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Canada’s conference with a heart!
Venue: Toronto Room clear filter
Wednesday, May 27
 

8:30am EDT

LL3: Legacy Giving for the Rest of Us | LeaderLab Part 1 | generously sponsored by epilogue
Wednesday May 27, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
How to create a comprehensive and inspiring Legacy Donor Journey - no matter your charity's size.

This exclusive LeaderLab is designed for nonprofits (including small and mid-sized organizations) seeking to grow legacy giving in a way that's realistic, values-driven, and achievable.

Led by Tess Conrad with contributions by leading legacy fundraising voices, including Chantelle Ohrling, Aimée Lindenberger, and Paul Nazareth, this session balances relationship-building, donor psychology, stewardship, and just enough technical knowledge to help fundraisers feel confident.

More details coming soon!


Speakers
avatar for Tess Conrad, CFRE

Tess Conrad, CFRE

Principal Consultant, Full Potential Fundraising
Tess is a seasoned fundraising professional with over 10 years of experience and has held her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) since 2021. She also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from BCIT and a BFA in Theatre Performance from SFU. She’s a high-achiever with... Read More →
avatar for Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, David Suzuki Foundation
Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE (she/her), is the David Suzuki Foundation’s Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, helping caring Canadians alchemize their values and hopes into enduring environmental protections. Chantelle also serves as Chair of Communications and Chair of Equity & Reconciliation... Read More →
avatar for Lynne Boardman

Lynne Boardman

Managing Director, Harvey McKinnon Associates
Lynne Boardman has been working in fundraising for 20 years in Canada and the UK. She's worked with wonderful organizations representing a myriad of causes, from overseas development to health care, environmental causes, human rights, homelessness organizations, and Indigenous education... Read More →
avatar for Aimée Lindenberger

Aimée Lindenberger

Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic Canada
Aimée Lindenberger is the founder of Refocus Fundraising and a Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada. A gifted writer and speaker, Aimée authored How to Talk About Legacy Giving and How to Engage Potential Legacy Donors. She brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, a tender heart, an insightful mind, and a drive to make meaningful connections with supporters in every organization she collaborates with.As one of the first in the world to complete a certificate in Philanthropic... Read More →
avatar for Paul Nazareth

Paul Nazareth

Chief Connector, Connectworking
Paul has worked in Canada’s philanthropic sector for over 25 years. Previously an instructor of philanthropic tax, financial, estate and gift planning with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), he was also Vice President at Canada’s largest charity, CanadaHelps, during... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Toronto Room

11:00am EDT

LL3: Legacy Giving for the Rest of Us | LeaderLab Part 2 | generously sponsored by epilogue
Wednesday May 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
How to create a comprehensive and inspiring Legacy Donor Journey - no matter your charity's size.

This exclusive LeaderLab is designed for nonprofits (including small and mid-sized organizations) seeking to grow legacy giving in a way that's realistic, values-driven, and achievable.

Led by Tess Conrad with contributions by leading legacy fundraising voices, including Chantelle Ohrling, Aimée Lindenberger, and Paul Nazareth, this session balances relationship-building, donor psychology, stewardship, and just enough technical knowledge to help fundraisers feel confident.

More details coming soon!

Speakers
avatar for Tess Conrad, CFRE

Tess Conrad, CFRE

Principal Consultant, Full Potential Fundraising
Tess is a seasoned fundraising professional with over 10 years of experience and has held her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) since 2021. She also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from BCIT and a BFA in Theatre Performance from SFU. She’s a high-achiever with... Read More →
avatar for Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, David Suzuki Foundation
Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE (she/her), is the David Suzuki Foundation’s Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, helping caring Canadians alchemize their values and hopes into enduring environmental protections. Chantelle also serves as Chair of Communications and Chair of Equity & Reconciliation... Read More →
avatar for Lynne Boardman

