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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,
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: February, 2005
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Federal budget offers little for Canada's nonprofit sector
February 28, 2005
Political commentators are calling last week's federal budget a typical minority government budget. Most of the spending is spread out over five years, meaning Canadians will have to keep the Liberals in power to reap the full benefits of the plan. Much of the budget simply confirmed previous spending commitments, such as $41 billion for healthcare and $5 billion for early learning and childcare. One new announcement was $5 billion for climate change initiatives, including the creation of a $1-billion Clean Fund. In terms of social spending, there will be $735 million in new funding to strengthen Aboriginal communities, with a focus on children, youth and their families, as well as $398 million for immigration settlement programs and client services. Arts and culture will receive $172 million annually, and the CNIB will get $7 million to help digitize its collection and make it more accessible.
Reaction from the nonprofit sector ranged from disappointment to outrage. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) expressed its dissatisfaction about the lack of support related to charities and charitable fundraising. "We in the charitable sector are still waiting for the federal government to do what it has promised in the way of better support for this critical sector," said Tad Brown, chair of AFP's Canadian Government Relations Committee. "We need better tax laws that raise awareness of charities and encourage people to give. It's that simple." Meanwhile, social welfare and poverty advocates are wondering why the government continues to ignore the plight of Canada's poorest citizens. In a press release, the Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB) said it is outraged that during a time of fiscal abundance, food bank lines are getting longer. "This is inexcusable," said Charles Seiden, executive director of the CAFB. "Although the Liberal election platform addressed issues of concern to us, there is no question that Ottawa has the fiscal capacity to target more policies." For more information about the budget, visit: www.fin.gc.ca.
February 28, 2005
Last week, Report on Business magazine unveiled its second annual corporate social responsibility rankings. Jantzi Research, which compiled the findings, used a hierarchy of social and environmental indicators, grouped under the following areas: community and society; corporate governance; customers; employees; environment; and human rights. Companies were grouped into thirteen categories. The top rated company in each category is as follows:For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com/robmagazine/.
- Automotive: Toyota Canada
- Banking: Citizens Bank of Canada / Royal Bank (tie)
- Fast food: Starbucks
- Food & drug retailing: Sobeys / Van Houtte (tie)
- Footwear & apparel: Reebok Canada
- Insurance: Sun Life Financial
- Media: CBC
- Mining: Alcan Inc.
- Oil & gas: Suncor Energy Inc.
- Paper & forest products: Tembec Inc.
- Retailing: Mountain Equipment Co-op
- Technology: Hewlett-Packard Canada
- Telecom: Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.
February 28, 2005
The federal government announced that it is giving $160 million to a group that provides vaccines to people in developing countries. It is the largest one-year government donation ever received by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). "We are enormously grateful to Canada for this generous contribution. As one of the founding members of the GAVI Board, their continued leadership in global immunization efforts has made a tremendous difference," said Dr. Julian Lob-Levyt, executive secretary of GAVI and CEO of The Vaccine Fund. "This support will strengthen GAVI's efforts to deliver vaccines to those who need them most - children in the world's poorest countries." For more information, visit: www.vaccinealliance.org.
Fast Fact: Nonprofit sponsorships expected to rise in 2005
February 28, 2005
According to industry forecasts by Chicago-based IEG Inc., corporations are expected to spend more than $12 billion on sponsorships in 2005, up 8.8% from the previous year. This includes more than $1 billion in sponsoring for nonprofit causes. Overall, sports sponsorships are expected to make up about 69% of all sponsorship deals ($8.39 billion), followed by entertainment tours and attractions ($1.15 billion). Festivals, fairs and annual events will receive about $507 million in sponsorships, while arts will get about $630 million. Associations and membership organizations are expected to receive about $339 million. -- IEG Sponsorship Report
February 28, 2005
Last week, the US Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada announced that they will withdraw from the Anglican Consultative Council, a key body of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The decision was made at the request of conservative church leaders who condemned their stance on homosexual issues, including the election of a gay bishop in the United States and the blessing of same-sex unions in both countries. The North American churches were asked to voluntarily withdraw until 2008. However, leaders will meet again in June, at which time Canadian and US churches will be asked to explain their stands on homosexual issues. "In the meantime, we ask our fellow primates to use their best influence to persuade their brothers and sisters to exercise a moratorium on public rites of blessing for same-sex unions and on the consecration of any bishop living in a sexual relationship outside Christian marriage," said a statement issued by the primates. For more information, visit: www.anglican.ca.
