Katie MacDonald
Volunteer & Capacity Development Lead
Community Foundation of Nova Scotia
AFP member since 2025
How did you start your career in philanthropy?
My career in the charitable sector began in Calgary, where I worked with an organization serving children, youth, and families. At the same time, I was pursuing my Bachelor of Business, which likely influenced the lens I brought to the work—balancing empathy and creativity with an eye for structure and sustainability.
It was through this frontline experience that I became both frustrated and fascinated by how charitable organizations operate. I had so many questions: Why are we doing it this way? How can we sustain funding for this vital program? Why are staff burning out—and why isn't that being addressed? And what’s the ripple effect of that burnout on those we serve?
I didn’t always love the answers I received, and the discomfort stayed with me. But instead of giving in to discouragement, I stayed curious. I didn’t want to just talk about change—I wanted to help make it. That mindset ultimately led me, quite unexpectedly, into philanthropy.
Like many people, I sort of ‘fell into’ this path. I was open about what I was observing and asked questions out loud—to anyone who would listen, including a woman I met while walking a dog! That spontaneous conversation led me to a role at Calgary Foundation, a local community foundation that facilitates collaborative philanthropy.
Shifting from frontline service to working with a funder and grantmaker gave me a whole new perspective. When I joined the team, Calgary Foundation was at the early stages of a bold internal learning journey focused on reconciliation and racial equity. My role was quite cross-functional. I supported both internal organizational learning related to those efforts and capacity building with charitable partners—especially those interested in building endowment funds as part of their revenue diversification strategies. It’s been a meaningful way to stay grounded in community, while also helping to shift the systems that support it.
What I really loved about the work I was being introduced to was the opportunity to connect and convene community—to be in relationship.
And my connection to AFP? Well, I have struggled with seeing myself as a “fundraiser,” but I understood how my work—and how we think about systems, learning, and relationships—shapes fundraising. I understood the role of funding, grantmaking, stewardship, and investing, but... truly, I didn’t see myself as a fundraiser or as AFP being a relevant network or learning space for me. I had engaged with AFP Calgary and CAGP while living there, and my work led me to build some great partnership opportunities with both—but I hadn’t yet seen it as my place.
Why did you join AFP Nova Scotia? What has your experience been like so far?
In the fall of 2021, my partner and I made the decision to move back to Nova Scotia from Calgary. We came home to be with a family member who was unwell. During that time, my workplace—the Calgary Foundation—was incredibly compassionate, allowing me to continue working remotely, which made the transition easier. But I was still nervous. My work was still rooted in Alberta, and I didn’t know how I would begin to build professional relationships here in Nova Scotia.
Just before the move, a colleague and good friend, Djaka, connected me with Liz LeClair. I still remember having a phone conversation with Liz while I was packing boxes in Calgary. She told me that once I arrived, we’d meet in person at an upcoming gathering hosted by AFP Nova Scotia. That event turned out to be National Philanthropy Day, one of the first in-person events the chapter had hosted since 2019.
I remember feeling nervous as I walked into a room full of fundraisers, still convinced that AFP was not ‘for me’ and thinking, Should I even be here? I’m not a fundraiser. But here’s what ended up happening: I met so many generous and passionate professionals that day, including Alison Clements, who insisted I meet Vanessa Burns, then co-chairing the Maritime Fundraising Conference. Vanessa invited me to volunteer with the event and so warmly reassured me that it was okay not to be a member. That gathering—and many other moments afterward—slowly evolved into deeper involvement with the local membership.
My experience with other institutional membership organizations had been neutral—nothing I felt particularly connected to. But my experience with AFP Nova Scotia, at the Chapter level, has been different. I’ve found a meaningful professional community, and more than that, I’ve met people I truly admire—for the work they do, the integrity they bring to it, and the way they consistently show up for one another. I’ve found people who are willing to challenge and be challenged—and if there’s one takeaway I’d offer, it’s this: the relationships are where it’s at.
Since that first interaction in 2021, I’ve volunteered with MFC twice, served on the board, supported National Philanthropy Day, and recently stepped into the role of Chair of the Education portfolio. My involvement with AFP NS has helped me find my footing back home in Nova Scotia, and I’m deeply grateful for that.
What would you share with someone who is unsure about joining AFP?
Start by simply getting involved—no membership required. Have a coffee with someone who’s currently involved, volunteer with one of the chapter portfolios, help plan a gathering or support an education session. No big commitments—just find what works for you. There’s also the mentorship program, which is open to non-members as well.
