Dear Fellow Fundraisers,

The Maritime Fundraising Conference exceeded all expectations. Let me tell you why…

A few years ago, we recognized that our community needed to hold space for conversation and education that truly embeds the values of inclusion, diversity, equity and access. A place where fundraisers could gather, feel safe, connect, learn, and lean on each other. 

What began as one room at NSCC has grown into something far greater. Not only in size (attendance more than doubled), but in the depth of presentations, the richness of authentic connections, and the powerful sense of community we share. 

Trust is indeed a fragile commodity. Many have lost trust in our sector, in AFP, and in those who uphold the status quo. Thank you, Nneka Allen, for your courageous truth telling. Your words were both healing and inspiring. As were those of other brave change makers like Pam Glode-Desrochers and Tia Upshaw. You are proof that philanthropy can adapt in the quest for justice and move money where it is needed most. 

Every MFC speaker spoke from their hearts and brilliant minds, centering community and giving us new tools, stories of trust, kinship, and hope for this ever-changing world of philanthropy. It was moving to see attendees share their own lived experience and voices. I am deeply grateful for the work each of you do every day to make philanthropy more inclusive and just. 

You can read more about the conference in this month’s newsletter. A special shout-out to our sponsors and to co-chairs Glenn Massad and Sukanksha Khatri, along with the entire committee. This was a heavy lift. Thank you for stepping up, showing up and giving up your precious time.

Fiona

Fiona Valverde

President, AFP Nova Scotia

Thank You from Your MFC 2025 Co-Chairs

On behalf of the organizing committee, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s Maritime Fundraising Conference such a resounding success.

Held on September 15 &16, the conference brought together a remarkable community of fundraisers, sector leaders, and changemakers. With record attendance, the energy in the room was inspiring and reaffirmed the important role philanthropy plays in strengthening our communities.

This year’s conference was designed through the lens of IDEA—Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility—and it was wonderful to see that commitment reflected in every aspect of the event. From the thought-provoking sessions to the meaningful networking opportunities, MFC 2025 truly embodied our shared values.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated organizing committee and team of volunteers whose creativity, energy, and countless hours of planning brought this event to life. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose support made it all possible, and to our outstanding speakers and presenters who generously shared their expertise. We were especially honoured to welcome our riveting keynote speaker, Nneka Allen, whose wisdom and storytelling left a lasting impact on all of us.

We want to thank you—our attendees—for showing up with such enthusiasm and openness to learn, connect, and grow together. Your presence and participation are what make this conference so special.



Finally, we will be sharing the post event survey with all of you and would love to hear how we can make the conference better. Your responses would help us in making MFC 2026 better. See you next year!

With gratitude,

Glenn Massad & Su Khatri

Co-Chairs, Maritime Fundraising Conference 2025

Thank You MFC25 Speakers

This year’s conference was meant to inspire fundraisers working in the ever evolving landscape of philanthropy. With the incredible expertise joining us we believe we did just that. 

We would like to thank our speakers and remind our members that you can still review their biographies and sessions by visiting https://community.afpglobal.org/afpns/mfc/mfc2025

Thank you to Vanessa Burns from Vanessa Burns Grant Consulting, Karen Dean from Karen Dean Inc., Kathryn Levandier from United Way Maritimes, Shaylyn MacAulay from the NSCC Foundation, Jaya Mootoo from Jaya Mootoo Consulting, Kathleen Murphy from the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, Jeff Sodowsky from the conferences presenting sponsor, Global Philanthropic Canada, Alexandra Therous from AI First Consulting, and Tia Upshaw from Blk Women in Excellence.



The conference closed with an incredible panel who explored Indigenous frameworks of giving. It was a true honour to hear from Pam Glode-Desrochers, Executive Director of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Corinne MacLellan from CMC Communications and Elder Debbie Eisan.

Dollars and Sense: Navigating Real-World Dilemmas in Fundraising

Date: October 7

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM

Venue: NSCC IT Campus – Room B272

Cost:

• $20 for AFP and CAGP members
• $30 for non-members

This Ethics Month, AFP Nova Scotia invites you to a hands-on working session where we’ll tackle real-world ethical dilemmas in fundraising together.

Through small-group discussions and guided scenarios, you’ll:

• Explore the gray areas where ethical challenges often arise.
• Practice applying AFP’s Code of Ethical Standards in everyday situations.
• Learn from peers across the sector in an open, practical, and supportive space.

Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned professional, this session will help you sharpen your ethical decision-making skills and bring new confidence to your work.

Format: In-person, interactive breakout groups and facilitated group discussion.

Bring: Your curiosity, lived experiences, and willingness to share.

AFP Nova Scotia Memberships for Cape Breton Residents

Do you know someone new to fundraising? Someone looking for an opportunity to join AFP Nova Scotia? We're giving away up to seven one-year memberships.

Criteria:

• Fundraisers must reside in Cape Breton. 
• Applicants must be NEW to AFP. 

Winners must claim their membership by December 31st, 2025.

If you want to be included in the draw please email AFP Nova Scotia with “Cape Breton New Member” in the subject line.

During MFC25 we invited new attendees, not yet members of AFP Nova Scotia, an opportunity to enter to win a free AFP membership. 

The draw was done at the end of the conference and we are proud to announce NEW AFP members:

• Meagan Cairns
• Spencer Gauh
• Hassan Monzoor
• Dawna MacIvor
• Cat MacKeigan
• Crystal Martin
• Melissa Patterson
• Guneet Rania
• Sarah White

We are excited to share the 2026 AFP in Canada Leadership Retreat will be in Halifax next summer by the AFP Nova Scotia Chapter! 

As we prepare to welcome AFP Leaders from across the country, we are beginning recruitment for our Chapter Planning Committee. This is a great opportunity to get involved, connect with fellow fundraising professionals, and help shape a retreat that reflects our local culture and embodies our chapter’s commitment to IDEA.

To learn more and sign-up, please connect with Whitney MacLean and Whitney Machin at whitney.maclean@nscc.ca and whitney.machin@mscanada.ca.