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This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: March, 2002
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Alberta government cuts popular grants program
March 25, 2002
Charities across Alberta were left scrambling last week after an announcement that the provincial government would not provide funding to the Community Lottery Board Program for the fiscal year 2003. The CLB contributed millions in grants annually to fund social agencies, parks, recreation, affordable housing and many other pursuits. It is believed those funds will now flow into education and health funding. "What upsets us the most is that [the government] knew this was going to happen, and yet they continued to allow charities in Alberta to apply right up to the date of the budget," says Fred Scaife, executive director of the Red Deer Food Bank, which has been left in a deficit position after purchasing a much needed fork-lift. When the purchase was made, neither the food bank nor the local CLB administrator saw any reason why their grant application would be turned down. Scaife says the unexpected cuts have taught them a harsh but valuable lesson. For more information, visit: www.gaming.gov.ab.ca/Who/clb_grant_program.asp.
March 25, 2002
This week, IMPACS ‘ the Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society will release the results of a national dialogue on advocacy in the voluntary sector. The well-known Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) "10 Percent Rule", which forbids charities from using any more than 10% of their resources annually for advocacy, is recognized by many as a serious impediment to modern Canadian democracy because it limits the voices of charities and the people they serve. The report, entitled Let Charities Speak: The Charities and Advocacy Dialogue Report, reveals a deeply felt desire among voluntary sector organizations for change in this area, as well as strong support for high standards of disclosure, transparency, and accountability to ensure virtuous practices by charities. For more information, visit: www.impacs.org.
March 25, 2002
HSBC Bank of Canada announced a donation of $1.4 million to the University of British Columbia for its new downtown Vancouver campus. It is the largest-ever gift from a bank to the university. One million dollars will be spent on the physical structure of the downtown campus. The remainder will go toward the Learning Exchange, which offers courses to Downtown Eastside residents, and to the Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues. In addition, $700,000 will be endowed for HSBC scholarships and $700,000 will be endowed for HSBC bursaries for UBC undergraduate and graduate students. "We believe that support for higher education is crucial for the future prosperity of Canada. This is our way to say thank you to the community for supporting the bank over the past 21 years," said Martin Glynn, HSBC president and CEO. For more information, visit: www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/mr/mr02/mr-02-24.html.
Fast Fact: Participation in cultural activities influenced by language
March 25, 2002
According to the Statistics Canada publication Focus on Culture, anglophones are more likely to be avid readers, while francophones are more likely to attend symphonies and festivals. In 1998, one-third of francophones attended at least one festival, compared with only one-fifth of anglophones. However, anglophones visited more museums and heritage institutions than their French-speaking counterparts. They also read more, with 69% reporting that they had reading a book in the previous twelve months, compared with 60% of francophones.-- Statistics Canada.
March 25, 2002
As part of its extensive community awards and funding programs, VanCity Credit Union is accepting applications for the second annual $1-million VanCity Award. The award supports bold and innovative projects in the communities VanCity serves. Last year the award went to B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) for its VanCity Greenway project, a bike path and leisure trail that will connect Lower Mainland communities. Projects should be self-sustaining in the long term and support the social, economic and/or environmental well-being of the community in which VanCity members live and work. The deadline for letters of intent is April 12. For more information, visit: www.vancity.com/link?menuId=53023.
March 25, 2002
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, students across the country are growing concerned about summer employment and the challenging job market. The Labatt People in Action program offers a unique solution by giving students an opportunity to write their own job descriptions and create career-related summer employment experience while helping organizations in their community. Designed to partner student innovation and charitable work experience, Labatt People in Action, sponsored by Labatt Breweries of Canada and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), funds original summer projects created by students and their charities of choice.
Now in its 25th year, the program pays the wages while the charity is responsible for overseeing the project and providing hands-on experience for the students. Successful applicants are selected based on the career-related opportunity, the urgency of the project, and the potential benefits to the community. The deadline for applications in March 29. For more information, visit: www.lpia-jobs.com.
TD Bank shows its support for health and youth programs
March 25, 2002
TD Bank Financial Group is making two donations, totaling $450,000, to the Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge communities. Through the TD Grants in Medical Excellence program, the Waterloo Region Hospitals Foundation will receive $350,000. "We're investing in the future of health care by providing Canadian hospitals with resources to help them attract and retain the best and brightest medical professionals," said John Capozzolo, senior vice president, Ontario Central Region, TD Canada Trust. In addition, the bank is donating $100,000 to the new Waterloo Regional Children's Museum, which is scheduled to open in early 2003. For more information, visit: www.td.com/communicate/200203201.html.
