This workshop is part of our Fundraising Essentials four-part series.
For more information and to register for the entire series please click here.
Create tomorrow's gifts by starting the conversation today.
Many organizations assume planned giving is only for large charities. In reality, organizations of every size can begin building a legacy giving program that creates lasting impact for future generations.
This introductory workshop will demystify planned giving and make it feel more approachable, practical and achievable for organizations at any stage.
Rather than a traditional presentation, Deborah Barton and Darren Pries-Klassen of Global Philanthropic will lead an engaging, unscripted conversation about the opportunities, and the questions that come with planned giving. Drawing on their experience working with organizations and donors, they’ll explore the most common gift types, where planned giving fits within an overall fundraising strategy, and practical first steps organizations can take to begin meaningful conversations with supporters.
And they want to hear from you.
Participants will be invited to submit questions in advance and bring their questions into the room. What have you always wanted to know about planned giving? How do you know when your organization is ready? Who should you be talking to? How do you start the conversation? What should you have in place first?
Deborah and Darren will use your questions, along with real-world examples and their own experiences, to guide a candid and practical conversation designed to take some of the mystery out of planned giving.
You’ll leave with:
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A clear understanding of planned giving and why it matters
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Practical first steps for building a legacy giving program
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Ideas for engaging loyal supporters in conversations about their lasting impact
Whether planned giving is something you’ve been meaning to explore or you’re simply not sure where to begin, this session will give you a practical foundation, and plenty of opportunity to ask the questions that matter to you.
Presenters:
Deborah Barton, Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic
Darren Pries-Klassen, Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic
Meet Deborah Barton
As one of the experienced fundraising professionals guiding this unscripted conversation, Deborah brings a practical, relationship-focused perspective shaped by more than three decades of nonprofit leadership.
Deborah Barton, CFRE
Deborah brings more than three decades of nonprofit leadership experience to Global Philanthropic Canada, with a career spanning healthcare, social services, arts and culture, and community-based organizations. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), she also holds a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies (2026) from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Throughout her career, Deborah has helped organizations raise millions of dollars to address community needs, engage Boards and volunteers, and build lasting relationships with donors.
What Deborah enjoys most is helping organizations find clarity. That might mean shaping a compelling case for support, building a program from the ground up, recalibrating a campaign that has lost momentum, or helping a Board become more confident in its role in philanthropy. She combines strategic perspective with practical experience to the table and a focused approach in relationships, curiosity, and what is achievable for each organization.
In her consulting practice, Deborah works with organizations at very different stages of their journey. Recent engagements have included campaign planning and readiness studies, multi-year fund development plans, cases for support, donor stewardship strategies, policy development, and coaching and recruitment support for fundraising teams and leaders. Her clients span mental health, housing, disability inclusion and community living, animal welfare, children’s education, and healthcare. She also speaks at conferences and professional learning events on philanthropy and fundraising practice.
Over her career, Deborah has had the privilege of working with organizations including Diabetes Canada, the Alzheimer Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Children’s Health Foundation, KidsAbility Foundation, and the London Children’s Museum, experiences that continue to shape her approach to philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.
Fun Fact: Deborah loves creating travel adventures almost as much as taking them. From annual “sister reset” trips and ancestry pilgrimages through Italy, Scotland and Sweden to mystery day trips for friends’ special occasions, she believes half the fun is in planning an experience people will treasure.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at Innovation Works (201 King Street).Please note that Pillar Nonprofit Network does not have on-site parking, however is accessible by bus and has indoor bike parking. For all parking and trasportation information please visit the Innovation Works website (click here).