Get to Know…Nora MacLeod
Winter or Summer?
Cat or dog?
- Both! I have a Cat named B.B. and a Dog named Beau.
Hockey or Baseball?
- Football J(I know not very Canadian of me!)
Country or city?
Facebook or Twitter?
Music or podcasts?
- Both! I commute to work and enjoy either on my rides to and from work.
Phone meeting or Zoom meeting?
- Zoom – but can I now say in-person!
One thing you are most looking forward to this year?
- My wedding! I’m getting married in October 2022
Most memorable donor interaction?
- There are so many but what would be most memorable was my first time working with a major donor to help facilitate a major gift. I remember the excitement of being one of only few people who knew the gift was coming and the celebration of the gift announcement. I was so close to the cause myself it was hard to hide my emotions. It was amazing to see the impact a gift of that size could have on the community.
Favourite thing about fundraising?
- Building lasting relationships. I love the conversations and hearing the enthusiasm donors have for a cause and what motivates them to give. I find it hard not to be inspired by the spirit of philanthropy that exist.
Aside from your own organization, can you tell us one charitable organization / non-profit that is most meaningful to you?
- Mental Health is a cause that is very close to my heart. I fully believe we should be treating and funding mental health the same way we do physical health and remove the barriers and stigma that currently exists. There are some great organizations doing amazing work for mental health. I support CAMH by participating in the sunrise challenge. Locally, I support the Unity Project who work to address the homeless in London.
Best piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- No is never no, it is not right now. I think when you start out in fundraising there can be a fear of hearing “no” from a donor. If you reframe it to not right now it can take the sting away and help you refocus your approach with the donor.
Worst piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- I can’t think of one specific. Sometimes, I do think fundraisers can get lost in the process of the donor cycle and forget the human aspect of the work we do. While these systems and processes are tried and true, at the end of the day it is one human to another and there are many nuisances to human interaction.
Best piece of fundraising advice you would give to someone else?
- Get out there or pick up the phone. Many of us can get bogged down at our desks and type behind a computer but you will always get farther by creating those human connections.
In the last 5 years, what is one thing that has changed within fundraising that are you most surprised by?
- Probably the power Zoom! I could never have imagined the pandemic and just how much our work would shift online. I think the ability to connect with donors all over the world by zoom is amazing. It has provided the opportunity to expand our reach.
In the next 5 years, what is one thing that you predict will change within the fundraising sector?
- I mean I don’t know if this will ever change but maybe Direct Mail? So much has been shifted to digital since the pandemic which is a good thing and as younger generations get more involved organizations might start relying less and less on direct mail.
How do you network and get connecting in an online world?
- I find LinkedIn is a great way to connect. It is important to be active on it which I do find hard to do but have been very grateful to have the connections I do have there.
When hiring your own fundraisers, what’s something you look for in a candidate you think others may overlook?
- Young/new fundraisers. The eagerness to learn and bring new ideas is a huge asset to any team.
Something you would tell someone wanting to launch their career in fundraising?
- Take courses. It may seem like there are transferable skills but there is so much to know and having that base knowledge is so helpful when launching a career in fundraising.
What led you to choose a career in fundraising?
- My grandmother. She gave so much time and energy to the organizations she cared about. While she wasn’t well off but she was selfless and others were richer for it. I miss her.
Get to Know…Heather Hurst
Winter or Summer?
Cat or dog?
Hockey or Baseball?
Country or city?
Facebook or Twitter?
Music or podcasts?
Phone meeting or Zoom meeting?
One thing you are most looking forward to this year?
- Meeting face to face with friends and acquaintances in public places.
Most memorable donor interaction?
- Following a presentation to a donor, we learned that he decided to invest in another worthy cause. However, later that day, that same donor came to our office and said our presentation inspired him and made him feel so connected that he decided to invest in the hospital as well! I was overjoyed that our genuine passion for our cause connected with him and ultimately helped support our charity and another very deserving nonprofit.
Favourite thing about fundraising?
- To see first-hand the impact fundraising has on society and how it can lift up individuals and communities for the better.
Aside from your own organization, can you tell us one charitable organization / nonprofit that is most meaningful to you?
- A cause that is very close to my heart is Ovarian Cancer. I lost a best friend at a young age to Ovarian Cancer. I was very moved by how a group of our friends got together and started the LoveHer Event to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and support the work that Ovarian Cancer Canada does, including naming an award after my friend. The Karen Campbell Award is given out to the top researcher in the area of Ovarian Cancer annually.
Best piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- Early in my career, a donor gave me some great advice and taught me to "listen the gift." Which meant, listen to the message the donor wants to convey with their gift instead of trying to fit the donor's message and gift to what you want to talk about. Listening intently to a donor and understanding their goals is so important, and if you don't, it can change the outcome of the meeting quickly.
Worst piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- You will not attract and retain donors through social media. The world continues to change and we need to adapt and change with it. Social media platforms have become an essential communication tool that can engage new and existing donors if you spend time and effort telling great stories.
