Connections Conference is Sold Out! | Boland Survey Closes Soon
2024 Connections Conference - Sold Out
Presented by ATB Financial and Suncor Energy Foundation
THURSDAY, APRIL 25 | 8:30AM-6:00PM | GREY EAGLE CONFERENCE CENTRE
CCVO's Connections Conference is just a week away! 500 nonprofit, government, and business professionals will be joining us for a day of learning and dialogue to turn ideas into action. We'll also be celebrating CCVO's 20th anniversary.
KEYNOTE SESSION
The New Urgency: Gaining Deep Insights into Difficult Problems
Speaker: Vinod Rajasekaran, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Future of Good
Complexities and opportunities for social change arise from every corner, and the ability to gain deep insights into difficult societal problems is not just desirable—it's imperative. This illuminating keynote presentation will delve into the multi-dimensional layers of difficult problems and how understanding their various dimensions can uncover profound insights that can fuel your work and mission.
PLENARY PANEL
Representative Leadership: Transforming Perspectives
Panelists:
Kat Cadungog, Executive Director at Youth Harbour and FES
Irfhan Rawji, Managing Partner with Relay Ventures and Realize Capital Partners
Malinda S. Smith, PhD, LLD (Hon), Vice Provost and Associate Vice President (Research) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Calgary
Kirby Redwood, CEO of Miskanawah
Host: Arti Freeman, President and CEO of Definity Foundation
Discover how inclusive leadership cultivates environments where every voice is valued, driving organizational success. Join us to challenge norms, spark actionable strategies, and pave the way for a future where diverse and representative leadership is the cornerstone of inclusive excellence and societal advancement.
See the full conference lineup here.
Funding Consultations
What do we want? Appropriate funding! When do we want it? Now! How do we get there? You!
During the provincial election in May 2023, CCVO and The Nonprofit Vote called for provincial parties to commit to five Policy Priorities in support of Alberta’s nonprofits. We’ve gained traction on three of the priorities: a Door to Government, Better Data, and a Workforce Strategy.
With a new government in place we’re charting a course to make even more headway – and we’re focusing on Appropriate Funding. In 2022, we requested a $300 million investment from the Province. We know such an investment is still an important part of the solution, and we’ll
get further if we get specific – which is where YOU come in!
Join us in one of the online sessions that will be running from April 29 to May 8. Let us know what your organization has difficulty getting funding for, what your immediate funding needs are, and what your long term needs are.
Your input will shape a 2025 Alberta Budget submission, recommendations to funders, and future advocacy by CCVO and The Nonprofit Vote.
Riding the Waves of Change: The State of Calgary's Nonprofit Sector
THURSDAY, MAY 16 | 11:30AM-1:00PM | DJD DANCE CENTRE THEATRE
Join the Kahanoff Centre for their lunch and learn on Thursday, May 16 as nonprofit leaders share their perspectives on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, equity and economic recovery in the nonprofit sector.
Panelists:
Eva Friesen, CEO of Calgary Foundation
Kirby Redwood, CEO of Miskanawah
Melissa From, CEO of The Calgary Food Bank
Karen Young, CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area
CCVO's President and CEO, Karen Ball will be moderating and sharing reflection from our Facing the Storm State of the Sector Report.
Policy Highlights
Federal Budget 2024
Imagine Canada
Some highlights from the federal budget for the nonprofit sector include:
A new advisory Council on Science and Innovation meant to guide federal investments in research in these areas will include representation from the nonprofit sector.
The government’s housing plan involves philanthropic financing and co-investment alongside other sectors (of interest for proponents of charities in impact investing), and nonprofit housing providers as loan and grant recipients.
A $400,000 commitment to a National Volunteer Strategy in partnership with Volunteer Canada.
In response to the sector’s advocacy, Budget 2024 amends the proposed cap on the donations tax credit to 80%, up from 50% as announced in Budget 2023. The capital gains inclusion rate increases from 0% to 30% for donations of stock, mutual funds and other securities remains unchanged.
See Imagine Canada's full summary here.
Learning Opportunities
Harnessing Date for Social Impact
Apr 25 | online
REGISTER
Expanding Horizons: Integrating TGX+ Perspectives in the Evolving Workplace
Apr 30 | online
REGISTER
Beyond Bake Sales: Strategic Insights for Fundraising Events
May 2 | online
REGISTER
Board Leadership Calgary
May 25 | Bow Valley College
REGISTER
Imagine Canada Membership
Imagine Canada, a national organization working with and for charities and nonprofits, is now offering a free membership for small organizations. If your annual revenues are $150,000 or less, there is no charge to be a member. From discounted fees to live and virtual events to engagement opportunities with other leaders to helping to shape the future of Canada's nonprofit sector, there are a multitude of beneficial opportunities. Visit the Imagine Canada membership page here.
Funding & Grants
Parks Foundation Calgary Grants
Parks Foundation Calgary's grant programs are open to registered nonprofits within the Calgary city limits. Organizations must also open a Project Support Program account with Parks Foundation Calgary.
The Building Communities Grant can be used for the development of new or improved community-led park or playground projects. Organizations can apply for up to $30,000.
The Amateur Sport Grant funds new sports facilities, expanding or improving existing facilities, or purchasing sport equipment. The maximum grant amount is 50% of the total project budget with a maximum amount of $75,000. Registered nonprofits need to be at least three years old to apply.
The application deadline for both grants is May 1. Find more information on both grants here.
Law for the Future Fund
The Law for the Future Fund supports legal research projects that are of national interest and/or are of benefit to the general public. Projects must be in one of the following fields:
Legal research
Legal education
Legislation and law reform
Administration of justice
Applications are open to registered charities and are assessed on innovation and anticipated impact. There is no set minimum or maximum amount of funding that can be applied for. The average grant awarded for an individual project is between $10,000 and $40,000. The deadline for applications is May 1. Find the application and more information here.
Blogs & More
Five Good Ideas on Advocating for Change From the Frontline
Diana Chan McNally, Maytree
Workers on the frontline are the most connected to the everyday realities of systemic poverty and the myriad ways that policy gaps and loopholes manifest as harm. Yet, frontline workers are also largely excluded from conversations at the political level, let alone included — alongside with people with lived experience — in the development of policy that impacts poor people. Working on the frontline should fit naturally with advocacy work, but there are numerous challenges to maintaining a balance between these activities — let alone being able to do both effectively. Diana shares her insights into her praxis as a frontline worker and an advocate, including the successes and challenges she’s faced in advocating for change for homeless and underhoused people. Watch Here→
Report Card: Non-profit Leaders Give Their Score for Federal Budget 2024
Elisah Dacey, Future of Good
Leaders and directors were asked to tell Future of Good what they liked, didn’t like, and what was missing and give us a report card rating of A+ (for excellent) to F (for, well, failure.)
Maureen Cassidy, CEO, Pillar Nonprofit Network
Report Card Score: C
Things may not get worse for non-profits due to this budget. Still, there’s not much to lessen systemic pressures on rising costs and a languishing workforce except where targeted affordability measures help reduce social service demand and make it easier for Canadians to participate in sports and the arts. Read More→