February 28, 2005
A report published by the Urban Institute in Washington D.C. found that foundations often fail to institutionalize a process to establish standards of effectiveness and regularly assess themselves in relation to these standards. Foundation Effectiveness: Definitions and Challenges highlights some of the major challenges to achieving effectiveness, including the fact that effectiveness goals are often overshadowed by other priorities, or that certain dimensions of effectiveness being pursued by the foundation are not compatible with its other effectiveness goals. It argues that in order to make effectiveness a priority, foundations need to clarify and specify what they believe it means to be effective. For more information or to download the report, visit: www.urban.org.
February 28, 2005
The Conference Board of Canada is accepting applications for its 2005 Awards for Excellence in Workplace Literacy. The awards showcase companies whose workplace literacy programs enhance employee reading, writing, and numeracy skills through in-house training, core competency evaluations, and skills promotion. The awards also serve to raise awareness about the value of workplace literacy to business, employees, and the community. Canadian for-profit businesses that have an ongoing literacy program are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submissions is March 18th and a letter of intent must be submitted before applying. For more information and application guidelines, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca.
February 28, 2005
A backgrounder released last week by the C.D. Howe Institute argues that federal government policy should put donations to private foundations on equal ground with those made to public foundations, and that private foundations should be permitted a broader scope of activities. Firm Foundations: Putting Private and Public Foundations on Level Ground explores the current regulatory environment and the link between the treatment of private foundations and the potential for abuse of the tax system by private foundations and their contributors. Author A. Abigail Payne, assistant professor of economics at McMaster University, notes that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats private foundations differently from public ones. Yet "many of the restrictions placed on private foundations do not appear to address serious threats of abuse by these organizations and there is scant evidence of abuse of the tax system by private foundations." To download the report in PDF format, visit: www.cdhowe.org.
February 28, 2005
In 2004, RE/MAX sales associates raise $2.5 million for Children's Miracle Network's 14 member hospitals and foundations across Canada. It was an increase of almost 14% over the 2003 total of $2.2 million, and represents 30% of the $8.1 million RE/MAX donated throughout North America last year. The majority of the funds were raised through the Miracle Home Program, which allows sales associates donate a portion of their commission on each home they sell to the Children's Miracle Network. The money will help support research, outreach programs, and medical equipment. For more information about Children's Miracle Network, visit: www.cmncan.ca.
February 28, 2005
In preparation for the United Nations' 49th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, from February 28 to March 11, researchers at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) are drawing attention to the connection between female empowerment and the fight against poverty in developing countries. More than a decade of research by IFPRI reveals the profound impact of women's empowerment on development outcomes. For example, securing land rights for women can lead to greater agricultural productivity and improved environmental stewardship. In many households in the developing world, women are much more likely than men to spend time, money, and other resources on nutrition and education for their children. Research also finds that increasing women's education is a major factor in reducing child malnutrition. IFPRI is calling on policymakers from around the world to take action in three critical areas to advance women's status in developing countries: increase resources in the hands of women; reduce discrimination against women; and place women's issues at the forefront of policy action. For more information about IFPRI's research, visit: www.ifpri.org.
