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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: January 2008
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.CRA looking for feedback on proposed charity guidelines
January 28, 2008
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recently released proposed guidelines specifying the administrative requirements that must be met by a registered charity in order to conduct or fund research as a charitable activity. The CRA is looking for feedback on the document from charities, individuals who participate in charitable work, related government departments, as well as the general public. The deadline for comments is February 29, 2008. To read the guidelines and for more information on how to contact the CRA with your opinions, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
January 28, 2008
Simon Fraser University (SFU) recently received $4 million from philanthropist Djavad Mowafaghian in support of children's health research. The funding will help support the university's health policy centre, where scientific research is integrated into policy and programs with the goal of improving children’s social and emotional development and mental health. Additionally, the funding will build and equip a containment laboratory where scientists will work with live viruses, with the end goal of minimizing the spread of infectious disease in children throughout the world. For more information, visit: www.sfu.ca.
January 28, 2008
In conjunction with the Wellesley Institute, researchers Joan Roberts and Pauline O'Connor have released a new study exploring the potential of collaboration to enhance NPO capacity and effectiveness. The Inter-agency Services Collaboration Project studied collaborations among nonprofit agencies that directly or indirectly enhanced service delivery, including collaborations to enhance organizational operations. Examples of such collaborations include shared administration, budgets or administrative staff; shared infrastructure such as co-location; joint service planning, or joint program delivery, such as single intake and information-sharing. The project investigated the characteristics of service delivery collaborations, critical success factors and barriers, and similarity of NPO collaborations with public sector and business sector collaborations. One key finding of the report is the need for evaluation of collaborative efforts to determine success. To view the full report, visit: wellesleyinstitute.com.
Fast Fact: Board member contributions slowly becoming the norm
January 28, 2008
A recent survey of US charities reveals that only 56% require their board members to make financial contributions to their organization. But research shows that requiring board members to personally give is slowly becoming the norm. The survey also found that board members are expected to give based on the budget of the organization they serve. In organizations with budgets of less than $20 million, only 14% expected board members to give in the $5,000+ range. Among organizations with budgets between $100-$500 million, 60% expected board gifts in excess of $5,000. -- Grant Thornton LLP
January 28, 2008
Environmental and arts and heritage organizations in British Columbia are encouraged to submit grant applications for the Centre for Sustainability's EnviroPOD and ArtsPOD programs. These programs award chosen organizations with the chance to work with an experienced consultant to enhance organizational effectiveness. The deadline for EnviroPOD submissions is February 22, 2008. The ArtsPOD deadline is February 29, 2008. For more information on how to apply, visit: www.centreforsustainability.ca.
January 28, 2008
Since 2005, the Montreal International Auto Show has coupled their event with a charity evening designed to benefit the local medical community. To date, their efforts have raised more than $1 million, with this month's charity evening bringing in over $417,000 for local charities. Charities benefiting from the event included:
- Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital Foundation
- Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital Foundation (JGHF)
- Pierre-Boucher Hospital Foundation
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Foundation (CHUM)
- McGill University Health Centre Foundation (MUHC)
January 28, 2008
In response to the Ontario provincial government's consultation paper addressing the modernization of legislation governing nonprofits in Ontario, the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) has released a briefing paper outlining their recommendations. Examples include:For more information on how you can participate, and to view the full brief, visit: www.lynneakin.com/modernization/.
- A dedicated not-for-profit act.
- Reform of charitable regulation and oversight in addition to revising the Corporations Act.
- No regulation or restriction on the capacity of a not-for-profit corporation to earn revenues.
- Clear distribution constraints on nonprofits to ensure public benefit.
January 28, 2008
The Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc) announced last week a gift of $2.9 million to directly assist 200 athletes across Canada, as well as to support various training centres and sports organizations. Hbc has committed $20 million to Canadian athletes by 2012, with this gift representing the third installment and bringing the company's total contributions to $6 million to date. "Talented athletes are constantly struggling to pay for the training, equipment and living expenses that are required to compete at the international level," said Marc Gélinas, Canadian Olympic Committee director of athlete and community relations. For more information visit: www.olympic.ca.
January 28, 2008
The Linda Putnam Legacy Fund currently has $15,000 to distribute and would like to focus that grant on a Calgary agency with programs that involve sports, artistic or educational activities for children and teenagers. Agencies whose mandate fulfills this focus are invited to submit a (maximum) one-page application describing the program or organization and the proposed use of funds. All applications should be sent to mitchlputnam@shaw.ca. The deadline for submissions is Feb.15, 2008.
