Dear sector colleagues,

As we move through another busy and inspiring spring across Nova Scotia’s charitable sector, I continue to be encouraged by the extraordinary generosity, collaboration, and leadership happening throughout our province.

This past month has highlighted several remarkable examples of philanthropy and community investment making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nova Scotians.

Moments in Philanthropy

• Healing Pathways Grants: The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association distributed $715,000 in Healing Pathways Community Funding Grants to organizations delivering culturally grounded grief, loss, and mental wellness support throughout the province.
• United Way Halifax Community Fund Investment: United Way Halifax is committing $3,036,000 in funding distributed among 36 non-profits across the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) to target housing, isolation, and systemic poverty. Major beneficiaries include Adsum Association for Women & Children, Alice House, and the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre.
• Scotiabank’s Healthcare Worker Donation: On May 20, 2026, the QEII Foundation confirmed a major $500,000 corporate donation from Scotiabank. This multi-year funding directly supports training, onboarding, and transition resources for internationally educated healthcare workers integrating into Nova Scotia's medical system.

Celebrating Excellence in Leadership

On behalf of AFP Nova Scotia, we would like to congratulate Col. Barry Pitcher – CEO, Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS), for being named the non-profit category winner for the 2026 Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 CEO Awards. His exceptional record of organizational growth, mission-driven leadership, and profound community impact has steered CNS through major organizational expansion. He successfully scaled operations while fulfilling the non-profit's core mandate: providing meaningful, high-quality employment for veterans, their families, and individuals dedicated to public safety.

We would also like to celebrate two outstanding leaders in our sector who advanced to the final 2026 Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 roster:

-Starr Cunningham – President & CEO, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia: Recognized for advancing mental health philanthropy, reducing stigma, and expanding funding for grassroots mental health programs across Nova Scotia.

-Stephen Harding – President & CEO, Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation: A consecutive multi-year winner celebrated for driving healthcare innovation, major capital fundraising campaigns, and community health access.

These recognitions are a powerful reminder that we have incredible talent within our sector, led by world-class leaders and executives who continue to strengthen our communities through vision, innovation, and service. While these individuals were formally recognized, they also represent the many CEOs, Executive Directors, senior leaders, and changemakers working tirelessly every day across Atlantic Canada’s charitable and non-profit sector.

I would like to take a moment to thank all executive leadership teams for the important work you do and congratulate you on your initiatives, achievements, and continued efforts. We see you, we hear you, and we are incredibly proud of the impact you are making across our communities.

Thank you to all AFP Nova Scotia members and colleagues who continue to lead this important work with compassion, integrity, and resilience. Your efforts are helping shape a stronger philanthropic landscape across our province every single day.

Key Date Reminders

• AFP NS AGM – June 2026
• 2026 AFP Canada Leadership Retreat - July 23-25, 2026
• Maritime Fundraising Conference (MFC26), presented by DonorPerfect – September 28, 2026

As author and leadership expert Simon Sinek famously noted, "People do not buy what you do; they buy why you do it."

I look forward to connecting with many of you in the weeks ahead and continuing to celebrate the incredible impact our sector is making together.

Warm regards,

From policy shifts to AI breakthroughs, How do we navigate the changing tides of philanthropy?

This year’s Maritime Fundraising Conference, presented by DonorPerfect, tackles that question head-on with our theme: “Stronger Together.” No fundraiser or organization can succeed alone. Whether you’re forging cross-sector partnerships, collaborating with peer organizations to amplify impact, or building internal alliances that drive sustainable growth, the power of collaboration has never been more essential.

This conference is designed for fundraisers at every stage. Whether you are new to the sector, growing through mid-career, or stepping into leadership, you’ll spend a day immersed in interactive workshops and real-world strategies. Expect sessions on co-creating with corporate partners, building community coalitions, and leveraging shared resources to weather any storm.

Leave with a practical toolkit of tips you can use immediately, plus newly cemented connections that will help you meet your goals. Then cap it off with our evening mixer, where today’s conversation becomes tomorrow’s collaboration.

Join us. Because when the landscape shifts, we rise stronger together. In partnership. In purpose. In action.

2026 AFP in Canada Leadership Retreat

AFP Nova Scotia is pleased to be hosting the 2026 AFP Canada Leadership Retreat, where AFP leaders from across the country gather to discuss the fundraising profession and the evolving challenges facing the sector in Canada. The retreat is designed to support AFP Leaders through collaboration, idea sharing, and chapter leadership development. Registration information coming soon.

Travel stipends are available to help AFP members attend the retreat

AFP Webinars - June Opportunities

Expand your skills with these upcoming professional development opportunities from AFP Global:

• Fundraising Without Fear: Activating your Diverse Board with Equity and Intention — June 3
• Shifting Generosity: What your donors want and how to respond — June 17
• Human Work Wins: Finding your Value in the AI Era — June 18

AFP Nova Scotia Fundraising Field Notes

AFP Nova Scotia Fundraising Field Notes is a Substack channel for articles, stories and reflections by fundraising professionals for fundraising professionals. 

Check out, Learnings from a year of using TipTap, our first post by AFP NS Board Member Shaylyn MacAulay. 



If you are interested in contributing to Fundraising Field Notes check out the contributor guidelines and share your idea on our form! 

Reach out to Shaylyn at Shaylyn.MacAulay@nscc.ca if you have any questions.

2027 AFP Nova Scotia Chapter Board of Directors: Nominations Now Open

The AFP Nova Scotia Chapter is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for our 2027 Board of Directors.

We strongly encourage nominations from individuals who:

• Identify as Mi’kmaq, African Canadian, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, new Canadians, persons with disabilities, or neurodiverse individuals
• Live and/or work in rural Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Cape Breton
• Are based in Prince Edward Island

This year, we are especially interested in candidates who:

• Are passionate about serving as a Cape Breton Liaison
• Enjoy organizing educational opportunities
• Have an interest in supporting scholarships, sponsorships, or the Maritime Fundraising Conference
• Are committed to advancing AFP’s IDEA initiatives

Deadline: June 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM

To learn more about criteria and to apply by visiting HERE.

Questions? Contact us at afpnovascotia@gmail.com

Chamberlain Scholarship

Applications for the Chamberlain Scholarship will open in early fall.

Why should you learn more about the Chamberlain Scholarship? It’s your chance to attend AFP ICON. Need more? Read a brief message from this year’s recipient Omolara Ogunbosi, Executive Director at The Africadian Empowerment Academy:

“I sincerely thank you once again for your support and for selecting me for the Chamberlain Scholarship Award. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent AFP Nova Scotia at AFP ICON here in San Diego.

I wanted to share that I am currently attending the conference, and it has been a wonderful experience so far. I have been learning a great deal, making valuable networking connections, and enjoying the beautiful weather here in San Diego.

I attended the social event last night and had the pleasure of meeting Art Taylor, the AFP Global President, who specially asked that I extend his greetings.

Thank you once again for your confidence and support.”

AFP Memorial for Ken Mayhew

Join AFP colleagues and friends in remembering and celebrating Ken Mayhew’s contributions to the fundraising community during this special online memorial gathering on Friday May 29th, 1:00-2:00 pm AT. Ken was a beloved former chair of AFP Canada, mentor and friend, and tireless advocate for the charitable sector.