Non-profit Advisors Program
Non-profits are dealing with unprecedented challenges as they navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and are adjusting to a new way of operating. Whether you are new to the Non-profit Advisors Program or have received previous support, our team is here to help.
Non-profit Advisors Program
Information and Eligibility
This program can provide you with information resources and connect you with an advisor who can provide guidance as you navigate current operational challenges and impacts.
Advisors are available to assess your organization and provide recommendations. These services are free. If the advisor thinks more specialized consulting support is needed, this program may also subsidize those services.
You can obtain advice in areas like these:
- planning and direction
- material resources
- human resources
- financial management
- risk management
- administration/management
- governance
- community relationships
- Recovery planning (e.g. hazard risk assessments).
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
- groups that undertake activities of political parties, advocacy or lobby groups or of organizations that are exclusive or discriminative in nature; and
- member-funded societies.
The Non-profits Advisor program does not provide grants or core funding, or fund activities like projects or professional development.
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 Kevin Allen at nonprofitkevin@ourtrust.org.
Program 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.
Contact
If you have questions regarding eligibility or general non-profit questions, contact Non-profit Advisor Kevin Allen: nonprofitkevin@ourtrust.org.
For other inquiries related to the Non-profit Advisors Program, contact Alina Konevski: 1.800.505.8998.
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.
Are you a consultant? We are always open to speaking with consultants who wish to offer capacity-building services and expertise to non-profit organizations in the Basin. Contact Kevin Allen at nonprofitkevin@ourtrust.org for more information.
Final Report Template
Did you complete your Non-profit Advisors consulting services? Please submit the Final Report through this link.
Resources for Non-profits
Non-profit Resources
Click here to find a variety of resources related to non-profit operations.
Non-profit Tech Grants
Non-profit Tech Grants are designed to help Basin non-profits acquire technology that meets their needs and enhances their ability to fulfill their mandate.
Click here to learn more.
Grant Directories
Click here to access a directory of Trust grants and programs.
COVID-19 Resources
This Resource list has been assembled to help non-profit leaders navigate some of the 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 Non-profit Can Do Now to Reduce Risks Relating to COVID-19
Governance During a Crisis
- Society AGMs during COVID-19 pandemic
- Actions for non-profit board members during Covid-19 pandemic
- Virtual AGM facilitation guide
- Weekly legal webinar with Q&A for non-profits in BC
Communicating During a Crisis
Fundraising
- Creative virtual fundraising ideas to replace your cancelled event
- Webinar series on adapting your fundraising strategies
Other Non-profit Resource Guides
Webinars and Workshops
Fall 2020 Webinar Series
In partnership with the Non-profit Advisors Program, College of the Rockies and the Trust are hosting a series of webinars that could help build the knowledge and capacity of your non-profit.
All webinar details and registration links can be found here.
Non-profit Essentials Webinar Series
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.