What if there were billions of dollars already earmarked for charitable giving — just waiting for your organization to tap in? That's the reality of donor-advised funds, and in this episode of the Shared Brain Podcast, we're breaking down everything you need to know.

Hosts Peter McKinley and Jill Nelson, both Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, sit down for an in-depth conversation on one of the fastest-growing sources of charitable revenue in Canada. From a real-life story of a couple who saved hundreds of thousands in taxes while making a $2 million community gift, to the surprising role DAFs played in sustaining charitable giving during COVID-19 — this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.

Together, Peter and Jill cover:

• What a donor-advised fund (DAF) is and how it works
• How DAFs differ from private foundations — and why that matters
• Key stats from CRA data: over 180,000 DAFs in Canada, giving $1.9 billion to charities last year
• Why DAF holders are among the most valuable donor prospects your organization can identify
• How DAFs may be reshaping the giving landscape even as the number of individual receipted donors declines

Whether you're a fundraising professional, a nonprofit leader, or someone exploring smarter ways to give, this episode will change how you think about charitable dollars — and how to connect with them.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Peter and Jill continue the conversation.

Subscribe, like, and share to stay up to date with new episodes. Learn more about Global Philanthropic Canada's expert consulting services at globalphilanthropic.ca or book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our award-winning senior consultants. Let's elevate mission together.

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In this episode, two expert Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, Corinne Rusch-Drutz, PhD, and Jason Muscant, MA, discuss political resilience within Canada's charitable sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact of crises, maintaining a clear mission, and developing effective communication strategies. They explore how organizations can navigate the political landscape, build relationships with political partners, and advocate for their causes while remaining focused on their core mission. You will hear practical advice to enhance your organization's resilience and adapt to changing circumstances.

To book your 30-minute complimentary session with either of these Senior Consultants, click their name above and get started!

To download the free report on political resilience for Canadian non-profits , click here. Also available in French.

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This episode celebrates Mitch Thomson and his team at Red Deer Food Bank Society's innovative, inspiring approach to fundraising.

• What can your organization do DIFFERENTLY to move the needle on your important mission?
• How can you integrate an entrepreneurial mindset into your daily initiatives to drive funding and engagement?
• How can you connect with donors, volunteers and your Board meaningfully and authentically?

Myles Peake, Global Senior Consultant in Red Deer, Alberta, sits down with Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of Red Deer Food Bank Society, to discuss ways to break out of the daily humdrum of fundraising and integrate new ideas to drive maximum reach for your organization.

To help the Red Deer Food Bank Society reach their fundraising goals, click here!

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HOORAY for the next generation of philanthropists!! This episode takes us to New Brunswick, where we connect with two inspiring individuals who make the wheels turn for the "Youth in Philanthropy" (YiP) program. This program is designed to inspire, engage and teach youth about the impacts and benefits of being involved with philanthropy through various activities where they learn about the work of non-profits in their communities. The youth leave the program inspired to become young adults who continue to give back to their communities as they venture into adulthood.

This episode is hosted by Global Philanthropic Canada's own Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn. Stacey is Vice President, Atlantic and Senior Consultant. This episode features two special guests: Anthony Enman, Board Director with the Association of Fundraising Professionals of New Brunswick, as well as Officer with the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and Krista Turnbull, Community Schools Coordinator at Seaside Park Elementary School.

Learn more about the AFP New Brunswick.

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Let's discuss ways to enhance your nonprofit's efficiency and achieve optimal outcomes. When evaluating the philanthropic health and potential of your nonprofit organization, have you assessed the 3 Cs: Culture, Capacity and Competency? These three dimensions offer a comprehensive and practical framework for assessing readiness to effectively fundraise, particularly through the lens of both staffing and volunteer leadership.

Each “C” provides critical insight into how to engage with the full solicitation cycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation and solicitation, and finally through stewardship and renewal.

This episode is hosted by Global Philanthropic Canada's own Jeff Sodowsky. Jeff is Vice President, Pacific and Senior Consultant. This episode features two special guests: Barney Ellis-Perry, CEO of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation and Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO of The Forum.

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Aujourd’hui, on vous propose un épisode spécial pour faire écho à la conférence nationale 2025 du CCAE, qui s’est tenue dans le cadre prestigieux du Château Frontenac à Québec, en collaboration avec l’Université Laval. Une rencontre qui a réuni les leaders de l’avancement institutionnel au pays — et où les idées, les échanges et les inspirations ont fusé.

Mais on le sait, tout le monde ne peut pas y assister. Alors, que vous étiez retenu sur votre campus ou que vous n’ayez tout simplement pas pu faire le déplacement, cet épisode est pour vous.

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Découvrez notre parcours ICI.

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Canadian fundraisers unite to discuss navigating mental health in the workplace, specifically within the non-profit space.

⭐ What can your organization implement today to maximize mental wellness?

⭐ As a leader, how can you think differently to support your team to be their best?

⭐ How have small changes in the workplace led these fundraisers to notice improvements in their fundraising teams? Does an improvement in mental health and balance really result in fundraising success?

With special guests Chloe Grondin and Amy O'Leary (Peach Arch Hospital Foundation), and Barb Coates (Dan's Legacy), Barbara Moore explores mental health in the workplace and the tools your organization can invest in to maximize health and wellness for the betterment of your colleagues and your non-profit's mission.

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What makes philanthropy tick in the Canadian landscape? How do we collectively squeeze the most juice out of associations and memberships to elevate your non-profit's mission and your fundraising career? What does it mean to be a fundraising generalist?

In this episode, we dive in to discuss fundraising in Canada from the perspective of Lisa Dayanandan, CFRE. Lisa is a self-described storyteller, connector and big picture thinker. A former teacher, she found her way into fundraising and never looked back. Currently, she works as Philanthropy Advisor with the Edmonton Community Foundation while also volunteering with AFP Edmonton and Area Chapter and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.

This episode is hosted by Corrie Fortner. If Lisa is a storyteller, connector and big picture thinker, Corrie is an empath, problem-solver extraordinaire and a visionary leader. She is a compassionate and strategic fund development professional with a strong history of success working with donors, leading teams, and supporting organizations to attain and surpass their goals. She currently works with Global Philanthropic Canada as Vice President, Prairies & Territories and Senior Consultant for many Canadian non-profits.

Don't forget to check out Lisa's spoken word piece crafted for National Philanthropy Day in Canada here. https://youtu.be/gGzerHx8as4

Watch our story unfold here!

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