Megan Racicot

Senior Officer, Donor Recognition and Stewardship

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

Gezelligheid…

A vague, abstract Dutch concept that describes a sense of togetherness and connection. It has no direct English translation. The internet tells me it’s an emotional atmosphere that relies on feeling connected. Loosely…convivial. Good company.

I touched down in Reno and was immediately met with the warmth and connection of friends, both old and new. This year’s International Conference was both personally invigorating, professionally affirming and in short – good company. The 2026 themes of reinvention and resiliency emerged as a clear reminder that we can never stop evolving. Our collective success begins and ends with our willingness to adapt and question the status quo, all while remaining grounded in our principles that build meaningful connections.

The notion of reinvention was woven into so many conversations – during breakfast, at lunch and between mocktails. Our profession has expanded far beyond traditional gift announcements, impact reports and generic stewardship touchpoints. As AI evolves, we are adapting and using new tools to strengthen donor stewardship while keeping our communications personal and meaningful. We are boldly going where no donor relations professional has gone before!

The sessions on innovative approaches to donor recognition and stewardship affirmed that our organization is on the right track. They also reinforced an important lesson: reinvention does not mean abandoning proven strategies. It means building on what works and viewing those efforts through a new lens.

Equally powerful was the focus on resiliency. Nonprofits, higher education, and healthcare foundations continue to navigate economic uncertainty, shifting donor priorities, and increased demands for transparency. There’s that “T” word. In Kate Vitasek’s opening keynote, she highlighted the Power of T: trust, transparency, and eliminating transactional thinking – resulting in transformation. All I could do was nod energetically in agreement.

Despite our collective challenges, we persevere and remain optimistic. Stories shared by colleagues highlighted how we rise to the challenge, strengthen connections, and maintain donor trust even in hard times. This underscores the vital role donor relations plays in sustaining philanthropic support and helping to foster long-lasting donor confidence.

Leaving Reno, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and a greater appreciation for this community. The Conference served as a reminder that reinvention and resiliency are not new concepts, but they are certainly relevant now more than ever. Reinvention and resiliency are, in many cases, the enduring qualities that define our work. Worlds apart – or maybe just a border or an ocean, we share so many commonalities, and it is our responsibility to lead with warmth, embrace innovation, and do things differently. 

In doing just that, donor relations will remain a vibrant, impactful, and resilient industry that continues to strengthen connections.