The Alberta Portal provides a channel for Calgary non-profit organizations to reach donors

The Alberta government has made changes to the provincial crowdfunding platform, which will be launched for the first time in 2021, to help non-profit organizations more easily find provincial dollars.

Dozens of organizations are listed on the Crowdfunding Alberta Program website, a largely anonymous platform for groups to help harness the collective power of Albertans looking to access matching funds from the province.

Since its inception in 2021, the site has helped 205 organizations raise more than $1 million. This includes $191,000 in provincial matching grants.

“We believe this is a great way for people to visit the website and check out a variety of non-profit organizations that are doing great work and make it easier and more efficient for Albertans to donate,” said the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Arts. The status of women, Tanya Fir told LWC.

The platform is accessible year-round by province, and campaigns can generate up to $5,000 for the respective provincial funds. In 2023, the Alberta government allocated nearly $150,000 to these campaigns.

“We see it as another tool or channel to encourage generosity, to encourage charity, to encourage charity,” Minister Feer said.

When asked whether public support for non-profits in general should be used and the goodwill of Albertans to help sustain the organizations, Fehr said they are already investing $130 million in grant programs such as the Community Facilities Improvement Program (CFEP). “Public initiatives” program.

“Interesting statistics; For every CFEP grant dollar invested in a community, up to $3 is collected by that community,” said Feer.

“I have a lot of tools and ways to support the great work of nonprofits at my service.”

Join the Calgary Nonprofit Funding Portal

Calgary-area groups that have benefited from the platform include the Alberta River Surfing Association, the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, the Calgary Climate Hub and the Calgary John Howard Society.

The annual Sled Island Music and Arts Festival is another festival that has been on the Crowdfunding Alberta platform.

“In today's economic landscape, fundraising is becoming more and more important for nonprofits,” said Maud Salvi, executive director of Sled Island, in a press release.

“Sled Island has used the Alberta crowdfunding platform for the past two years and through it we have raised funds from both private donors and the government.

It was important to help continue to deliver a world-class cultural experience for Albertans in Alberta.”

According to Fehr, some nonprofits that don't qualify for larger grants like CFEP and CIP can still raise valuable dollars through the platform. It also gives donors peace of mind knowing they're giving to reputable organizations because all campaigns are vetted beforehand.

“We can assure donors that their money is going to trusted organizations and causes they support,” he said.

“We want to have as many different ways and means as possible, and we're proud that our government supports the work of nonprofits to help build vibrant communities.”