The Dawn of New Era in Fundraising

Thursday, January 29th, 2026SPONSORS

Interested in Sponsorship?
Email Steve Lloyd for details.

Despite the challenges in our sector, there is good news for all types of organizations, including charities, nonprofits, community organizations and NGOs. The sector’s problems are being met by resolute and determined companies with new technology, engagement initiatives, effective tactical countermeasures, adoption of for-profit marketing strategy, enhanced media channels and a generational shift in the way charities, non profits, foundations and community organizations evaluate and adopt the best in evolution of staff, strategy, tactics and tools. It’s all to be discussed, dissected, and examined at the 2026 Vancouver Fundraising Day Conference. A brand new vision is here.

Attend and Discover Insights, Strategy & Tactics for:

Keynote Speakers

Zahra Esmail, CEO, Vantage Point
Zahra Esmail joined the Vantage Point team as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in December 2021. Zahra has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years with experience in international development, housing and homelessness, community development, microfinance, governance, fundraising, and leadership. Zahra is an active volunteer in the community. She is Co-Chair of the Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society Board of Directors and is Chair of the Board Governance Committee of Cuso International. Zahra is also Chair of BC’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee, an independent committee that advises government on policy developments related to poverty reduction and prevention. She was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 in 2019, was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 2022, and received a King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

Djaka Blais, Executive Director, Hogan’s Alley Society
Djaka is the Executive Director of Hogan’s Alley Society, a non-profit organization composed of civil rights activists, business professionals, community organizations, artists, writers and academics committed to daylighting the presence of Black history in Vancouver and throughout BC. Djaka is a seasoned bilingual social sector leader with more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, government, and community mobilizing. Djaka is a change agent to shift power dynamics and remove oppressive structures within philanthropic organizations and in relation to communities. As a recognized thought leader on equity in philanthropy, she focuses on continuous improvement, advocates for marginalized voices and grassroots initiatives at decision-making tables (create “seats at the table”). Djaka is a founding member of the Foundation for Black Communities, the first philanthropic foundation for Black communities in Canada. She is a board member with Philanthropic Foundations Canada, a Justice Funders Harmony Initiative Fellow and was recently selected as an SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue Fellow.

Session Speakers + Sessions (More to come!)

Allen Davidov, Senior Vice President and NonProfit Practice Leader, Environics Analytics.

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, MBA, CM. is the Senior Vice President, Practice Leader of the not-for-profit 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 donor information in decision-making and business strategy. Prior to joining EA, Allen successfully led marketing, and a variety of fundraising programs at a number of 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.

Aimée Lindenberger, Senior Consultant, Author, Global Philanthropic

Aimée joined Global in 2024. A gifted writer and speaker, Aimée authored How to Talk About Legacy Giving and brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, a tender heart, an insightful mind, and a drive to make meaningful connections with supporters in every organization she collaborates with. As one of the first in the world to complete a certificate in Philanthropic Psychology, she shares new approaches with charities across Canada — from the largest national organizations to local non-profits — helping them engage their supporters more deeply, particularly in legacy giving, which is her passion. She has assisted many organizations across Canada to raise funds including United Way British Columbia, Plan International Canada, VGH + UBC Hospital Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada, WWF-Canada and The Salvation Army. Aimée has held leadership roles on the Greater Vancouver Chapters of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Lynn Boardman, Managing Director, Harvey McKinnon Associates

Lynne has been working in fundraising for 25 years in both Canada and the UK, starting with an animal welfare charity in Vancouver who really did keep their donor records on recipe cards! She’s worked with a myriad of causes as a fundraiser and a consultant, from international aid to health care,
environment, human rights, homelessness, and indigenous education. Lynne works as the Managing Director of Vancouver and Toronto-based consultancy Harvey McKinnon Associates, where she oversees strategy for clients like Amnesty International, Oxfam Canada, and Indspire.

Anita Lo, Partner, Execution Services, Able & Howe

Anita is the epitome of a modern digital marketer; chic, successful, and savvy. Having spent years on the front-lines and in strategy rooms, she has translated her insights into a profound understanding of today’s consumer. Her approach exploits sophisticated data testing to remain adaptive to new trends and digital tools. Aided by her formal education in marketing, Anita specializes in retail, eCommerce, and B2B operations for growth-oriented brands.

Lucy Isham-Turner, CFRE, Director of Development, Family Services of the North Shore

Strategic fundraising and development leader with 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector in Vancouver. I excel in strategic planning, corporate and donor relations, event planning, and nonprofit marketing and management. My passion for community drives me to cultivate meaningful donor relationships and foster corporate partnerships that generate impactful results. I thrive on designing strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals and enhance community engagement, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of both the organizations I serve and the communities I care about.

