@thevantagepoint
Update From Vantage Point on Covid-19

Update From Vantage Point on Covid-19

Mar 13, 2020 | Blog

Update From Vantage Point on Covid-19

Planning: Strategy & Workforce
All Blogs

by Vantage Point | Mar 13, 2020

*This bulletin, originally published March 13, 2020, was last edited on March 18, 2020.

Dear Reader,

As Vantage Point is a space primarily used for convening and group learning, we want to reach out to you amidst the most recent updates on COVID-19. We understand there are a lot of mixed feelings about this outbreak. The bottom line is we want to make sure everyone is - and feels - safe, so we have begun important conversations with our Staff and Board to determine our plans for the coming months.

As of March 16, 2020, a few workshops and labs have been cancelled while others will be offered online through a program called Zoom. Should you be signed up for any of these events you will receive more details about the changes. If you have questions on how to participate in an upcoming program - or if you require cancelling - please reach out to our office at (604) 875-9144 or info@thevantagepoint.ca.

We urge everyone to take calm precautions and do their best to reduce the risk of spreading illness. These are a few easy ways to ensure lower risk of contracting and sharing any virus:

  • Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds after using the washroom, sneezing, coughing, preparing food, and touching public surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
  • Cough and sneeze into the crease of your elbow.
  • Do your best to stay home if you are presenting cold or flu-like symptoms and call 8-1-1 if you think you may have COVID-19 or are experiencing an unexplained shortness of breath.

Here is the latest update for BC (as of March 18): https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/coronavirus-update-bc-what-you-need-to-know-march-18-1.5501183.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is probably the most reliable source of information on how to be ready, safe, smart, and kind in the wake of COVID-19.

Finally, on the note of kindness: It has become aware to most of us by now how certain communities are the first to feel negative social impacts from peoples’ preconceived ideas and misunderstandings. One of the most important things we can do for ourselves and each other in staying safe and healthy is to self-educate, share credible sources, and choose empathy and compassion.

Please take time to read how media coverage of this virus affects people with disabilities. It is also important to understand how the fear around this virus has surfaced xenophobic ideas and acts around the country – and how many Asian communities are deeply affected by these harmful misconceptions.

We at Vantage Point wish you and your loved ones health throughout this process, and will be in touch as more information comes up.

Sincerely,

The Vantage Point Team

Author

Vantage Point

We are a team of passionate and dedicated not-for-profit professionals dedicated to providing not-for-profits with high quality leadership training. We are here to set you up for success. Learn more about our team at www.thevantagepoint.ca/about/our-people/

View More

Related Posts

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian

Vantage Point in the News

by | Aug 7, 2026 |

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian.

The Vancouver Guardian asked us about how we’re supporting non-profits across BC and our mission to strengthen BC’s non-profit sector through leadership, development, governance, organizational capacity building and more.

Update From Vantage Point on Covid-19

The BC Budget 2020 Is Out: What It Means For Your Not-For-Profit

Feb 27, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

The BC Budget 2020 Is Out: What It Means For Your Not-For-Profit

Culture: People First
All Blogs

by Vantage Point | Feb 27, 2020

This year was Vantage Point's first time attending the BC Budget Lock-up on February 18, 2020. Budget Lock-up is the day when the provincial government announces the budget and highlights key spending decisions to stakeholders and media. Omar Dominguez, Director of Government Relations & Sector Development, attended the proceedings.

In June 2019 Vantage Point made a submission to the BC Budget consultation process. You can read the submission here.

The BC Budget is out and the consensus across many stakeholders is this is a cautious budget which stays the course in the current government agenda, which is framed in terms of affordability, access to community services, and a sustainable economy. However, we note there is a disconnect between our governments' investment choices and the expectations it places in the not-for-profit sector to deliver on these priorities. Here are some highlights from the day.

Community Gaming Grants

The Community Gaming Grant program is a vital source of funding for a diverse range of community service groups. The budget notes that $249 million will be going to not-for-profits and local governments. Based on our questions to ministerial staff at the lock-up, this indicates no significant change in the funding pool for not-for-profits (currently stated at $135 million).

