October 23 University of Calgary Fall Mixer
On October 23, we hosted a Fall Mixer with the University of Calgary at their downtown campus. Ken Lima-Coelho, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, led a fireside chat with Ed McCauley, President of the University of Calgary. They covered the many ways that nonprofits and the university can work together to address challenges and drive change. It was wonderful to see nonprofit leaders connect with university leaders from across the faculties to see how their work aligns.
Introducing the Nonprofit Chamber!
For 20 years, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations has been proud to serve as a voice for the nonprofit sector in Calgary and beyond. As Alberta’s nonprofit landscape has expanded and changed, so have we. While we continue to advocate for and support our sector, we recognized the need for a new name and brand for greater clarity, relevance, and differentiation in the nonprofit sector. That’s why we made the important decision to rebrand as the Nonprofit Chamber.
GST and Membership Fees for Nonprofits
If your nonprofit organization or charity collects membership fees, it's important to be aware of regulations related to the GST system in Canada. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) actively reviews the GST treatment of nonprofits and charities, and a significant number have been found to be non-compliant.
Charting a Course
You can help us establish a strong mandate for appropriate funding for the nonprofit sector. CCVO has launched an opportunity for Alberta nonprofits to give direct input into the immediate funding priorities for the sector and the long-term strategies for funding the sector.
A New Nonprofit Navigator at the Government of Alberta
The Government of Alberta has launched a new website that provides comprehensive information and resources to support nonprofits serving Albertans. It includes information on how to start, fund, manage and end a nonprofit; available programs, services and grants for nonprofits; nonprofit data; learning and capacity building opportunities; and board member training. Check out the new site here.
Calgary Housing Strategy Clears its First Hurdle. Next Up: 2023 Budget Adjustments
In September, 93 nonprofits signed a letter asking City Council to take the next step in passing the recommendations from the Housing and Affordability Task Force and on September 16, the Council voted 12-3 in favour of the Housing Strategy. Thank you for taking the time to support this outcome! The next step is to weigh in on the City’s Adjustments to the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budgets until November 20, 2023. Want to weigh in? Share your comments or sign up to speak here.
CCVO's Reflection on the Recent Throne Speech
CCVO’s team attended yesterday’s Speech from the Throne to hear about government’s priorities and to meet with elected officials to let them know that our essential sector remains ready and willing partners in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities for Albertans. You can always get the text of the speech online, but there is nothing like being in the room.
Findings From the 2023 Boland Survey
The Boland Survey is Canada's most comprehensive source for nonprofit compensation data and HR practices. This year's Survey was completed in June and includes a Volunteer Report, Benefits Report, CEO Report, HR Report, and Regional and National Salary Reports.
How Video Content Can Transform Nonprofit Initiatives
Video content, with its combination of moving images, sound, and narration, has the unique ability to transport viewers into the heart of a story. It allows nonprofit organizations to showcase the real-world challenges and triumphs of those they serve. When audiences witness the faces and hear the voices of individuals affected by a cause, they are more likely to empathize with their struggles and feel a strong desire to help.
Now Live! The 2023 State of the Alberta Nonprofit Sector Survey
Fill out the 2023 State of the Nonprofit Sector survey today! CCVO uses findings from this survey to raise our strong collective voice for action, and support policies and programs that help all nonprofits make an impact.
Calgary Housing Advocacy Update
Last week, CCVO put out a call for support in asking City Council to take the next step in passing the recommendations from the Housing and Affordability Task Force. And you answered! 50 nonprofits have already signed on to support this request. Thank you for the overwhelming support so far!
The Road So Far.
With the election a month behind us, we’re using the summer to hunker down and plan our next steps. Kind of like hibernating, but on the opposite schedule of bears. Safer that way.
We’re considering how to keep nonprofit issues on the agenda, whose agenda to put them on, and whether those issues have substantially changed in the last year. You’ll be hearing more from us on that for the remainder of 2023. For now, we’re reflecting on what we’ve accomplished over the past year - so we can build on what’s worked, and let go of what hasn’t.