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Stronger Together: BC Non-Profit Network Report Now Available

by | Jul 11, 2023 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog

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Jul 11, 2023

Stronger Together: BC Non-Profit Network Report Now Available

By Vantage Point

Vantage Point is excited to share the Stronger Together: BC Non-Profit Network Feasibility Study Report.

From August 2022 to March 2023, Vantage Point undertook a feasibility study to assess the BC non-profit sector’s interest and capacity to build a formal provincial network, and to identify the types of activities such a network could embark on together to achieve greater impact and visibility for the sector.

After consulting 169 organizations through Community Consultations, and receiving 486 responses to a survey, the results indicate there are common challenges and opportunities facing non-profit organizations across regions and sub-sectors in the province that could be better addressed through a coordinated approach. Through this consultation process, Vantage Point learned there is interest from the majority of those consulted to explore the creation of a non-profit network in BC.

Key Findings:

Support for a network in BC

Most stakeholders expressed interest and excitement at the idea of a non-profit network in BC, saying that a network could support their organizations, communities and/or the entire sector, and sharing specific ways a network could create added value.

Broad ideas around network activities

A network could facilitate access to resources and best practices, convene and connect organizations, strengthen coordinated advocacy, and help provide a voice to government for the sector. Additional activities were identified as of potential value for organizations and will be explored as the network is developed.

Varied ways organizations want to participate

The top three desired modes of participation in the network are:

  • participating in surveys and other opportunities to provide feedback
  • raising awareness through individual networks
  • joining boards or committees to support building and sustaining the network

Next Steps

Through 2023 – 2024 Vantage Point will convene stakeholders to develop:

  • a governance model for a network;
  • a Steering Committee to support with foundational planning: terms of reference, strategic priorities, and associated policies to ensure continuity and consistency;
  • coordinated outreach to non-profits to seek feedback on governance and potential committee structure; and
  • exploring a sustainable funding model, including a structure of membership dues, and avenues to participate for organizations with reduced financial capacity.

The full report can be downloaded from here.

Call to Action:

Want to be involved in the next steps in designing and building a network? Let us know by completing this form. 

Contact:

For more information about this work, please reach out to our Sector Development Team.

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Safety Net: The 2023 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector Report is now available

by | May 23, 2023 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Sector Research

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May 23, 2023

NEWS RELEASE: Safety Net: 2023 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector

Non-Profits in British Columbia Lifting Communities Up Under Pressure 

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Vantage Point, together with Vancouver Foundation, Victoria Foundation, Vancity Community Foundation, and United Way BC, is proud to release the 2023 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector Report. 

Vantage Point and its partners surveyed 757 organizations for this report, and the publication is the third in a series. The first report, No Immunity, was published in May 2020 and detailed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC’s non-profit sector. The second, Unraveling, was published in February 2021 as the pandemic began to become less of a health and economic emergency. 

“Since the first two reports, the BC context has changed. We are now entering an endemic state of the pandemic, a softening of physical distancing, the sunsetting of emergency funding supports, and the creation of an initial sector development fund administered through four funders – the BC Recovery and Resiliency Fund,” said Vantage Point CEO Zahra Esmail. “The time is right to ask how the non-profit sector is currently doing.” 

The report finds that BC’s non-profits continue to be a safety net for communities, providing services and bridging gaps between government and the private sector. But the safety net is under pressure and there are steps that funders, government, and leaders can take to ensure that social impact organizations thrive. 

“The sector is doing more with less in the face of new and growing challenges in 2023, including inflation, record-breaking climate events, and a housing crisis. This State of the Sector report will provide evidence needed by policymakers to determine the areas of opportunity and needs in BC’s non-profit sector today,” said Kevin McCort, CEO of the Vancouver Foundation. 

Findings: 

There are approximately 31,000 non-profit organizations in B.C. They employ 335,000 individuals, representing 12.6% of the provincial workforce. In 2023, leaders from community non-profits reported that social impact organizations are: 

1. Doing more with less 

  • Revenues remain stable, but wages, benefits, and the cost of goods to deliver services are increasing.

2. Facing HR concerns 

  • Non-profit leaders are preparing for changes as senior staff retire, benefits and wages meet the realities of inflation, and early-career entrants seek training to get their start. 

