Testimonials

We are grateful for these kind words from our clients

Kathy is smart and funny, respectful and inquisitive, a strategic thinker, and absolutely professional in her approach and demeanor. Her fundraising knowledge, network and experience are exceptional. She is a terrific team leader and team player who is skilled at building and leveraging organizational capacity. I was thrilled to hire Kathy as Director of Development at The Banff Centre.

-Mary E. Hofstetter, past president and CEO at The Banff Centre

Thanks so much for your support and providing your expertise to help us continue to grow 4-H and help build the next generation of leaders in our communities. I am excited to see where we can go as we raise more funds thanks to your guidance.

-Shelby Corey, development officer 4-H Saskatchewan

KEA Canada was engaged in September 2019 by the City of Fort St. John to evaluate the potential of a new community foundation, engage stakeholders in the process, and create a business plan. I was honoured to become the first Executive Director in November, 2021 and rely upon the comprehensive business plan as a key reference guide and engagement tool. The suggested milestone chart was so well done and has helped me to hit the ground running. The engagement process that KEA Canada conducted had our community seeing the potential of, gaining knowledge about, and preparing for the introduction of the community foundation model in our region. The donor interest and capacity explored in the business plan has already exceeded expectations as we work with significant donors to advance towards the vision for the region that resulted from this plan.

-Susan Adams (Lehman), executive director, North Peace Community Foundation

I believe that your obvious passion for the work you do, combined with your experience and incredibly affable and down to earth delivery combine to make a session with you a really affirming experience. May I add that your senses of humour and bouts of laughter were hugely contagious and added immeasurably to the day.

-Suzanne Riverin PhD, board member, Enliven Cancer Care Muskoka

I always feel like you’re my major gift therapist. I come away with strategies, and I always feel better! I have good takeaways [from our meetings] that I can work towards, so thank you!

-Jessica Lanigan, director of philanthropy at One Girl Can

Kristin and Kathy really know their stuff. They taught our team about the building blocks of a strong fund development program as well as the communication and messaging subtleties involved in building and maintaining key funding relationships. Shelter Movers is building sustainability into its DNA because of KEA Canada.

-Marc Hull Jacquin, Founder and Executive Director

It is a wonderful thing to not only feel understood but to know that knowledgeable assistance is right there for something I've always known we weren't getting quite right. Too many people working for small organizations like me think that we can do it all and don't recognize/admit that funding and development is a specialized skill set.

-Penny Eaton, managing director, stakeholder relations at Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan

The KEA Canada team is consistent, confident, approachable and clear thinking. Their passion and talent have helped us reach several significant milestones that we thought were pipe dreams.

-Lorraine Widmer-Carson, executive director of the Banff Canmore Community Foundation

I would highly recommend KEA Canada, would hire them with complete confidence and would work with them again at a moment's notice.

-George Hood, president of ECTA Holdings Limited Former Vice Principal Advancement, Queen's University

KEA Canada provided critical strategic thinking to our fund development approach. As an emerging young organization their wisdom, experience and practical advice helped us to avoid some potential pitfalls. They also engaged the whole board and staff in building action strategies that will allow us to reach our goals which created broader understanding and has led to more effective and coordinated action.

-Kim Bater, executive director of the Kalein Centre

I wish to thank the KEA Canada team for putting together and presenting an informative, motivating and practical workshop. I learned a lot and totally enjoyed the time spent together. I had fun! I feel confident in saying that we all gained priceless comfort and critical knowledge in fulfilling our fund development role for artsPlace.

-Bellanne ("Belle") Toren, B.A.S, J.D., ICD.D, chair of the Fund Development Committee and director of the Canadian Mountain Arts Foundation / artsPlace

Wow, it is hard to believe that we have made it to the end. We would not have gotten here without your collective wisdom at KEA Canada and Kathy’s individual energy and support.

I remember being quite down when things were not looking great. You all offered optimism and confidence, as you picked us up and dusted us off. Thank you very much for all you have contributed to the cause.

Today my heart was warmed as I drove past the turn off to the lake, I saw our survey crew gathering their data and making sure the survey posts remained in place from the phase one subdivision. The appraisal should be complete in 4 to 5 weeks. This project is really going to be finalized.

-Bruce Morrison, Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society, 2021

I am so excited about my new role in fund development at Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra! Starting this new journey I had a million questions: everything from how to build lasting relationships to the intricacies of fundraising and campaign planning. Since day one Emily has been immensely helpful.  She is not only extremely knowledgeable on the subject, but also kind, patient, and fun to be around. Most importantly, Emily makes me feel very safe, comfortable, and supported while I am establishing myself on this new career path.

-Katya Khartova, philanthropy and engagement specialist, Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra