Real Estate Development for Non-Profits

Building Sustainability Planning

Capital Management

Financial Planning

Non-profit associations and co-operatives are responsible to their members and community they seek to serve. To respond to this, LDG has developed a process that is tailored to meet the needs of the non-profit sector.

• Engagement
• Concept Planning
• Feasibility
• Financing
• Pre-Construction
• Physical Development & Construction
• Turn Over

The steps noted above capture the various development phases a project will move through as it is designed and developed. Each development phase results in deliverables and decision-points that help move the project through the rest of the development process.

Phase/Step 1: Engagement 

In this stage LDG meets with the client group to learn more about the project concept, explore initial project needs, and understand the level of support required from LDG on the part of the client. Through this process the project’s goals and objectives are refined and a potential budget is determined.

The intent of this phase it is to gain a clear understanding of the client’s project and the formation of an agreement for continued work.

Phase/Step 2: Concept Planning

Once an initial understanding of the project is established an initial project sketch will be completed to better understand the concept. This sketch will also be used to prompt continue conversations and input from the client group as well as any other interested parties or stakeholders.

The intent of this phase is to better understand the project budget, establishing location and land agreements, and defining the project’s target market and eventual residents.

Phase/Step 3: Feasibility

After the project concept is approved by the client group continued work is completed for preliminary drawings and costing. A Need and Demand analysis is completed along with a project capital and operating results forecast. Project and organizational documents are gathered.

The intent of this stage is to have a firm idea of the project concept and determine if the project is feasible based on market need and demand, project cost, and relevant funding and financing. Various consultants and municipal, provincial, and federal contacts will be made as part of this process.

Phase/Step 4: Financing

Many non-profit housing developments make use of funding programs offered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Identified funders will be engaged throughout this process to determine the level of support available through municipal, provincial, and federal programs. LDG will work the client to prepare the needed documents and assist the client navigate the funding review process. This includes coordinating independent but complimentary funding sources.

Phase/Step 5: Pre-Construction

After initial feasibility is proven the project continues with complete construction documents, a full costing by a quantity surveyor is conducted, building permit is acquired, and contractors are selected, and agreements put into place.

Phase/Step 6: Construction

Construction is initiated on the part of the contractors. LDG works with the construction manager or contractor depending on the arrangement. Project meetings take place on a regular basis to ensure deliverables are completed on time. Changes to the financial plan are monitored. As project nears completion, property management is considered.

Phase/Step 7: Turn Over 

Construction is completed and residential occupancy is in progress. LDG will work with the client to determine property management arrangements through LDG’s network should it be required.