|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : NewsBytes : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
use your browser's "find" feature (CTRL-F or CMD-F). Please note: While we ensure that all links and e-mail addresses are accurate
at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the web means that some
links to other web sites and e-mail addresses may no longer be accurate.
To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: September 2007
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Environmental groups take legal action against federal government
September 24, 2007
A group of environmental activists launched legal action last week that urges the Federal Court of Canada to force the federal government to live up to its obligations to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. The application alleges that an emission-reduction plan filed by the government last month falls far short of meeting Canada's Kyoto commitments. "The plan explicitly does not aim at complying with the Kyoto Protocol, and therefore does not conform to the requirements of the [Kyoto Protocol Implementation] Act," lawyers Chris Paliare and Andrew Lokan wrote in the application, filed on behalf of Ecojustice Canada (formerly Sierra Legal) and Friends of the Earth Canada.“This case is about being accountable to the will of Parliament,” said Paliare. “By failing to comply with this law, the federal government is neither acting in a manner that is accountable to Parliament, nor showing respect for the people of Canada. We are simply asking the court to declare that the government is bound by the Act’s requirements and to require the government to comply with it.” For more information, visit: www.ecojustice.ca.
September 24, 2007
Canadian and US charities are invited to participate in the second Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) survey, sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy in Washington, D.C. The FEP survey measures growth in giving from 2005 to 2006 by gain/loss categories. Nonprofits will be able to compare their growth-in-giving performance with the performance of like organizations as determined by total amount raised, average gift size, type of organization, age of development program, geographic location, fundraising budget and number of personnel, as well as combinations of these criteria. For more information or to participate in the survey, visit: www.afpnet.org.
September 24, 2007
On September 17, 2007, a member of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter contacted the RCMP to file a formal complaint over concerns of a potential scam. In the case of this particular organization, a donor sent an e-mail that a donation was forthcoming from his company via FedEx (which originated from the US). When the cheque arrived, the donation amount was much higher than originally indicated and the cheque was under what appeared to be a local business. The organization e-mailed the donor indicating the cheque had arrived and that they had a few questions before they could proceed with processing the donation. The donor e-mailed stating that there had been an overpayment and that the charity should take the donation and wire transfer the difference (this was not done), for which yet another address was given. RCMP advised the organization that this type of scam is often directed toward individuals and that the cheque is ultimately counterfeit and the victim has forwarded a refund via an untraceable source (Western Union) before the counterfeit cheque is caught. In some cases, individuals (victims) have been arrested at the bank for trying to cash a counterfeit cheque.
Fast Fact: Almost 2,500 organizations received charitable status in past year
September 24, 2007
In the 2006/2007 fiscal year, the Canada Revenue Agency received 3,601 applications from organizations seeking charitable status. Of these, 2,469 were granted status, while 326 were turned down. During this same period, the CRA also implemented an enhanced audit program. Fifty-two percent of the audits conducted by the CRA resulted in education letters to the charity to explain the rules and suggest appropriate corrective actions. Twenty-two percent required no changes, 20% resulted in compliance agreements, and 3% resulted in revocation of charitable status. The remaining 3% of cases were comprised of annulments, pre-registration audits, and voluntary revocations. -- Canada Revenue Agency
September 24, 2007
As a token of solidarity toward the community, Desjardins Group, the largest financial institution in Quebec, donated $200,000 to help flood victims in Rivière-au-Renard and Cortéréal in Gaspésie. "Once again, Desjardins has demonstrated that it is money that works for people and not the other way around," said Alban D'Amours, president and CEO of Desjardins Group. "Our cooperative values keep guiding our actions and Desjardins remains supportive of Quebec communities. I am convinced that the Quebec population will be generous toward the victims." Until October 5th, Desjardins will be collecting donations from the population in its 1,262 caisses and service centres throughout Quebec. Desjardins members can also make donations through www.desjardins.com/gaspesie.
September 24, 2007
Students in their final year of high school or CEGEP (in Quebec) are invited to submit applications for the 2008 TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership. Valued at more than $1 million per year, the scholarships honour and reward 20 exceptional high school students who have the vision and dedication to help solve problems in their community. Each scholarship is valued at up to $60,000 and includes full tuition at any accredited university or college in Canada, $5,000 a year toward living expenses, and a guaranteed offer of summer employment at TD Canada Trust for up to four years. The deadline for applications is October 31st. For more information or to apply, visit: www.tdcanadatrust.com/scholarship.