March 25, 2002
A second round of funding was recently announced for the Voluntary Sector Initiative's Sectoral Involvement in Departmental Policy Development (SIDPD), which is part of the VSI's mandate to increase the voluntary sector's involvement in the development of policy within federal government departments. During this round of projects, more than 100 voluntary organizations from across the country will participate in 46 projects in partnership with government. These projects will build capacity to support a wide range of policy priorities such as environmental issues, childcare and health. For more detailed information on SIDPD and round two projects, please visit the VSI Web site at: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/policy_projects.cfm.
March 25, 2002
For any family dealing with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, explaining the situation to children is very difficult. Linda Corsini, a social worker with the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre (ORCC), hopes her new book will help families facing this challenge. Currently in the development stage, What About My Kids? is now one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to a $28,400 contribution from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for Ontario to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre. "It really destabilizes a family when a parent becomes sick," said Corsini, who hopes to finish writing the book by the end of the year. "This book is meant to be a guideline for families so they don't become dysfunctional and the kids don't become depressed." For more information about the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, visit: www.orcc.on.ca.
March 25, 2002
"Aid alone, in the absence of leadership to restructure global financial, trade and environmental relations, will never achieve the goal of poverty eradication." This is the conclusion of Reality of Aid 2002, an independent semi-annual review of development assistance. The project involves more than 35 writers and analysts from non-governmental organizations around the world, including Brian Tomlinson of the Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC). Their findings depict a 'profoundly disturbing assessment' of the actual impact of foreign aid in meeting human needs. NGOs in the Reality of Aid network are now calling for strong leadership and new vision on the part of heads of government. To view a summary of the report, visit: www.ccic.ca/news/reality_aid_2002_key_messages_19_03_2002.htm.
March 25, 2002
Cash awards totalling $65,000 are available to nonprofit agencies that apply for the 5th Annual Donner Awards. This unique recognition program, created specifically for CanadaÚs nonprofit sector, rewards nonprofits for efficiency and effectiveness in their service delivery. Agency performance is calculated in ten areas: finance, income independence, strategic management, board governance, volunteers, staff, innovation, program cost, outcome monitoring, and accessibility. As part of the awards program, all participants receive a confidential performance evaluation, which delineates the agencyÚs individual performance in these areas.
Nine awards valued at $5,000 each will be presented in the categories of child care services, crisis intervention, counselling, alternative education, traditional education, prevention and treatment of substance abuse, provision of basic necessities, services for people with disabilities, and services for seniors. In addition, the prestigious Award for Excellence, valued at $20,000, will be presented to the organization that exhibits the highest level of overall excellence. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 30, 2002. For more information or an application form, visit: www.fraserinstitute.ca/donner or e-mail donnerawards@fraserinstitute.ca.
March 25, 2002
The Ontario government last week pledged $90 million in arts funding for Toronto. The funds will be distributed between six projects with a third, $30 million, going to the Royal Ontario Museum. The Art Gallery of Ontario will receive $24 million, while the new Canadian Opera House will get approximately $25 million in provincial land. The Royal Conservatory of Music gets $7 million, and Roy Thomson Hall and the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art will each receive $2 million. The money will go toward $440 million in cultural expansions in Toronto. Premier Mike Harris says it is now time for the federal government to contribute its share and then institutions will have to raise the rest of the necessary money from the private sector.
March 25, 2002
Local agencies and community groups are invited to submit their projects now for the annual Day of Caring at the United Way of Burlington, Hamilton-Wentworth. The groups supply the projects, both big and small, and the United Way finds the help. This year's Day of Caring will take place on May 30th. For more information or to request your project application form, call the Day of Caring hotline at 905-527-4576 ext. 420.
March 18, 2002
The Change Foundation is now accepting letters of intent for its 2002 grants program. The foundation provides seed funding of up to $100,000 per grant over two years to design, implement and evaluate change initiatives for improving health and health care services. This year's theme is 'Closing the Demand Gap in Health and Health Care Services' and submissions should focus on one of four strategic areas designated, or identify another important demand management strategy. Applicants should submit a short project description focusing on the innovation, and potential impact on closing the demand gap and improving health and health care services. The deadline for receipt of submissions is April 12, 2002. For more information or an application form, visit: www.changefoundation.com or contact Linda Cash at lcash@changefoundation.com.
