On April 19, 2007, the Government of Alberta released its 2007 budget. As part of our work to provide leadership on public policy matters, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) asked organizations from across the sector to identify what they were hoping to see in the budget and to describe how they expect it to affect them and the people they serve. Our In Brief document (see below) provides a synopsis of the information we have received thus far.

We know the budget’s full impact will not be known for several months, as specific allocations are determined and nonprofits start to see the effects. We invite organizations to provide further feedback or corrections as details become available. Please contact Robyn Crawford at 261-6655 or rcrawford@calgarycvo.org.

Important Links and publications:

• CCVO's In Brief describing how the budget is expected to impact the sector
• Government website with budget information
• Details on the Community Spirit Fund  
• CCVO's initial response to the budget

Summmary: Budget 2007 encourages individual donations but leaves many nonprofits unable to retain staff

Budget 2007 focuses on encouraging individual giving. While this is a positive supplemental form of funding, it is not an alternative to adequate levels of government funding. In particular, organizations should not have to fundraise to subsidize necessary programs provided on behalf of the government.

Organizations that provide community services on behalf of the Province have clearly communicated their staffing and funding challenges. It is disappointing to see that the budget has not adequately responded to the acute pressures these organizations face.

Budget 2007 does show some promising indications of the government’s desire to understand and partner with the nonprofit sector through the Alberta Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Initiative (ANVSI).

For more details, please see the links above.