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
ATTEND THE WORKSHOP AND GET A FREE PASS TO THE FULL CONFERENCE on JUNE 4th.
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.
Location: MISKIN LAW COMMUNITY COMPLEX, EVENT ROOM B, 2nd Floor, 271 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough, ON
Kawartha Fundraising Day + Kawartha Philanthropy Giving Guide = More Donors, Greater Donations, Business Sponsors.
2026 AGENDA
FOR FULL SPEAKER BIOS & SESSION DESCRIPTIONS, SEE BOTTOM OF AGENDA
8:00 A.M. Registration Opens + Continental Breakfast Served
9:00 A.M. Welcome, Overview, Keynote Speaker Introduction | Cynthia Armour, Principal, Elderstone Resource Development & Nonprofit Board Expert
9:00 A.M. Keynote Presentation: 2026 Giving Report Special Advance Insights–Julie Fiorini, GM Donor Services + Brand Marketing, CanadaHelps
10:10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. SUPER SESSION: The Importance of Understanding Your Donors and Putting Them at the Centre of Your Strategy–Allen Davidov, Senior Vice President and Practice Leader, Environics Analytics
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. SUPER SESSION: The Best Use of Data in Your Grant Applications.–Laura Bonnett, Founder & CEO, YellowTree Grants (Ottawa)
11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Special Insights from Cynthia Armour. The Board as Donor Power.
12:15 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. Luncheon: Buffet Luncheon, Refreshments, Networking
1:20 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. SUPER SESSION: Cultivating Magic with AI: Practical Tools and Tactics for Fundraisers–Jason Shim, Chief Digital Officer, Canadian Centre for NonProfit Digital Resilience, Imagine Canada
2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. SUPER SESSION: Portrait of a Fundraiser as an Older Man. Securing Charitable Dollars Is Hard Work. Here’s How to Make it Easier–Paul Rellinger, Writer, Donor, Fundraising, Ballplayer
3:10 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. SUPER SESSON: Thinking About Fractional Fundraising? Start Here–Brooke Erickson, Principal, BE Fundraising
3:50 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. SUPER SESSION: A Tale of Two Portfolios: When Marketing & Fundraising Collide During Peak Giving Season–Rea Ganesh, VP Philanthropy, Scarborough Health Network Foundation, & Chair, AFP Canada
4: 35 p.m. Closing Panel Discussion (Ask, Inquire, Clarify, Connect & Request)
5:15 P.M. Networking, Conference Closes
(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: Portrait of a Fundraiser as an Older Man. Securing Charitable Dollars Is Hard Work. But getting attention on the crowded fundraising landscape s even harder. As part of my talk, I’ll touch on my recent experience as chair of the United Way campaign and what an eye-opener that was for someone new to fundraising at that level; ways to get the media – both traditional media and social media influencers – on board and excited; and recount my Relly on the Roof experience and why that struck a chord to the benefit of Habitat for Humanity both in terms of the money raised and, more vitally, heightened public awareness of the organization’s mission and work.
SPEAKER: PAUL RELLINGER, WRITER, DONOR, FUNDRAISER. Paul remains an effective and passionate communicator with 45 years of combined print and radio broadcast media experience. As a journalist and columnist, Paul has been awarded numerous honours, including a Canadian Community Newspapers’ Association (CCNA) award, four Ontario Community Newspapers’ Association (OCNA) awards and three Metroland Media editorial awards. In 2008, he was presented with the OCNA Silver Quill Award in recognition of 25 years of community newspaper service. Paul started his professional journey in 1980 as a news feed editor with CKO All-News Radio in Toronto before joining the ranks of 1350 CKAR in Oshawa as a producer and reporter. From 1983 to 2016, Paul was an editor and columnist for Metroland Media Group, including 26 years with Peterborough This Week. Since 2016, Paul has been a features writer for kawarthaNOW, and since 2022, has sourced and written news content for Oldies 96.7 and Freq 90.5 FM. Named chair of the 2025-26 United Way of Peterborough and District campaign in May 2025, Paul led the effort that raised $1.56 million for 20 partner agencies and social justice initiatives. Paul is also a past chair of Peterborough Musicfest, is the longstanding honorary chair of Peterborough Family Literacy Day, is a past president of the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, and has sat on the boards of numerous community organizations. For his community betterment work, Paul was inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame in 2021 and, in 2024, received the United Way’s Champions of Change of Award for showing ‘dedication, passion and tenacity in inspiring his colleagues to give back, raising funds for, and awareness of, key issues facing our community.” Rellinger Writing Services
SUPER SESSION: The Best Use of Data in Your Grant Applications. Don’t be afraid to use data! Without question, non-profits have confidence in their own projects and programs, but convincing funders of their worthiness is often challenging. Adding data will always strengthen your proposal. And using both quantitative and qualitative data creates a well-rounded approach, improving the chances of success. In this session you will learn the kinds of data that funders are seeking, where to look for it, and how its use will strengthen your grant applications and secure more funding.
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: A Tale of Two Portfolios: When Marketing & Fundraising Collide During Peak Giving Season. What happens when two high-stakes campaigns compete for the same audience, in the same moment, during the busiest fundraising period of the year? In this candid session, we unpack a real-world holiday giving season case study where brand marketing and fundraising campaigns went head-to-head — each with ambitious goals, competing priorities, and limited audience attention. Through the lens of data, audience behaviour, channel performance, and full-funnel activation, we’ll explore how teams navigated internal tensions, optimized decision-making in real time, and uncovered opportunities to drive stronger collective outcomes rather than cannibalize results. Attendees will gain practical insights into campaign orchestration, segmentation strategy, testing frameworks, attribution challenges, and the role of cross-functional alignment in maximizing both revenue and engagement. Whether you lead marketing, fundraising, digital, or analytics, this session will provide actionable learnings on how to build smarter, integrated campaigns that balance short-term conversion goals with long-term audience value — and how to channel the best of both portfolios into a full-funnel strategy that actually works.
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) which includes a Free Pass for the Full Conference.
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.
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.