3. Stabilizing, but for how long? 

  • BC non-profits are seeing some stabilization as they emerge from the pandemic, but given the HR challenges and cost pressures – how long can this equilibrium last? 

Calls to Action: 

1. Investments in Capacity Building 

2. Improved Funding Practices 

3. Workforce Development and Labour Force Strategies 

 

“The non-profit sector is critical for creating a vibrant, caring community for all. The sector provides a wide scope of services and offerings and is also a major employer,” said Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO. “The report underlines the significant pressures the sector continues to face, and the increased community need for services as we continue to move through the pandemic and other crises. Now more than ever, we must support these vital organizations.”  

“We encourage the BC government to consult the sector whenever the province undertakes policy development activities for economic programs,” said Michael McKnight, CEO of United Way BC.  

“BC’s non-profit organizations are both service deliverers and job creators,” said Vancity Community Foundation CEO Genesa Greening. “Over the next ten years, community services job openings are projected to be among the top five occupational groups in the province. More work is needed to ensure these are good jobs.” 

The Safety Net: 2023 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector Report will be used to help BC’s non-profits in their advocacy efforts and to strengthen the sector’s ability to support the communities we serve. The report and a complimentary media kit are available to download from thevantagepoint.ca/sector-reports/

 

Media Contacts: 

Cherie Payne, Director of Sector Development and Government Relations, Vantage Point 

cpayne@thevantagepoint.ca or 236-521-8476 

Joyce Lin, Sector Development Coordinator, Vantage Point 

jlin@thevantagepoint.ca or 604-630-5826 

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Townhall with Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman – A Recap

Townhall with Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman – A Recap

by | Apr 26, 2023 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

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Apr 26, 2023

Townhall with Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman – A Recap

By Jenessa Ellis, Sector Development Coordinator at Vantage Point

On Wednesday, April 12, Vantage Point hosted a town hall with the Parliamentary Secretary (PS) for Community Development and Non-Profits, Megan Dykeman. Over the hour-long event, PS Dykeman shared details about the 2023 BC Budget, the provincial government’s priorities for the year ahead, and what the non-profit sector can expect from her as she advocates for the sector.  

Many of you may remember that the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits was created in 2020 after advocacy from the non-profit sector to create a home in government for our issues. Similar advocacy is taking place in other provinces and at the federal level. 

In BC, the PS works with the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to advance social impact initiatives, and PS Dykeman’s mandate letter can be viewed here. 

A sincere thank you to thank Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman and her team for joining us for this event. Vantage Point hosts town hall events to convene the sector, provide a platform to hear from and ask questions to elected officials and other people of influence, and give organizations an introduction to key decision-makers that impact our work. Vantage Point looks forward to hosting more opportunities to connect with elected officials and other influential sector leaders. 

Fifty organizations joined to hear PS Dykeman share about her mandate, the 2023 BC Budget, and how the government is working to support non-profits in BC. Registration information was shared with Vantage Point members in advance, then opened on a first-come, first-serve basis. A few of the highlights from PS Dykeman’s message:  

  • Non-profits are partners in creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative economy that works for all people in the province.
  • In BC, the unemployment rate is near historic lows (5.1% in February) but is leading to high job vacancies in some sectors. Inflation has started to ease (6.2% in February) but affordability challenges remain, while interest rates are high.
  • Budget 2023 is focused on making smart investments to tackle today’s biggest challenges and help individuals, families, businesses, and communities today build a stronger more secure future.
    • Government initiatives support health, affordability, reconciliation, climate, and emergency preparedness, and provide infrastructure supports for all communities across BC.
    • BC Budget highlights include permanent increases to the Climate Action Tax Credit, a Renter’s Tax Credit, enhancements to the BC Family Benefit, and free prescription contraception. The full BC Budget can be found here.

