PhilanthroThink
PhilanthroThink
Carleton University MPNL
Money, Mission and Change: Rethinking Nonprofit Finance with Cherry Chan
42 minutes Posted Nov 20, 2025 at 10:00 am.
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In this episode, we speak with entrepreneur, CEO, podcaster and changemaker Cherry Chan, founder of Nonprofit CFO and CEO of OTUS Financial Solutions. Cherry shares how her background in real estate, accounting and community work shaped her commitment to helping nonprofits build financial stability.
She talks about her goal to help organizations raise 50 million dollars over the next decade, why revenue planning matters, and how leaders can move beyond constant funding stress to create stronger long-term models.
A thoughtful conversation on money, mission and what financial sustainability can look like in the nonprofit sector.

TAKEAWAYS
-Cherry's cultural background influences her approach to finance and philanthropy.
-Raising funds for nonprofits is often more challenging than expected.
-Maximizing impact is essential for nonprofit sustainability.
-Nonprofits can generate profit in unique ways to support their missions.
-Adapting to market changes is important for long term success.
-Diversifying revenue streams helps organizations stay stable.
-Starting with small, manageable projects can open the door to bigger ideas.
-Sharing stories consistently can strengthen community engagement.
-Creative fundraising can lead to major sponsorship opportunities.
-Future nonprofit leaders will need courage to make necessary changes.


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CREDITS

HOSTS
Megan Skyvington
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganskyvington/

Fengwen Yu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fengwen-yu-891504131/

Emily Goodwin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-goodwin-/

Daniel H. Lanteigne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhlanteigne

PRODUCTION

Keenlii
Website: www.keenlii.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/

SPONSOR

IG Private Wealth Management

For more information, visit: www.igprivatewealth.com


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ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINK
PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. Each episode features wealth creators, philanthropic leaders and innovative thinkers sharing practical insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.