#91 - Brian Carney on Building Sustainable Charities, Peer-to-Peer Fundraising, and the Future of Philanthropy in Canada

In this engaging conversation, Brian Carney, Founder and CEO of Blue Sea Foundation, shares his journey from stockbroker to philanthropy leader. He reflects on the transformative role of faith in his life, the birth of Blue Sea Philanthropy, and the power of peer-to-peer fundraising to help charities grow and thrive. Brian also explores the challenges charities face—like donor engagement and funding sustainability—and highlights how churches can play a vital role in supporting local communities. Looking ahead, he offers hope for the future of philanthropy in Canada, shaped by collaboration, innovation, and faith-filled leadership.Brian Carney is the Founder and CEO of Blue Sea Foundation, which helps charities across North America thrive through peer-to-peer fundraising. Since 2011, Blue Sea’s national events—Coldest Night of the Year, Ride for Refuge, and The Grand Parade—have equipped over 300 charity partners to raise more than $120 million for their local communities.Brian is passionate about supporting charity leaders who boldly grow and sustain their organizations. Outside of work, he remains a loyal (and long-suffering) Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He and his wife Sylvia, his childhood sweetheart, are proud parents of three adult children and new grandparents to their first granddaughter.🌱 Key Takeaways+How peer-to-peer fundraising diversifies donors and strengthens engagement.+The church’s vital role in supporting local charities.+Key challenges charities face today, from funding to community impact.+The power of collaboration among charities for greater reach.+Why humility and learning from failure are crucial in leadership.+Signs of hope for the future of Canadian philanthropy.+How faith continues to shape Brian’s vision and leadership style.To learn more about Brian and the work of Blue Sea Foundation, please visit https://bluesea.org/.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brian Carney and His Journey03:40 The Transformation of Faith and Family06:17 From Business to Philanthropy: A Personal Journey09:01 The Birth of Blue Sea Philanthropy11:52 Challenges Faced by Charities14:41 The Role of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising17:34 Expanding Blue Sea's Impact20:37 The Heart of Philanthropy: A Generous World23:24 The Church's Role in Charity