February 28, 2005
As part of its international pledge to preserve sight, the District A-1 Lions Club of Southwestern Ontario recently made a substantial donation to a vision care centre in Chatham. The club's gift of $120,000, their largest donation ever, will be given over a five-year period and will be used to purchase a machine that produces digital images of inner-eye blood flow. "Chatham-Kent will be able to serve patients that need eye care," said District A-1 past president Peter Geene. "That's very, very important." For more information about the District A-1 Lions Club, visit: a1lions.tripod.com.
February 21, 2005
A report published last week by Auditor General Sheila Fraser raises concerns about the accountability of arms-length foundations created by the federal government. "Since 1997, the government has transferred more then $9 billion to various foundations in advance of need, and $7.7 billion is still sitting in their bank accounts," said Ms. Fraser. "Given the significant sums involved, I am concerned about the lack of adequate accountability to Parliament." The 15 foundations included in the audit were set up while Prime Minister Paul Martin was finance minister to promote science, education, technology, and research. They include the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Canada Health Infoway, Genome Canada, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the Millennium Scholarship Foundation.
The audit looked at three areas of accountability: reporting to Parliament, performance audit, and ministerial oversight. It found that the government has limited means to make adjustments to foundations when circumstances change significantly. There is also no provision for providing Parliament with the results of performance audits of significant public policy areas involving foundations. For more information, visit: www.oag-bvg.gc.ca.
February 21, 2005
The 39th Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon raised $7 million in British Columbia during the Valentine's weekend. It wasn't a record year for the fundraising event, but organizers for Variety - The Children's Charity are still pleased. "The wind was sort of knocked out of our sails," said executive director Jon Stettner. "Usually in January we get money coming in like crazy and what we did get were calls coming in [from people] saying, 'We've decided to take our money that we normally raise and instead of giving it to Variety we're going to put it to the tsunami'." He wasn't expecting the telethon to break the $7 million mark but the final tally was within $50,000 of last year's record and the average donation rose significantly to about $120. "I was certainly pleased with this total because it shows that the personal generosity of British Columbians was really there," he said. For more information, visit: www.variety.bc.ca.
February 21, 2005
A survey by public relations firm Edelman finds that Canadians with college degrees and annual incomes above $75,000 have more faith in nonprofit groups than they do in government, business, or news organizations. Fifty-seven percent of respondents rated nonprofit organizations as highly credible, compared to 45% who felt the same about business, and 34% who felt government was highly credible. Media followed government closely, at 33%. The numbers were much the same in the US, where 55% rated nonprofits as highly credible, followed by business (48%), government (44%), and media (32%). Internationally, Brazilians place more trust in nonprofits than any other country included in the survey, with 65% rating them as highly credible. China gave nonprofits the lowest rating at 36%, while government was rated higher there than in any other country, with 63% saying it is highly credible. -- Edelman
February 21, 2005
A new task force, created by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, will focus on insurance issues affecting the commercial and not-for-profit sectors in Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Task Force on Insurance Availability and Affordability brings together affected stakeholders representing the four Atlantic provinces, including representatives from government, the insurance industry, and insurance customers from commercial and not-for-profit organizations. "Many voluntary organizations are facing rising insurance costs and cannot afford to carry a full range of insurance to protect their staff and volunteers. This appears to be negatively affecting some people's willingness to volunteer," said Penelope Rowe, task force member and CEO of the Community Services Council, Newfoundland and Labrador. "It is incumbent on all parties to find reasonable and workable solutions for this increasingly worrisome issue." The task force will begin its work in the coming weeks and expects to issue a report by the summer of 2005. For more information, visit: www.ibc.ca.
February 21, 2005
A $5 million anonymous donation to the Calgary Foundation is being used to set up scholarships for medical students at the University of Calgary. The Achievers in Medical Science (AIMS) scholarships are designed to attract and support outstanding students doing graduate studies in biomedical science, combined graduate and medical studies, and post-doctoral research. "This donation will help us to keep the very best and brightest students here in our community, and to attract the rising stars of science and medicine from around the world," said University of Calgary president Dr. Harvey Weingarten. It is the largest scholarship gift ever received by the Faculty of Medicine. For more information, visit: www.ucalgary.ca.
