YELLOW LEVEL SESSIONS offer more advanced instruction for those with several years of fundraising experience, looking to enhance specific skills and knowledge.

  RED LEVEL SESSIONS are for professionals at a senior level.They are an excellent forum for seasoned fundraisers.

9.00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m. Sessions

  1.1 The Small Shop Advantage - Part I

Suzanne Duncan, CFRE, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation

Emma Lewzey, CFRE, The Redwood 

 

Small shops are often overlooked as innovators in the non-profit sector – but in fact, the way we work may just be the business model of the future! In this workshop, we’ll examine the unique strengths of small shops, and how to exploit the advantages you have to effectively position your organization for success. We’ll also look at the assets that you are bringing to your small shop – we’ll help you uncover your greatest personal strengths, and we’ll collectively put our strengths to work to solve some of the toughest problems we face in our day-to-day work.  

 

Learning Objectives

• Learn why small shops are on the cutting edge of new business model thinking  
• Identify the unique strengths of small shops, and learn practical ways to leverage those strengths for organizational success
• Assess and identify your own personal assets, and understand how to work from those strengths to collectively solve the tough problems we face in our organizations 
• This session is for professionals from organizations with less than 5 staff members

 1.2 Creating a Fundraising Storm: How to Integrate Digital, Social Media and  Direct Response Marketing into a Comprehensive Annual Fundraising Strategy

Angie Caunce, Amalgam Design and Strategic Marketing
Adam Hadley, Amalgam Design and Strategic Marketing 

 

A successful annual giving program requires a combination of elements to reach the largest possible audience and must at least consider all solicitation and stewardship options – including a variety of direct marketing channels.

With social media and mobile giving still in their infancy in Canada, online channels have proven themselves to be effective only with the right audiences and messaging.  However, while the vast majority of Canadians are comfortable with internet use, people over 40 still prefer to give offline.

To maximize annual campaign results you must fully utilize each direct marketing channel, understand how to make them work in tandem and not let different pieces be sabotaged by conflicting communications.  When used properly, these direct marketing channels can meet our ultimate goals of engagement, support and retention.

Learning Objectives

 1.3 Breaking New Ground: The Impact of Social Investment and Creative Philanthropy in Communities 

 

Moderator: Hamlin Grange, DiversiPro  

Panellists: Tony Lourakis, Complete Innovations, Jerome Kisting, Toronto Community Housing, Magnus Sandberg, Social Capital Partners 

 

From venture philanthropy to social innovation, social investors across the GTA are active in making a difference in unique ways. Moderated by Hamlin Grange, award-winning corporate diversity expert, the panel will speak about their motivations for breaking new ground through social investments.

 

Learning Objectives 

 

• Learn about social investments, diversity in philanthropy and the impact of new philanthropy
• Develop a fresh perspective of philanthropy in the 21^st century
• Understand the role of corporate diversity and social responsibility for businesses 

  1.4 The Donor 360: How Your Planned Giving Program Can Link All Revenue Streams

 

Yolanda Bronstein, SickKids Foundation

Kathryn De Carlo, Canadian Cancer Society  

 

Fundraising programs may be in silos but hopefully your donors are not. Gift planning has a unique role to play in bridging revenue streams (and program areas) and facilitating the full 360° experience for donors.

 

Learning Objectives 

 

• Understand the role each part of your team plays in developing planned giving donors
• Learn how to work with, motivate, and influence other departments’ as part of the planned giving process 

   1.5. Reflections on 20 Years of Fundraising: Looking Back to Look Forward

Moderator: Tennys Hanson, Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation

Panellists: Richard Ivey, Ivest Properties Ltd., David Palmer, University of Toronto, Nada Ristich, BMO Financial Group

 

Just as the demographics and life experiences of philanthropists are changing, so too are the realities of post-recession fundraising programs at Canadian charities. In this lively panel discussion, leaders in philanthropy will explore practical realities and key issues confronting how major gift fundraising has evolved over the last 20 years.

