|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| 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: November, 2004
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Government announces new legislation for federal NPOs
November 29, 2004
On November 15th, the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, introduced new legislation to govern federally incorporated not-for-profit corporations. According to an Industry Canada news release, "the proposed new Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act will replace Parts II and III of the Canada Corporations Act with a leading edge, modern corporate governance framework for not-for-profit organizations incorporating at the federal level." The proposed Act will reduce regulatory burden on the not-for-profit sector and the government, improve financial accountability, clarify the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, and enhance and protect the rights of members. It will also be flexible enough to meet the needs of large and small organizations, while providing the accountability and transparency necessary to maintain public trust and confidence in the not-for-profit sector. For more information, visit: www.ic.gc.ca.
November 29, 2004
This year's recipient of the $1-million VanCity Award is the Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society. The society, located in Surrey, BC, will use the funds to complete a $5.6 million campaign to build the Phoenix Centre near Surrey Memorial Hospital. Expected to open next fall, the centre will be one of the first projects to integrate addiction services, transitional housing, employment, and education services under one roof for more than 100 recovering addicts each year. "The construction of the Phoenix Centre will be only the beginning of the VanCity Award legacy. The real legacy will be in the lives of the individuals who find the necessary support to overcome their addiction and build the skills necessary to make a contribution to their community," said Michael Wilson, executive director of the Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society. The VanCity Award was established in 2001 and is the largest corporate gift of its kind in Canada. For more information, visit: www.vancity.com.
November 29, 2004
The Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) Joint Evaluation Committee recently released two reports evaluating the work of the VSI. The first, entitled The Voluntary Sector Initiative Process Evaluation: Final Report, assesses how, and how well the VSI worked - up to the end of the two-year "Joint Table phase" - from the perspective of those who were directly involved. To download this report, visit: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/relationship/process_evaluation.
The second report, An Evaluation of the Sectoral Involvement in Departmental Policy Development (SIDPD), provides information and analysis about how 67 policy initiatives were conducted by dozens of voluntary organizations in cooperation with 17 government departments and agencies. This evaluation will be of particular interest to individuals wishing to strengthen government-voluntary sector relationships in the area of policy dialogue. It can be found at: www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/policy/sidpd_report/index.cfm.
Fast Fact: Majority of Canadians plan to volunteer when they retire
November 29, 2004
According to a recent survey, 22% of Canadians over the age of 65 do volunteer work, and 54% of people aged 55 to 64 either currently volunteer or intend to. Among baby boomers - those between the ages of 40 and 54 - 61% do some form of volunteer work for a charity or community organization or plan to when they retire. Overall, 70% of Canadians who plan on volunteering when they retire have a university education. The two regions with the highest numbers of respondents who say they will do volunteer work when they retire are the Greater Metropolitan Toronto (72%) area, and Saskatchewan (73%). The percentage in Quebec is 42%. -- Desjardins Financial Security
November 29, 2004
Last week, Canada's top performing nonprofit agencies were recognized at the annual Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services (Donner Awards). Sarnia-Lambton Rebound and Calgary's Simon House Residence Society shared the $20,000 overall Award for Excellence. Sarnia-Lambton Rebound was also presented with the inaugural Peter F. Drucker Award for Non-Profit Management. Ten other organizations shared $45,000 in category awards. This year's award recipients were chosen from among 238 applications received from organizations in seven provinces and one territory. For more information and a complete list of award recipients, visit: www.fraserinstitute.ca.
November 29, 2004
The Canadian Film Centre announced a $3 million gift from the TELUS Foundation. It is the single largest gift the Film Centre has ever received and will be invested in Canadian talent and projects through the newly created TELUS Innovation Fund for Film, TV & New Media. The funds will also enhance the Centre's existing initiatives in training, production, promotion, and scholarships. "The Canadian Film Centre is proud to partner with TELUS to promote creativity and innovation, an intrinsic element of the future prosperity of Canada's film, TV and new media industries and cultural community," said executive director Wayne Clarkson. "This generous gift is a key example of a private sector company helping the Canadian Film Centre to fulfill its mission of advancing Canadian creative values, talent, and content worldwide." For more information about the Canadian Film Centre, visit: www.cdnfilmcentre.com.
November 29, 2004
Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care recently launched a new Public Reports web site that allows individuals to assess and compare care facilities and see whether any complaints or concerns have been registered. The site provides basic information about each facility, including location, age of the facility, number of beds, and ownership. It also outlines the findings of inspectors. For more information, visit: www.health.gov.on.ca.
November 29, 2004
The first-ever Nonprofit and Association E-learning Survey reveals that more and more nonprofits are using online or e-learning, with 54% of respondents currently using it or planning to in the next 12 months. More than 88% were very or somewhat satisfied with their e-learning programs, while only 12% reported that they were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their programs. Eighty-eight percent said the key benefits of e-learning were convenience, access, and cost-effectiveness. When asked to report the biggest barriers in developing e-learning, "staff time" was mentioned by a majority of respondents (54%). Funding, expertise, concern about end users' technology, and concern for effectiveness were all listed as barriers by at least 30% of respondents. -- Isoph and N-TEN
November 29, 2004
A Winnipeg newspaper reported last week that the Asper family secured taxpayers' money to pay Aboriginal leader Phil Fontaine to spearhead a letter-writing campaign in support of the proposed Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Fontaine, who was then the federally appointed head of the Indian Claims Commission, was paid $1,500 a day to write letters to aboriginal leaders and organizations urging them to tell Ottawa they support the project, while identifying potential funding sources for the museum. However, the Heritage Canada program officer who oversaw the $25,000 contract was unable to determine exactly what the native leader did, aside from contacting 62 people or organizations in an attempt to build support for the project. For more information about the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, visit: www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com.
November 29, 2004
McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited announced that Canadians helped raise $4.5 million this year though the 10-cent Happy Meal program. Since January 1, 2004, 10 cents from each Happy Meal purchased at participating McDonald's restaurants in Canada has been donated to help improve the physical and emotional quality of life for children, and families of children, with serious illnesses, disabilities or chronic conditions. "This year alone, millions of McDonald's customers have helped us give a helping hand to Canadian kids who need our support, and on behalf of each and every one of those children I want to thank Canadians for their contribution to our efforts," said Rem Langan, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada. Funds raised through the 10-cent Happy Meal program support the 12 Canadian Ronald McDonald Houses and local children's charities in communities across the country. For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit: www.rmhc.ca.
November 29, 2004
The 2004 report card from Campaign 2000, an anti-poverty group, reveals that child poverty is up slightly for the first time in six years. About one million, or 15% of Canadian children are growing up poor, and a third of all children have been exposed to poverty for at least a year since 1996. As well, the child poverty rate for female lone parent families rose above 50% for the first time in three years. The use of food banks also continues to rise, hitting a record in 2003, when 317,242 food bank users were children. Child poverty rates for Aboriginal, immigrant, and children in visible minority groups are more than double the average for all children, and the child poverty rate among children with disabilities is 27.7%. -- Campaign 2000
November 29, 2004
The Stockholm Challenge is now accepting submissions of outstanding IT projects from all over the world to compete for their 2006 awards. The Challenge is searching for the best initiatives that accelerate the use of information technology for the social and economic benefit of citizens and communities. The objective is to help local entrepreneurs, who work to close the digital divide, by bringing in research communities, development organizations and strong corporate initiatives. The deadline for entries is December 31, 2005. For more information or to apply, visit: www.stockholmchallenge.se.
November 22, 2004
A video released last week appears to indicate that humanitarian aid worker Margaret Hassan has been killed by Iraqi militants. Hassan, the Iraqi director of CARE International, was abducted in Baghdad last month on her way to work and was not heard from again. She lived in Iraq for almost 30 years and held British, Irish and Iraqi passports. A statement on CARE Canada's web site says that "we are shocked and appalled that this has been the apparent outcome of her abduction...Mrs. Hassan was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to the poor and disadvantaged in Iraq, particularly the children. The whole of CARE is in mourning." CARE closed down its operations in Iraq following Hassan's abduction in October. For more information, visit: www.care.ca.
