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| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : NewsBytes : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
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at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the web means that some
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: October, 2003
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Shell employees raise $2 million for United Way
October 27, 2003
Shell Canada, its employees, and retirees announced a donation of $2,117,550 to United Way of Calgary and Area. This year's donation tops a record-breaking $2 million donation last year, which was the largest in Alberta history and the biggest of any organization headquartered in Western Canada in 2002. "While this is a remarkable donation, Shell's partnership with United Way is about a great deal more than dollars and cents. This partnership directly reflects our commitment to sustainable development," said Linda Cook, Shell Canada president and CEO. Shell matches employee and retiree contributions dollar for dollar, and also encourages volunteerism by providing paid time off for employees who participate in United Way Days of Caring.
October 27, 2003
LEVERUS is now conducting its third annual survey of Internet usage within Canada's nonprofit sector. Each year the survey produces unique results that provide invaluable information to managers in the sector concerning the use of their web site relative to their peer groups, financial and budget information, the use of the Internet to achieve communication and overall organizational objectives, and the future plans for use of the web. To participate in the survey, visit: www.leverus.com/associationresourcecenter/annualInternetSurvey.cfm
Fast Fact: Association CEOs enjoy jump in salary
October 27, 2003
The Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) released its latest salary survey, revealing that the average cash compensation for association CEOs rose 7.4% this year to $97,349. However, the survey also found that a gender gap still exists. The average male CEO earns $109,478, 33% higher than the average for female CEOs ($83,250). During the past eleven years CEO cash compensation has risen by 27%. -- CSAE
October 27, 2003
The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter is now accepting nominations for its annual philanthropy awards. The awards recognize individuals who are making a difference in the lives of others through meaningful volunteer service, the donation of philanthropic dollars, and dedication to the fundraising profession. The tenth annual Philanthropy Awards will be held on Wednesday May 24, 2004 and will honour an Outstanding Philanthropist, an Outstanding Volunteer, and an Outstanding Fundraising Executive. The deadline for nominations is January 14. For more information, visit: www.afptoronto.org.
October 27, 2003
United Way of the Fraser Valley is now accepting applications from eligible charities for Innovation Grants. The one-time grants, which may range from $1,000 and $5,000 for a single project, are available for innovative projects that address one or more specific issues in Fraser Valley communities, and are open to both member and non-member agencies of United Way of the Fraser Valley. The deadline for applications is November 17. For more information, visit: www.uwfv.bc.ca/rfp.htm or call 604-852-1234.
October 27, 2003
When decision-makers of mid-sized Canadian firms were asked about teamwork, 86% said it is very critical to the overall success of their organization. However, only 31% consider teamwork within their organization to be very efficient. In addition, 34% agree that too many employees in their organization don't have access to internal information that they need to help them make good, timely business decisions. -- Ipsos-Reid
October 27, 2003
Evergreen, Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) and the Regional Municipality of York (York Region) are seeking nominations for the 2004 Urban Stewardship Awards of Excellence. The awards were created to recognize a broad range of stewardship initiatives in Ontario, from schoolyard greening and habitat restoration to environmentally sensitive development. Individuals and organizations can be nominated in one of two categories. The Hands for Nature Awards celebrate the spirit of volunteerism in Ontario's urban greening movement, recognizing excellence in the enhancement and restoration of urban green space. The Living with Wildlife Awards honour exemplary leadership in urban wildlife habitat stewardship. For more information, visit: www.whc.org /whc/WHCConservation.nsf/Conservation.
October 27, 2003
Wendy's Restaurants of Canada announced that the Wendy's Classic Achiever Scholarship Awards Program is now open to students across Canada. High school students in their graduating year who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, an involvement in extra curricular activities, and service to their community can apply for a scholarship. A total of $160,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded for 2003. Ten students will each receive a $2,000 scholarship, 20 will each receive a $1,000 scholarship, 180 students will receive $500 scholarships, and high schools represented by the top 30 winners will each receive a $1000 grant. The deadline for submissions is December 31st. For more information, visit: www.wendysclassicachiever.ca.
