Give Manitoba

6 Manitoba W hen it comes to philanthropy, every dollar makes a difference. That's what Karen Fowler, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals — Manitoba Chapter (AFP Manitoba), wants you to know. "We all pay taxes, and our taxes go to support social services and other benefits we enjoy as Canadians," Fowler says. "But the money only goes so far. With the help of charities, we're able to make a bigger impact on all Canadians." When she was a child, Fowler never imagined pursuing a career as a professional fundraiser—those kinds of jobs didn't exist at the time. But 25 years ago, she got her start in the field doing database entry at a hospital foundation. "That first job was just a job, but I think it was exciting to see the impact donors could have at an organization like a hospital through their giving," Fowler says. "That's what led me to stay in the profession." After working at five or six different organizations, today, she is the president and chief executive officer of the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. One of the discoveries Fowler has made through being a fundraiser is that relationship-building is a key part of her role. "I build and maintain trust and accountability with donors at every level of giving," she says. "Trust and accountability from donors are what allow a charitable organization to succeed." In her role with AFP Manitoba, Fowler helps the association bring together individuals and organizations that serve their communities in many ways. Members participate in professional development activities, certification training and education, networking opportunities, and recognition events like the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards. "Part of our mission is to advocate for fundraising as a profession," Fowler says. "We certainly do not represent all charitable organizations in Manitoba, but we advocate for all organizations in terms of helping fundraising professionals and advocating for fundraising as a valuable part of our society." Last year, the Charity Insights Canada Project at Carleton University in Ottawa reported that the Canadian charitable sector employs 10 percent of the country's full-time workforce and accounts for 8.3 percent of the country's gross domestic product. "It would be fair to say that all charities in Manitoba would continue to exist without professional fundraisers," Fowler says, "but without fundraisers, charities would have less capacity to achieve their missions." Over the last 25 years, Fowler has seen time and time again the difference that donors make. "A good example nowadays might be in terms of a piece of equipment involved in patient care," she says. "That equipment often needs staff to operate it. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority can often provide the staffing and the operating funds needed to run a certain piece of equipment, but foundation donors ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS The Joy of Giving: PROFESSIONAL PHILANTHROPY IN MANITOBA BY AARON EPP 6 Manitoba

• Cover