|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : NewsBytes : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
use your browser's "find" feature (CTRL-F or CMD-F). Please note: While we ensure that all links and e-mail addresses are accurate
at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the web means that some
links to other web sites and e-mail addresses may no longer be accurate.
To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: September, 2003
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Universities receive major windfall
September 29, 2003
Five Canadian universities will share more than $21 million from the estate of a wealthy Vancouver woman. Florence May Foreman, who died earlier this year, specified in her will that $21.5 million (75% of her estate) was to be split equally between Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Saskatchewan, Bishop's University, and the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University. According to the executor of her will, Foreman gave generously to many charities during her lifetime, though most of her donations were made anonymously.
September 29, 2003
Last week, the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy and Carleton University released survey results of voluntary sector evaluation practices in Canada. The research was part of the Voluntary Sector Evaluation Research Project (VSERP) that began three years ago. "We have found that voluntary agencies are under the gun because of an extremely competitive fundraising environment and a more sceptical public," said Dr. Susan Phillips, co-director of VSERP and a professor with the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton. "There is a need for better evaluation tools in the voluntary sector and for a dialogue between funders and the voluntary organizations they fund to bring expectations more in line with capacity for evaluation." For more information, visit: www.nonprofitscan.ca/vserp/.
September 29, 2003
More than 130 communities across Canada hosted events for this year's AIDS Walk. However, organizers say the number of participants and money raised was down compared to previous years. Approximately $1.6 million has been collected so far this year, but there were 50% fewer walkers than last year, amounting to a net decrease of a half a million dollars. "I am proud of the funds raised by the walkers this year. However, I am discouraged that local AIDS organizations are overburdened and overworked and do not have the resources to recruit new walkers," said Paul Lapierre, executive director of the Canadian AIDS Society. "We must begin to look at new mechanisms for recruiting walkers from all sectors of society." For more information, visit: www.cdnaids.ca.
Fast Fact: Life expectancy reaches record high
September 29, 2003
Canadians are living longer than ever before, according to the latest information from Statistics Canada. In 2001, life expectancy for both men and women hit a record high, with the average life expectancy for both sexes combined reaching 79.7 years. A woman born in 2001 can expect to live to 82.2 years, up 0.2 years, and a man can expect to live 77.1 years, an increase of 0.3 years. Overall, men and women in British Columbia can expect to live the longest. -- Statistics Canada
September 29, 2003
Well-known fund manager Stephen Jarislowsky announced a donation of $1 million to the University of Ottawa for the study of public sector management. The money will help establish the Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management, adding to the other ten research chairs he has recently endowed at universities across Canada. "Our foundation is establishing this chair because Canada's public sector needs better governance, more effective and economical management," said Jarislowsky. "We look forward to seeing this chair help improve how governments work, and help them serve their customers - the citizens - more effectively and at lower costs." For more information, visit: www.uottawa.ca.
September 29, 2003
After a five year wait, the Community Foundation of Mississauga (CFM) was officially launched last week. "Mississauga is the sixth largest city in Canada and it's high time that our city had its fair share of resources," said CFM president Barbara Stuart. "We wanted to let people know we're open for business. It's taken us a while, but, we had to put an investment strategy in place and get the right people on the board." The organization hopes to raise $3 million in its first three years. CFM investment chair Winston Meyer and his wife Marie-Claude Larose kicked things off with a donation of $100,000. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.communityfoundationmississauga.org.
September 29, 2003
The Thames Valley District school board got some good news last week with the announcement of a $1.4 million donation to the Thames Valley Education Foundation. The gift comes from the estate of the late Curtis Conrade, who also left the foundation $1 million in his will earlier this year. Half of the money will go toward literacy programs in Elgin County schools, while the other half will fund the Curtis T. Conrade Scholarship for graduates of Parkside collegiate institute in St. Thomas. "The amount of this gift is extraordinary. The power it will give to help students in need is even more extraordinary," said board director Bill Bryce. For more information, visit: www.tvdsb.on.ca/ news/2003/2003sep23.htm.