September 24, 2007
Community foundations in the UK will need to increase their endowments by £2.5 billion over the next 20 years if they are to be sustainable, according to a new report on the future of philanthropy. In the report Gazing Idly, George Hepburn, chief executive of the Tyne and Wear and Northumberland Community Foundation, recommends that the value of foundations needs to increase dramatically if they are to continue to make an impact within society. Hepburn said an increase of £50 million at today’s prices per community foundation was needed over the next 20 years. “There may be a scaled down, low staff alternative but any self-respecting community foundation serving a substantial community should aim for this level. This will require a much faster rate of growth than is achieved currently, where only a few community foundations receive new gifts of more than £500,000 a year.” The Gazing Idly report was published at the Community Foundation Network annual conference which took place recently in Liverpool, England.
September 24, 2007
Findings from the Chartered Management Institute and Remuneration Economics show that resignation rates among women in the UK charitable sector stand at 9.7%, up from 4% last year. Resignation rates are lower among men in the sector at 2.4%. Fewer women than men are also likely to ask for 'internal transfers' if they are dissatisfied with their jobs. And for the first time in a decade, efforts to close the gender pay gap appear to be stalling, with only a 3.9% increase in female earnings in the charity sector versus a 6.3% increase for men. -- Chartered Management Institute and Remuneration Economics
September 24, 2007
Last week, the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre announced a gift of $150,000 from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region toward PRIORITY: The Campaign for Cancer Care. “We are very excited to receive this generous gift,” said campaign chair, Earl Ludlow. “This brings our campaign to over $1.6 million against our $3 million goal. Our priority is enhancing radiation treatment services at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John’s - the only facility in the province where cancer patients can receive radiation treatment.” The donation will be designated for the purchase of a new four dimensional CT Simulator that will enable the cancer care teams at the centre to enhance the accuracy of radiation treatment planning. For more information about the Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, visit: www.cancercarefoundation.nl.ca
September 24, 2007
Last week, the British Columbia Achievement Foundation announced the call for nominations for the fifth annual BC Community Achievement Awards. "Anyone or any organization can submit a nomination," said foundation chair Keith Mitchell. "Your nominee can work in a wide range of areas - the arts, civic duty, volunteerism, business, education, healthcare, etc. - as long as they are an inspiration and positive force in your community." The deadline for nominations is November 15, 2007. For more information on the nomination process or to obtain a nomination form, visit www.bcachievement.com or call 604-261-9777 or toll-free 1-866-882-6088.
September 24, 2007
Alcan and the Club de Hockey Canadien recently teamed up for a special event, raising $115,000 for the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation. Highlights of the evening included a silent and live auction and a special performance by the Arvida Research and Development Choir, a group composed of Alcan employees and retirees from the company's facilities around the province of Quebec. "The Club de Hockey Canadien is proud to have Alcan, a long-time and distinguished member of the Montreal community, on our team to help bring hope to the province of Quebec's disadvantaged and sick children," said Pierre Boivin, president, Club de Hockey Canadien and Bell Centre. "This special fundraising event highlights the importance and effectiveness of teamwork in improving the lives of children in need." Since its inception in 2000, the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation has donated more than $6 million to charitable endeavours. For more information about the foundation, visit: canadiens.nhl.com.
September 17, 2007
James Kinnear, president and chief executive officer of Pengrowth Energy Trust, pledged $10 million to The Banff Centre, to be used for the construction of the new Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation. The centre will feature more than 21,000 square feet of classroom, performance, meeting, and learning spaces. “The Banff Centre is an influential, inspiring, and innovative institution,” said Kinnear. “I’m honoured to provide my personal support to build the new centre and contribute to the future of leadership and creativity in Alberta.” Kinnear’s donation is the largest individual gift ever received by The Banff Centre. For more information, visit: www.banffcentre.ca.
September 17, 2007
New Brunswick's Community Non-Profit Task Force issued its final report last week. Entitled Building a Foundation for Self-Sufficiency, the report calls for the creation of one agency to oversee nonprofit groups. Former federal cabinet minister Claudette Bradshaw, who chaired the provincially appointed task force, said the province's Liberal government should set up the new agency by December and prepare a nonprofit plan by next March. However, Family and Community Services Minister Carmel Robichaud would not commit to that timetable. Of the 1,000 people the task force interviewed over an eight-month period, 90% of them made the same four key recommendations: stable funding; creation of an agency; a greater effort to promote volunteering; and greater consultation with government. For more information about the Community Non-Profit Task Force, visit: www.premier-taskforce-groupeetude-nb.ca
September 17, 2007
The University of Alberta has received a $1.5 million donation for scoliosis research from the Al Shamal Shriners of Edmonton and Northern Alberta. As a result, the university will begin scouting for a world-class scientist in the area of pediatric scoliosis as part of a new research chair position for the fall in 2008. It will seek an additional $1.5 million from the Alberta government through the Access to the Future Fund, an endowment established by the province to launch innovative post-secondary programs. For more information about the University of Alberta, visit: www.ualberta.ca.
