Message from the Chair

Since changing its mission to one of building leadership in the voluntary sector, Vantage Point has sought to broaden its services and extend its reach beyond the City of Vancouver. Since 2005, the then-named “Volunteer Vancouver” has re-organized its programming, staff, and financial model to pursue this new direction. Responding to global economic events in 2008 and 2009, the Board paused the material launch of its major growth campaign. Instead, we directed staff to conserve resources while we assessed the likely reception, by both customers and funders, of our new offerings, and new distribution and pricing models.

This changed in 2010.

Last year, I reported that Vantage Point had emerged from 2008 and 2009 with a strong balance sheet, stable revenues, and compelling offerings. In 2010, we explicitly pursued programming and funding opportunities on a national level, delivering programs in Ontario, Alberta, and Northern and Central British Columbia. We also pursued large scale funding from provincially and nationally based funders rather than local funders to support more intensive research and development and to fund geographically wider distribution channels for our knowledge products and services.

As our financial report and the Executive Director’s report describe, we have benefitted from these expansion efforts in the short term and established the foundations for significant long-term growth and success. As was the case last year, we emerge from 2010 with a relatively balanced budget, a strong balance sheet, and significant cash for a nonprofit for our size to fund future innovation and expansion. Our earned revenue continues to grow and now forms approximately half of our total revenues. Further, we enjoyed a stable composition of our staff team and board team, enabling us to execute the plans we set for ourselves in 2009.

The Board thanks Colleen Kelly and her fantastic team for their dedication, diligence, and passion for the organization. Their leadership inspires us. We thank our financial supporters, including the United Way of the Lower Mainland, the City of Vancouver, and our anonymous donor, for their inspired support of innovation in the voluntary sector. Finally, we acknowledge the hundreds of volunteers who, through their passion, make change possible in our organization and in our communities.

This is an exciting time to be a part of Vantage Point. After years of planning, preparation, and practice, we now act with intent, capability, and experience to build and inspire leadership in the voluntary sector. We believe that with our partners, supporters, and funders, we can change how people and communities engage with each other. Join us!

Chilwin Cheng
Board Chair