Fund Development at Skills Society and Donor Recognition 2023 AGM Report
Fund Development at Skills Society
Since Skills Society was founded, the organization has diligently worked to supplement the funding provided by the Government of Alberta so that we don’t have to settle for ‘good enough’ for the people we support. This has been accomplished through various means, such as engaging in casino events, organizing raffles, and receiving generous contributions from compassionate individuals and corporations. However, in 2021, Skills Society recognized the need to strengthen its financial resiliency further and embarked on a mission to enhance its capacity for community fundraising.
To achieve this goal, the Skills Society Leadership Team collaborated closely with our Board of Directors, and engaged the renowned consulting firm, ViTreo Group Consulting, to assist us in charting a path forward.
Through an inclusive and comprehensive process, the Board and Vitreo Group worked to develop a Fund Development plan. This plan serves as the blueprint for our organization’s growth and sustainability, aiming to identify key opportunities, address challenges, and outline strategic objectives to enhance our fundraising efforts.
With the plan in place, our next critical step was to find a dynamic and experienced professional to bring this vision to life. It is with great pleasure and excitement that I joined Skills Society as the new Senior Manager of Fund Development and Engagement.
Bringing over a decade of dedication to the nonprofit sector, I bring a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in fundraising. My passion for and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities makes me a valuable asset to the team.
Prior to joining Skills Society, I held key leadership positions in local nonprofit organizations, where I honed my skills in strategic planning, donor stewardship, and community engagement. My commitment to the sector and continuous professional development has earned me the internationally recognized Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, which sets the standard for ethical, competent fund development.
I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous amount of work put in by the Skills Society Board of Directors, particularly the Fund Development Committee, the Leadership Team, and ViTreo Group, in preparing Skills Society for my arrival. Their dedication and hard work have facilitated a seamless integration into my role, enabling us to dive straight into implementing the foundation for a robust fund development department. As the Senior Manager of Fund Development and Engagement, I am fully prepared to lead our fundraising initiatives, nurture meaningful partnerships, and oversee the implementation of our comprehensive Fund Development plan.
With the passion and drive of our Skills Society community, we are well-positioned to make a significant impact in empowering individuals with disabilities. I invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we work together to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
Looking ahead, we aim to go beyond the present constraints and envision a world where individuals with disabilities can experience meaningful lives as valued citizens in our community. This ambitious vision requires us to step outside the boundaries of traditional approaches and embrace innovative fund development ideas.
As we design what fund development looks like at Skills Society, we are looking to engage visionary individuals and organizations who share our dream of a more inclusive society. We invite funders and donors who are willing to support ground-breaking initiatives and invest in long-term, sustainable solutions for now and for future generations to come.
Our fund development efforts will focus on seeking out innovative funding sources, exploring grant opportunities that align with our vision, and cultivating relationships with philanthropic individuals and organizations passionate about systemic change. We understand that traditional funding streams may not be sufficient to realize the transformative shifts we envision. Therefore, we are committed to thinking outside the box and seeking unconventional funding avenues.
Additionally, we recognize the significant role storytelling and narrative play in fund development. By sharing the stories and experiences of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by our programs and services, we can inspire donors to invest in our vision. The power of storytelling allows us to connect on an emotional level, enabling funders to see the potential of our dreams and the profound impact their contributions can make.
We will actively seek partners who share our dreams of a more inclusive future and explore innovative funding sources to bring about lasting systemic change. By incorporating the aspirations of dreaming into our fund development efforts, we can move closer to realizing our vision of a society where individuals with disabilities thrive and flourish.
I want to express my deep gratitude for your time and commitment to Skills Society. Together, we have started on a journey of transformation, guided by our collective hopes and dreams of a more inclusive and compassionate world.
I encourage each of you to take an active role in shaping the future of Skills Society and the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Connect with me at giving@skillssociety.ca to learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute to our cause. Whether you are interested in making a donation or exploring partnership opportunities, your involvement is invaluable.
Furthermore, I encourage you to share your personal reasons for supporting Skills Society with our local community. Your story has the ability to inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of Skills Society in Edmonton. By sharing your stories, experiences, and the impact you have been a part of, you can help us amplify our message and create change.
Let us unite in our commitment to building a society where individuals with disabilities are fully embraced, respected, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and create lasting systemic change.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and dedication. I look forward to connecting with each of you, hearing why you are a part of the Skills Society community, and working together to make our vision a reality. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
This piece was written by Amanda Bell, Director of Fund Development and Engagement.
Donor Recognition
We are grateful to our Skills Community, greater community members and committed partners for joining us in our vision to foster a community where all individuals are valued citizens deserving respect, dignity and rights. We give our heartfelt thanks for your generous support!
Lasha Robert
Linda Hook
Lynda & Gordon Hauca
Margo & Randy Cable
Matt & Kristine Ashdown
Megan Poslyuzny
Nancy Spencer
Pat Conrad
Penny Brown
Peter Ashdown
Robert Herring
Rebecca Rubuliak
Rob Rubuliak
Robert Philp
Rochelle Mitchell
Tim Doran
W David Sharp
Walter Pavlic on behalf of MLT Aikins
Anne-Marie Kallal
Ben Weinlick
Brenda Kinloch
Carmen Norris
Carol Ewanowich in honor of Graeme Szelewicki
Catherine de Frece
Dale & Shirley Parranto
Daniel Zazula
Darcy McDonald
Debbie Reid & Shelley Engstrom
Debbie Royer
Dianne McConnell
Elizabeth Huzar
Frances Urtasun
Jerome Klein
John Zurbrigg
Karen Huta
Kate Gunn
Residents of Chartwell Heritage Valley
In support of Skills Society’s children’s respite program
Rotary Club of Edmonton Whyte Avenue
Christmas stockings for people supported by Skills Society’s Outreach program
Grants & Endowments
Edmonton Community Foundation
CommuniTEA Infusion Project 2022: $10,000
RBC Foundation
CommuniTEA Infusion Project 2022: $10,000
Skills Society Cable Family Endowment Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation
Interest earned in 2022: $9,191
Skills Society Endowment Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation
Interest earned in 2022: $9,573
