Calgary has a growing body of more than 5,000 charities and nonprofits with limited available resources to support their work in the community. The environment these groups work in has become increasingly uncertain in the face of the economic downturn. In this context, interest in innovative, alternative organizational structures and approaches to service delivery, already present in the community, has taken on a greater sense of urgency and interest. Exploration of new organizational approaches is required to ensure the community continues to benefit from the contributions of local charities and nonprofits.