2024 MFC Sessions

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(PDF 5,923KB)

Monday, September 16th – Opening Plenary

Welcome Remarks from Global Philanthropic Canada, Presenting Sponsor

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Monday, September 16th – Keynote Speaker

What's the Big IDEA?
Birgit Smith Burton, AFP Global Board Chair

IDEA - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access—is a cornerstone of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' (AFP) mission. This crucial work has been shaped by the pioneering efforts of many AFP leaders over the years. Today, Birgit Smith Burton, as the first Black female global board chair of AFP, continues to champion these values.

As AFP strives to cultivate a diverse pipeline of future leaders who reflect the communities they serve, Birgit will offer valuable insights into recognizing and addressing our own biases. She will share personal stories from her journey and highlight AFP's ongoing efforts in the IDEA space, focusing on the barriers that fundraisers face in both entering and succeeding in the profession.

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Monday, September 16th – Conference Sessions

Confessions from Frontline Fundraisers
Fiona Valverde, CFRE, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Whitney Maclean, CFRE, NSCC Foundation
Kirstin Ling, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Niambi Martin-John, Stephen Lewis Foundation
Muneeb Syed, CFRE, University of Toronto (Moderator)

This panel discussion will feature frontline fundraisers from four distinct sectors including Arts and Culture, Post-Secondary Education, Health, and International Development.

During this interactive session the panelists will share learnings, experiences, and confessions to highlight the theme of ‘Building Better Practices’ in their respective sectors. The questions asked during the moderated portions of the session will focus on:

 1. Navigating Change & Complexity in Fundraising
 2. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) in Fundraising
 3. Reimagining Fundraising Practices
 4. Innovations in Fundraising

Forward.Together: Strengthening Relationships, Understanding and Collaboration Between Philanthropy and Indigenous Communities
Chris Googoo, Ulnooweg
Alex Antle, Ulnooweg
Brennan Googoo, Ulnooweg
Jasmine Seeley, Ulnooweg

Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation was created in 2017; it’s mission - to take a leadership role in closing the gap between the philanthropic sector and Indigenous Communities.

To build these stronger connections, growth is required both in our Indigenous communities and within the philanthropic sector.

Join us as we share a bit about ourselves and provide insights into meaningful ways to engage with Indigenous communities to have long lasting impact. We will discuss our model of philanthropic engagement, the importance of relationship building and co-creation, and provide our thoughts on ways to create change while successfully collaborating with Indigenous communities.

The importance of building capacity and increasing our understanding cannot be understated. It is our hope that this session will serve as a catalyst for further conversations and will begin to help us think differently as we move toward the transformations needed so that Indigenous communities and the philanthropic sector can form strong, impactful and effective partnerships.

Fundraising Alchemy: The Science and Art of Integrated Campaigns
Holly H. Paulin, CFRE, Broccoli Non-Profit Consulting Services Inc.
Brock Warner, CFRE, Broccoli Non-Profit Consulting Services Inc.

Is direct mail dead? Can digital alone sustain your program? Can't the two just carry on in their respective corners? Nope, no way, and definitely not!

Join direct response and digital innovation nerds Holly and Brock for an engaging session on the science and the art of integrated fundraising campaigns. You'll learn how and why to integrate your offline and online fundraising activities, and transform them into golden opportunities for your annual, mid-level, monthly, and even legacy donors.

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Good Grief! How Grief Impacts Fundraising
Jaya Mootoo

Everyone experiences grief at some point in their life. For some, it impacts their daily lives. For others, it lingers in the background. 

But how does grief impact fundraising? Have you ever experienced the loss of a donor? 

Join me as we discuss how grief impacts our organizations, and our fundraising practices more than we realize.

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(PDF 1,407KB)

Inclusive Fundraising: Building Effective Communication Strategies through IDEA
Sherrian Garcia, Consultant

In the ever-evolving landscape of fundraising, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. Join me for an insightful session under the theme "Building Better Practices," where we will delve into the transformative power of an IDEA-focused communication strategy. As fundraisers, we recognize that our audiences, both internal and external, are diverse and multifaceted. This workshop will equip you with the tools to craft messages that resonate deeply across varied communities, ensuring inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access are at the heart of your fundraising efforts.