Fred Reibin, Marketing & Communications Mgr, Saskatoon Community Foundation

Fred Reibin has lived in and around Saskatoon for most of his life. From riding his bike on the Meewasin to being involved in community gardens, the city has nurtured his spirit for many years. Fred is a passionate storyteller, social entrepreneur and creative strategist. In 2014, along with 3 others, he founded Unite Marketing Cooperative to help good messages spread in the community and purpose-driven organizations succeed. His work on the ground with Unite deepened his love of the Saskatoon community and drove his passion for building community. With the Saskatoon Community Foundation, Fred is continually inspired to make Saskatoon a great place for his children and the future generations. He holds a Bachelors of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and serves as Chair of the Board for AIESEC Saskatoon. Fred is a committed student of Yoga, teaching at Ground Yoga on Broadway.

John Bromley, Founder & CEO, Charitable Impact

John Bromley grew up with charity at the core of his family’s values. He started his career in corporate finance working with PwC and RBC Capital Markets, and then went to work with world-renowned experts in charity law. After developing an in-depth understanding of the complex world underpinning the charity sector, John recognized a need to make giving more accessible and more effective. He saw that while wanting to help others comes naturally, knowing how to make a difference through charitable giving does not. With that in mind, John went on to launch Charitable Impact. Its mission? Nurture the generosity within each person, and bring the resources for creating change in the world to everyone. To date, Charitable Impact has facilitated more than $1.6 billion in donations and helps more and more people build the brighter future they imagine.

Michelle Daly, Director of Philanthropy, Vancity Foundation

Michelle graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Communications Degree from the Faculty of Applied Science. Inspired by the opportunity to work within an organization committed to social justice, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, Michelle joined the Foundation in 2005 shortly after completing her degree in Communications (SFU). Over the years, Michelle has held several roles where she contributed to communications, community engagement, and organizational/program development; primarily with the Enterprising Non-Profits program and Strategic Programs team. Later, she lead the Foundation’s Communication + Engagement efforts. During this time Michelle acquired a professional Certificate in Community Economic Development (SFU), IAP2 Certification(s) in Public Engagement, and participated in Vancity’s Cooperative Economics Study Tour (University of Bologna, Italy). Currently, Michelle is leading the Foundation’s Philanthropy team to embrace community centric fundraising and to expand and deepen the Foundation’s trust based grantmaking practices. In doing this work, Michelle has been reflecting on her social location and the intersectional power and privilege she holds. As a fifth-generation settler with Irish, Scottish, and English heritage she recognizes that her family has benefitted from stolen lands for many generations and that settler-philanthropy is rooted in colonization and white dominant culture. Michelle has made personal commitments to be a better ally and professional commitments to support a reorientation of philanthropy towards equity and justice. Michelle is profoundly grateful for the wisdom and teaching shared by her team, peers, and the many instructors and advisors she has had the privilege of learning from, including through Partners in Reciprocity (the Circle on Philanthropy), the JEDI Accelerator (Philanthropic Foundations of Canada), Power in Privilege in Philanthropy Cohort (Community Foundations of Canada), Community of Practice (Recast Philanthropy), and the Unfunded Report (Foundation for Black Communities).

Mike Leland, Principal, Linked Creative

SESSION: Fix Your Fundraising. Not enough NPOs harness the true power of their brand or they feel branding is something strictly for the private sector or corporate arena—I’ve heard this a million times over my career by NPOs leaders. BUT a well developed and defined brand can literally fix your fundraising challenges, and I’ll outline how. The two go hand-in-hand, but it’s not really the importance of each—it’s about the order of operations. I will outline this theory, the elements of a strong brand, where you need to start, the four keys and use a couple of case studies as examples, including what I like to call umbrella campaigns for NPOs with seasonal confusion or multiple campaigns around year end.

As a senior executive with close to 25 years experience helping non-profit organizations advance their mission through fundraising, marketing and strategy development, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the leading brands in the sector. Working with—and learning from—some of the best in the business, I’ve developed campaigns at the provincial, national and international level. I’ve helped organizations raise millions, built brand platforms from the ground up, developed campaigns for national and international media, and worked with all three levels of government to advocate for social justice issues. For the past 15 years, I’ve provided executive leadership to some of the biggest non-profit organizations in Canada: Variety, the Children’s Charity, the Canadian Cancer Society, The Salvation Army of British Columbia and Easter Seals BC / Yukon. My commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, combined with my passion marketing and fund development, drove me to create Linked Creative—a full-service boutique dedicated to helping non-profit organizations achieve mission by providing effective marketing, fundraising and strategy development. A big believer in community development, I feel we all have a part to play and I try to live life following the philosophy that “…we must be the change we want to see in the world.” But we should never forget to have fun while doing it!

