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!

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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.

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Connect with us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pg-growth/posts/?feedView=all

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.

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?

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."

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.

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."