As a volunteer, the charity or non-profit organization you are volunteering with is responsible for your safety. However, they may expect you to be familiar with common safety guidelines for working outdoors in Ontario. This page provides a brief overview of safety considerations when working outdoors. Visit the Government...
Communications and DEI Resources
Find resources for Communications and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives for your organization. Featured Resources Did you know that registered non-profits get free access to Canva’s pro features? Canva is an incredible communications tool for any organization and is easy to use even for non-designers. Learn more about...
Non-profit Management Resources
Part of Volunteer Ottawa’s mission as a volunteer centre is to help non-profits and charities in the greater Ottawa region build their capacity. Browse these resources for more information on operating a non-profit in Ontario. Governance Framework: Mapping a Nonprofit Organization’s Governance System Imagine Canada Resources on Non-profit or...
Volunteer Management Resources
Volunteer Management is a unique field that shares some similarities with other HR and management roles, but also presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. Learn more about Volunteer Management using these free resources. General Volunteer Management The Volunteer Management Handbook from Volunteer Canada Volunteer Management information from Imagine...
Research and Data Resources
Canadian organizations have access to a wealth of online data, research, and statistics. Browse the links collected here to find sources for Canadian- and Ontario-specific information. Data on the Value of Volunteering from Volunteer Canada Research on Volunteering from Imagine Canada Ontario Nonprofit Network Resource Centre The Canadian Knowledge Hub...
Screening Volunteers: Guides and Tools
Volunteer Ottawa helps people interested in volunteering find roles with organizations throughout the greater Ottawa region — but once you have applicants to your volunteer position, what next? Screening is the next step in volunteer recruitment: it can help you find the right volunteers for your role and the right...
Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement
Volunteer Canada’s Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement is a key document for organizations that engage volunteers. As part of Volunteer Ottawa’s membership agreement, we ask that members recruiting volunteers through VO familiarize themselves with this code and utilize its framework. Download the 2017 edition of the Canadian Code for Volunteer...
CLEO’s Bylaw Builder
CLEO's Bylaw Builder tool is for non-profits incorporated under Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). This free-to-use tool has been legally reviewed and can help you quickly build organizational bylaws for approval by your Board of Directors. Consider starting by reading this guide to the Bylaw Builder. CLEO's Bylaw Builder
How Youth Benefit Not-For-Profits
Did you know that in 2018, Canadian youth had the highest overall volunteering rate amongst all generations? Youth are looking for direct, impactful volunteering opportunities to make a difference in their own communities. Youth volunteers: Bring new perspectives, ideas and skills Raise awareness of your not-for-profit through their networks Help build organizations'...
How to Engage Youth
Where to start Developing youth volunteer engagement is critical for transforming volunteering from a graduation requirement into an exciting way for youth to get involved in their community. Listed below are ideas and resources to help your organization better engage with youth volunteers. How to Engage Youth Volunteers Conduct an...