January 28, 2008
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the goods confiscated by security at Canada's airports? With strict limitations on what passengers can now carry on board airplanes in their carry-on luggage, large amounts of confiscated materials end up in landfills. As reported by the Toronto Star last week, Ottawa International Airport is taking a different approach to the issue by donating all useable items to local area food banks for redistribution to those in need. According to Gary McCarthy, an operations manager for the food bank distribution centre in Ottawa, "It's going to individuals that normally couldn't afford to buy this, street people. They're able to get personal care items like shampoo, toothpaste." For more information, visit: www.thestar.com/article/295859.
January 28, 2008
The deadline for proposals for the inaugural conference of the Association for Nonprofit and Social Economy Research (ANSER) has been extended to January 31, 2008. The conference will be part of the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences 2008 from June 4-6, 2008 at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. All those engaged in applied and theoretical research related to the ANSER mandate, including researchers from outside of Canada, are invited to submit proposals for papers, panels, and roundtables. ANSER is not limited to faculty and graduate students from universities and colleges; consultants and practitioners who engage in research are especially encouraged to submit proposals. For more information, visit: www.anser-ares.ca/proposals.asp.
January 28, 2008
The Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife recently received $18,500 from the National Elks and the Royal Purple Fund for Children to help support its infant hearing program. Funds were raised by local women through bingo nights and raffles, and will assist the hospital in testing newborns for possible hearing impairment and to purchase a portable hearing test system that can be taken out into communities during travel clinics. The Elks have a long history of supporting programs for hard-of-hearing children, and have been involved with the hospital's program since its inception in 2004. For more information about the Elks, visit: www.elks-canada.org.
January 21, 2008
The Nonprofit Quarterly recently released the initial findings of a research study that reveals that nonprofit leaders may be more effective than for-profit leaders. More than 2,500 management leaders in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors were studied through direct reports and feedback surveys submitted by peers. The study shows that nonprofit leaders significantly outscore their for-profit counterparts across the board in 14 out of the 17 dimensions of leadership practices. These dimensions include persuasiveness, risk-taking, demonstration of effectiveness, and vision.The most dramatic differences appeared in six dimensions that are characterized by sensitivity to people and situations, and the use of personal versus hierarchical power. Researchers also found that peer ratings of nonprofit leaders were higher than peer ratings of for-profit leaders in all 17 dimensions, and nonprofit leaders tend to rate themselves lower than do their feedback givers, while for-profit leaders rate themselves higher than those that evaluated them. For more information and results from the study, visit: www.nonprofitquarterly.org.
January 21, 2008
Rio Tinto Alcan announced a $1 million donation to the Thinking Ahead campaign of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (MNI). The donation will help build, equip, and start up the Rio Tinto Alcan Laboratory of NeuroEngineering. "Rio Tinto Alcan's support of the NeuroEngineering program gives us the opportunity to expand our research into new directions that we can't even imagine now - exploring and bringing together new disciplines and technologies that we hope will improve the quality of life for those debilitated by neurological injury or disease," said David R. Colman, director of the MNI. The Thinking Ahead campaign is a five-year, $40-million initiative to expand the MNI's facilities, attract top talent, and equip them with the tools they need to impact the treatment of brain disease. For more information, visit: www.mni.mcgill.ca.
January 21, 2008
A survey of US organizations with online monthly giving programs found that these groups were able to retain 70% of their online monthly donors in their first year, but retention rate dropped to 52% the second year. The average online monthly gift (for all groups except international aid organizations) was $16. The average monthly gift for international aid organizations was significantly higher at $28. On average, 42% of online monthly donors had given a one-time online gift before becoming monthly donors. Currently, the average lifespan (how long the donor gives monthly gifts) of online monthly donors is about 18 months. -- M+R Strategic Services
January 21, 2008
CIBC announced last week that it raised a total of $7.75 million, including a $2.9 million corporate donation, for United Way/Centraide in 2007. "CIBC's employees and retirees demonstrate leadership through their volunteerism and financial contributions, putting their words into action when it comes to social responsibility," said Al Hatton, CEO and chair of United Way of Canada. "By supporting the communities where employees work, where their families grow and where their business is conducted, they are changing the lives of many - now and for the future." For more information about United Way, visit: www.unitedway.ca.