October 27, 2003
Twenty-nine percent of people living on the fringe of major cities rated their health as excellent in the 2000-01 Canadian Community Health Survey, released last week by Statistics Canada. In comparison, only 20% of those in rural regions and 21% in northern regions said the same. In northern regions 33% of people aged 12 or over smoked, as did 32% in rural regions, compared with 22% in major metropolitan cities and 26% nationally. About two-thirds of residents in northern remote communities live more than 100 kilometres from a physician and 7% of Canadians in rural and small-town Canada live more than 25 kilometres from a physician. -- Statistics Canada
October 27, 2003
The Alberta government has accepted 41 of the 42 recommendations made by the MLA Review Committee on Charitable Gaming Licensing Eligibility and Use of Proceeds. Two additional categories of groups are now eligible for charitable gaming licences. Adult sports groups comprised mainly of adults 22 years of age and older are now eligible for consideration, as well as nonprofit child care groups that hold government daycare licences in good standing. Other recommendations reflect changes that clarify the existing charitable gaming licensing eligibility criteria and use of proceeds policies for charities, such as the use of proceeds for administrative costs and the time limit to spend gaming proceeds. The complete report and a new Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook are available at: www.aglc.gov.ab.ca/gaming/mla_review.asp.
October 27, 2003
According to a new report from the David Suzuki Foundation, the ever-expanding sprawl of Canada's cities is seriously affecting the health of Canadians. Driven to Action: Stopping Sprawl in Your Community highlights the fact that urban sprawl is responsible for increased air pollution, rising obesity rates, and loss of agricultural land. "The time to address this critical issue is now," said David Suzuki, a Canadian scientist and broadcaster. "The more cities sprawl outward, the more we damage the environment and our health. We need to design communities so that the people who live in them use their cars less and have a much lower impact on the environment, and a better quality of life in return."
The report also includes a user-friendly toolkit designed to help communities stop sprawl and encourage them to put pressure on all levels of government. For more information or to download the report and toolkit, visit: www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/Sprawl.asp.
October 20, 2003
We're pleased to welcome a new member to the CharityVillage.com team this week. Melanie Mena joins our group to handle Administrative Coordination. In addition to lending a hand with a variety of our internal tasks, Melanie will also be offering customer support to our Volunteer Bulletin Board and Coming Events listing clients and users."As we continue to expand our services, we want to make sure that we're still offering the same great customer service that we've always been know for, " said Maggie Leithead, president and COO of CharityVillage. "It's terrific to welcome Melanie aboard." Learn a bit more about our newest team member at: www.charityvillage.com/cv/about/melanie.html
October 20, 2003
In a recent interview, Public Works Minister Ralph Goodale suggested that a Paul Martin government would likely discontinue a scandal-plagued federal sponsorship program. Though no decision would be made until Martin stepped in as Jean Chrétien's replacement, Mr. Goodale strongly hinted that his preference is to end the program. "He and I both share the conviction that there were serious problems here, and those problems affected the reputation of the government," Mr. Goodale said. "Maybe there is a better fiscal allocation that would make more sense for the future. We haven't made that decision yet, but over the next number of months we'll be thinking very carefully about it." The program distributed funds to a variety of cultural, sporting and other events. However, Auditor General Sheila Fraser criticized the handling of advertising contracts, which prompted criminal investigations by the RCMP.
