The latest evaluation of Enough for All (E4A) and Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) demonstrates that, together with partners across the city, we are taking real steps toward reducing poverty and improving the well-being of Calgarians.
What we’ve accomplished together:
- Low-Income Transit Pass funding was restored within 24 hours after strong advocacy from VCC and partners.
- Affordable housing capacity increased through Champion-led projects. Additionally, rent decreased 7.2% for two-bedroom apartments in Calgary.
- Shifts to municipal policies and improved response to homelessness and social disorder based on No Place to Go report recommendations.
While there is still work ahead, these successes show that a coordinated, systems-focused approach can drive lasting impact, even in the face of complex challenges.
This year, for the first time, the evaluation looked not only at E4A, but also at VCC, and how well the organization is implementing its own strategic plan. As the stewards of E4A, VCC leads Calgary’s poverty reduction efforts by bringing together community voices, policy leaders, and sector partners to align strategies, share data, and drive systemic change.
Key highlights from VCC’s evaluation revealed the organization:
- Restructured its fiscal model, expanding operational and strategic capacity, supporting growth, innovation, and accountability.
- Launched Kaleidoscope Spaces to engage a broader and more diverse group of Calgarians, including those with lived experience of poverty, in implementing E4A.
- Strengthened its reputation as a credible, evidence-based policy voice, shaping public dialogue on poverty, influencing decision-makers, and mobilizing the non-profit sector.
Championing Change
In 2024, 8 new Champions joined E4A, bringing the total to 62. Evaluation respondents identified the following top 3 benefits of being a Champion:
- Improved access to timely and relevant information on poverty in Calgary
- Opportunities to participate in issue-specific advocacy
- Increased practical knowledge on how to advance poverty reduction
Champions reported driving action across the 10 Levers of Change:
- 74.8% advanced strong, inclusive communities.
- 64.9% focused on income and economic security.
- 56.8% prioritized Indigenous inclusion.
On average, Champions advanced work in 5.5 levers, embedding E4A principles like Dignity for All and Engaging Voices of Lived Experience into their initiatives, partnerships, and programs.
About E4A
Launched in 2013 and refreshed as E4A 2.0 in 2019, Enough for All is Calgary’s city-wide poverty reduction strategy, funded by The City of Calgary and United Way of Calgary and Area. Its mission is “to create opportunities to align and leverage the work of hundreds of organizations and thousands of Calgarians to reduce poverty in our city.” In 2023, E4A was gifted its Blackfoot name: iih kanii tai staiiwa.
Looking ahead
VCC continually strives to enhance its operations and improve the implementation of the E4A strategy, in collaboration with Champions and the community. Some opportunities identified in the evaluation include:
- Adapting to a shifting political and economic context by strengthening collective advocacy to rising costs and service demands.
- Developing a comprehensive Champion engagement framework to enhance collective action.
- Deepening work in parallel with Indigenous ways of knowing and further exploring how to decolonize research and policy activities.
As we approach 2026, VCC and our partners remain committed to continuing this important work, driving systemic change, and creating meaningful opportunities to improve lives across Calgary.
