both online and in-person fundraising events (e.g., galas, auctions, crowdfunding campaigns) as appropriate.
   3. Cultivate Relationships with Donors: The committee will work on stewardship, ensuring donors feel valued, informed, and connected to the organization’s work.

Application Deadline

Start Date

Place of Work

Reports to

Duties & Responsibilities

Committee members can expect to spend 5-10 hours a month on IEF committee-related work, including reading emails, reviewing reports, preparing for meetings, and other activities related to this specific committee, to be set by the future committee Chair.

• Prepare for and attend meetings as scheduled. (Meetings will be virtual.)
• Participate in development or training sessions if/when offered or required. 
• Make introductions between your network and IEF board, executives
• Read and know IEF bylaws, policies and procedures. 
• Maintain and uphold confidentiality. 

Committee Member Terms

Will be decided by the Committee Chair and members. 

The chair may reserve the right to remove a committee member if they fail to attend multiple consecutive meetings of the committee,

Committee Member Compensation

In accordance with the Act, Board -including committee members-  members shall receive no remuneration or waged compensation from their work or positions as Committee Members.

Recognition/Transparency

We understand how valuable your time and contribution are/will be to the organization. To honour your commitment and maintain transparency with our members, funders, and the public, and with your consent, we will add your photo, name and bio, and social media handles to the IEF Governance page on our website.

Review and Evaluation

The IEF board and each committee will conduct an annual self-evaluation to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

How to Apply

Please fill out the application linked HERE or scan the QC code below. All committee applicants fill out the same applications as the Board of Directors.