Spotlight: The Fun of Fundraising

Project Change Foundation’s 2026 capacity building program is helping charities strengthen four essential areas: governance, fundraising, impact measurement, and strategic communications. After April’s governance session, June’s workshop will focus on fundraising, with digital strategist Alli Vail leading a practical workshop on building sustainable programs. Alli has helped charities across Canada raise significant funds online, and her expertise in donor acquisition, email campaigns, and digital engagement offers valuable insights for organizations of all sizes. She emphasizes that digital fundraising is not a trend but a necessity, noting that “digital fundraising in many cases drives revenue for small and medium‑sized charities that don’t have capacity for large events. Email and online ads are cost‑effective and represent a critical fundraising stream.”

Her point is reinforced by industry data. According to M+R Benchmarks, email revenue for charities grew by 16% last year. Email now accounts for 11% of all online revenue, showing its central role in digital fundraising. Overall, online giving increased by 15%, underscoring how digital channels are becoming a reliable and scalable source of support, particularly for emerging charities that may lack the resources to run large‑scale events.

Charities participating in the program will gain tools to craft effective fundraising emails, understand donor acquisition, and evaluate the success of their fundraising plans. As Michelle Reining of Vancouver Food Runners notes, “effective digital strategies are essential for sustaining programs and deepening community ties.”

This session promises to deliver both inspiration and practical strategies, equipping Canadian charities with the knowledge and confidence to strengthen their fundraising efforts and expand their impact.