Upcoming Events
Wednesday
june 14th
Topic: Networking
Location:Queen’s House Retreat & Renewal Centre
601 Taylor Street West
COME PREPARED TO MEET OUTSIDE
7:30 – 9:00 AM
June 7-9
Edmonton
Western Canada Fundraising Conference
Past Events
Wednesday
may 3rd
Topic: How to Market Your Organization on Social Media in 2023
It’s never been more important to ensure your business is where your customers are… online. Social media and digital marketing provide cost-effective, highly targeted, measurable opportunities to engage your audience and promote your business. Let’s talk about how you can:
• build a content strategy that engages your audience
• create, plan and schedule great content
• capture strong imagery and video
• break through algorithms
• drive business results with an advertising strategy
Travis Low
Blue Moose Media
Wednesday
april 5th
Topic: All Things Canada Post for Mailing, Postage, Segments and more!
Joel Fraughton will discuss marketing strategies & utilize the most current data solutions available to max your fundraising dollars!
Joel Fraughton
Canada Post
Wednesday
March 1st
What You Need to Know about Estate Planning
Is estate planning a mystery topic for you? Damian will help answer questions on basic estate planning and administration for nonprofits
Damian will discuss estate planning and estate administration and how it interacts with the charitable sector for example. He will answer any questions you may have about these topics!
Damian McGrath
Raymond James Trust
Wednesday
february 1st
Grow your monthly giving program
Want to grow your monthly donors? You’ve come to the right presentation!
Learn how you can increase your monthly donor base and maybe learn how David’s fundraising teachings originated in Saskatchewan.
David Kravinchuk
The Common Good
Wednesday
January 11
Public Speaking
Learn the mindset of an effective speaker, proper preparation techniques, and everyone’s favourite … what to do with your hands! Get rid of the dread that comes along with facing an audience and be your authentic self in front of a camera or crowd.
Heather Morrison
Public Speaking Coach
Wednesday
december 7th
Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve – Stewardship Best Practices
Join us for breakfast and learn how to highlight the importance of good stewardship in sustainable fundraising. During the session, James will offer practical ways for small and medium sized shops to keep their donors engaged with year-round touches.
James Perkins
KEA Canada
Wednesday
November 2nd
Care and Feeding of Long-Term Funding Strategies — Looking Beyond Year to Year Fundraising
Learn to strategically create donor giving plans that nourish your organization for the long term.
Bring your abundance mindset along with questions about endowments, major gifts, planned gifts, gifts of securities, bequests, required policies and start to sketch out a path to the vision of where you want your organization to be in 10, 20, or 50 years.
Jennifer Pederson
Saskatoon Community Foundation
Wednesday
October 5th
Grant & Proposal Writing
What you will learn:
– What your organization should do before, during, and after your write
– What infrastructure your organization can set up to make the process less onerous
– Common structure of a proposal
– How to set your organization up for multi-year deals
Michelle Busa
Foundations Learning
Wednesday
september 7th
Data Segmentation
Not sure what or how to use your data from donors?
Deborah Kies will share her data segmentation tips and tricks to maximize your donations!
Are you using your supporters donation habits to its full potential?
Whether you send out newsletters, direct mail appeals, targeted e-blasts, run raffles, or other campaigns, you should be using data segmentation to maximize your fundraising results.
Deborah Kies will use Lung Saskatchewan campaigns as a case study to show how you can use your donor data to create segments that are more accurate and result in effective targeting, cost savings, and happier donors.
Deborah Kies
Lung Saskatchewan
Wednesday june 1st – Webinar
Topic: Until Next Time
Reflecting on her 37 year career in the charitable sector, Arla Gustafson will share what is important in the work we do to build a more caring community
RECORDING: Click HERE and use passcode p5m$=Aa&.
Arla Gustafson
RUH Foundation
Wednesday may 4th – Webinar
Topic: Community Panel on Corporate Sponsorships
- Nicole Westerlund, Conexus Credit Union
- Sheryl Harrow-Yurach, READ Saskatoon
- Laura Gawletz, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital
How does Conexus Credit Union make community investment decisions? What can charities do today to grow their corporate partners?
Join us for a panel discussion on corporate partnerships.
