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
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Video
Navigating Background Checks
Join us for a 20-minute webinette that makes understanding background checks easier. You’ll learn about the types of information disclosed, how to manage the process, and how to respond to findings. We hope to build your confidence in managing background checks effectively!
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CONNECT Call: Engaging Youth Volunteers
Youth volunteerism offers many mutual benefits, such as fresh perspectives and skills, building community trust, and promoting lifelong volunteerism. While many nonprofits are eager to welcome youth volunteers, they may experience challenges when engaging young supporters.
In this CONNECT Call, Rayyah Sempala from Action For Health Community shares strategies for welcoming young volunteers. Kyara Reynoso from Volunteer Alberta also offer insights from her experience as a youth volunteer and Youth Engagement Coordinator for our ACSEL program.
This is a members-only resource. Log in or become a member to access this content.
Video
Resources for Empowerment: A Grassroot Organization Learning and Network Event
In May 2024, Volunteer Alberta & Community Development Learning Initiative (CDLI) partnered to host an event to highlight resources available to grassroots organizations and community-led initiatives in Calgary. In keeping with community development principles and knowing each person/team offering the resources also has knowledge and expertise, this was a way to introduce not only what organizations formally offer but also suggest ideas on topics you might reach out for (perhaps over a warm beverage) to help build relationships. Much like how you have your own social capital and skills to offer, each of these teams have some hidden gems they are excited to chat about as well! Resources highlighted were: Calgary Foundation – Grassroots Granting, The GAIN Team, United Way of Calgary And Area – Grassroots Grants & Digital Equity, Volunteer Alberta, and CDLI.
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CONNECT Call: Effective Copywriting for Volunteer Recruitment
Many organizations face challenges in recruiting volunteers post-pandemic, but one solution is improving your copy-writing (aka persuasive writing for advertising). In this webinar, Aleksanda Vasic from Volunteer Success will offer a practical marketing approach to enhance the effectiveness and appeal of volunteer recruitment postings on websites, social media, and other channels. She will discuss copy-writing strategies with examples from nonprofit communications and present anonymized case studies.
This is a members-only resource. Log in or become a member to access this content.