randimyers

Hot Off the Press: Online Courses Launched on the OWL Platform

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:35:58 GMT

We’re excited to announce a new set of courses on the OWL Learning Platform , designed to support nonprofit professionals, board members, and organizational leaders. These new additions focus on the core skills needed to run, grow, and sustain effective nonprofit organizations. You'll find these courses under the following categories on your dashboard.

Sharpen your leadership skills

Strong leadership and effective operations are the foundation of any successful nonprofit. These courses explore the strategies and frameworks you can use to manage your organization responsibly and sustainably. It all starts from the top.

Discover strategies to get donations

Fundraising remains a critical component of nonprofit success—and it doesn't have to be complicated. Use these courses to develop smarter fundraising strategies and build more meaningful donor relationships.

Ensure you understand governance

Strong governance is essential for transparency, accountability, and long-term organizational success. This course provides guidance for board members and nonprofit leaders on governance, responsibilities, and effective board participation.

Nonprofit Board Roles and Responsibilities

Learn to advocate for your mission

Clear communication and public engagement help nonprofits expand their reach and influence. Get ready to explore strategies for building public support, communicating your mission, and strengthening relationships with stakeholders using social media, digital storytelling, and more.

Advocacy and Public Relations for Nonprofits

These free courses are now available on the OWL Learning Platform . Whether you're working in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, communications, or governance, this new collection offers valuable insights to help your organization supercharge its impact.

🗣️ Nonprofit Skills: Why Communication Styles Matter More Than You Think

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:08:45 GMT

Ever feel like your team is talking but not really connecting?

There could be a communication style mismatch—and fixing it might be the key to unlocking your nonprofit’s full potential.

Whether you're leading a team, recruiting volunteers, or building donor relationships, effective communication is at the heart of nonprofit work. And yet, it’s one of the most overlooked soft skills in our sector.

�� Why communication styles matter in nonprofits

Nonprofits are built on collaboration —between staff, volunteers, community members, and funders. But not everyone communicates the same way. Some people are direct. Others are analytical. Some prefer big-picture brainstorming. Some are all about the details.

Understanding different communication styles can help your team:

Work more efficiently
Avoid conflict
Boost volunteer retention

Build relationships with donors and partners

�� Think of it this way: Communication skills are essential in a mission-driven environment where empathy and clarity are part of everyday interactions.

�� Common communication styles (and why they matter)

Most people lean toward one or more of these styles:

1. �� Direct (Think: Get to the point!)

These communicators are clear, concise, and outcome-focused. They’re highly effective in meetings—but may come across as blunt sometimes.

2. �� Reflective (Think: Thoughtful and Measured)

These team members prefer to process their thoughts before speaking. They often come up with important considerations—but may need to be given a chance to think and respond.

3. �� Expressive (Think: Energetic and Passionate)

These are the people you can count on to bring enthusiasm and big ideas. They tend to be skilled at community outreach and fundraising—but may need help staying on task.

4. �� Analytical (Think: Detailed and Logical)

These team members crave structure and data. They’re naturals at grant writing or budgeting—but may need help connecting to people.

�� Understanding how these styles interact can reduce friction, improve collaboration, and help ensure that everyone feel heard.

�� How better communication boosts nonprofit success

Here’s what can happen when your team gets communication right:

✅ Stronger team dynamics

When people understand how to talk to each other (and listen!), trust builds faster and meetings become more productive.

✅ Better volunteer engagement

Volunteers come from all walks of life. Knowing how to tailor your message to people of different ages and from diverse cultures will increase retention and satisfaction.

✅ Clearer messaging for donors and stakeholders

Want donors to say yes faster? Obviously. So match your communication style to theirs—and make every ask clearer and more effective.

�� Learn how to improve nonprofit storytelling here

✅ Fewer misunderstandings

Less miscommunication = less conflict = happier teams ��

💡 Why AODA Training Is a Game-Changer for Nonprofits

info@greaterpurpose.inc (Bradley Offman) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:41:30 GMT

Think accessibility is just about ramps and signs?

Think again.

For Ontario nonprofits, accessibility is about unlocking your full impact—starting with mandatory AODA training.