Participants – from the BC Association of Farmers Markets, Small Business BC, BC Community Response Networks, and more – asked questions and raised important topics at the event. Questions ranged from asking about core funding and trust-based granting to inquiring about the progress the government is making on adapting the Lobbyist Transparency Act to better support non-profits, to asking about plans for supporting non-profits and charities in BC. During the question period, PS Dykeman shared:  

  • She is aware of the challenges caused by short-term funding. As an advocate and ally to the sector, she is committed to working with colleagues to address these issues.  
  • PS Dykeman and her team are looking to the Recovery and Resiliency fund to learn more about the potential benefits of trust-based funding and the new distribution model it represents. Recipients of funding from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will be announced this spring and Parliamentary Secretary Dykeman will continue the advocacy started by her predecessor Niki Sharma on this new model that distributes funding through Foundations closer to communities, instead of through decisions made solely in government. 
  • The Lobbying Transparency Act remains a priority for Minister Sharma in her new role as Attorney General. Working with the Minister and others, the PS will continue to advocate for changes to reduce the administrative burden on non-profits and welcomes suggestions from the sector.
    • The Office of the Registrar recently revised documents for non-profits, available here.
  • Parliamentary Secretary Dykeman is actively interested in hearing about the on-the-ground challenges non-profits face. She will continue to participate in town halls, roundtables, and one-on-one meetings with organizations to hear from and understand the needs of the sector.

Have a suggestion of whom we should invite to speak at a future town hall event? Reach out to us at info@thevantagepoint.ca to share your recommendations!  

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Bringing Better Compensation and HR Data to Canada’s Non-profits

Bringing Better Compensation and HR Data to Canada’s Non-profits

by | Feb 23, 2023 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Policy and Advocacy

Feb 23, 2023

Bringing Better Compensation and HR Data to Canada’s Non-profits

by Vantage Point

Vantage Point is excited to announce our new partnership with the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) and Imagine Canada to work on the Boland Survey. The Boland Survey is the only comprehensive source of nonprofit sector compensation data in Canada. It has helped Canadian nonprofits make data-based decisions on salary and human resource practices since 1997. 

Vantage Point sees the Boland Survey as an important tool to help organizations recruit and retain employees. Pillar Nonprofit Network and Saskatchewan Nonprofit Partnership are also partnering with the Boland Survey for 2023. These partnerships will help increase the number of participants across the nation. A strong national survey helps us all see the bigger picture. It deepens the shared understanding of both national and regional labour markets and HR trends as well as strengthens advocacy for sector-wide supports.  

Participating in the Boland Survey takes 1-3 hours of time and organizations that participate receive up to $500 off a Boland subscription. Vantage Point members receive a 15% discount! Enter VantagePoint2023 on the payment page here. Members that use the code will also get a custom report with data from Vantage Point members. 

The survey opens March 1st, 2023 with the resulting reports available by the end of June 2023. 

For more information about the Boland Survey and sample reports, visit calgarycvo.org/bolandsurvey. 

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The BC Budget 2022 Recognizes the Role of Not-for-Profits

The BC Budget 2022 Recognizes the Role of Not-for-Profits

by | Feb 23, 2022 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Feb 23, 2022

The BC Budget 2022 Recognizes the Role of Not-for-Profits

by Cherie Payne, Director of Government Relations and Sector Development at Vantage Point

It was extremely windy and surprisingly cold along the water in Victoria on Tuesday February 22, as stakeholders walked over to the Crystal Garden near the BC Legislature to hear from Finance Minister Selina Robinson about the details of BC Budget 2022. 

Vantage Point had two asks of the government with this budget. The first was for support for not-for-profit organizations recovering from the pandemic. The second was support for increased access to high-speed internet. The news was very positive. 

Budget 2022 invests more than $289 million in new funding as part of a five-year plan to connect First Nations, rural, and remote communities to high-speed internet.   

It provides $25 million to the tourism sector for pandemic recovery, including arts and culture organizations –- key tourism draws in every region of the province. Arts Impacts and Amplify BC will flow funding through to communities to support the safe restarts of fairs, festivals, and events around BC.  

The budget gives stable funding to 50 community-based sexual assault response organizations to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.  

190 community organizations working to address racism in BC will benefit from new data legislation that will collect demographic data to help identify gaps in services to Indigenous and racialized communities.  

Notably, Parliamentary Secretary Niki Sharma announced the creation of a $30 million Non-Profit Recovery & Resiliency Fund:  

 

“Budget 2022 makes an historic $30 million investment in a new Non-Profit Recovery & Resiliency Fund. BC’s non-profits have been there for communities through difficult times. We will be there for them as we recover.”  

