Fundraising Day – AFP Ottawa

Meet your Fundraising Day Speaker lineup!

AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day 2026 is so pleased announce its official slate of speakers on May 20th.

Click here to view our impressive line-up of speakers & purchase your tickets!

From talks for senior leaders, to fireside chats for mentors and mentees, to innovative discussions on AI, technology and cybersecurity, to even a health and wellness room, this year’s fundraising day truly has it all.

Thank you everyone that submitted a proposal this year.

The competition was stiff, and we are so excited for Ottawa’s biggest day for fundraising
on May 20, 2026!

*Did you know?
AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day will count towards your ongoing CFRE accreditation! The sessions on May 20^thwill be worth 4.25 CE points.
Meanwhile, enjoy a full day of networking, connection, and even come comedy and health and wellness sessions!
This year’s Fundraising Day truly has it all.

A special thank you to our longtime Presenting Sponsor, KCI Philanthropy

Curious how AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day will unfold?

Check out our agenda for the city’s biggest day for fundraising below!

See The Day's Schedule Here

Join Us May 20, 2026

Seize the Future

For Charities. For Impact. For Canada.

More than ever, the world – and Canada – seem to be at a crossroads.

Whether it is the rapid ascent of artificial intelligence, the rising cost of living and demand for charitable services, or the international uncertainty we have seen from even our closest allies, it is far from business as usual for our fundraising community.

So how do we meet these challenges, head on?

AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day seeks to tackle this question – and many others. In a world dominated by AI, what does the next generation of fundraising look like? Most importantly, what does it look like for Canadians?

Here in Canada, we pride ourselves on our diversity, our authenticity, our inclusiveness, our quiet yet determined sense of nationalism. How do we enter this new age of AI – and embrace all its infinite possibilities – while also standing up for Canada?

In an artificial world, how do we remain authentically Canadian?

Fundraising Day 2026 is a call to action for every professional in the sector to come together to learn, network and share ideas.

Sessions will have something for everyone: with options for mentees and entry-level fundraisers, opportunities for those at the Director, VP and even CEO level, and everything in between.

But this time-honoured gathering is also a time to step back, take a breath, and take care of ourselves – and each other. With this in mind, our programming and speakers will also provide a few opportunities to laugh, reflect, and recharge.

Join us as we tackle a Brave New World of fundraising, celebrate all that is Canadian, and “Seize the Future” together.

Opening Plenary: Let’s Start with a Laugh!

For the first time, AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day is proud to kick things off with something new – a laugh!

With the lights down low, and a mocktail in hand, join us for three outstanding comedians, as we transport the Rogers Centre into comedy club. Each of the comedians below will bring their own unique blend of comedy, while sprinkling in a few jokes around fundraising and this year’s theme.

You will leave the performance feeling just a little bit lighter as you begin a day of networking, sharing, and learning.

Sam Laprade

Sam loves to connect people! As an award-winning radio broadcaster, author and professional fundraiser Sam works closely with the community to give a voice to new ideas, tough topics, and philanthropy.

Combining her love of philanthropy and talents as a broadcaster, Sam created and hosts of “An Hour to Give” on Rogers tv Ottawa and Country 101.1. This show, in its seventh season, highlights volunteerism and philanthropy.

Sam is an engaging, inspiring international speaker who takes audiences on a journey during her presentations. From emotional issues to stand-up comedy, she leaves them on their feet cheering.

Simone Holder

Simone Holder is an award-winning comic who lights up comedy clubs with her unique style and infectious charm.

With a soft-spoken delivery and sweet demeanour, Simone captivates audiences with her warm presence. But don’t let her gentle nature fool you—her punchlines pack a hilarious, unexpected punch that leaves the room roaring with laughter.

Her relatable observations, clever wit, and impeccable timing have made her a sought-after act on the comedy scene, weaving humour seamlessly into everyday experiences.

