Great fundraising doesn’t happen by chance. It takes strategic thinking, strong relationships, disciplined execution, and a clear understanding of what drives people to give. With a track record of helping nonprofit organizations generate more than $78 million in fundraising revenue, Leslie Bais brings a powerful combination of business leadership and philanthropic expertise to Global Philanthropic Canada as a Senior Consultant.
Joining Global in 2026, Leslie brings extensive experience in building revenue-generating programs, strengthening donor relationships, and developing fundraising strategies that turn organizational ambitions into measurable results. With a focus on Western Canada, she helps nonprofits build the systems, partnerships, and confidence needed to achieve sustainable growth.
From Sales Leadership to Philanthropic Impact
Leslie’s journey into fundraising began with a simple but powerful realization: giving back to her community was more than a passion — it was the work she wanted to do every day.
Her introduction to the nonprofit sector came through volunteering with KidFish, a family-founded ice fishing derby dedicated to youth conservation and family values. The experience inspired her to transition from a 15-year career in sales leadership into the world of philanthropy, where she could apply her business expertise to causes that make a meaningful difference.
That transition led her to United Way Winnipeg, where she served as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy. There, Leslie led a diversified fundraising portfolio generating more than $22 million annually, culminating in a historic $23.3 million city-wide campaign in 2025. The campaign brought together hundreds of workplace campaigns, major gifts, individual giving initiatives, and corporate partnerships.
Her leadership demonstrates how a strong fundraising strategy, supported by effective relationships and coordinated execution, can mobilize an entire community around a shared purpose.
Bringing Business Strategy into Fundraising
Before entering the nonprofit sector, Leslie spent more than a decade building and leading high-performing sales teams across Western Canada. She consistently delivered against ambitious targets, developed strategic partnerships, and strengthened the processes that support long-term business growth.
Today, she brings that same commercial discipline to philanthropy.
Leslie understands that successful fundraising requires more than making an ask. It requires a clear strategy, a well-managed donor pipeline, meaningful cultivation, and a diversified approach to revenue generation. She works with organizations to build moves-management systems, strengthen major-gift programs, develop corporate sponsorships, and create fundraising processes that support lasting relationships.
From CRM strategy and campaign management to fund development planning and corporate partnership negotiations, Leslie combines big-picture thinking with the practical expertise needed to move initiatives forward.
How Leslie Supports Nonprofit Organizations
As a Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada, Leslie works with organizations to assess their current fundraising capabilities, identify opportunities for growth, and build strategies that deliver sustainable results.
Her consulting expertise includes:
Fund Development & Strategic Planning: Creating actionable fundraising plans aligned with organizational priorities and long-term goals.
Major Gifts & Pipeline Management: Strengthening donor cultivation, moves management, and revenue-generation strategies.
Capital Campaigns & Feasibility Studies: Helping organizations assess readiness, build a compelling case for support, and prepare for successful campaigns.
Data-Informed Fundraising: Using data audits, analysis, and CRM strategies to improve decision-making and fundraising performance.
Board Development & Coaching: Equipping boards, leaders, and fundraising teams with the tools and confidence to support philanthropic growth.
Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship: Building strategic relationships that connect organizational missions with aligned business interests.
Annual Giving, Stewardship & Special Events: Strengthening donor engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for continued support.
Social Enterprise & Revenue Diversification: Exploring approaches that help organizations expand their revenue streams and build greater financial resilience.
Her experience spans community and social services, post-secondary education, Indigenous organizations, and healthcare — sectors where strong relationships, community trust, and sustainable funding are essential to advancing mission-driven work.
Leadership Rooted in Community
For Leslie, philanthropy is not simply a profession. It is a commitment to the communities and people behind the causes she supports.
As a citizen of the Red River Métis Nation, with Ukrainian and Dutch ancestry, Leslie brings her own perspective on community, connection, and the importance of meaningful engagement.
She also serves as Co-Chair of Professional Development on the Manitoba Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, contributing to the continued growth and development of the fundraising profession.
Her commitment to KidFish remains strong, connecting her professional journey to the volunteer experience that first inspired her move into philanthropy. The organization has raised more than $500,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and CancerCare Manitoba.
These ongoing commitments reflect Leslie’s belief that effective fundraising is ultimately about people: the communities organizations serve, the donors who believe in their missions, and the teams working to create meaningful change.
Practical Expertise. Strategic Thinking. Measurable Results.
Whether diagnosing a stalled revenue stream, developing a corporate partnership strategy, strengthening a donor pipeline, or coaching a team through organizational change, Leslie brings a practical, relationship-first approach grounded in real-world experience.
Her ability to bridge business strategy and philanthropic purpose helps organizations move beyond short-term fundraising needs and toward stronger, more sustainable development programs.
At Global Philanthropic Canada, Leslie is ready to help nonprofit leaders identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and build the fundraising capacity to bring their ambitions to life.
We are pleased to welcome Leslie to Global and look forward to the insight, energy, and strategic leadership she brings to our clients and the broader philanthropic sector.
Fun Fact: Leslie has a passion for entrepreneurship and has competed in business case competitions in São Paulo, Brazil.
Ready to Strengthen Your Fundraising Strategy?
Whether you’re building a development program, preparing for a campaign, or looking for new ways to grow philanthropic revenue, Leslie can help you identify the right opportunities and chart a practical path forward.
Book your free 30-minute consultation and start exploring what’s possible for your organization.
