Equipping the nonprofit sector to thrive and supporting volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is an overwhelming amount of information and resources about COVID-19. At Volunteer Alberta, we believe in equipping the sector to thrive and the value of volunteerism and the nonprofit sector.
On this page, you’ll find Volunteer Alberta resources, curated resources, relevant provincial news with many more resources to come.
Keeping track of the Federal Government relief measures
Imagine Canada has created a chart summarizing Federal Government relief measures that will apply to some or all of the sector. They will continue to update it as new programs or details about existing programs are announced.
Fundraising
The COVID-19 Fundraising Template Kit for Nonprofits
ATB Cares makes it easy for all Albertans to support the causes they care about. Your charity of choice receives 100% of your donation through this site and ATB will match 15% of every dollar donated to Alberta, non-religious charities to an annual
limit of $240,000.
Financial assistance
Canada Emergency Business Account: This $25 billion program will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. Small businesses and not-for-profits should contact their financial institution to apply for these loans.
Emergency funding for Alberta charities and non-profits: The Alberta government is providing $30 million in immediate funding to charities, not-for-profits and civil society organizations to support their responses to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
AGLC expands use of proceeds: Charities can use proceeds for other uses to maintain key charitable programs while addressing impacts of the crisis.
The Telus Friendly Future Foundation has committed $10 million to support COVID-19 response efforts.
Community Foundation of Lethbridge & Southern Alberta grants
Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta Better Together Grants
Edmonton Community Foundation grants
List of corporations providing funding
Organization and tax support
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant: Funding from the Government of Alberta for Alberta businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations that were ordered to close or curtail operations, and that experienced a revenue reduction of at least 50 per cent, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: The proposed Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would cover 75 per cent of salaries for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy would be eligible with the exception of public sector entities.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses: This program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. Application details coming soon.
Temporary Wage Subsidy: The 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
CRA income tax filing: The filing date for charities has been extended to December 31, 2020 for charities with Form T3010 due between March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
Work Sharing Program: A three-party agreement amongst employers, employees and Service Canada, where the employees must agree to a reduced schedule of work and to share the available work over a specified period. The program allows employers to temporarily reduce its employee’s work schedule, by providing the employee with a portion of their reduced income.
Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) Premium Payment Deferral: Small and medium businesses in the private sector (as well as those in voluntary industries), are eligible to receive a reduction in their WCB premiums. The government will cover 50% of the 2020 premium when it is due in 2021.
At Volunteer Alberta, we believe in connecting youth with the Alberta nonprofit sector. Youth bring invaluable new ideas and approaches to enhancing our communities across the province.
As part of Canada’s response to COVID-19, the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) is an opportunity for post-secondary students or recent graduates to give back to their community between June 25th and October 31st, 2020.
Traditionally, volunteerism does not involve financial compensation. However, we encourage both students and nonprofits to browse the website to determine whether the program suits their needs and interests. Alternatively, you can find other volunteer opportunities throughout Alberta on VolunteerConnector.
The CSSG is responsible for providing support and matching students with nonprofits. You can find more information by reviewing their frequently asked questions (FAQ) and by browsing their website:
FAQs for students
FAQs for nonprofits
https://www.iwanttohelp.org/en-CA/
Volunteer opportunities
Resources from Volunteer Alberta
10 Steps to Volunteer Screening Video and Resources
Re-thinking volunteer engagement during a pandemic: Micro-volunteering
Re-thinking volunteer engagement during a pandemic: Virtual volunteering
Rules of Thumb: Volunteer Screening
Rules of Thumb: Screening During a Pandemic
Rules of Thumb: Nonprofit Insurance
Rules of Thumb: Sharing Volunteers
Webinar series: Volunteer Screening and Engagement
Resources from the Government of Alberta
Information for Non-healthcare Volunteers
Resources from Volunteer Canada
Health and Safety Checklist for Volunteering During COVID-19
Resource(s) from Volunteer Calgary
What Are Volunteers Interested in Doing?
More resources
Four ways to shape your volunteering in uncertain times
Coronavirus & volunteers: Your guide for managing uncertainty
Federal policy and updates
Ontario Nonprofit Network’s Federal Policy List
Changes to Canada Summer Jobs program to help businesses and young Canadians affected by COVID-19
How has COVID-19 impacted the Nonprofit Voluntary Sector?
Alberta Nonprofit Network’s survey results: The Impact of COVID-19 on Alberta’s Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations
Ontario Nonprofit Network’s COVID-19 Flash Survey Results
COVID-19 Impact on Nonprofits Chart
The study, “Volunteering in Canada: Challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” based upon the 2018 General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (GSS GVP, measures the contributions of those who have given their time. You can also find more volunteer information on Statistics Canada’s website.
Resources to support your organization during COVID-19
Be prepared for a pandemic or disaster response with ECVO’s Pandemic Policy.
Extension on AGMs: Service Alberta announced that businesses and nonprofits can postpone their AGM for a period of 3+ months, effective immediately and running until end of June. More info
ECVO’s guide on How to Facilitate your AGM Virtually
Sign your name to Imagine Canada’s letter campaign
Additional support is necessary to cover core operational costs that allow charities to keep their lights on and continue their programming amidst the added challenges COVID-19 presents.
To ensure our sector is able to provide vital services amid rapidly rising costs, falling revenues, and, for many, a substantial increase in demand, Imagine Canada is urging the government to implement a Sector Resilience Grant Program. Canada’s charities and nonprofits require investment to survive this crisis and to help lead the recovery effort once society reopens.
Sign your name with Imagine Canada’s form
Other ways to advocate:
1. Write a letter to the government and your MLA and MP to reinforce the Alberta Nonprofit Network’s and Imagine Canada’s recommendations.
2. Share these letters within your network via social media or other channels.
3. Share your needs, challenges, resources and ideas to info@albertanonprofits.ca.
Advocacy letters and recommendations