Durham Non-Profit Network
Connecting Durham’s non-profit sector. Strengthening resilience. Supporting collaboration.
The Durham Non-Profit Network has its origins in the Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response project. In April 2020, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) conducted a survey to better understand the resources and supports needed by non-profit organizations in Durham Region and to map the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following CDCD’s initial report on the impacts of COVID-19 on the non-profit sector, an advisory group of five key stakeholders was brought together to support the second phase of the project. Through two focus groups with 12 non-profit stakeholders, 10 key informants and six orientation informants, recommendations were developed to support the region’s non-profit recovery.
The Durham Non-Profit Recovery Network (DNRN) was subsequently formed, bringing Durham non-profit organizations together to support one another and strengthen sector resilience during and beyond the pandemic.
Built Through Collaboration
The network grew from a region-wide effort to understand the pressures facing Durham’s non-profit organizations and identify practical ways to strengthen recovery, resilience and collaboration.
It reflects the knowledge and participation of local organizations, community leaders, funders and stakeholders who contributed to the project.
Supported by Partners in Durham’s Non-Profit Recovery
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Community Development Council Durham
Project Summary
From 2020 to 2021, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) coordinated the Durham Non-Profit COVID-19 Recovery Project to better understand what resources and supports were needed to help non-profit organizations in Durham Region navigate the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Durham non-profits came together to provide recommendations on the supports needed to facilitate the sector’s recovery during and post-pandemic. The Durham Non-Profit Recovery Network (DNRN) aims to support Durham non-profits in their recovery and resiliency-building. This project was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Key Project Advisors
The project was supported by key community partners whose guidance and sector knowledge contributed to the work.
Durham Community Foundation
A key project advisor supporting the Durham non-profit sector.
Visit Durham Community Foundation →United Way Durham Region
A key project advisor supporting the Durham non-profit sector.
Visit United Way Durham Region →Acknowledgements
The Durham Non-Profit COVID-19 Recovery Project was shaped by the contributions of staff, advisors, organizations, community leaders and participants across Durham Region.
Thank You
- Nathan Gardner, Former Team Lead, Community Development, CDCD
- Neemarie Alam, Former Lead Social Researcher, CDCD
Advisory Group Members
Key Informants
- AIDS Committee of Durham Region
- Boys and Girls Club of Durham
- Feed the Need Durham
- Oshawa Seniors Community Centre
- Salvation Army
- Scientists in School
- Their Opportunity
- Whitby Chamber of Commerce
- Women’s Multicultural Resource & Counselling Centre
Orientation Informants
- Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
- Community Development Council Durham
- Durham Community Foundation
- Municipality of Clarington
- Region of Durham
- Town of Ajax
Focus Group Participants
- 1855 Whitby-Technology Accelerator
- A Gift of Art
- Bowmanville Older Adults Association
- Community Care Durham
- Community Justice Alternatives of Durham Region
- Durham Association for Family Resources and Support
- Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
- Gate 3:16 Outreach Centre
- John Howard Society of Durham Region
- Precious Minds Support Services
With Appreciation
We extend our thanks to our funders, governments and community leaders for their continued guidance, efforts and insights.
Special thanks are extended to the Region of Durham, Durham Community Foundation, United Way Durham Region and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support of this work.
We acknowledge the non-profits across Durham Region whose creativity, strength and continued work support communities every day. You are needed and necessary.
We’re On Our Way
The Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response project included a sector survey, reporting and action plans to help agencies and charities plan for the future. The work sought to understand the immediate and long-term effects of the pandemic on Durham’s non-profit sector and identify the supports needed for recovery.
Following the initial report, the project team worked with an advisory group, focus groups, key informants and orientation informants. The resulting report continues the narrative that Durham’s non-profit sector is complex, interwoven and important as recovery strategies are developed and implemented.
Reports & Publications
Explore reports, presentations and findings produced through the Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response and Recovery work.
Connected Through Uncertainty
Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response Full Report.
Download Full Report →Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response
A visual summary of the 2020 survey results.
Download Infographic →Executive Summary
Executive summary of the Durham COVID-19 Survey Impact Report.
Download Executive Summary →We’re On Our Way
Supporting Durham’s Non-Profit Sector through and post the COVID-19 pandemic.
Download Report →More information: Padmini Roberts — proberts@cdcd.org or 905-686-2661 ext. 135.
Webinars & Workshops
Learning opportunities were offered to support Durham non-profit organizations and leaders as they navigated pandemic recovery, organizational resilience, fundraising and mental wellbeing.
Now What? Getting Ready for the New Roaring 20s
Presented by Nicole Nakoneshny, Partner at KCI.
Focused on fundraising trends and strategies for the sector during and post-pandemic.
Download Presentation →The Case for Organizational Health and Resilience
Presented by Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO at Imagine Canada.
Focused on helping organizations make the case for operating support and strategies for discussing organizational health with stakeholders and donors.
Download Presentation →COVID-Recovery Task Force
Presented by Neemarie Allam and Hermia Corbette at CDCD.
Focused on the survey and work being undertaken by the project team.
We Are Here for You!
Presented by Audrey Andrews, Strategic Partnerships, Region of Durham.
A check-in on what the Funders Table and the Region of Durham were doing to support the charitable and non-profit sector during COVID and beyond.
Supporting Pandemic Mental Health Impacts for Leaders
This three-part series provided psycho-education focused on identifying and managing stressors and mental health challenges experienced by leaders during the pandemic, with opportunities to debrief, build on collective strengths and identify helpful coping strategies.
Identifying Mental Health Impacts for Leaders During Pandemic
- Pressures faced by leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Stress, burnout, compassion fatigue and the role isolation can play.
- Identifying and responding to stress and distress.
- Support, debriefing and relevant resources.
The Benefits of Self-Reflection and Self-Care for Leaders
- The benefits of self-reflection practices for leaders.
- Balancing self-care while facing leadership pressures.
- Micro self-care habits when time is scarce.
- Support, debriefing and relevant resources.
Self-Compassion for Leaders and Strategies for Fostering Resiliency
- Implementing self-compassion practices.
- Strategies for fostering personal and organizational resiliency.
- Supporting mental wellbeing and resiliency with teams.
- Support, debriefing and relevant resources.
Shared Software & Technology Information
Software and technology information was assembled to support Durham Region non-profits. Before contacting or using shared software and technology, please review the applicable terms and conditions.
Adobe Creative Cloud
A collection of software for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography and cloud services.
- Acrobat DC
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Photoshop
- Premiere Pro
GoToMeeting / GoToWebinar
Online meeting, conferencing and webinar tools supporting virtual collaboration and community engagement.
- Virtual meetings and conferences
- Desktop sharing
- Video conferencing
- Webinars and analytics
Grant Connect
A fundraising research platform providing access to grant opportunities and funder information.
- Funding prospect searches
- Eligibility and application information
- Giving histories
- Grant-maker contact information
Tableau
A visual analytics platform for exploring, managing and communicating data.
- Interactive data visualization
- Data exploration
- Sharing data insights
Zoom
A cloud-based video conferencing service for virtual meetings, calls, events and webinars.
- Video meetings
- Chat and calls
- Online events and webinars
- Real-time virtual connection
Software information contact: Padmini Roberts — proberts@cdcd.org or 905-686-2661 ext. 135.
Strengthening Durham’s Non-Profit Sector Together
For more information about the Durham Non-Profit Network, project resources or related community development work, connect with CDCD.