May June 2024 Issue

How to Prevent a Fundraising Crime

The Hand’s on Fundraiser – Mary Cahalane By Mary Cahalane It’s usually an inside job. There you are, minding your own business. Getting the job done. You know the work inside and out. Sure, there are days… and nights, when all you want is a stiff drink and a chance …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

Bad News on Capital Gains Encourages Good Planning

The Accidental Philanthropist® – Mark Halpern   By Mark Halpern, CFP, TEP, MFA-P No one likes bad news, whether it comes in the form of a stock market correction, a rise in inflation or a drop in interest rates that cuts cash flow for retirees living on a fixed income. …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

How to (Really) Get Started Using ChatGPT & AI for Fundraising

Inside AI – George Irish   By George Irish “We want to start using AI, but we don’t know where to begin.” Lately, many of my conversations with nonprofit fundraisers have started this way. I think it marks the moment where artificial intelligence (AI), including ChatGPT, has become more than …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

How Approachable Philanthropy Amplifies Impact

The Leadership Challenge – Julie Quenneville   By Julie Quenneville As I reflect on the transformative power of philanthropy, I can’t help but think about what an honour it is to serve in this sector. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

Get Money Moving

A New Q&A Series about How to Mobilize Philanthropic Dollars, While Being Strategic By Nicholas Palahnuk Recently at a philanthropy conference in New York, I talked with dozens of people who have big visions for change. They are making bold gifts to empower and fuel the work of frontline leaders …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

Sustaining Charities by Cultivating Communities: Lessons from The Giving Report 2024

By Duke Chang As social circles shrink and Canadians are increasingly disconnected, the number of Canadians giving to charities continues to decline — straining charitable operations across the country. It’s very likely that you know of someone like Jessica: she’s 32 years old and shares a small apartment with her …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

Direct Mail Benchmarks Research: Fundraisers, Welcome to Your New Normal

By Good Works Over the past four years, direct mail performance in Canada has been all over the map. We’ve seen record highs (looking at you, 2020) and big drops (hello, 2022), and everything in-between. I think we’d all agree we’re ready for some stability, and that’s why we’re quite …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

A Note to Advisors: Our Charity Partners are our Secret Weapon for Client Impact

By Serena Hak It is no secret that for decades there has been a push, both in the financial sector and the charitable sector, for more strategic collaboration to enhance charitable giving. As financial advisors, we know that this is good for our business. Clients appreciate advisors who understand their …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

How the Canadian Federal Budget Affects the Charitable Sector

Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) Reform By CAGP Staff In effect for almost forty years, AMT was introduced as a means for the government to ensure individuals and certain trusts pay at least a minimum amount of tax. AMT is an alternative tax regime where high-income earners and trusts calculate their …

READ MORE →
May June 2024 Issue

Improving the Volunteer Experience and Responding to Changes in Local Demographics

By Tracy Drenth Like many not-for-profit organizations across the country, St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s), experienced a drastic decline in the number of volunteers post-pandemic. The individuals most relied upon by our hospital were sidelined as they were deemed most vulnerable. During the peak of the pandemic, my …

READ MORE →