Running a nonprofit means wearing a lot of hats ��. But if you're not prioritizing accessibility, you might be unintentionally missing out on potential supporters, volunteers, and clients.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

�� What is AODA, anyway?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is provincial legislation that aims to make Ontario fully accessible by 2025. It applies to all organizations, including nonprofits, that have at least one employee.

That means your nonprofit is legally required to provide AODA compliance training to staff, board members, and volunteers.

�� Learn more about AODA requirements

�� Why should nonprofits care?

You might think of AODA training as just another item to check off your to-do list—but it’s actually a powerful tool you can use to boost your nonprofit’s reach, reputation, and funding potential.

1. ��‍♀️ You’ll reach more people

Think of accessibility like an open door. An accessible website, physical space, and communication strategy is a sign that you’re welcoming thousands of people in Ontario with disabilities.

2. �� Accessibility builds trust

Your commitment to accessibility signals that your organization truly walks the talk. Being AODA-compliant helps you earn trust within your community that leads to stronger partnerships and engagement.

3. ⚖️ It’s the law

AODA compliance is mandatory in Ontario. That means failing to comply can have serious repercussions, such as hefty fines and reputational harm.

�� Assign this free AODA training from OWL - Open World Learning to your nonprofit team

4. �� It improves team culture

When everyone on your team understands the importance of accessibility, they will naturally foster a more respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment, both internally and externally.

5. �� It boosts your grant game

More grantmakers are asking: What’s your organization doing about accessibility and equity? Showing that your nonprofit is AODA-compliant helps you stand out and attract more funding.

�� How to get started with AODA training

Getting AODA training in place is simpler than you may think.

Start with these:

✅ Free AODA e-learning modules from OWL - Open World Learning

✅ AODA resources and guides from Ontario Nonprofit Network
✅ An AODA compliance checklist for nonprofits

�� Pro tip: Add AODA training to your new staff (and volunteer) onboarding and refresh it annually to keep everyone updated.

�� Final thoughts

Accessibility isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a “need-to-have.”

Whether you're a grassroots group or a national charity, AODA training helps you build a more inclusive, effective nonprofit.

So if you're a nonprofit in Ontario and AODA training hasn’t been on your radar, it’s time to get started!

✅ Take action today

Complete your nonprofit’s AODA training
Add AODA training to your onboarding checklist
Review your accessibility practices—starting with your website
Share this post with your team and board members!

�� Let’s build nonprofits that include everyone

📣 Free ESL Courses Now Available for Nonprofits Supporting Newcomers

info@greaterpurpose.inc (Bradley Offman) — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:42:43 GMT

Does your nonprofit support newcomers and refugees?

Does anyone on your team need a quick, easy English language boost? We’ve got you!

In partnership with Talaera , OWL is proud to bring free ESL (English as a Second Language) online courses to those who need it most . That includes your nonprofit staff, volunteers, board members , and the people you serve.

Our new interactive courses are:

Easy to understand and apply
Focused on real-world communication
Built for adult learners
100% free on OWL

�� A Shared Mission

At OWL, we believe in making learning accessible so we can change the trajectory of people’s lives. Talaera shares that belief . Together, we're educating those doing important work in the nonprofit sector.

�� Why This Matters

Language fluency opens doors to education , employment, and connection—but not everyone can afford online learning. By eliminating the cost and access barriers, we’re helping newcomers build skills and brighter futures.

�� What’s Included?

These aren’t your typical boring courses—they’re the same professional, self-paced ESL lessons Talaera offers to global teams and executives. And now they’re free for nonprofits and the people they serve.

Anyone involved with your nonprofit can log into OWL and up-skill in:

Cross-cultural Communication: Soften Your Message for Politeness across Cultures
Cross-cultural Communication: Ask Questions and Interpret Answers Across Cultures
Mastering Constructive Feedback: Foundations of Constructive Feedback
Business English: Five Steps to Conclude a Negotiation
Business English: How to Schedule a Meeting

�� How to Get Started

If you’re a nonprofit working with newcomers who could use some English language support, join OWL and give them access to these free courses today.

��Join OWL

Volunteer Recognition: How to Make Volunteers Feel Like Rockstars

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:38:23 GMT

Volunteers are the lifeblood of your nonprofit, and it's up to you to make them feel valued. When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to support your mission, work hard, and stick around. But to motivate people, you have to know what's important to them...

