PayPal Giving Fund Canada Appoints Michelle Mak as Executive Director and President
TORONTO, August 27, 2026 – PayPal Giving Fund Canada today announced the appointment of Michelle Mak as Executive Director and President, effective August 31, 2026. Michelle joins the organization at a pivotal moment for Canadian charitable giving, bringing more than two decades of experience helping businesses, donors, and charities strengthen community impact through innovative philanthropy.
Michelle has spent more than 20 years helping organizations expand charitable giving, build high-impact corporate philanthropy programs, and strengthen partnerships between businesses and communities across North America and Asia. Most recently, she served as Director of Western Communities Foundation, where she led community investment initiatives supporting local causes across Canada. Earlier, she managed BMO's $30 million employee giving program and was recognized on Insurance Business Canada's Hot List 2025 and Elite Women 2026.
"Michelle combines deep expertise in philanthropy with a proven ability to build partnerships and expand charitable giving," said Michael Covin, Chair of the Board of Directors of PayPal Giving Fund Canada. "As donor expectations continue to evolve, we're confident she will help shape the next chapter for PayPal Giving Fund Canada and strengthen our impact for charities across the country."
Michelle's appointment comes at a time when Canadian charities face rising demand for their services while donors increasingly expect seamless digital giving experiences. Working closely with the Board, she will lead PayPal Giving Fund Canada's efforts to make charitable giving simpler, more accessible, and more impactful for donors, charities, and partners alike.
"I'm excited to join PayPal Giving Fund Canada at such an important time for the charitable sector," said Michelle Mak. "Giving should be as easy as supporting the people and causes we care about. By making generosity simpler and more accessible, we can help more Canadians give with confidence while enabling charities to focus on delivering greater impact in their communities."
Since launching in 2018, PayPal Giving Fund Canada has granted more than $220 million in donations received from donors through its digital giving platform to 11,000 enrolled Canadian charities nationwide.
The Board extends its gratitude to outgoing Executive Director and President Wen-Chih O'Connell for her leadership in establishing the foundation, strengthening operations, and expanding the organization's impact for Canadian charities.
About PayPal Giving Fund Canada
PayPal Giving Fund Canada is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA# 812867752RR0001) that enables digital fundraising to benefit Canadian charities, and whose mission is to reimagine everyday giving. PayPal Giving Fund integrates donation opportunities into online platforms that millions of people use each day, including PayPal, Facebook, Instagram, GoFundMe, Twitch, Humble Bundle, and others. PayPal Giving Fund receives donations and makes grants to donors' recommended charities, without charging donors or charities for its services.
Media Contact
PayPal Giving Fund Canada, Vartika Suneja, vsuneja@paypalgivingfund.org