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This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
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NewsBytes: January, 2002
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
International journal seeks papers on fundraising in North America
January 28, 2002
The International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing announced a call for papers for a special issue of the journal covering all aspects of the latest thinking and practice in individual fundraising in North America. Papers are invited on any aspect of individual fundraising and both academic and practitioner papers are welcome. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: database fundraising; direct and interactive fundraising; major gift fundraising; stewardship; data protection; Internet fundraising; data modeling and analysis; or case studies of successful fundraising practice. An outline of your proposed topic must be submitted to Cathlene Williams by April 1, 2002 and three hard copies of the paper will be due by June 15, 2002. For more information or for submission guidelines, e-mail: cwilliams@afpnet.org.
January 28, 2002
An Edmonton lawyer who raised funds to start a new orchestra in Edmonton now says he will give the $4 million raised to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra board or directors provided they can be held accountable. Michael Ritter, the head of NewPort Pacific Financial Group, said that setting up a rival orchestra is a last resort, but he'll do "whatever it takes" to make the ESO board accountable to its musicians. "If the musicians do not like what you're doing they can get rid of you and hire a different board," Michael Ritter said." Talk of a rival orchestra began when the board announced its decision not to renew the contract of ESO conductor Grzegorz Nowak. Many ESO musicians were unhappy with the board for terminating the conductor and have been working without their own contract since September. To learn more about the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, visit: www.edmontonsymphony.com.
Fast Fact: US nonprofits expect donations to decline
January 28, 2002
In a survey conducted in the United States late last year, 43% of respondents said their organization was changing its end-of-the-year direct-mail fundraising plans as a result of the events of September 11th. In addition, 58% anticipated that contributions to their organization would decrease because of the attacks, 35% felt they would stay the same, and 8% expected an increase in contributions.-- Philanthropic Research Inc.
January 28, 2002
Thanks to $200,000 in funding from CHUM Television, the London Public Library will house North America's first library-based media literacy centre. The new centre will give users easy access to the best media literacy tools, including first-rate print, electronic and audiovisual materials. "We hope the centre will encourage youth, as well as the community at large, to study the media and enhance their appreciation of what's on the screen," said Sarah Crawford, vice president of public affairs for CHUM Television. For more information, visit: www.chumlimited.com/html/television/pressreleases/chum_press_012402.asp.
January 28, 2002
Cultural groups across Nova Scotia will benefit from new government funding aimed at supporting community and artistic development, and industry growth. The province's investment of $72,600 is being matched by the organizations involved and additional project partners, for an overall provincial impact of close to $600,000. "I am impressed by the quality and range of projects receiving support from this latest call for applications," said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. The ministry's Cultural Activities Program provides support to community-level performances, festivals, workshops and cultural projects and community organizations have four opportunities each year to apply for assistance, with the next deadline set for February 15. For more information or to apply for funding, visit: www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/culture.html.
January 28, 2002
Stairclimbers gathered recently in Vancouver recently for the BC Lung Association's latest fundraising initiative. Those who participated in the Climb the Wall event had to ascend 48 floors at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, the tallest highrise in Vancouver. The event raised more than $100,000 for medical research, educational programs and patient support activities throughout the province. "We're very impressed with the enthusiasm of our 300 participants," said fundraising manager Ruby Campbell. "To raise $100,000 for a first-time event is a testament to the importance of respiratory issues in this province. We're already making plans for the second annual event." For more information, visit: www.bc.lung.ca/stairclimb/stairclimb.htm.
January 28, 2002
The latest edition of Giving USA, a survey of corporate philanthropy conducted by The Conference Board, reveals that company contributions to worthy causes reached $3.9 billion in 2000, up 17%, from $3.4 billion the previous year. Total charitable donations by corporations, including grants from corporate foundations climbed to an estimated $10.86 billion. The report also found that for the first time since the survey began, contributions to health and human services, and education exceeded $1 billion dollars each. More than one third of participants also reported overseas funding in 2000, totaling $2.8 billion. -- The Conference Board
January 28, 2002
A gathering of world leaders in Tokyo last week yielded financial support worth $4.5 billion (US) to aid war torn Afghanistan. The funds include $296 million from the United States, $500 million from Japan, and $1.5 billion from the European Union. Canada's promise of $62 million ($100 million Canadian) is in addition to $10 million that is already on its way to the devastated region. Despite this rally of support the United Nations says it is only one-third of the five-year target of $15 billion needed to help rebuild the country.
