Strengthening non-profits

Building community

ANNUALREPORT 2016Strengthening non-profitsBuilding community

Non-profits are seeking new solutions to funding, capacity and resource challenges. As a leader in building expertise within the sector, VO – through both its education program and its willingness to explore new organizational management options – can serve as a model for change and revitalization within the sector.

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The past year has been one of significant change and progress for Volunteer Ottawa. We approved a new three year strategic plan; strengthened and expanded our core

programs; implemented outcome based monitoring and reporting mechanisms; explored new social innovation models to diversify our revenues; and, restructured to ensure that

goals and resources were more closely aligned.

We recognized that we had to fundamentally change the way we do things to better serve our members, strengthen non-profits and meet the growing needs of the community in

which we live. Our accomplishments include:

Non-profits are seeking new solutions to funding, capacity and resource challenges. As a leader in building expertise within the sector, VO – through both its education program

and its willingness to explore new organizational management options – can serve as a model for change and revitalization within the sector.

The reason for the success of any organization lies in its people. VO is both staff and volunteer driven. We want to express our deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors, our

Committees, our dedicated staff and the over 200 volunteers who support VO. Thank you also to our members across the city – the benefits non-profits like yours bring

to our city is immeasurable.

Launch of new website

With new branding and enriched features, the website was designed to increase

VO’s profile, provide our members with more resources, enhance navigation

and user experience, provide new and improved content and help members

better promote and manage their volunteer opportunities.

enhanced branding and outreach

In an effort to enhance our profile and extend our reach into more Ottawa organizations, VO introduced new

branding and produced professional communications material to inform stakeholders about what we do and

why. Through our VOConnect program and other initiatives, we increased the

number of outreach activities and sought presentations and partners from the

government and business sectors.

expanded voLunteer pooL

We have built new volunteer profiles that provide members with more information

than ever before and which can be used to make informed decisions on

volunteer recruitment. Since launching our new website, the volunteer pool has

grown to include 1,534 individuals – an unprecedented growth rate.

Increased partIcIpatIon In traInIng programs

We have made great strides in ensuring that VO is where leadership and staff in Ottawa’s

non-profits go for professional development and training. Close to 500 people benefited

from attending 47 workshops.

Eighteen new workshops were developed this year including a one-of-a-kind certificate

series on volunteer management.

more membershIp benefIts Members now enjoy a broader range of

benefits. These include a comprehensive Members Knowledge Centre, an Affinity

Program, expanded broadcast of volunteer needs and a new “White Paper” series

providing guidance on volunteer recruitment from diverse populations.

LeadIng the canada 150 for 150 VoLunteer chaLLenge

For the first time in its history, VO is leading a national volunteering initiative. Created to

celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary in 2017, the Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge encourages Canadians to give 150 hours of

volunteer time in celebration of this milestone in our history. It is our hope that this initiative

will increase interest in volunteering across the city and the country, and give people an appreciation of the rewards of volunteering

that will extend well beyond 2017.

Marie eveline Executive Director

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dobrila rancic Moogk Chair

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E x E c u t i v E Dobrila rancic Moogk Chair

Margo nelson Vice-Chair*

nancy beerkens Vice-Chair

Darryl biloDeau Corporate Secretary

aDaM Day Treasurer

D i r e c t o r sNaNcy averill* HeatHer BadeNocHNicole BelaNger*Joel BissoNBarBara Blevis*aNNe ButlercorriNa clemeNtcolette dowNiealyx HollaNd*roBiN JacksoNdavid kiNgmarty laNdry*claudia NewmaNJevoNe NicHolas asiyeH Norouzpourpaul sauve*claudia voN zweck

s e c r e t a r i a t

Marie eveline Executive Director

Paula Coons Director of Operations

Maria lahiffe Education Officer

shelley ann Morris Membership Coordinator

ulyana osorio DiverseCity onBoard Officer

Tiyahna ridley-PadMore Youth Outreach Coordinator (01/16 to 09/16) Program & Communications Coordinator (09/16 to 12/16)

eriC shirley Community Engagement Officer

suzanne seebaCh Manager, Programs & Membership

*Term expired

In September VO’S bOard Of dIrectOrS held a StrategIc plannIng retreat tO reaffIrm Our VISIOn, mISSIOn and OperatIng prIncIpleS and tO eStablISh ObjectIVeS fOr 2017 tO 2020.

