Fundraising Workshops
For many nonprofits, fundraising is hard work. And the resources required to fundraise successfully can seem like they take away from your core work. But there can be joy in fundraising!
Check out our webinars from fundraising experts for ideas to help you on your fundraising journey. Some 2024 workshops are available for registration - others are still under development.
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INTRO to Fundraising: Effective strategies for nonprofits
Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 1-2pm
For many nonprofits, fundraising is not only hard work, but it can be overwhelming – and the resources required to fundraise successfully can take away from your core work. But this does not have to be the case.
For organizations large and small, raising needed funds through donor support can – and must – be a powerful part of any nonprofit’s financing model. For “fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” (Hank Rosso)
This free session will introduce the basics of fundraising, with an emphasis on practical tools, tactics, and strategies that smaller organizations can utilize to build capacity and sustainability for their organization. We have updated this session to include discussions about artificial intelligence, the culture of giving with your board of directors, and trends of 2024.
Participants will come away from this workshop with:
- An understanding of the current giving trends in Canada and how this can impact your organization in 2024.
- A greater appreciation for the cost benefit analysis and return on investment in fundraising (or “Fundraising from the corner of your desk”.)
- Strategies on ‘The Ask’ – who to ask, when to ask, how to ask.
- A firm grasp on stewardship – the science and art of thanking.
- Essential tools that will enhance your fundraising efforts.
Trainer Derek Bechthold's career, spanning 24+ years has had him the honour of contributing to a myriad of nonprofits and charities from a multitude of sectors including, Wood's Homes, Inn from the Cold, The Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, and The Brenda Strafford Foundation. These agencies have ranged in budgets from $500,000 to $85 million, and fundraising departments from seven full-time employees to one-person shops. Derek has dabbled in every manner of fund development and is well versed in high-level strategic development down to the tactical minutiae of fundraising.
Life of a Grant: Persepctives of a funder and a fundraiser
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 , 1-2:30pm
For most nonprofit professionals, applying for grants can be a time-consuming and overwhelming endeavour. Even if you have a well-written proposal, the growing demand for services in the nonprofit sector means there is tough competition for funding.
Whether you are new to the grant writing process or you are hoping to increase the success of your next grant application, this 90-minute workshop is designed for organizations that do not have dedicated fundraising departments. Join our fireside chat with two highly experienced fundraising and funding specialists as they walk you through the life of a grant from the perspective of both the fundraiser and funder.
You'll hear practical insight on the following topics:
- How do I make grant writing worth my time?
- What is the return on investment (ROI) of grants?
- How do I find and choose the best grants for my organization?
- What are some best practices of successful grant writers?
- What do funders look for in successful grant applications? My grant was unsuccessful!
- What should I do now?
- Plus answers to your burning grant writing questions!
Cost: $10-30 - We recognize that smaller organizations lack equitable access to the financial resources needed for professional development. We have provided 3 ticket pricing options that provide full access to the workshop. We invite you to choose a rate that is best aligned with your or your organization's ability to pay.
Trainer Derek Bechthold's career, spanning 24+ years has had him the honour of contributing to a myriad of nonprofits and charities from a multitude of sectors including, Wood's Homes, Inn from the Cold, The Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, and The Brenda Strafford Foundation. These agencies have ranged in budgets from $500,000 to $85 million, and fundraising departments from seven full-time employees to one-person shops. Derek has dabbled in every manner of fund development and is well versed in high-level strategic development down to the tactical minutiae of fundraising.
Sara Stepa is a born and raised Albertan who has been raising funds for personal and community causes for over a decade. In her previous role, as the Director of Programs, she learned the ins and outs of both sides of the grant pipeline. Throughout her career she has raised over $5.5 million in grant funding for social and community causes. Sara has a passion for bridging the gaps and reducing barriers for communities so they can achieve their mission. To help grow the skills and knowledge across the sector, she started her own grant consulting business, Step Up Consulting, in 2021.
Watch past events!
INTRO to Fundraising: Effective strategies for nonprofits
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
This session introduces the basics of fundraising, with an emphasis on practical tools, tactics, and strategies that smaller organizations can utilize to build capacity and sustainability for their organization. Topics include: An understanding of the current giving trends in Canada and how this can impact your organization; the cost benefit analysis and return on investment in fundraising; strategies on ‘The Ask’ – who to ask, when to ask, how to ask; stewardship – the science and art of thanking; essential tools that will enhance your fundraising efforts. Watch the video.