Overview
What does it take to build a strong, sustainable culture of philanthropy? In Episode 17 of The SharedBrain Podcast, four experienced fundraising professionals from Global Philanthropic Canada — John McCabe, Jeff Sodowsky, Corrie Fortner, and Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn — share their insights on the people, relationships, and organizational practices that drive successful fundraising.
Drawing on decades of experience across Canada’s nonprofit sector, the conversation explores why fundraising is about much more than asking for donations. It requires trust, thoughtful donor stewardship, compelling storytelling, effective systems, and a shared commitment to advancing an organization’s mission.
The discussion highlights the importance of building donor relationships well before a fundraising need arises, maintaining continuity through staff transitions, and demonstrating the impact of every contribution. The speakers also emphasize that fundraising is a shared responsibility: everyone in an organization, from executive leadership and board members to program staff and communications teams, has a role to play in telling the organization’s story and inspiring support.
Through personal experiences and practical insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, board members, and anyone looking to strengthen their organization’s fundraising capacity and build lasting donor relationships.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why successful fundraising begins with trust and long-term relationship building.
- How thoughtful stewardship, recognition, and impact reporting strengthen donor relationships.
- Why storytelling is a shared responsibility across the entire organization.
- How CRM systems and institutional knowledge help preserve relationships through staff transitions.
- What it takes to foster a culture of philanthropy that supports sustainable fundraising and meaningful impact.
Whether you’re building a fundraising program, leading a nonprofit organization, or looking to deepen donor engagement, this conversation offers practical insights to help you move beyond the ask and focus on the relationships that make lasting impact possible.
About the Hosts
John McCabe — Senior Consultant
John McCabe joined Global Philanthropic Canada in 2023 as a Senior Consultant with the Atlantic Canada team. With more than 35 years of experience across arts and culture, faith-based organizations, healthcare, and other nonprofit sectors, John has raised more than $75 million for organizations throughout Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec. His expertise includes major gift development, campaign management, fund development planning, board governance, and donor stewardship.
Jeff Sodowsky, MBA, MA, CFRE — Vice President, Pacific & Senior Consultant
Jeff Sodowsky brings more than 30 years of experience in fundraising, organizational development, and philanthropic strategy across arts and culture, healthcare, and post-secondary education. Since joining Global in 2018, he has supported organizations ranging from grassroots initiatives to multi-million-dollar campaigns, helping them strengthen fundraising capacity, develop strategy, and navigate organizational change.
Learn more about Jeff Sodowsky
Corrie Fortner, CFRE — Vice President, Prairies & Territories & Senior Consultant
Corrie Fortner is a strategic, relationship-driven fundraising consultant with more than 35 years of experience across healthcare, arts and culture, community and social services, and Indigenous-led initiatives. She works with nonprofit leaders, boards, and development teams to strengthen fundraising infrastructure, build organizational capacity, and support long-term sustainability through ethical, donor-centred fundraising practices.
Learn more about Corrie Fortner
Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn, CEC, PCC — Vice President, Atlantic & Senior Consultant
Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn brings more than 30 years of experience in community and social services, healthcare, hospice and palliative care, and post-secondary education. A professionally trained and credentialed executive coach, she combines expertise in organizational advancement, board governance, leadership development, and fundraising strategy to help organizations strengthen their capacity and achieve their missions.
Learn more about Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn
Connect with Our Experts
Looking to strengthen your fundraising strategy, build a culture of philanthropy, or develop more meaningful relationships with donors? Connect with Global Philanthropic Canada’s experienced consultants for guidance tailored to your organization’s goals.
Book a free 30-minute consultation with:
Visit Global Philanthropic Canada to explore more resources, insights, and support for advancing your organization’s mission.
Listen to Episode 17 of The SharedBrain Podcast and discover how stronger relationships, shared responsibility, and a culture of philanthropy can lead to more sustainable fundraising and greater impact.
