Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 Bow Valley Non-Profits survey and engagement events in Canmore and Banff. The intent was to increase understanding of supports and resources that may be required as well as gain a “snapshot in time” of the overall health of our local non-profits and community groups in terms of current human, financial and operational resources.

Recommendations – Based on the data collected and the themes identified through the survey, key recommendations include:

• Increase training workshops and website resources related to priority areas identified: fundraising, succession planning, board recruitment and grant writing.
• Create online and “guide type” resources related to topics of interest.
• Investigate options for the sharing of centralized resources and assets and research to further understand the specific types of space and equipment required by non-profits and community groups.
• Create opportunities and vehicles for nonprofits and community groups to connect for information-sharing purposes and ideas generation on collective opportunities to advance relevant issues.
• Given the large percentage of organizations dependent upon fundraising for their operations, identify key supports including sharing of fundraising ideas, access to upcoming grant information and other funding opportunities and models.
• Host opportunities to dig deeper into the themes identified in the survey.

Need More Information?

If you have any questions about this survey or the data provided please feel free to contact Laura Wellmann, Family and Community Worker- Town of Canmore FCSS – [email protected] or Jessica Labonte, Community Development Coordinator- Town of Banff – [email protected]

Are you involved with a Bow Valley non-profit organization? Would you like to learn more about grant funding? Join a local group on the second Thursday of each month, from 10:15 am to 12:15pm (MST) in-person or online.

This meeting focuses on connecting to the Grant Connect Database and finding upcoming grant opportunities. The group discusses ways to develop partnership opportunities, collaborate on events, share resources & grants, and discuss grant writing best practices.

Any Bow Valley organizations who are in search of funding or grant opportunities are welcome to join! Feel free to invite others who may benefit from this meeting.

For more information and to register, email Elle West: [email protected]

You can also find updated funding opportunities on the Bow Valley Non-Profits website.

100 Volunteers Available on April 6th

Could your organization use some helping hands for 2-3 hours on April 6th? A Calgary-based company is seeking opportunities to give back to the local Bow Valley community as part of their annual retreat.

They’re looking for volunteer opportunities for 100 of their team members. This group could be split between multiple organizations. They’re happy to help with things like trail building, food security support, or a community clean.  Email [email protected] to learn more. 

Seeking Event Partner – June 8, 2024

Multisports Canada is hosting the 19th annual Banff Jasper Relay on June 8. They’re seeking a charity partner, or partners, that could assist with volunteer support of the event. In return, they can provide a donation to the organization as well as be included in our fundraising platform – allowing participants to donate/fundraise as well. The total donation is $20/person or a total of $3,240. They would also set-up your organization as part of our charity network, allowing participants to donate/fundraise for you.

Breakdown of what they’re looking for. Each group leapfrogs down the course.
• Group A – 6 people. Appx 6am-4pm Manage legs 1 (Castle Mountain Junction) Leg 3 (Herbert Lake Lookout) and Leg 6 (Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint).
• Group B – 5 people. appx 7am-4:30pm Manage legs 2 (Baker Creek Cabins) Leg 4 (Mosquito Creek Campground) and Leg 6 Finish (Sask Crossing).
• Group C – 5 people. appx 7am-2:30pm Manage legs 2 (Lake Louise Townsite *this area could use 10 people) Leg 5 (Bow Summit Campground) Leg 6 (Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint).

Email, Trevor Soll, to learn more: [email protected]

Bow Valley Non-Profits Speaker Series

Ready to learn more about non-profits? Catch up on the Bow Valley Non-Profits Speaker Series. Watch the webinar recordings to learn more about:

📌 Grant Writing
📌 Fundraising Strategies
📌 Content Strategy & Writing
📌 Communications Planning
📌 The Value of Collaboration
📌 Strategic Planning
📌 Event Planning in Banff & Canmore
📌 Endowment Fund Development
📌 Board Governance