Nominated for a Manning Innovation Award in 2017, Capacity Canada is widely recognized for its expertise in board governance, evaluation, mentorship and coaching, strategic planning and social entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 2009, it has expanded from a focus on Waterloo Region to a national strategy offering programs and services to more than 450 organizations across Canada ranging from those in health and social services to social entrepreneurs who use the power of profit to make the world a better place. Since our inception in 2009, more than 5,000 people have participated in Capacity Canada programs.

Capacity Canada has long-term working relationships with several well-established Canadian companies, including Suncor Energy, Manulife and Google.  We have additionally been a long term partner with FuseSocial in Fort McMurray and have helped many other social profits in the Wood Buffalo area.

In 2014 Capacity Canada received accreditation under Imagine Canada’s national standards program, which sets benchmarks in board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, staff management and the involvement of volunteers.

• Board Governance BootCamps sponsored by Manulife, which have engaged more than 500 directors from 250 organizations since 2009
• MatchBoard, a national matching program with partners such as Manulife and EY that pairs employees in the corporate sector with non-profit boards of directors that align with their interests, skills and expertise
• Creative Day for Social Good, an annual Pro Bono event, where communication and marketing professionals volunteer to create design and communications assets for non-profits.
• Peer-to-peer networks for executive directors and social innovators across communities to drive social change
• Customized and niche learning opportunities in areas such as leadership and evaluation
• Capacity by Design, a design thinking program to help social good organizations rethink how they approach problem solving
• TechMatch, which pairs technology professionals from the corporate sector and their employers with nonprofit organizations to help them design sustainable technology strategies
• Community transformation projects to strengthen the social profit sector in places as diverse as The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Ottawa valley.

Good boards do not just happen. Directors must be properly trained in their fiduciary, strategic and generative responsibilities, and boards must be able to connect with diverse volunteers passionate about their cause and able to step into a governance role.

Capacity Canada is keen to build the capacity of Calgary and area nonprofits through its acclaimed Board Governance BootCamp and MatchBoard programs.

Board Governance BootCamp, which requires attendance of both the executive director/CEO and the board chair, trains directors in their roles and responsibilities as governors, and builds knowledge and skills of board directors and executive directors/CEOs so they may carry insights and actions forward and effectively deliver the organization’s mission. Capacity Canada’s Board Governance BootCamp, offered annually over 2.5 days, will fill the training gap that Calgary and area nonprofits currently face.

MatchBoard supports individuals in their search to serve on a non-profit board that suits their passions, personalities, and professional skills – all while building their capacity to serve in governance roles. Through coaching with Capacity Canada, in-depth research to select potential organizations, and diverse learning opportunities, the MatchBoard Program ensures that both individual participants and nonprofit boards have a positive experience and a winning fit. MatchBoard has traditionally been delivered as a professional development opportunity for corporate employees, and Capacity Canada is actively seeking corporate partners in Calgary. In response to the compelling need Calgary and area nonprofits are facing as they strive to recruit directors from outside their typical networks, we are launching a community MatchBoard program where participants will be recruited from the community.