Lynne Boardman

Managing Director, Harvey McKinnon Associates
Lynne Boardman has been working in fundraising for 20 years in Canada and the UK. She's worked with wonderful organizations representing a myriad of causes, from overseas development to health care, environmental causes, human rights, homelessness organizations, and Indigenous education... Read More →
avatar for Aimée Lindenberger

Aimée Lindenberger

Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic Canada
Aimée Lindenberger is the founder of Refocus Fundraising and a Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada. A gifted writer and speaker, Aimée authored How to Talk About Legacy Giving and How to Engage Potential Legacy Donors. She brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, a tender heart, an insightful mind, and a drive to make meaningful connections with supporters in every organization she collaborates with.As one of the first in the world to complete a certificate in Philanthropic... Read More →
avatar for Paul Nazareth

Paul Nazareth

Chief Connector, Connectworking
Paul has worked in Canada’s philanthropic sector for over 25 years. Previously an instructor of philanthropic tax, financial, estate and gift planning with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), he was also Vice President at Canada’s largest charity, CanadaHelps, during... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Toronto Room

1:30pm EDT

LL3: Legacy Giving for the Rest of Us | LeaderLab Part 3 | generously sponsored by epilogue
Wednesday May 27, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
How to create a comprehensive and inspiring Legacy Donor Journey - no matter your charity's size.

This exclusive LeaderLab is designed for nonprofits (including small and mid-sized organizations) seeking to grow legacy giving in a way that's realistic, values-driven, and achievable.

Led by Tess Conrad with contributions by leading legacy fundraising voices, including Chantelle Ohrling, Aimée Lindenberger, and Paul Nazareth, this session balances relationship-building, donor psychology, stewardship, and just enough technical knowledge to help fundraisers feel confident.

More details coming soon!
Speakers
avatar for Tess Conrad, CFRE

Tess Conrad, CFRE

Principal Consultant, Full Potential Fundraising
Tess is a seasoned fundraising professional with over 10 years of experience and has held her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) since 2021. She also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from BCIT and a BFA in Theatre Performance from SFU. She’s a high-achiever with... Read More →
avatar for Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, David Suzuki Foundation
Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE (she/her), is the David Suzuki Foundation’s Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, helping caring Canadians alchemize their values and hopes into enduring environmental protections. Chantelle also serves as Chair of Communications and Chair of Equity & Reconciliation... Read More →
avatar for Lynne Boardman

Lynne Boardman

Managing Director, Harvey McKinnon Associates
Lynne Boardman has been working in fundraising for 20 years in Canada and the UK. She's worked with wonderful organizations representing a myriad of causes, from overseas development to health care, environmental causes, human rights, homelessness organizations, and Indigenous education... Read More →
avatar for Aimée Lindenberger

Aimée Lindenberger

Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic Canada
Aimée Lindenberger is the founder of Refocus Fundraising and a Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada. A gifted writer and speaker, Aimée authored How to Talk About Legacy Giving and How to Engage Potential Legacy Donors. She brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, a tender heart, an insightful mind, and a drive to make meaningful connections with supporters in every organization she collaborates with.As one of the first in the world to complete a certificate in Philanthropic... Read More →
avatar for Paul Nazareth

Paul Nazareth

Chief Connector, Connectworking
Paul has worked in Canada’s philanthropic sector for over 25 years. Previously an instructor of philanthropic tax, financial, estate and gift planning with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), he was also Vice President at Canada’s largest charity, CanadaHelps, during... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Toronto Room

3:30pm EDT

LL3: Legacy Giving for the Rest of Us | LeaderLab Part 4 | generously sponsored by epilogue
Wednesday May 27, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
How to create a comprehensive and inspiring Legacy Donor Journey - no matter your charity's size.

This exclusive LeaderLab is designed for nonprofits (including small and mid-sized organizations) seeking to grow legacy giving in a way that's realistic, values-driven, and achievable.

Led by Tess Conrad with contributions by leading legacy fundraising voices, including Chantelle Ohrling, Aimée Lindenberger, and Paul Nazareth, this session balances relationship-building, donor psychology, stewardship, and just enough technical knowledge to help fundraisers feel confident.

