Throughout Canada, and in every Province, local charitable organizations that serve in resort and cottage/camp areas are always seeking to develop a philanthropic relationships with seasonal residents. Charities look to partner with the dedicated, wealthy and influential seasonal residents that come to relax and enjoy holiday time with their families in mountain retreats, sea shore villages and lots of small towns located from coast to coast on our many beautiful lakes.

My observations on how to develop and maximize this potential is based on having enjoyed more than 30 years working in the Muskoka area of Ontario both as a staff leader of a Hospital Foundation and as a Volunteer on the Board of several local charities. Working with seasonal residents is really no different than engaging local families to become involved in the important work you and your organization do to serve the needs of your clients.

Many seasonal families have long histories of wanting to give back to local charities and communities where they spent their special holiday time. Many of these families have been part of your community going back three and four generations. As a result, you need to look at the past projects where they invested their charitable dollars and volunteer support.

I advise charities to challenge their volunteer leadership and staff to actively seek out, connect with,  and talk to these wonderful families. It is important to engage them in conversations about their family values and interests and listen to how they wish to support the future success of the local community and it’s citizens. I also recommend that you look at where they give in their home community to gauge both their interests and capacity to make significant charitable donations. Usually, if they give to the arts, education, social welfare, healthcare, or youth at home they will also follow similar giving patterns in your town or region.

The most important caution I can give you is to engage them as real people that are important to your community first. Like all donors, listen to their passion, allow them to understand the challenges and opportunities that your particular charity is facing. Then, smile and sincerely ask if they would like to join your organization in making a positive difference by making an important charitable donation and volunteering their time and influence to create success.

Seasonal residents and local charities can have a mutually beneficial relationship. The key is to talk and listen to them before asking them to join your team.

Gord Durnan, CFRE, FAHP was engaged as a fundraising professional for more than 40 years. Since retirement in 2005, he has been an active volunteer and currently serves as the founder and Vice-chair of the Muskoka Community Foundation and as Vice-chair of Nipissing University Board of Governors.