November 22, 2004
Bell Mobility's thirteenth annual celebrity gala "The Mirror Ball" raised $1 million for the Sick Kids Foundation, which supports the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. This donation doubled Bell Mobility's fundraising goal of $500,000 and quadrupled last year's donation of $250,000. "Corporate support from companies such as Bell Mobility is critical in helping Sick Kids improve the health and well-being of children here in Canada and around the world," said Michael O'Mahoney, president of foundation. "The Bell Mobility donation to Sick Kids Foundation represents the largest contribution raised from a corporate gala held on our behalf." This year's event attracted more than 2,200 guests, including Bobby Orr, The Barenaked Ladies, Tom Cochrane, and Ronnie Hawkins. For more information about the Sick Kids Foundation, visit: www.sickkids.on.ca.
November 22, 2004
A new web site was launched last week to assist advocates and practitioners in Aboriginal early childhood development. The site, the first of its kind in Canada, is a clearinghouse of information that includes a bulletin board, a calendar of events, a database of research, resources on best and promising practices, and links to training and mentorship opportunities. Much of this information has been gathered from Aboriginal communities across Canada and has never been available to a wider audience before now. "This is the first time that those of us working in early learning and child care in Aboriginal communities have access to such a wide variety of resources on the Internet. Many of us work in communities isolated from each other. This web site allows us to communicate and look at ways we can improve the work we are already doing," said Margo Greenwood from the Aboriginal Children's Circle of Early Learning, the group mandated to oversee the web site and its promotion. For more information, visit: www.accel-capea.ca.
November 22, 2004
Social assistance rates fell in every province between 1993 and 2003, with the most dramatic declines reported in Alberta and Ontario. In 1993, 7.4% of Alberta's population was on social assistance. By 2003, this proportion had plunged to a national low of only 1.8%. In Ontario, 12.1% of the population was on social assistance in 1993, the highest rate among the provinces. Ten years later, this proportion declined to 5.5%, which was also the national average. In 1993, nearly 3 million people nationwide were receiving welfare benefits. A decade later, this level had dropped by 41.3% to just over 1.7 million. Levels fell by 36% in the Atlantic region, 40% in central Canada, and 48% in the West. Quebec ended the 10-year period with the second highest social assistance rate in the country, behind Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1993, 10.4% of Quebec's population was receiving welfare benefits. By 2003, the proportion had declined to 7.3%. At the same time, Newfoundland and Labrador's rate fell from 11.7% to 9.9%. -- Statistics Canada
November 22, 2004
The Childhood Cancer Foundation - Candlelighters Canada kicked off the holiday season in style with its inaugural Gold Ribbon Gala, which took place on November 10th in Toronto. More than $150,000 was raised through a silent and live auction that included items such as a nine-day skiers dream vacation, a weekend rental of a 2005 BMW Z4 convertible, and a diamond ring. Candlelighters is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. All proceeds from this event will go towards medical research and support programming. For more information about the Childhood Cancer Foundation, visit: www.candlelighters.ca.
November 22, 2004
IBM and representatives from leading science, education, and philanthropic organizations launched a new initiative that applies the unused computing power of individual and business computers to help address some of the world's most difficult health and societal problems. World Community Grid will harness the vast and unused computational power of the world's computers and direct it at research designed to help unlock genetic codes that underlie diseases like AIDS/HIV, Alzheimer's, and cancer, improve forecasting of natural disasters, and support studies that can protect the world's food and water supply.
The first project of World Community Grid is the Human Proteome Folding Project, which hopes to identify the proteins that make up the Human Proteome and, in doing so, better understand the causes and potential cures for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis. Further projects will be selected by a newly created advisory board that will evaluate proposals from leading research, public, and not-for-profit organizations seeking to conduct humanitarian research using grid computing technology. The board is expected to oversee five to six projects a year. Anyone can volunteer to donate the idle and unused time on a computer by registering with World Community Grid. For more information, visit: www.worldcommunitygrid.org.
November 22, 2004
Canada's largest network of public foundations is distributing more than $300,000 to food charities across the country as part of a class action lawsuit involving several manufacturers of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nucleotides, two popular flavour enhancers. The settlement stems from price fixing that forced Canadian food manufacturers to pay more for MSG and nucleotides. This price increase was then passed on to consumers who ended up paying more for popular foods such as peanut butter. The action was initiated by the London law firm of Siskind, Cromarty, Ivey and Dowler LLP, on behalf of Canadian users of MSG and nucleotides.
"There is no way of tracking the consumers affected by this lawsuit," said Martha Powell, director of development and donor services at the London Community Foundation. "Community foundations across the country were asked to step in and allocate this settlement in a way that benefits Canadian consumers." Selected community foundations, approved by the court, will use the funds to provide grants to food-related charities, such as breakfast programs or food banks. "Because community foundations work with all kinds of charities, we're well positioned to identify organizations that can ensure this funding has the greatest possible community benefit," said Monica Patten, president and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. For more information, visit: www.classaction.ca.
November 22, 2004
A new study has found that businesses that combine an investment in information technology (IT) with high levels of organizational change experience high rates of improved productivity, as well as high rates of innovation. The finding suggests that to be successful, organizations need to adopt information technologies as part of a "system" or "cluster" of mutually-reinforcing, organizational approaches. Using data from the 1999 Workplace and Employee Survey, the study examined the impact of organizational innovation and information technology use on the performance of companies in two sectors: manufacturing and services. Information technology led to better firm performance in the manufacturing sector. In the service sector, the study found that information technology and human capital go hand-in-hand and that combined, information technology and high levels of worker skills improved firm performance. The paper concluded that quality-related strategies led to better performance only among firms in the dynamic service sector. These include communication service; finance, insurance and real estate; business services; education and health; and information and cultural industries. In contrast, production and efficiency practices and human resource management practices resulted in better performance for firms in both the manufacturing and service sectors. -- Statistics Canada
November 22, 2004
The Child Care Human Resources Sector Council recently released a comprehensive review of the regulated child care workforce in Canada. Working for Change: Canada's Child Care Workforce provides an updated profile of those who work in the regulated child care sector, their work environments, and the opportunities and challenges they face. It also highlights the critical role that the child care workforce will continue to play in the development and stability of a Canadian child care strategy. Recommendations made in the report will serve as a foundation for developing a labour market strategy that will define ways to improve recruitment, retention and recognition of the workforce and promote high quality child care. For more information or to download the full report, visit: www.ccsc-cssge.ca.
November 22, 2004
More than 700 people, including Ontario hospital board members, executives, and the who's who in Canadian healthcare, gathered recently for the first-ever OHAfrica Gala 2004. The event, put on by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and its partners, was held to support the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. The gala raised more than $100,000 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The money will be directed towards small front-line groups that the foundation is funding in over ten sub-Saharan African countries. "Ontario's hospitals and their partners should be immensely proud of the help this money will give, of the solidarity it will show, and of the lives it will save," said Stephen Lewis, one of the directors of the foundation that bears his name. Since 2003, the foundation has raised more than $2 million for grassroots projects that provide care at a community level to women dying of AIDS, orphans and other AIDS-affected children, and associations of people living with HIV/AIDS. For more information about the Stephen Lewis Foundation, visit: www.stephenlewisfoundation.org.
November 15, 2004
CIBC is donating $1 million to the University of Ottawa to create a scholarship program for Canadian students. The CIBC Mentorship Program Scholarships will recognize and reward students at the university who volunteer as mentors to other students through the university's Student Academic Success Service. "Donations like this are crucial as incentives to encourage students to participate in programs like mentoring," said Gilles Patry, Rector of the University of Ottawa. "We're very proud of the students who give their time and energy to help other students, and we're grateful to CIBC for their donation, which will support our student mentors." The program will provide 18 students each year with a scholarship covering their undergraduate tuition, up to $4,500 per student. For more information, visit: www.media.uottawa.ca.
November 15, 2004
Theatre Ontario is calling for nominations for the 2005 Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in the Arts. The award is presented annually to an individual or a collective who has demonstrated leadership over a long career, and a passionate commitment to deepening the scope and broadening the appeal of the arts in Ontario. It honours those who provide leadership within their disciplines, and within the Ontario arts community as a whole, and who are catalysts and advocates, serving and contributing significantly to the health and vitality of the sector. The deadline for nominations is December 15, 2004. For more information, visit: www.theatreontario.org.
