Fact sheet: Voluntary Sector Portal
Background
Voluntary sector organizations devote considerable time and resources
in the search for information and funding to serve their clients. Although
many sites relating to the voluntary sector exist, no one site contains
a comprehensive, up-to-date, nation-wide and interactive service to
the sector. The development of a portal for the voluntary sector would
provide a strategic information and communications technology resource.
A one-stop shopping site would provide non-profit organizations, as
well as funding agencies and other interested parties, with a single
point of entry (or portal) on the Internet to access multiple sources
and types of information and services.
Work of the IM/IT Joint Table
The work of the Table included:
- research and surveys of voluntary sector organizations to clearly
identify sector needs;
- study of other models including the portal in use in Scotland for
design, implementation and governance information; and
- review of current Canadian voluntary sector portals.
Expected Benefits of the Recommendation
The proposed voluntary sector portal would provide such Web-based
services as a virtual technology store, on-line tools, a funding exchange,
best practices, a training network and links to other organizations.
By facilitating networking and advocacy, the portal would help to
strengthen the voluntary sector's capacity to meet mandates and goals.
For more information, contact the IM/IT Secretariat at (613) 990-7233
or e-mail: imit@ic.gc.ca
