Michael Morris Email & Phone Number

Provide consultancy services to community agencies that includes organizational development, strategic planning, advocacy, networking, problem-solving, and fundraising.*Sought and received $50K from an individual funder to support a struggling community agency.*Provided strategic advice to a developing initiative, (“100 Days of Change," a fundraiser for children orphaned by genocide in Rwanda), which clarified its brand and streamlined its activities. *Mentored the founder of “A Peace for Life” to create and facilitate a youth-led reconciliation program in Rwanda. Assisted with successful business plan and pilot project.

Provided leadership to the oldest Baptist church and continually-operating Black institution in Ontario*Implemented sweeping changes to all aspects of financial controls and reporting, resulting in optimized processes, financial transparency, cost control, and straightforward audits.*Created, and gained Board approval for, standardized curriculum for new members, which was used to develop and implement a prerequisite training program to meet membership needs.*Raised public awareness, through radio interviews and newspaper exposure, of issues facing at-risk, Black youth, which helped to gain financial support from local business leaders.*Led a committee to develop best practices around church discipline; created new policy that became part of the church’s by-laws and was approved by the Board and constitutional law.*Infused energy into a flagging Board by leading a process that overturned redundant practices. This encouraged new members to join, thereby increasing Board efficacy and leadership capacity. *Developed a vision and strategic plan that unrolled a successful year-long commemorative event that celebrated the church’s 180th year. Keynote event was attended by dignitaries and government officials.

A volunteer-driven organization that is pioneering a unique initiative that goes beyond being merely a fund-provider to being a community capacity builder. Its mission is to foster and enhance the work of African-Canadian Church and community organizations in order to assist and encourage Black youth to lead lives free of violence.*Co-created mandate, structure, and brand for newly-founded organization. Led incorporation process and application for charitable status. *Acted as lead writer for proposal that resulted in $3M provincial grant; negotiated with government minister and trustee to accommodate organizational start-up costs without impacting grant. *Invited by Ontario Premier’s office to participate in the “Cabinet Speaker Series” after rousing an audience to support the “Down with Guns” campaign designed to alleviate youth violence.*Led a process to attract and recruit first group of volunteers by hosting information sessions and assuming the role of public spokesperson. Increased volunteer base to 400.*Created and finalized a church-specific grant application process; within 15 months processed over 150 applications and funded 47 projects at approximately $2M.*Created a strategic alliance with Upper Canada College; a $200K, five-year scholarship into their residential program was awarded to two African-Canadian boys from at-risk communities. *Responded to the need to create internal capacity-building for grant recipients. Partnered with Humber College to develop and deliver training focused on program design, HR, and financial best practices.

Accountable for administration and automotive sales of the dealership that generated $20M in annual sales. Provided leadership to 30 direct reports and 20 dotted-line staff.

Master Of Theological Studies, Theology

Bachelor Of Religious Education (Bre, Honours), Theology

Activities and Societies: Valedictorian, 1998 Dean's List (Honour Society), 1995-1998