  

The Non-Profit Recovery & Resiliency Fund will be administered by the Vancouver Foundation and United Way BC. This is a significant benefit for charities across the province.   

We’re looking forward to hearing from members and stakeholders about the work still to be done, and questions you may have for government. As we come together to share learnings, observations, and feedback as a sector, we will lift each other up. 

 

Read more:  

Budget materials: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/default.htm  

Non-profit fund is mentioned on page 3 of the budget speech: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2022/pdf/2022_Budget_Speech.pdf  

And on page 7 of the highlights document: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2022/pdf/2022_Highlights.pdf 

Page 141 of the Fiscal and Economic Plan gives key details: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2022/pdf/2022_Budget_and_Fiscal_Plan.pdf  

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Democracy Depends on You – Jennifer Wolowic

Democracy Depends on You – Jennifer Wolowic

by | Jan 26, 2022 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Jan 26, 2022

Democracy Depends on You

By Jennifer Wolowic

Jennifer Wolowic, PhD, leads the Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative at the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Its work focuses on how to change local, everyday experiences of democracy. 

Having led the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue’s Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative for the last few years, I’ve talked with hundreds of different groups and individuals about democracy. Among most, I hear a similar hesitation to engage with the word and its ideals. As a word, democracy is intimidating and as an idea, democracy is difficult to connect to our everyday experiences directly.  

One thing I do know: democracy is much more than politics.  

Its values and practices are core to our civic communities and the work of non-profits. The skills and values that uphold democratic systems and engagement are a part of every program, every organization and service.  

Another thing I know: everything we do can either weaken or strengthen our democracy.  

As leaders, service providers, and advocates, it is crucial for non-profit leaders to check in every once in a while and think about how they contribute to strengthening a culture of democratic leadership and participation. How are you helping your team and your communities learn and grow as members of our democracy?  

Democracy is still a big word, so let me break it down into five principles for your reflection:  

Principle 1: Remember to build people's capacity to participate 

Under your leadership, are people learning and practicing skills that help them be a part of decision-making processes? Are you helping create the time to reflect on those opportunities? 

Principle 2: Try to foster a commitment to democratic values 

What democratic values are important to you as a leader? How do you embody in your leadership and collaborations? How do you create space to name and talk about them? 

Principle 3: Create opportunities to build relationships and social connections 

How often do you participate or lead activities that prioritize building social connections? How do they create joy and feelings of influence? 

Principle 4: Show up and be equitable and caring 

How do you ensure all people are comfortable in your organization and in your spaces? What do people learn that they can take into other spaces? 

Principle 5: Don’t be afraid to be held accountable 

How often do you create space for feedback? How do you demonstrate to others that you are using that feedback to improve?   

Take a few minutes and answer each of these questions honestly. Then, assess your role in empowering people and participating as an active member of our civil society.  

The other thing I know: democracy takes a lot of hard work.  

 At this time, society is coming to grips with just how much work we have to do to live up to our stated ideals. This is the hard work of reconciliation, anti-racism, and community-based solutions. It is about setting up our services and organizations in ways that help people feel empowered rather than nameless clients. It is also the work of improving our democracy.  

 Each of us has a role to play. And these principles guide us in some concrete directions that each of us can lead. So I hope you will reflect on your role in our democracy and use these principles to talk with your staff and communities.  

 Any improvement begins by identifying our weaknesses and asking for input from others. It is the first step in growing as individuals and organizations. It is how we are accountable to ourselves, our organization, and our communities.  

Democracy is up to you.  

I hope you will use these principles to create opportunities to actively talk about how you are already helping to strengthen our democratic culture within our non-profit work and identify how you can do more within your organization. Then activate your ideas and create opportunities for others to better engage and participate in our democracy. 

For more on these principles and steps you can take to evaluate how well you are strengthening democracy, check out our two episodes with Jennifer Wolowic: The Five Principles of Democratic Engagement and Bringing the 5 Principles of Democratic Engagement to Life.

Dr. Jennifer Wolowic leads the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue’s Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative. The initiative pilots democratic interventions, explores reforms, and develops education to spark dialogue on how we can make our culture of democracy stronger. Jennifer has led several of these programs including a collaboration with the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia that used game design to help improve how we can talk through difficult issues. She joined us back in 2020 to talk about 5 principles of democratic engagement, so now she’s back to talk about how we can use those principles to evaluate whether or not our organizations are helping to strengthen our democratic culture.