September 17, 2007
Canada's largest cities are the country's arts and culture hubs, with the size of an area's cultural workforce depending largely on the area's total workforce. Despite this reality, a number of rural areas and small cities, particularly in British Columbia, Nunavut and Quebec, show unusually high proportions of cultural workers, according to a new study. Relative to its overall workforce, the highest proportion of cultural workers was found in British Columbia's Capital Regional District, near Victoria. Of the four rural British Columbia areas that had very high shares of visual arts and design workers, three were on Vancouver Island, with the nearby Sunshine Coast completing the cultural "supercluster." Another supercluster exists in the vicinity of Montreal, including two small cities and three rural areas with high cultural employment. Nunavut, and particularly its Baffin Island region, had a high proportion of visual arts and design employment. -- Statistics Canada
September 17, 2007
A report released by the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) reveals that $254 million dollars was invested in direct support of peer-reviewed cancer research in 2005 by 19 of the major cancer research funding organizations in Canada. "It is the first study of its kind in Canada to gather detailed information on cancer research being supported by a pan-Canadian group of organizations, and to assess this investment in terms of the type of research being done and the type of cancer being investigated," said Dr. Philip Branton, scientific director of the Institute of Cancer Research of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.Research investment by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada's lead federal funding agency for health research, accounted for 45% of the cancer research investment in 2005. The National Cancer Institute of Canada, the country's largest cancer-focused research funding charity supported by the Canadian Cancer Society and The Terry Fox Foundation, was the single largest cancer research funder in the voluntary sector at 24%. To download the full report, visit: www.ccra-acrc.ca.
September 17, 2007
The Bay recently announced a new program to help community groups raise funds for their organization. The event, titled The Giving Day, will occur on Saturday, November 3rd at Bay stores across the country. The program is open to registered charities, sport clubs, community or school groups. Participating organizations can order tickets for The Giving Day, free of charge, to sell to their donors, partners, and friends for $5 each. On November 3rd, ticket holders will be invited to join the festivities, which include pre-holiday makeovers, entertainment, contests, and 15% off almost all purchases made that day. Organizations benefit as they get to keep 100% of each ticket they sell. Interested groups can order tickets to sell by visiting www.thebay.com/thegivingday. For more information about the program, visit: www.hbc.com.
September 17, 2007
The Varley-McKay Art Foundation received a major gift of $1.4 million from Wallace Joyce in support of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. “This gift is an enormous vote of confidence in our gallery," said foundation chair Howard Beck. "The Varley is one of the most successful in Ontario. This donation will allow us to continue to expand our horizons and keep the gallery firmly in the forefront of the province’s cultural attractions.” For more information, visit: www.markham.ca.
September 17, 2007
The Wild Rose Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the 8th Annual Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards. The awards honour extraordinary Albertans whose volunteer contributions and achievements have contributed to the well being of their community and fellow community members. Six awards are presented annually, two in each of three categories of youth, adult and senior. The deadline for nominations is September 28th. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: www.wildrosefoundation.ca.
September 17, 2007
The Scotiabank Group announced a $1.9 million donation to the Richard Ivey School of Business to fund scholarships for MBA and undergraduate business students. "The Scotiabank Leadership Awards will serve as key recruiting tools, enabling Richard Ivey School of Business to continue to grow and strengthen a curriculum that is already among the best in the world," said Sylvia Chrominska, executive vice-president, Human Resources and Public, Corporate and Government Affairs, Scotiabank. "At Scotiabank, we are particularly interested in investing in educational institutions that help students acquire the skills, tools and information they need to become leaders in a global economy." For more information, visit: www.ivey.uwo.ca.
