Our story
Since its establishment in 2013, KEA Canada has assembled a team that provides expertise to investigate, analyze and deliver fundraising solutions required by non-profits and community groups just like yours.
Supporting non-profits across Canada, KEA Canada leverages its team of professionals to support your capacity growth, walking beside you as you develop tools, strategies and plans to maximize your impact on a sustainable basis.
KEA Canada provides services in a variety of areas including resource development, developing organizational capacity, strategic planning, board development, campaign planning and management, coaching and interim leadership. Clients may also access our expertise through KEA Learning, our professional development platform that features courses, workshops and resources.
KEA Canada is deeply committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) as well as Reconciliation in all aspects of our work. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and more impactful outcomes. We prioritize building relationships based on trust and respect, actively listening to the needs and priorities of our clients and their communities, and ensuring marginalized groups are represented throughout our processes. We help our clients create and maintain environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to collaborate and contribute their best.
Why work with KEA Canada?
Access to expertise as you need it at the various stages of your organization growth and development.
The ability to deliver tools, ideas and counsel on a sustained basis, without the need to source it each time.
A trusting relationship with professionals who become knowledgeable about your organization.
Objective support in developing strategies, working plans, realistic budgets and executing them, solving problems, identifying and overcoming risks, coaching and advising.
A coach, confidante and advisor to the organization’s leaders, making it less lonely at the top and providing access to confidential advice and support.
Expert research and writing support, including customized proposals, grant applications, case statements and website articles.
Our team of experts
Our team is composed of expert facilitators, community-builders, and fundraising professionals each perfectly suited to particular assignments, but grounded by a common goal to grow philanthropy across the country.
Kathy Arney — President and CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) // Canmore, AB and Panorama, BC
Kathy Arney has spent her career growing organizational capacity and improving results and has a passion for enabling people to reach their full potential, and founded KEA Canada in 2013.
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An expert in fund development, capacity-building, campaigns, strategy and operations, her business and executive background together with two decades of working in philanthropy combine to provide a unique skill set for clients. She provides services in a variety of areas including resource development, developing organizational capacity, strategic planning, board development, campaign planning and management, coaching and interim leadership.
Kathy had a lengthy tenure at Queen’s University in Kingston in both executive education and advancement, most recently as Executive Director of Advancement Operations and CFO (Advancement) during a $262 Million capital campaign. She helped initiate the development office at the new UBC Okanagan campus then moved to Carleton University where she was Director of Faculty Development and Major Gifts in a leadership role for a comprehensive campaign. From there she moved to Banff, Alberta as Chief Development Officer at The Banff Centre developing a deeper understanding and expertise in fundraising for the arts.
From 2015 to 2018 Kathy provided interim part-time leadership for University Relations at the University of Saskatchewan during a period of transition and restructuring. During that time she was actively involved in fundraising campaigns for a new ice facility and a Livestock and Forage Research Centre.
Kathy has consulted with universities and colleges, arts organizations, community organizations and the health sector on advancement restructuring, strategic and operational planning, and campaigns. She has presented at regional, national and international conferences and has a commerce degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, obtained her ARCT in piano performance in 1985 and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Kathy obtained her MFA-P (Master Financial Advisor - Philanthropy) designation in 2021. She is also currently serving on the Board for CAGP (Canadian Association of Gift Planners) and guides others through giving in their will as a Will Power Advisor.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Resource Development, Developing Organizational Capacity, Strategic Thinking and Planning, Board Development, Campaign Planning and Management, Coaching and Interim Leadership, Facilitation, Charity Overhead, Intersection of Finance and Fundraising, Training and Workshops, Culture of Philanthropy, Thought Leadership
Rebecca David // Canmore, AB
Rebecca graduated with a degree in finance from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Rebecca brings several years experience of working with large multinational corporations as well as various non-profit organizations. She is a PMP in good standing and has a passion for project management and data analysis and analytics.
In her spare time, Rebecca takes advantage of all that the Bow Valley offers, including, kayaking, biking, climbing, and hiking.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Project management, Critical Thinking, Planning and Administration, Communication, Data Analytics
Kristy Davison // Canmore, AB
Kristy is a designer, writer, and community builder. She is the founding publisher of Highline Magazine and Mountain Life - Rocky Mountains magazine and has 15+ years expertise in publishing, editing, creative and copy writing, layout and design, photography, community organizing and events leadership.
Her strengths include print and digital strategy, content creation, graphic design and layout, writing and photography, marketing, printing and distribution. She is an expert at maximizing a small budget to generate tangible impacts through the creation of marketing and fundraising collateral for print and web.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Web Development, Graphic Design for Digital and Print, Editing, Publishing
Katie Macpherson // Nelson, BC
Katie is a dynamic leader in the non-profit sector. With a master's in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University, she excels in strategic thinking, fund development, project management, and building strategic partnerships.
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Katie is passionate about helping nonprofits grow and is known for her creative approach to planning and delivering successful programs. Her expertise allows her to collaborate effectively with corporate leaders, donors, and other non-profits, crafting strategies that drive revenue growth and sustainability.
A fervent advocate for arts, culture and environmental causes, Katie has supported numerous nonprofits, demonstrating her dedication to positive change. Katie's professional background includes fundraising, consulting and program development roles with The Writers Guild of Alberta, Alberta Ballet, the National Music Centre,The Banff Centre, Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society and GoByBike BC. She lives by the belief, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." We're proud to have Katie on our team!