March 18, 2002
In order to guide the investment of $6.1 million in technology programs, the Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) Joint Table of the Voluntary Sector Initiative Secretariat commissioned a study to identify the technology needs of Canada's voluntary sector. The final report, prepared by Dr. Gillian Kerr, reflects the input of more than 2,500 respondents who were asked to rank 17 IM/IT options for potential funding in order of priority. These options included: access to an easy and inexpensive online database of funders; direct funding of computers, software, upgrades, and Internet connections; as well as more flexibility from funders to include technology needs in operating expenses. The results indicate that Canada's voluntary sector needs technology which is cheap and available, and which will help meet its funding needs. To view the final report, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/im_it/reports.cfm.
March 18, 2002
The Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) is launching a series of national consultations on its Community Social Data Strategy, a new project that will help municipalities and community-based organizations obtain data, build networks, share results and train people to analyze information vital to their planning and development efforts. CCSD staff will spend the next few months speaking with community representatives about their data needs and how they may be addressed through this new strategy. For more information, visit: www.ccsd.ca or contact Nathalie Leclerc at socialdata@ccsd.ca.
March 18, 2002
Since the last census was taken in 1996, Canada's population increased by only 4%, bringing the official total as of May 2001 to 30,007,094 people, compared with 28,846,761 five years ago. Only three provinces and one territory experienced growth rates above the national average. Alberta topped the list with a growth rate of 10.3%, Nunavut was second at 8.1%, Ontario grew by 6.1% and British Columbia's population rose by 4.9%. Newfoundland and Labrador saw numbers decline for the second consecutive census period. In 2001, 79.4% of Canadians lived in an urban centre with 10,000 people or more, up slightly from 1996. More than half of the population (51%) was clustered in one of four broad urban regions: the Golden Horseshoe in Southern Ontario; Montréal and environs; British Columbia's Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island; and the Calgary-Edmonton corridor.-- Statistics Canada.
March 18, 2002
As a follow-up to the Association of Fundraising Professionals presentation last week concerning Ontario's proposed privacy legislation, members are being asked to submit any feedback on this issue by noon on Monday, March 18th. The four key issues for members and their organizations are: lack of distinction between for-profit and not-for-profit roles; the impact of 'opt-in'; the acquisition and use of basic contact information for major gift and other prospecting; and the lack of 'grandfathering'. The final document will be submitted to the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services on March 28th. Members should send their comments to Cynthia Quigley at cquigley@afptoronto.org. For more information, visit: www.afptoronto.org/privacy.htm. To view the Draft Privacy Legislation visit: www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/pdf/56XSMB.pdf.
March 18, 2002
Despite a power outage and a false fire alarm, the Ottawa Heart Institute's annual telethon was a resounding success. During the two-day event, $3.46 million was raised, breaking last year's record of $3.4 million, and more funds are still expected from people who couldn't watch the telethon because of the outages. "I couldn't be more pleased," said Dr. Wilbert Keon, the institute's founder. "I keep waiting for the total to plateau, but year after year we are getting better and better." The institute depends on the annual telethon to help fund its day-to-day operation and this year, money will also go toward research, new equipment, and refurbishing the institute. For more information about the Ottawa Heart Institute, visit: www.ottawaheart.ca.
March 18, 2002
The Peter F. Drucker Canadian Foundation encourages society to view the social sector as a leading force in creating healthy communities and improving the quality of life. The Foundation is currently inviting applications for its 12th annual Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation, which each year recognizes a nonprofit program that has made a difference in the lives of the people it serves. The award is accompanied by a prize of $20,000, and is presented at a special celebration event. It was established in 1991 by the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, which is named for, and inspired by, an acknowledged 'father of modern management'. The application deadline is July 31, 2002. For more information on selection criteria and eligibility, visit: www.innovation-award.ca.
