June 4th, 2026 | McDonnel Centre, Peterborough, ON

A Full Day of  Super Sessions & a Panel Discussion on Workable Insights.

National, Regional and Local Experts on the Best & Proven Fundraising Strategy, Tactics & Technology

OFFICIAL ASSOCIATION PARTNER
PLUS Attend Our Optional Leadership Workshop on June 5th
A One-Day Course from one of Canada’s Most Prominent and Sought After Advisors.
Mikhael Bornstein consults with large and small organizations on leadership skills for any and all individuals.
LEARN MORE

Kawartha Fundraising Day + Kawartha Philanthropy Giving Guide = More Donors, Greater Donations, Business Sponsors.

   

WORKING AGENDA
(note: the order of topic presentation is subject to change)

8:00 A.M. Registration Opens + Continental Breakfast Served

8:50 A.M. Welcome, Overview, Keynote Speaker Introduction

9:00 A.M. Keynote Presentation: 2026 Giving Report Special Advance Insights–Julie Fiorini, GM Donor Services + Brand Marketing, CanadaHelps

10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Deep-Dive, Skills Advancement Super Sessions: The Tactics of Fundraising Appeal Creative; Social Media Strategy & Tactics; Grants & Funding: How to Leverage Google Grants and More; Wealth Management Connections: Building Donor Gifts; The Business Donor Relationship: Where, How, When, Why & Tactics

12:30 P.M. Luncheon: Buffet Luncheon, Refreshments, Networking

1:30 P.M.  to 4:15 P.M. Deep-Dive, Skills Advancement Super Sessions: Tech, AI, Digital: What’s Actually Possible Now; Data, Analytics, Insights for Fundraising; Media, Publicity & Messaging Strategy & Tactics; The Proven Secrets of Campaign Execution (Plan, Create, Deploy…); Tools & Mechanics: From Events to Auctions & Beyond

4:15 P.M. Closing Panel Discussion (Ask, Inquire, Clarify, Connect & Request)

5:00 P.M. Conference Closes

SPEAKERS & SESSION DETAILS
(Please sign up to guarantee your seats.)

OUR SPEAKERS & THEIR SESSIONS INCLUDE:

SESSION DETAILS: An Insider’s Advance Glimpse. This very special presentation offers a sneak preview as CanadaHelps reveals the brand new edition of the Annual Canadian Giving Report 2026. Learn More About Giving Trends and Canada’s Charitable Sector The Giving Report 2026 highlights insights and giving trends that are challenging Canada’s charitable sector as it struggles with fewer Canadians making donations. Leveraging the vast volume and breadth of online giving data at CanadaHelps, analysis of the latest tax filer data, and demographic, financial, and psychographic insights from Environics Analytics, we paint a detailed picture of concerning trends in how Canadians give. Julie’s presentation will be one of the first talks releasing and revealing the new data and trends. One of the most important research documents in the philanthropic sector, a special Kawartha in-person appearance from the national organization. Each delegate will take home a copy of the brand new 2026 Giving Report.

JULIE FIORINI, CANADAHELPS. ​Julie Fiorini is the General Manager of Donor Services and Brand Marketing at CanadaHelps. Julie brings a diverse background in marketing, communications and fundraising to support Canadians on their philanthropic journey and drive much-needed donations to charities that are working everyday to make our world better. Her years of experience working with the non-profit FoodShare qualify her to speak on the challenges and systemic barriers that keep Canadians from accessing food. Julie’s hard work to improve charities’ digital transformations also makes her a qualified speaker on the digital limitations charities’ face and the need to modernize. www.canadahelps.org 

 