Sometimes the best way to decide if something is a good fit is to try it out first. That’s how it happened for me. By showing up, asking questions, and getting involved, I not only discovered the value the Nova Scotia Chapter could offer—I also found a group of generous, passionate professionals who are open to sharing, learning, and supporting one another. These are relationships I know I’ll carry with me beyond my involvement with AFP.
What would you tell fundraisers who are just getting started or looking to grow?
It’s more than okay to be a generalist—sometimes, it’s the best place to begin. Exploring different areas of philanthropy, fundraising, and charitable work helps you discover what resonates and where you’ll shine. Grow your shine. You might be surprised by the opportunities that emerge and the directions your career can take.
Stay open and curious. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. A cross-functional mindset is a strength. Start where you are. Ask thoughtful questions. Trust that your voice and perspective belong in this work—we’re better with you in it.
How did you get involved with your current work with CFNS?
I asked for help. When I moved back to Nova Scotia from Calgary, I was intentional about wanting to “land well.” I had been working with Calgary Foundation and didn’t want to lose connection to the kind of work I loved. Through conversations with leaders I had worked closely with, the idea of a secondment with a local community foundation took shape—ultimately leading me to the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia (CFNS).
That secondment gave me valuable exposure to the philanthropic landscape here at home and helped me see how I could meaningfully contribute. It eventually led to a formal contract with CFNS, where I’ve had the opportunity to lead work I care deeply about—from facilitating participatory grant reviews last year with rural community partners, to developing capacity-building tools to support community funds and launching the pilot of the Endowment Building Program with charitable organizations.
What is something you have recently contributed to that you are proud of?
I’m fortunate to say there are many things I’m proud of throughout my career. Most recently, I had the opportunity to lead the co-creation and pilot launch of the Endowment Building Program with the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The program was about more than building an endowment strategy or growth plan (though yes, if you’re planning to establish an endowment, connect it to your strategy and engage your team!). It was about partnering with organizations to help them see how endowment building can—and should—support their broader mission. Long-term sustainability doesn’t come from standalone efforts. It comes from strategies that are integrated into the culture, operations, and vision of the organization.
We created space for strategy and storytelling, policy and purpose, and focused on building internal clarity and confidence. Seeing organizations leave the program feeling more equipped to lead this work—not just in theory but in practice—has been rewarding. I’m proud to have contributed to something that helps purpose-led organizations build for the long term, and I’m grateful for the feedback that’s shaping where the program goes next.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
One of the most meaningful parts of my philanthropic journey has been supporting internal culture change at Calgary Foundation, particularly in the context of truth and reconciliation and racial equity.
I had the opportunity to work closely with Tim Fox, Vice President of Indigenous Relations and Racial Equity, and my colleague Djaka Blais-Amare, whose leadership invited the entire organization to ask: Who do we serve? Who have we left out? What does reconciliation and racial equity look like in practice?
My role focused on holding space for learning and reflection—supporting staff, leadership, and board members as we explored how to move from intention to action. I was also deeply influenced by opportunities hosted by The Circle on Philanthropy, especially the Partners in Reciprocity fellowship, which pushed me to confront the personal work required to show up differently in this space.
This work was, and continues to be, slow and humbling. One of the most powerful shifts was seeing our grantmaking evolve from transactional to relational. That phrase gets used a lot—but living it out meant listening more than speaking, moving at the pace of trust, and rethinking policies that unintentionally created barriers.
For example, our geographic boundaries—meant to clarify scope—were, in some cases, reinforcing colonial lines. We had to ask: How can we honour place and people more than policy? And how do we accept that moving money alone doesn’t equal good relations?
I’m proud to have been part of a process that asked us to reimagine our roles not just as funders, but as partners and guests on this land. That experience continues to shape how I work—with more humility, more patience, and a deeper commitment to walking the long road of reconciliation.
Tell us about your role with the Education Portfolio and what you hope for:
In my role with the Education Portfolio, I hope to contribute to programming that strengthens the capacity of fundraisers and other professionals in the philanthropic sector. My goal is to help create learning experiences that are not only practical but also inspiring—equipping individuals with the tools and confidence they need to grow and feel joy in their work. I hope to foster an environment of continuous learning, where members can connect, reflect, and find new ways to make an impact in their communities.
Katie MacDonald is the Volunteer & Capacity Development Lead at the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia and currently serves as Chair of the Education portfolio with AFP Nova Scotia. With a background in philanthropy, community engagement, and capacity-building, she’s passionate about creating the conditions where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute in meaningful ways. Katie also serves as Vice Chair of the Our Health Centre Foundation, supporting community-based health and wellness through fundraising and volunteer leadership.