Kris Fernet

Director of Annual Giving & GrantWorx

Phone: 587-574-7559
Email: kris@touchworks.ca

“Always ask for what you need;
Philanthropy and hard work will do the rest.”

Kris Fernet is Director of Annual Giving & GrantWorx at Touchworks Communications Inc., where he leads data-driven fundraising strategy, grant development, and donor communications for social purpose organizations across Canada.

With nearly three decades of experience, Kris focuses on building high-performing Annual Giving programs that deliver measurable revenue growth. His work integrates direct mail, digital campaigns, and donor analytics, and is grounded in strong data discipline and a clear understanding of donor behaviour.

Kris began his career in 1998 as a door-to-door canvasser in Calgary and went on to build and lead a direct response agency employing more than 130 staff, serving clients across the social impact and performing arts sectors. He joined Touchworks in 2007 and has since held senior fundraising roles with organizations across the sector, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Hull Services, TELUS Spark Science Centre, and Epilepsy Calgary.

He returned to Touchworks in 2023 to lead the Annual Giving and GrantWorx divisions, helping clients strengthen their fundraising through integrated strategy, disciplined execution, and successful grant development.

Kris is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in both Calgary and the B.C. Interior. He serves on the AFP Calgary and Area Chapter board and was Co-Vice-Chair of National Philanthropy Day 2024.

Born and raised in Calgary, Kris travels regularly to Kelowna and enjoys ancient history, playing music and working on a good dataset.

Meet Your Touchworks Team

More than 80 combined years of fundraising service to charities, arts groups, and other social purpose organizations.

We are a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional results. With a focus on innovation and excellence, we are committed to helping you achieve your fundraising goals.

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Discover Our Expertise

With more than 30 years of experience in the social impact sector, we bring a deep commitment to integrity, respect, and meaningful change. We combine proven strategy with exceptional personal service to help our clients do the right things, and do them well.

Our Services

Unlock your fundraising potential. We help you make the research-based decisions necessary to guide successful fundraising strategies.

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We specialize in creating tailored direct-response strategies to engage supporters, inspire repeat gifts, and build long-term donor relationships.

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Our expert grant writing and management services help organizations secure vital funding. Our streamlined process is simple and effective.

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Brand Development

We create a living brand that connects with your supporters, tells a story, and amplifies your impact.

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Case for Support

Remember, to your supporters, it’s all about your “Why”. We can help bring it to life and connect you with supporters who care.

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Creative Services

Our copywriting and graphic design teams understand donors, ensuring every message is clear, compelling, and thoughtfully crafted.

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Strategic Counsel

Strengthen your team with practical fundraising strategies and advice from mentors who make an impact.

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Project Management

Successful fundraising is all about the details. We manage fundraising projects from start to finish.

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Other Services

We can help improve your Donor Stewardship, Peer-to-Peer, Major Gift Prospecting, and more.

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Helping our clients do the right things right.

Partner with us to bring your creative ideas to life and transform your business into something extraordinary.

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What Our Clients and Partners Say About Us

Testimonials

Hear what our partners have to say about their experiences with us.

 “Forward House Community Society greatly appreciates the knowledge, experience and professionalism provided by Gloria Stewart and the Touchworks team.”
Rosemary BonderudPresident, Forward House Community Society
“Gloria is a seasoned professional whose expertise is a beacon for nonprofit organizations seeking to elevate their impact. With an illustrious track record, Gloria brings a unique blend of strategic vision, creativity, and a genuine passion for social causes.”
Shawna Ogston Shawna Ogston Communications
“Touchworks has really helped us maintain and grow our annual giving program. They know what works and what doesn’t and can make strategic recommendations on how to grow this aspect of our revenue. All a full-service consultancy, they were able to help support aspects of the campaign when we were short-staffed or managing absences, and attempting to thread this into a larger campaign effort. Gloria and Kris are fabulous to work with.” 
Daiva Jocius, CFREDirector, Resource Development

“Gloria is a practical, no nonsense, get it done person.  She’s effective and creative in her thinking, tactful in her approach and thus, when a client I was working with on Vancouver Island needed someone on-site, I turned to Gloria to be that person. 

Dree Thomson, ACFRE, CFRE

“Gloria came along at the right time when we were launching our fund development program. Her experience and insights have created the building blocks and development tools that are already increasing our revenues and laying a strong foundation for the future.” 

 Susanna Newton, Executive Director, Society of Organized Servies

“If you are looking for a marketing professional who will elevate your brand, generate exceptional results, and bring a winning mindset to the table, look no further than Gloria. She is a true gem in the industry, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.” 

Cindy Thompson ACC, M.Sc, RCC Thompson Leadership Coaching 

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