During the 2025 A Bridge to Belonging CAGP National Conference held in Edmonton, I was lifted, inspired, and encouraged. The conversations were refreshingly Canadian-focused, presenters were knowledgeable, and the lineup made it challenging to determine which sessions to attend, and which to miss. Although I have been professionally fundraising for a few decades now, I consider myself a continuous learner. I want to be challenged, and I am keen to hear the ideas of people both new to the sector, and those who are seasoned practitioners. This was my first CAGP conference and the sessions did not disappoint.

While listening in on one session however, I was a bit shocked to hear that some fundraisers were experiencing a rift between their charities’ needs and their local Foundation’s objectives; it was as though they had opposing interests. As a strong believer in collaboration, I threw up my hand and offered an observation on our experience in Calgary, and then later, was asked by a few attendees about how to create a collaborative approach. A few simple tactics have helped us greatly.

First, Trellis Society is not the only good organization in Calgary that is receiving important support. Realizing that the Calgary Foundation staff represent the philanthropic interests of multiple philanthropists, with multiple interests, became the first step to realizing that we had to make stewardship easy for them. The Foundation offers stewardship guidelines in their donation correspondence, and we adhere to this.

Also, knowing that we have information that we want to share with Foundation donors, (such as an annual magazine and an invitation to a “Report to Community”) we have come up with an emailing system. Informative email content, without a direct request, is sent to Foundation staff. It offers our thanks for the donors’ generosity and helps them to be aware of our progress. Calgary Foundation staff is able to forward the content, and it offers a positive contact touchpoint to share with the donors they are working with, keeping us all on an even keel.

Finally, when we have questions—whether it is about a new funding opportunity offered by the Foundation, or about our stewardship for a particular donor—we send a friendly email, use their online system for setting up meetings, or we pick up the phone. We realize that the Foundation wants the donors they are directly working with to be able to give with joy, intent, and purpose; and if we can help the Foundation help the donors with their philanthropic goals, we are all part of the same team, rowing in the same direction.

The relationship continues to grow

We listen to the needs of the Foundation. We hear them when they say what the donors are asking for. We know that if we are not a fit for an opportunity, we should graciously step to the side, not rock the boat, and be prepared when it is our turn to request additional Foundation coordinated support.

We might not always get it right, but we are all people trying to ensure that more community good, positivity, and progress result from the giving in our community. With work, we are sharing the helm, and the journey is pretty smooth.

Michele Chiasson-Suart began her fundraising career at Western University in 1991 and found her true calling when she began supporting social sector agencies. From the YWCA to the RESOLVE Campaign for affordable housing, and now at Trellis where stability, belonging and connections help to grow futures, Michele aims to encourage transformative funding from individuals, foundations and companies. She is currently pursuing increased planned and legacy giving for Trellis’ future.