COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for people and communities in the Columbia Basin. We know that non-profits are dealing with the challenges and impacts of COVID-19 and, whether you are new to the Non-profit Advisors Program or have received previous support, our team is here to help.
This program can provide you with information resources and can also connect you with an advisor who can provide guidance as you navigate current operational challenges and impacts. Advisors are also available to assess your organization and provide recommendations. These services are free. If the advisor thinks more specialized consulting support is needed, the program may also subsidize those services.
You can obtain advice in areas like these:
- planning and direction
- recovery planning (eg. hazard risk assessments)
- material resources
- human resources
- financial management
- risk management
- administration/management
- governance
- community relationships.
The program does not provide grants or core funding, or fund activities like projects or professional development.
Program
Who Can Access This Program?
You may access this program if you represent an organization that:
- is based in the Trust region
- is a registered non-profit
- actively delivers programs that support broad public good (not programs that primarily benefit membership) in the Trust region.
Ineligible organizations include:
- groups interested in starting a non-profit; and
- member-funded societies.
How to Get Started
To connect with an Advisor and explore how the program can support your non-profit, complete our registration form here to help our Advisors learn more about your organization.
If you have questions regarding eligibility or general non-profit questions, contact our Non-profit Advisor Program Coordinator at:
nonprofitkevin@ourtrust.org
1.800.505.8998
Webinars
Our spring webinar series wrapped up on June 3. Check back here for upcoming dates and details for future workshops.
Spring 2020 Webinar Series
In partnership with our Non-profit Advisors Program, Selkirk College hosted a series of webinars this spring designed to provide operational guidance for non-profit organizations in the Columbia Basin as they navigate the impacts of COVID-19. The following topics were covered:
- Non-profit Recovery and Operational Restructuring During a Crisis
- Managing Communications in a Crisis
- Virtual Volunteering
- Board Governance: Roles, Responsibilities & Operations
- Financial Management in Times of Crisis
- Recovery Planning for Non-profits
Other Essential Webinars
We also offer the Non-Profit Essentials Webinar Series, available for immediate download. This series explores important topics for non-profit societies. Combining online videos with slide notes and workbooks, the series provides tools to expand the knowledge and build capacity in non-profit organizations across the Basin. Take one or all sessions at your leisure. Explore the topics and start anytime.
COVID-19 Resources
This Resource list has been assembled to help non-profit leaders navigate some of these challenges associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Resources
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
Health / Safety
- COVID-19 Safety Plan from WorkSafeBC
- Protocols for offices returning to operation from WorkSafeBC
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Being Prepared
Managing Operational Changes
- No business continuity plan? Take these 4 steps
- What Your Nonprofit Can Do Now to Reduce Risks Relating to COVID-19
Governance During a Crisis
- Legal self-assessment and learn tool
- Pro bono legal help for non-profits in BC
- Society AGMs during COVID-19 pandemic
- Actions for nonprofit board members during Covid-19 pandemic
- Virtual AGM facilitation guide
- Weekly legal webinar with Q&A for non-profits in BC
Technology / Working Remotely
- The tech you need to get started working remotely
- Non-profit remote working tools
- Strategies for effective remote working
- Discounted Zoom membership through TechSoup Canada
- Discounted CallBridge membership through TechSoup Canada
- Access to Keela for free
- Access to GrantConnect for free
- Technology Donations Program through TechSoup Canada
- Web Conferencing 101 for Nonprofits
- Access a free version of MS Teams
- Access GoTo Meeting for free
Communicating During a Crisis
Fundraising
- Emergency Community Support Fund through Red Cross (Apply by July 7, 2020)
- Creative virtual fundraising ideas to replace your cancelled event
- Webinar series on adapting your fundraising strategies
- Video Q & A: Fundraising during uncertain times
Volunteers
Other Non-profit Resource Guides
Other Resources
Please click on the topic heading to find a variety of resources related to non-profit operations.
Administration
Community Relations
Consultants
Courses and Training
Financial Management
Governance
Grant Directory
Human Resources
Legal/Risk Management
Planning and Direction
Advisors
The Non-Profit Advisor Program can connect you with an advisor who will assess your organization and provide recommendations, including whether you might benefit from the support of a consultant.
Kevin Allen
Kevin is a career non-profit administrator and the past Executive Director of the Alberta Media Arts Alliance (AMAAS). Kevin has a Masters Degree in Public Administration, specializing in non-profit management, from the University of Victoria. Kevin also works as a senior election official for the City of Fernie, Elections Canada and Elections Alberta.
Wendy Booth
Wendy has extensive experience in board governance and strategic planning having served as an elected official with the RDEK and Trust board member for many years. Her passion for community development and working with communities, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit having owned a Whitewater rafting company, gives her a unique perspective in providing leadership and guidance to many organizations.
Zoë Creighton
Zoë has worked with non-profit societies and co-operatives around the Basin for the past 25 years. She is currently the Coordinator of the Upper Columbia Co-op Council and as a consultant, she works with established organizations on board development, organizational effectiveness, and strategic planning.
Andrew Jarrett
Andrew is the principal consultant of Ridgetop Consulting which provides organizational development services for organizations and individuals participating in the social economy. He was the senior consultant in the REACH division of the Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-op and worked with the Trust to support its Social Initiatives programs and the design and implementation of the Non-profit Advisors Program.
Becky Pelkonen
Becky is the principal of Handspun Consulting and has developed numerous Strategic Plans for not-for-profits and businesses across the Basin. She has 10+ years of direct experience working with indigenous organizations and in local economic development and is currently an instructor with the College of the Rockies in both the Business and Tourism/Recreation Management Programs.
Societies Act
BC’s new Societies Act came into effect on November 28, 2016. Societies had two years to update their constitution and by-laws to comply.
During that time, the Trust shared resources and educational opportunities to support non-profits through the transition.
Information on the Societies Act changes can be found here:
- The New Societies Act: General Information
- Law for Nonprofits
- Information for Extraprovincial Non-share Corporations Note: federally incorporated Not-for-profit corporations and Boards of Trade operating in BC have new filing requirements under the new Societies Act as well.
If you have questions about the Act or other topics on non-profit operations, please contact us:
nonprofitkevin@ourtrust.org
1.800.505.8998
