KEA Canada Client Testimonials

“This is like a spa treatment for the professional – less than an hour to chill, reflect, and hang out with the best community in the world: people who work for nonprofits and care about others.” ~ Roundtable participant, May 2026

“This has really helped me. I appreciate the vulnerability and honesty shared here today.” ~ Non-profit Leader, Roundtable Session, May 2026

Testimonials from Program Cohort 2025:

“The full costing tool for me was a game changer. I used it to apply for a small grant, and when they asked how our organization impacts their specific community, I could just point to the numbers — it was a no-brainer. Without this, I wouldn’t have had that confidence level.”

“It’s a really good model, really good tools, really good advice on the forms. They look complicated at first, but once you dive into them, they’re actually simple — and they give you everything you need.”

“Having fund development broken down into templates and lessons made it so much less overwhelming. I’m already seeing the bigger picture — where the gaps are, where we need to fill them — and I feel set up for this year.”

“It’s so great to have this community to go to. You realize you’re not alone.”

KEA Canada Client Testimonials:

“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, KEA Canada has been immensely helpful. Not only are they extremely knowledgeable, but also kind, patient, and fun. KEA Canada made me feel very safe, comfortable, and supported while I am establishing myself on my new career path.” ~ Katya Khartova, Philanthropy and Engagement Specialist, Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

“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

“When I came into this role, it was very overwhelming and I didn’t really know where to start. Doing this program – having fund development broken down with the templates and the lessons – I started being able to notice gaps. Now I’m seeing the bigger picture, and campaign planning doesn’t seem so scary anymore.” ~ GROW Revenue Program Participant (formerly RAP)

“We are so incredibly grateful that you joined us for our first ED Development Program cohort! You have such an amazing gift for taking big topics like fund development and nonprofit finance and creating trainings that are informative, practical, and rooted in the day-to-day lived experience of nonprofit leaders. Thanks for everything Kathy! Look forward to having you back soon.” ~ Shannon Rex, Fuse Social

“I wanted to give a big thanks for your time and wisdom this week. It was very helpful to hear your journey and straight forward advice, especially around growth and operations.” ~ Sarah Koch-Schule, Founder & CEO, Skylight Philanthropy

“For the program, it was very valuable to actually do the grow model, as we had this template before but hadn’t used it properly I think. It was also helpful to be with other leaders.” ~ Melanie Barham, Apr 22, 2026 (Program Cohort)

“Spending three hours with Kathy Arney was transformative for Nafasi. Kathy completely shifted our mindset. Fundraising is not asking for money. It’s offering people the opportunity to give through you toward something they care about. Kathy helped us see that ‘money is a tool, not a goal.’ The real work is clarity of vision, confidence in impact, and inviting others into meaningful participation. We left with practical tools and a new sense of courage. More importantly, we left believing that we are not asking for support. We are providing a platform for our community to invest in women’s economic empowerment and global health capacity building. Kathy brings strategy, structure, and encouragement in equal measure. She gives you both the plan and the confidence to step into it. Your talk helped us secure a $10,000 donation, which is our second largest (by far) ever!” ~ Jack Underschultz, Executive Director of Nafasi Opportunity Society, Board Workshop Feedback

“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

“Kathy is smart and funny, respectful and inquisitive, a strategic thinker, and absolutely professional in her approach and demeanour. 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

“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

“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 Kathy’s 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 sense of humour and bouts of laughter were hugely contagious and added immeasurably to the day.” ~ Suzanne Riverin PhD, board member, Enliven Cancer Care Muskoka

“It’s been a delight to spend a few days at Confluence 2024, and getting to know you a bit more. You exude such joy and wisdom. You are a great leader and fantastic facilitator. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.” ~ Participant, Confluence Leadership Program, 2024

“Thanks for the energy and enthusiasm you brought to every topic and conversation. Thank you for listening and caring and guiding gently.” ~ Participant, Confluence Leadership Program, 2024