If you’ve spent any time scrolling through the philanthropic side of LinkedIn lately, you’ve probably seen the name Olumide Akerewusi—or "Mide" as he’s known to most of the sector. He isn't just another consultant with a polished headshot and a string of buzzwords in his bio. He’s someone who has spent over 30 years systematically taking apart the idea that charity only looks like a wealthy person writing a check for a tax receipt.
Honestly, the way we talk about giving is often pretty narrow. We think of big institutions and gala dinners. But if you look at Olumide Akerewusi LinkedIn updates or hear him speak at a conference like the Fundraising Institute Australia, you realize he’s pushing for something much more radical: equity philanthropy. He’s the CEO of agentsC Inc., and he’s been remarkably vocal about "decolonizing" the way money moves in the non-profit world.
Who Exactly is Olumide Akerewusi?
Mide is a British-born African who now calls Canada home. That specific lived experience—navigating the UK, Canada, and his Yoruba heritage—is basically the engine behind his work. He didn't just wake up one day and decide to disrupt the sector. He paid his dues.
We’re talking about a guy who led the $185 million Graduation Nation Campaign for Pathways to Education Canada. Before that, he was the Chief Development Officer at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. He’s worked with the British Red Cross and Scope UK. He has the "traditional" credentials: a B.Sc. in Business Studies and Sociology from the University of Surrey and an M.Sc. in Political Economy from SOAS, University of London.
But the LinkedIn version of a resume doesn't tell the whole story.
The real story is about how he noticed that people of African descent are some of the most philanthropic people on the planet, yet they are almost never centered in the "professional" fundraising narrative. He’s spent the last few years trying to fix that glaring omission.
The Shift Toward Equity Philanthropy
One of the biggest things Mide talks about is the concept of Ubuntu—the idea that "I am because we are." It’s a community-based approach to giving that doesn't always show up in a standard charitable tax return.
Why his work is hitting a nerve right now:
- Gen Z and Millennials: Mide’s recent research shows that younger donors don't just want to give money; they want "voice, choice, and control." They are less interested in being passive donors and more interested in being partners.
- The Duality of Giving: He released a report that looks at the difference between formal (western) and informal (African) philanthropy. It’s a fascinating look at how community support is often more sustainable than one-off grants.
- The Giving Black Podcast: He hosts this series to archive stories of Black generosity. It’s sort of a counter-narrative to the idea that Black communities are only recipients of aid, rather than the drivers of it.
In 2023, things got real in the Toronto fundraising scene. There was a major shake-up at the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, and Mide was appointed as the interim president to help steady the ship. It wasn't just an administrative role; it was a mandate to lead with "JAIDE"—Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Approach
A lot of folks hear the term "decolonizing philanthropy" and get defensive. They think it means "stop giving to established charities."
That’s not it at all.
Mide’s argument is basically that the "power structures" in fundraising are outdated. If you’re a non-profit leader and your board doesn't reflect the community you’re serving, you’re eventually going to lose the trust of the next generation of donors. He isn't saying the old way was "evil," but he is saying it’s insufficient for the world we live in today.
He often references his mother as his first teacher in philanthropy. Not because she had a foundation, but because there was always a stranger in need sleeping in their spare bedroom. That’s the "human neighbor helping neighbor" perspective he’s trying to bring back into the boardroom.
Insights for Non-Profit Leaders
If you’re following the Olumide Akerewusi LinkedIn trail to improve your own organization, there are a few specific takeaways to keep in mind.
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First, transparency is no longer optional. Younger donors—the ones who will soon hold the majority of philanthropic wealth—view transparency as a "stewardship tool." If you aren't honest about your failures, they won't trust your successes.
Second, stop looking for "donors" and start looking for "agents of change." The language shift matters. When you treat someone like a walking ATM, they feel it. When you invite them into the mission as a peer, they stay.
Third, acknowledge that philanthropy isn't a monolith. The way a Yoruba family in Lagos gives is different from how a tech founder in Vancouver gives, but both are valid and powerful.
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Practical Steps to Evolve Your Giving Strategy
If you want to move toward the kind of equity-based model Mide advocates for, you can’t just change your marketing. You have to change your mechanics.
- Audit Your Board Diversity: Don't just look for "representation." Look for lived experience that matches the problems you're trying to solve.
- Review Your Grant Language: Is your application process so complex that it excludes grassroots organizations? If so, you’re missing out on the most agile changemakers.
- Listen to the "Giving Black" Stories: Spend an hour listening to his podcast or reading Collecting Courage, a book he co-edited. It’ll give you a perspective on the "anti-Black racism" that exists in the charitable sector—even when it's unintentional.
- Shift the Power: If you’re a major donor, ask how you can give up some of the "control" over how your funds are used. Trust the experts on the ground.
Olumide Akerewusi isn't just talking about charity; he’s talking about a fundamental shift in how we care for each other as a global community. Whether you're a professional fundraiser or just someone who wants to make a difference, his work is a reminder that the most powerful resource we have isn't actually money—it's our connection to one another.