Special awards recognize random acts of kindness
January 28, 2002
As part of Canada's first Kindness Conference, the Edmonton Kindness Committee is now accepting nominations for awards that recognize deserving individuals and businesses. The Kindness Awards will be given out in three categories: kindness in the workplace; social responsibility, for companies or organizations involved in the community; and Kindness Heroes, for those individuals whom you would like to thank. For more information or if you would like to make a nomination, contact Mari-Lyn Hudson at kindness8@hotmail.com or visit: www.angelfire.com/ab7/ y2kindness/.
January 28, 2002
Cognos, a global leader in business intelligence, has donated $1 million to establish Canada's first human-computer interaction laboratory at Carleton University. The new facility will incorporate psychology, industrial design, computer and cognitive science, engineering, architecture, sociology and linguistics in an effort to better understand human-computer interaction (HCI). Research conducted at the lab will help Canadian companies improve the usability of their technology products. For more information about the program, visit: www.carleton.ca/duc/newsrels/cognos2002.html.
January 28, 2002
Budding musicians in seven schools across Canada are the latest recipients of an instrument grant from BAND AID and The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science (CARAS). The funding program provides a $10,000 grant in the form of musical instruments to schools whose music programs have potential but are in need of funding to ensure their successful growth. "It is very concerning that music programs are being cut or underfunded, just as a growing body of scientific research indicates that participation in music programs at a young age has such wide-ranging benefits." said CARAS chair Ross Reynolds. For more information, visit: www.juno-awards.ca /CARAS/BandAid.html.
January 21, 2002
Canada's largest fundraising consultancy, Ketchum Canada Inc., announced it has been acquired by Allied Irish Bank (AIB), a leading financial institution based in Dublin. "It’s a natural evolution for Ketchum Canada to become part of an international fundraising organization," said Ross McGregor, chair, CEO and founder. "We expect that our Canadian and European clients will be major beneficiaries of Ketchum Canada’s increased resources, expertise and international outreach capability." To date Ketchum has helped more than 600 nonprofits raise $2.4 billion and has trained thousands of individuals nationwide. For more information, visit: www.ketchumcanada.com/newsandinfo/news.htm.
January 21, 2002
Last week, the BC government announced massive cuts to its workforce, eliminating almost 12,000 jobs from the public sector and vastly reducing many services. The cuts touched on most areas, including the province's voluntary sector. When the Liberal government came to power in 2001 they dissolved the ministry responsible for volunteerism and folded their activities into the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services.
"The funding that was enjoyed by the previous government and ministry no longer exists," says Kathy Lister, manager of projects for Volunteer BC. "What they are doing right now is wrapping up existing contracts and many volunteer centres in particular have found their contracts are being put on hold or they are being told not to expect business to continue as usual. We are very much in the air." To view the BC government's ministry service plan summaries, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/prem/popt/corereview/#ministry_service_plan.
January 21, 2002
A Universit€ de Montr€al building campaign is one step closer to its goal thanks to a substantial donation from Jean Coutu, Canada's second-largest pharmaceutical retail network. The company donated $12.5 million to the $77.5 million project, making it the largest private donation ever to a Francophone university. One of the two buildings planned for construction will bear the name Marcelle Coutu, and will house the pharmacy faculty. For more information on the Universit€ de Montr€al, visit: www.umontreal.ca/ang/index.htm.
January 21, 2002
A joint survey conducted by Volunteer Canada and the Imagine Program of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy finds that 32% of companies with employee volunteer programs produce a social responsibility or community involvement report featuring the program. These programs have an average employee participation rate of between 5% and 30% and 64% of the companies have an annual budget set aside for the program. The survey also revealed that 52% use an internal web site to advertise volunteer opportunities and 92% have a recognition program for employee volunteers. -- Volunteer Canada
January 21, 2002
The Capacity Building Project (CBP), a coalition of youth environmental groups, is now in the first phase of its project to build a stronger and more effective environmental youth movement in Canada. They are asking groups with young people up to 30 years of age that have an environmental mandate to participate in a baseline study which will help the CBP to better understand the current state of the movement. For more information or to participate in their survey, visit: www.eya.ca/capacitybuilding.
