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This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: April, 2004
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Professor donates $2.5 million to University of Toronto
April 26, 2004
William Waters, a professor emeritus at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management is helping support music students at the University of Toronto. He is providing $2.5 million to be shared among the Faculty of Music, Woodsworth College, and the Transitional Year Program (TYP). "I am making this gift because of the special matching opportunity provided by the university's faculty and staff gift match and the province's Ontario Student Opportunities Trust Fund (OSOTF)," Waters says. "The result is an endowment of $7.5 million. The economist in me likes the fact that I can leverage the gift three-to-one." The funds will go toward entrance scholarships, professional development grants, and graduating awards. For more information, visit: www.news.utoronto.ca.
April 26, 2004
After a brief hiatus, the Shell Environmental Fund (SEF) is once again accepting grant applications. "After consulting the external panels, who help us make the decisions, and looking at the final reports submitted by the SEF grant recipients, we are satisfied that the SEF is still a unique and effective way for Shell to support environmental improvement and protection across Canada," said Tim Bancroft, vice president of sustainable development. The company will make some changes to the process and application requirements for 2004, but it will continue to focus on local, community-driven projects that improve or protect the Canadian environment. For more information, visit: www.shell.ca/sef.
April 26, 2004
The National Gallery of Canada is setting up a $1.5 million fund to buy work from young artists. The money to create the fund comes from philanthropic artist Mary Joy Thomson. "We are deeply grateful for this endowment, the single-largest contribution to the foundation to date, because it will provide an ongoing source of acquisition funding," said Marie Claire Morin, who heads up the National Gallery of Canada Foundation. For more information, visit: www.national.gallery.ca.
Fast Fact: What Canadian employees want
April 26, 2004
When asked what is at the top of their 'wish list' at work, nearly half of Canadian employees (48%) say that what they want most is a bonus or raise. More time off ranked second, with 24%, followed by additional support at the office (17%). Only 4% said they would want more of their boss's time. -- OfficeTeam
April 26, 2004
A PhD student at York University is investigating how employment opportunities in the nonprofit sector stack up against those in the private sector. "Many of us know that work in the private sector has become less secure," says researcher Sam Ladner. "This project will explore if this is also true in the nonprofit sector." She hopes to find out if part-time, temporary, and contract work is the norm for nonprofit workers. Other studies have examined issues such as pay and benefits and overall quality of work in the sector but little is known about what labour scholars call "nonstandard work." Ladner will complete her project over the next two years. For more information, visit: www.student.yorku.ca/~sladner.
April 26, 2004
The Youth One Volunteer Center is once again inviting young people from around the world to pledge volunteer time during their annual Volunteer Webathon. The project aims to increase awareness about youth volunteerism and inspire and motivated youth to get involved in their community. Last year, 43,641 hours were pledged during the webathon and the event attracted participants from 26 different countries. The 2004 webathon runs until May 16th. For more information, visit: www.youthone.com/webathon.
April 26, 2004
RBC Financial Group announced that its charitable foundation will contribute $1 million towards the creation of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. The idea for the museum came from the late Israel Asper. The project seeks to address Canadian and worldwide issues of tolerance and respect for human rights. It is scheduled to open on Canada Day, July 1, 2008. For more information, visit: www.rbc.com.
April 26, 2004
CIBC World Markets Children's Miracle Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Young Miracle Maker Award. The award recognizes outstanding volunteers in communities across the country. Thirteen young Canadians (under the age of 18) will be rewarded for their volunteer contributions to the health, education, and well-being of children in their communities. Honourees will each receive a $500 Canada Savings Bond and a $2,500 donation in their name to a qualifying children's charity. The deadline for nominations is August 31. For more information or to apply, visit: www.childrensmiracle.com.
