Harnessing Legacy Giving in the Southern Gulf Islands

Legacy Giving – A practical training for Gulf Island organizations on what it is, how to do it, and why now is a good time to start.

Date: Wednesday, November 5 · 9am – 3:30pm PST
Location: The Tides Cottages | 1329 Mackinnon Road Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1
Pricing: $50 for 6 hours, 30 minutes workshop

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Is your organization ready to create a lasting impact?

Many Gulf Islands non-profits are asking how to build long-term stability without sacrificing their mission or community roots. With a historic transfer of wealth already underway, there is a unique opportunity to establish legacy giving programs, endowment funds, or even a foundation, but knowing where to start can be daunting.

This workshop offers clear, practical guidance to help board and staff members design a legacy giving strategy that fits your organization’s purpose, strengthens sustainability, and honours the values of your community. You’ll leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take meaningful steps toward securing your future.

By the end of the series, you’ll have:

A solid understanding of legacy giving, what it is, why it matters, and how it works for community-based organizations.
Practical skills to design and run a legacy giving campaign that inspires donors and reflects your mission.
Proven approaches to communicate about legacy giving with clarity, transparency, and heart.
Tools for building collaborative partnerships with other local organizations to amplify your impact.

Workshop Timeline

9:00AM-10:30AM

A presentation and Q&A: The What and Whys of Legacy Giving

Including why it is important for Southern Gulf Island organizations, how it works, how it can impact organizations and their financial stability. and what might it mean for the Southern Gulf Islands. (Live streamed and recorded). Also presenting: Elisabeth Geller of the Vancouver Foundation on the pros and cons of Endowments.

10:30AM-3:30PM

Training: The Building Blocks of Legacy Giving

Includes the presentations. For nonprofit leaders (board members, volunteers, and paid staff) to provide practical tools on building collaborative, community-based legacy giving on the Islands. In-person, hands on learning focused on identifying current capacity, communicating your message, stewarding donors, collaborating across organizations, and making a plan.

Detailed Agenda:

8:00AM-8:30AM Gather, coffee and muffins (Sponsored by Alison Brewin Consulting)

8:30AM-9:00AM Welcome and Introductions

9:00AM-10:30AM Presentation: What is Legacy Giving and what might it mean for the Southern Gulf Islands with Q&A

10:30AM-10:45AM Break

10:45AM-11:30AM The Phases in Legacy Giving – Reactive, Passive, Proactive

11:30AM-12:30PM Stages of Donor Engagement – Interest, outreach, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship

12:30PM-1:15PM Lunch (Sponsored by SGICRC)

1:15PM-2:00PM Communicating your message

2:00PM-2:45PM Collaboration – working together to support future communities

2:45PM-3:30PM Building your Plan

About Alison Brewin

Alison has spent decades working with and for non-profits, guiding leaders through governance, HR, and organizational change. Known for her clear thinking, humour, and ability to translate complex issues into practical steps, she brings real-world insight to help organizations thrive without losing sight of why they exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really have to come in-person?

If you want to participate in the full day, yes. If you are ok to just hear Aimee, Alison and Elisabeth talk for a bit, ask some questions or listen to others ask questions, then no, you can stay home and just register for the 9-10:30 live-stream event.

What if I'm not on Pender?

We picked the times to line up with the ferries from Mayne, Galiano and Saturna, so it will be an early day! But Tides is walkable from the ferry and we will have lots of coffee and muffins for you!

Could I stay over night somewhere ?

Yes. There are two rooms available in Arbutus at Tides, so email me (alison@alisonbrewin.ca) if you want to book one of them for Tuesday and/or Wednesday night. It is $75/night (less than cost). Or you can go to Tides Cottages and book one of their lovely cabins: https://www.thetidescottages.com/

Do I need to bring lunch and snacks?

No, we will feed you! But feel free to bring goodies to share if you are a baker. People like goodies.

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