January 21, 2002
The United Way of Greater Toronto released the results of their 2001 campaign last week to a group of 2,000 supporters. A total of $75.5 million was raised to help people in need, surpassing the goal by $700,000. Aside from topping the campaign goal, this year's total is $5.5 million higher than the previous achievement. "This past year presented us with many fundraising challenges - job cuts and a shrinking economy, increased community need, and the tragic events of September 11," said John H. Tory, the 2001 campaign chair. "But Torontonians rallied to support people in need through United Way, with the conviction that the strength of a community depends on how we help those less fortunate." For more information, visit: www.unitedwaytoronto.com/media_tools/press_releases.html.
January 21, 2002
The Independent Order of Foresters, a Toronto-based international financial services organization signed a four-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the Children's Miracle Network. The agreement, valued at more than $14 million, will help the nonprofit organization carry out several international fundraising and awareness campaigns. "As a result of Foresters support Children's Miracle Network anticipates raising more than $240 million in the next four years." said CMN's president and CEO, Mick Shannon. "Generous corporate partners like this makes it possible for us to keep 100% of local donations in the community they were raised in to help local kids." For more information, visit: www.iof.org/NewsItems/NewsDetail.asp?PageName=IOF_Signs_Contract_With_CMN.htm.
January 21, 2002
Corporate philanthropy, once only a small part of a company's activities, has become an integral component of many corporate social responsibility strategies. In response to this, the newly formed Association of Corporate Grantmakers will work to create an ongoing forum for Toronto-area grantmakers. Balancing big picture issues with practical workshops on grantmaking, the planning committee developed a schedule of meetings to be held each month for the first half of 2002, beginning with their inaugural meeting on February 26. For more information on the association or to register for a meeting, contact Debbie Deroche, TrizecHahn Corporation, at 416-682-8631.
January 21, 2002
The Voluntary Sector Initiative's Capacity Joint Table is now accepting proposals from voluntary sector researchers, and voluntary sector organizations to conduct an analysis of the results from the National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (NSGVP). Proposals will also be accepted to create tools to enable users to: conduct their own analyses of the data; better understand the survey results; and apply the learning from the results of the analysis to their own and other organizations. Project proposals should outline the relevance of the project to the needs of the voluntary sector. The deadline for submissions is March 8th. For more information, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/capacity/rfp_nsgvp.cfm.
January 21, 2002
Bertram Loeb donated $1 million to help create more public awareness of organ donations in the hope that Canada will move up in the rankings for organ donations among developed countries, where it currently ranks 16th. "I felt if I could use this money to increase the rate of donations and move ahead not only in our standings, but in our ability to provide a much-needed level of organ transplants, then it will be good," says Loeb. The funds will go to the newly created Bertram Loeb Organ Tissue Donation Institute, a nonprofit organization in Ottawa that provides grants for programs or projects that aim to increase organ and tissue donations. Loeb also donated $25,000 to be used as an annual award to stimulate positive action in support of organ-tissue donations.
January 21, 2002
Gift planners in Toronto are joining their colleagues across the country in promoting bequest giving through a program developed by the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. Leave a Legacy™ is a community-based effort to encourage people from all walks of life to make gifts from their estates to nonprofit organizations. The program also assists local charities in working with their donors and estate planning professionals to establish gifts that will make a lasting mark on the quality of life in the community. If you would like to learn more about this program in the Toronto area, contact Jill Anderson at 416-657-4298. For links to other Leave a Legacy™ programs across Canada, visit: www.leavealegacy.ca.
January 21, 2002
The Montreal Alouettes are taking to the trails for a 1,300 km snowmobile trek across Quebec. Their nine-day trip, taking place from January 27 to February 4, is an initiative to raise funds for Le club des petits déjeuners du Québec, which helps underprivileged children start their day with a healthy breakfast. During the trip, 25 cents will be given to the organization for every "Natrel Ultralait" and "Weston" product sold in the 75 participating supermarkets throughout the regions crossed by the team. For more information about Le club des Petits Déjeuners du Québec, visit: www.clubdejeuners.org.
January 21, 2002
A Columbus, Ohio woman who was stranded in Newfoundland during the September 11th attacks is showing her gratitude to the people who helped her. Shirley Brooks-Jones, a retired Ohio State University administrator and fundraiser, raised almost $35,000 US in pledges for a scholarship fund to benefit the fishing community of Lewisporte, Nfld. "Horrible circumstances drove us to Canada, but it turned out to be the best, most beautiful experience of my life," says Brooks-Jones, who was flying over the Atlantic Ocean when the attacks occurred.