October 20, 2003
As the holiday season approaches, many companies, government offices, and individuals will be looking for unique and meaningful cards and gifts for colleagues and friends. If your organization has an online gift shop or merchandise boutique, let us help you promote it in our CharityVillage.com Holiday Giving Guide. Canadian nonprofits are invited to send a brief description (30 words max.) and web address for their online shop and we will include a listing on our site free of charge. Send your listing, with the subject line 'Holiday Giving Guide' to help@charityvillage.com. To see the Guide, visit: www.charityvillage.com/cv/marketplace/holidaygg.html
October 20, 2003
The latest statistics from the Canadian Association of Food Banks reveal that the number of Canadians using food banks has doubled since 1989, and the number rose 5.5% this year alone. More than 775,000 people used a food bank in one month in 2003, 39% of whom were children. Newfoundland has the highest provincial per capita food bank use at 3.58%. Currently there are 639 food banks in Canada, distributing more than 7.03 million pounds of food per month. -- CAFB
October 20, 2003
Calgary's newest golf course will also be a boon for three local charities. Sun Fisher Golf Club, a $10 million project scheduled to open in 2005, includes a unique profit-sharing agreement with STARS air ambulance, the Calgary Aero Space Museum, and Rotary Challenger Park, a recreational facility for disabled athletes. The groups will share 20% of Sun Fisher profits until capital costs are recovered, and 35% in following years. Course developer Gary Browning estimates that the total contribution will be between $15 million and $18 million over the course of the club's 40-year lease agreement.
October 20, 2003
Escalating post-war violence and the fear of more attacks on workers has prompted many aid groups to leave Iraq in recent weeks. Foreign aid workers are handing over relief work to their Iraqi colleagues, and many reconstruction projects, including efforts to dig village wells, repair electrical systems, and refurbish health clinics and local hospitals, have been abandoned. The United Nations made the largest reduction in staff, cutting its foreign workforce to 35 from a peak of 600 in August. The Red Cross also greatly reduced its staff, Oxfam has pulled out completely, and Doctors Without Borders is considering whether or not to continue its operations.
October 20, 2003
The Donner Canadian Foundation announced that the winner of the Donner Prize, an annual award for the best book on Canadian public policy, will now receive $30,000, an increase of $5,000 from last year. For the first time, all five finalists will also receive $5,000 each. Books submitted for the prize should have a Canadian focus on public policy issues, for example: regulatory and legal reform; public finance; the environment; urban affairs; health care; education reform; and social policy. For the 2003 prize, books that are written by Canadians, in either English or French, between January 1 and December 31, 2003, are eligible. The deadline for submissions is November 30. For more information, visit: www.donnerbookprize.com.
October 20, 2003
With the help of Canadians from coast to coast, a record $1.232 million was raised for healthcare charities through the Shoppers Drug Mart Tree of LIFE campaign. The campaign supports children's hospitals and local charities working in the areas of arthritis, heart and stroke, cancer, Crohn's and colitis; and multiple sclerosis. Funds raised in each region during the campaign stay in that region to support local healthcare charities. For more information, visit: www.shoppersDrugMart.ca.
October 20, 2003
Canadian musicians The Barenaked Ladies showed their appreciation for the work of hospital employees during the SARS outbreak by making a donation to Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital. The band presented the hospital with a cheque for $87,500 for SARS relief - money that was raised at a benefit concert this summer. The funds will go toward SARS research at the hospital. For more information, visit: www.mtsinai.on.ca.
October 20, 2003
According to a survey conducted by the UK-based Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) only 11.6% of voluntary sector CEOs have spent their whole career in the sector, while another 5.6% had their last job at a voluntary organization. More chief executives (27.9%) come from the private, for-profit sector than anywhere else. The next largest group comes from local government (24.6%), followed by the civil service (5.6%) and other public sector bodies (15.9%). -- ACEVO
October 20, 2003
Two new volumes of case studies are now available from Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support, a global network of membership associations serving grantmakers and other philanthropic support organizations. The first volume looks at grantmaker associations around the world, including Community Foundations of Canada, and offers a wealth of information on organization management, governance, sustainability, and member services. Volume II offers case studies on the work of eight organizations that support community foundations. For more information, or to download the case studies, visit: www.wingsweb.org/ programs/casestudies.