March 18, 2002
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba is the recipient of a sizable bequest from a Brandon area resident. John (Jack) Staples left $350,000 to the foundation in his will. In recognition of the gift, the foundation is establishing a memorial fund in honour of Mr. Staples and his wife Ann, who suffered from a heart ailment and died in 1991. The Jack and Ann Staples Memorial Fund for the Stroke Centre of Excellence will benefit the centre, which provides training, retraining and recruiting of clinical investigators. The centre has a consortium of 145 researchers who are dedicated to reducing the impact of stroke on the individual and on society. For more information about the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, visit: www.heartandstroke.mb.ca.
March 18, 2002
TD Bank Financial Group last week announced a major initiative to boost community-based fundraising across Canada. TD Canada Trust customers can now make automatic donations of as little as $1 a month to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation or any of the Children's Miracle Network member foundations and hospitals. In addition, TD will donate $1 million annually to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and match customers' automatic monthly donations to the Children's Miracle Network, up to $1 million annually. Most importantly, all customer donations will be invested within their own communities. For more information, visit: www.td.com/community.
March 18, 2002
Recruiting and retaining volunteers is the biggest problem facing small nonprofits. This is one of the findings in a research paper by Linda Roberts, multi-service coordinator of the Captain William Spry Community Centre in Halifax. The paper, entitled Caught in the Middle: What small, non-profit organizations need to flourish, examines what we do and do not know about small organizations. It is these small organizations that make up a significant portion of Canada's voluntary sector and Robert's report makes specific recommendations as to how the Voluntary Sector Initiative's Joint Tables can address their needs and concerns and assist them in becoming more effective. To view this report in full, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/reports.cfm.
March 18, 2002
Armor All® is helping local community and charity organizations across Canada soak up some fun while raising money for their own causes during its 3rd National Car Wash Day on May 25. The company will supply fundraising packages containing everything required to hold a successful car wash including: complete car wash kits with everything from buckets and sponges to a whole range of Armor All® products; customizable promotional flyers and signage for the event; and easy-to-follow instructions that demonstrates how to approach the local media and generate coverage for your car wash. Local groups interested in taking part in National Car Wash Day by hosting a car wash in their community, or those who would like more information can call 1-800-224-4481 or e-mail: nationalcarwashday@armorallcanada.com.
March 18, 2002
Bell Canada and Kids Help Phone are teaming up for the launch of the first annual Bell Walk for Kids, which will take place on Sunday, May 5th in more than 20 cities across Canada. Individuals and teams are invited to raise pledges in support of Kids Help Phone, which offers confidential phone counselling, referral and Internet service for children and youth. "Bell believes it is important for corporations to actively contribute to the communities where they operate and where their customers and employees live and work," said John Sheridan, president of Bell Canada. "We invite and encourage other Canadian companies to rally their own employees and enter a team in the walk." To register for the walk, or for more information, visit www.bellwalkforkids.com.
March 11, 2002
The Ontario government, through the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services, is drafting legislation related to protecting individual and donor privacy. According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the legislation, in its current form, would place unexpected burdens on charities by requiring organizations to obtain an individual's consent before collecting and using even basic contact information for fundraising purposes. In response, the AFP is developing formal comments to the Ministry outlining the impact this legislation would have on charitable fundraising. AFP members are also invited to attend an information session in Toronto on March 13th to discuss the legislation. Comments and input can also be sent directly to your MPP. For more information on the information session contact Cynthia Quigley or Meredith Meads at the AFP Toronto office by phone at 416-941-9212 or e-mail events@afptoronto.org. To view a copy of the draft legislation, visit: www.cbs.gov.on .ca/mcbs/english/56HK6V.htm.
March 11, 2002
Working to maintain its community involvement, Canadian National (CN) unveiled a new program that will focus on community safety and transportation education. Pulling Together will offer corporate donations and sponsorships to registered nonprofit organizations whose activities and initiatives are consistent with those of CN. "CN is committed to helping build safer, stronger communities where we have significant facilities and a concentration of employees," said president and CEO Paul M. Tellier. "We embrace the need to build firm links with the towns and cities in which we operate." In conjunction with the launch of Pulling Together, the company also updated its web site to include information on its charitable objectives, guidelines for funding, and an online application form. For more information, visit: www.cn.ca/community.