September 29, 2003
Sears Canada announced a donation of $300,000 from the Sears Young Futures program to help expand after-school programs in 30 communities across Canada. The funds will go to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC), which will use the money to increase after-school activities and extend their reach to at-risk children and youth during the current school year. "With the limited availability of childcare spaces, governments cutting back on funding extra curricular activities, and user fees for recreation facilities on the increase, the need for more safe, constructive after-school programs where kids can play, learn, develop new skills and have fun continues to grow," said Pam Jolliffe, national executive director of BGCC. For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, visit: www.bgccan.com.
September 29, 2003
The latest issue of Forbes magazine reveals that the total net worth of America's richest people rose 10% to $955 billion (US) this year after two years of decline. According to the magazine's annual ranking of the 400 wealthiest individuals in the US, Bill Gates retains the top spot. His fortune increased by $3 billion to $46 billion this year. Investor Warren Buffett remained in second place with $36 billion, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen held third place, with a net worth of $22 billion. -- Forbes
September 29, 2003
The Bush administration announced last week that religious charities that provide social services can now compete for $28 billion in federal grants. It is the latest move in President Bush's push for his "faith-based initiative". Civil liberties advocates warn that the administration's actions will likely lead to lawsuits. "It's clearly unconstitutional," said Christopher Anders, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. "They're setting themselves up, they're setting these churches up, for some very significant litigation." However, the White House argues that its actions do not breach the constitutional separation of church and state. "[Bush is] going to use every single tool that he has," to carry out the initiative, said Jim Towey, director of the White House office of faith-based and community initiatives. Until now, religious charities were barred from applying for social service grants because of concern over possible government promotion of religion.
September 29, 2003
A partnership with the RBC Foundation is helping Girl Guides of Canada become more relevant to new Canadians in communities across the country. Last year, the foundation funded research to identify some of the barriers to participation in the Guiding movement. It's latest gift of $30,000 will be used to further the Girl Guides' diversity initiative and reduce the barriers to participation for girls and women in the communities identified. For more information, visit: www.girlguides.ca/default.asp?id=262.
September 22, 2003
The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency's (CCRA) new guidelines for political activities by registered charities are now available. The guidelines are intended to clarify how CCRA interprets the legislation regarding advocacy work by charities. The CCRA also released a second policy that provides guidelines for registering charities that deal with promoting racial equality. The Political Activities Policy Statement is available at: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/charities/policy/cps/cps-022-e.html. The Registering Charities that Promote Racial Equality Policy Statement is available at: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/charities/policy/cps/cps-021-e.html.
September 22, 2003
Two of Canada's major banks stepped forward last week with multi-million dollar donations in support of some of Toronto's leading cultural attractions. The RBC Financial Group pledged $4 million to the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, the National Ballet School, and the Canadian Opera House. TD Bank Financial Group also donated $3.6 million to the four institutions, as well as the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.
September 22, 2003
More than 1,100 communities across Canada took part in this year's Terry Fox Run. The event raised $15 million for cancer research, a 5% increase over last year, and totals are still being tabulated from runs held elsewhere around the world. "Our continued growth is confirmation that Terry Fox Run organizers, participants, and supporters are determined to perpetuate Terry's legacy and fulfill his dream of a cancer free world. Our admiration for them knows no bounds," said Darrell Fox, national director of the Terry Fox Foundation. For more information about the Terry Fox Run, visit: www.terryfoxrun.org.
September 22, 2003
According to a survey of US grantmakers, 95% of very large organizations describe themselves as "leading edge" or "fast followers" in adopting technology. In contrast, 34% of smaller foundations (those with less than $10 million in assets) describe themselves as "lagging behind" or "in trouble" when it comes to adopting or using technology. Most foundations manage desktop support (74%), electronic mail (71%), and database administration (82%) in-house. However, 65% of survey respondents have no information technology professionals on staff. Of those that do, 65% only have one such person on staff. -- Technology Affinity Group
September 22, 2003
For the 24th year, the YWCA of Greater Toronto will honour seven women leaders - including one exceptional young woman under the age of 25 - for their outstanding contributions to improving the lives of women and girls in their community. The Women of Distinction Awards pay tribute to dedicated women who are exemplary role models in Toronto, set examples of achievement, and show tremendous character and good will. The deadline for submissions is November 1st. For more information on how to apply, visit: www.ywcator.org/award.htm or call 416-961-8100 ext. 344.
