Join Us for a Free Relationship-Centred Workshop
As the year draws to a close, non-profits and charities everywhere prepare for the busiest time of the fundraising calendar. Between campaign planning, donor outreach, and year-end deadlines, it is easy to fall into a transactional mindset, focusing heavily on metrics, mailings, and short-term targets.
But true sustainability in fundraising comes from connection, not transactions. When donors feel genuinely connected to your mission and values, their support extends far beyond a single contribution.
To help local organizations build long-lasting support networks, we are thrilled to host Fundraising is Friend-raising, a free, interactive workshop designed specifically for charities, non-profits, and community groups.
Why “Friend-raising”?
Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money, it’s about sharing a vision and inviting others to be part of the solution. This workshop focuses on relationship-centred strategies that transform cold asks into meaningful conversations. Whether you are a small team, a volunteer-led group, or an established organization, shifting your focus to “friend-raising” will strengthen your community roots and set you up for long-term success.
What You Will Gain
In just three hands-on hours, you will leave with practical tools and actionable strategies:
- Friend-raising Mindset: Shift your organization’s perspective to put relationships first, moving away from high-pressure or transactional fundraising.
- Clear, Refined Pitch: Clearly define your value proposition and test it with real-time feedback from fellow participants.
- Practised Ask: Gain confidence using Marcy Heim’s renowned three-sentence Artful Ask, practicing directly in paired exercises so you feel natural and ready.
- Giving Season Game Plan: Walk away with a tailored strategy that includes concrete goals, targeted donor lists, and personal touch points for the upcoming season.
Meet Your Facilitator
The session will be led by Catherine Dyer (Ani Palmo), MBA, CFRE.
Catherine serves as the Individual Giving Associate at the United Church of Canada Foundation, which she joined in Spring 2026 to support the ongoing mission of the Church and the Foundation’s work. Over a 25-year career in fundraising, with a strong focus on youth-serving charities, she has helped non-profits raise both friends and funds, generating more than $30 million for organizations such as Stella’s Place and The New Mentality.
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development and has been a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2017. Living nearby in McArthurs Mills, she is a novice Buddhist nun and a member of Cathedral of the Trees, an eco-spiritual ministry in Maynooth, Ontario, associated with Windsong United Church.
Event Details
- Target Audience: Charities and non-profits
- When: November 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Where: St. Paul’s United Church, 1 Hastings St S, Bancroft
- Cost: Free (Thanks to the generous support of the United Church of Canada Foundation)
Save Your Seat
Because this workshop includes interactive pair exercises and tailored feedback, space is limited to ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience.
Don’t enter Giving Season unprepared, join us to connect with fellow local leaders and elevate your fundraising approach.
To reserve your spot, register below, by phone (613) 332-1900, or email: administration@bancroftunited.ca