September 17, 2007
Canada is lagging behind most other developed nations when it comes to child poverty, and all political parties should commit to a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy for children and families, says a new report from Campaign 2000, the national non-partisan network committed to ending child and family poverty. Summoned to Stewardship: Make Poverty Reduction a Collective Legacy calls on the federal government to set a target to reduce Canada’s child poverty rate by a minimum of 25% by 2012, and a minimum of 50% by 2017. The report also noted that countries with higher social expenditures, such as Denmark, Sweden and Finland, had the lowest levels of child poverty, and yet they are among the top five most economically competitive in the world. For more information or to download the full report, visit: www.campaign2000.ca.
September 17, 2007
The 2007 Ismaili Walk for Kids raised more than $330,000 for the United Way of the Lower Mainland's Success by 6 program. About 3,000 people gathered in Vancouver for the annual fundraising walk. "This five-year partnership has been a phenomenal experience," said Michael McKnight, United Way of the Lower Mainland president and CEO. "We share some core values. This walk is a way for us all to demonstrate and participate in some in of the values we believe in - volunteering, compassion and creating measurably better communities." This year's event brings the five-year total of funds raised for Success By 6 to $1.15 million. For more information, visit: www.iwalkforkids.ca
September 17, 2007
Benjamin Moore is committing $100,000 to take its Community Restoration Program national. The program was developed with Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) in 1998 to provide grants, free paint and technical advice for community restoration and renovation projects. To date, the program has made more than 100 grants in 67 communities, and has focused on Ontario community groups. The program will now be open to targeted communities across Canada. Application details regarding the 2008 Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program will be posted on CFC’s website after October 1st. For more information, visit: www.cfc-fcc.ca.
September 10, 2007
Denouncing the enormous social costs that result from poor nutrition, André Chagnon, president of the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, is calling for government intervention to require fast food chains and food manufacturers to provide nutritional information that is clear and easy to understand. Chagnon said the foundation intends to invest $50 million over the next ten years to support government regulations for food labeling and to educate the public about the benefits of making healthy food choices. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.fondationchagnon.org/EN/.
September 10, 2007
UK-based think tank nfpSynergy has released a new report, entitled The 21st Century Donor. According to the report, "the 21st century donor is richer, more engaged, more discerning, and more in control than her 20th century predecessor. Giving to a cause that they care about passionately will increasingly be as much part of many (rich) people’s lifestyles as mortgages, second homes and holidays." The purpose of this report is to enable charities of all sizes to think about the future and the fundraising strategies they will need to maximize income and meet the challenges ahead. It examines key trends for fundraising in the 21st century, including the six cultural attitudes that impact how people give. To download the full report, visit: www.nfpsynergy.net.
September 10, 2007
According to a recent poll, 59% of Canadians agree either strongly (16%) or somewhat (42%) that their ‘local government does not give enough support - either financially or otherwise - to the arts and cultural events and activities’ in their community. However, survey respondents also acknowledge that money may be an issue, with 58% agreeing either strongly (15%) or somewhat (43%) that their local government ‘simply doesn’t have the money to support arts and cultural events and activities because there are so many other things that are more necessary’. Still, most Canadians see the arts as playing an important role in bolstering a community’s local economy, with 91% agreeing either strongly (39%) or somewhat (53%) that ‘a vibrant arts and cultural scene can be a significant contributor to a community’s economy’. -- Ipsos Reid
September 10, 2007
Last week, The Co-operators launched a first-of-its-kind insurance and risk management solution designed specifically to address challenges affecting the nonprofit/voluntary sector. With the support of Volunteer Alberta, The Co-operators introduced Community Guard as a pilot project available to nonprofit and volunteer-run organizations in the province. Community Guard includes detailed assessments of each organization's risk exposures, potential risk management solutions, and their particular insurance needs. Participating organizations will also have free access to risk management workshops and online resources. For more information, visit: www.cooperators.ca.
September 10, 2007
A report released by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) provides an up-to-date look at youth substance abuse and addiction in Canada, and outlines four broad strategic directions for addressing the immediate and long-term threats that alcohol and other drugs pose for young people. Substance Abuse in Canada: Youth in Focus identifies four potential areas for action to deal with substance use and abuse among youth: matching services to age and stage; implementing effective services; preparing professionals; and continuing to develop knowledge. For more information or to download the report, visit: www.ccsa.ca.