Topics will include:
* shifts in community investment strategy
* stewardship
* types of corporate partnerships
* recognition
* what you can do today to increase your corporate partnerships
Wednesday apr 6th
Topic: DM 101: Everything you always wanted to know about Direct Mail but were afraid to ask.
Are people really sending pieces of paper through Canada Post to people’s homes asking for money? And are those people sending money back to charities?
Yup. To paraphrase, the reports of Direct Mail’s death are greatly exaggerated.
So just how do you use this very old tool to successfully connect with donors and raise money? Will it work for my charity? What does a successful Direct Mail package look like? How many appeals should I send in a year?
Presentation Outcomes
1. Optimize communication and results with your donors-next-door
2. Build donor loyalty
3. Set the stage for sustainability.
4. BONUS: using Direct Mail to increase the chance of receiving transformational gifts.
David Kravinchuk
The Common Good Fundraising
Wednesday mar 2nd – webinar
Topic: Revisiting Sponsorship strategies for Today’s Uncertain Landscape
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. by Zoom
Has your sponsorship strategy been flipped upside down? Now more than ever there’s a need to be flexible in your sponsorship asks and mindful in the delivery. Knowing where to start is the hard part.
Join us as Terri discusses the current trends in events and what that means to your supporters, and future partners.
Terri Diener
SPARK Creations & Bookings
Wednesday feb 2nd – webinar
Topic: A DIGITAL CUSTOMER JOURNEY: How to deliver at every step
Now more than ever, your customers are online, and it’s crucial for your business to be right there with them.
Blue Moose Media is here to discuss the importance of a strong digital presence for your business, and to share strategies you can implement to create a presence at each stage of your digital customer’s journey. Presenter, Travis Low, will show you how these strategies can be applied to market your non-profit/charity.
Travis Low
Blue Moose Media
Wednesday jan 5th – webinar
Topic: Gift Acceptance – Some Points to Ponder before saying “Yes”
Do you have questions about Canada Revenue Agency regulations? How about gift acceptance policies or supporting a donor through your planned giving process? Jim is more than a numbers guy. His knowledge of donor relations, combined with his accounting experience, makes him the perfect person to answer your questions in this session.
Jim Traves
DCG Philanthropic
Wednesday dec 1st – webinar
Topic: One – Two Punch: Building your case for support and making the ask
You know you need a case for support. But what is it, and more importantly, what do you do with it once you have one?
We’ll get into the specifics about what a case for support for your organization is (and what it isn’t!) and how to use your case to open doors, open minds and most importantly, engage donors. We’ll share plenty of examples and would love to hear from YOU, whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to fundraising in Saskatoon. Watch for a survey link after registering for this fun and interactive session.
Wednesday nov 3rd – webinar
Prospect Research for the Small Org: Who, what where when, why and how
Is having a prospect researcher almost the same as having a psychic medium on your team? Perhaps it’s more like having a code-cracking hacker who can find out the most private of info – all for a good cause, of course. Find out exactly what prospect research is – and just as importantly – what it isn’t. Join us for an experience-based introduction to the most essential parts of prospect research and how to use it effectively when time and resources are in short supply.
Megan Palmer
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Wednesday Oct 6 (webinar)
Strategic Planning in Interesting Times
A strategic plan has traditionally been seen as the cornerstone for any non-profit, providing both direction and a framework for assessing performance. The pandemic, in addition to causing many existing strategic plans to be thrown out the window, has called into question the whole purpose of planning itself: if we can’t foresee or understand what’s going to happen next month, let alone three years from now, what’s the point? In this session, Brian will explore how planning can still be a useful activity in the midst of uncertainty, with a focus on frameworks and resources that can help your organization plan for and adapt to a rapidly-changing world.
Brian Hoessler
Strong Roots Consulting
Wednesday
sept 8
Will Power Kick-Off Event
Trina will be presenting an overview of what the national Will Power campaign is hoping to achieve over the next 10 years. This initiative is the biggest effort in Canada’s history to make estate giving a social norm. Now is the time to take action and encourage people to consider including a gift in their will to a charity. It is projected that, in Canada, within a generation over 400 billion dollars will be transferred and charities need to be a part of that.
