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Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

by | Feb 11, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog

Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

Planning: Strategy & Workforce
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by Vantage Point | Feb 11, 2020 | 0 comments

The beginning of the year is often a time for reflecting on the past and envisioning the future. Recently, our team had a "data party" to reflect on our 2019 Key Performance Indicators. Among the data was a section on Vantage Point's provincial reach, signifying how our organizational commitment to the province is increasingly relevant and leading to more collaborations.

This past year, we worked with 36 not-for-profits (NFPs) in communities outside Metro Vancouver and have also begun offering open enrollment workshops in Prince George and the Central and Northern Vancouver Island area. These activities are all part of our renewed focus on strengthening the NFP sector provincially. Therefore, when we reflect on these 36 engagements, we are not simply acknowledging separate and isolated organizations that have increased in capacity. Each is a step towards Vantage Point's long-term vision of an entire sector which is vibrant and sustainable; one which will continue to support all British Columbians through impending changes in climate, economy, governments, and more. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it will take communities across the province to strengthen BC's NFP sector together. To this end, Vantage Point aspires to participate in ways that embed our team values of abundance, adaptability, collaborations, curiosity, and fun: Abundance by sharing our diverse and growing pool of resources with communities; Adaptability by meeting communities where they are; Collaboration by improving the sector "together"; Curiosity by asking questions; and Fun by enjoying the journey towards the vision.

The good news is communities are already participating and collaboration is very much alive! Municipalities are investing in the sector because they recognize how NFPs enrich the community. For example: the City of Vancouver has been a longstanding partner with us in providing bursaries for their NFP grantees to access our learning opportunities. Cross-sector collaborations are also emerging to create synergies. This summer will mark the start of a 12-month capacity program for NFPs in the Central Okanagan area. The program was made possible through partnerships between the City of Kelowna, Central Okanagan Foundation, First West Credit Union, the Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute, and Vantage Point.

We are also partnering with individuals across the province to strengthen organizations and the communities they serve. Knowledge Philanthropists, our team of skilled volunteers, are facilitating knowledge sharing across BC by delivering educational services locally in their own communities and traveling to others. Together with them, we delivered consulting, customized, and onsite learning sessions to 156 organizations in 2019. A recently launched project, our virtual member working groups provide another platform for peers in the sector to connect and work together on sector-improvement priorities. Moreover, 629 workshops participants enriched peer to peer learning by exchanging their unique experiences and perspectives. Collaboration occurs when we recognize that we each have professional and lived experience to offer and learn from each other.

Evidently, productive collaboration is possible in this sector. When we work together to increase the capacities of NFPs, it means more organizations can achieve their missions effectively. When this happens, we all win. This is especially true if we commit to an equitable approach when we consider which organizations are in most need of increased capacities in financial resources, governance, management, and administrative systems. Which organizations are persistently stuck in a revolving door of capacity deficit and how can we encourage each other to constantly improve equity and inclusion as a sector? We know we are not alone when pondering these big questions.

Sometimes I struggle to comprehend the size of our province. Events like the wildfires are sobering reminders that what happens in one community has ripple effects on others. We are all connected. Within the not-for-profit sector, there is an inspiring collective of "we": we who are working hard on our organizational missions and we who keep aspirational visions for our communities alive.

Across all regions, throughout all communities, we all win when the future is the sum of every organizational visions: an even more beautiful British Columbia that no other sector can imagine or create through such collaborative methods.

Vibrant, healthy, and sustainable BC communities are made possible when we collaborate and uplift each organization in our NFP sector. I look forward to next year's data party and reflecting on 2020 as our most collaborative year yet. Wherever you are in BC, join our provincial network of collaborators and become part of the sustainable BC not-for-profit sector. I look forward to next year's data party and reflecting on 2020 as our most collaborative year yet. Wherever you are in BC, join our provincial network of collaborators today!

Author

Joyce Lin

Joyce is the Sector Development Coordinator for Vantage Point - she facilitates the foundational work involved in Vantage Point’s goals to contribute to a healthy and thriving not-for-profit sector in BC. On any day, she is monitoring and sharing information that will support sector success and...

