meet sam laprade

Passion.
Purpose. Philanthropy.

Sam Laprade is a storyteller, strategist, and connector with a passion for making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. With over 35 years of experience, Sam has dedicated her career to helping charitable organizations thrive through fundraising, talent recruitment, community engagement, and powerful storytelling.

Her business is built around four pillars: Fundraising Solutions, Talks & Events, Talent Recruitment, and Broadcasting—each reflecting her diverse skillset and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. 

Sam Laprade is a storyteller, strategist, and connector with a passion for making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. With over 35 years of experience, Sam has dedicated her career to helping charitable organizations thrive through fundraising, talent recruitment, community engagement, and powerful storytelling.

Her business is built around four pillars: Fundraising Solutions, Talks & Events, Talent Recruitment, and Broadcasting—each reflecting her diverse skillset and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. 

meet sam laprade

Passion.
Purpose. Philanthropy.

🌟 CONTACT SAM LAPRADE TODAY TO GET STARTED 🩷 🌟 CONTACT SAM LAPRADE TODAY TO GET STARTED 🩷

Where Passion Meets Purpose

A Journey Rooted in Community

Sam’s path has always been guided by purpose. After decades of frontline fundraising work with renowned charities such as The Ottawa Hospital and the Ottawa Mission, she took the leap in 2017 to become a full-time consultant. Having helped hundreds of charities since 2009 through Gryphon Fundraising she has continued providing non-profit leaders with the strategic guidance and data insights needed to elevate their impact and raise more money.

Today, Sam works with organizations across Canada, Australia, the UK, and beyond to create sustainable fundraising programs, save valuable time, and make every donor moment count.

What Sam Does

Fundraising Solutions

Sam is known for her deep understanding of both the art and science of fundraising. Through Gryphon Fundraising, non-profit organizations gain data-driven roadmaps that help re-engage lapsed donors, identify growth trends, improve stewardship, and increase revenue. Whether building a case for support, crafting a comprehensive fundraising strategy, or guiding a capital campaign, Sam’s goal is always the same: to help charities grow with confidence.

Talent Recruitment

Since 2020, Sam has helped place over 40 talented individuals in non-profit roles nationwide—from data specialists to executive directors. Her expansive network and sector knowledge make her a trusted partner for organizations looking to build strong, passionate teams.

Talks & Events

An award-winning broadcaster and amateur stand-up comic, Sam brings energy, authenticity, and humour to every event she hosts. From galas and golf tournaments to conferences and fundraisers, she knows how to engage a room while keeping key messages front and centre. A respected international speaker, she’s delivered talks on donor analytics, stewardship, and board relations at major conferences such as AFP ICON, WCFC, and CAGP.

Broadcasting

Sam is the creator and host of An Hour to Give on Rogers TV Ottawa and Country 101.1, where she amplifies stories of philanthropy. She also hosted The Sam Laprade Show on CityNews 101.1 from 2021 to 2023, shining a spotlight on the people and causes making a difference in Ottawa and the Valley.

Fundraising Solutions

Sam is known for her deep understanding of both the art and science of fundraising. Through Gryphon Fundraising, non-profit organizations gain data-driven roadmaps that help re-engage lapsed donors, identify growth trends, improve stewardship, and increase revenue. Whether building a case for support, crafting a comprehensive fundraising strategy, or guiding a capital campaign, Sam’s goal is always the same: to help charities grow with confidence.

Talent Recruitment

Since 2020, Sam has helped place over 40 talented individuals in non-profit roles nationwide—from data specialists to executive directors. Her expansive network and sector knowledge make her a trusted partner for organizations looking to build strong, passionate teams.

Talks & Events

An award-winning broadcaster and amateur stand-up comic, Sam brings energy, authenticity, and humour to every event she hosts. From galas and golf tournaments to conferences and fundraisers, she knows how to engage a room while keeping key messages front and centre. A respected international speaker, she’s delivered talks on donor analytics, stewardship, and board relations at major conferences such as AFP ICON, WCFC, and CAGP.

Broadcasting

Sam is the creator and host of An Hour to Give on Rogers TV Ottawa and Country 101.1, where she amplifies stories of philanthropy. She also hosted The Sam Laprade Show on CityNews 101.1 from 2021 to 2023, shining a spotlight on the people and causes making a difference in Ottawa and the Valley.

Meet Sam

Inspiring Change, One Voice at a Time

As the creator and host of “An Hour to Give”, Sam shares stories of philanthropy on Rogers tv Ottawa and Country 101.1. 

Sam loves to connect people! As an award-winning broadcaster, professional fundraiser, author, and volunteer, Sam works closely with the community to give a voice to new ideas, tough topics, and philanthropy.

Sam’s extensive experience, over thirty years, in fundraising, media, and municipal politics has created an impressive network of community and business leaders.

Over a 35-year period, Ms. Laprade has raised money for important charities in her community, such as The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, the Ottawa Humane Society, and the Ottawa Mission Foundation.

Sam shifted to work full-time as a strategist in 2017 with Gryphon Fundraising, where she provides data analytical reports, fundraising plans, cases for support, and board support.

While hosting The Sam Laprade Show on CityNews 101.1 from 2021 to 2023, Sam featured stories that mattered to the residents of Ottawa and the Valley.

Sam is a proud volunteer for numerous organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, the Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Caldwell Family Centre, Harmony House, Volunteer Ottawa, the Capital City Condors, and Elevate International.

Sam co-authored a book with Caroline Phillips  featuring local inventors and creators called “Ottawa Made.” She helped to shine a light on the brilliant and brave change-makers from Ottawa and the Valley.

Sam was awarded the Creative Arts Alumni of Distinction Award from Algonquin College in 2022 and the Order of Ottawa in 2023 for her work in the Capital.

As an engaging and inspiring international speaker, Sam takes her audiences on a journey during her presentations. From emotional issues to stand-up comedy, she leaves them on their feet cheering.

Sam is a proud Mom to her daughter, Avery!

GET TO KNOW SAM

Achievements & Milestones

2012 – Sam received her CFRE designation, which she has since renewed every three years.

2021 – Sam was awarded an RTDNA award along with Jason White for her role in Celebrating Pride in the Pandemic with CityNews 101.1.

2022 – Sam was awarded the Creative Arts Alumni of Distinction Award from Algonquin College.

2023 – Sam was awarded the Order of Ottawa by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

2024 – The Sam Laprade Show was awarded an RTDNA for Remembering Me – Embracing Indigenous People on Truth and Reconciliation Day, 2023.

2024 – The Invest Ottawa Podcast – Invested in Our New Reality, Season 14 hosted by Sam Laprade,  was nominated for two Canadian Podcast Awards.

GET TO KNOW SAM

Achievements & Milestones

2012 – Sam received her CFRE designation, which she has since renewed every three years.

2021 – Sam was awarded an RTDNA award along with Jason White for her role in Celebrating Pride in the Pandemic with CityNews 101.1.

2022 – Sam was awarded the Creative Arts Alumni of Distinction Award from Algonquin College.

2023 – Sam was awarded the Order of Ottawa by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

2024 – The Sam Laprade Show was awarded an RTDNA for Remembering Me – Embracing Indigenous People on Truth and Reconciliation Day, 2023.

2024 – The Invest Ottawa Podcast – Invested in Our New Reality, Season 14 hosted by Sam Laprade,  was nominated for two Canadian Podcast Awards.

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