September 10, 2007
A new survey commissioned by the Cabinet Office's third sector division and conducted by the National Centre for Social Research and the Institute for Volunteering Research (IVR) reveals that 58% of Britons surveyed have both volunteered and donated to charity in the last 12 months, and 81% had given to a charity within the last four weeks. The most common reasons for volunteering were "to improve things or help people" (53%), "because the cause was important" or "because they had spare time" (both 41%). When it came to giving to charity, the importance of the charity's work topped the list of reasons for those surveyed at 52%, followed by the belief that it is the right thing to do (41%). -- Institute for Volunteering Research
September 10, 2007
The Canadian Red Cross, with the support of Canada's major banks, is launching a nationwide appeal to support international disaster relief for the more than 235 million people worldwide affected by recent fires, flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes. "With the widespread devastation in many countries around the world, the need for shelter, medical care and clean water is very high," said Paul Wharram, Interim Secretary General of the Canadian Red Cross. "We need to respond now and be ready for the next disaster that strikes. Red Cross is grateful to Canada's major banks for helping with this urgent appeal." Canadians wishing to make a financial donation can give online at www.redcross.ca, call 1-800-418-1111 or contact their local Canadian Red Cross office. As of September 4, 2007, Canadians can also make a financial donation at the following banks: Bank of Montreal, Canadian Western Bank, CIBC, HSBC Bank Canada, Laurentian Bank of Canada, National Bank of Canada, RBC Financial Group, Scotiabank, and TD Canada Trust.
September 10, 2007
During the eighth annual Teddy for a Toonie campaign, ATB Financial raised $440,000 for the Stollery and Alberta Children's Hospital Foundations. Since the campaign began in 2000, ATB has raised more than $1.9 million for the two foundations. Proceeds from the campaign will support telehealth, which connects families, children and medical experts to other health sites for clinical and educational purposes. The program allows physicians to diagnose and treat patients at point of care, saving children and their families the stress and expense of travelling to urban centres.
September 10, 2007
An annual study on employment and compensation trends finds that job candidates are more apt to ask for higher starting salaries this year. Among hiring managers surveyed, 57% said it was difficult to find qualified candidates 12 months ago; 91% said recruiting is equally or more challenging today, and 52% cited a shortage of qualified professionals. About one in five employers attributed their difficulty in recruiting qualified staff to the inability to offer competitive salaries. Meanwhile, 55% of employees surveyed reported their compensation has increased over the last 12 months, compared to 45% last year. Moreover, 58% said they would likely negotiate higher compensation if accepting a new job offer, compared with 29% in 2006. -- Robert Half International
September 10, 2007
407 ETR, the operator and manager of Highway 407 in southern Ontario, announced the creation of a $125,000 York University scholarship fund that will support York students in graduate studies. "407 ETR is used by thousands of students, staff and faculty every day," said Antonio de Santiago, president and CEO of 407 ETR. "Providing a scholarship that will benefit students and our community year after year is our way of saying thanks." The $125,000 endowment fund will generate $5,000 annually, starting this semester. That $5,000 gift will then be matched two-to-one by the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program, providing a total of $15,000 to each year's scholarship recipient. For more information about York University, visit: www.yorku.ca
September 4, 2007
The Ontario provincial government is launching an Aging at Home Strategy that aims to transform community health care services so that seniors can live healthy, independent lives in their own homes. As part of a three-year $700 million strategy, Ontario's fourteen Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) will lead an initiative that will impact the way services are delivered and help provide more equitable access to health care by matching the needs of the local senior population with the appropriate support services. These services could include enhanced home care and community support services like meals, transportation, shopping, snow shoveling, friendly home calling, adult day programs, homemaking services and caregiver supports."Our goal is to open a whole world of opportunity for seniors that will offer new lifestyle choices that are reflective of how Ontario's seniors truly want to live," said Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman. "As our population ages, we need to look for innovative solutions that are more responsive to their needs and allow seniors to continue to live in comfort and with respect in their own homes, ideally for the rest of their days." For more information, visit: www.health.gov.on.ca.
September 4, 2007
A cross-Canada survey conducted over the summer by Queen's University graduate student David Vuong examines what impacts knowledge sharing among charities. Some key findings include the need to build a sense of community, and the need for intentional efforts to break down barriers to sharing. As a thank-you to the community for its help, he is making a summary report of the study's findings available online to all charities in Canada. To download the report in PDF format, visit: stw.ryerson.ca.