April 26, 2004
The Foundation of Greater Montreal recently handed out its first-ever grants. The community foundation, which is still in its formative years, awarded $62,000 in grants. "This year we achieved both our financial and social objectives," said Pierre Brunet, chair of the board. "We now manage assets of $34.5 million and, for the first time, we were able support charitable organizations within the community." The foundation gave priority to seven projects that foster prevention and propose long-term, concrete solutions, integration, youth and family development, and a multidisciplinary approach. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.community-fdn.ca/montreal.
April 26, 2004
A new report released by the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) says that developing more co-ops could help Canadian communities. Building Assets in Low Income Communities through Co-operatives: A Policy Framework is designed to help governments and other organizations understand the benefits of co-ops to low-income communities and to encourage support for more co-ops. "We need to move beyond the scattered and isolated use of co-operatives to a much more significant application of the co-op model for delivering important services and creating jobs," says Jean-Yves Lord, executive director of the CCA. The framework sets out three priority policy areas: encouraging and supporting collective community action generally; creating more awareness of the co-operative model; and increasing resources for co-operative development. For more information, visit: www.Buildingcommunityassets.coop.
April 26, 2004
Oilpatch workers from Calgary companies gathered recently to play in a major hockey tournament to raise money for charity. The annual Oilympics Break-Cup five-day charity hockey tournament brought together 320 participants and raised $85,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada's Calgary chapter. "This year we've surpassed $415,000 of total charitable donations over the last 11 years," said committee member Gerry Mumford. "Onwards and upwards. It's a good way for the guys to have a great time and raise some money for charity." For more information, visit: www.oilympics.com.
April 19, 2004
Kroum and Eva Pindoff, the founders of Music World Limited, announced a $20 million pledge over the next ten years to aid children in the developing world. An initial $2 million cheque will go to War Child Canada to assist their efforts to help children in war torn countries. "As survivors of two world wars we understand firsthand the devastation of war on the most helpless victims in society," said Kroum Pindoff. "We want to help people who cannot help themselves with the emphasis on children across the Third World." For more information, visit: www.warchild.ca.
April 19, 2004
The Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) web site recently released a collection of resources related to accountability and financial management in the voluntary sector. These include learning modules, assessment tools, articles, and links to many other useful web sites. The resources are intended to help organizations advance their financial management knowledge and skills, as well as enhance their accountability. For more information, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca.
April 19, 2004
A study of nonprofits in the United States reveals that 80% rely on volunteers, often for critical activities. Two-thirds of charities feel their volunteers provide substantial cost savings and greatly increase the quality of services or programs provided. The majority of organizations (90%) are ready to take on more volunteers at their present capacity - an estimated 3.4 million new volunteers overall. However, many report difficulties in finding a sufficient number of volunteers and 40% feel that having more information about potential volunteers in the community would greatly help their volunteer programs. -- UPS Foundation
April 19, 2004
The April 30th deadline for the 7th annual Donner Canadian Foundation Awards For Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services is fast approaching. All nonprofit agencies that apply will automatically receive a free confidential evaluation that compares their performance relative to their peers in the sector. Awards of $5,000 each will be presented to nonprofit agencies delivering social services in any of nine recognized categories. In addition, the prestigious Donner Award for Excellence, valued at $20,000, will be presented to the agency that performs best overall. For more information, or to receive the 2004 application, visit: www.fraserinstitute.ca/donner, e-mail donnerawards@fraserinstitute.ca, or call toll-free 1-866-716-7175.
April 19, 2004
Ecole Polytechnique and Université de Montréal launched three new Chairs thanks to a $1.1 million grant from Bell Canada. Previously, the company donated $900,000 to support entrepreneurship on the Université de Montréal campus. "Through their work, the three Chairs will foster the development of knowledge in leading-edge fields, thereby increasing Quebec businesses' potential for innovation and competition," said Isabelle Courville, president of the Enterprise Market Division of Bell Canada.