January 21, 2008
Coast Mental Health has launched the 10th annual nomination drive for the 2008 Courage To Come Back Awards. The organization is calling on community members throughout BC to nominate a friend, family member, colleague, student, or other person who should be recognized for their courageous battle back from illness, injury or adversity. Nominations are being sought in six categories, including mental health, physical rehabilitation, medical, addiction, social adversity, and youth. The deadline for nominations is February 18th. Nomination forms are available at any British Columbia Scotiabank branch or online at: www.coastmentalhealth.com.
January 21, 2008
A recent survey of volunteer trends in Britain reveals that volunteering levels increased from 2001 to 2003 (from 16% in 2001 to 20% in 2004) and have hovered around the 19% level since then. Women are still more likely to volunteer than men (16% vs. 21%) and there has been little change in this gap since 2001. Volunteering has increased among 16-44s and levels have remained flat among 45-54s and 65+s. Notably, 45-54s is the only age group among which volunteering has shown an overall decrease. The main type of organization people volunteer for is a charity or voluntary group, followed by some kind of community role, such as a school governor. On average, volunteers gave 42 days of service during 2007, up two days from 2005. Almost one in five people volunteered their time in 2007. -- nfpSynergy
January 21, 2008
Last week, Art Postle, chair of the Saskatoon Symphony Society board, and his wife, Janet, donated $200,000 to help stabilize the financial future of the symphony. "We are very encouraged by the recent positive direction in which the society is moving. My wife and I agree that we want to help maintain that recent momentum by removing the society's immediate financial concerns," said Art Postle. For more information about the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, visit: www.saskatoonsymphony.org.
January 21, 2008
Research conducted by the UK-based Fundraising Standards Board reveals that, when it comes to direct mail, people want charities to respect their wishes and to feel that they are in a mutually beneficial relationship. The report, entitled Signed, Sealed and Delivered, found that almost 90% of survey respondents would stop giving if a charity kept contacting them after being asked not to, and three-quarters want some say in how often charities contact them. They are also concerned about the environmental impact of direct mail. The majority (80%) agree with the statement: “charities that send lots of direct mail are not being environmentally friendly.”Despite some cause for concern, the researchers conclude that direct mail is still a useful way of encouraging people to give to good causes. And people are still receptive to it as a way of giving for the first time to an organization or as a way of giving regularly to that organization. The report states that one of the keys to the future of direct mail, and to improving its current effectiveness is supporter care, donor care, stewardship, and relationship fundraising. To download the full report or executive summary, visit: www.nfpsynergy.net.
January 21, 2008
According to recent statistics, direct mail donors are on the decline in the US. Just 46% of organizations surveyed experienced direct mail donor growth during the first nine months of 2007. Acquisition rates were a primary factor in the drop in overall donors. Between 2006 and 2007, more than two-thirds of organizations saw acquisition rates fall (the median decrease was 6.2%). Reactivation rates declined a median 3.1%. Despite the drop in the number of direct mail donors, overall revenue still increased by a median 1.4%, and revenue per donor grew by a median 3.9% -- Target Analysis Group
January 14, 2008
Saskatoon’s third magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is on its way to St. Paul’s Hospital thanks to the generosity of area donors. Cathy Chrones, executive director of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation recently announced that more than $2 million has been donated for the MRI. “The tremendous support we’ve seen from the community is mind-boggling," said Chrones. "We’ve received more than 3,000 gifts in support of the MRI since the beginning of November. This is the largest number of individual donations our foundation has ever received in a two month period.” Philanthropists Les and Irene Dubé kicked off the fundraising drive with a $1 million matching gift. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.sphfoundation.org.
January 14, 2008
Research grants of up to $10,000 annually are available through the AFP Research Council to members who want to explore new aspects, trends, or issues related to fundraising. Major directions for the research council in the next two to three years include:The next deadline for proposals is February 1st. For more information, visit: www.afpnet.org.
