Information, research, and resources strengthen the nonprofit sector.
We have gathered some key resources that shed light on the different ways the nonprofit sector, volunteerism, and civic engagement support our society. We continue to monitor social trends, explore statistical information, and gather inspiring resources that support you in your day-to-day work.
If you would like to inquire about a live workshop or presentation on a resource or an additional topic, please visit our Workshops & Webinars page.
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Top Resources
Video
Check Yourself! VSP Background Check Game Show
Managing background checks can be challenging; we totally get it. That’s why we are excited to invite you to learn about background checks in a fast, interactive session—gameshow style! Learn what background checks reveal, common misconceptions, and pick up a few new facts, all while testing your knowledge in a fun way.
Video
Funder Prospecting Made Easy
Strong, sustainable funding begins with identifying the partners who truly align with your goals. Lydia Philippe-Vilain from Imagine Canada provides a practical session on how to boost your grant-seeking strategy using Grant Connect, Imagine Canada’s signature fundraising research platform.
What you’ll learn:
- How to map out your organization’s funding needs.
- The foundations of effective prospect research.
- Tips to target funders with strategy and confidence.
Perfect for both beginners and experienced fundraisers, this webinar will give you the tools to connect with funders who truly match your vision
This is a members-only resource. Log in or become a member to access this content.
Report
Pension Planning in the Non-Profit Sector: Current Gaps and Future Dreams
Our new report unpacks the financial realities facing non-profits and offers actionable strategies for sustainable retirement planning.
Report
Bringing Meaning to the Volunteer Experience: Insights on What Motivates, Sustains and Challenges Volunteers
What motivates people to participate in different volunteering activities? What challenges do they face? What keeps them volunteering?
This insights report explores the motivations, benefits, challenges, and supports that shape volunteer participation. Based on responses from over 800 volunteers, this report centers how highly engaged individuals and volunteers define, experience, and reflect on volunteering—in their own words.
Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, policymaker, or volunteer yourself, we hope this report deepens your understanding of what makes volunteer experiences meaningful.
Report
Crisis or continuity?: Insights and Opportunities to Reinvigorate Volunteering
This report, a collaborative effort between InWithForward and Volunteer Alberta, comes from our (Re)Engaged: Volunteerism From the Ground Up research initiative. We dug into the current, evolving nature of contribution using qualitative research methods, especially ethnographic interviews with individuals across Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Fairview. This report offers some paradigmatic shifts in how we frame and understand the value of volunteering, and identifies five actionable insights.
Tipsheet
Rethinking Background Checks: An Intersectional Approach to Equity
An interactive tipsheet that provides a look at background checks through an intersectional approach, completed by our student Jose Guevarra [Disclaimer: Resource uses AI Software, but was reviewed by VA Staff]
Stewardship Checklist: So you’ve won (or lost) your grant
So you’ve won (or lost) your grant. Now what? While most information available deals with how to craft a winning application, Imagine Canada’s Grant Connect and Keela have teamed up to fill in the blanks for what happens after. This robust checklist runs through the nitty-gritty details of what to do once your grant application is accepted (or not!), including the critical job of stewardship. Use it to ensure you’re cultivating the best possible relationships with funders and to make your next application even better – regardless of the outcome.
This is a members-only resource. Log in or become a member to access this content.
Video
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: Insights & Stories Panel
Curious about how other volunteer specialists have approached the challenges of volunteer recruitment and retention? Join us for a panel discussion with volunteer specialists Alison Besecker (Senior Coordinator, Networks & Engagement), Erin Navarro (VA Senior Coordinator, Learning & Resources), and Elaine Mew (CVA), moderated by Graeme Dearden (VA Manager, Learning & Inquiry), as they share their insights and stories. Our panelists will delve into volunteer screening theory and how they’ve applied good practices to support volunteers. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer specialist or new to the field, this panel offers valuable lessons and real-world examples to support your volunteer screening efforts
Video
How Do I Get More Volunteers & Why is That the Wrong Question?
Organizations are struggling to attract more volunteers, but doing more of the same types of things isn’t working. Social media posts seem to go ignored. Traditional media isn’t what it used to be. Putting up posters, if you can even find a place, doesn’t seem to produce results. So what can you do differently? Join Scott Lundell, Volunteerism and Programs Specialist with ECVO to explore different thinking that will enhance your existing recruitment strategies.
Guide
Incorporating Your Nonprofit in Alberta
Interested in starting a new nonprofit? This updated 2024 guide has been created to provide a basic overview of the formal incorporation process, along with some links for further information, to help you decide if this is the right step for you.