February 21, 2005
RBC Financial Group is inviting community-based providers of after-school programs to apply for grants of up to $40,000 for the 2005-06 school year. RBC is currently funding 57 community-based organizations that provide after-school programs, and is seeking up to 15 new organizations to fund for the next academic year. In order to qualify for a grant, after-school programs should offer structured, supervised activities in an environment that provides what RBC has termed "the 3Ss": safety, social skills, and self-esteem. Programs should also offer activities such as computer instruction, sports, literacy tutoring, music and art lessons, nutrition guidance, and homework help. The deadline for applications is May 2. For more information or to apply for funding, visit: www.rbc.com.
February 21, 2005
HEC Montréal, Canada's first business school, and HSBC Bank Canada recently signed an agreement to create a $250,000 scholarship fund. The HSBC Scholarship Fund will offer financial support for Bachelor's in Business Administration and Master of Science in Administration students specializing in international management or wishing to take part in the school's international exchange program. "We are very pleased to have HSBC Bank Canada as a new donor and to be able to offer our students new scholarships. HSBC's support will help them develop the skills they need for an international career and will provide them with real financial assistance," noted Jean-Marie Toulouse, Director of HEC Montréal. For more information, visit: www.hec.ca/en/.
February 21, 2005
A new poll by the UK-based National Council for Voluntary Organisations reveals that 86% of 18 to 24-year-olds donated money to tsunami relief efforts. The poll found that giving among young people matched that of all other age groups. Within the 18-24 age group, 37% of respondents had never donated to charity before, while 44% said they were regular donors. And despite fears that giving to tsunami appeals would hurt donations to other charities this year, 10% of all those polled said they now plan to give even more to other causes this year. -- National Council for Voluntary Organisations
February 21, 2005
Beginning March 1st, Albertans can take their used children's hockey equipment to Ford dealers throughout the province. The Alberta Ford Dealers Association (AFDA) is looking for good-quality used hockey equipment as part of its third annual Ford Dealers' Hockey Equipment Drive for less-fortunate kids. During March and April, the used gear will be collected in support of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and its mission to provide hockey equipment to youth who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. "There are so many kids who love the game of hockey, but will never have the chance to play," said Gretzky. "Hockey is an expensive sport and some families simply can't afford the costs. That's why we created the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. With the support of our partners, Ford and the Alberta Ford Dealers, we will strive to ensure that every child who wants to play hockey is able to do so." For more information about the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, visit: www.waynegretzky.com/community.aspx.
February 21, 2005
The town of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan finds itself in an unflattering limelight after asking the Red Cross to give back a major donation for tsunami relief. Town councillors voted last month to donate $10,000 to relief efforts in southeast Asia, but later declared the motion defeated after some local residents said their civic leaders didn't have the proper authority to hand over the money. Although angry letters have been coming in from across North America, the town's decision to ask for the money back isn't likely to change.
February 14, 2005
Federal and provincial ministers met in Vancouver last week to discuss a national childcare plan for Canada. Federal Social Development Minister Ken Dryden said a lot of progress is being made, but he doesn't expect a quick agreement with his provincial counterparts. However, the federal government will fund a national daycare system in the upcoming budget regardless of whether provinces sign on. They promised to spend $5 billion over five years to build a national system and Dryden says they will live up to that commitment in the February 23rd budget. "We want to get this money out the door and get it into action," he said. Right now, both Alberta and Quebec don't want to sign onto a national childcare program. Alberta wants to be allowed to subsidize daycare spots in for-profit organizations, and Quebec, which already has $7-per-day childcare, wants the federal funds with no strings attached.