January 14, 2002
Last week, the United Way of Greater Toronto received its largest donation ever, a $4.3 million gift from the employees of RBC Financial Group. It is part of a total $6.1 million pledged by employees in support of the United Way and other local charities. "RBC Financial Group's generous donation - the largest in United Way's history - clearly demonstrates that the organization and its employees truly understand community needs," said Frances Lankin, president of the United Way of Greater Toronto. Funds were raised by Ontario employees, who were given the opportunity to donate to local United Ways, or to other charitable organizations of their choosing, through payroll deduction, lump sum donations, and special fundraising events. For more information about the United Way of Greater Toronto, visit: www.unitedwaytoronto.com/index.html.
January 14, 2002
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada has launched a new resource to assist mentoring organizations in achieving their goals. Mentoring Canada is an online training and resource program that allows individuals, companies, and other youth-oriented organizations to learn the qualities of mentoring. Aside from more than 400 downloadable resources designed to help organizations currently involved in service delivery in the not-for-profit sector, the site also contains two interactive training modules: Effective Board Training, and Running an Effective Mentoring Program. For more information or to access these resources, visit: www.mentoringcanada.ca.
January 14, 2002
Donald K. Johnson, vice chair of BMO Nesbitt Burns, announced a $1.3 million gift to the Richard Ivey School of Business. The donation will be used to support the expansion and renovation of the Ivey Spencer Conference Centre, a top management development facility. The north section of the building will be renamed the "Donald K. Johnson Executive Wing" in recognition of the gift from Johnson, who is an active advocate of personal and corporate philanthropy.
"Don Johnson has provided much support, in time and energy, to help keep Ivey at the forefront of business schools," said Dean Larry Tapp. "There is no more appropriate alumnus to recognize than Don by putting his name on the building." Johnson is the Chair of the Development Committee of the Ivey Advisory Board as well as the Council for Business and the Arts in Canada (CBAC), which encourages corporate support for the arts. For more information, visit: www.ivey.uwo.ca/media/johnson_gift.htm.
January 14, 2002
Women in the United Kingdom gave £400 million more to charity than men did in 2000. The average donation by a woman was £12.30 per month, while men averaged £1.00 less. This is despite the fact that men's average gross weekly pay is £439 compared to the female workforce, which averages £255 per week. Overall, 71% of women and 64% of men gave to charity in 2000, with spontaneous street collection being the most frequently used method of giving by both sexes. Although 24% of all donors use this method, it generates only 3.2% of all donations to charity in the UK. -- National Council for Voluntary Organisations
January 14, 2002
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) was honoured recently for its decades of service to blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind Canadians. The 2001 RBC Award for Canadian Achievement recognizes innovative organizations and forward-thinking projects that respond to important issues facing Canadian society. "We consider the CNIB to be a leader in volunteerism and are dedicating this year's award to the CNIB's 20,000 volunteers coast-to-coast," said Gord Nixon, president and CEO of the RBC Financial Group.
With the award came an announcement that RBC would continue its long-standing relationship and support of the CNIB with a donation of $500,000. The donation will help fund the "That All May Read" campaign, which will ensure that those who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind can access the same information as their sighted peers. For more information, visit: www.cnib.ca/wbd/day/award.htm.
January 14, 2002
The Voluntary Sector Initiative's Capacity Joint Table is now accepting applications from organizations wishing to manage the Policy Internships and Fellowships Project. This project is an opportunity for an innovative organization to provide creativity and policy leadership to a unique project, on behalf of the VSI. Organizations at the forefront of Canadian policy that wish to expand their networks, enhance their capacity and management skills, and work in a cutting-edge area of policy development may find this project of interest. The deadline for submissions is February 8th. For more information or application documents, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/capacity/rfp_policy.cfm.
January 14, 2002
Dr. George Jackowski, the founder and vice chair of SYN X Pharma Inc., personally donated $1 million in stock to support research at the University of Guelph. "The University of Guelph has long been recognized for its contributions in science, and is working to establish specific recognition for their work in life sciences," explained Dr. Jackowski. "I see their abilities in this area first hand through recent collaborations between SYN X and the university". The endowment will establish the Surgeoner Chair in innovative life sciences and will also facilitate education and training in immunochemical technology in environment, agriculture, food and medical sciences. For more information about the University of Guelph, visit: www.uoguelph.ca.
