Events & Webinars
From Survival Mode to Strategic Strength: Practical Tools for Small and Under-Resourced Charities
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Webinar
Most small charities are doing extraordinary work with very little and too often, the professional development conversation skips right over them or is not accessible to them. This session is designed specifically for fundraisers and nonprofit leaders working in (or supporting) grassroots and capacity-challenged organizations. We’ll explore the current CRA/T3010 compliance landscape, the real-world opportunities and risks of AI and cybersecurity, and how Project Launchpad is giving smaller charities access to the tools, networks, and expertise they’ve long deserved but have rarely been able to afford.
Speakers
Lois Graveline, CFRE, is the Founder & CEO of Harmonia Philanthropy, where she brings 34 years of fundraising experience and $25M+ raised to her work championing Canada’s smaller charities – the roughly 77% of registered charities raising under $500K a year that quietly do some of the most important work in our communities. Through PhilEx™, her guided philanthropic matchmaking program, and Project Launchpad, a capacity-building platform co-created with Telos One, Lois connects donors and advisors with vetted grassroots organizations while helping those charities strengthen their governance and operations to make the most of every gift. A Member and Mentor with AFP Canada, Lois has twice co-chaired AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day and remains passionate about proving that meaningful, connected giving – not transactional giving is what keeps vital community services alive.
Hatim Zavery is the CEO and Co-Founder of Telos One, a technology company that helps mission-driven organizations streamline operations, engage stakeholders, and stay secure without enterprise budgets or IT departments. His background spans the payments industry, hands-on work inside the charity sector, and years as a cyber-rescue contractor helping organizations respond to and recover from real-world attacks – experience that shapes his practical, no-fear approach to security. He holds the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) designation. Hatim is also the Co-Founder of Project Launchpad, a support hub built with and for Canada’s small charities – the 77% of the sector raising under $500K a year. He brings a plain-language, vendor-neutral approach to making cybersecurity and AI accessible to organizations where one person wears every hat.
Navigating Ethical Fundraising Challenges: Community of Practice
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Location TBC
October is AFP Ethics Awareness Month, and we’re planning an interactive Community of Practice session on October 28 that is sure to get you thinking deeply. This in-person event will be facilitated by Leah Eustace, ACFRE, with further details following soon.
Fundraisers are invited to anonymously send questions and examples of ethical challenges you’ve either faced or wonder about. We’ll change/remove all names and any other identifying aspects before we talk through them as a group with Leah.
Facilitator
Leah Eustace, ACFRE is the Executive Director of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at the University of Ottawa’ Faculty of Medicine. She brings a wealth of experience in charitable fund development and has an impressive background with Blue Canoe, where she’s supported non-profits through various initiatives. Not only is she recognized for her professional accomplishments, such as receiving the ACFRE accreditation and the 2014 AFP Ottawa Chapter Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award, but Leah also dedicates her time to extensive volunteer work, holding significant roles across multiple boards and committees.
Past Events
Unlocking Bigger Gifts Through Securities and Donor Advised Funds
Jessica Rayne, GiveWise Foundation Canada
Date: August 5, 2026
Format: Webinar
Thank you to our year-round Personal Development Series sponsors, Blakely. With your support our members continue to benefit from incredible sessions that add value to their ongoing careers in fundraising.