 

Learning Objectives  

 

• Acquire new perspectives on donor motivations and trends that have influenced philanthropy in the past two decades
• Develop an awareness of techniques and practices that have evolved in our profession during the careers of the panelists
• Deepen your knowledge of transformational giving from a philanthropist’s perspective  

   1.6. The Fundraiser as Activist 

 

Moderator: Krishan Mehta, Seneca College
Panellists: Sheherazade Hirji, Tides Canada, Rebecca Moershel, Greenpeace Canada, Rosemary Oliver, CFRE, Amnesty International 

 

As fundraising professionals and volunteers, we often play a unique role in not only raising funds and awareness, but also advocating for change. In this panel discussion, we will unpack a variety of concepts around the term "activist", and explore how activism, advocacy and fundraising can work hand-in-hand to stimulate social change and raise the profile of your organization. 

 

Learning Objectives  

 

• Learn what fundraising in activism means
• Discover tips and techniques in balancing organizational fundraising and advocacy objectives
• Exchange ideas on best practices in activism and fund development    

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sessions 

   1.1 The Small Shop Advantage - Part II - Continued  

   2.1 Communications Breakthroughs: How to Speak Your Donors' Language

Kimberley MacKenzie, CFRE, Ontario Nature

Participants should come to this session expecting to work.  The words “donor centred” aren’t just fundraising jargon – being donor centred is a shift in the way we think, act, talk to and write to our donors. This session will share practical tips, tricks and attitudes that will truly put your donor at the forefront of your fundraising communications – and  everything else you do as a fundraiser.  We will use real examples from the corporate and non-profit sectors to explore differences and we will practice donor centred communications. This session will demonstrate how your major donor letters, direct mail letters, website copy and even your tweets can effectively engage your donors and prospects.

Learning Objectives

• Have a practical toolkit to take home and share with colleagues
• Be ready to apply the principles of donor centred communications
• Learn how to change your writing style to engage donors’ hearts and souls and to motivate them to give

   2.2 Perspectives on Stewardship

 

Moderator: Andrea Orr, CFRE, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation    

Panellists: Kourtney Beckman, St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation, Maureen Donnelly, Boston University, Jeff Nelson, Ducks Unlimited Canada

 

Presented by the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP), this session welcomes a panel of fundraising professionals who focus on stewardship and donor relations within their organizations. Today, donor stewardship goes beyond the handwritten thank you note. It is the cornerstone of effective donor cultivation and permeates throughout the culture of an organization. Recognizing the contributions of donors is equally important and whether yours is a small shop, or a large organization, each has unique opportunities and challenges for recognizing donors effectively.

 

Learning Objectives 

 

• Gain knowledge of different ways to steward and engage your donors
• Understand the tactical approaches to stewardship, donors relations, and donor recognition
• Learn about the opportunities and challenges of recognizing donors 

   2.3 Best Practices for Building Engaging and Effective Social Media Pages and Profiles 

 

Sidneyeve Matrix, Ph.D., Queen’s University

 

This presentation connects the dots between emergent trends in social web communication and effective design and execution of social media tools for campaigns, events, brands, and organizations. We'll first consider how people are using social web platforms and mobile apps to connect and communicate, as media consumers and creators. Next we'll focus on action steps, the how to's for building engagement strategies, designing sharable content, humanizing streams and brands, incentivizing participation, and recognizing contributions and communities.

 

Learning Objectives

• Recognize emergent trends in social web communication
• Demonstrate an understanding of how people are using social web platforms and mobile applications to connect and communicate
• Articulate the steps necessary to build engagement strategies and design shareable content 

   2.4  The Chief Development Officer: Essential Attributes to Flourish in Your Leadership Role  

 

Jill Birch, MA, CAE, Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions

 

It has become clear that the  development function in charitable organizations is changing dramatically. From the development of differentiated strategy and driving change to retaining top performers and leading teams, never have the demands been as great as they are now for fundraising leaders. Whether you are seasoned or newly minted in the role, this session will provide some of the latest thinking on how you can further enhance your leadership capabilities to meet these challenges.

 

  2.5 The View From Above: Strategic Planning for the Development Professional  

 

Mike den Haan, MA, University of Toronto - Faculty of Medicine

Suzanne Gibson, Suzanne Gibson & Associates  

 

Effective strategic planning is at the heart of all organizations that achieve excellence. Yet, many groups resist planning and, if they do this important work, they often omit to include the critical development function in the process. Strategic planning represents a tremendous opportunity for the development office. Whether you work for a small or large non-profit, you have an essential role in helping your organization achieve its dreams. Join this high-energy session and gain new insights into the roles of the development office and development professional in the arena of strategic planning.  Explore the opportunity that strategic planning presents to the development office to proactively secure results and make magic happen!