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Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

Be Involved and Stay Informed on Public Policy that Impacts Your Not-for-Profit

by | Oct 17, 2019 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Policy and Advocacy

Be Involved and Stay Informed on Public Policy that Impacts Your Not-for-Profit

Planning: Strategy & Workforce
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by Vantage Point | Oct 17, 2019 | 0 comments

As a not-for-profit organization with a history spanning over seven decades, Vantage Point has experienced many transitions over the years. Our most significant change was from a volunteer centre to a capacity-building focus for not-for-profit organizations. Throughout each adaptation, we have maintained an ongoing focus of supporting the not-for-profit sector.

We love working one-on-one with our clients - the people behind not-for-profit organizations throughout the province. In the process we have learned about many common challenges the sector faces.

We have realized a key dimension to building the capacity of not-for-profits is to build a strong public policy environment; to develop and share policies and regulatory changes which have a positive impact on organizations like yours.

Join us as we move into public policy advocacy

After extensive planning and ongoing dialogue with our partners, we have decided to provide additional support to our organizational members in public policy advocacy.

Members will now receive several new benefits, supports, and access to a community of leaders throughout the province. This includes essential tools to engage in public pollicy advocacy. Additionally, we will be convening members and sector leaders to work together to address the most critical topics that impact every not-for-profit organization in BC.

By building membership in this way, we will amplify the voice of not-for-profit organizations frome very sub-sector. Our goal is to work with leaders in advocacy, our members, and our partners to address the issues that impact the entire not-for-profit sector and find powerful solutions together.

What types of advocacy have we done to date?

When the Ministry of Finance announced the Employer Health Tax, we worked with leaders in health, housing, community services, and arts and culture organizations to communicate the impact of the proposed changes to the Ministry.

This year, to create a submission for the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, we worked with other provincial organizations to identify common recommendations for the 2020 BC Budget. One recommendation focused on making changes to the way Community Gaming Grants are reviewed and administered.

These are the types of changes we strive to continue recommending with your input.

What will this look like going forward?

True democracy means every voice being heard, and that means yours. We encourage you to join us as an organizational member and be involved in our sector advocacy work. Your board, staff, and volunteers all receive access to our member benefits when you sign up!

Here are the four NEW ways organizational members benefit:

  • Receive updates on key issues that impact BC's not-for-profit sector
  • The opportunity to have your say on sector issues through our online, forum-style working groups
  • Grow your network through member convening events such as coworking days and webinars
  • Shape Vantage Point's public policy recommendations

Even better: all the previously existing membership benefits are here to stay! This includes access to post on Govolunteer.ca, the ability to take out books from our library, and discounts on workshops & our annual BOSS conference.

We want to hear from you!

As we venture into this new area, your voice is key. Tell us what aspects you are most excited about. As an ever-evolving organization, we are eager for this work to grow into areas that benefit our members even more. Connect, engage, and share your experience with us! At Vantage Point, we are a living laboratory, and we strive to be adaptive and relevant for our members and the not-for-profit sector.

To learn more or become a member visit our membership page.

If you have any questions about membership, we would love to answer them! You can reach myself, Mark Friesen, Director of Capacity Development at mfriesen@thevantagepoint.ca.

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Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

The BC Budget 2020 Consultation: A guide for conversations with your local MLA

by | Aug 28, 2019 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

The BC Budget 2020 Consultation: A guide for conversations with your local MLA

Culture: People First
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by Vantage Point | Aug 28, 2019 | 0 comments

Each year, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services conducts a consultation with the public and develops a report of recommendations for the BC budget. The consultation process went from June 3, 2019 to June 28, 2019 and the Budget 2020 Consultation report was published on August 7, 2019.

All submissions for the consultation can be found here – which includes many not-for-profit organizations (Access BC, Canadian Mental Health Association, the BC Alliance for Arts and Culture, David Suzuki Foundation, Board Voice, Pacific Legal Education Outreach Society, and many more). Alison Brewin and Mark Friesen from Vantage Point provided an oral presentation, and our submission can be found here. We advocated for the provincial government to invest in our sector, build the capacity of community-based organizations, and improve government systems of support (such as Gaming and the Registrar’s office).

The Report

The BC government will refer to this report when building the 2020 budget. However, the government is not bound by these recommendations. We have an opportunity to highlight the recommendations that benefit BC not-for-profits to provincial decision-makers. By working together, we can ensure recommendations supporting the sector become priorities for the BC Budget 2020.