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Strategic Planning, Executive Leadership, Grant Writing, Major Gift Fundraising, Program Development, Operations, Board Management
Anna Pacik // Saskatoon, SK
Anna is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with over 20 years of experience, and a genuine love for building healthy and robust communities. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Anna is ready to jump in and lend a helping hand at all levels of community. In her home community, she is currently serving as the president of her neighbourhood community association.
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Anna has seen it all when it comes to fundraising. She has experience working for small community based organizations to large university settings. She excels in developing capacity in organizations new to the fundraising world, as well as those around for a long time. With the bottom-line always in mind, she believes in accomplishing goals through creative problem solving and a team approach. Anna employs optimism and diplomacy to build group involvement and buy in.
Anna’s curiosity and genuine interest in the lives of others fuels her drive to make a difference. Her experience in corporate and public settings, and her ability to swiftly navigate the fundraising environment allows Anna to incorporate her passion for helping people through her work.
Finding synergies in fundraising and communications skills, Anna enjoys developing a creative vision to bring a mission to life, one that is relatable to anyone and moves them to meaningful action.
Respecting the subtleties of delicate conversations, through relationship building and storytelling, people quickly build rapport with Anna and see the impact and importance of their philanthropy. Whether working with a $5 or $5M gift, Anna’s genuine authenticity and fun personality shines through.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Donor Relations, Fundraising and General Communications, Quick Campaigns on the Fly, One-Person Shops Thinking, Grant Writing, Annual Giving, Direct Mail
Melissa Smith // Saskatoon, SK
With over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of Advancement, Melissa has focused her career on developing frameworks for strategic revenue generation and relationship management. As a skilled relationship manager, Melissa understands the importance of stakeholder relationships especially when it comes to government relations and community building.
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Melissa earned her Masters degree in Sociology from the University of Victoria. She began her professional career working in government with a focus on sociological research and policy review. She has in depth experience in grant writing and management (pre and post award) in a university and community setting. She excelled in the application of best practices of professional researchers for Advancement (prospect identification, prospect research and prospect management).
Shortly thereafter, she transitioned into the immersive world of community based organizations and nonprofits where she realized success and fulfillment in bringing together operations and revenue development. Melissa found an alignment of her work experience, skills and passion for community development work, and the vulnerable sector.
Melissa's creative mind allows her to see the "big picture”. She is able to identify strengths and opportunities in organizational vision and goals not always seen by others. She is challenge oriented and utililizes a common sense approach to create logical solutions.
Grounded in resilience, Melissa is tenaciously dedicated to creating social good so people can live their best lives.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Grant Writing, Data Analysis to Understand Funding Opportunities, Prospect Research, Prospect Tools, Prospect Management, Data Management, Project Management
Jenny Spurr // Canmore, AB
A communications strategist and public relations professional, Jenny (she / her) has over a decade of experience managing communications campaigns, coordinating media events, and building community partnerships.
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With a keen interest in representation, inclusion, and social impact, Jenny can be found at the epicentre of community events and communications campaigns—weaving authentic connection with audiences through extraordinary storytelling.
She’s helped a number of non-profits and cultural organizations strengthen their brand messaging, connect with their community, and bring attention to the causes they care about, including: March of Dimes Canada, Canmore Museum, National accessArts Centre, Ottawa Chamberfest, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and Canmore Pride.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Communications strategy, media relations, storytelling, writing and editing
Linda Whittaker // Canmore, AB
For over 20 years, Linda has led non-profits to fiscal responsibility and organizational effectiveness, by helping to develop people and the systems they use. Domestically and internationally, she works to create revenue generating programs, improve operational efficiency, and to secure grant funding that supports mission delivery and growth. She has a unique skill set connecting implementation of strategic plans, developing financial and reporting systems, financial policy, change management, and sharing skills with others.
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After beginning her accounting career at KPMG in Waterloo Ontario, she realized her preference lay in helping NPOs fulfill their missions, and that her financial training could help make this happen. That led to management roles in the Waterloo public library system, municipal government, book distributing (LSC), academic publishing (MQUP), as well as membership based organizations.
She sees her role as identifying drivers of client-defined success, removing bottlenecks, and gathering quality performance information (with the least amount of effort) easily accessible to decision-makers. A long relationship with CPA Canada’s accreditation program as mentor, case writer, marker and trainer, ensures she can effectively communicate with board members, funders, granters, members, and client staff equally.
A passion for knowledge, travel, and connecting with people from different backgrounds lead to positions in NPOs in Gujarat, India and Mexico City, Mexico. A love for the mountains and the outdoors led her, her partner and 2 dogs to settle down in Canmore Alberta in 2016.
With a CPA designation (1992), a MA in Political Science (2007), a Joint BA in Political Science/Global Studies (2005), a stint in pursuing a PhD in Accounting (to 2015), and a recent Certificate in Corporate Finance (2021), Linda’s background offers a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of businesses and organizations operating with a social objective. She currently sits as Secretary/Treasurer of the Rocky Mountain Curling Association, is a Rotarian, with past volunteer positions with Canadian Red Cross, CUSO, and other community NPOs.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Business Planning, Feasibility Studies, Budgeting and Cost Management, Strategy and Operations, Financial Reporting, Grant Writing, Financial Capacity Building