September 22, 2003
Golf Town recently held its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic in Kleinburg, Ontario. The event raised more than $70,000 for the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada, which funds research into the causes, cure, and prevention of the disease. "Golf Town is thrilled to contribute to [the foundation's] efforts and we plan to continue to develop this relationship," said Stephen Bebis, president and CEO of Golf Town. For more information about the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation, visit: www.prostatecancer.ca.
September 22, 2003
A survey of 323 of Canada's 590 credit unions found that they contributed $20.7 million in donations, sponsorships, and economic development in 2002, with British Columbia leading the way at $10.9 million. Fifty-nine percent of the credit union respondents said they administered fundraising campaigns for community organizations, raising a total of $2.3 million. In addition, 50% reported that their employees participate in community activities and/or organizations as part of their paid work. -- Ipsos-Reid
September 22, 2003
MOSAIC (Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities) announced that the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Refugee Assistance Program is the recipient of its 2003 Human Rights Award. Since 1979, the program has been helping refugee and immigrant communities with settlement, immigration, family reunification, material aid, and the private sponsorship of refugees. MOSAIC's annual Human Rights Award was established in 1982 to recognize individuals or organizations for their commitment and service fostering human rights or ethnic relations. For more information, visit: www.mosaicbc.com/whats_new.html.
September 22, 2003
The Home Depot and the Toronto Raptors are teaming up to recognize young people who are role models for other children their age. The Home Depot Heroes Program acknowledges children who have a positive influence in their communities. The contest is open to students between the ages of 10-18 who reside in southern Ontario and volunteer time to make a difference in their communities by supporting worthwhile causes such as at-risk-youth, affordable housing, and the environment. Ten heroes will win a dream day at the Air Canada Centre that includes two tickets to a Raptors game and a meeting with Vince Carter.
The contest runs until Sunday, October 5th and nomination brochures are available at all 35 participating stores in southern Ontario. For more information contact Kelly McNamara at (416) 412-4981 or kelly_mcnamara@homedepot.com. For a list of store locations, visit: www.homedepot.ca/hdca/enca/pp_ont_ca.html.
September 22, 2003
E-mail and browsing were still the most popular Internet activities in 2002, according to the latest information from Statistics Canada. However, 51% of households in 2002 had someone who accessed online banking services, more than double the 23% in 1998. "This might indicate that consumers are becoming more confident in the web's security aspects insofar as banking is concerned," the agency said. In 2002, an estimated 7.5 million households had at least one member who used the Internet regularly, while about 3.8 million households had never used the Internet. -- Statistics Canada
September 22, 2003
The United Church of Canada is warning its congregations, members, and ministry personnel to beware of a man who is posing as a United Church minister and claiming to need money to return home to Canada. Churches and individuals in Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa received phone calls from the con artist, who says he was beaten and robbed and has just been released from hospital. He asks that money be wired to Western Union in Los Angeles. This individual is using the name of a bona fide United Church minister in Manitoba, who has contacted law enforcement officials about the theft of his identity. Anyone who has received a call from this individual should contact the police immediately. For more information, visit: www.united-church.ca/news/2003/0916.shtm.
September 15, 2003
Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children announced a $2 million gift from art dealer Mira Godard, owner of the Mira Godard Gallery, one of Canada's largest commercial art galleries. The money will be used to establish the Mira Godard Chair in Vision Research. It will provide the necessary resources to ensure that advances continue to be made in the research and treatment of eye disorders leading to blindness. "Seeing is my business, because art is all about seeing," said Godard. "Scientific research is also about seeing, about making connections and revealing what is hidden." For more information, visit: www.sickkids.on.ca/mediaroom/custom/godard.asp.
September 15, 2003
The Heritage Canada Foundation released a study last week that examines Canada's heritage workforce. Entitled Human Resource Issues in the Preservation of Heritage Buildings, the study describes the field of human resources in relation to the restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Canada's built heritage. It also addresses some of the key issues regarding heritage training and education, highlighting the limited number of educational institutions in Canada that offer programs in heritage preservation. The foundation hopes the study will help to correct the lack of awareness about the heritage labour force and the need for training in the heritage preservation disciplines. Copies of the report are available free of charge by contacting the office of the Heritage Canada Foundation at heritagecanada@heritage canada.org. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.heritagecanada.org.