September 4, 2007
A recent study by the Urban Institute, a think tank based in Washington D.C., reveals that more than 20% of nonprofit groups make insider deals with board members, while many have not adopted conflicts of interest policies that ensure that these transactions are in the best interests of the organization. Of the 5,100 nonprofit organizations surveyed, 21% have bought goods, services, or property from companies affiliated with their board members. As well, 71% do not require their board members to disclose their financial interests in entities doing businesses with their organizations, and 19% of boards that oversee organizations with $100,000 to $500,000 in annual expenses have members who are related to each other. -- Urban Institute
September 4, 2007
An anonymous donor has pledged $1 million to establish a stroke care network of excellence in southern Saskatchewan. However, the gift is contingent upon the community raising an additional $500,000 by December 1, 2007. “We have been given a tremendous opportunity by our donor,” said Judy Davis, CEO of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, “and we are very thankful for the donor’s commitment. Stroke care in southern Saskatchewan will benefit greatly with a redevelopment of space, new equipment and new communication technologies.” To date, almost $200,000 has been raised. For more information, visit: www.hrf.sk.ca.
September 4, 2007
Last month, Toronto city councillors passed a bylaw regarding clothing drop boxes in the city. Beginning January 1st, businesses must state on clothing boxes that they're not a charity and clarify what percentage of their revenue goes to charitable works. "Right now there is no way for anyone to know if these boxes are legitimately charitable," said councillor Howard Moscoe, who's been lobbying for this for four years, The new bylaw is meant to target for-profit businesses that operate drop boxes. For more information, visit: www.toronto.ca/licensing/clothing_drop.htm.
September 4, 2007
Canadian Tire Financial Services (CTFS) announced last week that it is donating $500,000 toward the Niagara Health System Foundation's "It's Our Time" campaign. The funding will be used for the development of regional services being built as part of a new hospital complex in St. Catharines, as well as facility upgrades at other hospital sites in the south Niagara area. Rob Neill, who is overseeing the fundraising campaign, called the donation "an affirmation that the corporate community is behind our campaign and what needs to be done to bring health care into the 21st century for the Niagara region." For more information about the Niagara Health System, visit: www.niagarahealth.on.ca.
September 4, 2007
According to a new report by Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, 70% of nonprofit organizations that are recruiting IT workers find it difficult to fill positions. However, of the 790 nonprofits surveyed, only 37% reported that they've been trying to recruit IT personnel, a relatively low percentage considering that 84% of the nonprofits were recruiting for other professional and support personnel. For example, 81% reported trying to recruit administrative assistants and 56% are trying to find fundraisers, according to the report. For those nonprofits trying to finding IT workers, 70% say the task is extremely challenging or somewhat challenging (28% and 42%, respectively). The perception of lower wages was identified by 87% of nonprofits as a major issue in recruiting staff. The perception of the noncompetitive benefits packages was named as a major reason for recruitment difficulties by 65% of nonprofits. Finally, the perception that career advancement opportunities are limited at nonprofits was named as a major recruitment hurdle by 71% of nonprofits. -- Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies
September 4, 2007
The Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship is a program for financing social enterprises that are at the stage where they can scale up or be replicated. Projects should address issues in one of the following areas: environmental sustainability, health, tolerance and human rights, institutional responsibility, economic and social equity, and peace and security. The Skoll Awards provide later-stage funding, which is generally structured as a $1 million award paid out over three years. To be considered for the next award cycle, applicants must submit their online application no later than September 24, 2007. For more information and application guidelines, visit: www.skollfoundation.org.
September 4, 2007
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) released a new report last week that provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness, as well as data on hospital use by homeless Canadians. "This is the first time we're tracking this kind of information," said Elizabeth Votta, an author of the report. "It's data that's collected from Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto - primarily Toronto because that's the way the database is set up - but what it's telling us is that 52% of homeless persons that are being hospitalized are being done so for mental disorders...and that's much higher than the general population, which is coming in at five percent." The report also noted that Aboriginal people are over-represented among the homeless in cities across Canada, and men comprise three-quarters of the hospital visits by the homeless. For more information or to download the full report, visit: secure.cihi.ca
September 4, 2007
Last week, the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation received $300,000 from local philanthropist Yau Yu. The gift will boost the Liver Diseases Program at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). “Mr. Yu's donation to the Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease Care Development Fund will enhance our ability to deliver state-of-the art patient care, add to our capacity to conduct research, and improve our ability to educate British Columbians and the people who look after them,” said Dr. Eric Yoshida, head of the B.C. Hepatitis Program and head of the Division of Gastroenterology at VGH and UBC. "People in BC with viral hepatitis and liver disease will benefit greatly from Mr. Yu's kind gift both now and in the future.” For more information, visit: www.worldclasshealthcare.ca.
|
|||