April 19, 2004
A survey of highschool students in the UK reveals that 76% currently help to raise money for charity at school and 57% would like to do more for charity through their school. As well, 80% gave money to charity the last time they were asked. The survey found that girls are significantly more likely to give than boys, with mothers being identified as the person most likely to be seen giving time or money to charity. The survey concluded that young people are more likely to be long-term donors if they get involved in charity at an early age. Of the students that participated in the survey, 70% agreed that "it's cool to volunteer and help people." -- Giving Nation
April 19, 2004
Beer Store retail outlets in Ontario recently decided to remove coin boxes and red ribbons that support Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The charity is currently lobbying the federal government to impose new impaired driving legislation that would lower the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.08% to 0.05%. "The Beer Store could not live with our aggressive policy agenda," said Andrew Murie, MADD national executive director. "We strongly suspect that is the reason they dropped their financial support." However, according to the Beer Store, the decision to end their relationship with MADD is not politically motivated, but is part of an effort to streamline their work with charities. Social policy donations are now limited to just one group, the Ontario Community Council on Impaired Driving. For more information, visit: www.madd.ca.
April 19, 2004
For the third year in a row, Ontario's heritage buildings and other attractions are opening their doors to the public, free of charge. "Doors Open Ontario invites residents and visitors to explore intriguing buildings, many of which are normally closed to the public," said the Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, chair of the Ontario Heritage Foundation. "In addition to looking behind closed doors, visitors participate in on-site demonstrations and discover Ontario's rich heritage firsthand." This year, 34 events are taking place in more than 185 communities across the province, beginning on April 24 with Doors Open Guelph. Doors Open events continue until October. For more information, visit: www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.
April 19, 2004
US foundations decreased their overall grantmaking by 2.5% last year, giving $29.7 billion, compared with $30.4 billion in 2002. The one exception was among community foundations, where funding actually increased by 1.5% in 2003 to $2.57 billion. Most grantmakers are optimistic for 2004. About 45% expect giving to increase this year, and 36% expect no change in giving levels. Only 18% predicted that their giving would decline in 2004. Foundation assets dropped 6.9% between 2001 to 2002, and have decreased 10.5% since 2000. -- Foundation Center
April 19, 2004
The UK-based Disability Rights Commission (DRC) recently published a report on government, business, and voluntary sector web sites. The Web: Access and Inclusion for Disabled People argues that many public web sites are "impossible" for disabled people to use and pointed out that many businesses may not be complying with existing equal access laws. The survey found that the average homepage contains 108 barriers that make it impossible or very difficult for disabled people to use. It also cited examples of excellence in web site accessibility and two of the four sites mentioned were from the voluntary sector: Oxfam and Spinal Injuries, Scotland. The 44-page report includes practical recommendations to help web site owners and developers remove the barriers to inclusive design. To download the full report, visit: www.drc-gb.org.
April 19, 2004
The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy and the Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations (NVO) have been working together since mid-2003 to build a new organization for the charitable and voluntary sector. Earlier in 2004, they conducted focus groups across the country and are now soliciting input on the new organization through an e-survey that will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 21. To obtain your own link to the new organization e-survey, please contact Alex Gill at agill@ccp.ca.
As well, CCP is working to make its Online Directory to Foundations and Grants more valuable to Canada's charities and is soliciting feedback through an e-survey. Organizations are invited to offer their opinions before Friday, April 23. To obtain your own link to the directory e-survey, contact Jason Taniguchi at jasont@ccp.ca.
April 12, 2004
Aileen Carroll, Minister for International Cooperation, announced that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will provide close to $210 million over five years to strengthen the impact of Canadian volunteer-cooperation agencies doing work overseas. The ten executing agencies are: AFS Interculture Canada, Canada World Youth, Canadian Crossroads International, Canadian Executive Service Overseas, CUSO, Oxfam-Quebec, SUCO, Voluntary Service Overseas Canada, Centre canadien d'étude et de coopération internationale (CECI), and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). For more information, visit: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.