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BC’s Not-for-Profit Sector – Stronger Together

BC’s Not-for-Profit Sector – Stronger Together

by | Dec 6, 2021 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog

Dec 6, 2021

BC’s Not-for-Profit Sector - Stronger Together

by Cherie Payne, Director of Government Relations and Sector Development at Vantage Point

Over the last quarter, we have been listening. We all know that organizations in our sector have been stretched thin, but we have also heard that many of you are so busy meeting the needs of your clients it’s been hard to look up and ask for outside support. 

Our commitment is to amplify your issues, concerns, and solutions to government. 

Over the last year and a half, many organizations in the not-for-profit and charitable sector report that they are choosing to opt out of engagement with the government and focus on service delivery and operations in the face of the pandemic, emergency relief, and financial challenges we have all been working through. 

This experience and first-hand knowledge mean that the work of not-for-profits and charities has never been more critical than now. The voices of frontline leaders are key to responding to community needs around the province. Our sector has on-the-ground expertise that positions us to advance innovative policy solutions to government. 

As not-for-profits continue to serve on the frontlines of emergency response in BC, it is vital that our sector continues to engage government on policy issues important to our stakeholders. Without input from not-for-profit organizations, many community voices will be missing from the important conversations to come about pandemic recovery, disaster response, economic prosperity, and other key issues. 

Fortunately, we are not alone in advancing these concerns. 

This month, Martha Rans of Pacific Legal Outreach Society penned an important Op-ed in The Philanthropist Journal about the public interest advocacy role our sector must continue to play: “Members of the non-profit sector are the experts on day-to-day issues, from child- and after-school care to housing and hospice care. We take care of people from the cradle to the grave.” She’s right.

And we have an advocate in the provincial government who has been listening. Read Parliamentary Secretary Niki Sharma’s Year in Review about what she has heard after one year and 300+ meetings with not-for-profit organizations, as well as her updated mandate letter from Premier John Horgan. 

2021 has been a challenging year for all British Columbians. Not-for-profit organizations on the front lines of service delivery understand this in a way that is unparalleled. Vantage Point is looking forward to continuing to work with you to raise issues to the provincial government about the specific challenges you are facing and how our sector can move forward in the months and years ahead. 

As part of the not-for-profit sector community, your expertise and concerns are important in this work. Our members are at the heart of our efforts to create a healthy and resilient not-for-profit sector. Participate in sector-wide discussions and public policy issues that impact your organization and support your board, staff, and volunteers to strengthen the voice of BC’s not-for-profits. 

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Unraveling: Non-Profits, Covid-19, & the Fabric of BC Communities

Unraveling: Non-Profits, Covid-19, & the Fabric of BC Communities

by | Feb 8, 2021 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Sector Research

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Feb 8, 2021

Unraveling: Non-Profits, Covid-19, & the Fabric of BC Communities

By Omar Dominguez

With the newest evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC’s not-for-profit sector, we are reminded of just how critical and delicate the vast web of relationships are that make possible the wellbeing of our communities. Our sector and the people we serve continue to tread water in this deepening crisis. Even with vaccines on the way to immunize much of our population, the challenges we are facing do not currently have an end in sight. The restrictions put in place to slow down the spread of the pandemic will continue to challenge the strength of individuals, the institutions that support them, and the economy in which they co-exist. How should we respond?

Adapting and supporting the sector to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic

At Vantage Point, we know that healthy and sustained not-for-profits are the cornerstone to community resilience and wellbeing. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have transformed every aspect of our organization to meet the evolving needs of not-for-profit leaders across the province. Just like our peers in the sector, our team has also been stretched to the edge of its capacity. But we have remained true to our values and committed to our mission to convene, connect and equip not-for-profit leaders in BC.

The new UNRAVELING Report reminds us that “the future health and vitality of our province depends on the not-for-profit sector being able to continue balancing the space between governments and the private sector to address unmet community needs and interests. This ongoing crisis will impact the not-for-profit sector--especially smaller organizations, arts and culture organizations, sport and recreation organizations, and organizations serving racialized people-- significantly over the long term if thoughtful support isn’t provided.”