September 15, 2003
The president of a Montreal-based advertising firm was charged with fraud after an RCMP investigation revealed that "false invoices" worth $2 million were submitted to the federal government. Paul Coffin of Communication Coffin was charged with 18 counts of fraud in connection with invoices allegedly submitted between 1997 and 2002 for the placement of Canadian flags and banners at car races, community events and mountain-bike competitions. The RCMP says this is the first set of charges from the major investigation into the federal government's scandal-plagued sponsorship program.
September 15, 2003
According to a new survey, 76% of respondents feel that Canadian companies are doing a good job when it comes to conducting business in a socially responsible way. Results also indicate that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is important to Canadians, with 55% saying they have consciously decided to buy a product or service from one company over another because they felt the company was a good corporate citizen. In addition, 52% have refused to buy a product or a service from a company that did not demonstrate good CSR. While people are making buying decisions based on CSR, the majority feel that companies are motivated more by their bottom line (68%) than because they care about being socially responsible (29%). -- Ipsos-Reid
September 15, 2003
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is once again seeking proposals for the Clarica annual organ and tissue donation grant program. The goal is to fund projects that will have a positive impact on encouraging donations in Canadian hospitals. "Canadians are very much aware of the growing need for organ and tissue donation. We also know that many potential donors are lost, even though donors and their families would like to give this wonderful gift," said Judith Chopra, Sun Life Financial's director of brand and citizenship. "We are looking for proposals that will enhance knowledge about optimizing end-of-life care for patients while promoting the benefits of organ and tissue donation." Hospitals are invited to submit applications by October 15. Joint proposals that involve collaboration between hospitals are encouraged and projects must have clearly defined, measurable objectives. For more information on how to apply, visit: www.clarica.com/E/about/commun/focus/grants.asp.
September 15, 2003
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute received the largest contribution yet to its drive to raise an endowment fund of $100 million. The commitment came from Minto Developments Inc. "It is a lot of money, but we're a big company and it's part of our social responsibility to make sure that as a good corporate citizen, we give back to the community," said Minto's executive vice president Robert Greenberg. The donation pushes the endowment fund over the $30 million mark. "The money will be there for generations to come to fund academia and development and keep the Heart Institute at the head of the pack on a global basis," said Dr. Wilbert Keon, president and CEO of the institute. For more information, visit: www.ottawaheart.ca/hcistodaysnews.htm.
September 15, 2003
Carter & Associates, publisher of the Charity Law Bulletin, has created two new resources to help charities and nonprofits. The Legal Risk Management Checklist for Not-For-Profit Organizations and Legal Risk Management Checklist for Charities, by Terrance S. Carter and Jacqueline M. Connor, are now available for download in PDF format. To download the not-for-profit checklist, visit: www.carters.ca /pub/checklst/nonprofit.pdf. To download the charity checklist, visit: www.carters.ca/pub/checklst/charity.pdf.
September 15, 2003
The Ontario Heritage Foundation is seeking nominations of individuals and small project groups who have made significant contributions to local heritage in their communities. The Heritage Community Recognition Program encourages municipal councils, regional councils, First Nations councils, and Metis community councils to acknowledge outstanding voluntary contributions to cultural, natural, or built heritage preservation or heritage garden conservation. The deadline for nominations is September 30. For more information or an application form, visit: www.heritagefdn.on.ca/Eng/About/hcrp.shtml
September 15, 2003
The latest data reveals that Canada's not-for-profit performing arts companies - theatre, music, dance and opera - recorded revenues of $543.7 million in 2001, a surplus of $3.6 million compared to a deficit of more than $4.9 million in 1999. Theatre companies were the major contributors to the turnaround, with a surplus of almost $8.2 million. However, the financial picture was not so positive for the country's orchestras. Overall, their deficit jumped from nearly $3 million in 1999 to $4.3 million in 2001, with an accumulated debt of $18 million. -- Statistics Canada
September 15, 2003
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) announced a new donation method that will enable Canadians to "e-mail" donations for this year's CIBC Run for the Cure. "We're always looking for ways that make it easier for Canadians to donate, and the Internet has always been an important part of our outreach," says Deborah Kroeger, national director of information technology at CBCF. E-mail Money Transfers allow donors to give online and in real-time right from their bank account. The donor receives a confirmation of the donation by e-mail as well as an electronic charitable tax receipt. At present, four of Canada's five big banks offer E-mail Money Transfer services. To highlight this new donation method, CIBC will be donating an additional $1.50 directly to CBCF for every donation sent by money transfer by a CIBC customer or employee. For more information, visit: www.cbcf.org/news/whatsnew.html#emt
September 15, 2003
More than 1,200 participants and their canine companions gathered in Ottawa for the 15th annual Eukanuba Wiggle Waggle Walkathon. The event, which raised $60,000, is the Ottawa Humane Society's largest fundraiser. All money raised will support the activities and programs of the society, including humane education, companion animal visitation, dog walking, adoptions, foster care, and emergency protection services. For more information, visit: www.ottawahuman e.ca/walkathon/index.html.
