2024 Alberta Budget Consultation | WIL Workshop
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Make Sector Priorities Central in the 2024-2025 Provincial Budget
In 2023, the Nonprofit Vote partners outlined 5 crucial policy priorities for the Alberta nonprofit sector. We gained momentum for these during the spring 2023 election cycle. Now, we need your support in getting them prioritized in the upcoming 2024-25 provincial budget, set for release at the end of February 2024.
The provincial government has officially opened the budget 2024 consultation portal, and we strongly encourage all nonprofits to make a budget submission that includes some or all of the policy priorities for the sector. This is a pivotal moment for us to emphasize our priorities and reinforce our role in contributing to the province’s well-being.
Recruiting and Utilizing Student Talent Workshop
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 | 11:30AM-1PM | KAHANOFF CENTRE
Join TalentED YYC and CCVO for an activity based workshop to explore options to bring students into an organization through Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
Outcomes include the ability to:
Identify over six different WIL options available for employers to utilize student talent in their organization
Distinguish between the different WIL definitions, including paid and unpaid options, available timing, and requirements to participate as a WIL employer, as well as the pros/cons of each type
Determine which WIL types are best suited to your organization's structure and goals
Network with PSI representatives and the TalentED YYC team, available to further support you with scoping student-based opportunities for your organization
Gain early access to Calgary’s Work Integrated Learning catalogue – an employer tool to understand student recruitment options and timing.
Policy Highlights
Fall Economic Statement 2023: Support for Nonprofit Housing, Room to Influence AMT, No Gains on Staple Nonprofit Sector Priorities
Imagine Canada
On November 21, Minister Freeland’s presentation of the Fall Economic Statement (FES) to Parliament outlined a difficult economic and fiscal position for the federal government amid the country’s affordability and housing crises. The response is an overall tightening of spending with targeted investments to support low-income individuals and the development of more affordable housing units.
A focal point is the announcement of $1 billion in new funding for the Affordable Housing Fund, meant to support nonprofit housing providers in the delivery of affordable housing. Read the full article here.
Learning Opportunities
Learning Opportunities
How Nonprofits Should Collect, Use, and Safeguard Personal Information
December 12 | online
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Ask Me Anything About Social Enterprise
Dec 13 | online
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Strategic Alliances for Nonprofits
December 14 | online
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Basic Facilitation Tools
On Demand | online
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SAIT Community Volunteer Fair
SAIT is excited to introduce their new Community Volunteer Fair on January 25, 2024. The event will run from 10am-3pm with breakfast and setup beforehand. Nonprofits looking for volunteers can showcase their organizations on campus and meet with SAIT students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Registration is free, with space for 40 organizations. The registration deadline is December 18, find more details and register here.
Youth of Distinction Awards
The Youth of Distinction Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and recognize youth, aged 12-18, for the amazing ways they are making a difference in our community. These awards are not academic, rather, they focus on leadership, friendship, overcoming challenges, and community service. Finalists are recognized at an annual awards ceremony at the Calgary Zoo in May, where finalists receive a monetary award, and the recipient of each category is announced. At the ceremony guests will enjoy brunch, entertainment, and celebrate the amazing youth in our city! Nominate a youth by February 5, 2024 through this link.
Funding & Grants
Canada Summer Jobs
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to employers to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Jobs must be 30-40 hours a week for a duration of 6-16 weeks. Nonprofits are eligible to receive up to 100% of the adult minimum hourly wage for the 6-16 weeks. Organizations are encouraged to pay above the minimum wage and offer longer employment terms. The deadline for applications is January 10. Find the application here.
Ecclesiastical Insurance's Movement for Good Campaign
Ecclesiastical Insurance is awarding 125 grants of $1,000 to registered Canadian charities. Sports and recreation teams, issue advocacy groups, political organizations, service clubs, and organizations that discriminate will not be funded. Applications will be assessed on regionality and overall impact.
The application deadline is December 11 and succesful applicants will be notified shortly after. Find out more information and apply here.
Catapult Canada Funding Opportunities
Catapult Canada is a national, community-building initiative that aims to increase equity of learning access for youth. Catapult supports youth-serving organizations in Canada to design, build, scale up and evaluate the impact of initiatives to better support Canadian youth, especially those underserved by the education system. Catapult currently has two grant streams open; both have an application deadline of December 10.
The Newcomer, Refugee and Neet Youth Fund is focused on advancing learning opportunities among particularly vulnerable groups including high-risk newcomers to Canada, refugees and youth facing barriers as a result of fleeing trauma, and NEET youth. Projects can receive $25,000 to $200,000 and must be completed in 24 months.