More details coming soon!
Speakers
avatar for Tess Conrad, CFRE

Tess Conrad, CFRE

Principal Consultant, Full Potential Fundraising
Tess is a seasoned fundraising professional with over 10 years of experience and has held her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) since 2021. She also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from BCIT and a BFA in Theatre Performance from SFU. She’s a high-achiever with... Read More →
avatar for Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE

Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, David Suzuki Foundation
Chantelle Ohrling, CFRE (she/her), is the David Suzuki Foundation’s Senior Officer of Legacy Giving, helping caring Canadians alchemize their values and hopes into enduring environmental protections. Chantelle also serves as Chair of Communications and Chair of Equity & Reconciliation... Read More →
avatar for Lynne Boardman

Lynne Boardman

Managing Director, Harvey McKinnon Associates
Lynne Boardman has been working in fundraising for 20 years in Canada and the UK. She's worked with wonderful organizations representing a myriad of causes, from overseas development to health care, environmental causes, human rights, homelessness organizations, and Indigenous education... Read More →
avatar for Aimée Lindenberger

Aimée Lindenberger

Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic Canada
Aimée Lindenberger is the founder of Refocus Fundraising and a Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada. A gifted writer and speaker, Aimée authored How to Talk About Legacy Giving and How to Engage Potential Legacy Donors. She brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, a tender heart, an insightful mind, and a drive to make meaningful connections with supporters in every organization she collaborates with.As one of the first in the world to complete a certificate in Philanthropic... Read More →
avatar for Paul Nazareth

Paul Nazareth

Chief Connector, Connectworking
Paul has worked in Canada’s philanthropic sector for over 25 years. Previously an instructor of philanthropic tax, financial, estate and gift planning with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), he was also Vice President at Canada’s largest charity, CanadaHelps, during... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Toronto Room
 
Thursday, May 28
 

9:55am EDT

B1-2: Major Donors Are Closer Than You Think: Identifying Your Next Major Gift Donor From Within
Thursday May 28, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
No matter where you are in your campaign planning, building out a major gift strategy, or simply trying to breathe new life into a tired prospect pipeline, the goal is the same: engage and inspire more people to invest more meaningfully in your mission.

That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens with a system.

Your next major donor likely isn’t a headline name suggested at a board meeting or someone pulled from the latest news story. More often, they’re already in your database—quietly sitting in a report, tucked into an Excel spreadsheet, or waiting to be surfaced through thoughtful analysis. The opportunity? Hiding in plain sight.

This practical breakout session is designed for fundraising professionals who are planning a campaign, building or refining a major gift strategy, or looking to strengthen their prospect pipeline. Participants will learn to leverage internal data, recognize strong major-gift indicators, and implement a repeatable system for identifying and qualifying prospects.

We will walk through practical, real-world strategies to identify high-potential major gift prospects using the data you already have. Expect actionable tools, candid insights, and a bias toward implementation.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  1. Apply a practical framework to identify major gift prospects using internal data and existing relationships.
  2. Recognize key attributes and behavioural indicators that signal major gift potential.
  3. Build or refresh a prospect pipeline aligned with campaign goals and the long-term major-gift strategy.

Speakers
avatar for Liz Rejman

Liz Rejman

Principal, Liz Rejman + Co.
Liz Rejman (she/her) is a fundraising operations strategist and donor data specialist with more than 20 years of experience supporting social service, arts, healthcare, and higher education organizations. Across her career, she has worked in nearly every facet of fundraising — from data management... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
Toronto Room

11:00am EDT

B2-2: Community Building 101: Welcoming All Voices into Philanthropy
Thursday May 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Building meaningful relationships across communities requires more than outreach tactics or fundraising strategy. It starts with trust, listening, and creating spaces where more people feel genuinely welcomed into philanthropy.
In this engaging breakout session, Jaya Mootoo will explore practical approaches to community building for fundraisers and community foundation professionals working to connect with broader and more diverse communities. Through stories, insights, and real-world experience, participants will leave with fresh perspective and actionable ideas for building stronger, more inclusive relationships that can deepen generosity and community connection over time.