During this session, we will explore the critical role of an IDEA lens in shaping your communication strategy. You will learn to develop key messages that authentically reflect the values of your organization and speak to the unique experiences and perspectives of your audience. We will examine the importance of selecting inclusive communication channels that reach and engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Additionally, you will discover how to design fundraising materials that embody equity and accessibility, making every potential donor feel seen and valued.

Through interactive discussions and practical examples, you will leave with actionable insights to enhance your fundraising communication practices. By prioritizing IDEA principles, you will not only galvanize support but also foster a more inclusive and equitable community within your organization and beyond. Together, we will create a blueprint for better practices that elevate your organization’s mission and impact.

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(PDF 543KB)

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Leveraging AI for Fundraising and Communications in Nonprofits
Mike Vautour, BGC Greater Halifax Clubs

Discover how AI can revolutionize fundraising and communications within nonprofit organizations. This workshop will delve into practical applications of AI for improving productivity in grant writing, social media, and other communication tasks. Attendees will learn how to harness AI tools while ensuring a personal touch and addressing ethical considerations. Join Mike Vautour, with over 15 years of nonprofit experience, as he shares insights and strategies to enhance your organization's effectiveness.

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(PDF 802KB)

Stumbling into Philanthropy: Examining Untraditional Practices using an Africentric Lens
Deanna Mohamed, Roberts Wellness Services
Barbara Roberts, MSW, RSW, Roberts Wellness Services

Recognizing that 2024, is the last year of the United Nations International Decade for People of African descent, this workshop will examine how to build and leverage philanthropic practices in developing funding opportunities for underserved populations, namely the African NS community. This session will explore how incorporating an Africentric and social justice lens in doing this work, can lead to better outcomes by working collaboratively with others in developing a more culturally relevant and actionable practices in advancement and social progress. Our approach will create a counter-narrative to traditional colonial approaches to this work. 

Participants of this workshop will learn how they can enhance their ongoing equity work practices, by engaging in this conversational workshop style discussion. Learning together, we will discuss ways we have successfully collaborated with others to create bold and intentional opportunities for an underserved population. We believe that collaboration and innovation in equity is the way to move forward when working with diverse communities to breaking down existing barriers.

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Powerful Partnership Programs
Jessica Campbell, QEII Foundation

Imagine forging powerful partnerships that propel your organization to new heights. By mastering sponsorship best practices, you can attract top-tier sponsors, deliver exceptional value, and build lasting relationships. 

 Join me to learn how to

-Set realistic sponsorship goals based on industry benchmark formulas
-Understand your value
-Determine who your ideal partners are (and aren’t)
-Create compelling proposals that resonate with sponsors
-Deliver measurable ROI
-Maintain transparent communication
-Continuously improve your strategy

Through an interactive group exercise, we'll explore a sponsorship case study to help translate the lessons into a real world scenario. 

Elevate your sponsorship game and secure the support you need to achieve your mission. Let's turn potential sponsors into passionate partners together.

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(PDF 977KB)

Monday, September 16th – Closing Plenary

Our IDEA Journey
April Howe, Crayon Strategies

A walk through AFP NS'S journey to develop their inclusion diversity, equity, and accessibility pathway. We'll share how members can contribute to everyone feeling valued, seen and heard.

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(PDF 1,248KB)


Tuesday, September 17th – Optional Add-On Workshop
Limited to 40 participants

AFP Nova Scotia Workshop: Moves Management and Effective Solicitation for Tomorrow’s Donors with Guy Mallabone, President and CEO of Global Philanthropic Canada

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This session will examine how to prepare for successful solicitation of major gifts using the moves managementprocess and will provide practical guidance and techniques in building and using strong donor relationships to enhance your ability to raise major gifts.  Key concepts to be covered include: the importance of engaging in donor-centric relationship building by reviewing the fundamentals of moves management; exploration of practical techniques needed to take those relationships to money; strategic overview of gift solicitation and the elements that influence a gift decision; examining the psychology of a successful ask;  and the opportunity to practice solicitation role play.