October 20, 2003
Chapters and Indigo bookstores recently introduced a fundraising program that gives nonprofit and charitable organizations the opportunity to raise money. Groups are invited to host a fundraiser evening in any one of the Chapters or Indigo stores across Canada. The store will donate 10% (before tax) of all purchases made by invited guests during the function. For more information about the program, contact your local Chapters or Indigo store. Find a complete listing of stores and contact information at: chapters.indigo.ca.
October 14, 2003
Since releasing its new guidelines on allowable political activities by charities, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) has received several inquiries regarding partisan political activities. Most of these questions centred on what constitutes partisan activity versus allowable political activity. According to the Income Tax Act (subsections 149.1(6.1) and (6.2)) partisan political activity involves the direct or indirect support of, or opposition to, any political party or candidate for public office. The CCRA reminds registered charities that they are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity and could jeopardize their charitable status by doing so. For more information, visit: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca.
October 14, 2003
This year's CIBC Run for the Cure raised a record $17 million for the fight against breast cancer. More than 160,000 runners and walkers in 39 communities across Canada took part in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's annual event. "The phenomenal success of our signature event is due to the combined efforts and energy of dedicated volunteers led by tireless volunteer Run Directors, incredible support from national and local sponsors and the commitment of participants in every part of Canada, who have established our Run as one of the country's best-loved community charity events," said Judy Steele, national board chair for the foundation. For more information, visit: www.cbcf.org/news/whatsnew.html#rftc2003results.
October 14, 2003
RCMP officers in Banff are investigating the dealings of a woman calling herself Elisabeth von Hullessem. She was promoting two events she claimed to be bringing to the town later this month. The police believe that the Banff Writer's Conference and the Autism Charity Fundraiser, which promised entertainers such as Celine Dion, Elton John, and Barbra Streisand, may be part of an elaborate scam that could have reaped hundreds of thousands of dollars for von Hullessem. "We are investigating a complaint about possible fraud," said Const. Frank Lenarcic of the Banff RCMP. "I'm not going to speculate, I am only going to deal in facts. All I can say is we are investigating."
October 14, 2003
In 2001, the largest percentage of grants made by Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PCF) members went to education (27.6%), followed by environment (17.2%), social services (17.1%), and health (14%). There are approximately 7,000 registered foundations in Canada, though only between 1,700 and 2,100 are active grantmaking foundations. In 2000, 83.4% of active foundations were family foundations. The top ten family foundations granted 25% of all foundation grants for that year. -- Philanthropic Foundations Canada and CCP
October 14, 2003
A $2 million corporate gift from CIBC will provide more scholarship opportunities for students at the University of Waterloo. The donation will also boost research into finance and insurance, and contribute to a building fund for Renison College, on the UW campus. In addition, Wayne Fox, CIBC's vice chair and Chief Risk Officer, Treasury, Balance Sheet and Risk Management, and his wife Isabel made an individual pledge of $1 million to establish 10 endowed graduate scholarships in the Faculty of Arts. For more information, visit: www.communications.uwaterloo.ca.
October 14, 2003
A new report by the McKinsey Quarterly asks the question: can nonprofits afford to look a gift horse in the mouth? It finds that in some circumstances it can actually cost more for an organization to accept an in-kind donation rather than buying a comparable item. It encourages nonprofits to create mutually beneficial partnerships with in-kind corporate donors "by considering the total cost of ownership of donations, including such variables as transport and repairs." For more information, visit: www.mckinseyquarterly.com.
October 14, 2003
Molson announced that is will contribute $500,000 to charity from the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto concert that was held last summer in the aftermath of the SARS crisis. Originally the company pledged that $1 from each of the 430,000 tickets sold would go to charity, but decided to add an extra $70,000 to bring the number up to $500,000. A donation of $250,000 will be given to each of the Molson Hospitality Employees Relief Fund and the scholarship fund set up by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for healthcare providers wishing to upgrade their training in the area of infectious diseases. An additional $50,000 was also contributed by Sovereign General Insurance, one of the event's insurers. For more information, visit: www.molson.com.
