I love getting out into the community and making real connections. It’s so easy for us to get bogged down at our desks, skip lunch, and plug away at our mile-long to-do lists. But ultimately, it’s the human connections that motivate many of us in this work. For me, it’s the people who bring the greatest joy.

I was reminded of that last night at a community event at the Museum, where local chefs served up flatbreads from “around the world.” Fellow fundraisers Su Khatri and Kathleen Murphy were there, and as we tasted, we talked— not about fundraising, but about life and the things that make us who we are. I learned that Su dated her partner Pujari because, as a talented chef in his own right, he promised she’d never go hungry! And that Kathleen and her mother-in-law create beautiful bags sewn from recycled clothing. These moments are what meaningful connection feels like.

Events like these remind me why trusted relationships with our colleagues matter so much. Fundraising is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be tough. We need the support and community of each other—and last night truly filled my cup.

Showing up in the community and building these relationships is a top priority for AFP Nova Scotia. I can’t wait to make more connections next month when many of us on the board take a road trip to Sydney, Cape Breton, to engage directly with fundraisers across the province. We invite you to read on to learn about our outreach plans and to join us in shaping how AFP Nova Scotia connects with and supports fundraisers throughout the region.

Fiona

Fiona Valverde

President, AFP Nova Scotia

Engaging Donors in Legacy Giving - No Matter Where You're Starting From

Join us for a special session on Planned and Legacy Giving with Aimée Lindenberger, Global Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada.

Date: Monday, May 26, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Atlantic

Location: QEII Board Room, with Zoom option available

Cost: $20 for AFP/CAGP members and $30 for non-members

Light refreshments will be provided courtesy of Global Philanthropic Canada.  

Full participation in Engaging Donors in Legacy Giving — No Matter Where You’re Starting From is applicable for 1.5 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Session 1: Career Conversations & Cards of Gratitude

Celebrate the spirit of philanthropy through gratitude. This interactive mixer will feature casual storytelling around career milestones, mentorship moments, and the chance to reflect and write a heartfelt note to someone who has shaped your journey. Come for the cards, stay for the conversations.

Practical Stewardship for Genuine Donor Relationships

We are excited to offer our first professional development lunch and learn in Cape Breton on June 12th at the NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus.

This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to build strong, lasting relationships with donors.

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Atlantic

Location: NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus, with Zoom option available

Cost: $10 (lunch included)

Get Off the Fundraising Treadmill: Think Outside the Box

It’s time to rethink the way we fundraise. Join Sarah Lalonde from DonorPerfect for a practical, energizing session designed to help you move beyond “how it’s always been done.”

Using data, real-world case studies, and fresh thinking, Sarah will guide you through how to spot inefficiencies, streamline your approach, and make your fundraising strategy work for you.

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Time: 12:00–1:00 PM Atlantic

Location: Virtual

Cost: $20 AFP/CAGP, $30 non-members

Early Bird Pricing Ending May 22nd

If you plan to attend this year's conference, you won't want to miss out on our early bird pricing:

• Member $150
• Non-member $180
• Group (6 tickets for the price of 5) $750
• Young Professional $115
• IDEA Delegate - apply for your free application here
• Virtual $70

Additionally, Global Philanthropic Canada will once again host a ½ day workshop for $100 per registrant.

Stay in touch by visiting our webpage.

Call for MFC Speakers / Presenters

Whether you're a seasoned speaker, first-time presenter, or somewhere in between, we want to hear from you. If you have a great story, innovative idea, lesson learned, or a challenge that fits with our conference theme of The Evolving Landscape of Philanthropy consider submitting a proposal. 

Deadline is May 26th

Join AFPNS Board of Directors

We are pleased to announce our 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025; more details to follow.

We would love to see some fresh voices join the AFP Nova Scotia board. Consider joining us or nominate a leader you think would be a good fit!

Nomindation Deadline: Friday, May 30th, 2025, 4:00 p.m.

Calling All Mentors

If you have time to share your experience and knowledge with new fundraising professionals, please join our Mentorship program.

IDEA Committee Volunteers

We are committed to making all our events and activities as barrier-free and inclusive as possible and you could help us on this journey. 

Please consider being a part of the IDEA Committee today. Apply by emailing afpnovascotia@gmail.com with IDEA Committee in the subject line.

National Philanthropy Day Committee Volunteers

Let’s make this year’s event the best yet - join this new committee and help us recognize and celebrate the impact of donors, funders and fundraisers in Nova Scotia.

Learn more and get involved by emailing Whitney.Machin@mscanada.ca.

Carmen Boyko is the Director Philanthropy & Communications for JA Nova Scotia, a charity dedicated to engaging youth with financial health, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

We look forward to connecting with all our members on June 26th as we host our Annual General Meeting from 4 to 6pm. We are very excited to welcome H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of AFP, to offer a keynote presentation and answer any questions you might have.

More details and registration link will be shared shortly. We invite you to send along your questions to Art by sending us an email: AFPNovaScotia@gmail.com

Photo: AFP Nova Scotia Director Bernadette Hamilton-Reid with AFP President and CEO H. Art Taylor.

We have launched our calendar of events on the AFP Nova Scotia website. This allows you to view all of our events and activities with one quick click.