Let's Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising

Jodie Baron-Sluga
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  • NON-PROFIT

Hosts Ed Sluga, Ken Ramsay, and Lisa McDonald present "Let's Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising." This new podcast from PGgrowth tackles some of the most timely and vital issues in fundraising right now. If you're looking for honest takes from current experts in the industry, then make sure to tune in and get ready to "get real."

Episodes

  1. FEB 18

    Getting Real about Thanking Donors and Academics

    This week on Let’s Get Real, Ed and Lisa are joined by Sandra Baker, the Director of Advancement and Admissions at Hamilton District Christian High School. Sandra starts off the episode with a discussion about the importance of thanking donors and how it can benefit your organization. Later in the episode, Ed discusses why specific fundraising designations are important steps in becoming a fundraising professional, and the role that academic programs have in cultivating the knowledge of key fundraising ideas. Interested in learning more about planned giving? PGgrowth's new membership space, PGcommons, is the place for you. Go to pggrowth.com/podcasts and click on the PGcommons button to access your 30-day free trial.

    42 min

  2. FEB 4

    Getting Real about Small Shop Charities, Gift Agreement Complications, and Irrelevance

    Welcome to season two of Let’s Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising! To start the season off, Ed, Ken, and Lisa are joined by Lois Graveline, the Founder and CEO of Harmonia Philanthropy. Lois brings her experience working with small charities to discuss the challenges these organizations often face, and what donors and fundraisers can do to help them succeed.  Elsewhere in the episode, Ken emphasizes the importance of correctly following a gift agreement to avoid potential complications, even if that means sometimes ignoring the wishes of the donor. And Ed raises the idea of fundraisers making a spot for themselves “at the table” if they want to maintain relevance. Thanks to our guest this episode, Lois Graveline. You can check out some of her work at the links below. Harmonia Philanthropy: https://harmoniaphilanthropy.ca/ Project Launchpad: https://www.projectlaunchpad.ca/index.html Interested in learning more about planned giving? PGgrowth's new membership space, PGcommons, is the place for you. Go to pggrowth.com/podcasts and click on the PGcommons button to access your 30-day free trial.

    1h 3m

  3. 12/04/2025

    Season One Finale

    In the final episode of Let’s Get Real’s first season, Ed, Ken, and Lisa summarize some wins and losses from 2025 in the fundraising sector. Everything from political instability to shifting economic trends have had an effect on this hugely important industry.  In addition to looking back, the hosts also look forward to offer their thoughts on what 2026 will have in store for fundraising in Canada. Make sure to tune in for the last episode of the year, you won’t want to miss it! To learn more about PGgrowth, you can find our website here: https://pggrowth.com/ Connect with us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pg-growth/posts/?feedView=all

    52 min

  4. 11/27/2025

    Getting Real about Management, Spirituality, and Losing Sleep

    Have you ever considered that fundraising could be a spiritual experience? On this week’s episode of Let’s Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising, Ed, Ken, and Lisa dive into that very topic. Elsewhere in the episode, Ed discusses irregular management styles in the fundraising industry and the negative consequences this type of leadership can have. Finally, the hosts discuss what anxieties are keeping fundraising professionals up at night. To learn more about PGgrowth, you can find our website here: https://pggrowth.com/ Connect with us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pg-growth/posts/?feedView=all

    56 min

  5. 11/20/2025

    Getting Real about Gift Agreements, Recruitment, and Returning to the Office

    This week on Let’s Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising, Ed, Ken, and Lisa discuss gift agreements and how to deal with common complications they cause (here’s a hint: always get legal advice!) Later in the episode, the hosts debate whether returning to the office is the right move for fundraising professionals, and point out crucial issues with today’s hiring process that prioritizes previous skills over future potential.

    58 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Getting Real about Common Sense, National Philanthropy Day, and the Noble Fundraiser

    With National Philanthropy Day approaching on November 15, Ed, Ken, and Lisa use this episode of Let's Get Real to discuss whether the day has a significant impact on the charitable sector. Also in this week’s episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of using proper language when discussing fundraising and consider ways to help maintain consistent terminology across the industry. Finally, Ken poses an important question: Is fundraising a noble profession?

    1h 6m

  7. 11/18/2025

    Getting Real about Mediocrity, Metrics, and Donor Motivations

    In this episode of Let's Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising, Ed and Lisa are joined by Marla Smith, CFRE, the Director of Foundation & Communication at Pathstone Foundation. Marla brings her perspective to discuss the rise of mediocrity and why people seem so willing to accept it. Additionally, Ed, Lisa, and Marla discuss fundraising metrics and how success is perceived in the industry, as well as the concept of "giving to get even."

    55 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Getting Real about AI, Mentorship, and Influencers

    This week on "Let's Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising," join Ed, Ken, and Lisa as they discuss the rise of AI in the fundraising sector and the many drawbacks and shortcomings of replacing human labour with this technology. Later in the episode, Ken and Ed discuss significant mentors they've had in their careers, and the group addresses a recent hot-button topic: influencers.

    1h 2m

  9. 10/21/2025

    Welcome to "Let's Get Real"

    Welcome to Let's Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising! Join hosts Ed Sluga, Ken Ramsay, and Lisa MacDonald as they engage in an honest and intentional discussion of the many issues and conflicts currently facing the fundraising industry. Listen to this episode for the first of many candid conversations, and be ready to "get real."

    41 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Hosts Ed Sluga, Ken Ramsay, and Lisa McDonald present "Let's Get Real: Perspectives on Canadian Fundraising." This new podcast from PGgrowth tackles some of the most timely and vital issues in fundraising right now. If you're looking for honest takes from current experts in the industry, then make sure to tune in and get ready to "get real."

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