the reSult Of that exercISe IS a rObuSt three-year StrategIc plan wIth the fOllOwIng fOur key prIOrItIeS:

This year senior management also revised and significantly strengthened VO’s policies and procedures and governance structure to meet operational needs, manage risk, enhance internal controls, streamline operations and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Build ExpErtisE

Non-profit organizations have their education and training needs met.

promotE VoluntEErism and Community EngagEmEnt

The community’s understanding of the value of volunteerism is enhanced. Non-profits have the volunteers they need and volunteers find the opportunities they are seeking.

FostEr CollaBoration

VO is recognized as a leader in enabling and promoting a culture of collaboration among non-profits, business and government sectors.

strEngthEn our organization

Volunteer Ottawa is a stronger, independent, better connected and financially viable organization.

GOVERNANCE& STRATEGIC

DIRECTION

m i s s i o n Volunteer ottawa builds community by strengthening

the non-profit sector.

v i s i o n we belieVe in an

inclusiVe, engaged and empowered

community realized through a strong

non-profit sector.

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at thE End oF 2016, Vo had 284 mEmBErs ranging From small grassroots organizations to largE institutions that haVE BEEn part oF thE Community For

dECadEs. mEmBErs Enjoy a widE rangE oF BEnEFits and programs assoCiatEd with VoluntEEr rECruitmEnt, EduCational programs and rEsourCEs,

nEtworking and VisiBility.

wE introduCEd a numBEr oF signiFiCant EnhanCEmEnts and ChangEs to our mEmBEr sErViCEs and programs this yEar.

nEw wEBsitE

One of the most important developments was the launch of our new website at

volunteerottawa.ca. With many new features, the website was re-designed to provide our

members with more resources, enhanced navigation, new and improved content,

and efficient, user-friendly volunteer recruitment and matching services.

mEmBErs’ knowlEdgE CEntrE

A key component of the website, and an important member benefit, is the new Members Knowledge Centre. The Centre contains a wide range of resources for non-profits on

governance, communications, fundraising, operations and volunteer management. It also includes access to the Canadian Journal of Volunteer Resources Management.

aFFinity program

This year VO started partnering with suppliers and service providers to offer discounts to members on products and services. Goodlife Fitness was our first Affinity Program partner

offering all member organizations exclusive discounts on gym memberships for staff and volunteers.

FEEs and administration ChangEs

In recognition of the growing diversity of our membership, in February we introduced a graduated membership fee formula based on member organization’s annual budget,

and we moved to a common membership renewal date of April 1.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

…the website was re-designed to enhance VO’s branding and provide our members with more resources, enhanced navigation, new and improved content, and efficient, user-friendly volunteer recruitment and matching services.

MEMBERS284

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VoluntEEr rECruitmEnt and matChing

This year VO made some significant enhancements to our volunteer recruitment and matching services. We launched a new website which allows members to better promote and manage their volunteer opportunities. We took steps to enhance the volunteer pool – building new volunteer profiles that provide members with more information, including previous experience, references, police and vulnerable sector checks, and resumes. Since the launch of the new volunteer sign-up process in September to the end of the year, an unprecedented 1,300 new volunteers joined the pool, and they continue to sign up on an average of 5-10 a day.

We introduced a new feature in our Newsletter profiling two volunteers new to the Pool each month. Volunteer opportunities continued to be published in the Volunteer Roundup column in the Ottawa Citizen, and we promoted opportunities through our extensive social media network.

On September 22nd, VO held its annual Volunteer Expo at City Hall. Over 200 people from diverse backgrounds seeking volunteer opportunities met with representatives of forty non-profits. Mayor Jim Watson spoke to those attending highlighting the importance of volunteering in Ottawa. Members also connected with other non-profits and had the opportunity to talk about the important work they do in the community.

Since the launch of VO’s new website, over 1,500 volunteers applied for 444 volunteer postings.

VoluntEEr rECognition

The VOscars is a highlight of the year for the city’s volunteers and non-profits. The event celebrates Ottawa’s vibrant volunteer community and gives special recognition to those individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

The 6th Annual VOscars was held on April 28th. The event was hosted by Leanne Cusack and attended by over 200 guests. This year VO recognized Coralie Lalonde with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to volunteerism and the non-profits who serve our community. Another 20 outstanding volunteers were recognized across eight categories.

Vo’s outrEaCh aCtiVitiEs CrEatE an awarEnEss oF thE ValuE oF VoluntEEring. our VoluntEEr rECruitmEnt sErViCEs EnsurE that ottawa’s non-proFits haVE thE skillEd VoluntEErs thEy nEEd, and VoluntEErs Find thE opportunitiEs thEy arE sEEking.

PROMOTING VOLUNTEERISM

“Volunteer Ottawa is the clear number one resource

for attracting and recruiting new volunteers in Ottawa. The updates to the website

and volunteer process at VO has just amplified this

success… Volunteer Ottawa has an established process

for success in attracting and connecting potential

volunteers and organizations with volunteer needs…

Our organization, the kids and communities we work with are better off because

of the supportive partner and resource that Volunteer

Ottawa is in this city.”

adam janEs

Volunteer and Program Coordinator Christie Lake Kids

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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS532100

ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY

Encouraging VoluntEErism VO encourages volunteerism in the city through the Volunteering 101 workshop, the newly introduced Volunteering 201 workshop and our Speakers Bureau.

Geared towards those volunteering to gain employment, Volunteering 101 discusses volunteering as a tool to develop skills, experience and networks. In 2016, Volunteering 101 was presented 28 times engaging over 1,200 people. This year we developed a new workshop – Volunteering 201 - for organizations who wish to educate their staff on the value of volunteering and how to access opportunities.

There are 16 speakers in VO’s Volunteer Speakers Bureau – all who are available to speak to groups about the benefits and merits of volunteerism. Responding to both speaking engagements and community booth requests across the region, speakers attended 25 events and spoke to a combined audience of over 900 people.

VO is where leadership, management and staff in Ottawa’s nOn-prOfit

cOmmunity gO fOr prOfessiOnal deVelOpment, training and resOurces.

VO significantly expanded and enhanced its educational program in 2016. Eighteen

new workshops were introduced. These include the new Volunteer Management

Certificate series – focusing on best practices in managing volunteers – the first of its kind in Ontario. VO now offers a total

of forty workshops designed exclusively for non-profit board members, management

and program staff to help build capacity in communications, fundraising, operations

and governance.

This year also saw the introduction of VO’s Executive Seminar Series. Designed for

senior leaders, participants network with their peers and learn from thought leaders

about what they need to know to keep themselves ahead of the curve in

changing times.

Our Faculty of Instructors now include thirty-eight highly regarded professionals

who are leaders in their field and dedicated to non-profit causes.

In 2016, a total of 47 workshops were held and 482 people working in the non-profit

sector benefitted from VO training.

BUILDING EXPERTISE

TRAINED IN47 WORKSHOPS

482

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REGISTEREDVOLUNTEERS

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DiverseCity onBoarD

Volunteer Ottawa, in partnership with Global Diversity Exchange at Ryerson University and with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is proud to be part of an important Canadian initiative that seeks to increase diversity on the boards of non-profit and other public agencies. Like other cities across the world, Ottawa is becoming increasingly diverse. Leadership in non-profits that serve the community however, is often not.

VO’s DiverseCity onBoard program connects qualified, pre-screened candidates from visible minority and under-represented communities to volunteer board positions in Ottawa. It provides training in governance through online learning supplemented by in-person discussions and events.

Candidates were placed on Boards in organizations such as Upstream Ottawa, Council on Aging of Ottawa, Social Planning Council of Ottawa and the Ottawa Safety Council in 2016.

vo ConneCt – ottawa’s employer supporteD volunteering program (esv)Employer supported volunteering (ESV) refers to employers encouraging and supporting their staff to volunteer their time to community causes. An increasing number of employers are implementing ESV programs to meet social responsibility goals, respond to employee needs and to build their reputation as a community leader. This program connects organizations with local non-profit causes and provides them with all the support they need to run a successful ESV program.