September 15, 2003
UPS employees will go above and beyond the call of duty during the next few months as they try to amass 100,000 volunteer hours between now and November 14. The Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Service Challenge is part of the company's ongoing commitment to strengthen the communities worldwide where it operates. "The spirit of volunteering is a part of the UPS culture, and the Service Challenge is an example of how companies can encourage their employees to take an active role in the community," said UPS chair and CEO Mike Eskew. As an incentive during the challenge, UPS districts and regions will compete for funds from the UPS Foundation. The winners will receive grants for the nonprofit organization of their choice. For more information, visit: www.ups.com.
September 8, 2003
According to a study released last week by the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS), the provincial government is providing about $70 million more each year in subsidies to private, for-profit nursing homes than to nonprofit facilities. "We were shocked to discover this inequity," said OANHSS CEO Donna Rubin. The report found that for-profit homes receive about 10% more in subsidies than those operated by charities or municipalities. "What this means is that the government is paying more to buy long-term care services from for-profit operators than from not-for-profit providers," adds Rubin. For more information, visit: www.oanhss.org.
September 8, 2003
In compliance with federal legislation banning sponsorships by tobacco companies, the du Maurier Arts Council is disbanding. Last week, Imperial Tobacco Canada announced the creation of two distinct donations programs that will take its place, providing a combined $3 million in annual grants to Canadian arts groups. The Imperial Tobacco Canada Arts Council will provide donations to eligible incorporated and nonprofit Canadian arts organizations with annual total revenues under $1.5 million and the Imperial Tobacco Canada Arts Fund will fund larger incorporated arts organizations with revenues exceeding $1.5 million. For more information about the new programs, visit: www.imperialtobaccocanada.com/e/world/donations/index.html or call 1-800-398-1141.
September 8, 2003
The Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia (CRISE) has received one of its largest grants ever. The Institute on Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addictions (of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research) and the Fonds de recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) will contribute $1.2 million for an interdisciplinary post-doctoral training program and a summer institute on suicide prevention research. The funds will enable CRISE to develop cutting edge research abilities in various disciplines, including psychiatry, psychology, anthropology, epidemiology, public health and the neurosciences. For more information, visit: www.crise.ca/en/news/030825e.html.
September 8, 2003
A new survey finds that direct mail still has an impact on donors' giving decisions. Fifty-nine percent of donors say they are most likely to donate to an organization from which they receive direct mail. In addition, 53% of survey respondents said they read fundraising and nonprofit direct mail in 2003. When asked what the most important factor was when deciding which charity or fundraising mail they open, 62% of respondents cited personalized mail, followed by timing of the mail at 59%, a free gift at 32%, a special offer at 31%, and dated material at 30%. -- Vertis
September 8, 2003
Members of the fraternal organization Order of the Eastern Star presented The Arthritis Society with more than $79,000 last week. The money was raised by the 170 chapters of the Order through a variety of fundraising initiatives held during the past year. "We want to help find a cure," says Betty L. St. Onge, Past Grand Matron. "Arthritis is a disease no one notices until they see the damage it can do," she added. "We need to be aware of those suffering in silence." The donation was presented to The Arthritis Society in time for September's Arthritis Awareness Month. For more information about Arthritis Awareness Month, visit: www.arthritis.ca.