There are so many reasons people choose to donate their time and energy to nonprofits. Some want to make a difference. Some want to build skills. Some just want to connect with other amazing humans. If you want your show of appreciation to resonate, you need to recognize volunteers in ways that match their why.

In our newest free course on OWL, Volunteer Recognition Strategies , you’ll follow HR Director Sally as she learns to build a recognition program that really resonates.

Need some fresh recognition ideas to motivate your volunteers? You’ll find the full downloadable list in the course, but here are a few smart strategies to get you started.

�� Social Impact: "I want to make a difference!"

These volunteers are here to change the world — so you want to show them how much they've moved the needle.

Try this →

Impact Infographics: Create personalized graphics that show exactly how their hours made a difference.
Stories from the Field: Send heartfelt letters or videos from the people they’ve helped. (Cue happy tears!)
Impact Awards: Recognize volunteers with awards tied to real results (like "Mentor of the Year" for those whose students crushed it).
Before & After Moments: Showcase tangible changes through photos, stories, or even mini-documentaries.

�� Professional Development: "Help me learn and grow!"

If your volunteers are thinking ahead, they’ll appreciate the chance to level up their skills and become the best they can be.

Try this →

Skill-Building Opportunities: Offer free online training on OWL , so volunteers can just log in and learn.
Mentorship Match-Ups: Pair volunteers with experienced mentors on Nonprofit Hive to level up faster.
LinkedIn Love: Write reference letters, endorsements, or glowing reviews for their profiles.
Perk Partnerships: Team up with local businesses for discounts on books, office supplies, or tech.

�� Personal Growth: "I'm here for the journey!"

For volunteers motivated by personal development, it’s important to highlight their growth as much as their service.

Try this →

Milestone Awards: Celebrate service hour milestones with certificates, pins, or public shoutouts.
Award Nominations: Nominate your rockstars for local, state, or national volunteer awards.
Meaningful Matches: Align volunteer roles with their personal passions and values.
Memory Makers: Send them photos from events — they’ll treasure seeing their impact.

�� Social Connection: "Where are my people?"

Many volunteers are in it for friendships, and your nonprofit can make work feel more fun!

Try this →

Memory Boxes: Assemble tribute boxes for long-time volunteers with stories, photos, and notes.
Team Adventures: Plan team-building fun like laser tag, escape rooms, or trivia nights.
Volunteer Sports League: Whether it's soccer, softball, or kickball — let the games begin!
Chill Zones at Events: Set up dedicated spaces at your events where volunteers can relax, snack, and socialize.

Keep this in mind:

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to volunteer recognition. The best way to say thanks is to show volunteers that you see them — their passions, their goals, their heart. Remember: Just a little personalized appreciation can turn a one-time volunteer into a lifelong champion for your cause. ��

Docebo Partners with Intercap to Offer Free E-learning to Small Charities & Nonprofits

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:11:52 GMT

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Docebo Inc. (NASDAQ: DCBO; TSX: DCBO) , a leading provider of learning platforms with a foundation in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, has teamed up with Intercap Impact, a division of Intercap Equity Inc. (Intercap), to create OWL (Open World Learning Inc.), a free e-learning platform designed for small Canadian and US charities and nonprofits.

This partnership will remove the cost barrier associated with e-learning, a challenge many smaller charities and nonprofit organizations face. Using OWL, powered by Docebo, eligible organizations will now be able to build stronger teams and empower staff, volunteers, and board members with essential e-learning in key areas, including HR Compliance, DEI, Mental Health, Board Governance, Leadership, professional development, and more.

“When it comes to online learning, charitable organizations with small budgets have been left behind—until now,” said Randi Myers, Director of Impact at Intercap. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer the award-winning Docebo learning platform to help them build skills and talent, and save time and money.”

Docebo CEO Alessio Artuffo shares, "With OWL, we are turning our belief in the limitless power of learning into action. This collaboration removes the cost barrier and extends high-quality training to organizations doing critical work on tight budgets.” He adds, “By providing smaller charitable and nonprofit organizations access to e-learning they couldn't otherwise afford, we're unlocking the potential of learning for all."

