“Food is not a patient thing, it’s urgent”: how data collection and sharing can help people in Calgary access emergency food

As the affordability crisis deepens in Calgary, more people are turning to emergency food providers. Collating real-time data on the inventory that food providers hold can help the sector coordinate to reach those in need. However, a system of this sort requires both employees and volunteers to move past “mental barriers” and engage with data processes.

The pandemic has shifted how (and why) organizations collect data. These non-profit leaders will tell you exactly how.

As the coronavirus puts pressure on non-profits to respond to a demand in services, many who work in the sector believe changing what data they gather from clients will enable them to provide better services and ensure that some of the most vulnerable are supported during the pandemic.

Going digital? This expert says you should transform your organizational culture first

The digital-first reality is here to stay post-pandemic. Social impact organizations are still struggling in the transition to an online world. A recent survey by CanadaHelps found that one in three charities believe they’ll soon find it harder to continue their work if they don’t improve their digital capabilities. A majority rated their digital skill level as either “fair” or “poor.”

Online programming might not be accessible to everyone. This organization cracked the code.

During the pandemic many non-profits have shifted their programming online, but without considering accessibility and accommodations, some of these programs have excluded some individuals from participating in virtual programming.

This fintech startup is reimagining fundraising — and the timing couldn’t be better

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Canadian charitable sector hard. Without the possibility of social gatherings and with event donations down, it’s difficult for non-profits to advance their missions. Charities are being forced to rapidly adopt ‘giving’ technologies to help bridge their fundraising and outreach gaps.

Social impact professionals are still networking. Here are 4 ways they’re doing it

Networking is an essential way for social impact professionals to make new connections, find jobs, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. Ensuring that networks remain alive during the pandemic is one important way for the sector to remain collaborative and focused at a time of great uncertainty.

Social isolation is on the rise. Here’s how service providers are still building community.

Social isolation is one of the most severe consequences of public health restrictions intended to curb the spread of COVID-19. Building meaningful community among marginalized service users requires not only addressing persistent social inequities, but also figuring out how to keep them connected.

The collapse of the gala: Can charities cope without big fundraisers?

Fundraisers are among the most important sources of revenue for Canadian non-profits — 40 percent of them rely on events for revenue. The COVID-19 pandemic has put many of these events to an end, cutting off a vital source of revenue to non-profits as demand for their services grows.

Three ways social impact organizations can better communicate with autistic people online

Canada is home to as many as 670,000 autistic people, many of whom find group settings overwhelming. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many social good organizations are hosting meetings with coworkers and clients over video conferencing apps, but haven’t thought about how to include autistic people.

Canada’s first recovery-focused data platform is letting youth lead the way

Employment among student youth is 23 percent lower than 2019. Meanwhile, the federal government has earmarked $4 billion to help struggling municipalities deploy public services. Through Pivot 2020, 1,200 youth across Canada will collect valuable, localized data on how best to allocate these services, while learning new skills that can help them find employment.