How many times have you been asked about your plans for 2025? I have to admit that I feel like I get asked this question daily, and my answer changes daily as well! What I do know about this next year is that I will continue to follow my instincts and connect with wonderful fundraisers across the country.

I recently welcomed a new “Foundations of Fundraising” cohort, our first of the year. We had participants from Halifax to Vancouver and even one who is travelling and joined from Arizona. Most are working in the sector; the others want to explore transferrable skills to become fundraisers. Our class has nine people and from the moment that we signed into zoom we connected, and not just through our screens but in a much more meaningful way. What connected us you ask? How is this possible online? Let me tell you!

First, we bring the energy forward that we are all sitting around a table together. Cameras are on and distractions are off (except for the cute pets that are encouraged to visit). But more than that we “see” each other. Shared values brings us together, enriches our conversations and forms a community that is going to change the social sector. Yes, that’s right! I’ll say it! These amazing people are exactly who we need supporting the fundraising that all of our organizations need.

I will be the first to say that our sector is “messy”. Everything is being questioned and it’s about time. There are so many things that impact our ability to raise money, but I feel that one of the most important factors is having fundraisers who are connected to the values of our organization, who are supported in their jobs and happy doing their work. Is that too much to ask for?

I often encounter fundraisers who have lost their way—they have lost their meaning. Maybe they feel exhausted by the constant hustle, are discouraged by the state of the economy or dealing with toxic work environments. There are so many things working against our success and it can be easy to disconnect from our “why”. Fundraising can just become a chore, something that we have to do, maybe even just a job. Yikes! I get it because I was there. I was that fundraiser.

Does this feel like what you are experiencing or have experienced at some point in your career? We lose so many wonderful fundraisers to other industries because of it and our industry is desperate for good talent, good people.

One of the participants from our Foundations cohort sent me a message saying that she now sees a path for professional development that connects deeply to her own personal understanding and identity. Another messaged the group to say that she feels energized after our first session and is working with the group to set up their own WhatsApp chat.

What was in that first session you ask?

We spent time together, forming our own community and getting to know each other. We looked a bit at the history of fundraising in Canada, and explored current trends. Then we spent quite a long time discussing our own motivation as donors and reconnecting to what those donations have meant to us and to our families.

There are donors out there who are looking to find that same kind of meaning. Maybe they are healing from a loss or are finding a problem insurmountable. They can find peace and meaning in their donations.

We ended the first session with a few more foundational concepts and then I assigned home work. Yes, homework! I asked our participants to speak to one to two of their donors (no e-mails allowed) about their motivation for giving. You would be surprised what comes out of those calls!

Think about what you want or even need from 2025 and do it! Whether you are the type of person to make a vision board (or dream chart as my family calls it), sign up for a course, or even learn to play the guitar - don’t lose sight of what you need to do to make your vision a reality. Life is too short and each day is a gift. Oh, and for all the fundraisers out there… I wish you great success in 2025!

Rowena Veylan is a values-driven fundraiser deeply committed to the social sector. With a rich background that combines her Dunne-za and European heritage, she brings a unique perspective to her work.Since launching her fundraising career in 2003, Rowena has developed extensive expertise in all facets of the field. Her passion for fundraising led her to establish her own fundraising school, that focuses on uncovering the deeper purpose behind the practice. Rowena believes that effective fundraising is more than raising money; it’s about forming connections between people and the meaningful missions of the organizations they support.Dedicated to helping others grasp and embrace the true essence of fundraising, Rowena frequently shares insights drawn from her career and personal experiences. She takes pride in knowing that her efforts not only assist organizations in achieving their goals but also contribute to making the world a better place.