November 15, 2004
In 2001, 218,000 Canadians worked in culture occupations in Canada's 27 metropolitan areas, or 2.1% of the total labour force of 10.3 million who worked in these centres. Overall, culture workers were more likely to move from place-to-place than non-culture workers. In fact, one out of every eight culture workers in an urban centre in 2001 had migrated there from elsewhere in Canada during the previous five years. This contrasts with one out of every ten non-culture workers. Culture workers were on average older and more highly educated than non-culture workers, and were less likely to be a visible minority or an Aboriginal person. -- Statistics Canada
November 15, 2004
TD Bank Financial Group pledged $500,000 to the William Osler Health Centre Foundation to be used for educational courses for nurses and allied health care professionals. Staff members from the hospital's three campuses in Brampton, Georgetown, and Etobicoke will benefit from the gift. "Maintaining the highest possible care for patients at William Osler Health Centre is our top priority. The TD donation allows us to continue to upgrade and improve the knowledge, clinical skills and quality of care provided by our staff," said Anne Randell, president and CEO of the foundation. For more information about the William Osler Health Centre Foundation, visit: www.williamoslerhc.on.ca.
November 15, 2004
Corporate sustainability research organizations from across Europe recently launched a new association that will develop and promote high professional standards in the field. The Association of Independent Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Research (AI CSRR) aims to strengthen the corporate sustainable and responsible research sector. "In the fast changing world of CSR research, cooperation on a sector level and engagement with companies and asset managers is essential," said Herwig Peeters, the association's chair. "Together, we will develop better tools and understanding and improve the social impact of SRI (Socially Responsible Investing)." For more information about the new organization, visit: www.csrr-qs.org/default.htm.
November 15, 2004
A survey of US nonprofits finds that after experiencing difficulty with funding critical staff positions in the past few years, things are beginning to improve. Ninety-six percent of organizations expect executive/management staffing levels to either increase or stay the same this year. Still, many nonprofit employees wear a number of different 'hats' within their organization, with 42% indicating that duties such as coordinating events, conducting prospect research, managing endowments, and securing planned gifts are often part of a job rather than a dedicated full- or part-time position. In addition, reliance on consultants is quite high. Seventy percent report having used consultants for fundraising and capital campaigns, 57% report using consultants for software selection, 72% for technology implementation and training, and 69% have used consultants for strategic planning. -- Blackbaud
November 8, 2004
Last week, the BC Children's Hospital received the largest donation from an individual in its history. The gift came from Iranian/Canadian philanthropist, Djavad Mowafaghian, who said he wanted to give something back to the community that welcomed him and his family 18 years ago. "It broke my heart to see the crowded, rundown conditions the children had to endure while undergoing painful and difficult treatments. I just knew I had to do something to improve the comfort and ease the suffering of the children and their families," he said. Thanks to Mowafaghian's donation, the hospital will undergo a 50,000 square foot redevelopment that will encompass several clinical areas, including oncology, ECG (brain scanning), allergy and respiratory, sedation, audiology, and physical and occupational therapies. For more information about the BC Children's Hospital, visit: www.cw.bc.ca.
November 8, 2004
The First Canadian Conference on Homelessness is taking place in Toronto from May 17-20, 2005. It will explore the links between research and action, and the move towards effective long-term solutions in issues related to homelessness. A broad range of themes will be discussed by participants, including: systemic change versus system improvements; barriers to accessing services; pathways in and out of homelessness; policies regarding homelessness; housing, and more. The conference planning committee is looking for papers and presentations from researchers, service providers, people involved in policy, and people who have experienced homelessness. They invite the submission of proposals for papers, panels, poster presentations, workshops, storytelling, film and video screenings, and other forms of presentation on these or other topics. The deadline for submissions is December 10th. For more information, visit: www.homelessness.gc.ca/home/index_e.asp.