January 14, 2002
Nominations are now being accepted for British Columbia's largest community recognition program. The 2002 Courage To Come Back Awards honour people who demonstrated extraordinary courage in recovering from injury, accident, illness and personal trauma. The awards are divided into six categories: chemical dependency, general medicine, physical rehabilitation, youth, mental health and rehabilitation. The award ceremony is also a major public awareness and fundraising campaign of the Coast Foundation Society, which works to remove the stigma of mental illness. The deadline for nominations is February 18th. Forms are available at any Scotiabank branch in British Columbia or through the Coast Foundation web site at www.coastfoundation.com/courage_to_come_back_awards.htm.
January 14, 2002
This month, Dr. Myron Semkuley and his wife Elaine will make their tenth visit to the Southeast Asian nation formerly known as Burma. Dr. Semkuley is the head of Medical Mercy Canada, a Calgary-based aid group that is working to help refugees fleeing Myanmar. "They are the forgotten people," said Semkuley. "The problems are the same as those we are seeing now in Afghanistan, except here it has been going on for years without anybody really paying much attention to it. These people are very poor. They hardly have any food, many of them are sick or injured, and they're not wanted across the border in Thailand." Through fundraising efforts, the couple has taken more than $1 million worth of medical supplies to the region to date. For more information about Medical Mercy Canada, visit: www.medicalmercycanada.org.
January 14, 2002
Three longtime volunteers of a Salvation Army hospice for the terminally ill are no longer working for the organization. Conflict arose after concerns were expressed that a song sung during meetings did not represent the beliefs of all volunteers at the Ottawa area hospice. "In the song, which is called The Angel Song, they do mention angels, and I think that, somehow, this was perceived as something that this small group of people didn't feel comfortable with," said Don Ciavaglia, manager of the Salvation Army's hospice program. Recently these volunteers were asked to demonstrate their commitment to the Salvation Army's "philosophy" by signing a pledge supporting its mission, which includes preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. They had until January 4th to sign the letter of commitment or their files as volunteers would be closed. The small group declined signing the pledge, saying it was more than they could agree to.
January 7, 2002
For the first time ever, an individual has been sent to prison for violating Alberta's Charitable Fund-raising Act. Last month in Calgary Provincial Court, Clem John Pendlebury was sentenced to 21 months in jail for keeping money intended for needy families and terminally ill children. Pendlebury pleaded guilty to breaching the Act by providing false and misleading information to donors and by using donated funds for non-charitable purposes.
Calgarians donated more than $28,000 to two charities: The Emergency Children's Food Fund Ltd. and Starlight Children's Services Ltd. However, less than $300 was actually used for charitable purposes. "This sentence, and the investigation leading up to it, sends a clear signal that this province will not tolerate unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of Albertans' generosity," said Government Services Minister David Coutts. For more information about Alberta's charity regulations, call Government Services toll-free at 1-877-427-4088 or visit www3.gov.ab.ca/gs/services/cnfb/.
January 7, 2002
An anonymous donor has prepared a limited number of survival essentials and sleeping bags to help some homeless people make it through the winter. Requests for these kits are being handled by wholesaler, the Bargains Group, which is asking interested groups to submit their organization's name, a contact person, mailing address, phone and fax numbers, and email address along with the number of kits needed, keeping in mind that quantities are limited. A description of who will be receiving the kits and sleeping bags, and how they will be distributed should also be included.
The Bargains Group also asks that if you are currently receiving funding for winter programs, that you let those who are not have first opportunity for these items. Please forward requests along with all information to the Bargains Group via fax 416-785-1647 or email jodys@bargainsgroup.com or call 416-785-5655. Final date for submissions has been extended to January 12th.
