From outreach to connection: Rethinking donor engagement

Market Trends and New Reality of Donor Engagement  

BIO

“A good ask”, is what interests Steve Falk. 

He’s been a student of fundraising since hosting his first Jerry Lewis telethon backyard carnival as a 10-year-old for nickels and dimes. Over time he’s co-founded the million dollar raising, York Region In Support of Stephen Lewis Foundation non-profit, created a decade of local annual campaigns for the Aurora United Church, built and exited from Prime Data, which produced about 10 million personalized DM packages annually, co-leads the 11 piece R&B band, Soul Benefit, which has been part of raising over 2 million dollars while playing for no-charge for fundraising events and now works for Flagship Software Ltd., tools for verifying addresses, optimizing campaign lists and optimizing postage cost as well as Fractional E.D. of The Canadian Print Scholarships Trust.

Steve currently contributes to NAMMU (National Assn. of Major Mail Users) as an industry strategist, advocating to maximize the impact of direct mail for charitable organizations.

What’s working now: Campaigns that drive engagement and donations

BIO

David Foy is CEO and Partner of both Candela Strategies and Junction59, one of Canada's leading integrated fundraising and direct response agencies. With more than 40 years of experience in marketing, advertising and fundraising, David has helped organizations across the not-for-profit, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare and consumer sectors grow through data-driven strategy, compelling creative and measurable results. David is widely recognized for his expertise in direct marketing, donor acquisition, retention and integrated campaigns that combine traditional direct mail with digital channels and AI-assisted marketing. He is passionate about helping organizations create stronger customer and donor relationships while delivering exceptional return on investment. David is a frequent speaker on fundraising and direct marketing and has served on several charitable boards including chairing the Board of Second Harvest, Canada’s largest perishable food recovery program.

How data and targeting are transforming direct mail for NFPs 

BIO

With almost 20 years in direct marketing, Cindy's journey began in the publishing industry before she naturally transitioned into direct mail with Canada Post. With a diverse background, she has worked with national consumer packaged goods companies, not-forprofits, ecommerce platforms and retailers, honing her expertise in crafting effective marketing strategies across various sectors. Her passion for marketing is matched only by her love for spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors with her dog, Freddy.

Welcome remarks, Wrap up

BIO

Ainsley Lynch is a Business Development Manager for Smartmail Marketing with Canada Post. With 15 years of experience in advertising and marketing, Ainsley has worked with clients across all verticals – including not-for-profit, QSR, retail and ecommerce. Excelling at planning and communication, Ainsley focuses on identifying clients’ needs and providing campaign design that generates results to meet objectives. With solution recommendations rooted in data, she specializes in making big data actionable with a physical touchpoint, amplifying customer engagement and response.