Susan Fish (Charity Village, Canada) specializes in philanthropy, literature, and faith communities, offering a distinctive blend of analytical depth and poetic sensibility. Her work empowers readers to see generosity as an art form and spirituality as a practical force for change.
Recent Recognition: 2023 Canadian Faith Writing Award, 2022 Banff Centre Fellowship. Follow her evolving work via her blog and Charity Village.
Fish began her journey in Windsor, Ontario, honing her craft as an editor and writer for regional publications. Her early work focused on local nonprofits, where she developed a talent for translating complex social issues into relatable narratives. This foundation led her to Charity Village, Canada’s premier platform for nonprofit professionals, where she became a trusted voice on organizational storytelling and ethical fundraising.
In this reflective piece for her blog, Fish analyzes Karen Stiller’s Holiness Here, framing it as a manifesto for finding sacredness in daily life. She draws parallels between Stiller’s Mennonite traditions and universal struggles for meaning, using interviews with interfaith leaders to underscore the book’s relevance. The article’s impact lies in its accessibility—Fish demystifies theological concepts while challenging readers to reconsider what constitutes “spiritual practice.”
“Holiness isn’t a destination but a lens—one that transforms school drop-offs and grocery runs into acts of devotion.”
Fish’s Goodreads review of Erin Bow’s YA novel demonstrates her knack for identifying literature that balances humor with depth. She praises the book’s treatment of trauma recovery through a protagonist who uses comedy as armor, linking it to broader trends in mental health advocacy within religious communities. This review exemplifies Fish’s ability to connect niche literary works to wider cultural conversations.
Fish’s own climate fiction novel, discussed on Y42K’s platform, merges environmental journalism with speculative storytelling. Through protagonist Mara’s struggle to revive barren land, Fish critiques short-termism in philanthropy while celebrating Indigenous agricultural wisdom. The book’s accompanying essays (published separately) established her as a thought leader in eco-spirituality.
Fish thrives on stories that bridge sectors—for example, a literacy program combining book donations with job training. Her coverage of Toronto’s Books Heal Hearts initiative (2023) wove together education statistics, donor psychology, and participant memoirs.
When pitching faith-based projects, focus on tangible outcomes rather than doctrine. Her analysis of a Quebec synagogue’s refugee housing program (2024) emphasized bedtime stories shared between families over theological debates.
Fish prioritizes stories showcasing Canada’s unique philanthropic landscape, such as Inuit-led conservation partnerships. Avoid US-centric models unless they offer transferable insights.
She welcomes hybrid pieces—e.g., a Q&A with a novelist paired with a nonprofit case study. Her Literary Philanthropy series (2022) paired book excerpts with donor interviews.
Stories focused solely on donation metrics or celebrity endorsements rarely resonate. Fish seeks narratives exploring why people give, not just how much.
Honored for her series reconciling traditional religious practices with modern social justice movements. The jury noted her “ability to foster dialogue across ideological divides.”
Selected by the Banff Centre for Arts to develop This Soiled World, recognizing her innovative fusion of environmental reporting and narrative fiction.
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