- Salary survey, especially incentive compensation
- Cost of fundraising/Fundraising Effectiveness Project
- Trends/gaps in knowledge
- International issues
- Demographics of fundraisers/donors
January 14, 2008
A recent survey of 100,000 people reveals that, on average, 63% of Canadian workers born in Canada consider themselves to be engaged employees. The average for Canadian workers born outside of Canada is 68%. The average engagement score for employees whose first language is English is 63%. For those whose first language is French, it is 68%. And for those whose first language is something other than English or French, their engagement score is, on average, 70%. Employees who are members of a visible minority (persons other than Aboriginal peoples who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour) have an average engagement score of 65%, the same as those who do not belong to this demographic group. However, average engagement scores increase with age. Seventy-eight percent of the oldest employees are engaged, while only 63% of the youngest report engagement on the job. -- Hewitt Associates
January 14, 2008
A new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) examines the pay of Canada's top 100 CEOs and how they compare to the average Canadian. The report reveals that, on average, the best-paid 100 CEOs make more than 218 times as much as a Canadian working full-time for a full year at the average of weekly employment earnings. “That represents a significant gap between the rich and the rest of us - especially the working poor who earn the minimum wage,” says the report’s author, CCPA research associate Hugh Mackenzie. By 1:04 p.m. New Year's Day, the best paid 100 CEOs pocketed what will take a minimum wage worker all of 2008 to earn. “We have to ask ourselves, are those at the top of the income heap really worth so much? And are those at the bottom really worth so little?” For more information or to download the full report, visit: www.policyalternatives.ca.
January 14, 2008
The YWCA Hamilton is now accepting submissions for its 2008 Women of Distinction Awards. The awards honour women who have made a commitment and a significant difference in their community by showing vision, creativity and initiative. The deadline for nominations is February 25, 2008. For more information, visit: www.ywcahamilton.org or contact YWCA Hamilton at 905-522-9922 ext. 127.
January 14, 2008
According to new research by the San Francisco-based Institute for Jewish and Community Research (IJCR), nearly half of all major and mega gift donors choose to support higher education. In the study, major gifts were defined as $1 million or more and mega gifts were categorized as $10 million or more. Researchers found that higher education received 37% of all major gifts and 46% of all mega gifts. Health/medical causes accounted for 11% of all major gifts and arts/culture received 10% of major gifts. By contrast, religion, international, and federated charitable appeals all received just 3% of major gifts examined in the study. The study also found that about 55% of all major gift dollars came from private foundations, with 28% from individuals, 8% from corporations, and the remainder from community foundations, donor-advised funds, anonymous gifts and miscellaneous sources. -- Institute for Jewish and Community Research
January 14, 2008
The Co-operators recently announced that its series of local campaigns raised a record of $539,500 for 56 United Way chapters across Canada. The combined total exceeds last year's United Way donation by more than $93,000. Staff members at offices across the country organized fundraising events, made individual donations, and pledged payroll deductions to support their local chapters of the United Way. "That our staff members are dedicated to supporting the United Way and giving back to their communities is nothing new. But breaking the half-million dollar mark - that is truly amazing," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators.
January 14, 2008
Celebrate National Volunteer Week 2008 (April 27 to May 3) with Volunteer Alberta's Enhancement Funding. Provided by the Wild Rose Foundation, the funding is intended to assist communities in leveraging other sources of funding for Volunteer Week. The deadline for applications is February 11th. Note that funding is available on a first-come, first serve basis. For guidelines on how to apply and who is eligible to apply, visit: www.volunteeralberta.ab.ca.
January 14, 2008
Those considering a job change seek many sources of guidance, but the opinion they value most often comes from the person closest to them, according to a new survey. Nearly half (46%) of executives polled said they turn first to spouses or significant others for advice when evaluating a potential job change, up from 42% in 2002. The survey also shows mentors carry greater clout than five years ago: 41% of respondents said they would consult their mentors first, compared to 28% in 2002. Only 4% said they would consult with a co-worker, down from 13% in 2002, and 3% would talk to a friend (down from 11%). The poll included responses from 150 senior executives - including those from human resources, finance and marketing departments. -- Accountemps
January 14, 2008
Last week, the Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc) presented a $50,000 cheque to the Canadian Sport Centre of Saskatchewan. The donation is part of Hbc's commitment to support local amateur athletes in their pursuit of medals at the Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games. "The Canadian Sport Centre of Saskatchewan assists in creating a premiere training environment for amateur athletes," said Hbc president Robert Johnston. "Our commitment to supporting athletes in their quest to reach the podium really starts at centres like this, and we're proud to be involved with its ongoing success." Hbc intends to raise $20 million to amateur athletes over a period of seven years. For more information about the Sport Centre, visit: www.sasksport.sk.ca/csc-sk.
January 7, 2008
CharityVillage.com is pleased to announce that Marina Dawson has joined our team as administrative coordinator. Marina comes to CharityVillage from the BC SPCA, where she was major gifts coordinator. Prior to her role with the BC SPCA, Marina was office administrator for the YWCA Career Connection in Coquitlam, BC. Find out a bit more about Marina and say hello to her today at: www.charityvillage.com/cv/about/marina.html.
