Become a Participating Member

 

The SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse provides a package of administrative and consultative services to twelve self-help, non-profit independent, incorporated organizations in the same physical location.  Using economies of scale and the benefit of collaboration these organizations save on their operating costs, learn from each other and develop their capacity as organizations.

 

Physical site services

  • Subsidized rent in a fully accessible building adjacent to HSC
  • Meeting rooms with security after hours
  • Shared office equipment
  • Shared reception services and a common area
  • Postage service
  • Free evening parking
  • Office cleaning, re-cycling
  • Storage and free library service
  • Access to a kitchen for programs and social events

 

Administrative services

  • Information and referral services
  • Benefits of a network and facilitation by Clearinghouse staff
  • Reduced training costs
  • Discounted office supplies
  • Shared communications tools such as PSA list, co-promotion opportunities
  • Collaborative problem solving
  • Joint participation in conference displays
  • Shared speakers

 

Consultative services

  • Assistance with fundraising/grant applications
  • Training and advice on governance/by-laws
  • Strategic planning and priority setting
  • General operations and consultation
  • Advocacy
  • Tax and financial advice
  • Event planning and logistics
  • Joint problem solving

 

These self-help organizations in turn help the community living with disabilities and chronic disease.  The combined membership of these participating organizations exceeds 2,300.  Along with these active members, their caregivers and families are also supported throughout the province of Manitoba, particularly Winnipeg.

 

Eligibility and Application

Eligible organizations must be an incorporated non-profit organization or a champter or resource centre of an incorporated non-profit organization, serve people with medical or disability-based concerns and serve one or more of these primary functions:

  • Providing ocial support
  • Sharing information and educating
  • Forming of a positive identity
  • Creating a sense of affiliation and community
  • Facilitating personal growth and transformation
  • Advocacy and collection empowerment
  • Mutual aid and self-sufficiency
  • Encouraging participating in the areas of giving help, getting help or learing to help oneself

Participating organizations may also have operated with a budget of less than $1-million in any two of the three years prior to application.

Self-help organizations that meet the eligibility criteria will be expected to sign and adhere to the terms outlined in the official service agreement.

Download service agreement