September 8, 2003
The latest report on the state of nonprofit theatres in the US finds that despite an increase in individual contributions, many theatres will face a challenging financial future. Theatre Facts 2002, sponsored by Theatre Communications Group (TCG), is the 28th annual update on attendance, performance, and fiscal health of American nonprofit theatres. The authors estimate that the country's theatres contributed more than $1.4 billion to the US economy last year, yet 54% ended the year with a deficit, representing a 24% increase in two years. To download the report in PDF format, visit: http://www.tcg.org/programs/files/theatrefacts_2002.pdf.
September 8, 2003
The Albert and Temmy Latner Foundation recently donated $1 million to the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario. It is the largest donation the law school has ever received. The funds will support the Josephine Spencer Niblett Law Building Expansion and Renovation project. "My grandchildren are getting an excellent education at Western," said Albert Latner. "This gift to law reflects our confidence not only in the law school, but also in Western. We are happy to help provide the physical facilities to accompany what is already a top-notch teaching faculty." For more information, visit: communications.uwo.ca.
September 8, 2003
According to the latest statistics, about one-third of Canadians aged 45 to 59 don't think they have set enough aside to maintain their standard of living in retirement. Only 22% of survey respondents plan to leave work before age 60, and only 44% plan to retire before age 65. The largest share (45%) plan to retire between 60 and 65. In addition, 33% of women and 29% of men expect their retirement income to be inadequate, or barely adequate to maintain their standard of living. Among non-retired immigrants, 47% aged 45 to 59 do not know when they plan to retire, or do not intend to retire. -- Statistics Canada
September 8, 2003
This year's Jerry Lewis Labour Day Telethon received a record $60.5 million in pledges for muscular dystrophy research and services. Lewis was joined by a number of celebrities during the 21 1/2-hour fundraiser, including Ed McMahon, Cher, Celine Dion, and Don Rickles. The money raised also includes the largest single donation ever pledged during the telethon: $18.3 million from the International Association of Fire Fighters. For more information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada, visit: www.mdac.ca
September 8, 2003
McDonald's Restaurants of Canada announced that more than $310,000 was raised in the past year to support BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING, Canadian Living Foundation. McDonald's restaurants in Ontario donated 10 cents from the sale of coffee on Fridays during a year-long fundraising initiative to support new and existing breakfast programs. For more information about BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING, visit: www.breakfastforlearning.ca.
September 2, 2003
The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) is expected to post its final guidelines on charities and political activities in early September. IMPACS, the Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society, anticipates that revisions to these guidelines will be minimal despite numerous requests that substantial changes be made to improve the way political activity by charities is defined and regulated. IMPACS is urging charitable organizations to reexamine the issues surrounding charities and advocacy work. For more information, visit: www.impacs.org/index.cfm?group_ID=2662.
September 2, 2003
University of Western Ontario graduate Joseph Rotman made a substantial donation last week to the school's philosophy of science department. His gift of $1.4 million will go toward retaining faculty, recruiting new professors, and helping graduate students in the discipline. "We're thrilled with the contribution," said Ted Garrard, UWO vice president external. "This says that people still believe in a liberal arts education." For more information, visit: communications.uwo.ca.
September 2, 2003
A recently released study by the Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges looks at the skills and knowledge needed to improve the quality of leaders and managers in the voluntary sector. What Do Voluntary Sector Leaders Do? highlights four core competencies that leaders in the voluntary sector use: vision and alliances; strategies and resource management; building relationships across organizations and sectors; and dealing with complex social, political, organizational, and institutional changes quickly. To download the report in PDF format, visit: www.nonprofitscan.ca/pdf/library/NLI_Report_7-10-03.pdf.
September 2, 2003
A survey of America's most affluent individuals age 45 and older found that only 10% are likely to leave a part or all of their estate to charities, universities, or other nonprofits. Fifty-six percent of respondents said they were not at all likely to leave any part of their estate to charity, with the majority of those (72%) naming their children and other beneficiaries instead. Of those surveyed, 25% have not yet done any estate planning. The survey also revealed that 21% don't trust that money left to charity would be well spent, and 12% said there are no nonprofits that they are interested in giving their estate to. -- Charles Schwab & Co.