November 8, 2004
Federal and provincial ministers met last week to discuss national childcare and have agreed on the core principles of a national childcare system. "We have come to an agreement to lay the foundations for a new national system for early learning and childcare," said federal Social Development Minister Ken Dryden. The ministers will meet again early in 2005 to finalize the agreement and Minister Dryden said he hopes that $1 billion of the $5 billion that the federal government has committed to spend on the initiative over the next five years will be included in the February budget. In the meantime, a new Web portal on early childhood development and early learning and childcare was launched. Its goal is to make it easier for Canadians to find information on government programs for young children. For more information, visit: www.sdc.gc.ca. To view the new portal, visit: www.ecd-elcc.ca.
November 8, 2004
Statistics Canada reported last week that Canadians donated $6.5 billion to charities in 2003, the highest ever reported and an 11.4% increase from 2002. Donations increased in every province and territory, except Newfoundland and Labrador(-5.1%) and the Yukon(-3.6%). The number of donors increased by 1.2% in 2003 to approximately 5.6 million, but the proportion of taxfilers who claimed charitable donations continued to decline slightly, to just under 25%. In 2003, the median donation was $220, up from $210 in 2002. The median charitable donation claimed by women rose to $200 from $180 in 2002, while median donations reported by men increased from $230 to $240. Among the provinces and territories, Nunavut once again had the highest median donation at $410, followed by Prince Edward Island ($330) and Newfoundland and Labrador ($310). -- Statistics Canada
November 8, 2004
On November 2nd, the Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) joined six other nonprofit and voluntary sector organizations to make pre-budget submissions to the federal government's Standing Committee on Finance. A recurring theme was the paperwork burden that results when organizations must account in different and uncoordinated ways to multiple funders. Other recommendations included changing legislative and regulatory restrictions on charities' involvement in public policy development, providing leadership in the area of liability insurance, and finding a place for the nonprofit /voluntary sector in the "communities" agenda. For the text of the Forum's pre-budget submission to the Finance Committee, visit: www.vsf-fsbc.ca.
November 8, 2004
To celebrate its 100th anniversary in British Columbia, Scotiabank announced that it will commit $1,050,000 to continue as presenting sponsor of Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion for 2005 to 2007. "We are moved by Rick Hansen's example and the success of his foundation in raising awareness and funds for the more than 40,000 Canadians living with spinal cord injury," said Scotiabank vice-chair Bob Chisholm. "We're delighted to continue our partnership with Rick and very proud to do our part to support this important cause." Scotiabank has been involved with the campaign since it was launched in 2003. For more information about Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion, visit: www.rickhansen.com.
November 8, 2004
The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy's Imagine initiative is launching a new commitment to help increase the contribution of business to building stronger Canadian communities. The new initiative builds on the original 1% commitment introduced by Imagine in 1988. It asks companies to do three things: donate a minimum 1% of their pre-tax profits to charity; expand their involvement in community by contributing other resources, such as employee volunteers and other forms of partnership; and be accountable to the public by providing a minimum one-page report on their corporate citizenship and community investment activities. Over the next year, Imagine will work with its existing Caring Companies to encourage them to adopt the new commitment and market it to a range of new companies. For more information, visit: www.imagine.ca.
November 8, 2004
The Ontario Heritage Foundation's Young Heritage Leaders program is seeking nominations of youth under 18 who have made valuable contributions to local heritage preservation in their communities. Municipal councils, regional councils, First Nation councils, Métis community councils, and schools can acknowledge local youth for significant voluntary contributions to cultural, natural, or built heritage preservation. The deadline for nominations is December 17th. For more information, visit: www.heritagefdn.on.ca.
November 8, 2004
Operating revenues for Canada's 2,670 heritage institutions hit a record $1.7 billion in the fiscal year 2002, up 19.5% from 1999. The increase was driven primarily by over-the-counter sales from gift shops, cafeterias and other outlets, as well as contributions from governments. In total, all three levels of government contributed more than $1 billion to heritage institutions in 2002, a 13% increase after adjusting for inflation. Grants and subsidies from the federal government accounted for 45% of the total. Provincial contributions represented 32% and municipalities the remaining 23%. On average, each heritage institution received grants and subsidies worth $391,300 in 2002, 18% higher than the $331,300 in 1999. -- Statistics Canada
November 8, 2004
International humanitarian aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) announced that it is closing its mission in Iraq because of escalating violence and targeting of aid workers. "It has become impossible for MSF as an organization to guarantee an acceptable level of security for our staff, be they foreign or Iraqi," said Gorik Ooms, general director of MSF in Belgium. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning group ran three aid centres in Baghdad and was setting up a fourth in Falluja to help people in and around the city. A statement on the organization's web site states that "due to the escalating violence in the country, MSF considers it no longer acceptable to expose its staff to the serious risks that apparently come with being associated with an international humanitarian organization." CARE International closed its operations in Iraq last month following the abduction of its director there, Margaret Hassan. For more information, visit: www.msf.org.
