About
Plan Zed is a collaborative engagement project conducted by the Institute for Community Prosperity in partnership with Calgary Foundation. By Gen Z, for Gen Z, this work gathers local data from young adults and professionals to gain meaningful insight into the unique perceptions, challenges, and engagement patterns of Gen Z in Calgary’s non-profit sector.
The Guiding Question
Why Now?
Formal volunteering, donations, and engagement are on the decline. Reduced volunteer and philanthropic support means less service capacity; with local rises in food insecurity, poverty rates, and unaffordable housing, Calgarians need social support now more than ever before.
These very issues—whether it be skyrocketing costs of living, rising unemployment rates, or housing insecurity—make Gen Z community members unsure of Calgary’s promise. 69% of Calgarians aged 18-24 intend to leave the province in their lifetime.
Gen Z will make up 30% of the workforce by 2030. Not only do we need younger generations to see the non-profit sector as a viable career path, but Calgary’s vitality is shaped by continuous engagement in civic and community life. Gaining an understanding of how to best engage and welcome this generation into nonprofit work is crucial.
Your Community, Your Call
Young Calgarians are pulling away from community engagement. We’re gathering local voices to understand why, and to think about what comes next.
Canadian research surrounding challenges to Gen Z community engagement, giving, and nonprofit participation is limited. This project will gather current, local data to both inform nonprofits on the needs and perspectives of young adults while also helping Gen Z find their place in this sector.
Get Involved
Gen Z
Are you 18-29 and interested in sharing your perspective?
- Have your voice heard by completing our survey about engagement in the city.
- We are currently seeking out participants for interviews and focus groups. Contact Ashlyn Smith at amsmith@mtroyal.ca to learn more.
Non-profits
Is your non-profit interested in engaging with this project?
- Be a bridge: Refer young adults in your network to participate in this research.
- Share your view: Work directly with volunteers? We would love to hear your insights. Contact Ashlyn Smith at amsmith@mtroyal.ca to learn more.
Meet the Team
Plan Zed is led by the Institute's Community Project Coordinators - Nicole Darnayla and Ashlyn Smith.
Plan Zed is generously funded by Calgary Foundation.
Stay tuned for project updates and ways to engage.