What does it take to build the right social impact partnerships? Douglas Nelson talks all about it with Sarah Saso, VP of ESG & Social Impact at Meridian Credit Union. She explains the importance of strategically aligning core business interests and maintaining open communication at all times in developing fruitful partnerships in the social profit sector. Sarah also talks about Meridian’s innovative programs focused on helping professionals build financial confidence and overcome economic barriers. Discover the right way to secure meaningful and long-term partnerships in order to move the needle on community impact.

A wish is far more than a fleeting moment of joy; it is a scientifically-backed medical intervention that can fundamentally alter a child’s healing journey. Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Canada, joins the conversation to dismantle the “last wish” myth and replace it with the Wishes are Medicine framework, which highlights the measurable clinical impact of hope on critical illness. Beyond the mission, she offers a candid look at leading a national transformation—moving the organization from a post-pandemic scarcity mindset to a culture of abundance by investing in technology, talent, and a “constellation of leaders.” From the logistical challenge of granting wishes in nearly 700 unique communities to the vulnerability required to lead from the C-suite, this discussion bridges the gap between high-level operational strategy and the raw, emotional heart of the social profit sector.

Nearly one in three Canadians reported having their human rights violated in 2024. Because of this alarming reality, the mission of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has never been more important. Douglas Nelson sits down with Mena Gainpaulsingh, CEO of the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, to share their fundraising efforts for this national institution fighting for survivors and bravely advancing women’s rights. Discover how they bridge the tension of raising money for a sensitive topic like human rights by grounding conversations in the fundamental principle that “everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

The landscape of local philanthropy and social change is constantly evolving, requiring organizations to innovate and adapt. Douglas Nelson has a great conversation with Dan Clement, President & CEO of United Way Centraide Canada, about the organization’s unique role as a “local impact, national platform” backbone for social good. Dan shares the three core pillars of their work—engaging Canadians, investing in frontline services, and community planning—and discusses how the movement is strategically renewing its business model to meet current challenges like the national housing crisis and shifting philanthropic trends. He also emphasizes the critical need for an “abundance mindset” within the social profit sector to drive resilient and long-term positive change across the country.

Navigating the complexities of fundraising leadership in a changing donor landscape requires both unparalleled expertise and a dedication to constant evolution. We sit down with Roger D. Ali, the second Canadian and current AFP Global Chair, to discuss his remarkable career and the key insights he’s gathered from the sector. Roger shares the biggest concerns he’s heard from AFP members, including the critical challenge of donor retention, the role of technology in a relationship-based field, and how to best equip the new generation of fundraisers. We also dive deep into the perils of transactional matching campaigns versus long-term stewardship, what it takes for a fundraiser to successfully transition into a CEO role, and Roger’s powerful leadership concept for uncertain times: “Leading Lightly.”

How do you maintain momentum after the record-setting success of a $600 million campaign? Learn the critical role of organizational readiness and strategic ambition in this master class on philanthropic leadership. Douglas Nelson sits down with Anne-Marie Newton, President & CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation, who openly shares her experience navigating the transition from Chief Philanthropy Officer to CEO. She discusses how to successfully lead a team through the crucial “retool and refuel” phase that follows a major campaign, the importance of consistent, authentic donor stewardship, and how the Foundation partners with the hospital to drive system-wide advancements in mental health—the defining public health challenge of our time.

Osteoporosis may seem like a normal part of aging, but it is actually a sign of some internal problems that you must address at once. Dr. Famida Jiwa, President and CEO of Osteoporosis Canada, joins Douglas Nelson to share how they are raising awareness about the wrong perceptions about bone health and fractures. She discusses how their team balances real science with real human stories, the unique challenges of fundraising for a national healthy charity, and what it takes to lead with a strong identity and purpose.

The continuous challenge of balancing advocacy, fundraising, and programs is a fundamental tension for leaders in the international development sector. Douglas Nelson explores this dynamic with Allison Alley, President and CEO of World Vision Canada, who oversees efforts to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Allison shares her unique perspective on leading through seismic shifts in the sector, detailing World Vision’s holistic and child-focused approach that encompasses emergency relief, long-term development, and critical advocacy work. She discusses her “bridge year” strategy to ensure the organization remains centered, clear, and cohesive, and reveals how fostering an attentive, “non-anxious presence” guides her leadership and commitment to continuous, incremental improvement.

Uncover the essential nonprofit fundraising insights needed to anchor your organization in abundance for 2026 and beyond. In a special “Ask Doug Anything” session, Douglas Nelson sits down with Samantha Gayfer, Director of Strategic Development at The Discovery Group, to tackle the sector’s most persistent challenges. They dive into critical shifts in donor behavior trends, discussing the intergenerational wealth transfer and the true “next generation” of donors. Doug outlines the most common campaign readiness gaps, emphasizing the focus on top gifts and mid-level giving, and dissects the “great irony” of internal structures that undercut fundraiser success. Finally, they cover strategies for CEOs to navigate board tension and foster deeper board engagement in philanthropy, providing clear guidance for leaders on shaping their next steps.

Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS) is dedicated to advancing the social, political, economic, and cultural well-being of the Black community in Metro Vancouver. Douglas Nelson sits down with their inaugural executive director, Djaka Blais, who talks about their place-making efforts focused on nonprofit housing development and community engagement. Djaka discusses how they embrace Afrocentric governance principles to push their efforts forward and explains how their Community Land Trust model works. She also breaks down the benefits of fostering a culture of care, which helps her team avoid burnout and remain committed to their core mission.