Episode Overview

Is your organization truly ready to raise more?

In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, host François Lanthier sits down with Adrienne Nolan, CFRE, Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada, to explore one of the most overlooked drivers of fundraising success: fundraising readiness.

Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in healthcare, post-secondary education, and nonprofit leadership, Adrienne explains why ambitious fundraising goals must be supported by the right organizational capacity, leadership, culture, systems, and donor strategy. From building a strong donor pipeline to creating a culture where fundraising is everyone’s responsibility, this conversation offers practical guidance for organizations of every size.

Whether you’re preparing for a capital campaign, growing an annual giving program, or simply looking to strengthen your fundraising foundation, this episode provides actionable insights to help your organization build sustainable success.

In This Episode, François Lanthier and Adrienne Nolan Discuss:

• Why fundraising readiness matters before setting ambitious revenue goals
• The difference between organizational need and fundraising capacity
• How leadership, boards, and organizational culture influence fundraising success
• Building and assessing a healthy donor pipeline
• Why fundraising is a team sport—not a one-person responsibility
• The critical role of donor stewardship in long-term fundraising success
• How technology, CRM systems, and centralized data improve efficiency and donor relationships
• Common fundraising challenges facing both grassroots organizations and large institutions
• Practical strategies for strengthening fundraising capacity and organizational resilience
• Why investing in people, systems, and processes creates sustainable fundraising growth

Featured Speakers

Adrienne Nolan, CFRE

With more than 35 years of fundraising leadership experience in post-secondary education and healthcare, Adrienne Nolan, CFRE, is a Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada.

Since joining Global in 2022, Adrienne has worked with organizations of all sizes to strengthen fundraising programs, improve organizational readiness, and build long-term fundraising capacity. Her previous leadership roles include the University of British Columbia, SickKids Hospital Foundation, University of Regina, and Royal University Hospital Foundation, where she developed expertise in strategic fundraising, organizational leadership, and transformational campaigns totaling $1.9 billion.

Adrienne’s consulting expertise includes:

• Annual Giving
• Audits & Organizational Assessments
• Campaign Management
• Campaign Planning Studies
• Case for Support Development
• Coaching & Training
• Fund Development Planning
• Major Gift Development
• Philanthropic Naming
• Pipeline Management
• Small Shop Fundraising
• Special Events
• Sponsorship Development
• Stewardship & Donor Relations
• Strategic Planning

Sector Experience

• Post-secondary Education
• Healthcare

Fun Fact: Adrienne and her family love road trips and once towed their vintage camper all the way to Southern California for an unforgettable adventure.

Book a free consultation with Adrienne Nolan, CFRE and explore where your organization can build capacity, strengthen fundraising, and unlock new opportunities.

👉 Connect with Adrienne and book your free call: Book a Free Consultation with Adrienne Nolan

François Lanthier

François Lanthier recently joined Global Philanthropic Canada to support the organization’s marketing and communications initiatives across Canada. With more than two decades of experience in marketing, business development, and mission-driven storytelling, he brings a diverse background spanning the nonprofit, real estate, and corporate sectors.

Throughout his career, François has led communications strategies, developed high-performing teams, and helped organizations expand their reach and impact. Passionate about philanthropy, artificial intelligence, and digital communications, he enjoys collaborating with organizations to transform bold ideas into meaningful results that advance their missions.

Based in: Ottawa, Ontario

Fun Fact: François is a passionate wine enthusiast who enjoys exploring varietals from around the world—and has even picked grapes in vineyards across several countries.