CCVO News

Help us Spark Innovation in Calgary’s Nonprofit Sector

Calgary is home to a dynamic and robust nonprofit sector that provides programs and services to all segments of our community. In the face of uncertain economic times, the environment these groups work in becomes increasingly complex and interest in innovative approaches takes on a greater sense of urgency and interest. The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) in undertaking a new project to identify and support deepened innovative practice in Calgary’s nonprofit sector.

CCVO is a partner in The Canadian Nonprofit Innovators Network, which brings people and organizations together to develop and share innovative practices in the nonprofit sector. In addition to a regional focus on innovation within Calgary's nonprofit sector, the network has launched an online centre for dialogue called The *Spark.

Giving back in the spirit of gratitude is at the heart of Thanksgiving. CCVO President and CEO Katherine van Kooy wanted to remind people about the importance of supporting charities and nonprofits, especially this time of year. Read her Guest Column, which ran in the Calgary Sun on October 10, and her Letter to the Editor, which was published on October 11 in the Calgary Herald.

The concerns of Calgary's nonprofit sector were the focus of last week's CCVO Mayoral Candidate Forum. More than 120 attendees had a chance to hear what the candidates had to say and to ask questions of their own.

September 22, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
EPCOR CENTRE Engineered Air Theatre

September 22, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

September 22, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

A reminder that registered charities cannot engage in partisan politics at any level of government or they risk losing their charitable status. For example, your activities during Calgary's municipal election cannot involve direct or indirect support of, or opposition to, any candidate for public office.

In the not-so-distant future it will be essential for nonprofit employers to engage under-represented labour supply pools in order to meet their workforce needs. The Calgary HR Initiative will be partnering with Viable Calgary to develop a Workforce Inclusion Plan for Calgary's Nonprofit Sector.

Senior Policy Analyst Kim Mustard has returned to CCVO from maternity leave. Kim leads our policy and government relations work by identifying emerging public policy issues at all three levels of government and developing and implementing strategic responses. She also monitors external research activities related to the voluntary sector and identifies areas of research and investigation for CCVO.