Kingston, Ontario – October 21, 2024 – Kingston Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, is launching a new workshop series designed to help not-for-profit organizations tackle specific but common business challenges. The series, called the Not-For-Profit Academy, will not only provide expert-led training but also serve as a networking opportunity for participants to connect, share challenges, and learn from each other.
The series will begin with two marketing-focused workshops. The first session, Strategic Communication Planning, will be delivered virtually on October 30, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM by marketing experts Adam Walker and Phil Gaudreau. The second session, Audience Mapping and Key Messages for Not-For-Profits will be delivered virtually on November 13, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM by the same marketing specialists.
Not-for-profit organizations are important components of the Kingston economy with over 150 registered groups employing residents. “Through the Not-For-Profit Academy, we aim to equip these organizations with practical tools and strategies to enhance their operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability,” said Donna Gillespie, CEO of Kingston Economic Development Corporation.
This initiative has been co-developed with The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, which plays a critical role in supporting the city’s charitable sector. “The Community Foundation is committed to building the capacity of our non-profit sector partners to be able to thrive and focus on achieving their mission,” said Stacy Kelly, Executive Director of Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. “We have created the Not-For-Profit Academy as a critical supplement to our longstanding granting programs.”
The Not-For-Profit Academy workshops are being carefully curated to address specific gaps that business developers from Kingston Economic Development have identified through consultations with not-for-profits. “Working closely with not-for-profit leaders, we’ve seen the challenges they face from strategic communication, revenue generation, governance and resources, among others,” said Rob Tamblyn, Business Development Manager, Small & Medium Enterprises at Kingston Economic Development. “These workshops will offer them actionable insights that can make a real difference in their operations.”
Not-for-profits significantly impact Kingston’s economy, contributing to employment and service provision in areas with unmet needs. In 2021, Canada’s non-profit sector employed 2.5 million people, with Ontario contributing 33% of that workforce. In Canada, the non-profit sector contributed 9% to the national GDP in 2020.
For more information on the Not-For-Profit Academy workshops and to register, please visit: www.investkingston.ca/events.
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