Best piece of fundraising advice you would give to someone else?
- Be authentic with donors, take the time to get to know them, ask for their input, and look for your shared values.
In the last 5 years, what is one thing that has changed within fundraising that are you most surprised by?
- The use of social media has grown exponentially. I was surprised how donors have adjusted to so many different platforms.
In the next 5 years, what is one thing that you predict will change within the fundraising sector?
- COVID-19 has changed the way we look at and interact in the world. I believe we will continue to see a hybrid of in-person and virtual events for many years to come as well as new platforms for connecting will continue to enhance how we make a difference.
How do you network and get connecting in an online world?
- I use LinkedIn and other social media platforms to stay connected online. Still, nothing takes the place of connecting in person, and I try to attend events throughout the city to stay connected.
When hiring your own fundraisers, what's something you look for in a candidate you think others may overlook?
- I look for shared values in the mission, commitment to people, and a high level of emotional intelligence.
Something you would tell someone wanting to launch their career in fundraising?
- When you get up in the morning and think about how you can make a difference, fundraising is for you.
What led you to choose a career in fundraising?
- I grew up in a home where giving back was a priority. Whether it was at church or other community organizations, I was out there with my mom making a difference. That wonderful feeling of being able to help others really stuck with me and led me to my career in fundraising!
Get to Know…Melanie Riley
Which do you like best:
Winter or Summer? 
Cat or dog?
Hockey or Baseball?
- Watch Hockey, Play Baseball!
Country or city?
Facebook or Twitter?
Music or podcasts?
Phone meeting or Zoom meeting?
One thing you are most looking forward to this year?
Most memorable donor interaction?
- Working closely with Carol Todd, who lost her beautiful daughter Amanda to suicide. Together we created several meaningful campaigns to raise awareness of the help available for youth contemplating suicide, and raised funds to provide those services.
Favourite thing about fundraising?
- Making a difference in people’s lives. You don’t always see the direct impact raising money for programs has on individuals. I feel incredibly fortunate that I have had the chance to see this several times in my career, most recently with pandemic relief funds I acquired for the YMCASWO.
Aside from your own organization, can you tell us one charitable organization / non-profit that is most meaningful to you?
- My first job out of university was with the MS Society of Canada in Toronto. With no fundraising education programs out there at the time, I learnt from others and just used my common sense. Little did I know that later in life, the information I learned there would help support family members who were diagnosed with MS.
Best piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- If it’s not in Raiser’s Edge, it didn’t happen! Lol But really…documenting interactions with donors is so incredibly important. I am a firm believer in using data to direct your fundraising strategy, and that can’t happen if it’s not in your database.
Worst piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- That building a planned giving program was not worth my time or effort. That I needed to focus on bringing in donations to support our budget that year. I still remember how good it felt when I built the 1910 Society at Girl Guides of Canada and received over 50 legacy intentions in the first year.
Best piece of fundraising advice you would give to someone else?
- Be genuine in your interactions. If you don’t believe in your cause, people will feel that, and not trust in the
organization. This is especially important when working with major donors. Open, honest and transparent communication is imperative to create long-term meaningful relationships that can bring your mission to life.
In the last 5 years, what is one thing that has changed within fundraising that are you most surprised by?
- I’m very happy to see so many new, easy to use and affordable databases that have payment processing options and that optimize your website and other digital content. There was a time when there were only a handful of programs out there and none talked to each other. It’s great news for charities to see this type of growth and competition which will only make our data systems stronger as we continue to connect digitally with donors.
In the next 5 years, what is one thing that you predict will change within the fundraising sector?
- I’ve been saying for the last 15 years that direct mail is going nowhere. And I still don’t think it is. With so much of our lives online and each of us receiving so many emails that we just ignore or delete, I think those that continue to use print pieces to engage their donors will create more meaningful and deeper connections. People might make their gift online, but the print piece will have played its part in motivating that gift.
How do you network and get connecting in an online world?
- I use LinkedIn and social media to stay connected for the most part. But I also volunteer! I’m excited to be continuing my volunteer work with AFPLRC transitioning from their inaugural Membership Chair to their new Treasurer.
When hiring your own fundraisers, what’s something you look for in a candidate you think others may overlook?
- When hiring staff, I place more weight on why they want to work in that role or for that charity, than their experience. Someone who has a passion for the cause will learn and excel compared to those that have years of experience, but aren’t motivated.
Something you would tell someone wanting to launch their career in fundraising?
- It’s all about relationships. Whether you’re interested in events or major gifts, your role is building relationships with people. If you can see yourself doing that, then this might be the field for you.
What led you to choose a career in fundraising?
- My parents instilled in me a sense of duty to my fellow man, and my early years as a Girl Guide taught me how important it was to give back to my community. Even though I didn’t have a clear career direction throughout my university years, my first job in fundraising solidified that this was the right place for me. I feel proud to tell my son what I do, and hopefully instill in him, the same philanthropic purpose.