Additionally, 7% of the government's gaming income will be going towards Indigenous communities throughout the province (which was announced in 2019). In the budget they refer to the funding expectations as $3 billion over the next 25 years. This is estimated to be $96 million in 2021/22 and $98 million in 2022/23.

Multiples voices have been actively advocating for the healthy administration of these programs, like our peers from the British Columbia Association for Charitable Gaming (BCACG). We will engage with our partners and follow up with the Ministry of Housing (which is responsible for Community Gaming revenues) to confirm the allocations it has made specifically to community-based not-for-profits. We will also continue to provide additional feedback on ways that the sector can leverage the community gaming program to maximize community wellbeing. We will provide an update in our member newsletter when we have more information.

Budget categories that will impact not-for-profits

The following funding allocations will impact not-for-profits on some level directly or indirectly. The budget does not clearly articulate how funds will be divided in most cases. We would expect these areas might come in the form of social procurement contracts and grants.

  • Continued investments to meet the target of building 114,000 new homes over 10 years, plus $50 million to fight homelessness through approximately 505 shelters and two 60-bed navigation centres meant to provide wrap-around services for clients.
  • An additional $56 million in capital funding in 2020/21 for the development of 200 new units of supportive modular housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Modular housing has been, in fact, a successful and much-needed solution to begin addressing our housing crisis.
  • A human resources strategy for the social sector, which is welcome news by organizations which are facing mounting challenges to hire diverse and qualified staff, and to retain them in adequately remunerated positions. Unfortunately, no details have been disclosed.
  • The province has allocated $24 million over three years in a new needs-based BC Access Grant to help with the cost of programs leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. This is in addition to approximately $37 million of related programs. A key aspect of this new funding is that it also provides greater flexibility in the administration of these funds which can now be applied towards diplomas and trade certifications relevant to the not-for-profit sector such as early childhood education and health care assistants.
  • Up to $9.5 million in new funding in 2020 will go towards Community Living BC (this is in addition to $8.8 million increase in 2019).
  • British Columbians with over 220,000 in annual income will now be taxed at 20.5% which will generate funds which can be invested in public services. This is probably one of the most interesting narratives coming out of the budget because it pins taxation as an explicit mechanism to pursue a more equal distribution of income.

For more details, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives provides thoughtful economic analysis on how far the budget goes to support homelessness, housing, climate change, poverty, and more.

Missed opportunities in the budget

Overall, the not-for-profit sector is mentioned directly in a limited way throughout the budget. This suggest a limited understanding of the essential role the sector has to ensure this government can deliver on its ambitious agenda to put people first.

Our sector is vast in size, scope, and impact for our province. In 2016, community and business not-for-profits (e.g. chambers of commerce and business associations) generated $6.4 billion of the total gross domestic product for BC. These measures do not fully capture the actual value not-for-profits as an essential element to support social and economic prosperity. Our services also help strengthen public health and prevent further public spending.

Together with our collaborators, partners, and members, Vantage Point will continue to lift the voice of community organizations and advocate for a healthy policy environment to strengthen the sector. The better the government recognizes the link between the not-for-profit sector and their provincial priorities, the more we can work together to achieve these goals.

Budget Lock-up learnings

The provincial budget is a fundamental policy that shapes and delivers on our government's commitments to the public. It also reveals underlying assumptions, interests, and priorities that inform public investments, services, and the overall direction of the economy. In this context, it was an honour to have the opportunity to contribute to the public debate and to represent the perspective of organizations which are tackling some the of most pressing challenges facing our communities.

In the past, the not-for-profit sector has not always coordinated or collaborated to participate in the budget lock-up. But this is changing. In the last couple months leading up to the lock-up, a group of Vancouver-based not-for-profits came together to identify shared priorities. We agreed there is an urgent need to address poverty in BC and to call upon the provincial government to take action. We also advised and mentored each other to ensure we knew what to expect and how to participate more effectively during the day. Most importantly, we held a caucus during the lock-up to identify points of mutual interest and ways to amplify each other's messages.

But while this important civic process was taking place inside Victoria's Convention Centre and at the Provincial Legislature, we were also very much aware of the public debate and the blockades taking place across the country in support of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs. In fact, many organizations decided not to attend the budget release. And while the recent Province's decision to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People had been hailed as an historic step towards reconciliation, the official events of the day did not reflect the political tension we are currently facing. We still have a long road towards reconciliation. Similarly, the lack of diversity represented within the people participating at the budget lock-up suggests that we also have more work to do to strengthen the capacity of leaders of equity-seeking groups so they are the ones helping shape the policies which have a profound influence on their communities.

