This week on Let’s Get Real, Ed and Lisa are joined by Sandra Baker, the Director of Advancement and Admissions at Hamilton District Christian High School. Sandra starts off the episode with a discussion about the importance of thanking donors and how it can benefit your organization.

Later in the episode, Ed discusses why specific fundraising designations are important steps in becoming a fundraising professional, and the role that academic programs have in cultivating the knowledge of key fundraising ideas.

Interested in learning more about planned giving? PGgrowth's new membership space, PGcommons, is the place for you. Go to pggrowth.com/podcasts and click on the PGcommons button to access your 30-day free trial.

Welcome to season two of Let’s Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising! To start the season off, Ed, Ken, and Lisa are joined by Lois Graveline, the Founder and CEO of Harmonia Philanthropy. Lois brings her experience working with small charities to discuss the challenges these organizations often face, and what donors and fundraisers can do to help them succeed.

Elsewhere in the episode, Ken emphasizes the importance of correctly following a gift agreement to avoid potential complications, even if that means sometimes ignoring the wishes of the donor. And Ed raises the idea of fundraisers making a spot for themselves “at the table” if they want to maintain relevance.

Thanks to our guest this episode, Lois Graveline. You can check out some of her work at the links below.

Harmonia Philanthropy: https://harmoniaphilanthropy.ca/

Project Launchpad: https://www.projectlaunchpad.ca/index.html

Interested in learning more about planned giving? PGgrowth's new membership space, PGcommons, is the place for you. Go to pggrowth.com/podcasts and click on the PGcommons button to access your 30-day free trial.

In the final episode of Let’s Get Real’s first season, Ed, Ken, and Lisa summarize some wins and losses from 2025 in the fundraising sector. Everything from political instability to shifting economic trends have had an effect on this hugely important industry.

In addition to looking back, the hosts also look forward to offer their thoughts on what 2026 will have in store for fundraising in Canada. Make sure to tune in for the last episode of the year, you won’t want to miss it!

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