October 14, 2003
Canadian artists are speaking out against proposed changes to Canada's child-pornography legislation. The new legislation, Bill C-20, would prevent people who possess questionable material from arguing that it has artistic merit. Instead, the legislation proposes that art works in question be judged on the basis of "the public good". Opponents feel this wording is too vague and many artists fear that the new legislation could be used to outlaw sexually explicit movies, plays, and museum exhibits. For more information about Bill C-20, visit: www.parl.gc.ca.
October 14, 2003
When asked how they faired financially during the first six months of 2003 compared to the first half of 2002, many US nonprofits reported that contributions were on the rise. In November of 2002, 48% of survey participants said that contributions had decreased. By July 2003 that number dropped to 35%. In 2002, only 22% of nonprofits reported that contributions to their organization had increased, but by July of this year, that number jumped to 39%. At the same time, 63% of respondents also said that demand for their services had increased. -- GuideStar
October 14, 2003
An $800,000 donation from the Bertram Loeb Organ-Tissue Donation Institute will establish a research chair in organ and tissue donation at the University of Ottawa. The Bertram Loeb chair will concentrate on ethical and social issues surrounding organ and tissue donation. "I wanted the money to be used to fund public and professional education and awareness resulting in an increase in the rate of organ and tissue donations for transplantation in Canada," said Mr. Loeb. For more information, visit: www.uottawa.ca.
October 14, 2003
The Developing Human Resources in the Voluntary Sector (HRVS) project is entering its second phase. As the first phase wraps up, Project Director Lynne Toupin says voluntary sector organizations will find everything from sample HR policies and procedures to the latest employment standards, by province, on the HRVS web site. "We want to be the HR clearinghouse for the voluntary sector," says Toupin. "Obviously that's not going to happen overnight, but we've made a good start in the past year. And we have big plans for the next 18 months."
New additions to the HRVS site will include: case studies about eight voluntary sector organizations and their plans to strengthen their HR practices; salary survey listings; sample job descriptions; and a youth recruitment strategy that helps organizations attract the next generation of employees. For more information about HRVS, visit: www.hrvs.ca.
October 6, 2003
This year's Relay for Life attracted almost 83,000 participants in communities across Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser, which raised more than $16.5 million this year, is growing in popularity, with the number of participants tripling since 2001. "We are thrilled with the growing success of this unique, hope-filled event," says Julie White, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. "We are making cancer history, thanks to the support of Relay For Life volunteers, participants, survivors and sponsors." The overnight non-competitive relay raises funds for cancer research, information services and support programs. For more information, visit: www.cancer.ca.
October 6, 2003
According to an article that appeared in the Globe and Mail last week, Canada's major sports club foundations give out less than half of the money they raise. Major sports teams are often known for the charitable work they do in the community. However, a review of club foundations revealed that of the $14 million they collected last year for charity, only about $5 million was distributed. The Vancouver Canucks' Foundation was the most generous of the bunch, giving away $1.5 million last year, and spending about $600,000 on administration and fundraising. In comparison, the Toronto Raptors Foundation handed out $1.4 million in gifts, but spent almost $3 million on fundraising and administration. The Edmonton Oilers Foundation came in at the bottom of the list, giving away just $34,000 in 2002.
October 6, 2003
The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Montreal announced a $3 million donation from Morris Goodman, chair of Pharmascience and a graduate of the university. The funds will go toward the construction of the Morris & Rosalind Goodman Agora. For more information about the University of Montreal, visit: www.umontreal.ca.
October 6, 2003
The Chronicle of Philanthropy's 12th annual survey of compensation and benefits found that chief executives of nonprofits in the US received a median salary increase of 4.3% in 2002. The median salary last year among all chief executive officers who responded to the survey was $285,000. Chief executives at private foundations earned a median salary of $402,821, while the median salary for CEOs at charities was $282,712. Included in the survey were those nonprofit groups that raised the most money in private donations, as well as the country's 50 wealthiest private foundations. -- Chronicle of Philanthropy
October 6, 2003
Last week, Hilton Canada announced a new national program benefiting Canadian charities. Each year, beginning in 2004, the company will designate a registered charity as the Hilton Canada National Charity and will exclusively support that particular cause throughout the year. Hilton hotels across Canada will continue to support their communities through local charities, while this national initiative will allow the company to play a part in larger acts of service. The deadline for submissions is November 15th, 2003. For more information about application guidelines and eligibility criteria, visit: www.hiltoncanada.com/charity.
