- Community Development
Community Development
We believe that strong, connected communities go hand in hand with economic expansion, creativity and innovation. We invest financial resources and the expertise of our employees to make a positive economic impact in the communities where we live, work and serve. We help stimulate economic activity in Canadian communities by supporting programs that enable community economic development with a social purpose.
Our Contribution
In 2005, we donated $1.5 million to community development initiatives, plus another $2.5 million to United Way/Centraide. Bell Canada employees and retirees contributed an additional $1.53 million to United Way/Centraide through payroll and fundraising activities.
Partnering for greater impact
Our support for community economic development is based on partnerships with organizations that share our values, have the expertise and broad perspective to successfully manage programs that deliver results. Examples include:
The Bell Community Economic Development Fund
Bell Canada's $1 million commitment was matched by the J.W. McConnell Family foundation and Carleton University's CEDTAP (Community Economic Development Technical Assistance Program) to foster community economic development in up to 100 communities in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Québec. The Bell Community Economic Development Fund is intended to stimulate growth and innovation through grants that support improved communications technology. This fund is the third iteration of a program that was started by Bell Canada in 1998 but the first to partner with an outside organization and expand beyond Ontario.
Altruvest
Altruvest Charitable Services offers performance improvement solutions to charities at little or no cost. Bell supports Altruvest's innovative Web-based BoardMatch program which provides charitable organizations with a venue to post open board positions online and recruit suitable volunteers. Altruvest also conducts group training sessions for prospective board members so that volunteer boards receive skilled directors and volunteers are better prepared to serve responsibly. Interested candidates can apply for positions and training online.
United Way/Centraide
Bell's longstanding financial support and partnership with the United Way helps fund the vital social services that build healthy communities. Agencies served by the United Way include neighborhood and family organizations that provide services such as: independent living for seniors and people with disabilities; promoting a healthy start for children and youth; emergency help for adults in crisis; assistance to newcomers; health care support services; and employment programs.
Building Opportunities with Business Inner City Society
As part of our $1.4 million 2010 Olympic commitment to support the economic revitalization of the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, Bell will invest $300,000 over two years in Building Opportunities with Business Inner City Society (BOB). The funds will support the development of a business cluster strategy which is part of a long-term plan to bring economic development and jobs to the area.
More info on Bell's Olympic partnership investments
More info on Bell Canada's community development initiatives