Speakers
avatar for Jaya Mootoo

Jaya Mootoo

Director, Fundholder and Community Engagement / Equity Seeker, Oakville Community Foundation/ Jaya Mootoo Consulting
Jaya is a driven professional, dedicated to equity and inclusion in fundraising, the nonprofit and charitable sector and society. She has over 20-years of experience in social services and community development, including working with women and children experiencing intimate partner... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Toronto Room

1:50pm EDT

C2: Inside a $1 Million Monthly Program (And What You Can Steal From It)
Thursday May 28, 2026 1:50pm - 4:15pm EDT
Monthly giving programs are the backbone of sustainable fundraising—but how do you grow one meaningfully without overcomplicating your strategy?

Join Mary Saretski, Director of Donor & Stakeholder Relations at the Edmonton Humane Society, as she shares how a strong existing monthly giving program was elevated to new heights—currently generating $1 million annually. Since 2024, Mary and her team have grown monthly revenue from $61,000 to over $85,000 through intentional stewardship, thoughtful upgrades, targeted conversions, and consistent messaging about the value of monthly support.

In a sector where reliable funding is critical, monthly donors provide a vital, dependable foundation. This session will highlight how these donors truly become the backbone of an organization.

Attendees will walk away with practical, proven strategies to:
  • Strengthen donor stewardship to improve retention
  • Identify and implement simple, effective upgrade opportunities
  • Convert one-time donors into long-term monthly supporters
  • Build compelling, consistent messaging around monthly giving
  • Scale a program at any stage—from startup to mature
Whether you’re launching a monthly giving program or looking to take an established one to the next level, this session will provide actionable insights you can implement right away.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Saretski

Mary Saretski

Director, Donor & Stakeholder Relations, Edmonton Humane Society
A relationship builder, creative thinker, and problem solver, Mary brings more than 20 years of experience in the charitable sector, including leadership roles with the University of Alberta and Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. She currently serves as Director of Donor & Stakeholder... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 1:50pm - 4:15pm EDT
Toronto Room

3:15pm EDT

B4-2: From Hello to High Impact: AI Powered, Multichannel Fundraising Across Phone, SMS and Digital
Thursday May 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
The way donors engage has changed—and tele-fundraising has changed with it. Today’s most effective fundraising programs place live conversations at the centre, supported by integrated SMS, digital touchpoints, and AI-informed insights that strengthen donor relationships across channels. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how tele-fundraising teams are working today within multichannel environments to create more connected, responsive donor experiences. You’ll see how SMS can thoughtfully support live conversations, how AI is shaping timing and follow-up behind the scenes, and why integration—rather than adding more channels—is the key to better engagement and retention. Using real-world examples, we’ll look at what it takes to align phone, text, and digital outreach into a cohesive donor journey without losing the human voice that makes tele-fundraising effective.

Participants will leave with practical insights on how to:
  • Integrate tele-fundraising, SMS, and digital channels into a seamless donor experience
  • Use AI-informed tools to support stronger conversations and smarter outreach
  • Improve donor retention through timely, relevant multichannel follow-up
  • Strengthen tele-fundraising programs in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and donor-centred
Whether you’re new to tele-fundraising, refining an existing calling program or rethinking how your channels work together, this session offers a grounded, practical look at how multichannel fundraising is reshaping tele-fundraising—and how to use it well.

Speakers
avatar for Alison Keys

Alison Keys

CEO, Keys Marketing Group
As Founder, President & CEO of Keys Marketing Group, has spent nearly three decades helping nonprofits and professional associations unlock transformational growth.

