Calgary Mayor’s Office Formalizes New Partnership with Alberta's Nonprofit Sector
A landmark agreement recognizes nonprofits as essential civic and economic infrastructure.
Today marks an important milestone for Alberta's nonprofit sector.
This morning, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Nonprofit Chamber President + CEO Angie Gélinas officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a formal framework for ongoing collaboration between the Mayor's Office and the Nonprofit Chamber. This seed was planted long ago, and announced during the Connections Conference, in April 2026.
More than a ceremonial signing, this agreement recognizes something our sector has long known: nonprofits are essential to Calgary's future. They are community builders, employers, innovators, convenors, and partners in creating vibrant, resilient communities.
This is the first MOU of Mayor Farkas’s term as Mayor, and a strong signal of his continued Stronger Together platform. It establishes a structured relationship between the Mayor's Office and the Nonprofit Chamber, creating ongoing opportunities for dialogue and collaboration on issues including community and economic development, workforce, procurement, policy, and sector capacity. It also commits both organizations to regular leadership meetings and annual reviews to ensure the partnership continues to deliver value for Calgarians. In other words: a seat at the table, in a way we’ve never had before.
“Calgary’s nonprofits hold this city together in ways most people never see. This partnership says something simple and overdue: the sector belongs at the table where decisions about Calgary’s future get made. It is the first agreement of its kind in Canada, and the real work starts now, making it useful for the Mayor’s Office and for the communities our members serve every day.”
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Nonprofit Chamber President + CEO Angie Gélinas holding signed Memorandum of Understanding documents
Why this matters
Alberta's nonprofit sector is a powerful driver of both community wellbeing and economic prosperity.
Across the province:
More than 314,000 Albertans work in the nonprofit sector.
The sector contributes $6.2 billion to Alberta's GDP each year.
Volunteers contribute an estimated $5.6 billion in economic value annually.
More than half of Alberta's nonprofits operate entirely with volunteers, demonstrating the extraordinary commitment of people who give their time to strengthen their communities.
Learn more about the State of The Sector here.
Together, these organizations support Albertans at every stage of life. They help people build connections, find belonging, overcome challenges, celebrate culture, protect the environment, and strengthen the social fabric that makes communities thrive.
As Calgary approaches the milestone of welcoming its two millionth resident, the nonprofit sector will play an increasingly important role in helping our city grow well. From welcoming newcomers and supporting families to creating vibrant neighbourhoods and responding to emerging community needs, nonprofits will be essential partners in shaping Calgary's future.
This agreement recognizes that expertise and creates a formal pathway for the nonprofit sector to help inform conversations about the future of our city.
A stronger voice through collaboration
The Nonprofit Chamber exists to strengthen Alberta's nonprofit sector by building capacity, generating insight, and amplifying our collective voice.
This partnership creates a formal pathway to bring evidence, experience, and sector perspectives into conversations that shape municipal priorities. It is designed to strengthen collaboration - not replace existing relationships - and to ensure nonprofit leaders have meaningful opportunities to contribute where their expertise can make a difference.
Looking ahead
Partnerships like this are built over time.
Today's signing marks the beginning of a new chapter - one grounded in collaboration, shared learning, and a shared commitment to better outcomes for Calgary and the people who call it home.
While this agreement is focused on Calgary, we hope it demonstrates what's possible when governments and the nonprofit sector work together with intention. Alberta's nonprofit sector is diverse, innovative, and deeply rooted in communities across the province, and we believe stronger relationships between municipalities and the sector will lead to stronger communities for everyone.
We're grateful to Mayor Jeromy Farkas and his team for their leadership and partnership.
Their willingness to recognize the nonprofit sector as an essential partner in city-building sends a meaningful signal about the value nonprofits bring to our communities every day.
This is only the beginning. As this partnership evolves, we'll share what we're learning, celebrate the progress we're making together, and continue working to strengthen connections between governments and the nonprofit sector across Alberta.