Passion is one of the nonprofit sector’s greatest strengths. It fuels missions, inspires change, and drives people to make a difference every day. But what happens when that same passion becomes the very thing putting people at risk?

In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, Theresa Bolton, Founder of Customized Recruitment, and Derek Rolstone, CEO & Founder of Stone HR Strategies, take an honest look at burnout in the nonprofit sector and why it has become one of the most pressing challenges facing organizations today.

Together, they explore the realities behind the statistics, the warning signs leaders often miss, and why burnout is frequently mistaken for performance issues, disengagement, or lack of commitment. From emotional exhaustion and decision fatigue to quiet quitting, absenteeism, and presenteeism, this conversation uncovers how burnout affects both individuals and organizations.

Theresa and Derek also share practical strategies nonprofit leaders can implement to create healthier workplaces, support employee well-being, encourage healthy boundaries, and build sustainable organizational cultures where people can thrive without sacrificing themselves for the mission.

Whether you're a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, HR professional, board member, manager, or frontline team member, this episode offers valuable insights to help you recognize burnout early and protect the people behind the cause.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why burnout is so prevalent in the nonprofit sector
• The difference between passion and overwork
• Key emotional, physical, and workplace signs of burnout
• How leaders can identify burnout in themselves and their teams
• Why vacations, boundaries, and recovery matter more than ever
• Practical ways to create a healthier workplace culture
• How Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and external support can help

One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation:

"Healthy organizations are built by healthy people."

Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice, real-world experience, and actionable takeaways for anyone committed to creating a sustainable future for nonprofit work.

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Are donor-advised funds holding money hostage — or are they one of the most powerful tools in the charitable sector? In Part 2 of our DAF series, Senior Consultants Jill Nelson and Peter McKinley tackle the real concerns and common misconceptions surrounding how donor-advised funds operate.

From disbursement quotas and endowment comparisons to anonymity, stewardship barriers, and complex gift vehicles, Jill and Peter bring clarity, nuance, and a healthy dose of optimism to a topic that is reshaping charitable giving in Canada.

In this episode, they explore:

• What the disbursement quota is and why it matters to DAF giving
• Whether money in DAFs is really "languishing" — and what the data shows
• How charities can still steward DAF donors, even when anonymity is involved
• Why DAFs are not the enemy — and how charities and DAFs can collaborate
• How DAFs may be growing the pie of charitable giving, not just redirecting it
• What's coming next in the Global Philanthropic Canada DAF podcast series

Stay tuned — colleagues Amy Lindenberger and Derek Fraser will be joining future episodes to share case studies and practical strategies your organization can put to work.

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What if there were billions of dollars already earmarked for charitable giving — just waiting for your organization to tap in? That's the reality of donor-advised funds, and in this episode of the Shared Brain Podcast, we're breaking down everything you need to know.

Hosts Peter McKinley and Jill Nelson, both Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, sit down for an in-depth conversation on one of the fastest-growing sources of charitable revenue in Canada. From a real-life story of a couple who saved hundreds of thousands in taxes while making a $2 million community gift, to the surprising role DAFs played in sustaining charitable giving during COVID-19 — this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.

Together, Peter and Jill cover:

• What a donor-advised fund (DAF) is and how it works
• How DAFs differ from private foundations — and why that matters
• Key stats from CRA data: over 180,000 DAFs in Canada, giving $1.9 billion to charities last year
• Why DAF holders are among the most valuable donor prospects your organization can identify
• How DAFs may be reshaping the giving landscape even as the number of individual receipted donors declines

Whether you're a fundraising professional, a nonprofit leader, or someone exploring smarter ways to give, this episode will change how you think about charitable dollars — and how to connect with them.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Peter and Jill continue the conversation.

Subscribe, like, and share to stay up to date with new episodes. Learn more about Global Philanthropic Canada's expert consulting services at globalphilanthropic.ca or book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our award-winning senior consultants. Let's elevate mission together.

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In this episode, two expert Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, Corinne Rusch-Drutz, PhD, and Jason Muscant, MA, discuss political resilience within Canada's charitable sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact of crises, maintaining a clear mission, and developing effective communication strategies. They explore how organizations can navigate the political landscape, build relationships with political partners, and advocate for their causes while remaining focused on their core mission. You will hear practical advice to enhance your organization's resilience and adapt to changing circumstances.

To book your 30-minute complimentary session with either of these Senior Consultants, click their name above and get started!

To download the free report on political resilience for Canadian non-profits , click here. Also available in French.

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This episode celebrates Mitch Thomson and his team at Red Deer Food Bank Society's innovative, inspiring approach to fundraising.

• What can your organization do DIFFERENTLY to move the needle on your important mission?
• How can you integrate an entrepreneurial mindset into your daily initiatives to drive funding and engagement?
• How can you connect with donors, volunteers and your Board meaningfully and authentically?

Myles Peake, Global Senior Consultant in Red Deer, Alberta, sits down with Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of Red Deer Food Bank Society, to discuss ways to break out of the daily humdrum of fundraising and integrate new ideas to drive maximum reach for your organization.

To help the Red Deer Food Bank Society reach their fundraising goals, click here!

Watch our story unfold here!

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HOORAY for the next generation of philanthropists!! This episode takes us to New Brunswick, where we connect with two inspiring individuals who make the wheels turn for the "Youth in Philanthropy" (YiP) program. This program is designed to inspire, engage and teach youth about the impacts and benefits of being involved with philanthropy through various activities where they learn about the work of non-profits in their communities. The youth leave the program inspired to become young adults who continue to give back to their communities as they venture into adulthood.

This episode is hosted by Global Philanthropic Canada's own Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn. Stacey is Vice President, Atlantic and Senior Consultant. This episode features two special guests: Anthony Enman, Board Director with the Association of Fundraising Professionals of New Brunswick, as well as Officer with the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and Krista Turnbull, Community Schools Coordinator at Seaside Park Elementary School.

Learn more about the AFP New Brunswick.

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Let's discuss ways to enhance your nonprofit's efficiency and achieve optimal outcomes. When evaluating the philanthropic health and potential of your nonprofit organization, have you assessed the 3 Cs: Culture, Capacity and Competency? These three dimensions offer a comprehensive and practical framework for assessing readiness to effectively fundraise, particularly through the lens of both staffing and volunteer leadership.

Each “C” provides critical insight into how to engage with the full solicitation cycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation and solicitation, and finally through stewardship and renewal.

This episode is hosted by Global Philanthropic Canada's own Jeff Sodowsky. Jeff is Vice President, Pacific and Senior Consultant. This episode features two special guests: Barney Ellis-Perry, CEO of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation and Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO of The Forum.

Watch our story unfold here!

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Aujourd’hui, on vous propose un épisode spécial pour faire écho à la conférence nationale 2025 du CCAE, qui s’est tenue dans le cadre prestigieux du Château Frontenac à Québec, en collaboration avec l’Université Laval. Une rencontre qui a réuni les leaders de l’avancement institutionnel au pays — et où les idées, les échanges et les inspirations ont fusé.

Mais on le sait, tout le monde ne peut pas y assister. Alors, que vous étiez retenu sur votre campus ou que vous n’ayez tout simplement pas pu faire le déplacement, cet épisode est pour vous.

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Découvrez notre parcours ICI.

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