The Surrey Board of Trade is urging the BC and Federal Governments to address major issues with the current funding structure for the non-profit industry including lack of core funding, and onerous reporting requirements leading to a lack of flexibility and innovation.
“The current government funding approach for the charitable and non-profit sector needs to be refreshed so the sector can provide effective support for building and supporting communities and equity frameworks,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “We have over 100 non-profit members. Despite their essential role in delivering government services and supporting those most in need, the sector faces historical underfunding and increasing challenges due to the impact of global events, such as the pandemic, labour shortages and cost of living increases. These challenges have led to burnout, staff turnover, and financial strain, putting the sector’s capacity to serve communities at serious risk.”
“We would like to work with the government to explore ways to reset the way government funding is structured to ensure long-term health and sustainability of the sector.”
Considering the substantial economic and social contributions made by the non-profit sector in Canada, the government can invest in core funding, reduce administrative burdens, and promote flexibility and innovation.
The Surrey Board of Trade is specifically asking, as a first step, that the BC Government:
1. Reclassify 30% of all current project-based funding that is destined for charities and non-profits to be eligible as core funding;
2. Encourage multi-year program funding, providing funding in less-restrictive ways, allowing organizations to respond to emerging needs, to be innovative and to respond to client input and feedback; and,
3. Take an equity approach to the provision of core funding to address historical inequities affecting employees of the non-profit sector.
Read the full policy here.
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Anita Huberman, 604-634-0342, anita@businessinsurrey.com