Western Canada Fundraising Conference 2025

Ever feel like your donor database is a treasure chest just waiting to be unlocked?

Well, it is—if you know where to dig.

Join Sam Laprade, CFRE, Canada’s most trusted donor data analytics expert, and Ben Mohler, ACFRE, one of America's top authorities on turning donor data insights into fundraising success.  This high-energy, practical session will show you how to uncover hidden opportunities in your donor data.

In this session, Sam and Ben will use real-world examples and proven strategies to dig deep to discover the donors who already care about your cause. You’ll leave with clear and practical steps to reduce donor attrition, improve second-gift conversion, and grow fundraising with the donors who are most likely to give—and give again.

No more guessing or wasting time on unproductive leads—this session will teach you how to focus your efforts on the donors who already care about your cause. This will help you build lasting donor relationships and drive revenue, even in chaotic times.

If you’re ready to use your data to unlock the full potential of your donor base, this session is for you. It’s time to dig for treasure in your own backyard—and find the hidden donors hiding in plain sight. We’ll provide the map.

Here’s an uncomfortable truth about capital campaigns: even well-established organizations can fall short of their goals. The difference between success and failure? Planning.

If a major campaign is on your horizon, now is the time to lay the foundation—not when you’re ready to launch. In this workshop, you’ll learn a proven planning framework built on 25+ years of frontline fundraising experience across campaigns ranging from $5M to $200M.

We’ll cover:
- The essential steps to prepare for a campaign - before you start asking
- How to avoid common pitfalls that can derail even the strongest organizations
- Why taking a “wait and see” approach during times of political and economic uncertainty is the riskiest strategy (and what to do instead)

Whether you're leading your first campaign or your fifth, you’ll walk away with the clarity, confidence, and a concrete plan to set your campaign up for success.