The new CSR initiative will be formally announced on October 22, 2024 at the 6th annual Partnership Conference in Toronto, where Intercap Chairman and CEO Jason Chapnik will join Randi Myers in introducing OWL to Canadian corporate and nonprofit professionals.

The partnership underscores Docebo’s commitment to CSR and to leveraging technology and innovation for social good. By enabling charitable organizations to focus on their missions while strengthening their teams, Docebo and Intercap are bridging the digital gap and making a lasting, positive impact in communities across Canada and the US.

About OWL

OWL (Open World Learning) offers access to free e-learning powered by Docebo. OWL is designed and funded by Intercap Impact, the CSR branch of Intercap, a merchant bank that invests in technology-focused startups. Charities and nonprofits with less than 300 active users per month can join OWL at www.owl.inc or www.join.owl.inc or download the OWL - Open World Learning app on the App Store and Google Play.

About Docebo

Docebo (NASDAQ:DCBO; TSX:DCBO) is redefining the way enterprises leverage technology to create and manage content, deliver training, and measure the business impact of their learning programs. With Docebo’s end-to-end learning platform, organizations worldwide are equipped to deliver scaled, personalized learning across all their audiences and use cases, driving growth and powering their business. Learn why businesses around the world love Docebo by visiting our customer stories page.

For information, interviews, and images, please contact:

Adrin Machado

Marketing & Design Specialist

adrin@owl.inc

Source: Docebo

Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Training

randimyers@rogers.com (Randi Myers) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:56:38 GMT

DEI has become a popular buzzword, but how well do you grasp the concepts of Diversity Equity and Inclusion?

Enrol in free DEI courses on OWL to enhance your charity or nonprofit mission.

What is DEI exactly?

Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are aimed at cultivating an organizational culture where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel respected, supported, and treated fairly in the workplace. By adopting DEI principles, organizations are realizing the potential to access and attract a wider talent pool, which ultimately drives engagement, spurs growth, and contributes to overall success.

Diversity requires embracing a variety of ethnicities, races, religions, and genders. The idea is that diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table, which can lead to more innovation and better decision-making.

Equity involves ensuring that all members of the organization are treated fairly and justly. It is crucial for everyone to have equal access to opportunities, resources, and treatment. At work, people should be valued for their skills, knowledge, and capabilities, rather than their characteristics.

Inclusion signifies the active engagement of every member within an organization. An inclusive workplace fosters a culture of collaboration and open communication where everyone feels able to do their best work, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Belonging is a fourth component of DEI that is often considered to be important. The objective is to ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds feel accepted, which in turn inspires them to perform at their peak potential. When people feel they can be their authentic selves, they are more likely to collaborate and contribute effectively.

What are the benefits of DEI for your organization?

The culture of your organization defines its identity. It is a big part of why people are attracted to apply to work as staff, volunteers, or board members, and influences their decision to stay. It makes sense that people who feel valued, supported, and welcome are more likely to feel happier, more motivated and more engaged at work.

Organizations dedicated to nurturing a positive and psychologically healthy workplace culture enjoy numerous advantages. Here are just a few:

Broadened access to a diverse and robust talent pool
Enhanced innovation through tapping diverse ideas and solutions
Reduced costs through higher retention and lower turnover rates
Improved morale, heightened motivation, and a decrease in burnout

Quick DEI Cheat Sheet

LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF NIAGARA REGION

randi@owl.inc (Randi Myers) — Wed, 22 May 2024 21:04:58 GMT

In order to be able to provide leadership in learning disabilities awareness, advocacy, research, education and services, the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region is on a tight budget. Having access to a free learning platform is immensely helpful.

Over time, it had become increasingly important for LDANR to find relevant training to support their staff and volunteers in their role with students with learning disabilities. With OWL, the charity could save money while also providing easy-to-follow, high-level training .

How we discovered OWL

Our Executive Director discovered OWL and began talking about it. She had heard about the free eLearning platform through the charity grapevine—from another non-profit in Niagara.

How we are using OWL

We started with running our personnel through Ontario-mandated training, and we are now considering ways to utilize more free training as part of the onboarding process with our CRM. We are thrilled with the ease of use, and how OWL essentially onboards our personnel to the platform with an automatic email delivered to their inbox.