 

Learning Objectives

• Apply and integrate a resource development planning framework into strategic planning processes
• Learn successful strategies and approaches for ensuring your development office is included in the strategic planning process from the ground up
• Hear examples of how small to large-scale fundraising shops have worked with organizational staff to create strong and effective strategic plans that are achievable   

2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Sessions 

 

  3.1 By the Numbers: The Fundraiser’s Guide to Finance 

 

Susan Storey, CFRE, KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.) 

 

Professional fundraisers have an important role to play in the financial process and accountability of their charitable organizations.  This includes the basics of establishing budgets, understanding and providing commentary to financial statements, ensuring accurate forecasting and identifying risks to prepare the organization for any surplus or shortfall arising from its fundraising program. Join us for this introductory level session which will prepare you to be proactive in establishing, monitoring and taking accountability for the critical role you play in the financial health of your charity. 

 

Learning Objectives 

• Understand the core elements of the budget and financial process and the role/expectations of fundraisers in this cycle
• Learn how to be proactive in the financial process to ensure that financial objectives align with the fundraising plan
• Understand how finance ‘tools’ can assist you to better manage and understand your revenue and expense patterns and achievements 

   3.2  The Changing Face of Fundraising Events

 

Geoffrey Chown, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation 

 

The economy, technology, generational shifts. These are just a few of the influences changing fundraising events. In this exciting and informative session Geoffrey Chown will share his experience, and recent successes to help you enhance your organizations special event fundraising activities. You will learn how events can attract new supporters, deepen the commitment of existing donors, involve volunteer leadership and program staff, and build passionate and high-functioning committees. 

 

Learning Objectives

• Develop events that raise money, build profile, and deepen the commitment of your supporters, all while integrating your mission
• Maximize connections with guests – use events to create long-term, ongoing donor relationships
• Make events an integrated player in your development program – positively transforming everything, including annual campaigns, major and legacy giving, and leadership recruitment 

   3.3 The Not-So-Secret Tips to Raising More Money: Step One, Meet with More People - Part I 

 

Angela Murphy, SickKids Foundation

Colin Hennigar, SickKids Foundation 

 

Driving activity is key to a successful major gifts fundraising program. The first hour of this session will explore how to overcome barriers to booking meetings and tips for successfully building new relationships with prospective donors.  The second hour will focus on tips to ensure that your meetings result in meaningful steps forward in donor engagement.

Learning Objectives

 

• Gain confidence to make initial contact with a prospective donor through phone, email, and social networks
• Walk into your next meeting equipped with the skills to meaningfully engage donors and solicit gifts 

    3.4 Partnering with Prospect Researchers 

 

Michelle DeBoer, William Osler Health System Foundation 

 

Prospect researchers are able to provide valuable actionable information to support the short- and long-term goals of your fundraising team. However, the information they have is only useful when they are given the opportunity to interact with fundraisers and decision-makers. This session will look at the advantages of providing prospect researchers with a seat at the table, focusing on examples from the frontlines of fundraising. Various ways of engaging prospect researchers in the fundraising process will also be discussed.

 

Learning Objectives

• Examine the benefits of including prospect researchers in strategy discussions
• Identify effective ways of engaging prospect researchers in the fundraising process  

  3.5  Major Gifts from the Other Side

Malcolm D. Burrows, Scotia Private Client Group 

 

What do major donors want? What are their hot buttons? And what do they really say about fundraisers in private? This interactive session will focus on the "do's" and "don'ts" of working with donors to plan and structure major gifts. Senior professionals should come prepared for a vigorous discussion. 

  

Learning Objectives   

• Improve your toolkit for donor engagement through practical tips the presenter has gained from both sides of the table

• Learn about current trends in philanthropic vehicles and gift structures

• Advance your skills as you connect with philanthropists and major donors 

  3.6. Transformational Donors: How One Donor Became a Charity’s Champion

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sessions

 

   4.1  Just Any Road Won't Get You There!

 

Moderator: Jay Hooper, CFRE, Fund Development Specialist

Panellists: Graeme C. Imrie, Canadian Diabetes Association, Jill Palmer, CFRE, Crescent School, Jennifer Williams, University of Toronto - Faculty of Medicine

 

The old saying “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there” holds an important message when it comes to your career. Learn what three professional fundraisers have done to plan their careers and what they are doing to achieve their goals. What resources can you draw on to help achieve your objectives, what are the pitfalls and how can you measure your progress. Find out what career elements are most important to HR professionals and recruiters as they look to fill fundraising positions. 

