Call for Nominations for CCVO's Board of Directors | Professional Development Opportunities | Digital Transformation Program | Grants
Call for Nominations for CCVO's Board of Directors
Nominations are open for CCVO’s Board of Directors. Board members serve a two-year term, and new board members will officially join the board after our September AGM. We welcome candidates who represent a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, as well as a diversity of sexual and gender expression, and people with disabilities. CCVO is interested in candidates from any area of the nonprofit sector as well as the private sector. Candidates can apply by submitting their contact information and a link to their bio or resume here.
Policy Highlights
2024 Nonprofit Technology Trends Report
Sage
The 2024 Nonprofit Technology Trends Report surveyed nonprofit finance leaders across Canada. Close to 20% of nonprofits report that they are fully digital, while another 50% report that they are in the process of digitizing key processes. 35% of organizations say the biggest internal barrier facing them currently is a lack of staff with the right skillset to manage their digital transformation journey. On average, organizations are dedicating 22% of their operation budget towards automation and digitalization. See the full report here.
Step Up Insider
Step Up Insider is a cost-effective professional development resource to assist and improve grant-writing skills. Offered as a monthly subscription, subscribers receive micro skills training each month, free access to quarterly webinars, and a list of upcoming grant deadlines to help them stay ahead of the curve.
Step Up Insider provides the information needed to master one’s grant-writing skills, build an effective grant strategy, and stay on top of grant deadlines so organizations can secure the funding needed for their mission to thrive. CCVO Members can access a 20% discount here.
Learning Opportunities
Intergenerational Volunteer Engagement
May 22 | online
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Grantseeking Solo: Secure Awards With Limited Staff
May 22 | online
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How to Create the Future
May 23 | online
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Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles Facilitator Training
May 27-29 | Further Education Society
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What Can We Learn From the Largest Statistics Canada Survey of the Sector?
May 29 | online
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Ethical AI: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector
May 30 | online
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Going Beyond 'Volunteers Needed'
Jun 3 | online
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Social Finance Forum
Jun 12-13 | hybrid
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Digital Growth Academy
The Digital Growth Academy is a free digital transformation program to help Canadian charities grow. Organizations can complete an assessment that reviews their current needs and uses of technology. A customized action plan is generated from the assessment which organizations can use as a roadmap and invite others to collaborate on. They also have free courses and resources. Visit the Digital Growth Academy here.
Join Centre for Suicide Prevention for Buddy Up Month
Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention campaign: a call to action for men, by men, to drive authentic conversation amongst men and their buddies. At Centre for Suicide Prevention, June is Men's Health Month as well as Buddy Up Month. Individuals and organizations can sign up to become Buddy Up Champions. The role of a Champion is to support a buddy who may be struggling, to learn about men’s suicide prevention, and to encourage others to become involved. If you’d like to order free swag including wallet cards, posters, and stickers, sign up to become a Champion today! Reach out to Seth McVeity at seth@suicideinfo.ca or visit buddyup.ca to learn more.
Funding & Grants
Activate YYC Grants
The Federation of Calgary Community's Activate YYC grant funds projects that transform public space in Calgary. Grants can be used for new or improved physical infrastructure or artist fees.
Funding ranges from $500-$5,000, and applications are open to nonprofits, individuals, and businesses. Projects must be completed by November 30, and grants are approved on a rolling basis. The deadline for applications is August 31 or when funding runs out. Find more information and apply here.
ServiceNow Community Improvement Fund
The ServiceNow Community Improvement Fund aims to accelerate global decarbonization efforts by supporting impactful projects in Canada. Interested applicants can apply for funding to launch new projects, expand existing projects, or introduce one of two established community programs.
The two established community programs are focused on ecosystem restoration through tree planting and reducing plastic pollution through recycling. Organizations can get up to $28,000 for ecosystem restoration and $27,000 for reducing plastic pollution.
For other projects related to decarbonization, organizations can apply for up to $40,000. The deadline for applications is May 31. Find more information and the applications for all projects here.
TechSoup Canada
TechSoup Canada is a program of the Centre for Social Innovation, and a member of the TechSoup Global Network. Registered charities and nonprofits can order donated and discounted software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Bitdefender Antivirus and more) for an administrative fee that is substantially cheaper than regular price. They also host webinars, write blogs, and have courses so nonprofits can grow their skills. See their current offerings here.
Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards
The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards offers multiple categories to represent the diverse volunteerism landscape in Alberta’s communities. Two awards are available for the youth, adult, and senior categories. There is also an award for each of the following subcategories related to breaking barriers: addressing racism, advocating for 2SLGBTQQIA+ inclusion, and fighting gender discrimination.
Award recipients will receive an engraved award, a framed certificate, a detailed online profile, and acknowledgment through the government of Alberta’s social media. Nominations will be accepted until June 30. The nomination form can be found here.
Blogs & More
Tech Savvy: How to Build Digital Considerations into Your Strategic Planning
Katie Gibson and Marc-André Delorme, The Philanthropist Journal
In a perfect world, the strategic planning process includes an ED/CEO with tech expertise, an internal strategic tech leader, board members with tech expertise, and a strategic planning consultant well-versed in tech. We dub this the “peloton model” of strategic planning. For most nonprofits, this is unrealistic. So what is plan B?
One option is to engage an external IT or tech strategy consultant to support the planning process – the “pedicab model.” Some technology vendors offer this service. However, not all tech experts understand the nonprofit context. Read More→
What Trends Will Impact Charities and Nonprofits in the Second Quarter of 2024?
Cathy Barr, Ph.D. & Emily Jensen, Imagine Canada
Perhaps most interesting is the data on the connection between employment and the use of generative AI. When asked whether they see value in using AI to automate tasks to replace employees, only 1% of nonprofits said yes, compared to 14% of private sector businesses. However, nonprofits were more likely than private sector businesses (23% vs. 10%) to say they see value in using AI to minimize workforce recruitment and retention challenges. While we cannot say for certain what this means, it would appear that nonprofits are more likely to see AI as a way to address their labour force challenges rather than as a way to reduce their staff complements. Read More→