Our favourite courses so far are...

So far, we have only used the WHMIS compliance course. We are now looking to add more free training, including various DEI and Accessibility course modules.

What we want other charities to know

OWL has helped us to streamline our onboarding procedures and given us back valuable time and costs that were going into purchasing staff and volunteer training. We can now redirect all of it back into managing our programs and supporting our personnel in other ways.

Joining OWL has reduced our training costs, which has been highly valuable given that we are operating at a deficit this year.

Madeline Cipriano

Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region

NANKIND

randi@owl.inc (Randi Myers) — Tue, 21 May 2024 20:27:50 GMT

Nankind is doing the work of angels and OWL wanted to lend a hand. On a mission to transform the cancer experience, the charity offers families free childcare and support. We are proud to offer a free eLearning platform to support Nankind's program delivery.

Nankind (formerly Nanny Angel Network) was searching for a new platform that would streamline and centralize the eLearning programs they had developed for their staff and volunteer 'angels'. The charity was willing to spend money on an LMS but thanks to OWL, they didn't have to.

How we discovered OWL

We already had our courses on Moodle, but the lack of support had become an obstacle. I was in the process of looking for a new platform to replace it when, as luck would have it, I received an email from OWL about their new free platform for charities.

How we are using OWL

We now use OWL to train all of our volunteers as well as all incoming staff. Everyone needs onboarding, training, and professional development.

Our favourite courses so far are...

So far, we have been uploading our own charity courses to OWL and assigning them to our users. We haven't yet sampled the free ones!

What we want other charities to know

Our online training has been simplified and when a learner completes modules, it is much easier to track.

Our charity switched from Moodle to OWL, and now online training is so much easier to deliver and to track. Plus, it's free!

Lisa Blais

Nankind

TORONTO FOUNDATION FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

randi@owl.inc (Randi Myers) — Mon, 13 May 2024 18:17:02 GMT

As advocates for children and youth, TFSS provides safe, inclusive programs to help students thrive in underserved communities. Now it was time to improve their internal training model. Enter OWL.

Toronto Foundation for Student Success is an organization that understands the value of programming. That's why they were on the hunt for a way to streamline the delivery and tracking of employee and volunteer training.

How we discovered OWL

Already in the market for a cost-effective e-learning management platform, the HR Manager of TFSS was delighted when she stumbled upon OWL through an email that piqued her interest. Without hesitation, she booked a demo and the rest is history!

How we are using OWL

We’ve been using OWL to deliver and track mandatory and job-specific training. OWL also offers courses in leadership, mental health and DEI, which are instrumental in our employees’ professional development.

Our favourite courses so far are...

People-Focused Leadership Series
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Work-Life Balance Series

What we want other charities to know

We used to direct employees to various sources for training and track completion on an Excel spreadsheet. With OWL, we can do all of that on one platform, which is much more effective not to mention a huge time-saver.

Before OWL, we had to direct employees to various training sources and track their progress on Excel. Now it's all done in one platform!

Alycia Ho

Toronto Foundation for Student Success

INDIGENOUS FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

randi@owl.inc (Randi Myers) — Wed, 08 May 2024 20:43:56 GMT

Indigenous Friends Association had so many community programs to develop but no learning management system to deliver them. Then they discovered OWL.

IFA has an amazing mission: To cultivate opportunities to advance digital pathways rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, driving positive change for generations. A free learning platform would enable them to easily deliver lectures and classes and would provide growth and development opportunities to upskill staff and drive effectiveness.

How we discovered OWL

Our CEO, Alejandro Mayoral Banos, learned about the OWL platform at The Partnership Conference , an annual event created by Spire Philanthropy to bring together corporations and non-profits in the social impact sector.

How we are using OWL

On OWL, we deliver pre-workshop courses to our staff which serve as prerequisites to our monthly workshops we call the IFA Boost Camp. Focused on key organizational themes, the workshops are designed to enhance team skills and knowledge in communication, leadership, conflict management, and more. Our staff also uses OWL for development, whether self-paced or IFA-defined.

Our favourite courses so far are...