 

Learning Objectives

• Identify resources available to help you to build your career plan
• Understand how your career plan can help HR professionals and recruiters support you in your career development
• Obtain a planning framework to develop your career plan
• Benefit from the experience of fundraising colleagues who are working to achieve their career plans  

  4.2 The Prospect Research Workshop

 

Meredith Ferguson, MA, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation  

 

Having the right information on prospects and donors is critical to fundraising success, yet knowing where to find it can be overwhelming for the busy fundraiser!  This workshop will introduce basic prospect research techniques and discuss how to use information strategically.  Participants will gain an understanding of ethical standards; frequently used sources of information on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; how to search for wealth indicators; how to identify new prospects; and techniques to proactively integrate research into everyday fundraising activities.  At the end of the session, you will leave with an understanding of what you’re looking for, where to find it, and how to use it, as well as a toolkit of research resources. 

 

Learning Objectives

 

• Create a basic research profile on an individual, corporate, or foundation prospect
• Apply prospect information strategically to fundraising activities
• Appreciate ethical standards fundraisers must uphold with regards to prospect and donor personal information 

   3.3 The Not-So-Secret Tips to Raising More Money: Step One, Meet with More People - Part II - Continued 

 

Angela Murphy, SickKids Foundation

Colin Hennigar, SickKids Foundation 

 

Driving activity is key to a successful major gifts fundraising program. The first hour of this session will explore how to overcome barriers to booking meetings and tips for successfully building new relationships with prospective donors.  The second hour will focus on tips to ensure that your meetings result in meaningful steps forward in donor engagement.

 

Learning Objectives

• Gain confidence to make initial contact with a prospective donor through phone, email, and social networks
• Walk into your next meeting equipped with the skills to meaningfully engage donors and solicit gifts 

 4.3 Best Practices for Effective Personal Communication in a Digital Culture 

 

Teresa Pierce, Ph.D., University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) 

 

Learn about digital discourse and the role of face-to-face communication in today’s global community. Dr. Pierce will discuss ways in which digital communication is changing interpersonal communication and how it affects philanthropy.

 

Learning Objectives

• Integrate face-to-face communication to develop strong donor-centric relationships
• Recognize the importance of gender based communications
• Develop personal public speaking skills
• Create donor communication plans reflecting personal and digital relationships 

   4.4 Risk Management in Fundraising 

 

Zak Bailey, CFRE, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation  

Ken Mayhew, MS Society of Canada
 

Developing systems and policies to mitigate risk are critical to ensuring operational effectiveness and efficiency.  In this session, we will explore the different interpretations of "risk" and best practices in risk management within the charitable sector.  

 

Learning Objectives 

 

• How to identify and categorize organizational risks
• Understand how to mitigate risk, manage crisis and ensure public trust
• Evaluate risk management policies and procedures

    4.5 Balancing Act: Finding Equilibrium between Leadership and Fundraising 

 

Diana Deakin-Thomas, CFRE, YMCA of Greater Toronto                                               Tara George, MBA, CFRE, KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.)

 

Whether you’re in a small shop or a large complex organization, or you have a new manager or a highly experienced one, balancing fundraising activities with team leadership is one of the greatest challenges that development managers face. This highly interactive session is intended to provide participants with strategic and tactical methods to develop themselves as both effective fundraisers and effective leaders – one who manage, lead and cultivate environments of trust to support the development of a committed and passionate staff and volunteer team. 

 

Learning Objectives 

 

• Discuss the strategies and tactics used by effective leaders in balancing their dual responsibilities of fundraising and managing
• Discover how to create a positive working environment as a new leader, or a leader in the midst of organizational change
• Explore strategies for building trust and  fostering an environment that nurtures and supports leadership at all levels

CFRE Accreditation

Participation in Fundraising day qualifies for 5.0 points toward CFRE education requirements.