“Very few grants allow the use of funds for ongoing operational costs, so how is a nonprofit supposed to retain staff?” - Survey Respondent

 4. A Door To Government:
Create a Meaningful Nonprofit Sector Presence in Government

Work closely with nonprofit organizations to explore a more robust, efficient, and transparent presence for the nonprofit sector and our interests within the Government of Alberta for the benefit of all Albertans. 

The needs of the nonprofit sector are often overlooked or cannot be adequately and efficiently addressed by government because there is no clear presence in government that oversees and represents the interests of the sector as a whole. The lack of emergency funding dedicated to nonprofits during the pandemic is just one example of a gap in critical provincial policy for the nonprofit sector in Alberta. While the sector has collective policy interests, there is no direct line to government to coordinate a response.  Both the Alberta Nonprofit /Voluntary Sector Initiative (ANVSI) and the Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society currently lack a clear mandate to do so.  

We are requesting support for CCVO to conduct a feasibility study on the notion of a ‘home in government’ for the nonprofit sector, to consult on the options, and to make recommendations on a framework agreement that includes:  

  • A mandate that considers common needs of the breadth and depth of the sector in areas of shared interest, such as advice, coordination of programs and services development, engagement, and administrative burden.  

  • The level of political accountability a home in government should hold (e.g., Minister, Associate Minister, Parliamentary Secretary).  

  • The form of administrative structure a home in government should take (eg. Ministry, Division, Secretariat, Branch, Unit).  

  • The location a home in government should occupy (eg. which Ministry).  

Functionally, a home in Alberta government includes a dedicated political and administrative structure that coordinates policy development across ministries, engages effectively on behalf of the government with Alberta’s nonprofit sector, and ensures policies and programs address the sector’s unique challenges. This structure would better enable the sector to contribute to the government’s policy agenda, the lives of Albertans, and the economy.  

A home in government can lead to better outcomes. It has been a longstanding topic of discussion in the sector, and we welcome further consultation on what kind of model would work best for Alberta.  

70% of survey respondents want a “home in government” for Alberta nonprofits within the provincial government.