Bow Valley Non-Profits

09/03/2026

The Switchback Creative Trailblazer Fund is now open!

Are you making the world a better place? Do you have a big vision for your organization, but you need some creative expertise to help you solve marketing, design or branding challenges?

Once a year, Switchback Creative look for registered non-profit or society organizations that are doing really great work and have design, web or branding challenges. Apply for your chance to receive $10,000 in services from them.

Applications open until Nov 15, 2026. Learn more, visit:
https://switchbackcreative.ca/trailblazer/

09/01/2026

Let Bow Valley Non-profits help amplify your message! Do you have an event, volunteer need, or staff recruitment you'd like to share? Send them to [email protected].

You’re also welcome to share any useful non-profit resources or anything else that could benefit Bow Valley’s non-profit community.

Let’s connect and collaborate!

08/27/2026

Are you seeking funding? Join the Bow Valley Grants Funding in-person meeting on Thursday, September 10th, from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm at the Canmore Public Library.

Any Bow Valley organizations seeking funding or grant opportunities are welcome to join!

The goals of these meetings are to develop partnership opportunities, collaborate on events, share resources & grants, and discuss grant writing best practices.

Questions? Please email [email protected]

08/25/2026

Polaris Trails Grants Program - closing Sep 1st

Launched in January 2006 for off-road and snow clubs, associations and grassroots groups, the Polaris TRAILS GRANTS program makes funds available to organizations to promote safe and responsible riding, support trail preservation and help protect the environment and natural resources that are a part of the off-road trail systems.

Organizations can use funds for off-road trail development and maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, and other projects that increase and maintain land trail access.

Learn more:
https://www.polaris.com/en-ca/trails-application/

08/20/2026

Engaging citizens and strengthening charities

Did you know the Calgary Foundation grant programs are open to organizations in Banff National Park, Canmore, the Municipal Districts of Big Horn, Kananaskis, and the surrounding First Nations of Treaty 7 territory?

Their Community Grant program aims to strengthen the charitable sector and engage communities. The program supports a wide variety of proposals covering existing programs, new initiatives, and organizational development.

Applications close 4pm on Tuesday, September 1st.

Learn more:
https://calgaryfoundation.org/charities/grants/community-grants/

08/19/2026

Bow Valley Connections Centre Needs Your Help!

As part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the IDPD committee is planning a learning opportunity for helping organizations.

They've heard organizations are interested in improving accessibility and inclusion.

They'd like to know what topics would be most useful, and in what format.

Add your voice! Give your input via our survey by August 30: 👇
https://activitymessenger.com/p/idpd-survey

08/19/2026

Free Nonprofit Leaders Roundtable Event with KEA Canada Ltd.

Join Kathy Arney and fellow nonprofit leaders for an open conversation about the challenges you’re facing in today’s changing world.

Share your experiences, hear how others are managing, and gain insights to help you lead with confidence through uncertain times.

This free, interactive session is an opportunity to connect, learn, and support each other.

📌 Wednesday, September 9
📌 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
📌 Free to register, limited spaces available
📌 Online

Register now: 👇

Join Kathy Arney and nonprofit leaders across Canada for a free monthly roundtable — an open conversation about funding challenges, strategy, and leading with confidence.

08/13/2026

A business plan can be an invaluable tool for your nonprofit. Even a short business plan pushes you to do research, crystallize your purpose, and polish your messaging.

This blog explains what it is and why you need it, outlines ten steps to help you write one, and provides the dos and don’ts of creating a nonprofit business plan.

📌 Lay out your goals and establish milestones.
📌 Better understand your beneficiaries, partners, and other stakeholders.
📌 Assess the feasibility of your nonprofit and document your fundraising/financing model.
📌 Attract investment and prove that you’re serious about your nonprofit.
📌 Attract a board and volunteers.
📌 Position your nonprofit and get clear about your message.
📌 Force you to research and uncover new opportunities.
📌 Iron out all the kinks in your plan and hold yourself accountable.

Read the blog: 👇

Learn everything about writing a Nonprofit Business plan. A step-by-step guide, Do's & Don'ts, Samples, Templates Included!

08/11/2026

Bring your neighbours together! The Town of Canmore Neighbourhood Block Party Trailer has everything you need (and then some) to make hosting a neighbourhood gathering simple and fun.

Nonprofit organizations can book it for weekday community events too (Monday-Thursday). You can even use it to host a WildSmart kickoff or neighbourhood clean-up event!

The trailer is available to rent through the Canmore FCSS office for $27 and requires a $50 refundable credit card deposit.

Learn more:
https://www.canmore.ca/your-community/community-supports-and-services/neighbourhoods

08/06/2026

Did you know that Canva provides free access to Canva Pro for registered organizations, including social impact organizations with clearly stated charitable missions?

Create professional-quality graphics, presentations, social media content, reports, and marketing materials without the cost of a standard Pro subscription.

Key Features:
📌 Extensive Template Library: Access over 250,000 customizable templates for social media, print, presentations, and more

📌 Stock Media Assets: Use 75+ million premium photos, videos, audio clips, and graphics to enhance visual storytelling

📌 Brand Kit: Store your nonprofit’s colours, fonts, and logos to maintain consistent branding across all designs

📌 Team Collaboration: Collaborate in real-time with up to 50 team members, streamlining workflow and project management

📌 AI Tools: Utilize Canva’s conversational AI assistant to generate designs from text or voice prompts

📌 Cloud Storage: Receive up to 100GB of cloud storage for all your designs

📌 Educational Resources: Access tutorials, webinars, and courses to improve design skills and create impactful materials

Learn more and register:
https://www.canva.com/nonprofits