3. Better Data Collection: Support Sector Level Data Strategies

Better data can address key issues identified by organizations in our sector: avoiding duplication among organizations, targeted funding to emerging needs, incentivizing training and supports in understaffed professions, and improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.  

Alberta has limited access to timely, reliable, and comprehensive nonprofit and charitable sector data as well as metrics to understand the well-being of the sector. The absence of these data makes it difficult to track sector progress and evaluate sector outcomes. Further, it is difficult for nonprofits and public servants alike to answer important questions such as: How is the nonprofit sector doing? Which parts of the sector are stepping in to support communities during emergencies? Which parts of the sector need support, why, and what types? How has the sector changed over time and why? This data is especially pertinent as we work for stability and predictability post-pandemic, and in anticipation of a recession.  

The nonprofit sector will benefit from additional baseline data at the point of nonprofit registration, and open access to existing nonprofit data sources collected across Government.  Support to collect more detailed data will empower the sector to monitor, understand and report on its needs, and make informed recommendations for government policies and supports.

Quality data is an important foundation for developing deep understanding and making timely, evidence-based policy decisions. This starts with the collection of timely, reliable, and comprehensive nonprofit and charitable sector data as well as a set of metrics developed specifically by the nonprofit sector. Tapping into existing data – and filling the gaps - will support government and nonprofits to make wise decisions that build capacity and sustainability within the sector, allow government to invest more strategically to support the sector, and ensure that the nonprofit sector can continue to be an efficient and effective partner over time.