Many of the report’s findings align with the goals and interests of the not-for-profit sector. Here are some of the key recommendations we found:

  • Collaborating with, partnering with, and supporting indigenous communities and working towards reconciliation
  • Providing comprehensive supports to youth formerly in care
  • Investing in water sustainability, renewable energy, fish and wildlife conservation, species at risk, and invasive species prevention
  • Supporting individuals experiencing gender-based violence
  • Increasing investments in community care
  • Investing in health supports for seniors, individuals with chronic diseases, mental health, and addiction needs
  • Providing stable multi-year funding to many initiatives generally, as well as several specific not-for-profit organizations

We would like to highlight recommendation #94 which refers to the Community Gaming Grants:

“94. Review the purpose and methodology of the Community Gaming Grants program to ensure it meets the needs of communities, including moving toward the provision of multi-year grants for community organizations.”

This recommendation is great news for the sector. So many BC not-for-profits rely on funding from Community Gaming. Clarity around the purpose of these grants and community needs would add greater value to this program.

We noticed there are no recommendations to support transitions around the Societies Act. Not-for-profits could really benefit from funds towards training to ensure they are complying with the Societies Act, especially with the amendments coming this fall.

What’s next?

The full list of 106 recommendations are summarized on page 83 to 92 of the report. We encourage you and your colleagues review the summary and identify key recommendations for your organization.

The BC Budget is expected in February 2020. This fall is our opportunity to highlight priorities we have in the not-for-profit sector.

We encourage you to reach out to MLAs in your riding and talk to them about the priorities which impact your organization. If your organization receives Community Gaming grants, consider highlighting recommendation #94 above. The BC 2020 Budget Consultation report is a great reference to guide these conversations – both to address key recommendations & findings in the report and what is missing.

Vantage Point members: let us know if you would like support reaching out to your local MLA and structuring a conversation around support for the not-for-profit sector! Not a member? Learn how to sign up here.

Author

Miranda Maslany

Miranda leads Vantage Point's membership program and coordinates our government relations work. She has always had a passion for environmental issues and completed a Double Major in Environmental Studies and Sociology, with a Minor in Business at the University of Victoria.

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Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

Your feedback required for the Senate – What federal changes would better support not-for-profits and charities?

by | Oct 24, 2018 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Your feedback required for the Senate - What federal changes would better support not-for-profits and charities?

Planning: Strategy & Workforce
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by Vantage Point | Oct 24, 2018 | 0 comments

In January 2018, the federal government created a Senate Committee with the express purpose to examine the impact of the charitable and not-for-profit sector and the rules that govern it.

The committee is currently accepting written submissions and is also administering an electronic survey until November 2, 2018 at midnight.

We strongly encourage all not-for-profits and charities to provide feedback to the committee. The committee has a broad mandate, and is examining a whole range of topics related to not-for-profits and charitable organizations, including:

  • A recognition that the funding landscape has changed – and the implications for not-for-profits and charities
  • Canada Revenue Agency’s reporting requirements
  • Legal and policy limits on political activity and/or advocacy
  • The legal definition of “charity”, and charitable activities
  • Provincial government reporting requirements
  • Reporting requirements for direct federal and/or provincial government funding
  • Restrictions on social finance and social entrepreneurship
  • Tax treatment of charitable donations

The electronic survey also explores impediments and opportunities for collaboration in the sector, and explores the need for more data, information, and research on not-for-profits and charitable organizations.

In addition to filling out the survey, Vantage Point will be emphasizing the following in our written comments:

  • The need for more data and information about not-for-profits and charities
  • The need to examine the Income Tax Act and the regulation of charities and not-for-profits (ex., charitable purposes and activities, the list of qualified donees, restrictions on non-partisan public policy advocacy, etc.)
  • The need to examine the multiple accountabilities of not-for-profits and charities, and the capacity challenges inherent in the financial models that are typical in the sector

When it comes to revising the Income Tax Act for organizations that are tax exempt, have a look at what the Ontario Nonprofit Network recommended here:
https://theonn.ca/our-work/our-regulatory-environment/public-benefit-not-for-profits/income-tax-act/

Be sure to provide your feedback and comments no later than November 2, 2018!
https://sencanada.ca/en/forms/cssb-your-voice-matters/

For questions please reach out to:

Mark Friesen
Director, Capacity Development
mfriesen@thevantagepoint.ca

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