Connect & Caffeinate in Waterloo - May 21, 2026

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) continue to play a growing role in philanthropy, but for many organizations, they can feel complex or difficult to navigate. This session will help demystify how DAFs work and how your organization can better position itself to benefit from this important source of funding.

Dan Robert, Director, Philanthropy and Mackenzie Ainlay, Philanthropic Services Specialist, will join us from Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) to explore how to position your organization to receive DAF grants, what to do once a grant is received, and how to build meaningful connections with donors. They will also touch on how to partner with WRCF and other community foundations, including the role of charitable organization endowment funds and how they can support your organization’s long-term sustainability.

You’ll leave with practical strategies, greater clarity on the DAF landscape, and ideas you can immediately apply to strengthen your fundraising and donor engagement efforts.

Space is limited, so grab your spot and bring a colleague along.

After the presentation, dig deeper through peer discussion and an open Q&A. Learn from colleagues, share what’s working (and what isn’t), and expand your local fundraising network.

• Ample free parking is available
• Entrance to the building is located next to Freedom Mobile. Please take the elevator to the 3rd floor
• Please note that this session is at the WRHN Foundation office at the Boardwalk, not a hospital site

This event is open to current and future AFP Golden Horseshoe members — please share with your network.

With sincere thanks to our series supporter, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, for making these gatherings possible across Waterloo Region.

And thank you to the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation for generously hosting this month’s session.

P.S. Interested in hosting a future Connect & Caffeinate in Waterloo Region, Cambridge, or Guelph? Let us know — we’re always excited to partner with new spaces!

BIOS

Mackenzie Ainlay (she/her)
Philanthropic Services Specialist – Waterloo Region Community Foundation
Mackenzie supports the philanthropic efforts of Waterloo Region Community Foundation,
working closely with Fundholders to help align their granting with community needs and
priorities. She also partners with grant recipients to foster meaningful connections with
Fundholders and provides guidance to individuals and organizations leading community
fundraising initiatives.
Mackenzie is an active member of the fundraising community and currently serves on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Golden Horseshoe Chapter. She is passionate about helping donors explore their philanthropic interests and supporting organizations in building sustainable impact.
You can connect with Mackenzie on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-ainlay/

Dan Robert, CFRE (he/him)
Director, Philanthropy – Waterloo Region Community Foundation
Dan has over 20 years of experience in Philanthropy across several sectors. Since 2019, he has led the philanthropic efforts of Waterloo Region Community Foundation where he also
provides coaching to a number of charities on endowments and DAFs. Previous to that, he
raised money for his alma matter, Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as the Canadian Cancer
Society. Dan has held a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2017 and is a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, as well as the Waterloo Wellington Estate Planning Council.
Dan is active in the community, serving on the Board of Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health and coaching youth baseball in Plattsville. You can connect with Dan on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcrobert/.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter