News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 9, 2019

Manitoba Launches Consultations with Non-profit Organizations



The Manitoba government is developing a new strategy to build capacity and promote sustainability in the non-profit sector that will guide future provincial investments and inform transformation in community development programs, Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton announced today at a community development forum.

“Non-profit and charitable organizations play a vital role in our communities and the services they provide improve the quality of life for Manitobans, particularly the most vulnerable,” said Wharton.  “We will consult with stakeholders on how we can develop new and innovative models of community development that strengthen capacity, increase sustainability and leverage partnerships across the province to improve outcomes.”

A new strategy is being developed that will strengthen the non-profit sector, assisting individual organizations across Manitoba to be sustainable and strong, the minister said, adding the strategy will ensure Manitoba’s non-profit sector is best poised to deliver positive outcomes and increase philanthropy and charitable giving.

Non-profit organizations across Canada are facing rapid changes in society that bring significant challenges including reduced volunteerism, aging populations, shifts in giving patterns, fiscal pressures on governments, and income inequality, Wharton noted.  A new strategy is required to ensure the sector is best positioned for success going forward.

The non-profit strategy will be informed by significant public and stakeholder consultations over the coming months, which include community forums and meetings, a discussion paper seeking stakeholder input, as well as an online survey.  The online survey is open to those who have interacted with the non-profit sector as a staff member, volunteer, recipient of services, or organization or business that provides financial or in-kind support. 

The consultation will allow for a close examination of the needs of the non-profit sector, and application of innovation tools to explore how best to build capacity in Manitoba organizations.  The forum today featured a variety of panelists and speakers including several from other provinces, as well as breakout sessions where community members could provide input into the new strategy.

The consultation paper and survey are available online at www.gov.mb.ca/mr/.  The survey closes on June 30.

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