Voluntary Sector Funding Open for Applications

Non-profit organizations can now get help attracting and developing a strong workforce, improving their ability to deliver programs and services across the province.

The province's $800,000 Voluntary Sector Professional Capacity Trust is now accepting applications for funding to support developing human resource policies, business planning and assessing the needs of an organization.

"Over 24,000 Nova Scotians are employed by the voluntary and non-profit sector," said Marilyn More, Minister of the Voluntary Sector and Labour and Advanced Education.

"These organizations deal with many of the same issues facing other industries in finding and keeping skilled professionals. This funding will help support these organizations as they plan and build for the future while continuing to provide essential programs and services to Nova Scotians."

The province has appointed a board of trustees who are responsible for managing the trust, reviewing applications and distributing the funding.

The board is:

• Ruth M. Schneider, West Tarbot, Victoria Co., co-chair. Ms. Schneider sat on the Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO) international board of directors for six years and is on the board of the Canadian Council for International Cooperation. She lives in Cape Breton where she was program co-ordinator for the Centre for International Studies and continues to be an active volunteer.

• Jim Ellsworth, Dartmouth, co-chair. Mr. Ellsworth has worked with the federal government for over 30 years and has experience with international voluntary sector organizations and initiatives including the International Association for Public Participation, the International Stewardship Exchange and the European Centre for Nature Conservation.

• Allister Surette, Lower Argyle, Yarmouth Co. Mr. Surette served as president-CEO of Collège de l'Acadie from 1998 to 2003 and is currently vice-president of Development and Partnerships at Université Sainte-Anne. He was appointed president and vice-chancellor of the institution beginning July 1.

• Kathy Moggridge, Halifax. Ms. Moggridge worked for many years for the federal government and worked on policies concerning the development of the social economy and the strengthening of the voluntary sector across Canada. She now volunteers with many community based organizations.

• Wendy Robichaud, North River, Colchester County. Mrs. Robichaud has been a member of the Nova Scotia Rural Team, the Rural Communities Impacting Policy project. She is a representative on the Nova Scotia Volunteer Community Advisory Council, the Colchester Regional Development Agency Immigration Committee and the Rural Coastal Communities Network.

• Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Halifax. Ms. Hamilton-Hinch is currently an assistant professor at the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie University and is involved in a number of community groups. She is also involved locally and internationally with a number of community groups focusing on marginalized, diverse, and disenfranchised populations.

• Alexa McDonough, Halifax. Ms. McDonough is a former provincial and federal party leader, and former Member of Parliament. She served as interim president of Mount Saint Vincent University has also worked as a social worker and is involved in many non-profit organizations with a focus on social services in communities.

"All Nova Scotians benefit from a strong and vibrant voluntary sector," said Mr. Ellsworth. "This investment in the voluntary sector will pay dividends to all Nova Scotians well into the future."

"This trust offers organizations an opportunity to work together building a voice and strengthening the Voluntary Sector." said Ms. Schneider.

Applicants must submit an expression of interest demonstrating their need and how the funding will help by May 31.

For more information or to apply, visit http://gov.ns.ca/lae/volunteerism/ .