Get to know our Members

Get to know our fantastic Members!

We will be asking members (and good friends of AFP London & Region Chapter) 20 questions that will allow them to show themselves to you in a more personal light. This section will be a great way to meet them and learn from their experience. Enjoy meeting us.

Get to Know…Nora MacLeod

Winter or Summer?

  • 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?

  • Country

Facebook or Twitter?

  • Instagram

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?

  • Summer

Cat or dog?

  • Dog

Hockey or Baseball?

  • Hockey

Country or city?

  • Country

Facebook or Twitter?

  • Facebook

Music or podcasts?

  • Music

Phone meeting or Zoom meeting?

  • Phone

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? Melanie

  • Summer

Cat or dog? 

  • Dog

Hockey or Baseball?

  • Watch Hockey, Play Baseball! 

Country or city?

  • Country

Facebook or Twitter?

  • TikTok 

Music or podcasts?

  • Music

Phone meeting or Zoom meeting?

  • Phone

 One thing you are most looking forward to this year?

  • Seeing friends again! 

 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 theMelanie & Family 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:Glenn on ferry

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?

  • I would have to say 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.Glenn hat

Facebook or Twitter?

  • Facebook. I don’t use it much but am interested in what I see.

Music or podcasts?

  • Music

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?Glenn headshot

  • 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

Which do you like best:


Winter or Summer?
  • Both! That's why SW Ontario is a great place to be.
Cat or dog?
  • Dog! Although other people's cats seem to sense this and always sit on my lap, lol

Hockey or Baseball?

  • Hockey

Country or city?

  • Country

Facebook or Twitter?

  • Both! Facebook for personal, Twitter for work stuff

Music or podcasts?

  • Music, in every form, live, vinyl, CDs, e... I have done a few podcasts, but don't listen to many.

Phone meeting or Zoom meeting?

  • I'm enjoying the Zooms

One thing you are most looking forward to this year?

  • Travel? Says she hopefully.

Most memorable donor interaction?

  • One of my earliest and still best interactions with a donor was with Brent Kelman who was interim President of the London Health Sciences Foundation when I started there. He had been their Chair and then stepped in as ED when Martha Curgin died. I was new to Prospect Research and didn't know Brent was a major donor as well. He was so great from the get-go and saw the value of prospect research in regards to donors, prospects, and prospective board members. He was so inclusive and welcoming. It was only after I had been there for a while that I understood the depth of support and passion he and his wife had for healthcare. He was always open and a great example of leadership and commitment.

Favourite thing about fundraising?

  • Oh, my clients and the people and organizations I get to work with for sure. A lot of them are small to medium organizations and are so receptive to any research, new ideas and innovation. I have had many of my clients for years so I have seen donors go through complete cultivation cycles from identification to gift and stewardship and back again. It's very rewarding and you can see the impact of these organizations on the communities they serve.

Aside from your own organization, can you tell us one charitable organization / non-profit that is most meaningful to you?

  • Outside of Apra, AFP, and CAGP, it would have to be Pioneer Park Association in Bayfield, Ontario. This is a small privately-owned (by the Association) park on the shore of Lake Huron right across from our family cottage. It is volunteer-run. Our family has had the cottage there since 1970 and all of us have been involved in their fundraisers, and personally serving on their board, for many years. I am a monthly donor and will no doubt leave a legacy (when the time comes, hopefully way in the future!).

Best piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?

  • Listen! "You have 2 ears and 1 mouth, therefore you should listen (at least) twice as much as you speak." It's hard for me, but I try!

Worst piece of fundraising advice you have ever received?

  • Hahaha, assuming that everyone will want to give to your organization. I once worked for an (unnamed) organization where the (new) CEO actually said, "there are 33 million Canadians, if we can get each one to give $1, we will meet our goal." Oh my!

Best piece of fundraising advice you would give to someone else?

  • Keep learning! Whether it's through formal or informal programs, networking, mentoring, volunteering, and so on - keep learning as fundraising is changing every day.

In the last 5 years, what is one thing that has changed within fundraising that are you most surprised by?

  • Actually in the last year, because of the pandemic, events have ceased to be! [insert celebratory dance gif here] And because of this, fundraisers are able to speak more to their donors about the true mission of their organization and how their philanthropy impacts their community. This has resulted in real discussions with donors, and the time it takes to talking about, and obtaining, a major gift has been shortened significantly. Where I'm not surprised is that donors have stepped up in a time of need.

In the next 5 years, what is one thing that you predict will change within the fundraising sector?

  • Again, because of the pandemic, there may not be a need for as many events. Organizations have taken the last year to assess what fundraising programs have a good return-on-investment and have pivoted (yes, I said it) to more meaningful impactful programs. And of course, remote working has taken over and many fundraisers may not be returning to offices. Organizations may have a smaller leasing footprint and can use that money elsewhere. And of course in regards to reaching out, Zoom has made the world smaller. Our AFP webinar this week had attendees from Alberta, Ontario (outside of our region), and London - UK!

How do you network and get connecting in an online world?

  • Getting involved with networks that already exist is a good start. AFP, Apra, CAGP, Pillar, Innovation Works, and social circles too (book club, ukulele club, online fitness). While these interactions are virtual, real connections and productive work still take place. 

When hiring your own fundraisers, what’s something you look for in a candidate you think others may overlook?

  • I sometimes help my clients in their search process for new employees and I have some freelance researchers I hire as well. I always look to see if someone has been continuously upgrading themselves, whether or not their employer has been paying for it. Times change. If someone has not put any effort into keeping their skills up to snuff, then they probably won't be too innovative and forward-looking in the workplace either. Most organizations I work with want to retain their employees, and are willing to put in the work, but they have to see the employee is doing the same.

Something you would tell someone wanting to launch their career in fundraising?

  • Network, educate, be flexible, persevere. It's tough! Find a position where you are passionate about the cause, or the people working there. I once took a position because I wanted to work for the excellent fundraisers I would be reporting to. They are still movers and shakers in the industry and I still work and present with them on a regular basis. We also recruit each other for volunteer gigs. 

What led you to choose a career in fundraising?

  • As many of you know, I graduated with an MLIS degree and while I worked in libraries throughout my undergrad, in my MLIS I majored in the research side and went into research when I graduated. I worked in healthcare and higher ed and also freelance. About 20 years ago I saw an ad for a "Prospect Researcher" (what?) for LHSF and it checked all the boxes of new cool stuff to do. But to be a good researcher, you have to learn a lot about your own organization and about fundraising. You want a holistic perspective so I work a lot with folks regarding integrated giving (no silos!). From a research perspective, this often makes more sense when looking at a donor - realistically, they don't fit into the categories we have created behind the scenes. The more I work with fundraisers and AFP, the more I learn, and hope I can contribute as well!