March 11, 2002
Only 18% of U.S. nonprofits report that corporate giving exceeds one quarter of their total donations. This is one finding of a recent online survey of decision-makers in the nonprofit sector. Thirty-six percent of respondents estimate that corporate donations account for 10% or less of their total donations, and 46% say it represents between 10% and 25% of charitable gifts received. "This survey shows that the effects of big businesses [like Enron and Kmart] collapsing may not be as dire for nonprofits as has been generally accepted. One common assumption is that big business and its deep pockets are responsible for keeping nonprofitsŽ afloat, but the truth is that AmericaŽs private citizens are what keep philanthropy going in this country, says Harry Gruber, M.D. and CEO of Internet marketing services provider Kintera Inc. -- Kintera Inc.
March 11, 2002
Last month CBC Television produced a day-long series of interviews, reports and documentaries on the issue of Canadian volunteerism. This Big Picture feature, entitled "The Kindness of Strangers", includes stories from volunteers and charitable organizations across Canada, focusing on such topics as virtual volunteering, youth involvement, unique programs, and more. Luckily, for anyone who missed the presentation, the CBC has archived the material online. To access the collection, visit: www.cbc. ca/news/bigpicture/volunteer/video.html.
March 11, 2002
In the wake of the Enron collapse, issues such as transparency, accountability, and honesty are being closely reexamined. It is with these issues in mind that Greenleaf Publishing invites contributions for a special issue of The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, and a subsequent new book on the topics of corporate transparency, accountability and governance. Both publications will aim to aid managers, researchers, government, NGO representatives and consultants in understanding new thinking on these issues and both are expected to incorporate a mixture of case studies, empirical and applied theoretical work. The deadline for initial expressions of interest is April 1, 2002. For more information, visit: www.greenleaf-publishing.com/transcall.htm.
March 11, 2002
Two new studies out of Australia are now available online. Researcher and author Judy Esmond recently completed a report on Baby Boomers and volunteering. She concludes that people who are now between the ages of 40 and 55 will cause significant changes to the way organizations involve volunteers in the future. Jennifer Wilkinson and Michael Bittman of the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, co-wrote "Volunteering: The Human Face of Democracy", which examines and challenges Robert Putnam's theory of the decline of volunteering. They conclude the opposite and make some important points about the role of volunteers in civil society. To view the Esmond report in PDF format, visit: www.dpc.wa.gov.au/v olunteer/boom.pdf. Find the Wilkinson/Bittman study at: www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/index.htm.
March 11, 2002
In an effort to help remove anti-gay attitudes, Canada's national gay rights group, Egale, launched a new campaign last week. The organization is urging its 2,500 members to 'Adopt-An-MP' and boost awareness and education of gay, lesbian, and transgender issues. They even offer a tongue-in-cheek guide to caring for your MP. "It's a fun take on lobbying for policy change but the undertone is serious," said Egale's executive director, John Fisher. "The reality is that we don't have the equal right to marry the partner that we love; we don't have the right to immigrate to Canada on equal terms; we're not protected equally from hate propaganda, and we are subject to discriminatory practices. For all those reasons, the program will serve as a structure to build relationships and to ultimately advance awareness." For more information, visit: www.egale.ca/~egale/pressrel/020306.htm.
March 11, 2002
Amid accusations that the Ontario government distributes too much cultural funding to the city of Toronto, the province is set to announce $50 million in additional cultural spending in 77 outlying communities. According to a senior Ontario government official, the government is making a concerted effort to find a balance between Toronto and the rest of the province in order to ensure that the cultural, sports and recreation infrastructure is up to date. Among the projects to receive support: the building of a new community centre in Aylmer; the transformation of an old Belleville building into a library, art gallery, studio and hall; and the renovation of Sault Ste. Marie's Memorial Gardens.
March 11, 2002
Nissan Canada Inc. and local Nissan and Infiniti dealers donated $200,000 to assist the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in building a state-of-the-art automotive technician training centre. Nissan dealer Lawrence Bates, who has been involved with fundraising at SAIT for several years, used a strategy that has been successful in producing donations from other auto manufacturers. He first solicited donations from the other Nissan and Infiniti dealers in Calgary. Then, after raising $100,000 locally, he successfully approached Nissan Canada to match the donation.
"This new state-of-the-art automotive centre is a fine example of partnering between the auto industry and SAIT," Bates said. "It will provide our industry with well trained, highly skilled technicians so that we are able to meet our customers' needs now and in the future." For more information about SAIT, visit: www.sait.ab.ca.
