SBCCI 2022 Report

ECONOMIC NEEDS - JOBS

By Karen Richards

HelpAide

SBCCI is in complete synergy with HelpAide. This Vancouver-based non-profit organization has a mission to build capacity for Black communities in Canada. A $45,000 SBCCI grant has been imperative for HelpAide to soar to new heights by improving its website and social media presence. This SBCCI funding stream focuses on Economic Needs through Job Creation, providing employment opportunities, and contractual work to amplify non-profit organizations’ work.

HelpAide has used the funding from SBCCI to hire a strategy consultant and web developer. Through this funding, HelpAide has seen an uptake of engagement on its social media pages. Throughout the year, HelpAide hosted strategic planning and training workshops for their staff. The workshops culminated in a Community Organizations Capacity Building Retreat in September. With SBCCI’s support, coupled with the dedication of this team, HelpAide is poised to increase its presence and availability for services in Vancouver. You can enjoy some of their engaging social media content by accessing @helpaide, or www.helpaide.ca.

HelpAide’s support focuses on Francophone Black and racialized communities in the Vancouver area. This specialized bi-lingual support is a rare and valuable find in an area of Canada that is not typically known for catering to these communities. HelpAide provides capacity building through project management, organizational development, and training. The association delves even further into service delivery, assisting with outreach support in personal; social; emotional; economic; and physical development.

Receiving SBCCI’s grant is a full circle moment for HelpAide, as they typically support other organizations’ fund development through assistance with grant writing. The capacitybuilding services of HelpAide provides imperative knowledge for organizations looking to develop and function within the social services landscape.

Project Name: Renforcer la Capacite apres COVID-19 Vancouver, BC

Excel Family and Youth Society

Project Name: Transformational Capacity Building

Calgary, AB

Excel Family and Youth Society is a unique and grassroots organization in Calgary, Alberta. With a focus on service for East African community members, Excel acts as a “bridge to connect newcomers to government services and benefits,” according to Dr. Girma Lulu, Executive Director. Excel is not a large organization but is integrated through deep roots within the community they serve. The services Excel provides are for the community and by the community – often in members’ native languages.

SBCCI granted Excel Family and Youth Society $33,000 to improve their social media presence and database system. Using the funding to develop a centralized database through CanadaHelp has made a substantial time-saving difference for this organization-volunteers man 95% of operations. They can easily send emails and reminders to their membership, establishing a much easier flow to their work. Excel has reaped the benefit of this database system in engaging members for their Christmas fundraising campaign.

The grant funding has also allowed the organization to hire an accountant and establish proper accounting systems and programs. Excel plans to use the remainder of the SBCCI funding to hire a marketing and media consultant who will train volunteers and leaders in their organization to increase their reach through information technology and media public relations.

SBCCI funding is so meaningful to facilitate the critical work of Excel Family and Youth Society to be accountable, accessible, and available for their community members.

SkillCity

Project Name: Financial Management & Accountability Systems Setup and Training

Edmonton, AB

SkillCity Institute is a social impact organization headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, aimed at removing barriers and creating opportunities for under-represented and under-resourced communities in Canada.

SBCC grant funding provided SkillCity with $29,000.00 to strengthen the organization’s operational effectiveness and accountability.

SkillCity is a growing organization that partners with businesses, education providers, and the community to foster work skills development, entrepreneurial culture, and lifelong learning. With a focus on the business of enhancing socio-economic development and well-being, it is imperative for the organization also to demonstrate its own sound financial processes and procedures. SBCCI’s funding for this project has helped SkillCity to set up working policies and procedures in financial management on an agency-wide basis.

More importantly, the funding has allowed the organization to teach staff to utilize the newly established accounting system. By ensuring staff has the knowledge and ability to use the system, SkillCity has set themselves up for success long into the future. Training for staff on budgeting and cash-flow management, as well as financial reporting, should be a requirement for all non-profit organizations. SkillCity is leading the pack by using this funding to set up a future-oriented accountability system.