November 8, 2004
A $500,000 grant from the Change Foundation will help Ontario hospitals and partners from across the health system to send health care professionals to Lesotho to assist in the treatment and care of those living with HIV/AIDS. The OHAfrica Lesotho initiative is a partnership between the Ontario Hospital Association and the Change Foundation and was established in response to a challenge issued by Stephen Lewis to help fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. "We are honoured to be partners in supporting the work of the dedicated health care professionals who are volunteering their time in Lesotho to fight HIV/AIDS," said Shirlee Sharkey, Change Foundation board chair. "It is our hope that this partnership will spark support from other organizations interested in joining this important effort." For more information, visit: www.oha.com.
November 8, 2004
The Toronto CED Learning Network announced last week that it will be shutting down. A statement on the organization's web site says a lack of funding is the reason for the closure. It is currently in negotiation with the Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition to continue the operation of its newsletter and links database to ensure that the public still has access to the information. In addition, the Learning Enrichment Foundation has agreed to move forward on the Social Purchasing Portal, a recent project initiated by the Learning Network. For more information, visit: www.torontoced.com.
November 1, 2004
Last week, two Canadian families stepped forward with donations that will aid cancer research and those already living with the disease. Princess Margaret Hospital's Institute for Breast Cancer Research received $25 million from Audrey Campbell, daughter of the late newspaper magnate Roy Thomson, and her three daughters. The money, believed to be the largest private donation for cancer research in Canadian history, will increase the number of principal investigators at the institute from five to 12, while support staff will grow to about 150. For more information, visit: www.pmhf-uhn.ca.
As well, Frank Stronach is contributing $8 million toward establishing a regional cancer centre in Newmarket, Ontario. While the centre would benefit all the residents in the area, Stronach says his concern is for the 13,000 employees of his Magna International who live and work in York Region and South Simcoe County. "The hospital waiting lines are just horrendous," he said. "We have to show the employees we care." The gift amounts to more than a third of the private donations needed to complete what is being called the Stronach Regional Health Cancer Centre-Magna Building at the Southlake Regional Health Centre. For more information, visit: www.southlakeregional.org.
November 1, 2004
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) - Ontario Chapter is currently accepting applications for several grant programs. The Research Project Grant Program supports innovative research projects with scientific merit across a broad spectrum of research disciplines and methodologies. The application deadline is November 19. The Community Health Promotion Grant Program (CHPGP) seeks to enable communities to undertake projects that will contribute to their understanding of breast health needs and to respond effectively to meet those needs. The application deadline is December 3. The Fellowship Grant Program supports health care providers and researchers to pursue graduate study so that they may be better able to contribute to the field of breast cancer research, health care, and education. The application deadline is December 17. Applications and guidelines for each grant program are available on the CBCF web site at: www.cbcf.org/ontario.
November 1, 2004
Almost 600,000 Canadians worked in culture industries in 2001, and more than half (51%) were located in just three metropolitan centres: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Of Canada's 27 metropolitan areas, the two with the highest proportion of their total labour force employed in cultural occupations were both in British Columbia: Victoria and Vancouver. In both areas, 2.7% of the workforce was employed in cultural occupations. Sudbury was at the other end of the range with 0.8% of their labour force employed as culture workers. Culture workers in urban centres had average earnings of $31,000 in 2000, lower than the average of $33,800 for non-culture workers. -- Statistics Canada
November 1, 2004
Irving K. Barber, founding chair of Slocan Forest Products Ltd. and a University of British Columbia alumnus, announced a $10 million donation to boost to the quality of undergraduate learning at UBC Okanagan, which opens in September 2005. The gift will establish the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre Interface Program. "The establishment of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences at UBC Okanagan provides a unique opportunity to create an undergraduate learning environment that is second to none in BC," Barber said. "My hope is that this will in turn support students, educators, researchers, and lifelong learners throughout the province and around the world." For more information, visit: www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca.
