Honoring the Life and Legacy of James Duffus

With deep love and gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of James Duffus—one of Perennial’s most committed and generous champions. James’ belief in the power of human capacity, learning, and positive change ran deep.

For nearly fifteen years, James played a foundational role in supporting the Perennial Fellowship, making it possible for hundreds of grassroots social impact leaders across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East to engage in transformative leadership development. Consistent with his always generous, always present, but understated approach, James believed the Perennial Fellowship was a powerful way to amplify his impact—by investing not just in programs, but in the people themselves who are leading change in their communities on issues such as climate change, human rights, education, and poverty alleviation.

His ongoing support reflected who he was: a quiet, steady leader who believed in the power of collective impact. For over a decade, James used the Microsoft Giving Program to encourage his colleagues to contribute, helping many create their own named scholarships. In this way, he became a catalyst for a broader circle of generosity and support.

In 2010, James established the Maureen Duffus Memorial Scholarship at Perennial in honor of his mother, a passionate advocate for education, culture, and community. Maureen was a journalist, historian, and civic leader who gave tirelessly to the people and places she loved. She founded the Vancouver Island Ballet Society, supported local arts and heritage initiatives, and served as an editor and writer for major Canadian newspapers including the Victoria Daily Times, Ottawa Citizen, and Daily Colonist. Her life of service and storytelling left a lasting legacy of curiosity, commitment, and care.

In honor of James and the Duffus legacy of community service, Perennial is renaming this award the James and Maureen Duffus Memorial Scholarship—a lasting tribute to their shared belief in education, opportunity, and leadership rooted in service. This scholarship will continue to support Perennial Fellows from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.