January 7, 2002
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize, former winners were asked to predict the future of the Internet. Sixty-nine percent believe the Internet could have accelerated completion of their own work, 87% predict it will have a positive effect on improving education, and 72% believe the Internet will play a significant role in improving living standards worldwide. Although 85% those surveyed agree that the Internet has had a positive impact on their lives, many expressed concerns about increased privacy violations (65%), increased alienation (51%) and greater political or economic inequity (44%).-- Cisco Systems
January 7, 2002
A new fundraising concert organized by students from three Halifax universities is something they hope will become an annual event and a model for student charity efforts Canada-wide. On Friday, January 18th, Fusion will take place at the Electropolis Motion Picture Studio, with a stage for rock bands and another stage for singer-songwriters. To help get everyone involved, student unions and societies from Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent universities are asking people to go online and vote for a charity to receive proceeds from the concert. Among the 15 contenders are Phoenix House, MADD, the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia, the Metro Food Bank, the SPCA and more. "We’re donating every single penny to charity," says coordinator Brent Jewers. "We’ve spoken to all the charities, and they all think it’s a great idea." For more information, visit: www.HalifaxFusion.com.
January 7, 2002
Ontario Environment Minister Elizabeth Witmer announced a new drinking water regulation that will place strict requirements on schools, day nurseries, nursing and retirement homes and social and health care facilities that have their own water supply system and do not fall under the existing Drinking Water Protection Regulation. "Many of our facilities serving children and seniors in Ontario have their own water systems. We need to make sure that water is clean and safe," said Witmer. Among the new requirements, facilities must perform regular testing, analysis and treatment of drinking water - including daily chlorine residual or equivalent testing. Free training has been designed specifically for operators of smaller systems. Operators can call the Ministry of the Environment's Human Resources Branch at (416) 314-9334, or visit www.oetc.on.ca for more information.
January 7, 2002
A report entitled Wired, Willing and Ready: Nonprofit Human Service Organizations' Adoption of Information Technology, finds that 80% of executives at human-service organizations feel information technology has changed daily operations in their organization, and 87% consider it to be essential. Eighty percent of survey participants use e-mail and the Internet, 52% have computers linked together on a network, and 49% of organizations have their own web sites. Of the organizations that don't use these technologies, more than 50% see no need for them. However, more than 60% of all participants believe that increased use of technology would make their organizations more efficient and save them money.-- Independent Sector
January 7, 2002
The slopes of Sunshine Village were busy last week as celebrities from across North America arrived in Banff National Park for the Fairmount Banff Springs Celebrity Sports Invitational. Ski races, target snow-golf, snowshoeing and tobogganing were among the events that helped raise funds for the Waterkeeper Alliance, an umbrella group of 70 organizations working to protect waterways in North and Central America. Robert Kennedy Jr., founder of the alliance, joined stars including Glenn Close, Ed Begley Jr., Dan Aykroyd, and Jean Claude Van Damme to participate in the events. For more information about the Waterkeeper Alliance, visit: www.keeper.org.
January 7, 2002
More than 140 individuals and 15 groups in Ontario were recently honoured for their significant contributions to local heritage preservation. The Ontario Heritage Foundation's Heritage Community Recognition Program recognizes achievements in leadership of natural heritage conservation and restoration projects, long-standing voluntary service to local heritage organizations, production of local history publications, and preservation of heritage buildings.
"Celebrating and protecting our heritage is central to our quality of life and the prosperity of our communities," said Allan Gotlieb, chair of the foundation. "Heritage preservation is about people and it has always been driven by the commitment of volunteers. It is important to recognize the initiatives of these individuals and groups and the value of their work." Since 1996, more than 1,000 Ontario residents have been acknowledged for their heritage efforts. For a list of winning communities in 2001, visit: www.heritagefdn.on.ca/Eng/About/recognition2001.shtml.
January 7, 2002
According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the United States' wealthiest individuals reduced their charitable donations last year, including billionaire Bill Gates, who contributed $2 billion (US) to endow the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2001, compared with a $5 billion (US) donation in 2000. Overall, the 10 largest individual gifts to charity dropped 58% to $4.6-billion in 2001, from $11.08-billion in 2000. Canada faired better last year, showing increases of 10% in both the number of foundations and the size of their assets compared with 2000.
January 7, 2002
The American Red Cross recently appointed former Senator George Mitchell to oversee the $667 million fund created to help victims of the terrorist attacks. The charity exceeded its goal of distributing $275 million in aid by year's end, handing out approximately $317.5 million to date. Another high-profile fundraiser, eBay's Auction for America, stopped taking listings last week and will likely fall short of its $10 million goal. So far the auction has raised approximately $7 million, which includes a $1 million donation that eBay made to launch the effort in September.
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