SUPER SESSION: The Importance of Understanding Your Donors and Putting Them at the Centre of Your Strategy. In today’s challenging economic climate and amidst global geopolitical uncertainty, there has never been a more critical time for Not-for-Profit and Charitable organizations to leverage data effectively. Understanding how data can strengthen donor engagement is key to starting, nurturing, and growing relationships that sustain your mission. This session will demonstrate how incorporating data into your strategies and planning can transform your organization into a truly data-driven entity—both now and in the future. Join Allen Davidov as he explores how many organizations are sitting on a goldmine of underutilized data. Learn how organizations of all sizes can harness internal data and collaborate with external partners to build future-ready strategies that engage current donors and attract new prospects in meaningful, impactful ways. Discover the art and science behind using data to create a holistic view of your donors and prospects. Gain insights into who your donors are, their engagement patterns, and their future goals—empowering your organization to plan and strategize with confidence. This transformation won’t happen overnight, but now is the time to embark on your data journey. Take a smart, stepwise approach to achieve tangible short-term outcomes while laying the foundation for long-term success. Participants will learn…

• What goes into Environics Analytics data and where does it come from.
• Privacy and Governance and how we handle and produce data.
• What wealth, demographic, giving, psychographic and behavioural data sets are available for charities at the 6-digit postal code or DA level.
• How EA data compliments your organizations data and provides you with a wholistic picture of your donors.

Learning Objectives: 1. How can your organization utilize the data and tools available to identify strategies and opportunities and build a modernized view of their donor to implement efficient and cohesive donor journeys. 2. Learn how to maximize your database, regardless of if it’s in good or rough shape.

SPEAKER: ALLEN DAVIDOV, ENVIRONICS ANALYTICS. Allen Davidov, MBA, CM, is the Senior Vice President and Practice Leader of the not-for-profit, energy, and tourism sectors at Environics Analytics. With over twenty years of experience in marketing, analytics, and fundraising, he has worked with organizations of all sizes to unlock the value of information in decision-making and business strategy. Before joining EA, Allen led marketing and a variety of fundraising programs at several organizations, including Sinai Health Foundation, Habitat for Humanity GTA, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Region, St. John’s Rehab Hospital Foundation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and North York General Hospital Foundation. Allen is also an active member of the Canadian Marketing Association Not-For-Profit Council, a TTRA board member, and a member of Seneca College’s Marketing Advisory Council. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), a Creative Advertising diploma from Centennial College, and a Chartered Marketer certificate from the Canadian Marketing Association. Environics Analytics

SUPER SESSION: Press Relations (PR) Act as a Powerful Force Multiplier for Charity Fundraising. Transforming a charity’s mission into compelling, earned media stories that drive public engagement, build credibility, and attract donors requires special knowledge.  Unlike paid advertising, PR offers “social proof,” where independent media coverage authenticates the urgency and integrity of a cause, often persuading donors to choose one charity over competitors. The power of press relations in charity fundraising can elevate credibility and trust; provide a third-party endorsement that paid ads cannot, assuring potential donors that the organization is legitimate and effective; archived news stories serve as lasting documentation of a charity’s impact, which major donors and grant-makers frequently review during due diligence; reaches audiences outside a charity’s immediate network, introducing the cause to new, potential individual and corporate donors. And much more. Learn the key PR tactics for fundraising impact.

SPEAKER: PAUL RELLINGER, WRITER, DONOR, FUNDRAISER. Paul Rellinger is a Peterborough-based freelance writer doing contract work via Rellinger Writing Services. A Centennial College broadcast journalism graduate, Paul worked in radio newsrooms in Toronto and Oshawa before making switch to print journalism in 1983 as a reporter for Oshawa-Whitby This Week. He moved to Peterborough in 1989 to be an editor and columnist with Peterborough This Week, a position he held until January 2016. Paul is the incoming board chair for Peterborough Musicfest, the longtime honourary chair of Peterborough Family Literacy Day and a past president of the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, In addition he raised thousands of dollars for Habitat For Humanity via his annual Relly On The Roof fundraiser. Returning to the United Way Campaign Cabinet for a second year, Paul remains buoyed by the success of Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness that he organized and produced. The live music event raised $30,000 for homelessness and shelter initatives supported by the United Way. “Few organizations, if any, bring this compassionate and giving community together like the United Way Campaign, and Peterborough Performs only served to strengthen my belief in that,” says Paul. “I’m delighted, humbled and excited to be back on Cabinet. I look very much forward to working with my Cabinet colleagues and United Way staff toward the common goal of helping member agencies meet the ever increasing needs of those who turn to them for assistance.” Rellinger Writing Services