Over the past 29 years, she and her team have designed and delivered thousands of successful fundraising campaigns a... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith

Director of Operations, Keys Marketing Group
Lisa Smith is the Director of Operations at Keys Marketing Group, where she helps Canadian charities, non-profits, and member-based organizations build stronger donor relationships through thoughtful fundraising strategy, clear communication, and meaningful conversation.Lisa has more than a decade of... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Toronto Room
 
Friday, May 29
 

8:30am EDT

WS3: The Future of Sponsorship | Workshop Part 1
Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
The landscape is changing. Businesses and companies are shifting their dollars from philanthropic giving to sponsorships/partnerships/CSR/Purpose Driven Partnerships (or whatever you want to term it). The shift is from giving you money and getting nothing in return but a charitable tax receipt to giving you that money and getting measurable ROI from that investment.

Are you aware that less then 5% of the $4.2B (yes, billion) spent by Canadian companies on sponsorship comes from CSR and similar budgets? And, 85% of that money comes from marketing budgets… who are you calling on and why?
This half-day WorkIntensive Session will map out the future of sponsorship for non-profits and charities as a diversified revenue channel aligned with your annual campaigns, major git programs and legacy giving. Understand the “why” behind where sponsorship is going, and then you can understand the “how” to get there. This session will address and deliver both. And deliver you a blueprint for navigating the future of sponsorship within your non-profit or charity.

The last two years have been record years for spending in the sponsorship world in Canada. Have you been receiving that incremental spend with your sponsorship program? If not, you need to figure out why, because sponsorship marketing in Canada is on an exponential growth curve (lol… even all the major philanthropic fundraising consultancies are trying to get into the game with claims they do “sponsorship as well”) and that means incremental dollars for your organization if you understand the how and why.

If you want incremental revenue through an enhanced sponsorship program as part of your revenue diversification plan, this session is for you.
Speakers
avatar for Brent Barootes

Brent Barootes

President and CEO, Partnership Group - Sponsorship Specialists
Brent Barootes has spent over 35 years in the sponsorship marketing industry, developing and delivering profitable sponsorship programs to charities and non profits that result in high returns on investment for these organizations. As President and CEO of the Partnership Group... Read More →
Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Toronto Room

11:00am EDT

WS3: The Future of Sponsorship | Workshop Part 2
Friday May 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
The landscape is changing. Businesses and companies are shifting their dollars from philanthropic giving to sponsorships/partnerships/CSR/Purpose Driven Partnerships (or whatever you want to term it). The shift is from giving you money and getting nothing in return but a charitable tax receipt to giving you that money and getting measurable ROI from that investment.

Are you aware that less then 5% of the $4.2B (yes, billion) spent by Canadian companies on sponsorship comes from CSR and similar budgets? And, 85% of that money comes from marketing budgets… who are you calling on and why?
This half-day WorkIntensive Session will map out the future of sponsorship for non-profits and charities as a diversified revenue channel aligned with your annual campaigns, major git programs and legacy giving. Understand the “why” behind where sponsorship is going, and then you can understand the “how” to get there. This session will address and deliver both. And deliver you a blueprint for navigating the future of sponsorship within your non-profit or charity.

The last two years have been record years for spending in the sponsorship world in Canada. Have you been receiving that incremental spend with your sponsorship program? If not, you need to figure out why, because sponsorship marketing in Canada is on an exponential growth curve (lol… even all the major philanthropic fundraising consultancies are trying to get into the game with claims they do “sponsorship as well”) and that means incremental dollars for your organization if you understand the how and why.

If you want incremental revenue through an enhanced sponsorship program as part of your revenue diversification plan, this session is for you.
Speakers
avatar for Brent Barootes

Brent Barootes

President and CEO, Partnership Group - Sponsorship Specialists
Brent Barootes has spent over 35 years in the sponsorship marketing industry, developing and delivering profitable sponsorship programs to charities and non profits that result in high returns on investment for these organizations. As President and CEO of the Partnership Group... Read More →
Friday May 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Toronto Room
 
Canada's Fundraising Conference 2026
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