January 7, 2008
Businessman and philanthropist Joseph Rotman and his wife Sandra announced a donation of $18 million to the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. Ten million dollars of the new Rotman gift will go toward the activities of the Lloyd and Delphine Martin Prosperity Institute, which will be housed in a newly constructed expansion of the Rotman School. "The research conducted by the [institute] will enable business leaders and policy makers to understand and implement the strategies needed to support Canada’s future prosperity,” said Joseph Rotman. "Sandra and I are thrilled to be involved in an initiative that will benefit the collective prosperity of Canadians and contribute to the School’s global reputation for thought leadership.” The remaining $8 million will support various projects at the University of Toronto. For more information, visit: www.rotman.utoronto.ca.
January 7, 2008
According to data from Statistics Canada, hospitals, universities and colleges received the vast majority (95%) of their revenue from government transfers and sales of goods and services between 1997 and 2004. By comparison, organizations in the core nonprofit sector relied on a significantly broader set of revenue sources. As was the case in previous years, sales of goods and services were, by far, the most important source of revenue for the core nonprofit sector in 2004. Sales of goods and services accounted for 41.7% of total revenue, followed by government transfers, at 20.3%. These nonprofit organizations also derived more than one-third of their revenue from three additional sources: membership fees (17.2%), transfers from households (13.7%) and investment income (5.3%). By comparison, these same three sources contributed only 2.3% of revenue for hospitals, universities and colleges in 2004. -- Statistics Canada
January 7, 2008
Human Resources and Social Development Canada is accepting nominations for the 2008 Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award. The award is presented annually to two Canadians, one man and one woman. It recognizes volunteers from communities across Canada. Award recipients are individuals whose social commitment and persistent efforts have contributed significantly to the advancement of a social cause and the well-being of their fellow Canadians. The deadline for nominations is February 1, 2008. To learn more about the award and to download nomination forms, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
January 7, 2008
CIBC World Markets announced that more than $10.1 million was raised on Miracle Day to benefit children worldwide. On December 5th, CIBC World Markets sales and trading staff and CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors designated their fees and commissions to the CIBC World Markets Children's Foundation. In Canada, the 2007 Miracle Day generated more than $3.3 million that will go to support more than 400 local children's charities focused on improving the health, well-being and education of children across the country. Since its inception in 1984, Miracle Day has raised more than $190 million for children's charities around the world. For more information, visit: www.cibc.com.
January 7, 2008
The Carold Institute is seeking submissions for a new fellowship that will support professional development within the nonprofit sector. The Alan Thomas Fellowship is designed to promote greater public understanding of the significance of voluntary action and to strengthen networks among civil society leaders and social movements. The fellowship, valued at $50,000 for one year, will be awarded to a leader in the nonprofit sector who would not normally have access to a sabbatical leave. It is intended to facilitate a significant contribution to the sector through research and possible publication. Applications are invited for projects that fit with the broad scope of promoting civil society and voluntary action. The deadline for applications is February 29th. For more information, visit: www.carold.ca.
January 7, 2008
A new study finds that more women than men report high work strain. Proportionally, 28% of working women reported having a high-strain job, compared with 20% of men. One-third of women felt quite a bit, or extremely, stressed most days at work, compared with 29% of men. Individuals with low personal incomes were more likely to have high-strain jobs than individuals with high incomes. Almost 28% of workers with incomes of less than $20,000 had high-strain jobs, compared with only 18% of workers earning $60,000 or more. A supportive work environment tended to mitigate job interruptions due to stress, while negative coping mechanisms (such as increased smoking or drinking) were associated with more interruptions. -- Statistics Canada
January 7, 2008
TELUS, its team members and alumni donated $5.5 million in 2007 to more than 2,800 charities across Canada as part of the Team TELUS Cares charitable giving program. Some examples of charities chosen for support by TELUS team members are the Canadian Cancer Society, BC Children's Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Since 2000, TELUS and its team members have contributed more than $91 million to charitable and nonprofit organizations and volunteered more than 1.7 million hours of service to local communities. For more information, visit: about.telus.com.
January 7, 2008
The nomination deadline for FLARE Magazine's 2008 Volunteer Awards is fast approaching. This year, six awards will be presented to Canadian women aged 18 and up whose volunteer contributions and achievements have made a significant difference to the lives of the people in their communities. Awards will be presented in three categories: the FLARE Volunteer Award, the FLARE Volunteer Award for Community and Leadership, and the FLARE Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement. The deadline for submissions is January 25th. For more information, visit: www.flare.com/volunteer.
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