Philanthropist Proposes Removing Names from Buildings to Boost Donations
Emmanuelle Gattuso, a prominent Toronto-based philanthropist, has introduced a provocative concept to enhance charitable contributions: removing names from buildings when donors are willing to pay a premium price. Gattuso, whose foundation has more than doubled in value, believes this approach could significantly increase philanthropic funding from affluent individuals.
A Shift in Philanthropic Strategy
At 78 years old, Gattuso has redirected her focus from winter retreats in Florida to maximizing her philanthropic impact. She recently sold her Fisher Island property near Miami Beach, citing personal and moral reasons related to the current political climate. "I don't know if it's a political impetus or more of a moral impetus, but I just thought that it was better for me to go and do other things and move on," Gattuso explained. "That's not to say that I'll never go back, but I guess it was my small way of making a statement."
Her foundation, La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso, concentrates on health initiatives and community development projects aimed at improving the lives of underrepresented populations. With assets that have grown substantially since its establishment, Gattuso now advocates for more strategic approaches to major donations.
Personal Journey to Philanthropy
The daughter of a self-made Italian immigrant who succeeded in the food business, Gattuso built her career through hard work and independence. She operated a public relations firm and served as commissioner of official languages for the federal government. Her dedication to her career often puzzled potential partners during the 1970s and 1980s. "I had an independent streak and there was too much I wanted to do and I loved my work," she recalled.
Her philanthropic capacity expanded dramatically when her husband, media mogul Allan Slaight, gifted her $45 million to establish her foundation in the mid-1990s. "I had always done things a little differently and I thought, 'Well, this is good,'" Gattuso said about the substantial donation that transformed her charitable work.
Unique Approach to Giving
Gattuso's foundation operates with minimal bureaucracy—just two board members who are personal friends and an executive director—allowing for nimble decision-making. While she supports major institutions like hospital foundations (having battled cancer twice) and animal welfare causes, she particularly seeks out lesser-known charities that lack professional fundraising capabilities.
"What I am most drawn to are charities that lack professional fundraisers, marketing budgets and board members who know all the right people to hit up for cheques, and instead 'fall between the cracks,'" Gattuso emphasized.
Direct Impact Through Personal Connections
Her philanthropic discoveries often come through personal interactions. For instance, at a summer party at her lake house near Toronto, Gattuso met a caterer who also taught at DSBN Academy in St. Catharines, Ontario—a school designed for low-income students whose parents didn't attend college or university.
Upon learning about the school's uniform requirements that posed financial challenges for families, Gattuso immediately funded the uniforms and established five $10,000 post-secondary scholarships. She plans to potentially double that number in the future.
Toronto's Wealth and Charitable Potential
Having attended numerous high-society events, Gattuso observes that Toronto is filled with wealthy individuals who could contribute more to charitable causes. Her radical suggestion about building names reflects her belief that philanthropy should be dynamic and responsive to current needs rather than static commemorations.
By proposing that names be removed from buildings when new donors offer substantially larger contributions, Gattuso aims to create ongoing incentives for major giving while ensuring that charitable institutions receive maximum funding for their vital work.