The Open Access Fund supports organizations that work directly with learners in communities across Canada to eliminate barriers to learning opportunities and to increase equity of access to learning pathways. Projects can receive $25,000 to $150,000 and must be completed within 12 months.
Applications are open to registered charities and incorporated nonprofits. Find the application details for both streams here.
Hugs-in-a-Bowl for Charitable Organizations
Soup Sisters is a nonprofit Soup Bank that provides high-quality, nourishing, heat-and-serve freshly made soup for agencies serving clients. Save your time and energy sourcing food and preparing meals. Instead, have made-to-order hearty soups delivered right to your door! High-volume production allows for economical pricing, and delivery is included. Everything starts with proper nutrition, and the Soup Sisters are here to help. For more information or to order, click here.
2023 Calgary Legal Advice Clinic (CLAC)
Pro Bono Law Alberta's dedicated volunteer lawyers will step out from the courthouses, bringing their passion and legal expertise to the Calgary Central Library on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Members of the public can receive free, confidential advice from a volunteer lawyer for 30 minutes.
This year’s Calgary Legal Advice Clinic will cover legal issues across various sections of law, including Family Law, Immigration, Civil Litigation, Landlord/Tenant, Employment/Labor, Wills and Estates, Criminal, and, for the first time, Privacy Law.
Book your appointment here or call 403-541-4804 from November 22 to December 6 (weekdays between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to secure a 30-minute one-on-one session with a volunteer lawyer. Limited walk-in space will be available on the clinic day. Find more information here.
Youth Singers Calgary Carolers
Celebrate the holidays with the Calgary Carolers, a delightful vocal ensemble featuring vocal artists from the Youth Singers of Calgary and local musicians. Ideal for any festive event, our carolers offer versatile, world-class performances, filling the air with both traditional and modern Christmas melodies. Find out more information here.
Imagine Cities Digital Tools for Change
Imagine Cities provides digital tools to support innovation and creativity in neighbourhoods; many of the tools are also applicable to other sectors. There is a search engine which focuses on cities and communities across 18 research categories. Learning guides are also available for innovative tools that Imagine Cities has discovered in their research. In the spring of 2024, Imagine Cities will launch our Creative Communities Lab to serve as a hub connecting community-based projects with talent looking for real world experience while also making an impact. See the tools here.
Christmas Tree-via Party
Get ready for five rounds of trivia, hosted by Calgary Corporate Challenge's very own Trivia Mastermind, Doug (The Know Show Trivia Company). Don't worry - only one round will be Christmas-themed! There are prizes to be won, so bring your team of noel-it-alls (friends, family, coworkers, enemies?) and get ready for some festive competition! Holiday themed team names are highly encouraged. Register here.
Blogs & More
What Trends Will Impact Charities and Nonprofits in the Fourth Quarter of 2023?
Cathy Barr, Ph.D. & Emily Jensen, Imagine Canada
The year is drawing to a close. The domestic story of the year was unquestionably rising inflation. Combined with a housing shortage, inflation has caused a cost of living crisis that has left many Canadians struggling to make ends meet.
What does the economic situation in the sector look like in practice? In Gatineau, employees of a food bank are themselves using the service they deliver. In New Brunswick, staff at a shelter report that those they serve are increasingly hopeless and are facing rising rates of crisis and violence. In PEI, the Humane Society has had to pause construction on a new animal shelter due to rising costs. In Ontario, the K-W Symphony Orchestra suddenly cancelled their season and all programming and, a week later, filed for bankruptcy. Read More→
Intervention Time: What Non-profits Want Funders and Government to Know About Their Data Problem
Sherlyn Assam, The Philanthropist Journal
Canada’s non-profit organizations know their sector lacks data about itself and the people they serve. Some organizations struggle to share data about their communities because of privacy concerns and capacity limits. Some actors are forming organizations to help non-profits improve their data strategies. Some are appealing to funders to support better data infrastructure, while other organizations are advocating for the federal government to mandate and fund data collection. Despite these initiatives, the sector lacks a unified approach to data collection and strategy, which could be slowing down its progress. Read More→
The Roadmap to Healthy Relationships
Calgary Counseling Centre
Fewer things in life are as important and impactful as the connections we build with others. The quality of our relationships, be they with friends, family or a significant other, plays a profound role in our overall well-being. Positive relationships can add a lot of joy and meaning to our lives and impact both our physical and mental health.
But relationships can be complex and sometimes it can be difficult to recognize unhealthy behaviours. Read More→