Next steps

You can now read the BC Budget 2020. We recommend scanning the budget and to look out for priorities which impact your organizational mission. Please let us know if you identify any emerging issues or concerns associated with the budget and your ability to further your organization's mandate.

Going forward, we want to see the government make a connection between the services the province needs and how not-for-profits are an essential part of the conversation.

Vantage Point's Membership is a great way to engage in public policy advocacy and support a stronger not-for-profit sector. Not yet a Vantage Point member? Learn more and sign-up here!

Author

Vantage Point

We are a team of passionate and dedicated not-for-profit professionals dedicated to providing not-for-profits with high quality leadership training. We are here to set you up for success. Learn more about our team at www.thevantagepoint.ca/about/our-people/

View More

Related Posts

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian

Vantage Point in the News

by | Aug 7, 2026 |

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian.

The Vancouver Guardian asked us about how we’re supporting non-profits across BC and our mission to strengthen BC’s non-profit sector through leadership, development, governance, organizational capacity building and more.

Update From Vantage Point on Covid-19

Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

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

Collaborative British Columbia: What We Make Possible Together

Planning: Strategy & Workforce
All Blogs

by Vantage Point | Feb 11, 2020

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...

View More

Related Posts

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian

Vantage Point in the News

by | Aug 7, 2026 |

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian.

The Vancouver Guardian asked us about how we’re supporting non-profits across BC and our mission to strengthen BC’s non-profit sector through leadership, development, governance, organizational capacity building and more.

Update From Vantage Point on Covid-19

A Transition and New Opportunities for the Not-for-Profit Sector

Jan 14, 2020 | Blog

A Transition and New Opportunities for the Not-for-Profit Sector

Planning: Strategy & Workforce
All Blogs

by Vantage Point | Jan 14, 2020

Dear Reader,

This month I will transition from my role at Vantage Point as Director of Capacity Development to a new role as the inaugural Executive Director at Columbia College Society. In this new endeavour I will build and grow the charitable operation of Columbia College to enhance the educational impact of the society within the community. I am thrilled at the opportunity to connect with a new community of people; I'm equally excited to announce the next leader for Vantage Point's efforts to advance a healthy public policy environment for the not-for-profit sector.

Beginning January 15th, Omar Dominguez will join the team as the Director of Government Relations and Sector Development. Omar has fourteen years of experience leading outstanding teams and pioneering initiatives in corporate, philanthropic, not-for-profit, and voluntary organizations. He has advised a broad range of international clients and stakeholders ranging from senior government officials, not-for-profits, business executives, investors, Indigenous groups, and some of the most active developers of affordable housing in this region.

In announcing Omar's role at Vantage Point, the two of us wanted to share some of our thoughts about what might be possible for the sector. We worked as a team to bring our perspectives together in the next section of this article which highlights our passion for Vantage Point's mission and method.

- Mark Friesen

Strengthening communities through a healthy policy environment

From a socio-economic standpoint, many communities around the world are currently struggling. Challenges faced by entire cities and regions include environmental and health impacts from the climate crisis, economic disparity and inequality, and social and cultural isolation.

Fortunately, we have a business and organizing model that is equipped to mobilize communities of people and resources to address these challenges: the not-for-profit business model.

Not-for-profit organizations are built to connect people together with like-minded partners, to rally the support of our largest institutions, and to focus resources exclusively on creating the future we want to see in our communities. This might mean a new playground for our kids, protecting an ancient forest, setting up a clothing exchange, or making accessible health supports available for each other. The not-for-profit organizing model can repatriate wealth unjustly extracted from communities and return it to the public realm. Not-for-profits can access all resource types: skilled volunteers, gifts in-kind, donations, earned revenues, government funding, enterprise revenues, capital donations, grants, memberships, sponsorships, and more.

