Building Trust, Strengthening Connections

As I reflect on my first few months as Executive Director of IntegralOrg, I am reminded of why I have dedicated so much of my professional journey to the nonprofit sector. I believe in the power of community, the importance of relationships, and the extraordinary impact that happens when people come together with a shared purpose.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside nonprofit leaders, volunteers, boards, funders, and community partners across Alberta and Canada. These experiences have shaped my belief that strong organizations are built not only on sound governance, financial stewardship, and thoughtful strategy, but also on something less tangible and equally important: TRUST.

As I navigate my own leadership journey with IntegralOrg, I am reminded that building trust requires vulnerability, patience, honest conversations, and a willingness to learn together.

One resource that has helped guide my thinking is Imagine Canada's Good Governance and Leadership in Founder-led Organizations. It offers valuable perspectives on governance, leadership transitions, and the importance of clarity in roles and relationships. I share it in the spirit of learning together, recognizing that strong organizations are built when we have the courage to reflect, grow, and move forward with trust. 

I would also love to hear from you. Whether you have ideas to share, challenges to explore, or simply want to connect, please reach out at any time. 

With gratitude,

Tracey  tracey@integralorg.ca 

Leading in the nonprofit sector requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to community impact. With increasing demand and constrained resources, today’s nonprofit leaders face challenges that are both complex and unique.

Elevated Leadership, a leadership training program created by the nonprofit sector, for the nonprofit sector, is being delivered through a collaborative partnership between Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) in Edmonton and IntegralOrg in Calgary.

The program launched in Calgary this month with 24 incredible nonprofit leaders from across Alberta, with 25% of participants representing nonprofits based in rural and smaller communities. The Edmonton-based program runs in November.

Over the first two Calgary sessions, participants have been digging into how they lead, building connections across organizations, and bringing fresh insights back to their teams.

Here’s what some of them have shared:

• “Absolutely amazing introduction to a very insightful program. Very well-prepared and hospitable, and incredible content thus far.”
• “It was comforting to hear that many of us are experiencing the same challenges.”
• “Today was very impactful for me and I learned a lot about myself and how I lead.”

If you would be interested in taking part in a future Elevated Leadership program, please let us know here.

Education with the Community Development Branch

Learn about success planning, facilitation skills, strategic thinking, or volunteer recruitment with the Government of Alberta, Community Engagement Branch webinars. Find out more.

Mental Health Support for Nonprofit Employees

ATB Community Foundation’s Social Sector Mental Health Initiative offers free online mental health support for nonprofit employees of nonprofit organizations operating in Alberta’s social sector.

The partnership between ATB and GreenShield provides employees of eligible nonprofits with 10 free hours of virtual counselling, per staff member, per year—at no cost to you. Find out more.

Understanding our Sector: Why Research Matters

Across Canada, nonprofits are navigating growing community needs, funding pressures, and increasingly complex challenges.

Carleton University's Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) provides valuable insights into these realities through ongoing research and surveys with more than 1,000 Canadian charities.

This research helps inform decision-making, strengthen advocacy, and build a better understanding of the sector's contributions and challenges.

Explore the latest research findings, identify one insight that resonates with your organization's experience, and bring it to your next board or team meeting. What does it tell you about your challenges, opportunities, or priorities for the future? Explore the Charity Insights Canada Project and view the latest research findings.

Stronger Alberta Nonprofits: We're here for you

At IntegralOrg, we believe that when nonprofit organizations are strong, our communities are stronger. Our goal is that your nonprofit thrives, flourishes, and achieves. 

If you have a question, issue, or concern related to your organization, connect with us for an exploratory chat, a discussion with a subject-matter expert, or resource and toolkit recommendations - whatever level of support works for you.

We are here to walk alongside you on your nonprofit's journey to sustainability and impact. 

Built on Vision. Sustained by Generosity

Behind meaningful change are people and organizations who believe in what is possible.

At IntegralOrg, we are deeply grateful to our funders, whose generosity, trust, and investment make it possible to provide learning opportunities, practical resources, and expertise that strengthen Alberta’s nonprofit and charitable sector.

Their support reflects a shared belief that when nonprofit organizations are stronger, our communities are stronger too. We value the trust placed in us and remain committed to thoughtful stewardship, meaningful impact, and responding to the evolving needs of our sector.

To our funders, thank you for believing in our mission and helping make this important work possible.