Non-Profit Hub

A non-profit hub is at the nexus of municipal development, community needs, and adult learning. This article explains what it could look like and how the Foundational Learning Community of Practice (FLC) will work to make it real.

What a Non-Profit Agency Hub Could Look Like

A municipal-supported Non-Profit Agency Hub is essentially a shared-services model: a physical centre where multiple non-profits can co-locate and share resources. The Hub will reduce barriers for smaller organizations and amplify their positive impact on the community.

Core Features:

• Shared Physical Space
  • A municipal or city-owned building offered at low or subsidized rent.
  • Mix of anchor tenants (agencies with long-term leases and steady presence) and flex users (organizations booking rooms/offices as needed).
  • Meeting rooms, classrooms, event spaces, boardrooms, and hot-desking areas.
• Shared Infrastructure
  • Reception, utilities, internet, cleaning, and maintenance handled centrally.
  • Shared technology (printers, AV, digital scheduling systems).
  • Communal kitchens, lounge, and collaboration zones.
• Cost-Sharing Model
  • Tiered rental or membership structure:
    • Full-time tenants: consistent rent contribution at below-market rates.
    • Part-time/flex tenants: pay per-use or monthly membership.
    • Community users: free or subsidized access for grassroots groups or short-term projects.
  • Municipality subsidizes operations to ensure sustainability.
• Collaboration & Visibility
  • Co-location encourages partnerships (e.g., an employment centre working with a food bank on wraparound services).
  • Shared calendar of programs so the public knows the hub is a “one-stop” community resource.
  • Branding as a City-supported community innovation hub.
• Specialized Functions
  • Training rooms (for adult learning, workshops, volunteer training).
  • Testing and certification spaces (CAEC, ESL, workforce credentials).
  • Access to shared consultants (grant writer, fundraiser, communications).
  • Access to shared counsellors for various agencies

Benefits for the Municipality

• Efficient use of space (repurposed civic buildings, old schools, or surplus office space).
• Reduces duplication across non-profits.
• Supports economic and social development goals by stabilizing local agencies.
• Makes Chestermere a regional leader in community development and innovation.

Alignment with Chestermere’s Path Forward 2024–2029

• Inclusive and Diverse Social Connections: The Hub will foster stronger networks among diverse community groups.
• Goal: Support Not-for-Profit Organisations: By creating an enabling environment, through shared space, training, and resources, the Hub will directly support local organisations in serving Chestermere residents.

Advocacy

1. Build the Case with Data

• Gather evidence of need: Rising rents/utilities and closure risk among non-profits. How many Chestermere/area non-profits would benefit (surveys, testimonials). Projected cost savings and community outcomes.
• Showcase models from other municipalities (e.g., Edmonton’s Orange Hub, Calgary’s CommunityWise Resource Centre).

2. Align with City Priorities

• Connect the hub to:
  • Municipal Development Plan (fill the adult education gap).
  • Economic development (workforce training, stability of services).
  • Community well-being (mental health, family support, learning pathways).

3. Start with a Pilot

• Propose a phased approach:
  • Pilot with a few anchor agencies (Foundational Learning Community, employment services, family services, Food Bank, Rotary).
  • Test a “hub within a hub” in an existing city-owned building.
  • Measure impact, then scale.

4. Form a Coalition

• Bring together non-profits across sectors:
  • Education (FLCOP, CAEC testing, CALPs).
  • Social supports (food banks, counselling).
  • Cultural/community groups.
• Present a united front to City Hall showing broad support.
  • Non-profit task force with City Hall
  • Non-profit coalition

5. Create a Governance Model

• Suggest a non-profit society or co-op structure (a coalition) to run the hub.
• City acts as landlord/supporter but agencies govern the space collectively.
• Builds long-term sustainability and agency ownership.

6. Mobilize the Community

• Host a town hall or open forum on the idea.
• Gather public backing—especially from clients who would benefit (learners, families, newcomers).
• Show council this is not just an “agency wish list” but a community need.

7. Present a Roadmap

• Draft a proposal with:
  • Vision and goals.
  • Operational model (anchor/flex tenants).
  • Budget and funding mix (City subsidy + tenant fees + grants).
  • Timeline and pilot plan.
• Offer to lead a working group with city staff and agencies.