Shoni Field, Chief Public Engagement & Advancement, BC SPCA

SESSION: It’s Not You, It’s Us: How we’re undermining donor base health and what needs to change. In Canada, and internationally, the number of people giving to charities continues to decline. It’s been termed the “generosity crisis”. If these trends continue, the impact on charitable funding will be catastrophic. At the same time, the charitable sector is expected to solve unprecedented and growing challenges. Let’s ask the tough questions. Is the generosity crisis misnamed, and is this misdiagnosis leading to the wrong treatment? Are we ignoring the hope, the power and potential right under our nose? It’s imperative we shift from survival to thriving by understanding donors’ needs, where and how to focus our attention, and how to boldly build a roadmap for growth.

1. Learn the essentials of wellbeing and loyalty that drive donor base resilience.
2. Discover how to build a long-term roadmap for donor base growth.
3. Consider how to drive success through resource allocation, structure and team development.

Shoni Field is a strategic fundraising leader with nearly 30 years of experience, specializing in direct response, digital transformation, public engagement and strategic growth planning. She’s the Chief Public Engagement and Advancement Officer at the BC SPCA, where she leads a team of 60+ fundraising, communications and community engagement professionals who inspire kind and caring British Columbians to work for a future where animals and humans thrive together. Shoni is the founder of For the Paws Summit, the first global conference for animal welfare fundraisers and marketers drawing attendees from six countries, and speaks at fundraising conferences nationally and internationally. She is also a long-time advocate for voting reform and citizen engagement. Shoni lives, and continues to learn and unlearn, in the unceded, ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, currently known as Vancouver.

Robyn Jones-Morrell, SVP Western Canada, Heart & Stroke

Robyn Jones-Murrell joined Heart & Stroke as senior vice president, Western Canada in January 2022. An innovative and passionate leader, Robyn has dedicated most of her career to fostering healthcare philanthropy. She is known for her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships that effect positive change in communities. As Heart & Stroke’s senior vice president for Western Canada, Robyn leads fund development and mission initiatives in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, and Northwest Territories. Through innovative thinking and collaboration, she supports a people-centric approach to achieving the organization’s mission to beat heart disease and stroke. Prior to joining Heart & Stroke, Robyn served as associate vice president of development at BC Cancer Foundation where she oversaw all aspects of the donor experience portfolio. She was the driving force behind the Foundation’s robust corporate relations portfolio, which saw an unprecedented increase during her tenure. An active champion for women’s access to health care, Robyn is a board member of the Elizabeth Bagshaw Society. She also served on the Special Olympics World Games’ Awards Team, as a mentor for Simon Fraser University’s SOUL Mentorship Program, and as a women’s clinic volunteer for Vancouver Coastal Health. Robyn was recognized for her leadership and proven track record in innovation by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) 40 Under 40 Program.

Annalissa Magleo, CFRE, Manager, Annual Giving, St. Paul’s Foundation

St. Paul’s Foundation raises funds for enhanced patient care, capital projects, equipment needs, research, teaching, and innovation to improve the care of patients and seniors at St. Paul’s Hospital and other Providence Health Care hospitals and long-term care homes in British Columbia.

Philippe Jeanjean, Marketing and Communications Manager, BC Wildlife Federation (TBC)

BENEFITS: Delegates receive a wide range of additional benefits, including all meals and refreshments, a delegate kit with special reports, publications and other useful information, an opportunity to meet with a wide range of sponsors and exhibitors, networking, and discounted advertising in one or both of DM Magazine and Foundation Magazine.

Schedule

REGISTRATION RATES (all are plus GST/HST). Regular rates are below. AFP Greater Vancouver Members save 20% off regular rates).

Single Delegate: $395.00. Save up to 20% as a member of AFP Greater Vancouver
Dual Delegates: $595.00. Save up to 20% as a member of AFP Greater Vancouver
Team of 3 Delegates: $795.00. Save up to 20% as a member of AFP Greater Vancouver

LOCATIONSimon Fraser University at Harbour Centre
515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6B 5K3

Situated in Vancouver’s historic Spencer building, Harbour Centre is at the heart of the city’s downtown and Gastown area, with shopping, restaurants, hotels and lively entertainment just minutes away. Harbour Centre is directly across from Vancouver’s transportation hub, Waterfront Station, where Skytrain, Seabus, and Westcoast Express stations which connects visitors and commuters to all parts of Metro Vancouver and beyond. The Canada Line Skytrain links Waterfront Station directly to the Vancouver International Airport. Additionally, ample public parking is available at many locations near the campus.

Media Partners
DM Magazine
www.dmn.ca