LEARN together
Training Ottawa's Not-For-Profits
Volunteer Ottawa offers over 40 unique, practical workshops designed specifically for the sector, and they are free for learners from VO member organizations.
Continuing professional development is essential for individuals working in not-for-profits. Every year, Volunteer Ottawa trains hundreds of staff and volunteers on topics like creating and running successful volunteer programs, developing more diverse and effective Boards of Directors, or increasing capacity in their everyday operations. Our training provides an environment to acquire new skills, network and learn best practices specific to the sector.
Join one of our upcoming workshops or contact us to have a workshop designed specifically for your organization.

Learn, Gather, Recover Together
Volunteer Ottawa is committed to building capacity within the local not-for-profit sector. As part of our new Learn, Gather, Recover Together initiative, we are now offering all of our workshops at no cost for Volunteer Ottawa members.
How do I register for a workshop at no cost?
We’re excited to offer free workshop attendance to learners from our member organizations! Register early: each workshop will have limited seats to maximize learning outcomes and interactivity. Open spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register for an upcoming workshop:
- Consult the calendar of upcoming workshops and select the ones that you or your team members would like to enroll in.
- Email [email protected] and include: your workshop selection(s) and the full name, position/title, and e-mail address of proposed participants.
- Participants will receive an email confirming their registration within 24 hours of their request.
Become a member or renew your membership to access this and many other benefits.
How do I know if my organization is a member?
Not sure if your organization is a current member?
You can search our member directory here: Search Member Directory
Not a member yet?
Read about our benefits and see if registering is right for your organization.
As part of Learn, Gather, Recover Together, VO is offering free membership for organizations with annual revenues under $75,000 for the remainder of the 2022–2023 membership year. This includes full access to all VO membership benefits, including no-cost workshop access. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
My organization is not a member, can I still attend a workshop?
Yes! Volunteer Ottawa workshops are open to non-members for the usual $145 registration fee. Browse our workshops and register here: Upcoming Workshops
Interested in becoming a member?
Read about our benefits and see if registering is right for your organization.
As part of Learn, Gather, Recover Together, VO is offering free membership for organizations with annual revenues under $75,000 for the remainder of the 2022–2023 membership year. This includes full access to all VO membership benefits, including no-cost workshop access. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Learn Together 2023:
Fall Learning Path for Non-Profit Staff
We are excited to announce our confirmed line-up of workshops for the Fall Learning Path for Non-Profit Staff
Our Fall Learning Path is a series of seven workshops designed to support staff working in Ottawa’s non-profits with their day-to-day work, and to be a space for non-profit professionals to learn, grow, and connect.
We recommend registering and participating in the entire learning sequence for optimal learning and networking opportunities. All learning Path workshops meet on Thursdays from 9:30 am until 11:30, unless otherwise noted.
Workshop full? Add your name to the waiting list here!
2023 Fall Schedule and Facilitators
September 14, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Effectively Applying for Grants with Tais McNeill (Ottawa Community Foundation)
September 28, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Foundations of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Non-Profits with Dwaine Taylor, MNPL (newpact and Carleton University)
October 5, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Self-Coaching for Resilience in Non-Profit Workplaces with Gillian Forth (Low Achiever Coaching)
November 2, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Project Management in Development (PMD) Essentials with Don Sucalit (Cornerstone Leadership)
November 16, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Volunteer Engagement Fundamentals for Non-Profit Staff with Adam Janes, CVA (Ottawa Food Bank)
November 30, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Building Inclusive Non-Profit Workplaces with Alice D’Abreu (Monday Morning Consulting)
December 14, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Canva for Non-Designers: Bringing your Communications Plan to Life with Amy VanTorre (Volunteer Ottawa)
Registration at no cost for the Non-Profit Staff Learning Path is reserved for staff and volunteers affiliated with Volunteer Ottawa member organizations.
For more information, email us: [email protected]

Canva for Non-Designers: Bringing your Communications Plan to Life
Board volunteering series: Ask an expert anything about non-profit boards
Social Media Essentials for Non-Profits
Customized Workshops
Let VO create a workshop customized to your learning needs.
Volunteer Ottawa offers workshops customized for your organization and budget. Whether it is training for Board members, management or staff, we will meet with you to determine your needs.
Customized learning experiences can be offered on any subject required, including, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Not-for-profit governance – Board training
- Strategic Planning
- Volunteer Management

Faculty of Instructors
Our Faculty of Instructors include over 25 highly regarded professionals who are leaders in their field and dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteering their time and expertise.