The Growing Nonprofits Series is a collaborative effort led by the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Studies Network (NVSSN) at Luther College, in partnership with the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation.
The Winter 2025 virtual series is specifically designed to enhance the professional development and capacity of nonprofit professionals through ongoing learning and community-driven research.
Participants can take advantage of a variety of complimentary online learning experiences aimed at equipping nonprofit professionals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape.
Join us in advancing your knowledge and contributing to the growth of the nonprofit sector at our Winter 2025 Growing Nonprofits Series!
Donor Communications: From Acquisition to Retention
Monday, March 17th, 2025 (10:30am to 12:00pm)
Clear and consistent communication is the foundation of successful donor relationships. This session will guide participants through the donor journey, from initial acquisition to long-term retention. Learn how to craft compelling messaging, select the right communication channels, and personalize your approach to engage diverse audiences. Discover best practices for building trust, expressing gratitude, and demonstrating impact, ensuring donors remain connected to your mission. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategies, this session will help you build stronger connections and sustain donor loyalty over time.
Katherine Lacefield (Macdonald) is a trusted partner in the philanthropic space, leveraging over 20 years of experience to empower organizations and individuals to make a positive impact in their communities. Her professional experience ranges from direct services to fundraising, to spokesperson and communications manager. Her areas of expertise are animal and environmental causes, but she has touched on a wide variety of social causes such as homelessness, the arts and community services.As founder and head consultant at Just Be Cause Consulting, Katherine brings a wealth of insights to the table. As the Coordinator and Communications Manager of PhiLab, Canada’s largest philanthropic grantmaking research lab, Katherine has been at the forefront of grantmaking research, particularly in the realms of social and environmental justice. Through her role, she has fostered invaluable relationships with grantmaking foundations, nonprofits, and philanthropy researchers worldwide.
Panel: Effective Chair-Executive Director Relationships: Building Trust and Defining Roles for Successful Collaboration
Thursday, March 27th, 2025 (10:30am to 12:00pm)
A strong, trust-based relationship between the Board Chair and the Executive Director is essential for nonprofit success. When these two key leaders work in alignment—clearly defining roles, setting expectations, and fostering open communication—the entire organization benefits.
This panel brings together four nonprofit leaders—two seasoned professionals with decades of experience and two emerging leaders who are redefining leadership dynamics in today’s sector. Together, they will share real-world insights on navigating the Chair-Executive Director relationship, addressing common challenges, and developing strategies for trust-based collaboration.
Key topics will include:
- Clarifying roles and expectations
- Navigating power dynamics and decision-making authority
- Strategies for effective communication and conflict resolution
- Adapting leadership styles to evolving sector challenges
This this session will provide diverse perspectives and actionable takeaways to strengthen governance, leadership, and nonprofit impact.
Speakers:
Join retired Executive Director, Dana Folkerson, with her previous board chair, Lorna Standingready, along with an inspiring young Executive Director, Dominika Kreziminska and her board chair Cameron Symon. This dynamic and multi-generational panel is sure to have meaningful messages and practical tips for strong governance.
Creating Programs Based on Lived Experience: Co-Designing Initiatives with Impacted Individuals
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 (10:30am to 12:00pm)
How can nonprofits design programs that truly reflect the needs and strengths of the communities they serve? This session will explore collaborative program development through the lens of lived experience, bringing together youth leaders and a seasoned nonprofit ED who have co-designed initiatives.
This session will share insights on fostering meaningful engagement, ensuring community voices shape decision-making, and creating programs that are responsive and sustainable. Participants will gain practical strategies for integrating lived experience into program planning, strengthening partnerships, and building initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Originally from Carnduff, Saskatchewan, Shawn Fraser has spent the past decade working for various non-profit organizations in Regina. From 2012 until 2016 he also served as City Councillor for the City of Regina. Shawn currently serves as the CEO of the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, a non-profit organization with a mission is to assist individuals who are at risk or are involved in the criminal justice process by providing prevention, intervention, support services and advocacy.
Nonprofit Budgeting and Accounting 101
Monday, April 28th, 2025 (10:30am to 12:00pm)
In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll explore the basics of nonprofit accounting, including financial statements, budgeting, and compliance with legal and funding requirements. Participants will learn how to track income and expenses, manage restricted funds, and maintain financial transparency to build trust with donors and stakeholders.
This interactive session will also provide tips on working with accountants, using accounting software, and establishing internal controls. Whether you’re new to nonprofit leadership or seeking to enhance your organization’s financial practices, this workshop will equip you with the tools to confidently manage your finances and align them with your mission.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding nonprofit-specific accounting principles.
- Practical steps for creating and managing budgets.
- Tools and tips for maintaining financial transparency and accountability.
Dave Roszell B.Sc. FCPA, FCMA has built a career spanning both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, holding senior management roles throughout. He is currently an executive VP for finance and over the years has touched on most areas of the accounting profession to some degree. Dave’s specialties are cost accounting and control, budgets, financial analysis and reporting. His educational experience includes facilitating CPA modules, post-secondary instructing and serving on various exam boards and program development committees.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two adult children, and granddaughter. He also makes time for walking, reading, solving jigsaw puzzles, and watching football.
Panel – Partnering with Local Artists for Social Change: Case Studies and Actionable Steps for Collaboration
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 (10:30am to 12:00pm)
Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring the transformative power of partnerships between nonprofits and local artists. This session will delve into examples of creative collaborations that have driven meaningful social change. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of working across sectors, hear stories of impact, and leave with actionable steps to foster effective partnerships with artists in their own communities. Whether you’re looking to enhance your nonprofit’s outreach or explore new ways to inspire change, this session offers practical strategies to bridge art and advocacy.
Em Ironstar has served as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) since 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Distinction) in Print Media from the University of Regina and co-founded the Articulate Ink Printmaking Collective in 2010. Em’s extensive professional background includes roles such as Community Engagement Coordinator at the Museums Association of Saskatchewan, Communications Coordinator at SaskCulture, Administrative Assistant at the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, and Bilingual Gallery Facilitator at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. In 2023, she completed the “Developing Effective Government Relations & Advocacy Strategies for Canadian Arts Organizations” course at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Em lives in Regina, SK, on Treaty Four Territory with her wife. When not working or advocating for the arts, she tries to keep her artistic practice active by taking Polaroid photographs, doing digital drawings and the occasional linocut print.