Fundraising is fundamentally about trust, relationships, and shared purpose. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll gain practical tools and build the confidence to connect meaningfully with donors, deepen community ties, and secure vital resources for your projects. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this participatory session will equip you to fundraise with authenticity and impact. 

Brought to our local NFP Community jointly by the County of Haliburton and the Haliburton County Development Corporation, this workshop will help participants be able to:

1. Explain the difference between transactional and relationship-based fundraising approaches, including ethical considerations in fundraising.

2. Compose and deliver a clear, concise value proposition for their community organization or project, incorporating peer feedback to improve authenticity and clarity.

3. Apply Marcy Heim’s three-sentence ‘Artful Ask’ formula in a role-play setting, demonstrating confidence and relational connection.

4. Develop a comprehensive Giving Season campaign plan with defined goals, donor targets, engagement tactics, and personalization strategies.

Register for this workshop by contacting HCDC at 705-457-3555 or emailing [email protected]

About our presenter:

Catherine Dyer, MBA, CFRE is a seasoned management consultant and certified fundraising executive with over 20 years of experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership, and strategic fundraising. She has helped raise over $30 million for critical initiatives, including launching Stella’s Place, a mental health support centre for young adults, and The New Mentality, a provincial network improving youth mental health services.

As a former Crown Ward and queer woman living with PTSD, Catherine brings a unique, lived understanding of the challenges marginalized communities face in securing resources. This personal perspective fuels her deep belief that authentic relationships are the foundation of sustainable social change.

Workshop Outline:

1:00 PM Start

1:00 – 1:15 | Welcome & Introductions (15 mins)

-Participants introduce themselves

-Discussion Prompt: "What comes to mind when you think of fundraising?"

1:15 – 1:30 | Core Principles (15 mins)

-Transactional" vs. relationship-based approaches.

-Why people give and how to connect with their motivations

1:30 – 2:00 | Building Your Pitch, Your Value Proposition (30 mins)

-Explanation + examples

-Individual pitch writing

-Small group peer presentations & feedback

2:00 – 2:45 | The Artful Ask (45 mins)

-Introduce Marcy Heim’s 3-sentence ask formula

-Role-play in pairs

-Peer & facilitator feedback

2:45 - 3:00| Break (15 mins)

3:00 - 3:30 | Giving Season Game Plan (30 mins)

-Why Giving Season matters

-Guided planning worksheet

-Partner sharing & feedback (focus on personalization)

3:30 – 4:00 | Final Reflection & Closing

-One key takeaway you’ll apply right away