Get to Know...Glenn Waterman
Which do you like best:
Winter or Summer?
- Definitely summer. Winter can be fun but summer offers so many more things to do and it is so much more comfortable.
Cat or dog?
Hockey or Baseball?
- Hockey. Much faster and more interesting.
Country or city?
- I love to be in the country but like to base myself in a medium sized city.
Facebook or Twitter?
- Facebook. I don’t use it much but am interested in what I see.
Music or podcasts?
Phone meeting or Zoom meeting?
- I really like to see who I am speaking to and am enjoying the Zoom experience.
One thing you are most looking forward to this year?
- Being vaccinated and being able to get together with friends and family again. (Just got my first shot on April 21st.)
Most memorable donor interaction?
- It was with Shae Invidiata, who was a supporter of IJM Canada through her organization Free Them. Shae had agreed to come to India to see the work firsthand and we were travelling together with other staff and donors. We sat together at lunch one day, started comparing life stories, and I found out that as a high school student she had been one of the top 30 Hour Famine organizers during the period I was the Canadian 30 Hour Famine Manager for World Vision. Both of us had forgotten that we had met before and it helped to develop a very friendly and strong relationship.
Favourite thing about fundraising?
- The incredible people that you meet who want to change the world for the better. I have met children, teenagers, adults, and seniors who are doing remarkable things and who inspire me.
Aside from your own organization, can you tell us one charitable organization / non-profit that is most meaningful to you?
- I recently started learning about Indwell, a Christian charity that creates affordable housing communities. They support people seeking health, wellness and belonging for over 700 people in Hamilton, Woodstock, Simcoe and London. I listened to an online presentation they did for our church and was very impressed with how they are making a difference in the lives of people locally.
Best piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- Listen to your supporters and ask questions. Do not assume you know what they want to do. A great example of this is when I was part of developing an ask for $100,000 for a pair of donors. One of our team was taking the ask to them. Fortunately, he listened to them before giving it to them because they were thinking of a $1,000,000 gift. Needless to say, we changed the proposal and got the gift. Listen, listen, listen.
Worst piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?
- Twenty years ago, I was told that direct mail was dying and would be useless in a few years. Today, twenty years later, it is different, but still a vital part of the fundraising mix when it is combined effectively with the other methods.
Best piece of fundraising advice you would give to someone else?
- Listen to all the ideas people bring to you. You cannot do everything, but you never know when an amazing idea will come to you from the most unlikely source. When you get that idea, and it looks good, do not be afraid to test it. You will either get some great results or you will learn something new. Both are valuable.
In the last 5 years, what is one thing that has changed within fundraising that are you most surprised by?
- The extent to which we are moving online. The pandemic is accelerating this but even before, there was a rapid digital expansion that seemed to be accelerating much faster than anticipated.
In the next 5 years, what is one thing that you predict will change within the fundraising sector?
- We are already seeing the end of events and I do not see them coming back in the same way they did before. Even online events will start to decline as ‘zoom fatigue’ sets in.
How do you network and get connecting in an online world?
- Being involved with the local chapter of AFP, being on the communications committee, belonging to groups who are meeting online and making a conscious effort to reach out to colleagues who you know but have not connected with recently. Reach out and connect with someone new every week.
When hiring your own fundraisers, what’s something you look for in a candidate you think others may overlook?
- I am looking for ‘fit’ with the current team. This does not mean being identical, but it does mean that their expertise, attitudes, and social skills will enhance team dynamics, not hinder them. There are various tests that can help with this and I have used Birkman quite extensively. A good fit can increase team effectiveness, whereas I have seen a bad fit, even with the right skill set, almost destroy a team.
Something you would tell someone wanting to launch their career in fundraising?
- You need to be involved with a cause that you believe in. Do research and determine what is important to you and then make the effort to speak to fundraisers who are working in that area. Spend time figuring out where your skills will fit and what type of organization is for you. Some do much better in smaller shops and some do very well in larger organizations. Determine your best fit and pursue that.
What led you to choose a career in fundraising?
- I was managing and selling trade shows and conferences and was getting very tired of trying to squeeze a bit more profit out while reducing expenses. My wife was in a career where she helped people and that seemed to be a much better path to take with my life. My first foray into fundraising was as the World Vision Canada 30 Hour Famine Manager and I never looked back. I have had an amazing career running national campaigns, travelling to various countries to see the work, meeting donors, working with great people and being inspired by Canadians. It was the best choice I could make.
Get to Know…Tracey Church
Aside from your own organization, can you tell us one charitable organization / non-profit that is most meaningful to you?
In the last 5 years, what is one thing that has changed within fundraising that are you most surprised by?
In the next 5 years, what is one thing that you predict will change within the fundraising sector?
When hiring your own fundraisers, what’s something you look for in a candidate you think others may overlook?