This year VO increased its ability to provide a wide range of volunteering opportunities to Ottawa employers wanting to provide this experience for their employees. There were 25 VO Connect projects that involved almost 1,000 employees and ranged from feeding and providing hope to the hungry to making chew toys for orphaned dogs to cleaning up and beautifying the city.

ChangetheworlD ChangeTheWorld aims to build stronger communities by connecting youth ages 14-18 with local non-profits. It is a provincial campaign delivered in partnership with the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN). 2016 marked the 9th year that Volunteer Ottawa participated in ChangeTheWorld.

The challenge ran for six weeks this year- April 10 to May 24. Youth created their own events and participated in events being held during the campaign. By the close of the campaign, over 17,500 students in Ottawa had contributed 118,255 hours at 84 community events such as the Tim Hortons Cleaning the Capital and 30 hour famine with World Vision.

Community engagement

2016 saw considerable outreach activities targeted at facilitating the participation of diverse populations in volunteerism and educating organizations about the benefits of diverse volunteer recruitment.

In its third year, VO’s Community Engagement Program encourages and supports volunteering among culturally and linguistically diverse populations, people with disabilities, youth and seniors. With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the program strives to increase the knowledge and awareness of volunteerism among these groups; increase the number of these volunteers applying for opportunities; and, enhance their experience and civic engagement.

We developed and distributed three important “White Papers” to support these objectives 1) Best Practices in Recruiting and Retaining Senior Volunteers 2) Best Practices in Recruiting and Retaining Seniors with Disabilities and 3) Best Practices in Recruiting and Retaining New Canadians as Volunteers. Presentations were made at 53 events with a combined audience of 2,175 people.

Vo programs FaCilitatE ConnECtions BEtwEEn thE non-proFit, priVatE and goVErnmEnt sECtors and among non-proFits.

FOSTERING COLLABORATION

“CI day was an amazing initiative. The tenants came out to thank us, shared food

with us, even tried to help us! It was so rewarding to see

the smile on their faces once we were done. This needs to become a tradition at EDC.”

Staff MeMber

Export Development Corporation

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

HOURS

EVENTS

17500118255

84

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Vo madE signiFiCant EFFort this yEar to EnhanCE its Branding, inCrEasE its proFilE and EngagE in partnErships to promotE our oBjECtiVEs. OUTREACH &

PARTNERSHIPS

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In an effort to extend our reach to more non-profits, VO developed a new

Information Brochure which provides all necessary information about VO and its

services.

prEsEntations and mEdia

VO’s Chair and Executive Director made eight presentations to local organizations

and conferences and participated in three media interviews over the year discussing

VO and its activities.

lEVEraging our strEngths ConFErEnCE

Every year VO partners with United Way Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, the Ontario

Trillium Foundation, the Trinity Foundation and the Community Foundation of Ottawa

to host a forum for non-profits to share useful experience and knowledge and

build a common agenda for serving the community. This year over 100 people

gathered on September 28th at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

to explore how non-profits can explore alternative ways to generate revenue

including social innovation trends and social enterprises.

Canada 150 For 150 VoluntEEr ChallEngE

VO embarked on an exciting new initiative this year that took us across the country in anticipation of Canada’s 150th Anniversary

of Confederation in 2017. We saw the 150th Anniversary as an opportunity to focus on the importance of volunteering and giving

back to this great county.

The result – the Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge – a nation-wide campaign that

Volunteer Ottawa is leading in partnership with Volunteer Centres across Canada.

The goal – to have Canadians give 150 hours of volunteer time in 2017 and give back to their community and country by making a

difference in people’s lives.

A significant amount of time was spent planning and promoting this initiative in

2016. A National Advisory Committee was established and Volunteer Centres from all

across the country were recruited. We built a website and on-line platform to

track hours and share stories. We developed unique branding and messaging and

launched the campaign on December 5th, International Volunteer Day, with a news release which included a challenge from

Mayor Jim Watson to other city Mayors to encourage their citizens to take part.

This initiative will result in valuable data about volunteering trends that will be

useful in generating volunteer recruitment strategies. Ultimately, it will increase

interest in volunteering across Ottawa and the country, and give people a sense of the

rewards of volunteering that will continue beyond 2017.