Our team at Vantage Point will continue to support and advocate on behalf of not-for-profit leaders, particularly those at the helm of smaller organizations. These leaders, their teams, and volunteers are a critical fabric that hold the strength of our communities together. The prospect of loosing one half of this vital community infrastructure, if our current crisis is prolonged, calls for urgent and decisive action by all sectors of our society, and specially by our government representatives. Up until now, all levels of government still need to demonstrate that they understand, and value, the vital role of the not-for-profit sector helping our communities recover from one of the worst global emergencies we have faced in recent memory.  The not-for-profit sector has always been committed to the pursuit of a more robust, collaborative, and equitable society. But we can’t do this alone! We call on everyone to partner with us to leverage our expertise and resources to help our communities recover from the overlapping crisis facing our communities.

Join us at BOSS

In the face of these challenges, Vantage Point’s upcoming BOSS (Building Organizational And Sector Sustainability) conference has been designed as an opportunity to leverage our sector’s expertise and resilience as a pathway to a stronger future for our province. Through online engagement, BOSS will catalyze the potential for extensive public participation and collaboration to strengthen BC’s not-for-profit sector. Together we will identify solutions, develop capacity, share resources, and reimagine the conditions which will lead to transformational change in the communities we serve.

For a detailed data summary, find an interactive review of Unraveling on Tableau.

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Unraveling: Non-Profits, Covid-19, & the Fabric of BC Communities

A New Parliamentary Secretary Creates Positive Impact on Communities

by | Nov 26, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

A New Parliamentary Secretary Creates Positive Impact on Communities

Culture: People First
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by Vantage Point | Nov 26, 2020 | 0 comments

Vantage Point congratulates Niki Sharma on being appointed Parlimentary Secretary of Community Development and Non-Profits and pledges its support for unleashing the potential of charities and not-for-profits in BC’s recovery
 
November 26, 2020 – Vantage Point’s Executive Director Alison Brewin congratulates Niki Sharma on being appointed Parlimentary Secretary of Community Development and Non-Profits today, and applauded Premier Horgan for his government’s commitment to cultivating a stronger relationship with BC’s charities and not-for-profits.
 

Not-for-profits and charities have stepped into pandemic response over the past eight months with great resilience and creativity however, as shown in the No Immunity Report published earlier this year, 23% of charities and not-for-profits said they’re at risk of closing their doors because of urgent threats caused by the pandemic— even as demand for their services is rising.

These organizations have been on the frontlines of providing critical services and maintaining resiliency throughout each wave of the virus. But now, with revenue and income shrinking, their very existence is at risk. We need to move quickly in collaboration to ensure these organizations can continue to action their missions and lift our communities while continuing to provide essential services and resources.

With the newly appointed Parlimentary Secretary, there is renewed ability to mobilize the not-for-profit and charitable sector’s 86,000 employees to even greater ability as the sector deals with challenges such as the overdose crisis, climate change, homelessness, and racial justice. Vantage Point looks forward to being able to collaborate with Parlimentary Secretary Sharma in leveraging the sector to continue to do this crucial work that contributes $6.7 billion to BC’s GDP and serves tens of thousands each year.

Vantage Point is excited to collaborate with Parlimentary Secretary Sharma to engage charities and not-for-profits in key elements of the government’s Stronger BC recovery plan: a nimble workforce, expanded community infrastructure, and wraparound supports like childcare, mental health services, and food security initiatives. With this appointment the government is saying it understands the critical contribution this sector makes to the wellbeing of people and communities across the province.

Quote

Alison Brewin, Executive Director of Vantage Point

"This is an exciting decision of the government and one that can have deep and positive impact on communities, the economy, and the environment. It is a clear sign that the government seeks to partner with the sector to find solutions and build back better together"

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About Vantage Point
Vantage Point exists to support the people moving these organizations forward – Executive Directors, board members, senior leaders, managers, staff, and volunteers. Our mission is to transform not-for-profit organizations by convening, connecting, and equipping leaders to lift organizational capacity. Every client leaves our programs with resources to excel in their role and grow the impact of their organization. thevantagepoint.ca

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Email: nnagra@thevantagepoint.ca
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Unraveling: Non-Profits, Covid-19, & the Fabric of BC Communities

Government Announcement of a Home for the Sector

by | Nov 26, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Government Announcement of a Home for the Sector

Culture: People First
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by Vantage Point | Nov 26, 2020 | 0 comments

Today, Nov 26th, 2020 the BC Govenment announced its Cabinet. Part of that annoucement included the welcome announcement of a new Parlimentary Secretary of Community Development and Non-Profits. Niki Sharma, a rookie MLA but very experienced board member -- including many years on the board of Vancity Credit Union – has been appointed to the role within the Ministry of Social Services and Poverty Reduction.

