In This Issue

Hi First name / there,

 

Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of the Social Profit Periodical for 2025! As we step into a new year, we’re reminded of the immense power of partnership, innovation, and collaboration—the core tenets of P4. At Bespoke Social Profit Solutions, we believe in the transformative impact of public, private, philanthropic, and social profit providers working together to address today’s most pressing challenges.

 

This month, we’re tackling a topic that might not be headline-grabbing—but ignoring it could land your organization in one. Risk management isn’t sexy, but it is essential. Doug Tweedle of BFL Canada sheds light on the hidden vulnerabilities nonprofits face, from cybersecurity threats to governance pitfalls. His insights serve as a wake-up call: staying ahead of risks isn’t just smart, it’s mission-critical. Because while risk management might not turn heads, a well-prepared organization certainly keeps them nodding in approval.

 

We hope you find inspiration and practical takeaways in this issue as you gear up for a year of bold action and meaningful progress. Together, let’s embrace 2025 with courage, connection, and the collective strength of P4 partnerships. 

Warmly,

 

This Month In One Number

28%

The percentage of Canadian organizations that experienced a successful ransomware attack in the past 12 months, with 79% of those organizations paying the ransom.
Source: 2024 CIRA Cybersecurity Survey

A bimonthly feature where sector thought leaders dive in on timely social profit topics.

The Risks You Can’t Afford to Ignore: Insights for Nonprofit Boards and Leaders 

The nonprofit sector thrives on passion, purpose, and community. But even the most mission-driven organizations face risks that, if unaddressed, can derail their work. This month, we sat down with Doug Tweddle, Client Executive at BFL Canada, to explore the evolving risk landscape for nonprofits and the steps boards, executives, and funders can take to stay ahead.

 

“Employment practices claims are rising,” Doug cautions. Constructive dismissal, wrongful dismissal, and claims through the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal are increasingly common. For boards, relying entirely on administrative teams for HR management can leave gaps in oversight.

 

“A robust HR policy is vital,” Doug emphasizes. “Hiring, annual reviews, and consistent documentation must be monitored at the board level. Asking your executive director about the employment landscape is not just acceptable—it’s responsible.”

Doug Tweedle has been in the insurance industry for more than a decade and currently serves as a Client Executive with BFL Canada in Edmonton. 

 

 

 

Public financials make nonprofits vulnerable, as bad actors target organizations with significant capital. Stay vigilant against cybersecurity threats to safeguard your mission.

The Social Profit Sector Index

Need to know 

NICE to know

CAUSE For Applause

Critical to address

pAGE TURNER WITH A PURPOSE

Spotlighting partnerships between social profit providers, public and private interest holders and philanthropic contributors.

P4

In Calgary, where the demand for inclusive early childhood programs grows every year, Pacekids has become a catalyst for possibility and change. What began in 1994 as a passionate vision by a group of parents has flourished into a dynamic organization that empowers children with diverse needs to thrive through therapy, education, and play. At the heart of their work lies the P4 framework—a powerful model that brings together public, private, philanthropic, and social profit sectors to address complex challenges and create lasting solutions for families in need.

 

 

In 2024, Pacekids launched a groundbreaking pilot program in collaboration with Trellis Society, a leading social profit organization formed through the merger of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary and Aspen Family and Community Network. Trellis is dedicated to empowering individuals and families across Calgary through programs addressing housing, mental health, education, and basic needs. This partnership brings Pacekids’ ECS programming—an Alberta Education-licensed and PUF-approved program—to three Trellis preschool classrooms, fostering inclusive environments for children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Brain Injury, Speech & Language delays, and more. By combining Pacekids’ specialized expertise with Trellis’ established community presence, this initiative significantly expands access to early childhood education in Calgary.

 

 

This pilot program represents a milestone for Pacekids and the families they serve. Key outcomes include:

This innovative approach not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for sustainable growth and inclusive education across Calgary.

 

By embracing the P4 framework and building partnerships that prioritize inclusion and collaboration, Pacekids is creating lasting change for children with diverse needs and their families. Their work exemplifies the power of coming together to tackle challenges and build stronger, more connected communities.