In this episode of CharityVillage Connects, we explore the changing landscape of Canadian philanthropy and the new fundraising trends that are shaping the future of the sector. Drawing on insights from the 2026 Giving Report, we look at how donor behaviour, technology, AI, legacy giving, and collaboration are reshaping the way nonprofits fund their work. What does it take to build stronger donor relationships, reimagine giving, and create resilience in such a volatile environment? Join us as we dig into the data, unpack the opportunities, and explore what charities and nonprofits can do now to prepare for the years ahead. 

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Meet Our Guests

This episode of CharityVillage Connects is brought to you by the WUSC. For more than 50 years, WUSC has been working alongside communities around the world to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. Now, Canadians have the chance to join us by volunteering internationally. As a WUSC volunteer, you’ll collaborate with local organizations, share your experience, and help co-create initiatives that expand opportunities for young people. For more information about how you can use your expertise to improve economic opportunities for young people, visit volunteer.wusc.ca.

Meet Our Guests (in order of appearance)

Julie Fiorini

General Manager, Donor Services & Brand Marketing, CanadaHelps    

Julie is a strategic, purpose-driven leader passionate about connecting people to the brands and causes they support. As General Manager, Donor Services & Brand Marketing, she draws on her expertise in marketing, communications, and fundraising to inspire generosity and drive impact.

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Wen-Chih O’Connell

Executive Director, PayPal Giving Fund Canada 

Wen-Chih O’Connell is passionate about bridging the gap between the charity and corporate worlds to leverage the strengths of each toward positive community impact.

Allen Davidov

Senior Vice President and Practice Leader, Environics Analytics

Allen Davidov, MBA, CM., is the Senior Vice President and Practice Leader for the not‑for‑profit, energy, and tourism sectors at Environics Analytics. With more than twenty years of experience in marketing, analytics, and fundraising, he has partnered with organizations of all sizes to unlock the value of data in strategic decision‑making and organizational growth.

Kelly Cole

President & CEO, Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation

Sunnybrook Foundation’s philanthropic community of donors and volunteers is essential to advancing Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s vision to invent the future of health care through life-saving innovation, research and care. As CEO and President of the Foundation, Kelly works with the Hospital’s leadership team to align fundraising strategies with Sunnybrook’s priority initiatives.

Deepa Chaudhary

CEO, Grantorb.com 

Deepa Chaudhary is the CEO of GrantOrb.com, the largest AI-powered grant platform to discover, write and win grants. With experience in philanthropy at the Salesforce Foundation and as Co-Founder of United Way Mumbai, Deepa brings a unique blend of expertise in both AI and the non-profit fundraising. She is passionate about helping non-profits and community leaders use AI for greater impact.

 

Alain Mootoo

Chief Operating Officer, CAMH Foundation

Alain Mootoo is the Chief Operating Officer of the CAMH Foundation, where he provides strategic and operational leadership across governance, organizational strategy, risk management, business performance, human resources, development research, prospect management, customer service, and the Foundation’s overall operations and administration. 

 

About your Host

Mary Barroll

President of CharityVillage

Mary Barroll, president of CharityVillage, is an online business executive and lawyer with a background in media, technology and IP law. A former CBC journalist and independent TV producer, in 2013 she was appointed General Counsel & VP Media Affairs at CharityVillage.com, Canada’s largest job portal for charities and not for profits in Canada, and then President in 2021. Mary is also President of sister company, TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s No.1, award-winning job board and online career resource that connects top employers with top students and grads.

Additional Resources from this Episode

We’ve gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

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