FAQ

FAQ

General Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page! Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions. If you have any additional queries or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help!

What is the Jerry Forbes Centre?

Jerry Forbes Centre is a critically needed, innovative co-working office and warehouse space that is uniquely themed on volunteerism.

The Centre provides Edmonton non-profit organizations with a vibrant work environment to foster communication with other organizations through resource sharing in a sustainable, multi-tenant centre promoting synergy, innovation, and community spirit.

There is currently nothing like it in the greater Edmonton area for Social and Human Service organizations. The office is primarily designed for administration of non-profits and training of staff and volunteers for outreach into the community.

The Centre offers non-profit organizations the opportunity to collaborate, fostering high-calibre knowledge and resource sharing and best practices through volunteerism and professional management of charities.

What makes the Jerry Forbes Centre unique from other shared space options for Edmonton non-profit organizations?

The Centre provides its non-profit partners and the broader community with both the benefits of shared and vibrant work spaces and the opportunity for collaborative administration where non-profit organizations share resources and talents to create efficiencies.

What is the benefit of providing shared administration?

The benefit to non-profit partners of the Jerry Forbes Centre is the relief of financial and logistic pressures faced by non-profit organizations, by lifting property management issues and providing long term, affordable leases below commercial market rates, including services and amenities they would not otherwise have access to – such as shared reception, meeting space and access to volunteer collaboration, and back-office infrastructure.

How do these Shared Services create Social Innovation and Efficiency?

Managing the Centre in an integrated way provides its non-profit partners with solid, reliable infrastructure (such as phones and internet) and a professionally managed facility, further enabling the long-term sustainability of these organizations. The Centre hosts integrated training programs such as financial management, charity compliance, and volunteer and staff training.

The Centre creates the opportunity for shared staff and volunteers. Using this job sharing model provides continuity in employment and alleviates financial pressure on individual organizations. It also creates the opportunity for people to make new connections and collaborate to create solutions.

What is the key issue Edmonton non-profit organizations say the Jerry Forbes Centre solves for them?

Edmonton non-profits have identified access to affordable, long-term, predictable, and quality administration spaces as one of the biggest issues they face today. Joining the Jerry Forbes Centre ensures these important organizations have sustainable futures and continue to contribute to those in need of their services. Lease rates are calculated from the cost of operations of the Centre and are projected to be below current commercial lease rates.
The Centre creates the opportunity for shared staff and volunteers. Using this job sharing model provides continuity in employment and alleviates financial pressure on individual organizations. It also creates the opportunity for people to make new connections and collaborate to create solutions.

How does Jerry Forbes Centre choose tenant partners?

Tenancy in the Centre is criteria-based to ensure the vision and values of the Foundation are upheld.

Full details on the criteria and how to apply are available here

How can I volunteer to work with the Jerry Forbes Centre?

The Jerry Forbes Centre shares current volunteer opportunities in Edmonton’s non-profit community on its social media channels – you can find links at the bottom of the page.

How many non-profit partners currently occupy the Jerry Forbes Centre?

The Jerry Forbes Centre is home to 25 Edmonton based non-profit organizations.

When did the Jerry Forbes Centre officially open?

The Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit officially started welcoming non-profit partners in the fall of 2018.

What does the Jerry Forbes Centre look like after renovations?

The Centre is a 93,000 sq. ft. repurposed building located in the Montrose neighbourhood on the north side of Edmonton, Alberta. Extensive renovations were needed to create the social and innovative multi-tenant model that has become a hub of activity for non-profits that share office and warehouse space.

As well as work spaces that meet their needs, non-profit partners have access to shared collaboration and work spaces, meeting rooms, a kitchen and lounge area, event rental space, the opportunity to attend community-building and learning sessions, and access to events taking place in the Centre.

Get In Touch

Have a question not answered above? Let us know at info@jerryforbescentre.ca or contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible. Thank you!