#018: How Amy McLaren Built a Charity That Works - and Why Philanthropy Belongs in Business

You know those conversations that stay with you long after they’re over? That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Amy McLaren for this week’s episode of The Business of Good.

Amy’s someone I’ve admired for a long time—not just because of the incredible work she’s done with Village Impact, but because of the way she does it. As a former nonprofit leader myself, I’ve seen how tough it is to create real impact, raise consistent funding, and build something that doesn’t just inspire people, but actually changes lives.

And Amy? She’s doing all of that—and then some.

She’s the founder of Village Impact, a Canadian charity that’s brought education to thousands of children in rural Kenya. She’s also the author of Passion to Purpose, a mom, an entrepreneur, and the heart behind LadyStrength, a mastermind for women who want to live boldly and lead with purpose.

This conversation is for you if you’ve ever asked questions like:

• How do I build a charity that actually lasts?

• Can I integrate philanthropy into my business in a meaningful way?

• What does it look like to create a legacy while still growing my own business?

Because Amy answers all of that—and more.

What Most People Don’t Know About Running a Charity

Here’s the truth: building a charity isn’t just about passion. It’s about planning, sustainability, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes strategy.

Amy shares what it actually looks like to run a nonprofit—from securing funding without relying on grants, to managing operations and building partnerships that align with your mission.

She talks openly about the misconceptions people have around nonprofits—and why leading a charity is no different than leading a business. You need vision, you need a solid model, and you need a plan for long-term sustainability.

And Amy’s done all three brilliantly.

Why Philanthropy Isn’t Just for Later

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation?

You don’t need to wait until your business is “big enough” to start making an impact.

Amy breaks down how you can start giving back now, even in small, intentional ways. Whether that’s through profit-sharing, partnerships, or building giving into your brand values, philanthropy doesn’t have to be performative—and it doesn’t have to wait.

As purpose-driven entrepreneurs, we’re not just building for ourselves. We’re building to change lives. And this episode is a masterclass in how to do that with clarity, integrity, and action.

The Legacy of Leading with Heart

We wrapped up our conversation by talking about legacy. Not in the “name-on-a-building” kind of way—but in the real kind of legacy. The kind that lives on through the work you’ve done, the people you’ve impacted, and the systems you’ve built that continue to do good long after you’re gone.

Amy’s approach to philanthropy is simple: it’s not about giving more. It’s about giving better.

And that’s a message every business owner needs to hear.

If you’re ready to build a business that’s profitable and meaningful—if you want to give back but you’re not sure how—this episode is the one you need in your ears.

RESOURCES & LINKS
→ Learn more about Village Impact
→ Connect with Amy on Instagram
→ Grab her book Passion to Purpose