Edmonton Space Finder

Last Updated (Wednesday, 28 September 2011 17:35) Written by Andrew Paul Wednesday, 28 September 2011 17:05

russECF-stories__00071-CMYK success stories

Anyone who works in the non-profit /voluntary sector understands that finding affordable space is always a challenge.  With the assistance of funding through the Foundation Directed Initiatives program, the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) was able to collaborate with Arts Habitat Association of Edmonton, Multicultural Coalition for Equity in Health and Wellbeing and the City of Edmonton to develop a website to connect non-profit agencies with lease space.

www.edmontonspacefinder.ca helps non-profit organizations and community-based groups both list and find space.  "Someone once described the kinds of spaces that non-profits need as quirky," says Russ Dahms, ECVO's executive director.  This is an apt description as not only is there a need for office space of various sizes,  but visual artists may require specific ventilation, performers may be looking for high ceilings or large open rehearsal areas and some groups may only need space temporarily.

But the lack of suitable space isn't the only obstacle facing many non-profits and ECVO is helping build the capacity of the sector in other ways. Its mandate is to move resources in to place to help non-profits be successful.  Board development is also a crucial component of building a strong voluntary sector and ECVO has collaborated with other agencies to create training modules for board treasurers and will be working on a module for board chairs.

Another collaborative online project is a web-based calendar called Spare Smarts.  It is billed as the "Nuts and Bolts of Non-Profits" and lists training seminars and workshops for board and staff members.

"Delightfully, Edmonton has a culture of collaboration and partnerships," says Russ. "The connections we've made with other agencies that serve the non-profit sector help sustain and strengthen to important work that all non-profits do."

Foundation Directed Initiatives

As part of its ongoing efforts to meet the needs of the charitable sector, the Edmonton Community Foundation launched the Foundation Directed Initiatives program in 2007 as a way to provide stable, long-term funding based on proactive evaluation of community needs.

A particular benefit of the FDI initiative is that is frees the organizations from having to address the same funding hurdles year after year.  The promise of consistent, reliable, and expected funding on an annual basis is seen as one strategy to strengthen an organization and allow agency and program staff more time to focus on the services and program delivery that are core to their mandates-without the stress of seeking to reapply constantly for operating dollars.

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