Trina Mortson
Saskatoon SPCA
Wednesday
june 2nd – webinar
Topic: Shifting the Narrative around Charity Overhead
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. by Zoom
Kathy Arney
KEA Canada
Wednesday
May 5th – webinar
Topic: Donor Engagement Through a Planned Giving Lens
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. by Zoom
Jay Stark will be presenting ‘’. There are vast and overwhelming issues currently facing many nonprofits during these unprecedented times. However, where there are challenges there are also opportunities to show leadership and demonstrate empathy towards donors. During this private presentation Jay will share with you the latest up-to-date research and unique insights uncovered over the last year from our Canadian planned giving community. You will learn:
• The Easiest and Least Expensive Initiative to Grow Your Endowment.
• The Most Effective Planned Giving Tools and Strategies … And Why They Work.
• How to Attract Pools of Willing and Able Donors…Given Limited Resources.
• Why Charity Is Last with Donors’ Wealth Priorities … And How to Move It Higher.
• Why Your Website Is Not Working… And What to Do About It.
• The Fastest Growing Gift Strategy in Canada … That If You Can’t Beat, You’d Better Join!
• What Does COVID-19 Mean for Your Organization’s Future?
Jay Stark
The Donor Motivation Program
Wednesday
apr.7th – webinar
Telemiracle 45 — “A Pandemic Will Not Stop Us”
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. by Zoom
Last March, the world changed – and so did TeleMiracle. After 44 years, this annual telethon had to be re-invented in the midst of a pandemic. Kinsmen Foundation Executive Director Richard Kies will offer a behind-the-curtain look at how TeleMiracle 45 adapted to the challenges, and opportunities, of the COVID-19 reality.
Richard Kies
Kinsmen Foundation
Wednesday
Mar. 3rd – webinar
Online Fundraising in 2021
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. by Zoom
Tamara Rahmani
Canada Helps
Wednesday
feb. 3rd – webinar
Mental Health for Fundraisers
In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue serious enough to require assistance. Mental illness can strike anyone regardless of your gender, age, or socioeconomic background: your family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, people living next to you in the community … and YOU! With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, most everyone is discovering how important it is to protect and strengthen our mental health.
As people working with vulnerable populations, community-based and street level programs and services, and donors who want to know that their generosity is making a real difference in the lives of people in need in our community, we find ourselves in a potentially precarious situation. While we find great joy and gratification in knowing those we serve are taken care of, we also can get caught up in concerning and caring for others often at the expense of our own mental health.
Join us for an interactive conversation with Margot Weiner, Director of Development for the Canadian Mental Health Association – Saskatoon Branch, as she leads us through a discussion of our unique mental health needs as fundraisers and some strategies to manage and strengthen our resilience in the face of these needs.
Margot Weiner
Canadian Mental Health Association
Wednesday
jan. 6th – webinar
Community Investment during the Pandemic: Trends and Opportunities
After nine months of COVID-19, clear trends are developing in the community investment world at the intersection of funding dollars and not-for-profit/charitable causes. While it is tough to find certainty in many areas of our lives, there are trends that are impacting the fundraising sector. And there are opportunities to focus on. While 2020 will be known as a year that caused almost all businesses to re-act to sudden change; 2021 can be a year where you can plan toward certain targets.
Jonathan Huntington
Cameco Corporation
Wednesday
Dec. 2nd – webinar
Yes You Can: Government Relations on a Budget
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. by Zoom
Sheri will share the thoughts and learnings she has gleaned being on both sides of the GR desk.
Sheri Benson
United Way of Saskatoon
Wednesday
Nov. 4th – webinar
De-Mystifying Grant Writing: Special 2020 Edition
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
https://ssfre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SSFRE-SCF-Grantwriting-Nov-4-2020.pdf
Don Ewles
Saskatoon Community Foundation
Wednesday
oct. 7th – webinar
Agility, Humility and Resilience: A Non-Profit Response to a Global Pandemic
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Cara Bahr
YWCA Saskatoon
Wednesday
June 3rd – webinar
Engaging Volunteers to Fuel Your Fundraising
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
In this one hour presentation, Kent will discuss:
- Why have Volunteers
- Recruiting Volunteers
- Managing Volunteers
- Retaining/Rewarding Volunteers
- Engaging Volunteers during this Pandemic
Do you engage and productively use volunteers at your not for profit to advance your mission? Those that do know, intrinsically, the value they bring to your organization. In this presentation, Kent will outline why you need to incorporate volunteers to see success in your fund development program. He will create discussion on why using volunteers is invaluable and how to recruit, manage and retain their service. You set up your volunteers for success to achieve your charity’s success.