SUPER SESSION: Better Results From Your Grant Search & Applications. Grant Readiness Assessment. We’ve developed a 50-item Grant Readiness checklist of documents and information frequently requested by funders. We work through the checklist with you to gather the information and documents to ensure they are available, up-to-date, and readily accessible when applying for grants. We then provide you with a Gap Analysis that identifies missing grant readiness documents that require your attention. This front-end preparedness ensures that you are fully equipped when applying for grants – saving you time, decreasing your stress, and allowing you to submit grant applications within very tight deadlines. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the process, grant writing can be complicated and stressful. Our Grant Tips suggest ways to ‘unpack’ what is needed in a fabulous grant proposal and craft the best one possible for your non-profit – helping you to stand out from the competition.

SPEAKER: LAURA BONNETT, FOUNDER & CEO, YELLOWTREE GRANTS. Laura Bonnett lives in Ottawa, Ontario, which is situated on the traditional unceded territories of the Anishinaabe Algonquin people. After three decades of involvement with nonprofits and charities, and years of successful grant writing, I founded YellowTree in 2018 to help organizations secure their funding. I am passionate about social justice and generally making the world a better place. With a PhD in Political Science, an MA in Canadian Studies, a BA in Sociology, and with a decade of experience working with various federal government departments, I can help clients understand government granting processes, as well as performance measurement and reporting requirements. My numerous years of experience in academia have provided confidence to my clients that grant applications will be meticulously researched, edited, and prepared. Yellowtree Grants

 

SUPER SESSION: Cultivating Magic with AI: Practical Tools and Tactics for Fundraisers. Looking to understand the latest developments in AI? This presentation comes from one of the most revered and acclaimed experts on the topic and the real-world implementation. Session will include an overview of what’s out there, what to watch next, and the tools that people are using across the sector. You will hear about practical examples, tactics, and tools when using AI and leave with a clearer sense of next steps for you and your organization. A blueprint for nonprofits looking to harness generative AI to deepen supporter connections and drive measurable giving. This talk moves beyond theory to provide actionable implementation strategies that organizations of any size can adopt. Discover how your nonprofit can leverage AI tools to: • Create personalized donor journeys that resonate with your unique audience • Craft compelling impact narratives that inspire greater generosity • Build scalable, authentic engagement without expanding your team and more…

SPEAKER: JASON SHIM, CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER, CCNDR, IMAGINE CANADA. Jason Shim is a visionary leader in digital strategy, dedicated to leveraging technology for social good. As Chief Digital Officer of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR), he drives initiatives that empower nonprofits across Canada to use data and technology to amplify their missions. With a background in leading digital transformation, Jason has championed organization-wide digital-first approaches that enhance operations, fundraising, and program delivery. At Pathways to Education Canada, he pioneered the acceptance of cryptocurrency donations, co-authoring Bitcoin and the Future of Fundraising to share insights at the intersection of technology and philanthropy. Jason also serves as an editor for Ledger, a journal focused on blockchain research, and has contributed his expertise on the board of NTEN, promoting the skillful and equitable use of technology. His commitment to expanding digital capacity within the nonprofit sector and fostering tech innovation for social impact make him an invaluable asset to our Council. Learn more: Imagine Canada CCNDR

SUPER SESSON: Thinking About Fractional Fundraising? Start Here.  Thinking about hiring a fractional fundraiser (or becoming one)? This session will help you figure out if it’s the right move. We’ll talk honestly about when fractional works well and when it doesn’t, as well what needs to be in place for it to actually lead to sustainable growth.

