Beyond ticket sales, merch, sponsors, and grants, there may be untapped philanthropic support within your festival or event community.

This hands-on workshop will explore how to build relationships with donors, understand what motivates people to give, and tell your festival’s story in a way that inspires support.

We’ll also look at the money mindset behind fundraising — including our own relationship with money, discomfort around asking, and how to shift from “asking for money” to inviting people to invest in something they value.

Sam Laprade, fundraising and philanthropy expert, will share practical strategies for navigating today’s philanthropic landscape and building stronger fundraising relationships.

Tara Shannon, Executive Director of the Ottawa Festival Network, will explore financial literacy, money mindset, and how the story you tell about your organization can influence your fundraising success.

Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to strengthen your approach, you’ll leave with practical ideas and a fresh perspective on the philanthropic potential within your community.

We’ll explore:

What motivates people to give
-How to build stronger donor relationships
-How to approach the ask with more confidence
-Your own “money personality” and beliefs around money
-How to better communicate your festival’s value and impact
-Moving from asking for money to inviting investment

While this event is designed for festival and event production organizations, the key takeaways and fundraising strategies can be applied to a variety of industries.

Tickets:
OFN Members: Free – $25 + HST
Non-Members: $55 + HST

Space is limited, RSVP to secure your space.

48 hours notice required if you can no longer attend.

Light snacks and coffee will be provided. ☕

This event is not affiliated with Invest Ottawa and is independently organized by a third party.