February 14, 2005
A woman who grew up in the Depression and lived a modest lifestyle has left more than $3 million in her will to three Vancouver institutions. The Emily Carr Institute, Langara College, and the University of British Columbia will each receive more than $1 million from the estate of Gwyneth "Gwyn" Gunn, who died in December 2003 at the age of 82. The amounts are the largest bequests ever received by Emily Carr and Langara. Gunn stipulated that the funds be used to create bursaries for students studying social work, art, design, and journalism, with preference given to female students. She also requested that each school create a bursary fund for First Nations students in any discipline. Gunn worked at CBC radio in Vancouver for 30 years and never married.
February 14, 2005
The Voluntary Sector HR Council Feasibility Study recently released the results of an online survey about human resources priorities in the sector. Conducted in August and September of last year, the purpose of the survey was to determine the needs and concerns of voluntary organizations with respect to paid workers, and to explore how a Human Resources Council might address them. Survey respondents said their greatest priority is attracting and keeping the right people, with 81% rating this issue as 'very important'. In terms of training and skills development, communications and leadership were considered to be the most important skill areas. Respondents identified training for staff and competitive salaries as the most important focus areas for improvement, with more than 90% rating these as either 'very important' or 'moderately important'. Information about easy-to-access, affordable training was identified as an immediate HR need in the sector. To download the full report, visit: www.hrvs.ca.
February 14, 2005
An analysis of donations processed for 1,000 nonprofits in the US and Canada found that online gifts have a higher value than gifts received by more traditional methods. In the United States, the average offline transaction was US$89.25, while online transactions averaged US$116.65. In Canada the difference was slightly less dramatic. Offline transactions averaged CDN$58.56 and the average online transaction was CDN$64.34, although the Canadian donation portal Charity.ca had an average gift size of CDN$114. -- Nonprofit Services at IATS
February 14, 2005
The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation announced that it is currently accepting funding proposals as part of its Knowledge Mobilization Innovation Grants program. This initiative aims to support innovation in activities that use knowledge from research to advance the prevention of neurotrauma and to improve the quality of life for people living with its effects. A key feature of this initiative is that project teams must be partnerships that include decision-makers - an important principle of knowledge mobilization. The deadline for applications is April 1. For more information, visit: www.onf.org.
February 14, 2005
The widow of a war veteran is donating $2 million to Hospice Caledon to create Bethell House, a new hospice residence. "Hospitals are for curing people," said Lorna Bethell. "But when you're past that stage, you need a place to be comfortable. When you're dying and there's nothing more they can do for you, a hospice can keep you comfortable, keep you out of pain, give you food you enjoy, and have a happy atmosphere." Her husband, Tony Bethell, died of cancer in 2003. He was part of the famed Great Escape from a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Hospice Caledon will now work with town council to find a site for what will be a 10-bedroom bungalow with gardens to allow members of the community to face their last days in a home-like setting. For more information about Hospice Caledon, visit: www.hospicecaledon.ca.
February 14, 2005
Governor General Adrienne Clarkson announced 74 new appointments to the Order of Canada last week, including several well-known figures from the nonprofit sector. New officers of the order include: Richard Currie, Chairman of the Board of Bell Canada Enterprises, and a well-known volunteer and philanthropist; and Paul Desmarais Jr., Chairman and Co-CEO of Power Corporation of Canada, who is also highly regarded for his social and philanthropic work.
New members of the order include: Marie Bourgeois, executive director of La Maison de la francophonie de Vancouver; Suzanne Lévesque, head of the Fondation J.-Louis Lévesque; Margaret Ann McCaig, volunteer chair and the driving force behind the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC); Patrick R. Nixon, executive director of the Mustard Seed Street Ministry; and Diane Richler, an advisor and former executive vice-president of the Canadian Association for Community Living and current president of the human rights organization Inclusion International. For a complete list of this year's recipients: www.gg.ca.