 

SPEAKER: BROOKE ERICKSON, BE FUNDRAISING. The first 15 years of my career were largely in the public sector. I had done significant fundraising and governance work on various boards, including the McGill Organic Food Co-op and Sierra Club Ontario, but professionally I worked in various public communications and outreach roles, and always felt like I was spinning my wheels. In 2018, I pivoted abruptly into the non-profit world. My communications background was highly transferrable into fundraising, and I began to have success right away. I worked with various mentors, took advantage of countless professional development opportunities, and by my third year as a fundraiser, I had acquired my CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) and had built a $1,000,000.00 fundraising program that accounted for half of the organizational revenue. Our starting point had been just under $200,000. Today, after having worked with numerous organizations to help them with their fundraising strategy and next steps, I’m excited to help more organizations build their fundraising program from the ground up.
BE FUNDRAISING.

SUPER SESSION: Marketing vs. Fundraising. How Missions Should Maximize Collaboration…and What Happens When It All Goes Wrong. There’s a difference between the marketing and fundraising strategies within any-sized organization, and the importance of have each as both separate and collaborative departments can make the difference between success and failure at exactly the time of year when it matters most: donor tax planning season in November and December. This session outlines what actually happened at Scarborough Health Network Foundation when a real campaign disconnect lead to missed targets and loss of donor income. And then, hear how the organization adjusted and learned from those mistakes and transformed it into one of the most successful marketers and fundraisers in Canada.

 

SPEAKER: REA GANESH, VP PHILANTHROPY, SCARBOROUGH HEALTH NETWORK FOUNDATION & CHAIR, AFP CANADA. Rea has 19+ years in the sector, with over 13 years in senior leadership roles at hospital foundations and health charities where she has been directly involved in strategic and business planning while managing revenue and staff teams. Prior to joining Scarborough Health Network Foundation, Rea’s roles included Vice-President, Philanthropy and Strategy at North York General Foundation, National Director, Development and Marketing at Children’s Wish Foundation and Vice-President, Development at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. She also worked at Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Heart and Stroke Foundation. In addition to her day to day, Rea serves as the Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee, Association Fundraising Professional of Canada – the national voice for the fundraising profession. She is a huge advocate for women of colour in leadership roles and is a part of the Women’s Mentoring and Leadership Program. Most recently, Rea started her Executive MBA at Kellogg-Schulich School of Business.

Plus Sign up for our optional workshop on June 5th (see below)

ONE-DAY WORKSHOP: Practical Leadership Skills for Nonprofit Leaders with Mikhael Bornstein

LEARN ABOUT OUR OPTIONAL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP with Mikhael Bornstein, one of the most sought-after advisors on leadership strategy in the nonprofit sector. Mikhael’s workshops aren’t just for current leaders, they’re built to help aspiring or promising fundraising and nonprofit staff fine tune their skills, become more adept and managing themselves and their work and client relationships, and building a better organization from top to bottom. Coming on JUNE 5th, a Full Day which you can combine with your conference registration. LEARN MORE

Having worked in the arts, health, social service, and education sectors, Mikhael Bornstein has more than twenty years of experience as a professional fundraiser and nonprofit leader. Mikhael is an AFP Master Trainer and a frequent speaker at conferences across North America. He teaches at George Brown College, Fleming College Toronto, and Toronto Metropolitan University. Mikhael has a Master in Arts in Leadership Studies from Royal Roads University.

9:45 am to 4:00 pm | $395.00 | Includes Lunch & Refreshments. You can also combine registration of the conference and workshop and save. Learn more.


FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN. Seating is limited so sign up early, bring your colleagues, attend as a team and save. Plus…Special Rates Apply for Members of the Peterborough Area Fundraisers Network (PAFN). Be sure to claim your discount when registering.

 


RATES
Single Delegate $195.00 | PAFN Member $170.00
Dual Delegate $350.00 | PAFN Members $325.00
Group Delegate $495.00 | PAFN Members $450.00

Additional discounts are available for groups of more than 3.
Email Conference Chair Steve Lloyd for details.

Sponsorships are also available. Ask Steve for details.