When non-profit organizations notice that supporter engagement is slowing or donations are declining, the instinct is often to make internal adjustments. Budgets shift, communications change, and campaigns are rewritten. Yet the core question often goes unanswered: What do supporters actually want?

This is the foundation of Real Path’s work.

Founded by Leigh Sandison, a former international field hockey player and mom of two under five, Real Path focuses on helping non-profits understand their audiences with clarity. The agency specializes in uncovering what supporters think, feel, and do, providing organizations with the insight they need to create experiences that encourage people to donate, advocate, and stay involved.

From Corporate Experience to Non-Profit Strategy

Leigh began her career helping global corporations shape customer experiences. Later, during her tenure with Macmillan Cancer Support in the UK, she witnessed the profound impact of audience understanding on mission-driven organizations. The turning point came during her maternity leave. Her brother was working on a donor journey mapping project, and she volunteered to support the effort. That is when she realized something striking. The effort was being shaped from an internal perspective, while the supporter’s experience was left out entirely.

This insight led her toward a new purpose. Leigh wanted to bring the same depth of audience understanding that influenced major brands into the non-profit sector. She believed organizations deserved a clearer picture of what their supporters wanted, and she has dedicated her career to doing exactly that.

A Direct Approach That Produces Actionable Results

Real Path stands out because of its straightforward approach. The team avoids jargon and focuses on strategies that can be applied immediately. They listen carefully to supporters, gather meaningful insights, and help organizations create experiences that reflect real motivations and needs. Their goal is to help non-profits make smarter choices about revenue and costs, supported by research rather than guesswork.

Their results demonstrate potential. Real Path helped one organization increase recurring revenue from monthly donors by 625 percent in just four weeks. They supported another organization during a federal leadership campaign and helped double donations, triple the donor count, and secure an election win. Leigh herself was also recognized in Foundation Magazine’s 2025 Five Lives feature, which highlighted individuals making a notable contribution to life in Canada.

Sports, Adaptability, and Curiosity

Leigh’s background in international field hockey influences her work every day. Sports taught her how to adapt quickly, shift conversations with ease, and approach every new situation with an open mind. Each client becomes its own microculture, and she approaches everyone without assumptions. She learned fearlessness on the field, and that quality carried her through the challenge of starting a business during the pandemic with a new baby.

She also learned the importance of being true to herself. Her straightforward nature helps supporters feel at ease in conversations, leading to honest insights. This authenticity even inspired the name Real Path. Leigh has always balanced logic with creativity, and she brings that dual energy into her research. She connects unexpected pieces of information, uncovers deeper meaning, and translates those findings into practical strategies.

Your Supporters Hold the Answers

If your organization is experiencing stalled growth, declining donations, or disengaged supporters, it may be a sign that your strategies rely too heavily on internal thinking. When supporters’ experiences are shaped without understanding what people actually want, they often feel disconnected from your mission. Disconnection leads to reduced giving and less willingness to volunteer or advocate.

The most effective way to build supporter experiences that inspire action is to learn from the people themselves. Real Path helps non-profits access these insights and use them to create lasting, positive change. Their work shows that understanding supporters is crucial to building stronger relationships and achieving results.