Elsie Nisonen

Cairney Associate

Elsie Nisonen is a communications, education and advancement professional with over 20 years of experience in donor relations, philanthropy, student awards, communications, event management, photography and administration.

Elsie has worked in the non-profit sector for her entire career, ranging from smaller charities such as the YWCA of Toronto to very large non-profit organizations such as Ryerson University and the University of Toronto.

What’s more, Elsie has worked on capital campaigns, supporting volunteer cabinets and executives, and has led many high-end events and awards ceremonies. She is experienced in prospect management, research, stewardship plans, donor recognition, and has excellent written and oral communications.

She is not daunted by computer programs and databases. They can be powerful tools with the right strategy. She is also very comfortable with design, typography, website development, writing, editing and photography.

Elsie has presented at the International Conference for the Association of Donor Relations Professionals in Memphis, USA on “How to Play Nice in the Awards and Scholarships Sandbox”. She has provided training and orientation to colleagues involved in fundraising and policy development and has developed resources and tools to aid in the smooth operation of a fundraising shop.

In her spare time, Elsie is an artist, working with visual imagery, photography, and other paper-based projects. She is a member of Gallery 44 in Toronto and has shown and sold her work.