Gain clarity. Take a wide view. Shine a light. Narrow your focus. CNFC brings a sector together to discuss and respond to an evolving landscape and the challenges and solutions to fundraising in all its forms.
CNFC provides insights and answers to a central question: “What are the New Rules of Giving?”
Three Powerful Keynotes, Five Leadership Insight Super Sessions, Five Distinct Tracks of Keystone Sessions & a Half-Day Workshop with a Sector Superstar.
7:30 am: Registration Opens | Breakfast & Networking
8:30 am: Opening Keynote
Phil Nichols, CAWA, RVT | CEO | Toronto Humane Society. Building A Thriving Organization: “Together we are not just combating a crisis; we are nurturing a community where compassion knows no bounds. As always, our mission remains rooted in compassion: to improve the lives of animals. Our approach is holistic—centered around care, education, advocacy, and support—because animal welfare isn’t just about what happens within our shelter walls. It’s about meeting people where they are, removing barriers, and building a future where every animal has the chance to thrive.”
9:45 am to 10:30 am | Leadership Insights Track: The Power of Mission in Fundraising | Sponsored by BNP Inspire
Leadoff Super Session: Heather Clark, CMO, SickKids Foundation. Heather Clark joined SickKids Foundation in January 2016. In her role as Chief Marketing Officer, Heather is responsible for driving innovation and growing the direct and digital marketing portfolio to increase fundraising revenue. Read more about Heather and all speakers.
9:45 am to 10:30 am | Concurrent Session Tracks
See full session descriptions and speakers for all tracks
1. Reimagining Fundraising: Strategy, Channels & Technology (Sponsored by NextAfter)
2. National Voices: Stories from Fundraisers across Canada
3. Traditional Media Matters: Mail, Print Ads…and more
4. Membership Fundraising: Ideas for Nonprofit Institutions
5. The Science of Donor Marketing: Inside the Toolboxes of Top Fundraisers (Sponsored by CanadaHelps.org)
10:45 am to 11:00 am: | Networking & Refreshment Break
11:00 am to 12:00 pm | Concurrent Session Tracks
1. Reimagining Fundraising
2. National Voices
3. Traditional Media Matters
4. Membership Fundraising
5. The Science of Donor Marketing
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm: Luncheon and Keynote Address
Rachel Hunnybun | VP Donor Experience | Blakely. From Stewardship to Strategy: Donor Experience as a Growth Engine. In a world where attention is scarce and trust is earned moment by moment, donor experience has emerged as one of the most powerful—and untapped—drivers of growth. This keynote challenges the traditional boundaries of stewardship and reframes donor experience in a way that drives loyalty, amplifies your message, and fuels sustainable growth. Drawing on fresh research and real-world insights, we’ll explore how word of mouth is reshaping acquisition, why retention is your most underleveraged asset, how values-driven donors are reshaping the expectations of engagement. You’ll hear bold ideas and fresh thinking that challenge the status quo and give a new lens on donor experience—not as a series of touch points, but as a philosophy that, when applied strategically, will transform your fundraising strategy. This is not a how-to. It’s a call to elevate donor experience from a department to a mindset, from a function to a force and will leave you inspired to lead your organization into a future where donor experience isn’t just part of the strategy—it is the strategy.
About Rachel Hunnybun: With more than 17 years of experience in the sector, Rachel is a seasoned strategist dedicated to helping charities strengthen donor retention through long-term, insight-driven approaches. As VP of Donor Experience at Blakely, she leads the development of value propositions, donor journeys, and strategic frameworks that not only drive income but also deepen the donor experience. Rachel’s foundation in direct marketing, combined with her relentless curiosity in behavioural economics, psychology, and data insight, equips her with a powerful toolkit for solving complex challenges.
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm | Concurrent Session Tracks
1. Reimagining Fundraising
2. National Voices
3. Traditional Media Matters
4. Membership Fundraising
5. The Science of Donor Marketing
1:30 pm — 4:00 pm | Optional Half-Day Workshop (Sponsored by Keys Marketing Group)
Socratic Wealth Conversations: How to Inspire Transformational Gifts of Assets. Fundraising success comes from asking the right questions, especially when guiding donors to consider major gifts from their wealth rather than cash alone. Professor James presents the science and real-world application of using appreciative inquiry and asset-focused conversations to lead donors to their own reasons for transformational generosity. Attendees will learn specific, stress-free questions to use throughout the donor relationship to unlock significant gifts of assets such as stocks, real estate, and RRSPs.
SESSION LEADER: Russell James, PhD | Professor | Texas Tech University. James leads this intensive, hands-on workshop available to only a limited group of delegates, so sign up early. Delegates can attend Prof. James’ workshop and closing plenary session or may add this learning experience to their full conference attendance. Ensure you sign up early to guarantee your place at an in-person class with one of the world’s most respected and sought-after thinkers and teachers.
2:30 pm to 2:50 pm | Networking & Refreshment Break
2:50 pm to 3:50 pm | Concurrent Sessions
1. Reimagining Fundraising
2. National Voices
3. Traditional Media Matters
4. Membership Fundraising
5. The Science of Donor Marketing
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Closing Plenary
Russell James, PhD | Professor | Texas Tech University. Inside the Mind of the Planned Giving Donor: What Neuroimaging and Experimental Research Reveal About Donor Motivations. Reporting results from his research at the Texas Tech Neuroimaging Institute, Dr. James reveals the latest insights into how donors engage in charitable bequest decision-making. These findings come together to reveal the deep processes of donor decision-making in planned giving. Not just an academic presentation, this session presents practical, effective, and tested approaches to encourage generosity among planned giving donors.
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm: Networking Cocktail Social
More information and detailed descriptions to come, stay tuned!