Julia, the Supervisor of Fundraising and Development at Homes First, embodies the heart and soul of Homes First. From an intern to overseeing transformative initiatives, Julia’s work focuses on creating lasting relationships and impactful changes. In this interview, Julia reflects on her journey, insights into How to be successful in Nonprofit fundraising, and the unforgettable moments that remind her why she does what she does.
Q: What inspired you to pursue your role as Supervisor of Fundraising and Development?
A: My journey with Homes First has been such a natural evolution. I started as an intern in a college program for International Development, and my work quickly shifted to focusing on development—specifically focusing on proposals for new client programs and expanding our housing portfolio.
I didn’t know it at the time, but my love for writing and finding connections between people, ideas, and needs was leading me to fundraising. What I love about fundraising is that it’s about more than just dollars; it’s about prioritizing relationships. Whether it’s with donors, partners, or clients, I believe strong relationships are the foundation of sustainable support.
This role just made sense because it combines what I love—writing, understanding people’s needs, and finding ways to connect them to solutions.
Q: What does your typical day look like?
A: My days are never the same! But if I had to sum it up, my main responsibilities revolve around donor stewardship and grant research/writing. A lot of my time is spent thanking and updating our supporters because their contributions are so critical to the work we do.
Right now, we’re closing out the 2024 financials while preparing for 2025, which will bring new challenges. This means doing a lot of research on grants and preparing our team to dive into applications. I spend hours strategizing, writing, and I collaborate with various teams to ensure that the programs funded through grants are implemented as promised.
I’m a very hands-on person—always writing things down, brainstorming ideas, and making sure we’re ready for anything that comes our way.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your job?
A: Honestly? The people. And I know that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. The support I have from my team pushes me to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone.
Our relationships, not just with donors but within our team, are so important to me. We spend so much of our lives at work, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who make it worth it. I love that in this role, we get to see the direct connection between impact and the power of the collective.
Q: The Homes For Dinner gala is a flagship event. What’s your role in organizing it?
A: This event is such a team effort. I focus on the donor-facing elements, like creating sponsorship decks, signage, and presentations. I also manage the event website and support the silent auction process, working with our committee to secure items.
But none of this happens without the incredible leadership of our director, Dana, and the events team. Dana is a phenomenal fundraiser—she handles most sponsorships, but I’m working on seeing more success in that area. The event is so rewarding because it brings together our community and highlights the impact we’re making.
Q: The holiday season is a time of giving. Can you share more about the initiatives you lead during this period?
A: The holidays are such a special time, and it’s a privilege to create moments of joy for our clients. There are two major initiatives we focus on:
First is the Holiday Extravaganza. This event is all about celebrating with families in our housing. Last year, we supported over 70 children with personalized gifts, thanks to generous community and corporate partners. The day is filled with games, food, and even visits from the mounted police with their horses! Seeing the kids’ excitement and watching families come together is such a highlight for me.
The second is our Resident Gift Initiative, where we distribute one gift to every adult across our shelters, housing and Follow-Up Team. This past year, we provided 2,500 gifts—our largest effort yet! The logistics are intense, but the generosity we’ve seen has been unmatched. From winter essentials to hygiene products, every gift is not only comprised of what our clients truly need but packed with holiday goodies and care.
Q: Can you share a moment that encapsulates the impact of your work?
A: The Holiday Extravaganza always stands out to me—it’s such a special day. I’ve been part of this event for three years now, and every year, I get to see these kids grow and thrive, and the parents who are so strong.
I remember watching families laughing, playing games, and just being in the moment together, and it hit me: homelessness and housing instability can truly affect anyone. Standing there reminded me why we do what we do. It’s about so much more than meeting immediate needs—it’s about breaking cycles and helping families build their futures.
I don’t often get to be on-site, but being there, seeing those moments firsthand, was reaffirming. It’s a reminder of why this work is so important.
Our clients are the heroes of their own stories. They’re resilient and strong, and they’re creating their own paths forward. Homes First is here to support them and enable them to achieve their goals. Knowing that I’m even a small part of that process is deeply meaningful. It’s moments like that which remind me that the relationships we build—whether with clients, donors, or partners—have a lasting impact, not just for today, but for generations to come.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in fundraising?
A: Pick a cause that means something to you and start small. Fundraising isn’t easy—it requires adaptability, creativity, and resilience. For every “yes,” you’ll hear countless “no’s,” but it’s worth it.
You don’t have to jump into a formal fundraising role right away. Volunteering, crowdfunding, or organizing community events are great ways to get involved. Build relationships with fundraisers you admire and explore networking opportunities. At its core, fundraising is about connection—whether it’s raising awareness, dollars, or social capital. So don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Conclusion
Julia’s passion and dedication to Homes First’s mission are truly inspiring. Her work behind the scenes ensures that the organization can continue to provide vital support to those experiencing homelessness and housing precarity. Thank you, Julia, for sharing your journey and insights with us!
To support Homes First and see how you can get involved, visit: www.homesfirst.on.ca/get-involved/