March 11, 2002
A report by the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) highlights the fact that recent immigrants to Canada still experience a poverty rate that is double the rate of other Canadian families, despite evidence of gains in family incomes during the economic recovery of the late 1990s. Statistics show that in 1998 the poverty rate for recent immigrants was 27%, down from 37% in 1995. However, the new rate was still double the 13% rate for other Canadian families. The report, entitled Does a Rising Tide Lift All Boats? Labour Market Experiences and Incomes of Recent Immigrants, also points out that the annual wages and salaries of recent immigrants are one-third less than those of other Canadians.-- CCSD
March 11, 2002
According to estimates by the World Water Council, 1.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe water and they predict that number will increase to 3.1 billion by 2025 if changes aren't made. The council, an international agency supported by the United Nations and World Bank, is currently seeking 10,000 volunteers to describe the water problems affecting their lives, and to suggest solutions. Montreal resident and council vice president, William Cosgrove, said the program is intended to raise awareness of problems in developing countries, but that North America also has its share of bad water management. For more information, visit: www.worldwat erforum.org/newslet/en/show.927.
March 11, 2002
Pharmacia Consumer Healthcare Canada recently donated $100,000 to the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control (CCTC). The funds were generated from sales of the company's smoking cessation products, Nicorette and Nicoderm, during Non-Smoking Week this past January. CCTC will use the funds to support youth smoking prevention initiatives. "These funds will greatly assist us in our on-going efforts to prevent smoking among Canada's youth, to encourage and support smokers to stop and eliminate second-hand smoke," said John Garcia, president of the CCTC. Each year 45,000 deaths are attributed to smoking, costing society $11 billion annually. For more information about the CCTC, visit: www.cctc.ca.
March 4, 2002
A bachelor from Saskatchewan's Outlook area left a lasting legacy behind when he died last year. The Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation is the recipient of a $2 million donation that John Rependa made in his will. The funds will be used to create the Rependa Memorial Education Resource Centre, a teaching and learning institution that will be used by staff to advance their training and education. In addition, the foundation plans to purchase equipment for telehealth and telemedicine programs, which will use remote broadcasts to send and receive information about teaching and medical techniques from around the world. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.sdh.sk.ca/Foundations/schfoundation.htm.
March 4, 2002
There is still time for young people in the Greater Toronto Area to submit proposals as part of a United Way program designed to empower youth and get them involved in their communities. Bell United Wave, run in partnership with United Way and Bell Canada, allows high school students from Toronto, Ajax-Pickering, Oakville, Peel, Oshawa-Whitby-Clarington, York, and Peterborough and District to design and develop their own community service projects. Projects approved by a panel of other high school students will be eligible for a grant of up to $1,000 to turn the idea into reality. Project submissions are due March 15. Call 1-866-894-WAVE (9283) to receive an information package and application form.
March 4, 2002
The well-known Chalmers Arts Awards, which gave large cash awards to professional artists for more than two decades, are no more. They are being replaced with the Chalmers Program, which will offer fellowships and development grants for the creation of new art. The change comes after Joan Chalmers called for an end to "high-priced ego awards" for past achievement. "I want to commend Joan Chalmers for her fearlessness and her vision in encouraging OAC to do what her father [Floyd] did ‘ to respond to the needs of the arts community," said John Brotman, executive director of the Ontario Arts Council.
Under the new program fellowships of up to $50,000 will support arts professionals who are focused on the creation or development of new work. Development grants of up to $15,000 will support artists who wish to undertake apprenticeships, residencies, intensive seminars, or specialized training in their fields. For more information, visit: www.arts.on.ca/english/about/2002newsreleases/_NewChalmersProgram.htm.
March 4, 2002
A survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals reports that a slim majority (56%) of charities did not experience a decrease in funding in the wake of September 11th. However, in August 2001 almost three-quarters of respondents had fundraising totals consistent with, or better than totals for 2000. By October 2001, that number dropped by 17% while the percentage of respondents reporting a decrease compared with 2000 figures rose from 26% to 44%. Sixty-seven percent of organizations carried on with planned special events, mailing or telemarketing campaigns following the attacks and more than 80% saw no change in levels of volunteerism as a result of September 11. -- Association of Fundraising Professionals
March 4, 2002
The Canadian Tire Foundation for Families began dispersing funds last week from its annual holiday fundraising initiative. Selected charities nationwide will soon receive some of the $790,000 that was raised during the 2001 Family Tree program, which sees five dollars from the sale of every full size artificial Christmas tree go to charitable works.