Yet, despite their critical influence on the quality of life for British Columbians, not-for-profits are in many ways suffocating under economic policies and regulations which undermine their efforts. In 2019, a Senate report on the Canadian charitable sector found that while community-based organizations are resilient and innovative, their potential is limited by complex, outdated rules and a lack of coordinated government support.1 This is a problem because community-based organizations support every aspect of our lives.

For far too long, the Canadian charitable and not-for-profit sector has been neglected in an unfortunate regulatory limbo. Currently there is no clearly identified ministerial department at the Federal or Provincial level responsible to direct government services for this essential sector of our economy. Without proper oversight, the sector also lacks reliable and comprehensive data to support research and evidence-based decision-making. In this regulatory vacuum, small and grass roots community service groups in BC have been forced to work in fierce competition for dwindling funding sources.

In the last six years at Vantage Point we have had the privilege to witness the incredible impact which comes with a focus on people and an investment in capacity building in the not-for-profit sector. We ask "who?" before "how much will it cost?", and always look for partnerships and collaborations across the province. Through this method, Vantage Point has delivered customized capacity building services, workshops, and consulting projects with a profound impact on not-for-profit leaders and their organizations:

 

Overall, the outcomes for Early Music Vancouver were everything we hoped for. We ended up with strong consensus of who we are, and what we are striving to achieve, all within a defined structure... This clarity and consensus have energized and galvanized our Board, Staff, and volunteers..."

 

Tim Rendell, Early Music Vancouver

In that time, we've seen our own capacity grow. In 2014 we engaged with 79 organizations in customized engagements. Last year we were able to support 169 organizations with individualized training or consulting services. With our growing exposure to the realities faced by so many not-for-profits in different sectors, it has become clear: a key dimension to a healthy not-for-profit sector is a healthy public policy environment. Which is why - beginning last year - we began working on a strategy to undertake policy advocacy with sector partners.

We are excited about the opportunities to bring forth the voice of the not-for-profit sector in our province. We know there are an abundance of opportunities to convene public dialogue and collaboration. A regulatory framework that supports not-for-profit groups is possible. At the same time, we acknowledge there is significant work ahead of us.

Over 116,000 employees2 and an estimated 3.1 million volunteers3 work to help deliver $6.1 billion in programs and services to the population. Not-for-profits are among BC's largest employers and should be able to receive similar services and taxation treatment set in place to support growth, innovation, and resilience among small business. Additionally, we must develop an environment which gives these organizations greater latitude to undertake revenue-generating activities to further their mandate. These actions will ultimately strengthen communities and help bring people together to address the critical challenges we face.

This is what we are working towards at Vantage Point: fair opportunities for growth in BC's not-for-profit sector and a stable environment for decent work. Want to be part of the change? Consider this a call to action: reach out to our team to be connected with a growing community of sector champions!

 

1Mercer, T., Ratna Omidvar. (2019). Catalyst for Change: A Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector. Ottawa, Ontario: Senate Special Committee on the Charitable Sector. 190.

2Statistics Canada. (2020). Table 36-10-0615-01 Employment in non-profit institutions by activity (x 1,000). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.25318/3610061501-eng.

3Vancouver Foundation. (2019). Vital Signs Community Clusters: British Columbia. Vancouver, BC: Vancouver Foundation. Retrieved from https://vancouverfoundationvitalsigns.ca/reports/. Pg. 8.

4Image Credit: Photo by Peter Lewis on Unsplash.

Author

Omar Dominguez

Omar is our Director of Government Relations and Sector Development. What does this mean? He provides leadership in Vantage Point’s mission to build the capacity of BC’s not-for-profit sector through membership engagement, sector development, and government relations. Basically, Omar does a lot....

View More

Related Posts

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian

Vantage Point in the News

by | Aug 7, 2026 |

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian.

The Vancouver Guardian asked us about how we’re supporting non-profits across BC and our mission to strengthen BC’s non-profit sector through leadership, development, governance, organizational capacity building and more.

Update From Vantage Point on Covid-19

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

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
All Blogs

by Vantage Point | Oct 17, 2019

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.

Related Posts

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian

Vantage Point in the News

by | Aug 7, 2026 |

Vantage Point was featured in the Vancouver Guardian.

The Vancouver Guardian asked us about how we’re supporting non-profits across BC and our mission to strengthen BC’s non-profit sector through leadership, development, governance, organizational capacity building and more.