Dear Fellow Fundraisers,

This time of year is perhaps the busiest for fundraising professionals. I don’t know about you, but I am tired! It’s hard to find time to slow down yet that’s exactly what we need when we’re constantly going, going, going.

Fortunately, a moment to pause and reflect found me. I had the opportunity to attend AFP LEAD for the first time, and it was invigorating. I leaned into sessions focused on leadership and our shared humanity. I needed a pick-me-up, and that’s exactly what I got.

Like many of you, I sometimes question myself, the decisions I make, whether I’m a good leader, and if I’m truly making a difference. I found comfort in realizing I’m not alone in my self-doubt, even among those I admire and who seem to have it all together. Birgit Smith Burton, I appreciated your vulnerability and loved when you shared that Justin Guarini told you, “You’re right where you need to be.” A colleague once reminded me that the very fact we question ourselves is often what makes us good leaders.

And Ken Miller, you are my hero! Thank you for reminding me that I am responsible for my own happiness. I know it comes from within, and I know I am worthy, but a little reminder now and then goes a long way. We are all meant to shine, and when we trust ourselves, we give those around us permission to do the same.

I was also encouraged by Anh Vo’s insights on the importance of human-centered leadership in this age of AI and heartened to know there’s now research supporting it! In the non-profit sector, we work with people, and how we do our work can never be replaced by technology. Our teams need us to care more than ever before.

Fortunately, we are a people-first sector and we naturally lead with empathy and collaboration. So, keep listening and caring. Lean on one another. As Jamal Cornelious reminded me, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

I hope my reflections from AFP LEAD give you a little lift as you approach the year-end finish line. You’ve got this. You are enough. And you are not alone.



I look forward to seeing you at our Holiday Mixer in December!

Fiona

Fiona Valverde

President, AFP Nova Scotia

The Power of Belonging: Leading with Inclusion in Philanthropy

Date: Monday, November 24th

Time: 12:30pm EST

Join AFP Global Chair Roger D. Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, for a powerful conversation on belonging—what it truly means in our profession and why it’s essential for the future of philanthropy. Roger will share how his own experience with belonging has shaped his AFP journey—from chapter leadership to serving as global board chair—and how those experiences continue to guide his approach to leadership and community.

As an extension of AFP’s ongoing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) work, belonging is a strategic priority for AFP and a vital part of creating a profession where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Building on AFP’s Board Statement on Belonging, this session explores how we can bring those values to life within our chapters, organizations, and teams.

Roger will discuss how leadership at every level can model belonging—by listening deeply, building trust, and fostering authentic relationships that strengthen our collective impact. This engaging session will invite you to reflect, connect, and take practical steps toward shaping a more inclusive and connected culture across our profession.

2026 Chamberlain Scholarship Program

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy is proud to offer the Chamberlain Scholarship Program to attend the AFP International Conference on Philanthropy (AFP ICON) 2026 to be held in San Diego, CA from April 26 – 28, 2026. This scholarship program is designed to help individuals serving non-profit organizations develop their knowledge and skills in fundraising and will cover the recipient's conference registration fee.

Deadline for applications is December 7th, 2025.

Holiday Social

You are invited to AFP Nova Scotia’s Holiday Mixer, presented by the Donor Motivation Program.

Join us at Pazzo Ristorante (1566 Barrington Street) for an evening of meaningful conversation and connection with tasty appetizers and drinks on Tuesday, December 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We are pleased to share that the venue is accessible and barrier-free. 

Registration is $20 and you can add a guest for free!

If you feel the cost is a barrier, let us know and we'll do our best to ensure you can participate.

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.

New Member Coupon

In honor of National Philanthropy Day, AFP is offering $50 off Professional and Associate global dues for new members.

Being a member of AFP Nova Scotia connects you to a vibrant professional community of fundraisers across the province, the Maritimes, and beyond. Membership provides valuable networking opportunities, allowing you to share ideas, collaborate, and build relationships with peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of fundraising in a Maritime province with local challenges and opportunities faced daily. 

Take advantage of our AFP Coupon before November 30, 2025.

Celebrate Your Mentors This National Philanthropy Day

National Philanthropy Day was November 15, and we’re inviting you to honour the mentors who have shaped your fundraising careers. 



Make a gift to the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada’s unrestricted fund in recognition of someone who has inspired you.

AFP Member Spotlight: Charles MacKenzie, M.A., CFRE

Founder and Principal Consultant, Company House Consulting

AFP Member Since 2017

When Charles decided to hang his own shingle, he picked the three things he felt he was best at - major gifts, capital campaigns, and strategic planning.

New Funding Portal

The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities has launched a brand new website that hosts links municipal, provincial, and federal funding programs across the province.

https://www.nsfunding.ca/ allows you to search by type of projects which will be extremely helpful in funding your charity.

The Funding Portal is a joint initiative of the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities. It is your one-stop source to find grants for municipalities and community groups across Nova Scotia.

Thank you CharityCAN

National Philanthropy Day was celebrated on Friday, November 14th. Thanks to our presenting sponsor CharityCan and our panel including Ethan Edwards, Sarah Lyon, and Fiona Valverde, and facilitated by Joanne Bath took a look at The Threads That Connect Us.



Ethan, when asked “what do you hope people learn when they hear your story?” shared that “its not as hard as it looks” and that people should just “get started - that’s the hard part.

Sarah Lyon was asked “what’s the secret to helping people feel part of something bigger?” said that her “secret sauce is the soft skills - communicating effectively and offering support”