November 1, 2004
Alberta arts patrons and the provincial government have joined forces to create a new art award. Every second year, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards will present up to three prizes of $30,000 to artists. The prize will recognize artists who have achieved excellence in the arts, or who have made significant contributions to the arts in Alberta. "Alberta has one of the strongest arts communities in Canada," said Lt.-Gov Lois Hole. "An investment in the arts is one of the best investments you can make. If we want to encourage people to look at our community and say, 'That's where I want to live,' the arts have to be promoted and they have to be prominent." Nominations for this year's awards will be accepted until December 15. For more information, visit: www.albertaartsawards.shawbiz.ca.
November 1, 2004
Two new studies suggest that corporate philanthropy influences not only consumers, but employees as well. According to a survey sponsored by Deloitte & Touche USA, 72% of respondents said that when deciding between two job opportunities, they would prefer to work for a company that 'supports a charitable cause', if all other considerations were the same. In another survey by Golin/Harris International, 53% of people said that corporate citizenship efforts are an important part of their decision to work at a company, and 69% say corporate citizenship is 'important to their trust in business'. Despite the high level of importance placed on it, 44% of Americans believe corporate citizenship is 'heading in the wrong direction'. For more information, visit: www.deloitte.com and www.golinharris.com.
November 1, 2004
Donations to the 400 most successful fundraising groups in the US increased by 2.3% last year, a positive sign after donations declined by 1.2% in 2002. Aggregate donations to these 400 charities totaled $47.1 billion last year. Many are now cautiously optimistic about 2004, with 74 of the charities that provided figures for this year projecting a median increase in contributions of 5.8% by year's end. Causes that saw an increase in donations over 2002 included international efforts (+38.4%), health (+10.1%), hospitals (+7.3%), and education (+1.2%). Causes that experienced a decline in support included United Ways (-31.3%), arts and culture (-24%), corporate sponsored charitable funds (-19.7%), public affairs (-16.9%), and environment (-16.2%). -- Chronicle of Philanthropy
November 1, 2004
The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is accepting nominations for its eighth annual Fellowship Awards, which recognize directors who have distinguished themselves by bringing sound governance leadership to Canadian boardrooms. Eligibility is open to directors who have served or currently serve on the boards of public and private companies, not-for-profits, and Crown Corporations. Fellowship candidates may be nominated by individual directors, by boards, or by organizations. The deadline for nominations is November 26. For more information, visit: www.icd.ca.
November 1, 2004
Last week, Canadian rockers The Tragically Hip returned to their hometown of Kingston to accept a cheque for $355,555 - the proceeds from a benefit concert they held in September. The money will go to three local charities: $70,000 to Camp Trillium, a camp for kids with cancer; $70,000 to Joe's Mill, a musical instrument lending library; and $210,000 to the Community Foundation of Greater Kingston. The foundation is using its donation to establish the Tragically Hip Community Fund, which will be available to registered charities in the Kingston area. The band also donated about $1,000 to Fort Henry, and $2,000 each to the CFB Kingston Family Centre and RMC sports teams. For more information, visit: www.cfgk.org.
November 1, 2004
A survey of 645 US community foundations found that collectively they received $3.8 billion in grants in 2003, a 17% increase from 2002. In addition, their net assets also increased by 17% to $34.9 billion, with the 25 largest community foundations accounting for half of all assets held in the field - $17.6 billion. In terms of grantmaking activity, the community foundations surveyed increased their grants by 2% from 2002 to $2.6 billion. -- Columbus Foundation
November 1, 2004
Falcon Software is once again seeking applications from charities for the Falcon Community Involvement Program (FCIP), which was established in 2002. FCIP selects six registered nonprofit organizations annually and provides them with a professionally designed website that would include audio imaging, web design and development, content management systems. The company also hosts and markets the website for one year at no cost to the organization. The deadline for submissions is November 30th. For more information or an entry form, visit: www.fcip.ca/entry.htm.
|
|||