Although Vantage Point has been advocating for a full Ministry dedicated to the sector (such as the 90s-era Ministry of Community, Co-ops, and the Voluntary Sector), we are happy to see a clear and leader to support meaningful partnerships with our sector.

What will it mean to have a ‘home for the sector’ in the BC Cabinet? What is the opportunity this new Parlimentary Secretary role presents?

As we know, not-for-profits have stepped into pandemic response in the past nine months in remarkable and creative ways to meet community needs. Many have adjusted our operating models and funding allocations to be able to respond to emerging priorities.

And those needs grow daily as we find ourselves in the second wave of COVID-19.

But while the pandemic creates greater need than ever for the services of the charitable and not-for-profit sector, it also threatens our future. Fundraising revenue has fallen sharply, and over twenty-five percent of BC’s not-for-profits are now in danger of closing their doors, threatening not just the vital work of those organizations, but also the jobs of 86,000 British Columbians employed in this sector. Seventy-four per cent of workers in this sector are women, a demographic already hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

Like those facing the public sector and the private sector, the challenges facing the “third sector” and its important work are urgent and complex. Unlike the public and the private sector, or other major economic sectors such as tourism, health, and forestry, there has been no central place in government for BC’s charitable and not-for-profit sector. A home for the sector in government is the way to ensure our critical community contributions have the right coordination, investment, and connections to unleash the potential of our hard work.

A Parliamentary Secretary does not sit at the Cabinet table, that is the role of the Minster of Social Services and Poverty Reduction – longtime MLA and former social worker Nicolas Simons. But Parliamentary Secretaries and their Minister can build great systems together. Mitzi Dean was Parliamentary Secretary on Gender Based Analysis in the Ministry of Finance and was able to accomplish a great deal because of the positive and active relationship between her and the Honourable Carole James. We will look for that same level of mutual support between the Honourable Simons and Ms Sharma.

We will look to the mandate letters now - the express direction the Premier gives to each Minister - to see if the focus will be able to  build resilency in the sector and identify opportunities for growth is a critical part of the pandemic recovery. By taking a coordinated approach to marshalling the considerable resources of our sector, the Parlimentary Secretary and the Minister maybe be able to deliver several new benefits such as the ability to:

  • Set and advance common goals for public wellbeing
  • Leverage donor dollars and private funding through partnerships
  • Build government capacity to understand and address the unique needs of not-for-profit organizations and the opportunities to work together
  • Aggregate information and support necessary innovation, capacity, and impact of not-for-profit organizations
  • Mobilize volunteers in every corner of the province, providing the equivalent of 146,000 full-time positions
  • Foster new partnerships to build community infrastructure and bridge the digital divide
  • Reach into cultural and linguistic communities to provide essential supports
  • Advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in communities around the province
  • Seed charities and not-for-profits as key enablers of green technology and sustainability
  • Update rules and streamline regulatory obstacles to success

The challenges facing our province today demand new solutions and fresh ideas. Charities and not-for-profits are proven innovators, fluent in collaboration with an ability to attract investment from outside government. We hope to see greater alignment with government planning and priorities to leverage these assets for the common good. This new role will help ensure our sector meets its potential to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes for all British Columbians.

We applaud this move on the part of the government. Vantage Point looks forward to working with Parlimentary Secretary Sharma to amplify the breadth, innovation, and resilience of our wonderful sector.

Author

Alison Brewin

As Executive Director, Alison Brewin is responsible for executing the Vantage Point’s mission and vision. Alison graduated with a Law Degree from the University of Victoria in 1991 and was called to the Bar in 1992. Throughout the 1990s, she worked in non-profit management, as political assistant...

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