Unconscious Bias
Project Management and Time Management
Mental Health and Well-Being

What we want other charities to know

With its vast and varied range of topics, OWL has become our go-to resource for upskilling and learning. The free courses help our staff to be more effective in the work that they do for our charity.

OWL has become our go-to resource for upskilling and learning, at no cost to the organization. The flexibility and support is top-notch!

Paolo

Indigenous Friends Association

AFRICAN CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF OTTAWA

randi@owl.inc (Randi Myers) — Wed, 08 May 2024 19:58:00 GMT

When the ACAO discovered OWL, the timing couldn't have been better. The charity provides support, resources, and advocacy to empower individuals and families of African descent—and it was searching for a digital platform to help it fulfill its mission.

In addition to supporting people of African descent in the Ottawa area, ACAO fosters cultural awareness and inclusivity within the community. So charity leader Hector Addison was thrilled to discover that there is a free online platform to equip his team members with skills and knowledge they need.

How we discovered OWL

An OWL rep reached out by email, but the offer of a free eLearning platform and free content sounded too good to be true. Thankfully, it is true!

How we are using OWL

We use OWL for many different purposes, including board training, volunteer orientation, and staff onboarding. The platform has enhanced the efficiency of our operations by providing a centralized platform for training and development. It has streamlined our processes, improved the quality of our training initiatives, and enabled us to track progress and performance.

Our favourite courses so far are...

Board Governance in the Non-Profit Sector
People-Focused Leadership Series
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

What we want other charities to know

OWL has helped us reduce administrative burdens associated with traditional training methods, and the fact that it’s totally FREE is makes it indispensable to charities like ours. The switch from our old LMS instantly saved us more than $10k in platform and content fees. We wish we had known about OWL earlier!

With OWL's user-friendly interface and well-curated course modules, we can now facilitate continuous and consistent learning and development for our team.

Hector Addison

African Canadian Association of Ottawa

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GTA

Tue, 07 May 2024 16:45:25 GMT

Habitat for Humanity GTA discovered OWL when a staff member read about our free learning platform in the Imagine Canada newsletter. The program manager looked up OWL and joined immediately!

HHGTA , Greater Toronto's most recognized provider of solutions tackling the housing crisis, knows how important it is to provide learning, training, and growth opportunities to its staff. But delivering in-person training across a large geography is not always feasible, and it is challenging for people to leave work for extended periods of time.

How we discovered OWL

A staff member read about the free platform in a publication by Imagine Canada that shares news and resources for non-profits. We looked up OWL and registered an free account!

How we are using OWL

First, our HR team and platform admins explored all of the features. Our employee resource group conducted a platform review, and then we enrolled all staff in OWL. We also uploaded our policies and training programs, and added OWL courses to our team lesson plans.

Our favourite courses so far are...

Unconscious Bias Training
People-Focused Leadership Series
DEIB Courses

What we want other charities to know

OWL is a one-stop-shop for training and onboarding! Our hope is that all of our employees can now take control of their careers by easily building the skills and knowledge they need to advance at their own pace.

OWL has enabled our charity to offer on-demand training in-house, and to develop new learning pathways.

Kasia Piascik

Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area

Free eLearning for Charities & Nonprofits

randimyers@rogers.com (Randi Myers) — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:56:38 GMT

Sign up your charity or nonprofit for free online courses in Compliance, Mental Health, DEI, Leadership, Board Governance, and more.

Every charity and nonprofit deserves to be able to train their staff, volunteers, and board members effectively. Unfortunately, most smaller organizations don't have the budget to pay for accessible online training—or eLearning—so they are stuck delivering the same boring in-person programs to a revolving door of people. It's a costly and exhausting process.

Instead, you can centralize and automate learning so your charity or nonprofit members can log in from anywhere and learn. Whether your team needs online onboarding tools or DEI, Mental Health, Compliance, Leadership, or Board Governance modules, you can find them all on the free OWL platform.

Here's how to get started:

Join our learning platform

Only one person at your charity or nonprofit can create a free OWL Account. Go to join.owl.inc , click Join OWL , and fill in your organization information. Once you receive verification and login credentials, you can check out our free eLearning library and share access with staff, volunteers, and board members.