September 2, 2003
In response to ongoing threats in Iraq, the UN security council unanimously approved a resolution last week aimed at protecting UN staff and humanitarian workers. The recent bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad has prompted several humanitarian aid agencies to begin evacuating workers from the country. Oxfam has pulled out its international staff as a result of continuing threats to humanitarian relief workers. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Save the Children also announced that they are reducing their presence in the country.
September 2, 2003
The top seven finalists for this year's Peter F. Drucker Award for Canadian Nonprofit Innovation are:Finalists were chosen from among 103 applicants. The winning program, to be announced later this week, will receive a $20,000 cash award. For more information about the award, visit: www.innovation-award.ca.
- An Alternative Canadian Business Model, Pivotal Services of London ON
- Catalysts for Change, The Banff Centre for Continuing Education - Mountain Culture Division, Banff AB.
- Creating and Operating a Science Centre Without Walls, Science Alberta Foundation, Calgary AB
- Street Business Toolkit, Street Kids International, Toronto ON
- STUFF...supporting today's underprivileged for the future, STUFF Canada, Toronto ON
- Telehealth, Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation (AHSC), Saint John NB
- Voluntary Sector Capacity Building, Centre for Community Leadership, Niagara College, Welland, ON
September 2, 2003
Canadian Living magazine is calling on Canadians to share their interesting stories about volunteering. Each month in its "Heartbeats" column, the magazine features short profiles about people who contribute their time to the voluntary sector. For more information, or to share your story, contact Cindy Barrett at cbarrett@magma.ca.
September 2, 2003
The seventh annual Transamerica Life Canada's Drive For Life Charity Golf Tournament took place last week, raising $286,500 for Ontario March of Dimes. To date, the tournament has raised more than $1 million for charity. This year's proceeds will be used to support the Conductive Education(R) Program, which is designed to help children and adults with physical disabilities lead more independent, rewarding, and self-sufficient lives. Transamerica has pledged to raise $700,000 over three years for the program, representing the largest single corporate gift in Ontario March of Dimes' 51-year history. For more information, visit: www.di mes.on.ca/Aboutus/golftournament_final.html
September 2, 2003
Teresa Howe, CHRP, a regular contributor to our Human Resources Management Library, will be teaching a course this fall titled Workplaces that Work. This introductory course will cover topics such as orientation plans, interviewing, violence in the workplace, managing absenteeism, innovative training, stress, progressive discipline, dealing with difficult people, and coaching. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and solve real workplace issues.
If you have inherited the human resources function for your organization, if you are a manager faced with complex issues of attracting, keeping and motivating employees, or are considering a career in human resources, then call 905 569-0665 ext. 4016 to register by the deadline of September 26th. The course, operating through the Dufferin-Peel School Board Continuing Education, begins Monday October 6th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Sec. School, 50 Bristol Road West (at Hwy 10) in Mississauga, Ontario. It runs for 8 weeks and the cost is $80.00.
September 2, 2003
Older adults who volunteer up to 100 hours a year live happier and healthier lives, says a Florida State University study. The Americans' Changing Lives Study found that 34.5% of adults over age 60 volunteered for an average of 71.5 hours per year. Older adults who volunteered had better assessments than non-volunteers on three measures of well-being: functional status, self-rated health, and depression. The positive impact of volunteering reached its maximum at 100 hours per year. -- Florida State University
September 2, 2003
A former office manager with the Edmonton chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been charged with theft over $5,000. Sharon Bracegirdle was charged after more than $150,000 allegedly went missing from the charity over a five-year span. The foundation discovered that something was wrong after the suspect was fired from the foundation in December 2001 for reasons unrelated to the alleged theft. "Early in 2002, we came across something in an examination of the books," said Ron Moore, treasurer for the foundation's Edmonton chapter, adding that this is the first case of alleged theft from the charity. He said that no programs will be cancelled because of this incident but it is uncertain how much of the money can be recovered.
September 2, 2003
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) is this year's recipient of the world's largest humanitarian award. The organization will be presented with the one million dollar (US) Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize on September 24th in New York City. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, IRCT supports a global network of more than 200 rehabilitation centres and programs for torture victims in 80 countries. It is recognized as a leading voice on behalf of torture victims worldwide. For more information, visit: www.hiltonfoundation.org/recipient_list.asp.
|
|||
