This year, Capacity Canada hosted two pre-BootCamp workshops. Founder and CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of KEA Canada, Kathy Arney, hosted the highly anticipated workshop – Elevate your Impact: Non-profit Board Members Fundraising.
“I want every participant to understand fund development and be able to make a difference. That’s how you empower an organization to maximize its impact,’ said Kathy, who has spent most of her career growing organizational capacity, improving results, and enabling people to reach their full potential. She founded KEA Canada in 2013, a consulting firm specializing in helping non-profit and charitable organizations build capacity, mobilize their mission, and maximize their impact.
Kathy is an expert in fund development, capacity-building, campaigns, strategy and operations. Her business, accounting, and executive background and experience working in philanthropy provided a unique skill set for those participating in her session.
“We have directors who join non-profit boards with the right motivation, strong background, and skillset. However, that does not always include a good understanding of the sector or how to maximize their value to the organization,” Kathy expressed while adding that she sees so many new board of directors who know they have to develop plans and increase fundraising activities but don’t quite understand how to follow through!
“Board of directors must understand fund development and realize that fundraising is part of their jobs! When you shift your focus from pressuring friends and family to offering them an opportunity to support something you are passionate about, your whole experience changes,” she said.
In closing remarks, Kathy emphasized the importance of taking the first step to understand fundraising. “I’m proud of everyone attending the session today. I want people to leave the session knowing that fundraising is fun and creates a lasting impact if done right!”