February 14, 2005
Philanthropy in Europe magazine's second annual ranking of Europe's top 50 foundations finds they granted more than €3.8 billion in 2003. Foundations from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK dominate the list, with the UK-based Wellcome Trust coming out on top. Its grantmaking reached €806 million in 2003, up from over €700 million in 2002. Ireland's Atlantic Philanthropies came in second, awarding €201.7 million in 2003. In terms of foundation assets, the top 20 wealthiest foundations held assets of an estimated €61.2 billion in 2003, up from €57 billion in 2002, and €52 billion in 2000. Compared to Europe's €3.8 billion in foundation grants, America's biggest foundations gave about €6.4 during the same time period. However, European foundations give significantly more internationally, whereas among the 40 top American foundations, only 14 made any grants outside the US. -- Philanthropy in Europe
February 14, 2005
CUexpo2005: Community-University Research Partnerships, Leaders in Urban Change is currently accepting proposals for breakout sessions. CUexpo2005, which will take place in Winnipeg from September 15 - 18, seeks to strengthen the understanding of, and support for the unique and diverse nature of action-oriented research involving innovative collaboration between university and community partners. The conference will explore elements of research partnerships such as structure, process and dynamics; community capacity building; research challenges and opportunities; influencing policy; and balancing power and participation. The deadline for session proposal applications is April 29. For more information, visit: ius.uwinnipeg.ca.
February 14, 2005
The ACFRE Certification Board recently voted to eliminate its recertification requirements and make professional fundraisers' Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) credentials permanent. The board felt that the ACFRE credential demonstrates advanced expertise in fundraising knowledge and, as such, should be deemed a permanent designation. Aside from other requirements, potential ACFRE candidates must already hold the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation and have a minimum 10 years of full-time professional fundraising experience. For more information about earning the ACFRE, visit: www.afpnet.org.
February 14, 2005
Canadian Living Magazine, in conjunction with Western Union Financial Services and Free the Children, invites Canadians to submit nominations for the inaugural Canadian Living Me to We Awards. The awards celebrate everyday Canadians whose compassion and commitment have made a real difference in the lives of other Canadians. One award winner will be chosen in each of the following five categories: In the Workplace; In the Community; Embracing Diversity; Social Action; and Youth in Action. Each winner will receive a $4,000 cash donation, made directly to the charity of his or her choice. The deadline for submissions is March 18. For more information, visit: www.canadianliving.com.
February 7, 2005
The University of British Columbia (UBC) will establish a biodiversity research centre and natural history museum thanks in part to an $8 million donation from two of its graduates. The $50-million five-storey centre and museum, which will bear the names of Ross and Trisha Beaty, will showcase more than 17,000 mammal specimens, 600,000 insect specimens, and 800,000 fish specimens. "We hope that this new facility at UBC will enrich society locally, nationally and globally," said Ross Beaty, who was also instrumental in creating the Pacific Museum of the Earth at UBC. "The museum and centre will help teach existing and future generations the importance of maintaining healthy and diverse ecosystems." For more information, visit: www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca.
February 7, 2005
Tsunami benefit concerts took place in Vancouver and Calgary last week, attracting a host of Canadian musicians, including Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan, Chantal Kreviazuk, and the Barenaked Ladies. Their efforts helped raise about $3.2 million for tsunami relief. Proceeds from the concerts will go to OXFAM, Care Canada, Doctors Without Borders and War Child. The day after the Vancouver show, a star-studded party was held in West Vancouver. Rod Stewart, Robin Williams and Sarah McLachlan all played at the private party, where 150 guests chipped in to raise an impressive $1.75 million for tsunami victims. Tickets were $5,000 apiece, but many people gave more, resulting in a net donation of closer to $12,000 per person.
