Political Gossip with Friends: Behind the Budget
On Thursday, March 5, Nonprofits Vote was joined by panelists Adrienne King, Dr. Lisa Young, Falice Chin, Richard Truscott, and moderator Sabrina Grover, for a conversation on how Alberta’s nonprofits can navigate the provincial budget.
Below are some key takeaways, including where nonprofits can look for opportunities and how organizations can position themselves in response to this year’s budget.
Check out the Nonprofit Chamber’s in-depth analysis for more on the budget.
Where do you fit in the 2026 budget?
Dig beyond the headlines to understand where your organization fits in the provincial budget.
Look to business plans, mandate letters, and ministry priorities to identify where your work does or doesn’t align with government goals. Often the most relevant details for nonprofit organizations appear in the departmental plans rather than high-level budget messaging.
Timing matters, too. With a 2027 election on the horizon, expect a government focused on showcasing wins — not experimenting with bold new ideas. Translation: it’s a tough moment to pitch something entirely new, but a great moment to position your work as part of what’s already “working.”
See our resource for how to position your advocacy based on election cycle timing here.
Positioning Your Work in the Budget Landscape
After finding out where you fit within the new budget, consider how you'd want to approach your advocacy.
Adrienne King emphasized that your next steps should depend on how closely your work aligns with current government priorities. If there’s strong alignment, focus on direct engagement with ministers and government relations. If not, a more public approach – building media and public support – may be appropriate to highlight emerging issues.
Dr. Lisa Young challenged the idea that nonprofits must shift themselves and their missions or messaging to align with the government. Nonprofits hold deep expertise about the communities they serve and sharing that expertise – whether it aligns with the priorities or not – is an important part of the policy process.
Lisa also shared that researchers, policymakers, and journalists may not always fully understand the impacts of policy or budget decisions. Nonprofits can help fill this gap by providing data, telling stories, and sharing lived experiences. Remember, approaching this as nonpartisan is key. Informing decision makers across the political spectrum, rather than engaging a single party, can help strengthen your relationships to government.
Getting Political
Panelists discussed how nonprofits can strategically engage with government, opposition parties, and the media.
With Government:
Focus on where party platforms intersect with government’s broader responsibility to serve Albertans. Effective advocacy lives in that sweet spot – keeping your organization and your community’s needs visible within it.
Building relationships with government is also a long-term process. Richard Truscott described it as building political capital over time – developing trust, sharing insights, and contributing to conversations beyond only showing up when you need something means you become a reliable contact for information and opportunities.
With the Opposition:
Engaging with opposition parties requires careful consideration. Alberta’s political environment can be highly partisan, and organizations may find it easier to work with the governing party. However, maintaining open communication with opposition members can still be valuable.
Nonprofits may find champions for their work in the opposition party or across ministries where priorities or services overlap. .
If you’re a nonprofit advocating to government, keep an open mind, build relationships, and share your expertise where it resonates. Don’t let assumptions limit where you show up.
With Media:
Media engagement can elevate nonprofit issues and influence public conversation. Build relationships with journalists who cover related issues and tailor media pitches to align with their areas of interest. Strong media stories are often supported by clear data and evidence, alongside real-world examples.
Falice Chin highlighted the natural advantage nonprofits have when it comes to narrative – stories that are powerful and that resonate. Media often gravitates towards the “little guy”, which gives nonprofits a strong edge. It’s the kind of leverage that businesses and lobby groups would love to have.
Many thanks to all the panelists for their time and valuable insights, and for those who joined in the conversation! We hope to see you soon for the next edition of Political Gossip with Friends!