Save the Date: Connections Conference April 25, 2024📅
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Save the Date: CCVO's Connection Conference on April 25
CCVO's Connections Conference is making its return! The conference will be on April 25 at the Grey Eagle Resort in Calgary. The conference brings together professionals, leaders, and changemakers from Alberta’s nonprofit, business, and government sectors for learning and dialogue to turn ideas into actions. Stay tuned for more information and registration details.
Thanks for Attending Our Member Roundtables
We thank all CCVO members who participated in our roundtable discussions this year. To wrap up the year, we hosted our final roundtable yesterday, listening to members discuss pertinent issues they are facing and the actions they are taking to mitigate and address these challenges. We heard from our members about funding cuts, housing affordability issues, rising costs of living, increased service demand, among others, which are putting pressure on the sector. Despite these challenges, nonprofit organizations continue to open their doors to provide critical services to our communities and support their workforce. As a community, we are dedicated to advocating for our sector, and look forward to connecting with our members in the new year.
CCVO at the Canadian Federation of Nonprofit Networks Convening
The Canadian Federation of Nonprofit Networks convened in Ottawa during the week of November 6. We are proud to have engaged with colleagues from organizations dedicated to capacity and network building across the country. Together, we discussed strategies for supporting nonprofits and fostering mutual growth.
Celebrating National Philanthropy Day with AFP Calgary
On November 15, we attended the Association of Fundraising Professional Calgary's (AFP Calgary) National Philanthropy Day Celebration. It was great to celebrate such outstanding Calgary philanthropists along with some exceptional fundraising professionals and awardees. Thanks to Vitreo for hosting us and sponsoring the event.
Policy Highlights
Two in 10 (20%) Canadians Are Currently Using Charitable Services to Meet Their Essential Needs e.g Food, Shelter, Clothing
Sean Simpson, Ipsos
20% of Canadians are currently using charitable services to meet their essential needs (e.g. food, shelter, clothing), while 24% expect to need charitable services in the next six months to meet their essential needs. Among those who are currently using charitable services to meet their needs, 69% say this is the first year they have needed access to charitable services to meet their essential needs. 54% say this is because of the rising cost of living. Read the full article here.
Government of Alberta Health Care Survey
On November 8, the Government of Alberta (GoA) announced a plan to reform its public health care system. Following this, the GoA is seeking feedback from the public to shape recommendations, identify areas of concern and improve health outcomes for Albertans. The online survey takes approximately ten minutes and is open until December 8. Find the survey here.
HungerCount 2023
Food Banks Canada
In March 2023, there were over 1.9 million visits to food banks in Canada. This is a 32% increase from last year and sets a new record high. Overall, food bank visits have increased at greater and greater rates since 2019, with the highest year-over-year increase in usage ever reported this year.
Currently, 33% of food bank users are children. 42% of food bank users are on social assistance and 14% are on disability assistance. Read the full report here.
Updated CRA Filing Guidelines for Charities with Internal Trusts
On Friday, November 10th, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that all registered charities, including charitable foundations, are now exempt from filing the T3. This positive development comes in response to concerns voiced by numerous charitable leaders across Canada, including CCVO's role on the Revenue Canada Charities Directorate Technical Issues Working Group. We are pleased that the CRA is actively attentive to the sector's needs.
Charities that are corporations no longer a need to file T2 during charitable status, and those managing internal trusts don’t require T3 filing. This decision is not only a relief but also a significant step in reducing red tape, allowing charities to focus more on supporting our sector and the communities we serve. Find more details about the CRA's announcement here.
Learning Opportunities
Breaking Out of the Box: Forging New Narratives for Flourishing Futures
November 29 | online
REGISTER
Welcoming Students Into Your Organization: Tools, Tips & Resources
November 29 | online
REGISTER
AI for Impact: Risks and Opportunities for Nonprofits
December 4 | online
REGISTER
Workplace Culture: Unlearning Exclusive Language
December 5 | online
REGISTER
Nonprofit Leadership Development Program
The Nonprofit Leadership Development program at the University of Calgary begins on December 7. This course is specifically crafted to provide nonprofit professionals with essential knowledge and skills for effective leadership within nonprofit organizations. It offers both virtual and in-person learning opportunities, covering key topics such as governance best practices, strategic planning, delegation, diversity and inclusion, stakeholder collaboration, conflict resolution, ESG and social justice, coaching skills for leaders, leading change, social enterprise, and fund development. The program also integrates insights from experienced nonprofit leaders, practical case studies, interactive exercises, mentoring, and peer learning. Those interested can find more details and register here, and explore eligibility for financial assistance through the Canada-Alberta Job Grant for training.
