At AFP Nova Scotia, our mission is clear: to serve all fundraisers, whether you're a member or not.

That’s why I’m especially proud to share two initiatives that reflect this commitment. First, we’re partnering with the Black Canadian Fundraisers’ Collective to launch a brand-new Fundraising Fundamentals course. This is more than a professional development opportunity, it’s an invitation to challenge systemic racism in philanthropy and help build a more equitable sector. It’s open to everyone who is ready to do the work.

Second, we’re removing financial barriers to participation in our sector’s key learning and networking event: the Maritime Fundraising Conference. Bursaries are available to ensure that fundraisers from all backgrounds and organizations can attend regardless of membership status.

Inspired by Art Taylor’s call for unity at our AGM last month, I want to take that sentiment one step further: our chapter belongs to you. Whether you're just starting out, working solo, or leading a team; whether you’re a long-time AFP member or hearing about us for the first time, you deserve access to education, connection, and support. Our sector needs us to stand together, to elevate one another, and to actively confront the inequities in our work.

And if you’ve been thinking about becoming a member, now’s a great time. AFP Global is offering a limited-time discount on membership, and joining before the upcoming fee increase means even greater value. It’s a good moment to make it official and become part of a community committed to your growth and to the future of our sector.

This is just the beginning. Keep reading and stay tuned...we’re building something bold, and we’re building it for you.

Fiona

Fiona Valverde

President, AFP Nova Scotia

Mentorship Mixer: A Day in the Life - Fundraising Edition

Mentors and Mentees are your curious what a “day in the life” looks like across different roles in our sector? Join us on July 16th for a light-hearted, PowerPoint-party-style session where we’ll explore fundraising career journeys.

This is a low-pressure space to learn, connect, share your story, and be reminded of why you do what you do. Whether you're new to the sector or decades in, there's something here for you.

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Time: 4:00–6:00 PM Atlantic

Venue: Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, 6074 Lady Hammond Rd, Halifax

Free Registration – snacks + great convo included!



All are welcome—we’d love to see you there!

Tom O'Handley MFC Bursary

We are proud to offer two $500 bursaries to attend the 2025 Maritime Fundraising Conference in Halifax, NS.

The funds for these bursaries were raised in honour of fundraising friend and colleague Tom O'Handley. One of the first fundraising professional development events Tom attended was our Maritime Fundraising Conference as a bursary recipient. We hope these bursaries will support and inspire a new fundraiser on their career path.

One bursary will be awarded to a fundraiser living in Cape Breton. The other will be awarded to a fundraiser anywhere in Nova Scotia. Funds must be used for expenses associated with the 2025 Maritime Fundraising Conference.

Deadline for nominations: August 15th, 2025.

Keep watching as we prepare to share our list of session topics and speakers sharing their experience and knowledge. We are very excited 

Pre-Conference Workshop sponsored by Global Philanthropic Canada will take place the afternoon of Monday, September 15, 2025. This workshop has limited seating and is an additional cost to the conference.

All attendees are welcome to attend the Conference Social and network with peers on Monday September 15, 2025 from 530pm to 730pm. This event is included with your conference registration.

MFC25 will take place Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Our venue, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 - Ken Rowe Hall, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS, is Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified. 

As we work to create an inclusive and accessible event please reach out to Krista O’Connor at krista.oconnorccs@gmail.com to ensure any barriers you may face are considered.

We are pleased to offer complimentary registrations to this year’s  Conference as part of our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in the fundraising sector. 

Current and future fundraisers from BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, or other under-represented communities are encouraged to apply. 

Please note: This rate does not include travel, parking, accommodation, meals outside the conference program, or other incidental costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering these expenses.

Apply by completing the questionnaire. You will then receive a coupon code to be used when you register.

With an increase to membership dues coming into effect on August 4th, new members don’t want to miss out on AFP’s 65th Anniversary offer. New members joining the Professional and Associate categories can receive a $50 discount. Hurry - coupon is valid until July 31, 2025.

As an added benefit,beginning in January 2026, all AFP premium webinars (currently $99 per session for AFP members) will be included in the cost of membership.

On June 26th we hosted AFP Incoming President and CEO H. Art Taylor at our Annual General Meeting. Art shared his time talking about AFP, philanthropy and fundraising careers sharing “We need to make sure that people are getting the job opportunities that they want, and that match what their interests and capabilities are. We can do that. We need to make sure that AFP members are elevating each other and supporting each other and giving each other the encouragement and emotional lift that we all need in order to do this work…”.

Thank you Art, congratulations to all Board Members who have completed their term with us, and here’s to another great year with our new Slate of Directors.

During the meeting we released our 2025 IDEA Impact Report

A small group of volunteers is coming together to start planning this year’s celebration. National Philanthropy Day, November 15th, is a day to recognize and honour the impact of philanthropy on our communities, and those who make a difference. 

The committee’s first meeting is planned for this week but there’s still time to join this incredible team. Email National Philanthropy Day’s Chair, Whitney, at Whitney.Machin@mscanada.ca.