By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Local Burlington entrepreneur Sarah Ernest, founder and CEO of Ernest for Good Inc., is set to release her debut book, Rethink Philanthropy: Breaking Rules, Raising Funds and Doing Good, on January 30, 2025. Drawing from her two-decade-long career in philanthropy, the book is a bold invitation to reimagine the nonprofit sector and embrace a more dynamic, unapologetic approach to doing good.
Ernest, a self-taught fundraiser, describes Rethink Philanthropy as an easy-to-read guide packed with personal anecdotes and practical strategies. Each chapter reflects her lived experience transitioning from frontline roles to executive leadership across Canada and the United States. Ernest’s core philosophy is simple yet powerful: philanthropy needs to break free from outdated conventions.
“Rules are meant to be broken — except for the CRA rules,” she jokes, emphasizing the importance of compliance while advocating for transformative change.
One of the central themes of Rethink Philanthropy is challenging the longstanding norm in fundraising, which is that everything must revolve around the donor, often to the detriment of those working tirelessly behind the scenes. Ernest’s experience has taught her that fundraisers, community builders, and nonprofit leaders are expected to fade into the background, sacrificing their well-being to prioritize donor satisfaction. Her book seeks to empower these professionals to reclaim their identity and lead boldly.
“Doing good is a lifestyle,” Ernest asserts, encapsulating the ethos of Ernest for Good Inc. Her company partners with organizations to strengthen their fundraising efforts, build sustainable strategies, and energize brands with what she describes as “unapologetic impact.” For Ernest, being unapologetic is a cornerstone of her approach — embracing boldness, authenticity, and creativity in both personal and professional realms.
Ernest’s vibrant personality is reflected in her signature style, which includes bright colours, animal prints, and high heels. She views this as an invitation for women, particularly those in caregiving roles, to step into their power and defy societal expectations.
“My breaking the rules is an invitation for women to lead with purpose, integrity, and passion — without sacrificing who they are.”
The book’s structure is designed for accessibility and impact, with each chapter concluding with a key takeaway. Readers can expect to learn about authentic and vulnerable approaches to connecting with donors and communities, breaking conventional fundraising norms to achieve extraordinary results, and transformative leadership that balances purpose and personal integrity.
Right: “Rethink Philanthropy: Breaking Rules, Raising Funds and Doing Good” is scheduled to be released on January 30, 2025. Kindle pre-orders are available now.
Ernest’s commitment to innovation extends beyond her writing. As the leader of Ernest for Good Inc., she advocates for capacity building and sustainability in the nonprofit sector, which she prefers to call the “social profit” sector. “The term social profit invites us to reframe our gaze from lack to abundance when measuring impact,” she explains. “Social profit organizations are valuable drivers of change, bridging gaps between corporations, governments, and communities.”
Reflecting on her writing process, Ernest shares that the book practically “flowed out” of her. Fueled by a strong desire to share her insights, she found the experience both enjoyable and cathartic.
“I’m such an open book when it comes to my ideas and lived experience,” she says. While she admits it was hard to stop writing, she continues to share her thoughts through her blog and social media.
Rethink Philanthropy also emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership.
“This book is for anyone tired of abiding by the outdated and arbitrary rules that have infiltrated the social profit sector and are ready to make a change,” Ernest says. By inviting readers to question existing norms, she hopes to inspire a new wave of changemakers who lead with boldness, vulnerability, and a refusal to play small.
The release of Rethink Philanthropy will be celebrated with a virtual event on January 30, coinciding with the first day of National Storytelling Week. Hosted by Ernest and co-host Lohifa Pogoson Acker, a stylist and community builder, the hour-long event promises to be an engaging experience, featuring author reflections, audience Q&A, and a special community-building announcement. Attendees will also have the chance to win a signed copy of the book. Registration is free and open to everyone at ernestforgood.com.
Ernest’s bold vision for the future of philanthropy is clear: to empower individuals and organizations to make an unapologetic impact, embrace innovation, and redefine what it means to do good. As she prepares to launch her book, she invites the Burlington community and beyond to join her in rethinking and reinventing philanthropy. Rethink Philanthropy: Breaking Rules, Raising Funds and Doing Good will be available for purchase on Amazon starting January 30, with e-book preorders available now.
