When it comes to fundraising, what does “getting real” mean? Go ahead and ask yourself that simple question.

The difficulty in answering it clearly is itself a reflection of everything that is wrong with fundraising today. In fact, this one simple question sparks a cascade of others:

• What’s “real” knowledge when it comes to Board leadership and fundraising—and where does it come from? How are senior managers developed to thrive and succeed in such a complex industry?
• Who sets “real” benchmarks and even standard language for our profession so we can measure our work in meaningful, consistent ways?
• Are fundraisers being trained to grasp the “real” scope and complexity of their profession?
• What does “real” inclusivity look like and how can the nonprofit sector create workplaces that value diversity and practices equity in all areas of work?
• Who are the “real” regulators of charities in Canada? And, who speaks with an authoritative voice for our sector?

Now consider this: the charitable sector in Canada is roughly a $150 billion annual business. Fundraising is its marketing arm, generating, according to CRA, about $15 billion annually. That’s roughly the same size as the marketing arms of the mining, oil extraction, and retail industries in Canada.

Now compare these mature industries to fundraising by asking all those same questions as above.

The gap is staggering.

While other sectors operate with established standards, leadership pipelines, and shared best practices, philanthropy in Canada often still runs like a patchwork of small, independent shops.

Why is this? And—more importantly—what can we do about it?

We can, and must, start by getting real about our business.

The truth is:

• Our sector is fragmented.
• We lack strong, unified leadership.
• Formal training is inconsistent.
• Accreditation is not required.
• Business practices are undefined.
• Knowledge across sectors is incomplete.

Have we abdicated our responsibility to build a strong, cohesive profession, in part by increasingly outsourcing core work to third-party, for-profit suppliers?

Is it any wonder that fundraising growth in Canada has stagnated for over a decade?

The fundraising profession is in crisis. As we move through uncertain times, the troubling reality is that we don’t yet know how to respond.
But here’s the opportunity: it starts with us.

More and more, working, professional and passionate fundraisers are committing to “getting real” about Canadian fundraising—by sparking an honest, open dialogues between fundraisers across the country as a way to build a genuine foundation and community for growth.

A new Podcast and YouTube Channel, “Let’s Get Real: Canadian Fundraising Perspectives,” dedicated to elevating the profession, sharing best practices, building stronger programs, and advancing fundraising in Canada is being launched.

We invite you to listen and participate—to be part of this effort. Together, let’s get real about our work. Let’s get real about our shared future. And let’s get real about the profession we believe in.

Join Lisa MacDonald, Ken Ramsay, Ed Sluga and other special guests for “Let’s Get Real: Canadian Fundraising Perspectives.” Available soon.