February 7, 2005
A new report produced by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Quality of Life Reporting System (QOLRS) finds that social changes are placing demands on municipal governments that are beyond their jurisdiction and capacity. Changes studied in the 20 urban communities that took part in the report, entitled Dynamic Societies and Social Change, include: an aging population; a growing immigrant population; a rapidly expanding Aboriginal youth population in prairie cities; a shrinking labour force requiring ever-increasing levels of education; and growing demand for childcare. The report concludes that no single policy or program will fit all local situations, and that finding solutions will require a new intergovernmental partnership with the active participation of municipal governments. For more information or to download the report, visit: www.fcm.ca.
February 7, 2005
A survey of US foundations reveals that almost three-quarters (75.2%) of all full-time paid staff members are women, as are a majority (53%) of chief executive officers. The percentage of female staff is highest within corporate foundations, where 78.2% of top executives and 84.2% of program officers are women. Despite the high number of women working in the foundation sector overall, they are more likely to head smaller foundations than larger ones. Almost two-thirds of foundations with assets of less than $50 million have female CEOs, while women head up less than 40% of foundations with assets of $100 million or more. -- Council on Foundations
February 7, 2005
A $3 million grant from the Ontario government will allow the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to lower fees for community not-for-profit groups. Fees to use Toronto-area public school facilities will be reduced by as much as 85% for community groups. "Education cutbacks by the previous government caused many school boards to price their grounds and facilities out of reach for community groups, but we’re changing that. This is great news for students, not-for-profit groups and the community at large, which has already paid for these schools," said Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism and Recreation. For more information, visit: www.premier.gov.on.ca.
February 7, 2005
The Community Crisis Response: Looking Through a Cultural Lens Conference is a cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary forum for sharing, learning and collaboration on community crisis response at a local level. It will take place in Toronto on June 9 and 10, 2005. The organizers are currently looking for papers and presentation from service providers (community-based, private sector, and government), researchers, policy makers, and community residents engaged in crisis response in their community. The deadline to submit abstracts is February 25th. For more information and submission guidelines, visit: www.toronto.ca/community_safety/conference.htm.
February 7, 2005
Bell Canada and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will invest $3 million to support the development of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC. The centre will showcase the heritage and culture of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations. "The Cultural Centre is unique in Canada," said Chief Gibby Jacob of the Squamish Nation. "It unites our two Nations and provides a world-class venue where we can celebrate our traditional and contemporary history, and share our rich traditions and culture with the world. It allows us to make a meaningful social and economic contribution to BC and Canada." Bell is the first corporate partner of the centre. For more information, visit: www.vancouver2010.com.
February 7, 2005
According to the latest figures from the US-based Council on Foundations, foundation employees received a median pay raise of 4% last year, just slightly higher than the inflation rate of 3.3%. Among all types of foundations, including community, corporate, and private, CEOs received a median salary of $110,000, up from $104,000 in 2003. CFOs earned a median salary of $93,660, while the median for program officers was $67,057. At the biggest private foundations, the highest amount paid to chief executives was $650,000. Among community foundations, the highest paid chief executives received as much as $530,000, while the highest pay for chief officers at corporate foundations was $214,000. -- Council on Foundations
February 7, 2005
Customers and employees of Toys "R" Us Canada raised more than $700,000 in November and December to benefit children with serious illnesses. All proceeds from the fundraising campaign will go to the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation of Canada. "We couldn't be happier with the results of the Toys "R" Us Canada drive," said Trevor Dicaire, manager of fund development for Starlight Starbright. "This is the most money we've ever raised in a single fundraising event, and it will go to extremely good use in brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families." For more information about the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, visit: www.starlightcanada.org.
February 7, 2005
Habitat for Humanity International announced a decision last week to terminate the employment of founder and president Millard Fuller. The decision was made following months of dispute over allegations of his inappropriate conduct toward a female staff member. The organization's board said it found insufficient evidence to substantiate the sexual harassment allegations, but cited Fuller's lack of cooperation with the investigation. Officials also fired his wife, Linda, who co-founded the home-building organization with him 28 years ago. For more information, visit: www.habitat.org.
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