Alberta Community Development Newsletter

What Do Polar Bears and Pumpkins
Have in Common? 

October is Financial Month

Financial management of your organization is critical. Just as it is challenging to put a value on a polar bear, it can be challenging to get your balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement in check.

We offer afternoon and evening webinars so that you can join us when it works for you, and before you turn into a pumpkin! The information we share will help you to maintain long-term stability, maximize community impact, fulfill legal duties, uphold public trust and avoid unnecessary stress.

Set time aside now for these informative webinars: 

Choose one of the options for the “Financial Responsibilities” webinar: 

• Tuesday, October 6, 2026 (7:00–8:30 p.m.) https://bit.ly/4guCSaj
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (1:30–3:00 p.m.) https://bit.ly/45YirfN

Choose one of the options for “The Role of the Board Treasurer“ webinar:

• Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (7:00–9:00 p.m.) https://bit.ly/45K42UJ
• Wednesday, October 14, 2026 (1:30–3:30 p.m.) https://bit.ly/3SwytdO

Choose one of the options for the “Risk Management“ webinar: 

• Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (7:00–8:30 p.m.) https://bit.ly/4zhOMLY
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (1:30–3:00 p.m.) https://bit.ly/3UckPwU

Introducing a New Webinar: 

Budgeting for Non-Profit Organizations!

Rejoignez-nous pour ce webinaire:

• Jeudi 15 octobre, 2026 (10:00–12:00 p.m.) https://bit.ly/4juNcB4

November Webinars

You could research why we now call orange squash “pumpkins” rather than “gros melons,” or why polar bears are a threatened species… or you could join us for these sessions:

“Basic Facilitation Skills“ is a series of webinars: We suggest attending all sessions, which include:

• Monday, November 2, 2026 (9:30–11:30 a.m.) https://bit.ly/4xKG1bE
• Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (9:30–11:30 a.m.) https://bit.ly/4AqNCOY
• Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (9:30–11:30 a.m.) https://bit.ly/4hbP4gM
• Thursday, November 5, 2026 (9:30–11:30 a.m.) https://bit.ly/4ylWRyv

Choose one of the options for “Strategic Thinking, Then Strategic Planning“ webinar:

• Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (7:00–9:00 p.m.) https://bit.ly/46EHc1e
• Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (1:30–3:30 p.m.) https://bit.ly/4ybx1x0

Attend the “Organizational Purpose and Planning“ webinar: 

• Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (7:00–8:30 p.m.) https://bit.ly/46BgIxx

Choose one of the options for “Succession Planning in Non-Profit Organizations“ webinar:

• Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (7:00–8:30 p.m.) https://bit.ly/3THY0Br
• Wednesday, November 18, 2026 (1:30–3:00 p.m.) https://bit.ly/4rpVj3I

Choose one of the options for “Volunteer Recruitment and Retention“ webinar:

• Tuesday, November 24, 2026 (7:00–8:30 p.m.) https://bit.ly/4ha9uGW
• Wednesday, November 25, 2026 (1:30–3:00 p.m.) https://bit.ly/46EJqh6

Alberta Non-Profit Learning Centre

Strengthening Non-Profit Organizations through Facilitation Services

Board Leadership Events

https://bit.ly/4AxKOPZ                                              https://bit.ly/4d1QmZ9

The Boland Survey is Live!

What is the Boland Survey?
A sector-wide compensation and HR benchmarking study involving nonprofits of any size, run every year to give Alberta’s nonprofits real numbers to plan around. There is no cost to participate.

Reports will be available for purchase in mid-November.

Why Participate in the Survey?

* Keep competitive to attract and retain top talent
* Use data-driven insights to identify and close internal pay gaps

* Give the sector evidence to advocate for fair funding and support

The deadline to participate is October 15, 2026!

More Than Forms: Bridging the 10 Steps of
Volunteer Screening

Volunteer screening is more than completing forms – it’s an important process that connects people with meaningful volunteer roles while enhancing the safety and quality of programs and services delivered in communities. This session explores Volunteer Canada’s 10 Steps of Screening through a relationship-based lens, highlighting how screening begins before recruitment and continues throughout the volunteer journey. Designed for volunteer-engaging organizations of all sizes, this session provides clear guidance to strengthen screening practices, reduce risk, support engagement and uphold ethical responsibilities to the communities we serve.

To support scheduling flexibility, we are pleased to offer five identical sessions. Please register for the session that works best for you:

October 15, 2026, 1PM

December 3, 2026, 1PM

February 11, 2027, 1PM

Other News

Grants, Funding and Supports for Non-Profits

Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program