February 12, 2026
At CC&L Private Capital, philanthropy is more than charitable giving—it’s a strategic approach to making a meaningful difference. Our advisory services are designed to help individuals, families, and organizations navigate the complexities of impactful philanthropy, from establishing donor-advised funds to guiding foundations in effective giving. By combining wealth management expertise with our commitment to social responsibility, we empower clients to create lasting legacies and maximize the impact of their charitable endeavors.
Giving with purpose
It's beneficial to have a strategy and reporting that supports your giving, as it enables you to know how much you’ve donated, and where you've had the most impact over time. Mike Flux, Wealth Advisor, Advising Representative is a Master Financial Advisor–Philanthropy (MFA-P™), the only professional designation specifically geared towards strategic philanthropic advice. Through his family foundation (a donor-advised fund), Mike and family have made a significant charitable impact. Over time, they came to realize that healthcare and poverty alleviation are the causes that matter most to him, his wife, and children. However, one of his family’s most enduring legacies is in education.
Lessons in strategic philanthropy
“In 2006, Sri Lanka was one of the countries devasted by the tsunami,” Mike says. “A friend of ours in Toronto had a philanthropic relationship with a school in Galle, in southwest Sri Lanka, that was in urgent need of help as they worked to rebuild. They created a sponsorship program to provide financial assistance to the pupils and their families. To avert corruption, we helped to establish a private school, ensuring the pupils got the resources they needed; and, ultimately, the skills and education required to uplift the whole community.”
“Through our family foundation, we made a financial donation to the school. In return, we were given the honour of naming the school, which we did after my wife’s grandparents, who were both very well-travelled educators. The McElwain Educational Institute is now a successful private school that offers extra support in core subjects to help local students qualify for university admission. One of these students will return to the Sri Lankan community with a medical degree at the end of this year, and no doubt she will ‘pay it forward’ for years to come.”
“We visited Sri Lanka in 2018 and took our children on a tour of the school, meeting with teachers, students and their parents. It was a great way to teach our children what it means to be good global citizens and show them the unquantifiable impact people can have when they work together for the common good.”
Making a meaningful difference
The CC&L Financial Group — of which CC&L Private Capital is a part — aims to create opportunities for both philanthropy and volunteerism in aid of those causes that are important to its clients, employees, partners and stakeholders. Mike recalls how his mentor at CC&L Private Capital, Tim Griffin, now retired, encouraged him to get involved with volunteerism at a young age. “I was in my early 30s, still young in my career, with my first child in diapers—not in a position or stage of life that many would typically associate with philanthropy—when I first became involved with fundraising for the St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.”
“Shortly thereafter, SickKids helped my son. As a result, I wanted to give back both financially and professionally. When I was given an opportunity to join as a founding member of the SickKids Professional Advisors Council—advising on strategic philanthropy and donor engagement—I jumped at the chance. The role aligned with what I do for a living, advising foundations and high-net-worth clients on wealth management and strategic philanthropy.”
Paying it forward
“In the beginning, volunteering felt a little uncomfortable, but the push I needed from my mentor is probably the single best gift that anybody has given me; it shaped my career and my family in profound ways. In time, one of my clients was in a similar position to me. Even though they had the financial means and the intent, as a young family, philanthropy was not a focus of theirs. But I kept encouraging them to consider it over many conversations.”
“Some years later, I helped the client start a foundation. Instantly, he saw the benefits of putting his capital to good work and of reaping the tax benefits along the way. He became more involved in the private school he attended and joined a senior planning committee where he could influence the school’s social impact and future. He is grateful to have that privilege—and he jokes that I should have convinced him to start his philanthropic journey sooner!”
“Being able to empower clients in this way is a unique privilege,” Mike says, “As is having the opportunity to collaborate with them on those charitable causes that matter most to them, and to witness the impact this has on their lives and the lives of those in the communities they support.”
Make an impact with CC&L Private Capital
As one of Canada’s largest independent and privately held investment managers, CC&L Private Capital is uniquely equipped to steward clients’ philanthropic assets and guide them in leaving a legacy. To learn more, fill in the contact form on this page and our wealth advisors will help you to discover your philanthropic potential.
