Suha, centre lower right with beige shawl, with some of the school children she supports in Khartoum, Sudan

Suha Osman, the Donor Services Officer at the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area, is a passionate advocate for education and community development. Born in Canada to Sudanese parents, Suha’s unique background has shaped her perspective on privilege, injustice, and the transformative power of education. With a Master’s degree in International Public Policy and extensive experience in humanitarian work, Suha brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role at the Community Foundation and her personal philanthropic endeavors.

Q: Can you tell us about your background and how it has influenced your approach to philanthropy?

A: I was born in Canada to Sudanese parents and spent my early years between Sudan and Kingston, Ontario. Growing up, I witnessed my family and community regularly contributing to support distant relatives and those in need, paying for essentials like electricity bills, housing, and education. One significant practice I observed was my family’s participation in a community-based financial support system called “boxes” in Arabic. This system involved community members pooling money monthly, with the collected sum going to the person in most need that month. These cultural practices of collective giving, along with my  lived experiences in both Canada and Sudan, have deeply influenced my approach to philanthropy and community support.

Q: What attracted you to work at the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area?

A: I’ve always been passionate about humanitarian work and fundraising for important causes. I was particularly interested in understanding the process behind sustainable funding and how communities can maximize their impact through innovative approaches. The Community Foundation offered an opportunity to learn about sustainable fundraising and funding mechanisms that can support organizations and grassroots initiatives in our community long-term.

Q: How has your experience at The Community Foundation shaped your understanding of philanthropy?

A: Working at The Community Foundation has deepened my understanding of sustainable funding and community impact. I’ve been amazed by the significant impact that donors have in our community and the innovative strategies the Foundation uses to act as a conduit between them and community organizations for the purpose of addressing the needs of our community members. Through the Community Foundation, I have been exposed to the creativity and effectiveness of collaborative granting and systems-level change, which are approaches I have become particularly passionate about.

Q: Can you tell us about your personal philanthropic work?

A: My philanthropic journey began in middle school, where I organized fundraising campaigns for an organization providing medication and nets to prevent malaria for children in East Africa and the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers by the Lake program to support individuals with HIV/AIDS.

More recently, I started a project called “School Supplies for Sudan.” It began as a small fundraiser to support rural primary school children in Sudan with backpacks and school supplies. Since then, it has evolved into multiple chapters, supporting displaced students in Egypt and Port Sudan who have been affected by the ongoing war in Sudan. We’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars and provided not just school supplies, but also infrastructure support, teacher wages, and even food packages for displaced families.

In the local Kingston community, I sit on the board of the H’art Centre, an amazing organization that provides artists with disabilities and those facing barriers with opportunities to create, study, and produce works in the arts, as well as collaborating with qualified, trained community artists. I am also actively involved with the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston, where I have been fortunate to learn about various local and international projects fueled by individuals passionate about philanthropy.

Q: How do you see the connection between your work at The Community Foundation and your personal philanthropic efforts?

A: I’ve learned about the importance of sustainable funding, collaborative efforts, and systems-level change. These principles now shape how I approach my personal projects. For instance, through School Supplies for Sudan, I have been able to apply the Community Foundation’s emphasis on community by empowering youth from the diaspora to take leadership roles in different chapters, ensuring Sudanese youth around the world gain access to experiential learning opportunities.

Q: What advice would you give to young people who want to make a difference in their communities?

A: I would encourage them to start small and not be intimidated by the scale of the problems they want to address. Every effort counts, and with passion and a solid plan, you can make a significant impact. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support or guidance. Sometimes, all you need is a little encouragement to turn your vision into action. Remember, it’s not impossible – it just takes dedication and the willingness to take that first step.