Pierre Brault

Pierre Brault has spent over 40 years in stand-up, blending razor-sharp material with a deeply theatrical sensibility.

He has toured nationally and internationally, bringing his distinctive voices to stages around the world. A sought-after stand-up teacher, he has trained hundreds of aspiring comedians, many of whom have gone on to professional careers.

Part comic, part storyteller, Pierre turns the stage into a living theatre of laughter.

Closing Plenary: The Future of Philanthropy in Canada, How Innovation and AI will transform our Sector.

In an era defined by rapid technological change, the rise of AI, global uncertainty, and a growing demand for charitable services, Canada’s philanthropic landscape is evolving at unprecedented speed. Yet alongside these challenges lies extraordinary opportunity.

That’s why Fundraising Day 2026 closes with a high‑impact Thought Leaders Panel: The Future of Philanthropy in Canada—a candid, practical conversation on how innovation and AI are already changing our work and what’s coming next.

Join three of Canada’s top thought leaders on the future of philanthropy.

Duke Chang

Duke serves as the President and CEO of CanadaHelps where he is dedicated to help modernize charitable giving and equipping charities of all sizes with the tools they need to succeed in a digital-first world. With more than 25 years of experience in financial services and technology, he has built a career on delivering innovative solutions that solve real-world challenges and drive meaningful results.

Duke is passionate about empowering Canadians to support their favourite causes and helping charities across the country grow their impact through digital transformation.

Mary Barroll

President & General Counsel, Charity Village LTD.

Mary is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, Mary was appointed President of CharityVillage Canada's largest online job board, career resource and learning hub for charities and nonprofits in Canada in 2021. The appointment came after 8 years of service as General Counsel & VP of Media Affairs at CharityVillage and 25 years of private practice working with award winning television and film producers, broadcasters and digital media developers.

At CharityVillage, Mary merges her background in media production and content marketing with her business and legal experience to help job seekers become career ready with virtual tools, e-learning courses and online resources and to help employers attract, recruit and engage employees across Canada in both the nonprofit sector. A sought-after public speaker on talent acquisition, employer branding and employee engagement, Mary also hosts the national podcast, CharityVillage Connects.

The podcast explores vital issues impacting the nonprofit sector in Canada with subject matter experts and thought leaders to offer insights and solutions to help nonprofits and charities navigate challenges and deliver on their missions. Wrapping up its second season, CharityVillage Connects was recently named a finalist for the 2025 Gold Quill Awards for best B2B Podcast by the International Association of Business Communicators.

Jason Shim

Chief Digital Officer, Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR)

How can we harness technology to make a difference in the world? That’s the question Jason loves to explore with organizations. Jason serves as Chief Digital Officer of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience which aims to build a digitally-enabled nonprofit sector, where Canada’s diverse nonprofits use data and tech to advance their mission and multiply their impact.

As an experienced digital executive, Jason has consistently provided leadership to help organizations stay ahead of the technology curve. He has successfully championed organization-wide digital-first approaches and has developed and implemented strategies that support operations, marketing, fundraising, and program delivery.

Jason also serves as an editor for Ledger, a journal focused on blockchain research, and has previously contributed his expertise to the boards of Ontario 211 and NTEN, promoting the skillful and equitable use of technology.

What you’ll take away

Insights into national trends that are shaping our sector
What technologies are being applied and, how AI will reshape workflows, prospecting, stewardship, and measurement—and where the real risks and rewards are.
How the right innovation can free capacity, shift team behaviours, and open new doors to deliver on your mission and services.
Real Canadian examples of AI in use today—what’s working, what hasn’t and what’s around the corner.

This year we’re asking: “How do we embrace a rapidly changing world while remaining authentically Canadian?”Our closing panel will provide insights perspectives and examples from across our national .

Who should attend Fundraising professionals across roles—annual, major gifts, corporate, digital, events, and leadership—plus CEOs/EDs, board members, and sector partners who want an informed and innovation.

Join us and seize the future—together.