This week I am chairing a panel at the AFP Fundraising Day, entitled The Evolution of Corporate-Charity Partnership.

My panelists, representing HydroOne, ReMax, ING Direct, and PwC, have volunteered their time to share some insider tips for the attending charities including how to structure your approach, create, and fulfill a corporate partner.

One theme that charities and property rights holder can’t avoid is the influx of companies creating an umbrella strategy or often their own property, and then pursuing delivery partners. I think this trend illuminates several lessons for support seekers.

The newest kid on the block, no pun intended, is the Rogers Youth Fund. The Rogers Youth Fund is built on an educational platform aimed at Canadian teens. With a diverse network of partners they are deploying some unique programs.

This past week they Launched their newest effort, Connected for Success. It’s brilliant.

Connected for Success offers teens living in Toronto Community Housing residences an opportunity to secure Internet broadband service and a fully loaded computer at very low prices.

Dramatically Rogers has levelled the playing field, ensuring that virtually any TCH resident can now afford high speed access for just $ 9.99 a month and a flat $ 150 for the computer. By eliminating the financial accessibility barrier, Rogers will immediately help young students in critical Toronto neighbourhoods; propel these youth to university; and ultimately help create a more robust, safe, and energized community.

This partnership between Rogers Youth Fund and Toronto Community Housing feels more like a revolution than an evolution. Perhaps I should rename my talk.