Meet the Team!
Purposeful was founded by Gillian Hards and Natalie Russell, united by a mission to elevate charities through exceptional and efficient fundraising, strategic nonprofit management, and everything in between.
As the nonprofit sector evolves, so do we. In 2024, we welcomed Kate Cornell to the Purposeful team, bringing her expertise in strategic planning, advocacy, and government relations—along with her passion for fundraising, the glue that binds us all together.
Together, we remain dedicated to helping nonprofits tackle their biggest challenges. (Check out our Services page to see how we work and what gets us excited!)
I’m a fundraiser. A ‘fundraising generalist’ to be more and less exact.
With a background in journalism and sales, I was uniquely skilled to be a fundraiser but it wasn’t until I lost someone very close to me that I took action. Now, more than a decade later, I have a deep understanding of peer-to-peer events, direct response campaigns, partnerships, philanthropy, and everything in between.
I’m also a problem solver, a data nerd, a people person, and I’m motivated by revenue goals. This combination means I thrive on collaboration, and I’m always seeking innovative ways to have impact. I'm all about harnessing your strengths, your team's potential, and the power of data, combining them with my expertise to achieve the greatest good. It means bespoke, data-driven strategies firmly grounded in real-world insights and hands-on experience.
For me, fundraising isn't just a job—it's a commitment to making the world a better place, one connection and one dollar at a time.
I feel grateful for the opportunity to work with purpose every day, and to work alongside my very opinionated dog, Riggs, from Toronto's east-end.
Ever since I can remember, I've had a deep desire to create positive change in my community. Whether it's championing the arts and culture, engaging communities, or supporting health promotion efforts, I've always been driven by a deep sense of purpose.
What sets me apart is my knack for versatility in the nonprofit sector, which I credit to working within and learning from nonprofits of all sizes. I’ve worn many hats - from grantmaker to fundraiser, to general manager, policy analyst, and facilitator. I'm like the Swiss Army knife of nonprofits, ready to tackle any challenge that comes our way.
One of my standout strengths lies in translating strategy into action. My expertise in turning ideas into reality has been a cornerstone of many of the successful nonprofit endeavors and grantmaking initiatives that I have led. I am deeply committed to continuous learning, critical and creative thinking, and fostering collaboration. Because of this, I know the importance of incorporating proven strategies with innovative approaches to achieve our goals.
When I'm not at work, you can find me exploring the great outdoors, biking around Montreal, with my family, or curling up with a good podcast and a cup of coffee.
I’m passionate about strategic communications especially for fund development, media relations, and community engagement. My journey through the nonprofit sector has spanned working with arts/culture organizations, universities and colleges, and feminist organizations.
With a PhD in Communications and Culture, I’m drawn to complex projects. For example, at the national arts service organization, I eliminated the organization’s deficit and introduced an equity-centered succession plan. At Aftermetoo, I focused on creating respectful workplaces research and training that complied with the Canada Labour Code. At Imagine Canada, I advocated with numerous sector leaders to drive policy change at the federal level. I am a former Executive Director, I know how to juggle.
As a consultant, I have managed both fractional clients and short-term projects. I build communications plans that are iterative and engaging. I build government fundraising strategies that are achievable and timely. Lastly, as a neurodivergent leader, I build employee handbooks and policies that are inclusive and compassionate. Flexibility and adaptability are part of my skillset.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me cheering on my kids at their performances, debating politics with my husband, walking around Scarborough Southwest with a podcast in my ear, or curled up with my cat and a strong cup of tea.
(Photo credit: Dahlia Katz)