Alberta Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector Initiative

The Alberta Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector Initiative's (ANVSI) purpose is to improve the quality of life for Albertans' through a viable Non-profit/Voluntary Sector (NPVS) which supports strong and vibrant communities. The government and the NPVS have engaged in a collaborative partnership that continues to honour their unique strengths and contributions as they increase their collective abilities to build healthy, active and sustainable communities.

The NPVS is defined as "self-governing organizations that exist to service the public benefit, generate social capital but do not distribute profit to members, depend to a meaningful degree on volunteers, involve participation on a voluntary basis, and are independent or institutionally distinct from the format structures of government and the profit sector." (Canada's VSI 2001)

The NPVS is a significant part of the fabric of Alberta's communities and often is engaged with the Government of Alberta (GOA) in the delivery of programs and services for Albertans. The shared intent is to together develop a stronger non-profit/voluntary sector that has the sustained ability to provide services and supports that Albertans expect to be part of their communities.

The influence of the Alberta NPVS is huge and far-reaching as it consists of over 19,000 charities and non-profit organizations including community associations, recreational sports groups, faith-based, arts, cultural, health and social services groups. Over 176,000 Albertans are employed by the sector; it engages 2.5 million volunteers contributing towards an annual economic impact in Alberta of approximately $10 billion.

What Led to the Development of the Framework?

Alberta, with the motivation and leadership of key NPVS leaders and the endorsement of the Minister of Community Development in 2004, engaged in a process to define the needs and develop a rationale for a Framework for implementation plan to bring the NPVS and the GOA together in a working relationship. The Alberta Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector Initiative (ANVSI) Leaders Council with representation from both the NPVS and GOA subsequently developed this Framework for Collaboration.

The Leaders Council has met on regular basis with the first task being the establishment of a written rationale for a Framework Agreement between the GOA and Alberta's NPVS. NPVS organizations provide opportunities for people to be involved in their communities and are also closer to the community, and are often the most able to respond. They bring the collective wisdom of the citizens forward to address the challenges their communities face. However, to respond to these opportunities and challenges in an effective way they require a working relationship with government.

The ANVSI operates within a Memorandum of Understanding, the "Framework for Collaboration" between the GOA and the NPVS. It was endorsed by former ministers of Community Development and signed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as well as leaders from the NPVS in August 2007. The multi-sectoral Collaboration Committee appointed by a Ministerial Order is responsible for implementing the Framework.

By signing the Framework both sectors have committed to a collaborative partnership that will work towards mutually acceptable outcomes that impact both sectors. The mechanisms and processes put in place to implement the Framework for Collaboration will create solutions for commonly shared issues, build the capacity of both sectors to participate in the partnership as well as capacity to better serve Albertans and engage both sectors in an integrated policy dialogue.

Alberta Culture is the lead ministry for implementation of the Framework for Collaboration.

• Rationale and Recommendations - March 2006
• Framework Operational Model with Primary Outcomes