Prof. Ryan Gibson offered a timely look at how communities can navigate an increasingly unpredictable world as part of an event recently hosted by the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia. The presentation painted a picture of the complex pressures facing local regions today—from economic instability and government cutbacks to climate change and shifting societal values. These overlapping challenges, he explained, have created a new landscape where traditional approaches to philanthropy are no longer enough.

Gibson emphasized that the key to thriving amid uncertainty lies in embracing the “power of place.” Place, he noted, is more than a location—it’s the shared identity, history, and relationships that make a community unique. By grounding philanthropy in these local realities, communities can move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and instead build approaches that are more holistic, people-centered, and responsive. This means reframing philanthropy from simply funding projects to nurturing long-term capacity, connection, and belonging.

Throughout his talk, Gibson illustrated these ideas with compelling stories from Atlantic Canada. He highlighted the region’s strong rural charitable presence and the significant intergenerational wealth transfers expected in the coming decades—resources that could be transformative if captured locally. By investing in the people and potential of local places, he said, communities can build resilience and shape a future that reflects their own values and aspirations.