There will also be discussion on how to keep your volunteers engaged during this #PhysicalDistancing point in time.
Kent Hartshorn
DCG Philanthropic Services
Wednesday
may 6th – webinar
Donor Love 101 to 1001
Donor Love, what is it and how can one truly add this magic in my work. Whether you are just starting out, need a boost to get out of a funk, or wear a million hats in your role – Donor Love is what you need. Like the Beatles song, ‘All You Need is Love’, so is true for your fundraising program. Tips and tricks to inspire you, motivate you, and add sprinkles of Donor Love throughout your day. I promise you can do this and it will make a difference.
Stacey Schewaga
College of Dentistry
thursday
Apr 16th – webinar
Achieving Success in These Chaotic Times
- The implications of a VUCA² (Volatile; Uncertain; Complex; Ambiguous) Environment
- Addressing Grief, Loss and Habit Change
- Strategies for Effectiveness Working Remotely
- Personal Effectiveness and Engagement
This session will provide participants with insights that will guide their path to success in working through this environment we are currently experiencing. The concepts, tools and techniques shared and explored will serve for the current circumstances as well as future challenges and opportunities that may be experienced. The concepts will be explored in the context of the lived experience of fundraising and Social Impact Agency professionals.
Participants in this session will receive a comprehensive Success Tool Kit. Also included will be a personalized Working From Home Profile Report and Guide.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Go To Meeting Webinar
Free — just register to receive the link.
Nowshad (Shad) Ali
On Purpose Leadership
Wednesday
feb. 5th
The Underbelly of Hospitality: How understanding hotels can help you have a better event
The presentation will focus on the inner workings of hotels when it comes to events, and how to be a better client so you can have a better event.
Le Rendez-Vous Francophone Community Centre, 308 – 4th Ave N.
7:45 AM Continental Breakfast
7:55 AM Welcome & Introductions
8:00 AM – 8:55 AM Guest Speaker Presentation
Carol Tebay
Autism Saskatoon
Wednesday
jan. 8th
Let’s Talk Annual Giving – (with a special focus on year end campaign)
When your donors open your solicitation emails, are you grabbing their attention or going to the trash can without a glance? Infusing creativity into your fundraising communications, taking risks and expanding your zone of inspiration outside of the advancement field can have huge payoffs and keep your institution’s messaging relevant and fresh in the eyes of your donors. For the University of Saskatchewan, using this approach to create a holiday “Give & Win” email campaign—integrating a multi-layered communications strategy with development, alumni relations and athletics influences—was the winning ticket for exceeding scholarship and bursary donation goals during the busy holiday season.
Wednesday
Nov. 6th
Leadership Style – Its Impacts and Effects – Part 2
In leadership Styles session #1, we explored the results of a few studies on leadership styles in the Canadian Landscape.
In session #2, we will go a little deeper. In this session we will focus on Leadership styles and:
a. Impact on fundraising effectiveness/results
b. Impact on staff satisfaction and staff turnover
c. Strategies for leadership success
d. Strategies for working with leaders who demonstrate the various styles
Wednesday
Oct. 2nd
The Case for Support
Making Your Case.
“Wow, I want to support the people you serve!” That’s the ideal response when you ask an individual or corporation for funds.
A polished, professional case for support serves as a valuable tool in encouraging a positive response. The case enables you to discuss the project requiring funds face-to-face with a prospect and leave information for the potential supporter to review again later.
Find out where to start when producing a compelling case for support.
Wednesday
Sep. 11th
Leadership Style – Its Impacts and Effects
Based on research funded by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and other studies, Shad Ali, President of On Purpose Leadership, will provide an overview of leadership styles and their impact on fundraising and staff/volunteer satisfaction, and present strategies for leadership success.
Link to Non-Profit Canadian Leadership Styles Study