COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits
Partner Updates
New COVID-19 Restrictions will remain in effect until January 11TH, 2021. We will re-evaluate based on AHS guidelines and restrictions. All our volunteer opportunities at both our ReStore and Build site are being suspended effective: Monday, December 14th. Please keep us in mind for 2021!
Canadian Mental Health Association of Central Alberta
CMHA is gathering stocking stuffer items for all of their clients this year. It’s been so rough, we are hoping to bless them all with a small Christmas gift.
CMHA's Crisis Counselor line will be closed from December 24th until January 4th. CMHA will still have virtual daily check-in available each weekday other than Christmas. Register online at www.recoverycollegecentralalberta.ca
Red Deer Food Bank Society
Our Client Service Area is open with a restriction of 4 people at one time. We are still requesting clients that have ordered hampers come at appointed time they were given.
Red Deer Food Bank Society Donation Wish List:
Peanut Butter; Canned Meat (tuna, salmon chicken, ham); Rice; Pasta; Canned Veggies; Canned Beans in tomato sauce; Canned Soup; Juice Boxes Canned tomatoes
Funding
The Civil Society Fund (CSF) is now accepting applications. The CSF is one of the government’s commitments related to harnessing the power of civil society.
The CSF provides $20 million over three years to expand civil society capacity. Year one of the CSF (2020-21) will focus on civil society’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of building a more effective and resilient civil society for the future. The overall intent of the CSF is to support transformational change, improving how civil society organizations function and building their capacity to work together to address pressing social challenges.
United Way of Central Alberta COVID-19 Community Response Fund
The Community Response Fund is made available through a partnership with United Way Central Alberta and The Red Deer & District Community Foundation.
We are also coordinating efforts with Red Deer & District FCSS who are managing the funds made available by the Government of Alberta.
This Community Response Grant is available to assist registered charities with a short-term urgent funding need created by the COVID-19 global crisis.
CanadaHelps Pandemic Response Donation Page
CanadaHelps has created a page dedicated to donations for Canadian charities responding to COVID-19 in both Canada and abroad. As the situation develops, CanadaHelps will continue to update the list of responding charities. In order to be added to the list, please fill out this form and a member of the CanadaHelps team will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Please note: only charities that are fundraising specifically in response to COVID-19 will be added to the page.
ViTreo Group: Fundraising in the Time of COVID-19
ViTreo Group has researched articles and online resources to help nonprofits with their fundraising during this economic and public health crises. ViTreo’s associates have a breadth of experience in fundraising and communications during a time of crisis including multiple recessions, the Fort McMurray Wild Fire, the Calgary Flood, and now the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Association of Fundraising Professionals: COVID-19 Resource Guide
To help you navigate the ever-changing landscape, we’ve gathered resources to help guide you in your fundraising, donor communications and stewardship, engaging current and prospective donors from your home, and more. As more resources become available, we’ll update the guide regularly.
DonorPerfect COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits
Access critical nonprofit news and information and helpful virtual fundraising resources designed to help nonprofits sustain their organization, fund their mission, and support their staff through the challenges presented by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Human Resources
Government of Alberta Support for Employers and Employees
The Alberta government will provide immediate funding and supportive measures to support local organizations, employers, and employees. Currently, this support includes tax deferrals, job-protected leave, employment insurance benefits, business continuity, and other resources. Please visit the Government of Alberta website for more information, and check back regularly as more updates are made available.
Government of Alberta COVID-19 Guidance for Business Owners
The document supports businesses and organizations (excluding healthcare settings), who are still permitted to operate by Order 07-2020. This information will assist in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among workers, volunteers and patrons. Important topics covered include: communication for staff, volunteers and patrons; employers who have sick staff and volunteers; hygiene and cleaning practices; physical distancing; and considerations for home delivery, drive through, take-out and curbside pick-up. Learn more on the Government of Alberta website.
Whole Whale: Nonprofit Work From Home Policy Template & Tips
Remote working and telecommuting are not a new concept, but it may be new for many nonprofits and for-good companies suddenly adopting a work from home (WFH, for short) policy due to the Coronavirus. Visit their website to view the version of the Whole Whale WFH policy as a template to borrow and build on for your organization.
Communications
NPower: Nonprofit Guide to Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
The success of any organization, large or small, depends on many factors. Most importantly, attention and commitment must be focused on sound planning. Proper planning helps ensure that an organization fulfills its mission and meets the needs of its clients. Good business planning must also be based on the amount of resources available at any given time. Click the link to see the full guide.
Prosper Strategies: Coronavirus Crisis Communications Best Practices for Nonprofits
How you respond to and communicate about the coronavirus will depend on your nonprofit's level and type of risk. Do you work directly with at-risk populations like the elderly or those with preexisting conditions? If so, your response should first focus on mitigating their risk of exposure and negative outcomes. Even if your organization doesn't work with at-risk populations, you'll need to think through risks of exposure to employees, volunteers and program participants should someone become exposed, fall ill or test positive for the virus, and the risk that upcoming events or large gatherings might pose. Outline all the potential scenarios your nonprofit could face, from basic fear or confusion among stakeholders, to an outbreak among your staff or program participants. This one-page guide will teach you how.
IABC is focused on providing you with access to critical resources related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. This page will serve as an evolving resource center, where you’ll find helpful articles, webinars and other materials related to this evolving global health crisis. We’ll also be linking to best practices and other discussions related to the virus that occur in The Hub, our online community for IABC members.
Mental Health
Alberta Health Services: Text4Hope
The Mental Health Foundation, in partnership with Calgary Health Foundation, the University Hospital Foundation, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, is supporting a new Alberta Health Services program Text4Hope – a free service providing three months of daily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)–based text messages written by mental health therapists.
An Alberta-based innovation, Text4Hope is an evidence-based tool that helps people identify and adjust the negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours a pandemic might be expected to provoke. Through a set of daily messages, people receive advice and encouragement helpful in developing healthy personal coping skills and resiliency.
Community members simply subscribe to receive ongoing supportive content. There is no cost, however standard message rates pay apply. Please check with your mobile provider.
Government of Canada: COVID-19 and Mental Health @ Work
Employees may be experiencing a high degree of uncertainty, worry, anxiety and stress about the health and safety of their loved ones, and how COVID-19 (coronavirus) may disrupt their work and personal lives. It is important for all of us to acknowledge these impacts and to engage in an open dialogue about them, including on ways to maintain and support our mental health. It is particularly important to recognize and support those who are more directly involved in the management of the situation, and those who have been instructed to self-isolate or who are suffering from symptoms of COVID-19.
CMHA: 6 Tips to Respond to Employee Anxiety About COVID-19
With coronavirus (COVID-19) now officially being called a pandemic by the World Health Organization, public fear and anxiety are on the rise. Your employees may be experiencing a high degree of uncertainty, worry and stress about the health and safety of their loved ones, and how this pandemic may disrupt their work and personal lives.
While employers are preparing responses to safeguard their business operations and protect the physical health of their employees during this crisis, it’s important to consider everyone’s psychological health and safety, too.