10/01/2026
What happens at a Pillar workshop?
Practical learning, honest conversations and ideas that nonprofit professionals can take back to their organizations.
Last week, we welcomed participants to the first two sessions of our Fundraising Essentials series at Innovation Works.
In Build Your Case for Support, Lindsay McDermott, Senior Consultant at globalphilanthropic.ca Global Philanthropic Inc. (Canada), explored how the order of a case matters: begin with the challenge, present the opportunity, explain why action is needed now and translate financial support into clear, meaningful impact. A strong case brings donors into the journey and helps them see the future they can help create.
During Winning Grants, Debra Bond-Gorr CFRE (Ret.) she/her, Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada, reminded us that a strong proposal begins well before the writing. It starts with finding the right alignment, understanding the funder’s priorities, building relationships and developing projects that meet the eligibility criteria. Participants also worked through the essential components of a proposal, from evidence and measurable outcomes to realistic budgets, sustainability and careful review of every instruction.
One message connected both sessions: bring your organization’s passion into the language and priorities of the people you are asking to support it.
Thank you to Lindsay and Debra for sharing their experience and answering participants’ questions, and to Global Philanthropic Canada for sponsoring the series and supporting nonprofit learning in our community.
We’ll continue Fundraising Essentials on Thursday, November 12, at Innovation Works:
9:30–11:30 am
Planned Giving 101: Legacy Giving Unscripted — Real Questions. Candid Answers. Meaningful Conversations.
1:00–3:00 pm
How Healthy Is Your Fundraising Data Ecosystem?
Individual registration is available for both workshops. Join us to continue building practical fundraising knowledge.