April 12, 2004
The Privacy Commissioner of Canada recently released a fact sheet regarding the application of the Personal Information Protection and Electronics Document Act (PIPEDA) to charities and nonprofits. The fact sheet points out that the presence of commercial activity is the most important consideration for nonprofits. However, the Commissioner states that fundraising is not a commercial activity, nor is "collecting membership fees, organizing club activities, compiling a list of members' names and addresses, or mailing out newsletters." While the act of asking for donations is not subject to the Act, charities and nonprofits are still required to seek appropriate consent if selling, bartering, or leasing lists. These are considered to be commercial activities. For more information, visit: www.privcom.gc.ca.
April 12, 2004
A Statistics Canada report that looked at 27 metropolitan areas across Canada shows median family-income growth was stagnant in the 1990s. However, the gap between richer and poorer neighbourhoods rose. Almost half of single-parent families (46.6%) were considered to be low-income in 2000, compared with only 15.4% of other types of families. In 2000, immigrants had a low-income rate of 35%, nearly twice the average rate for metropolitan areas overall. Among Aboriginals, 41.6% had low incomes, more than double the national average for metropolitan areas. -- Statistics Canada
April 12, 2004
As part of its mandate, Developing Human Resources in the Voluntary Sector (HRVS) published three reports addressing the issues surrounding employee and retirement benefits in the voluntary sector. The first report identifies key issues and barriers affecting the acquisition and management of employee benefits in the sector. The second offers 23 recommendations for dealing with organizational, affordability, and knowledge/information barriers related to employee benefits. The third report outlines some key issues related to retirement and pension benefits, and is intended to be a primer for discussion. For more information, visit: www.hrvs.ca/benefits/pg001_e.cfm.
April 12, 2004
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) awarded a grant for more than $3.6 million to Peterborough's Trent University. The money will goes toward the creation of a DNA and Forensic Science Research Centre. The facility will become the hub of a Greater Peterborough Region DNA Cluster, an initiative to develop a regional centre of excellence. For more information about CFI, visit: www.innovation.ca.
April 12, 2004
The Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) web site now has a database of regional case studies that highlight successful financing and resourcing practices of Canadian voluntary organizations. The inventory presents examples of the creative ways in which voluntary organizations are raising, accessing, and using funds and resources to strengthen their long-term organizational capacity and meet the needs in their communities. For more information or to search the database, visit www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/funding/best_practices.cfm.
April 12, 2004
When asked for their views regarding public-private partnerships (P3s), 84% of Canadians agree that Canada's public services should be delivered by public sector workers accountable to elected representatives and the public, not by corporations accountable to shareholders. Three-quarters (75%) agree that Canada should rebuild its public infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, highways, and water systems, through direct public investment and not through public-private joint ventures with corporations. And 64% feel that the country's health care system should exclude corporations that operate for-profit, and instead rely solely on public and not-for-profit health care providers. -- Ipsos-Reid
April 12, 2004
The United Way of Greater Toronto and the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) released a joint report last week that looks at neighbourhood poverty in the city of Toronto over the past two decades. Poverty by Postal Code found that twenty years ago most 'poor' families lived in mixed-income neighbourhoods, while today, they are concentrated in neighbourhoods with high levels of poverty. The report also reveals a major shift in who has been most affected by growing poverty concentration. At one time, the majority of residents in higher poverty neighbourhoods were Canadian-born and non-visible minorities. Today, residents in neighbourhoods with high poverty rates are much more likely to be newcomers to Canada and visible minorities. For more information or to download the report, visit: www.unitedwaytoronto.com.
April 12, 2004
British Columbia Film wrapped up a three-year feature film program on March 31, putting an end to its funding for filmmakers in BC. The nonprofit society was established in 1987 by the provincial government with a mandate to expand and diversify the cultural industries of film and video in the province. However, direct provincial funding to the society has decreased from $4.5 million in 1995/96 to its current level of $2.28 million for fiscal 2004/05. "In light of successive budget reductions, British Columbia Film must review its core purpose and activities in support of the province's film and television industry," said president and CEO Rob Egan. "This review will ultimately determine British Columbia Film's role in sustaining the industry in years to come." For more information, visit: www.bcfilm.bc.ca/releases/Feb24-04.html.