At the end of 2016, VO was poised to begin registration for the Challenge. At the end of 2017 we will be recognizing those who have

contributed the most hours in each province and territory with special recognition

awarded to New Canadians, Seniors, Youth and Aboriginal volunteers.

STATEMENT OF REVENUE & EXPENSES

As at December 31, 2016

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EXTERNAL PROGRAM FUNDING

UNITED WAYOTTAWA

MISCELLANEOUS

EXTERNALPROGRAM

FUNDING– OTHER

PROFESSIONALFEES

DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING

SALARIES & BENEFITS

CORE PROGRAM GENERATED

OCCUPANCY

MISCELLANEOUS

rEVEnuE 2016 2015External Program Funding – United Way Ottawa $ 206,851.00 $ 183,161.00External Program Funding - Other $ 218,868.00 $ 186,220.00Donations & Fundraising $ 70,794.00 $ 48,640.00Core Program Generated $ 111,214.00 $ 69,616.00Miscellaneous $ 16,262.00 $ 4,518.00

$ 623,989.00 $ 492,155.00

ExpEnsEs Salaries & Benefits $ 431,513.00 $ 333,175.00Miscellaneous $ 84,556.00 $ 51,303.00Professional Fees $ 63,286.00 $ 35,999.00Occupancy $ 43,860.00 $ 41,274.00

$ 623,215.00 $ 461,751.00

ExCEss oF rEVEnuE oVEr ExpEnsEs $ 774.00 $ 30,404.00

THANk yOU FUNDERS & COMMUNITy SUPPORTERS

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Community SupporterS

Heather BadenochNancy BeerkensDarryl BilodeauJoel BissonBarbara BlevisNancy BradleyAnne ButlerCanyon Foundation

Fund Robert ChapmanChâteau des

CharmesCoconut Lagoon

Indian RestaurantPeter ColbertPaula CoonsPatricia DayCornelia DuckDelta Ottawa

City CentreDelta TorontoJan DitchfieldNorm FikolOttawa FurySusan GahrnsGCTCBruce GoodHarris UtilitiesHaunted WalksJeff HooperRobin JacksonJerome

PhotographerDavid KingKitchissippi Beer Co.

Lady DiveCoralie LalondeKelly Elizabeth ListerPeter LiuMinistry of

Citizenship and Immigration

Dobrila Rancic Moogk

Shelley Ann MorrisNAC/CANClaudia NewmanJevone NicholasOntario Trillium

FoundationUlyana OsorioSandy PollackRaymonde Cowan

CardsConnie RegoRent Frock RepeatNiczar RilaPaul RobillardSAP CanadaPat ShapiroJoyce SinclairCliff ThorntonThyme & AgainTim ScapillatoTrap Wilderness ArtUnited Way OttawaVanier Community

Service CentreHugh WinsorClaudia von Zweck

FaCulty oF inStruCtorS

Atoosa AdnaniHeather BadenochLise BeaucheminDavid BirdPaula CoonsGayle DowningMiriam DupuisFred DeRosaJan DitchfieldOmaima FarisMena GainpaulsinghLisa KelleherChristiane KirklandLaura LafantasieMaria LahiffeMaryse LepageMarley LewingtonBryant McNamaraJenny MitchellLola Dubé-QuibellMaria RedpathBen SchlusselPaula SpeevakRachel StoparczykOsamu Wakabayashi

SpeakerS Bureau

Menal AbdalmalikBeatrice DagherClaire DePaulRichard DesjardinsSima GabrielianVictoria GauthierJennifer ImmersonLindsay KeinJoanne Kilby-CoulasClaire MarshallLucile McGregorSuzanne MorinMark ScottSue Soloman-MorinPatrick TwagiraAllison Wu

tranSlatorS

Cécile Chêne Yuchen (Iris) XiaAgnes MukanyandwiIngwiza Ingrid BeckyJean-Francois GodinOlivia Da SilvaMarie SaumureMireille SoumahoroNicoleta DobrincuMatilde TrezziLarina Miezker

363 Coventry RoadOttawa, Ontario

K1K 2C5613-736-5270

F: 613-736-5262volunteerottawa.ca

info@volunteerottawa.ca