"The Foundation for Families is all about bringing hope to families facing difficult circumstances. The charities that have been selected as the beneficiaries of our Family Tree program share this commitment and provide critical services for those in need, making them a natural fit for our Foundation for Families," says Martha Billes, chair of the foundation. For more information about the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families, visit: www2.canadiantire.ca/CTenglish/foundation.html.
March 4, 2002
World of Children Inc. announced it is now seeking nominations for a major international award that recognizes individuals who dedicate their lives to children. The 2002 Kellogg's Hannah Neil World of Children Award, which includes a prize of $100,000, was established in 1998 to give a voice to children by honouring the people who serve them. This year's honorary chair is heavyweight boxing champion and international child advocate, Muhammad Ali. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2002. For nomination guidelines, an entry form, or to submit an online nomination, visit: www.worldofchildren.org.
March 4, 2002
With the Winter Olympics still fresh in everyone's minds, the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) are already helping to prepare Olympic hopefuls for the next games. Last week they launched the Pure Determination Fund, an $800,000 initiative which will grant at least 80 development awards, worth $10,000, to promising athletes until 2005. "Often, before an athlete reaches the point where he or she can live off sport, he faces this critical moment when the cost is too high for parents and loved ones - that is when we want to step in", said Leo Bertoia, president of the DFC. Grants will be administered by the Canadian Olympic Association and will be distributed equally between the Winter and Summer games. For more information, visit: www.dairybureau.org/engl/producers/8_0.asp.
March 4, 2002
The Tech Museum of Innovation is now seeking nominations for its 2002 global awards. The program draws international attention to individuals, for-profit companies, and public and not-for-profit organizations that are using technology to improve the quality of life around the world. Awards are presented in five categories: education, equality, economic development, environment, and health. Twenty-five finalists will be recognized at a gala event on November 7th, 2002, and one finalist from each category will receive a cash prize of $50,000. The deadline for nominations is April 19, 2002. Forms can be filled out online at: www.thetech.org/techawards or call (408) 795-6338 to receive a copy.
March 4, 2002
L'Oreal Paris will celebrate the 28th Annual International Women's Day with an Internet-based benefit program supporting the Canadian Women's Foundation (CWF). On March 8th, the Canadian subsidiary of L'Oreal Paris invites women to participate in its e-card benefit drive, which will give everyone the chance to send a virtual postcard to special women in their lives. For each message sent on that day, the company will donate $1 to the Canadian Women's Foundation. The money raised will be used to fund economic development projects with low-income women across Canada. To participate on March 8th, visit: www.lorealparis.ca.
March 4, 2002
The Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) is celebrating 30 years of innovation in the use of information technologies with a revamped web site, to be launched on May 1st. The new site will retain the same web address but will simplify access to online resources by removing the need for a username and password, and by providing a search engine to make finding resources easier. The site will also feature new sections dedicated to creating and managing digital content, intellectual property, collections management, and more. For more information, visit: www.chin.gc.ca/Whats_New/e_announcement.html.
March 4, 2002
A $50,000 donation from CIBC will go a long way in helping street kids in the Halifax area. "This is the largest single corporate donation ever given to assist our work and it could not have arrived at a better time," said Timothy Crooks, executive director of Phoenix Youth Programs, the recipient of the gift. "In the past year alone, we have seen a 25% increase in the demand for our services from homeless and at-risk youth. This donation will truly transform lives." The funds will enable the organization to reach more young people who need emergency shelter or who have fallen victim to crime, prostitution, drugs, alcohol or violence. The program also offers crisis intervention, after-care services, as well as education and employment counselling.
March 4, 2002
On March 25th and 26th the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy will hold its 8th annual symposium live in Toronto, and via videoconference in Edmonton and Montreal. This year's theme is Building Trust: In Our Sector and Within Our Society. The symposium will focus on building trust, an aspect of the voluntary sector's role that arises from its own high trust ratings, and one which has become particularly relevant since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Among the confirmed speakers are Ed Broadbent, the Globe and Mail's Edward Greenspon, and CBC's Rex Murphy. For more information, visit: www.ccp.ca/information/symposium/2002/infopage.htm.
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