April 12, 2004
Research conducted for Lloyds TSB Private Banking found that 53% of the general public in Britain believe that people earning more than £100,000 a year should be giving more to charity. Only 39% of wealthy Britons give cash to local groups, compared to 68% of the general public. However, the rich were twice as likely to give by direct debit (60% compared to 29%) and they are also more likely to engage in volunteer work (38% compared to 19%). Working at local charities is the most popular voluntary activity among the rich (76%). -- Professional Fundraising Online
April 12, 2004
The Yves Landry Foundation is inviting applications and nominations for its 2004 Academic Awards. These awards are open to all Canadian high schools, colleges, and universities that best demonstrate ingenuity and creativity in advancing technological education and skills training in the following areas: youth apprenticeship; innovative manufacturing technology; technical career awareness; sustainable development; cooperative education; and technical renewal. The deadline for applications is July 31. For more information or to apply, visit: www.ylandryfund.org.
April 12, 2004
St. Joseph's Health Centre received a $600,000 donation from BMO Financial Group. It is one of the largest single corporate gifts made to the centre's Medicine and Beyond Campaign. The capital campaign has achieved 87% of its goal, raising more than $26 million so far. For more information about St. Joseph's Health Centre, visit: www.stjoe.on.ca.
April 5, 2004
Last week, multi-millionaire Seymour Schulich announced a $26 million gift to London's University of Western Ontario. The funds will go to the faculty of medicine and dentistry - the largest donation in history to that campus. In making the announcement, Schulich challenged other rich Canadians to follow his lead. "Canada's rich guys aren't doing enough. Americans give two and a half times more to charity," said the Montreal-born philanthropist, whose worth was recently estimated to be approximately $468 million. In the past decade he has given about $75 million to charity, including $15 million to York University's business school, which now bears his name. For more information, visit: www.uwo.ca.
April 5, 2004
The Capacity Joint Table of the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) recently released a guide aimed at helping charities and nonprofit organizations communicate with government. Participating in Federal Public Policy: A Guide for the Voluntary Sector provides an overview of the public policy process and was designed to help voluntary organizations participate in public policy dialogue. It also gives federal departments greater insight on how to involve their sector counterparts more effectively. Intended as a starting point for organizations that want to begin engaging in public policy dialogue, it offers tips, summaries of articles, tools, resources, and links to other web sites. For more information or to view the guide, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca.
April 5, 2004
Another generous Winnipegger lent his support last week to the proposed Canadian Museum for Human Rights. John Buhler and his wife Bonnie donated $6 million toward the museum, to be located in downtown Winnipeg. "We wholeheartedly support this extraordinary vision and noble goal," Buhler said. "We invite others to join with us in support of this institution." So far, organizers have raised approximately $31 million in private capital and are hoping to raise at least $60 million for the venture. The concept for the museum was conceived by the late Israel Asper, founder of CanWest Global.
April 5, 2004
A new Ipsos-Reid survey conducted on behalf of the Council of Canadians and the Polaris Institute finds that the overwhelming majority of Canadians want government policies to be independent from US agendas. Of those surveyed, 91% agree that Canada should maintain the ability to set its own independent environmental health and safety standards and regulations, even if this might reduce cross-border trade opportunities with the United States. Ninety percent agree that "Canada should establish an energy policy that provides reliable supplies of oil, gas and electricity at stable prices and on protection of the environment, even if this means placing restrictions on exports and foreign ownership of Canadian supplies." When asked about military spending, 77% agree that it should be limited to peacekeeping and conflict resolution, and 69% are opposed to Canada actively supporting the Bush administration's missile defence system. -- Ipsos-Reid
April 5, 2004
On March 15, Alberta's Minister of Government Services amended the Charitable Fund-raising Act (CFRA) with regard to when a charitable organizations must prepare an audited financial statement. Previously, charities raising $100,000 or more in gross annual income were required to prepare audited financial statements. The threshold has now been raised to $250,000 in gross contributions per year. There were two key reasons for this amendment:To download the government information sheet in PDF format, visit: www3.gov.ab.ca/gs/pdf/tipsheets/Req_for_Char_Organ_Info.pdf.