Upload your users

As Charity Lead, you can add staff, volunteers, and/or board members to your account. Just click ADD USERS on your dashboard and upload a CSV. You are limited to 300 active users per month, so if someone no longer needs OWL access, don't forget to click REMOVE USERS and upload a CSV of inactive users.

Introduce free eLearning

Getting your users active and engaged on OWL is a fun process. Start by using our template to send an email introducing OWL and how it works. You can also assign specific training and request that they email back their OWL Certificate of Completion.

Users log in to learn!

Users have the freedom to log in and enroll in any course or program that's of interest or assigned. All learning is self-paced and everyone can learn from anywhere by downloading the OWL - Open World Learning mobile app. Once people start online learning, they never stop!

Having free compliance training on OWL means all of our staff members can stay updated in mandated areas, like Health & Safety, and Anti-Harassment. And we don't need a budget to pay for it.

Caroline Wright

Habitat for Humanity Toronto

Board Governance Training

randimyers@rogers.com (Randi Myers) — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:56:38 GMT

Board members are integral volunteers at your charity or nonprofit. How do you ensure they join the board with the know-how they need?

Enrol in free Board Governance Training on OWL so board members can upgrade their governance and leadership skills.

Nonprofit organizations are a unique breed of business. Their focus is not just on raising capital but is guided by a mission to serve the world in some important way. Still, not everyone who joins a nonprofit board understands the basics for how to do the job. That's why it is so important to set up a framework for how your board will run and to give members the tools they need to engage with each other and the organization in the best possible way.

Use these tips to empower your board members so they can confidently tackle the unique challenges of running a charity or nonprofit.

Good recruiting practices

Have you noticed that people are said to 'serve' on boards, not just sit on them? Choose people who won't just show up but consider it is a privilege to volunteer to help run your charity. Each person should also bring a special expertise to their particular role and demonstrate their knowledge of and connection to the charity's mission.

Orientation essentials

You can't expect someone who has never been on a board to know exactly what to do when they arrive. During orientation, the new board member should be provided with and sign a document that clarifies the expectations for their role. In it, there should be particulars such as meeting attendance, committee participation, fundraising requirements, and ongoing training, etc.

Personal giving

Many charities expect new board members to make a personal donation to demonstrate their commitment to the charity's mission and success. Even if your charity does not require personal giving, board members should be treated as valuable donors, so they feel that donating their time and effort to your charity is worthwhile.

Online training opportunities

Board members are only as strong as the education they bring to the board table. To ensure that all board members stay current on board practices, strategies, and behaviour, offer online training in the form of eLearning courses and programs, including a board governance in the non-profit sector onboarding program and optional board refreshers they can access at any time.

Structure and focus

Make sure board meetings are both structured and focused, so members get into the swing of it and don't sit around bored on the board! Have the meeting location and snacks set, and agenda circulated beforehand. That way, everyone will come prepared and ready to tackle decisions and strategy.

randimyers

Hot Off the Press: Online Courses Launched on the OWL Platform

Sharpen your leadership skills

Discover strategies to get donations

Ensure you understand governance

Learn to advocate for your mission

🗣️ Nonprofit Skills: Why Communication Styles Matter More Than You Think

Ever feel like your team is talking but not really connecting?

�� Why communication styles matter in nonprofits

�� Common communication styles (and why they matter)

1. �� Direct (Think: Get to the point!)

2. �� Reflective (Think: Thoughtful and Measured)

3. �� Expressive (Think: Energetic and Passionate)

4. �� Analytical (Think: Detailed and Logical)

�� How better communication boosts nonprofit success

✅ Stronger team dynamics

✅ Better volunteer engagement

✅ Clearer messaging for donors and stakeholders

✅ Fewer misunderstandings

💡 Why AODA Training Is a Game-Changer for Nonprofits

Think accessibility is just about ramps and signs?

Think again.

�� What is AODA, anyway?

�� Why should nonprofits care?

1. ��‍♀️ You’ll reach more people

2. �� Accessibility builds trust

3. ⚖️ It’s the law

4. �� It improves team culture

5. �� It boosts your grant game

�� How to get started with AODA training

�� Final thoughts

✅ Take action today

�� Let’s build nonprofits that include everyone

📣 Free ESL Courses Now Available for Nonprofits Supporting Newcomers

Does your nonprofit support newcomers and refugees?