October 6, 2003
The Vancouver Canucks and the BC Lottery Corporation introduced a new scratch-and-win lottery ticket last week. The project grants the NHL team a share of the sports lottery market and is expected to generate $1.5 to $2 million for the Canucks and $6 million for the provincial government's lottery corporation in the first year of a three-year deal. Solicitor-General Rich Coleman, the minister responsible for the lottery corporation, hopes the partnership will add more money to government coffers to pay for health care and education. He rejected criticism from NDP leader Joy MacPhail, who called the partnership a subsidy to multi-millionaire athletes. For more information, visit: www.bclc.com/app/AboutBCLC/MediaCentre.asp.
October 6, 2003
The Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB) and the Food and Consumer Products Manufacturers of Canada (FCPMC) unveiled a new partnership that will help with the distribution of donations to food banks across Canada. The ShareGoods program makes it easier for food and consumer products manufacturers to give, while at the same time improving distribution on a national basis. "The ShareGoods program helps ensure that food banks can do the most good with the contributions received and that FCPMC's member participants do the most good with the goods they share," said Robin Garrett, FCPMC vice president of member services and communications. For more information about the CAFB, visit: www.cafb.ca.
October 6, 2003
The Canadian Environment Awards is once again calling for nominations for its Community Awards program. Now in its third year, the program recognizes individuals and groups of Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to the protection, restoration, and preservation of the Canadian environment. Nominations are being accepted in six categories of environmental excellence: climate change; conservation; environmental health; environmental learning; restoration and rehabilitation; and sustainable living. The deadline for nominations is December 20. For more information, visit: www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea2004.
October 6, 2003
A Statistics Canada Ethnic Diversity Survey found that people who immigrated to Canada in the past 10 years were less likely to participate in groups or organizations, such as ethnic associations, sports teams, hobby clubs, and community organizations, than were immigrants who had lived here for more than 10 years and people who were born here. In the year prior to the survey, 34% of those who had immigrated to Canada from 1991 to 2001 were members of, or had participated in, groups or organizations. In contrast, 41% of those who had immigrated to Canada before 1991, 49% of the second generation, and 48% of the third-plus generation, were members or participants. -- Statistics Canada
October 6, 2003
A controversial "do-not-call" service went into effect in the United States last week. The list is designed to block about 80% of telemarketing calls and so far about 50 million Americans have registered their home and cellphone numbers for the service. In Canada, the only "do-not-call" list that exists is operated by the telemarketing industry and has only 500,000 subscribers. However, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is examining the issue and may decide within the next few months whether Canada needs its own mandatory "do-not-call" list. For more information about the CRTC, visit: www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/welcome.htm.
October 6, 2003
The Imperial Tobacco Canada Arts Council is inviting Canadian arts groups and organizations to submit applications for project funding. Arts organizations incorporated for two years or more as of January 1, 2001 and with total annual revenues under $1.5 million, are eligible to apply for council support. The arts projects submitted for consideration must be held between June 1, 2004 and May 31, 2005. The deadline for applications is October 31. For more information or complete guidelines, visit: www.imperialtobaccocanada.com.
October 6, 2003
K-Rock 105.7 morning host Shadoe says he is feeling fine after a recent stunt at the Jerome Taylor Auto Mall in Kingston, Ontario. The deejay was encased in an 8,000-pound block of ice for two days to raise money for charity. Along with his radio partner, Taz, Shadoe handed over a cheque for more than $30,000 to the Easter Seals Society, a charity that helps children and young adults with disabilities. For more information about Easter Seals, visit: www.easterseals.org.
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