- Government felt that $100,000 was too low for smaller charities with limited resources who would need to use the services of an auditor.
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recommends that charities prepare and file audited financial statements if their gross annual income from all sources is more than $250,000. Provincial requirements are now consistent with the CRA recommended guidelines.
April 5, 2004
The deadline is quickly approaching for VanCity Credit Union's third annual $1 million VanCity Award to support bold and innovative community projects. Each year, the award provides funding to one nonprofit organization for a major project that supports the social, environmental, or economic well being of the community. Nonprofits in Vancouver, Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Victoria-area are invited to submit a two-page letter of intent. The deadline for submissions is April 12. For more information or to apply, visit www.vancity.com/award.
April 5, 2004
The Gerald C. Baines Charitable Foundation donated $1 million to support cancer research in London, Ontario. The Gerald C. Baines Centre for Transitional Cancer Research will be housed in the recently completed Victoria Research Laboratories at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). This is the first major gift to support the LHSC's integrated cancer program since the London Regional Cancer Centre merged with the hospital in January. The donation will enable the hospital to hire a senior scientist to head the research facility, support other research activity, and provide equipment to establish and maintain a state-of-the-art laboratory. For more information about the London Health Sciences Centre, visit: www.lhsc.on.ca.
April 5, 2004
A report released by the Daily Bread Food Bank reveals that American-style social problems are now creeping into Canada's largest city. The report, entitled Working to be Poor: Employment and Food Bank Use in the GTA, found that the percentage of food bank clients in Greater Toronto with at least one family member in the workforce is virtually identical to numbers reported by food banks in the United States. The percentage of food bank clients with at least one working member in the household has increased 90% since 1996, to 38%. The US figure is comparable at 39%. It also shows that the problem of working adults being unable to afford basics such as food is far worse than food banks originally thought. The median annual household income of working food bank users is $15,120, compared to the Toronto median of $49,345. To request a copy of the report, contact: Tiffany Bourr (416) 504-3977 or Michael Oliphant (416) 203-0050 x256. For more information about the Daily Bread Food Bank, visit: www.dailybread.ca.
April 5, 2004
A survey of giving trends by US foundations finds that support for general operating costs reached a record high of 19% of grant dollars in 2002. Among the beneficiaries, the economically disadvantaged accounted for the largest share of grant dollars in 2002 (16.7%), followed by children and youth (16.4%). There was also growth in giving for gay and lesbian groups, and victims of crime and abuse. On the downside, total new grant commitments decreased by 5% to $15.9 billion between 2001 and 2002. Funding of health declined by 15% to $2.9 billion, and overall international giving declined 11% to $2.2 billion. -- Foundation Center
April 5, 2004
For the 12th consecutive year, Canada Post is honouring individuals and organizations for their exceptional accomplishments in the field of literacy. The Canada Post Literacy Awards are the only national awards dedicated to recognizing grassroots literacy initiatives and celebrating the achievements of learners and the people who help them along the way. This year, the criteria has been expanded to include English Second Language (ESL) and French Second Language (FSL) training. Canadians across the country are invited to nominate deserving individuals as well as exceptional educators, organizations, or businesses that have succeeded in changing the literacy perspective in Canada. The deadline for submissions is May 28. For more information or to apply, visit: www.canadapost.ca/literacyawards.
April 5, 2004
Well-known philanthropist and former jingle writer Don Wright presented the University of Victoria's Faculty of Education with a $1 million donation for its music education program. The money will provide scholarships for UVic music education students, support program growth, and help university music ensembles to participate in international events, and provide for repair and replacement of instruments. Wright, now 95, has a long history of supporting education in Canada. To date, he has contributed at least $14 million to universities across the country. For more information, visit: communications.uvic.ca.
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