Government of Alberta Employer Wage Subsidy Webinar
The Workforce Consultant Team with the Government of Alberta will be hosting a webinar on November 29, 10-11:30am on the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) and the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). Canada Summer Jobs offers wage subsidies for summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30, while the Student Work Placement Program provides funding for co-op placements, interns and practicum positions. Register here.
Funding & Grants
City of Calgary Capacity Building Fund
The City of Calgary’s Capacity Building Fund is accepting applications until December 13. The fund is for one time projects and has two categories: organizational effectiveness and emerging social issues.
The emerging social issues stream is for projects that address an emerging social issue or trend through collaboratives or sector coordination. The maximum grant amount in this stream is $75,000.
The organizational effectiveness stream is for projects that improve an organization’s effectiveness in supporting Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities. These initiatives would include increasing the adaptive or technical capacity of an organization. The maximum grant amount is this stream is $50,000.
Organizations can submit one application per category. Non-profit organizations with an elected volunteer board of directors, operating within Calgary’s city limits are eligible to apply. Find out more information and apply here.
Calgary Learns Grants
Calgary Learns is a granting council in Alberta’s Community Adult Learning Program (CALP). Calgary Learns allocates funding for local learning opportunities that support Literacy and Foundational Learning ( adult literacy, English language learning, numeracy, basic digital skills, skills for learning) and Community Capacity Building). They currently offer three different grants: General Program Grants, Indigenous Program Grants, and Indigenous Initiative Grants.
Program Grants fund part time learning programs within Calgary city limits. Initiative Grants fund research, training, curriculum development, and pilots. The deadline for general Program Grants is January 15, 2024. The deadline for the Indigenous stream is February 15, 2024.
Organizations must be a legal entity incorporated for two years prior to application and programs must be in Calgary City limits. Find out more information and contact Calgary Learns for an application here.
Gender Equity Mechanics
GEM (Gender Equity Mechanics) is a monthly opportunity for women, trans-femme and non-binary folks to come to Two Wheel View and learn basic bike mechanic skills that will be used to work on bicycles that will be given out to the youth we work with at our Calgary wide Earn-a-Bike after-school program. Join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm to learn basic bike mechanic skills, meet new friends and make a difference in your community. Follow Two Wheel View on Instagram here for the most up-to-date GEM events.
Family Violence Prevention Month
Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society
November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. It is a time to bring awareness of the warning signs of family violence and the resources and supports available. Family violence is an abuse of power in a family or other trusting relationships where people rely on each other. Anyone can experience it, and when someone does, it can threaten their well-being, their security, and their survival. Watch for events all across the province, find resources here, and read this recent Calgary Herald Opinion piece on Strengthening Families.
The Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI), in collaboration with Iain De Jong from OrgCode Consulting have successfully developed a comprehensive guidebook for emergency shelters. This guidebook is specifically designed to facilitate the incorporation of person-centred and trauma-informed care into housing-focused shelter. This guidebook was presented and released at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness Conference. See version 1 of the "Person-Centred, Trauma-Informed Consideration in a Housing Focused Shelter" guide here.
Blogs & More
DAFs Can Be a Maze: Fundraisers, Here Are Nine Ways to Get Donations From Donor Advised Funds
Gabe Oatley, Future of Good
Donors are increasingly giving through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) — and unlike direct donations, DAF holders are not legally required to provide charities with their contact details.
A DAF is a charitable fund within a foundation. In establishing a DAF, a donor gets a tax receipt for the full value of their donation but retains the right to recommend grants over time to charities of their choosing. In recent years, DAF assets have grown dramatically, creating larger pools of philanthropic wealth for fundraisers to target. Get some tips on how to secure DAF grants from six experts. Read More →.
Who Helps the Helpers: Affordability, Mental Health and the Agencies that are there for us
United Way of Calgary and Area
The rising cost of energy, housing, food, and basic needs has caused an ongoing affordability crisis that affects everyone in our community. In other crises, we have an expectation that whatever is affecting us will pass in time. But the prolonged affordability crisis we face represents an unprecedented impact on our mental health that, in turn, puts great pressure on the agencies that provide mental health services.
While most social service agencies are feeling an increase in demand right now, those that specialize in mental health and urgent distress support are feeling significant pressure. Read More→
What Nonprofits Can Expect in 2024 and How to Be Better Prepared
Enkel, Charity Village
In the face of a tumultuous 2024, nonprofits are tasked with navigating a perfect storm of challenges: inflation and high interest rates straining budgets, a potential dip in donations threatening their financial lifelines, and a talent shortage adding complexity to their mission-driven endeavors. However, history has shown that the nonprofit sector is resilient, adaptable, and resourceful. Read More→