Conestoga has partnered with Capacity Canada to deliver a Modern Board Program to help train current and potential non-profit board directors across Canada.
Online courses will begin June 29 through the college, available through the D2L learning platform.
“Capacity Canada is excited to work with Conestoga to expand our Modern Board program offering to non-profit board members and prospective directors right across the country,” said Cathy Brothers, CEO of Capacity Canada. “Our organizations have a strong history of innovation and this is proof of our mutual commitments to strengthen the non-profit sector.”
Brothers continued that with thousands of non-profit organizations across Canada facing growing responsibilities in governance, preparing community leaders for new heights of social good is the program's mission.
"Conestoga’s ability to deliver programs in partnership with industry is a cornerstone of polytechnic education," said Conestoga President John Tibbits. "Our long-standing collaboration with Capacity Canada continues to yield tremendous benefits, addressing the needs of non-profits while providing valuable learning and development opportunities for both students and faculty."
“Non-profit boards of directors are indispensable in helping guide organizations to success, deliver on their missions and achieve positive outcomes for communities," said Gary Hallam, executive dean to the School of Business. "Skills and expertise of a board’s directors are crucial to their collective impact.”
“Coupled with Capacity Canada’s growing Match Board program, which connects employees with board positions, this initiative will help employees and others to make a huge difference in leadership of hundreds of charities through volunteer work on Boards of Directors,” said Joanna Lohrenz, chair of Capacity Canada and vice-president, Group Benefits, Sponsor Experience at Manulife Financial.
The Modern Board program will help boards train their directors in a comprehensive, efficient way, and to assist directors constrained by schedules or limited access to resources.
Suncor Energy Foundation sponsored development of the Modern Board program based on their commitment to build resilient communities and nurture innovation in social profits.
The one-of-a-kind training program enables board directors to grow their governance capacity from anywhere, at any time, without detracting from time spent conducting their board’s meaningful work.
The new partnership also takes collaboration between Capacity Canada and Conestoga to a new level, Brothers explained. College faculty and students already work closely with Capacity Canada on various fronts, including a Creative Day for Social Good and public relations labs to help non-profits.
For more information about Modern Board and registration, please visit Capacity Canada.