Canada's Fundraising Conference 2026

As financial pressures grow and community needs intensify, many charities are reassessing how reserves, investments, and long-term capital strategies contribute to organizational resilience and mission sustainability.

This session will explore emerging shifts in how charitable organizations are thinking about financial stewardship beyond annual fundraising, including reserve policies, investment approaches, liquidity, governance, and the role of long-term capital in supporting mission impact.

Drawing on early sector insights and perspectives from sector and investment leaders, this interactive discussion will invite participants to reflect on the tensions, opportunities, and financial realities shaping decision-making within their own organizations.

Ideal for executive directors, finance leaders, fundraisers, and board members interested in organizational sustainability, financial resilience, and the future of charitable capital.

Opening Remarks:
Sharon Avery, CEO of Toronto Foundation

Panelists:

• Tosin Akinwekomi, Board Member and Chair of the Finance Committee, Visions of Science

• Sara Krynitzki, Associate CEO, Philanthropic Foundations Canada

• Anand Mahadevan, Executive Director, Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)

Join Sonya for this rapid-fire session where she’ll share 30 great suggestions to help you raise more money with your direct mail appeals.

These tried-and-true techniques have been carefully collected from Sonya’s wide-ranging experience both within charities and agency-side. Whether you’re in a small(er) shop or a large organization, and no matter if your DM activities are new or mature, this session will offer practical takeaways you can implement immediately.

You’ll head back to work full of ideas to improve your direct mail copy, enhance your DM packages, and strengthen your overall program – just in time for the critical fall and holiday fundraising season!