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 (and there are many), there can still be 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.

Keynote Speakers

Zahra Esmail, CEO, Vantage Point

KEYNOTE SESSION: Leading Strong Organizations in a Changing Sector
Non-profit leaders are working in a time of growing complexity—rising community needs, workforce pressures, and increasing expectations around impact, accountability, and equity. In this keynote, Zahra Esmail, CEO of Vantage Point, will bring a sector-wide perspective on what it takes to lead strong, resilient non-profit organizations today. Drawing on Vantage Point’s research, including the annual State of the Non-Profit Sector report, Zahra will explore the structural challenges shaping the sector in British Columbia and how leadership, governance, collective action, and culture influence an organization’s ability to sustain its mission.

Zahra will connect non-profit leadership to community trust and long-term sustainability, highlighting the shared responsibility of boards, executives, and fundraising professionals in aligning resources with impact. Designed for leaders across roles, this keynote invites participants to step back from tactics and focus on what matters most: building organizations that are adaptive, values-driven, and positioned to thrive—now and into the future.

SPEAKER: 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: Description to come shortly

See Our Speakers & Session Descriptions in Full

Go to Speakers & Sessions

Speakers Include…
Allen Davidov, Senior Vice President and NonProfit Practice Leader, Environics Analytics
Aimée Lindenberger, Senior Consultant, Author, Global Philanthropic
Lynn Boardman, Managing Director, Harvey McKinnon Associates
Anita Lo, Partner, Execution Services, Able & Howe
Lucy Isham-Turner, CFRE, Director of Development, Family Services of the North Shore
Fred Reibin, Marketing & Communications Mgr, Saskatoon Community Foundation
John Bromley, Founder & CEO, Charitable Impact
Michelle Daly, Director of Philanthropy, Vancity Foundation
Mike Leland, Principal, Linked Creative
Shoni Field, Chief Public Engagement & Advancement, BC SPCA
Annalissa Magleo, CFRE, Manager, Annual Giving, St. Paul’s Foundation
Sarah Bollozos, Chief Development Officer, United Way of BC
Alison Keys, President, Keys Marketing Group
Steve Mossop, Executive Vice President, Leger

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

REGISTER IMMEDIATELY TO GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE:

OPTIONAL: WANT TO REGISTER AND PAY BY INTERAC or RECEIVE AN INVOICE? CLICK HERE.

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