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
Guide
Volunteer Screening Policies Guidebook
Clear, well-crafted policies help match volunteers to meaningful roles that keep your community safe while empowering your organization to focus on its mission. This guide will review the policy-writing process, introduce 10 policies to consider, and explain the 10 steps of volunteer screening.
Report
Learning from the Field: Insights & Recommendations for Volunteer Centres in Alberta
This is a summary of early findings from Learning from the Field: Insights & Recommendations for Volunteer Centres in Alberta. The full report is coming Spring 2026.
Over two years, Volunteer Alberta studied how volunteer centres support local volunteering, community connection, and civic participation across the province. This research highlights how volunteer centres and volunteer-engaging organizations have adapted in recent years amid increased demand for services and shifts in volunteer participation. Findings indicate a renewed focus on volunteer engagement and strengthening local volunteer infrastructure, alongside ongoing sustainability considerations related to chronic underfunding.
Other
Article: Volunteerism series highlights community role of youth
In January 2026, Volunteer Alberta partnered with the City of Medicine Hat to deliver a session as part of their Rooted in Action learning series. The Youth Engagement Matters session explored how young people aged 12 to 30 are making meaningful contributions to their communities, the barriers they may face, and how organizations can better support them.
We learned that meaningful youth engagement starts with supportive relationships. By offering opportunities, resources, mentorship, and by listening, volunteer-engaging organizations can help young people turn their ideas into real community impact.
Source: Volunteerism series highlights community role of youth. (2026, January 16). Medicine Hat News.
Guide
Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Staff and Volunteers: A Short Guide
This guide offers practical steps and core principles to help organizations create welcoming, respectful environments for transgender and gender-diverse staff and volunteers. It provides actionable steps for allies and for managers and supervisors, along with Alberta-specific resources to support safer, more inclusive communities across our sector.
Video
Save Time, Cut Costs, Build Capacity: Meet ACCESS Shared Services
Built by nonprofits for nonprofits and social purpose organizations across Alberta, ACCESS is a nonprofit co-operative shared service model that helps reduce administrative pressure so you can focus on what matters most. This free, informative session explores this Volunteer Alberta Members benefit and how shared services (like HR, IT, bookkeeping, and group buying) can save your organization time, money, and capacity. Learn how to access expert support and preferred pricing that puts more resources back into your mission!
Video
Risk Assessments and You
Join us in this version of our Risk Assessments and You presentation, customized for specifically those watching virtually and not part of a live recording. In this presentation, you will learn more about the myths of risk, what a risk assessment can look like, and helpful tips to help your organization address risks.
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.