Does anyone on your team need a quick, easy English language boost? ﻿ We’ve got you!

In partnership with Talaera , OWL is proud to bring free ESL (English as a Second Language) online courses to those who need it most . That includes your nonprofit staff, volunteers, board members , and the people you serve.

Our new interactive courses are:

�� A Shared Mission

At OWL, we believe in making learning accessible so we can change the trajectory of people’s lives. Talaera shares that belief . Together, we're educating those doing important work in the nonprofit sector.

�� Why This Matters

Language fluency opens doors to education , employment, and connection—but not everyone can afford online learning. By eliminating the cost and access barriers, we’re helping newcomers build skills and brighter futures.

�� What’s Included?

These aren’t your typical boring courses—they’re the same professional, self-paced ESL lessons Talaera offers to global teams and executives. And now they’re free for nonprofits and the people they serve.

Anyone involved with your nonprofit can log into OWL and up-skill in:

�� How to Get Started

If you’re a nonprofit working with newcomers who could use some English language support, join OWL and give them access to these free courses today.

��Join OWL

Volunteer Recognition: How to Make Volunteers Feel Like Rockstars

Volunteers are the lifeblood of your nonprofit, and it's up to you to make them feel valued. When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to support your mission, work hard, and stick around. But to motivate people, you have to know what's important to them...

In our newest free course on OWL, Volunteer Recognition Strategies , you’ll follow HR Director Sally as she learns to build a recognition program that really resonates.

Need some fresh recognition ideas to motivate your volunteers? You’ll find the full downloadable list in the course, but here are a few smart strategies to get you started.

�� Social Impact: "I want to make a difference!"

�� Professional Development: "Help me learn and grow!"

�� Personal Growth: "I'm here for the journey!"

�� Social Connection: "Where are my people?"

Keep this in mind:

Docebo Partners with Intercap to Offer Free E-learning to Small Charities & Nonprofits

Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Training

DEI has become a popular buzzword, but how well do you grasp the concepts of Diversity Equity and Inclusion?

Enrol in free DEI courses on OWL to enhance your charity or nonprofit mission.

What is DEI exactly?

Diversity requires embracing a variety of ethnicities, races, religions, and genders. The idea is that diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table, which can lead to more innovation and better decision-making.

Equity involves ensuring that all members of the organization are treated fairly and justly. It is crucial for everyone to have equal access to opportunities, resources, and treatment. At work, people should be valued for their skills, knowledge, and capabilities, rather than their characteristics.

What are the benefits of DEI for your organization?

Quick DEI Cheat Sheet

LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF NIAGARA REGION

In order to be able to provide leadership in learning disabilities awareness, advocacy, research, education and services, the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region is on a tight budget. Having access to a free learning platform is immensely helpful.

Over time, it had become increasingly important for LDANR to find relevant training to support their staff and volunteers in their role with students with learning disabilities. With OWL, the charity could save money while also providing easy-to-follow, high-level training .

Joining OWL has reduced our training costs, which has been highly valuable given that we are operating at a deficit this year.

Madeline Cipriano

Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region

NANKIND

Nankind is doing the work of angels and OWL wanted to lend a hand. On a mission to transform the cancer experience, the charity offers families free childcare and support. We are proud to offer a free eLearning platform to support Nankind's program delivery.

Nankind (formerly Nanny Angel Network) was searching for a new platform that would streamline and centralize the eLearning programs they had developed for their staff and volunteer 'angels'. The charity was willing to spend money on an LMS but thanks to OWL, they didn't have to.

Our charity switched from Moodle to OWL, and now online training is so much easier to deliver and to track. Plus, it's free!

Lisa Blais

Nankind

TORONTO FOUNDATION FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

As advocates for children and youth, TFSS provides safe, inclusive programs to help students thrive in underserved communities. Now it was time to improve their internal training model. Enter OWL.

Does anyone on your team need a quick, easy English language boost? We’ve got you!

Sign up your charity or nonprofit for free online courses in Compliance, Mental Health, DEI, Leadership, Board Governance, and more.