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August 30, 2017
2017 Mayoral Candidate Forum - September 27

Make an informed choice when you vote this fall

Photo: Elections Calgary
As Calgarians prepare to head to the polls in October, CCVO is convening a mayoral candidate forum to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing our sector and city. 

Join us on September 27 for a conversation with incumbent mayor Naheed Nenshi, along with top mayoral challengers including David Lapp and Bill Smith. 

Our city's nonprofit organizations are key government partners who help deliver many of the services and programs that Calgarians need and expect. Come hear the candidates' views on policy, funding, and opportunities to partner and convene the sector for greater impact.  RSVP.
Be Informed (news and developments)
CCVO Annual General Meeting: September 18
Join us at our 2016-17 annual general meeting on Monday, September 18 from 4 to 6 pm as we reflect on the past year. Hear our new President and CEO David Mitchell speak on what's ahead for CCVO and Calgary's nonprofit sector, and connect with community stakeholders following the formal meeting RSVP.
Ascent Leadership Development
CCVO's new leadership development program for directors, program managers, and other senior-level leaders launches this fall. Ascent is a six-month cohort experience for participants who want to be a courageous follower and influential leader. Full-day monthly sessions and peer gatherings in between sessions provide opportunities to delve into the issues and challenges of being a leader. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of themselves as a leader, their role within the organization, and their connection to the broader community.  Learn more.
Managing Change: Solutions to Strengthen Your Organization
CCVO has developed a opportunity for nonprofit organizations to  participate in a management consulting project  through a partnership with the MBA program of the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. This project allows organizations to draw upon the expertise of an advanced class of MBA students who wish to gain knowledge and experience in consulting and change management. Nonprofits are encouraged to use this opportunity to address business and management issues facing their organizations such as social enterprise, human resource management, and operating systems challenges.   Learn more and apply.
Last Call for the 2017 Boland Survey: Deadline September 1!
Human resource professionals, executive directors/CEOs, and board members look to the Boland Survey for annual data on salary trends and predictions, benefits, and human resource practices needed to make informed compensation decisions. This is the only survey in Canada that includes annual and equivalent hourly rates for the nonprofit sector.
Learn more and register for the 2017 Survey.
Province Launches Occupational Health and Safety System Review 
Having last been reviewed in 1976, Alberta's OHS standards are due for a refresh. The Government of Alberta has opened a survey to better understand Albertans' views on OHS compliance, enforcement, education, engagement, and prevention efforts. The review also welcomes written submissions to gather feedback. Submissions are accepted until October 15, 2017.
Reflect (articles, blogs, and other ideas worth sharing)
Why is it that we know how many eggs are produced in a year in Canada, but we fail to know how many nonprofits operate? CCVO's Jason Goertzen is Imagine Canada's guest writer this week, and explains why the sector is in urgent need of timely and relevant data. Currently, CCVO has joined our colleagues nationwide in a working group to understand existing data, and identify gaps, as well as develop policy recommendations for the federal government to take steps to address these gaps. 
Moving Toward Decent Work: How Changing Employment Standards are Impacting the Nonprofit Sector
With substantial changes to employment standards in coming into effect Alberta and anticipated in Ontario, nonprofit employers must take a closer look at their practices, and make adjustments. CCVO's Mike Grogan is featured in a recent
Charity Village article, and helps paint the picture of employment in the nonprofit sector, where workers are seen "as employees, not just servants to the mission."
It is worrisome that young people do not see the value proposition of working in the sector, particularly with research showing they are drawn to working for employers embodying many of the qualities prevalent in it. This Philanthropist article discusses how nonprofits can attract and retain early-career workers, and explores how different generations of established and young workers can support one another and work together to build a thriving nonprofit sector.
Understanding where nonprofit risks cluster and how to address them can prevent disaster. This grounded framework published by Nonprofit Quarterly will help nonprofit executives, board members, funders, and others avoid traps and position themselves for solid sustainability or growth. Areas of focus for the framework include leadership, governance and strategy, finance, programs and services, and external environment.
Philanthropic foundations and governments in Canada have a similar aspiration: to improve the quality of life for Canadians. There may be missed opportunities when foundations and governments work independently. This paper, released by Philanthropic Foundations of Canada intends to help funders understand more about the context for working with government. 
Learn and Connect (workshops and events)


Presented by CCVO and the Talent Pool
Sept. 13; 9 am - noon
Kahanoff Centre (105 - 12 Ave. SE)
Limited time offer: Save 10% when you register for all four 2017-18 HR in a Box sessions!

Change has become the norm in today's workplace. To stay relevant, organizations need to continually evaluate, realign plans based on new information, and embrace diversity and technology. Join Janet Salopek to discuss how shifting demographics are impacting talent attraction, retention, and development. Participants will also explore perspectives on organizational people plans, and the resulting change management processes that will impact organizations.


Presented by Thrive, Trico Charitable Foundation and hosts for EconoUs 2017
Sept. 14; 6 - 10 pm
Hotel Arts (119 12 Ave SW)

An evening celebrating how doing business and doing good for people and planet are one and the same, including the Trico Social EnterPrize awards and a panel with current and past winners focused on alignment, the 'secret sauce' behind their success. 


Presented by Mount Royal University, Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension
Fall 2017

MRU is pleased to offer certificates in a range of topics, including Nonprofit Management, Community Investment Professional, and Social Innovation to help you gain the skills needed to make a difference in your community and beyond. All programs have courses starting this fall. 
Shortlist of Other Events

EconoUs 2017: Innovating for Shared Prosperity; Sept. 13-15; Mount Royal University; presented by  the Canadian Community Economic Development Network and local partners.
Talking Climate Workshop; Sept. 27; presented by Alberta Ecotrust Foundation. Learn how to communicate climate change effectively and engage new audiences in Alberta.
Soul of the Next Economy Forum; Sept. 29-30; presented by Ambrose University, Vibrant Communities Calgary, and Fig Tree Foundation

Become a CCVO Member

CCVO serves our sustainers and members, partners, and the broader nonprofit sector in Calgary and beyond. Organizations, businesses, and individuals join CCVO to show support for the sector; membership benefits include access to the Grant Connect database of funding opportunities, member pricing on events and our Reach Hire job board, and member-only groups for networking and professional development. Learn more about becoming a CCVO member! 
Funding and Awards

Showcase a remarkable volunteer who has made a difference in your life and community by nominating them for a Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award! The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards recognize extraordinary Albertans - youth, adult, and senior - whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the well-being of their community and fellow community members.  Nomination deadline: Sept. 15


As part of the recently announced changes to the Government of Alberta's Community Grants Programs, a  new Organizational Development funding component of up to $15,000 is available on a non-matching basis for organizations that meet core operating criteria. Priority for CIP operating funding will be given to organizations with annual operating budgets of $2 million or less. Application deadline: Sept. 15



The Human Rights Project grants are available for nonprofit organizations or public institutions to help make changes so that all Albertans have the opportunity to participate in the cultural, social, economic and political life of the province without discrimination. This Alberta Human Rights Commission grant program supports outcome-based community projects for all Albertans, including Indigenous people, immigrants, racialized groups, religious minorities, gender and sexual minority groups, and persons with disabilities. Application deadline: Oct. 2
Featured Publications






In Brief: Influencing
Public Policy