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This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: February 2008
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
BC telethon raises more than $8 million for Variety Club
February 25, 2008
The 42nd annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon brought in a record number of donations and raised $8.1 million this year. The money raised during the 23-hour telethon will pay for specialized equipment, medicines, therapies and a host of other expenses for children in British Columbia who have special needs. More than 2,500 volunteers worked on the telethon, which brought in an accumulative audience of over 1.5 million viewers. The telethon profiled children and families from all over BC who have been assisted by Variety Club. For more information (PDF), visit: www.variety.bc.ca.
February 25, 2008
The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector recently released Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice: A Guide for Charities and Foundations. The publication outlines 33 practices designed to support board members and staff leaders of charitable organizations as they work to improve their own operations. To create the guide, the panel incorporated a careful review of more than 50 self-regulation systems, counsel from a diverse committee of experts, and significant feedback from the field in the development of the outlined principles.The 33 principles are divided into four categories: legal compliance and public disclosure; effective governance; strong financial oversight; and responsible fundraising. To view the full guide (PDF), visit: www.nonprofitpanel.org.
February 25, 2008
Walter Booth, a graduate of McMaster University's engineering program, recently donated $2 million to his former school. Booth says the school took a chance on accepting him into the engineering program when he didn't quite fit the admission requirements, and the donation is his way of thanking them and offering the same opportunities to future students. McMaster has a new engineering building currently under construction, and a space in this building will be renamed in honour of Booth's donation. For more information about McMaster University, visit: www.mcmaster.ca
Fast Fact: Survey reveals public uncertainty about nonprofit spending
February 25, 2008
A new survey reveals that 62% of Americans believe that nonprofit organizations spend more than what is reasonable on overhead and expenses such as administration and fundraising. The study showed consistencies among what respondents felt was reasonable for charities to spend on overhead, with 43% expecting that charities should spend less than 20 cents per dollar, and 74% expecting spending of less than 30 cents per dollar. However, discrepancies appeared in what Americans actually believe charities are spending on overhead expenses, with 23% thinking that most nonprofit spending is less than 20 cents per dollar, while 22% believe that spending of over 60 cents per dollar is typical. -- Ellison Research
February 25, 2008
The Maytree Foundation is looking to provide both economic and social support to students who will be attending university or community college in Toronto in the fall of 2008. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be between the ages of 18 and 26, not living with parents, and be protected persons or landed immigrants who were protected persons. The scholarship covers tuition, books, transportation, rent and a living allowance. Maytree looks for students who have a sense of civic responsibility and who possess a successful academic, work and/or service record. Application deadline is March 28, 2008. For more information and to download an application form, visit: www.maytree.com.
February 25, 2008
One hundred charity leaders from across Canada have each received a grant of up to $2,500 from the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Leadership Grants program. As part of the PwC Canada Foundation, the program was established in 2006 to support the leadership and professional development of existing and emerging charity leaders. Recipients can apply the funding to a formal educational program or development opportunity of their choice. PwC conducted an internal poll inviting employees to choose the causes that mattered most to them. Children and youth, poverty, education, and the environment were selected as the top causes, and as a result, organizations in these categories received the majority of grants this year. For more information about the Leadership Grants program, visit: www.pwc.com.
February 25, 2008
The Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation announced the 2008 call for applications for the Global Youth Fellowship program. The fellowships are targeted toward emerging Canadian leaders who demonstrate potential to enhance Canada's role on the world stage. The fellowships will provide successful candidates with a cash award of $20,000, as well as other forms of support. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents between 24-35 years of age, with previous international experience - paid or volunteer. They also need to demonstrate a sustained commitment to international issues through studies, career choices and volunteer activities. Application deadline is April 10th, 2008. For more information on the fellowships, and to download an application form, visit: www.gordonfn.org.
February 25, 2008
The Government of British Columbia announced that it will provide a $1 million grant for an endowment fund to sustain the Coast Foundation's Courage To Come Back Awards. Since 1999, the Courage To Come Back Awards have recognized British Columbians who have courageously battled back from illness, adversity or injury. Awards are given in six categories including: mental health, physical rehabilitation, medical, addiction, social adversity and youth. For more information (PDF), visit: www.coastmentalhealth.com.
February 25, 2008
As of April 1, 2008, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (TBRHSF) will merge with the Northern Cancer Research Foundation (NCRF), as reported in the Thunder Bay Source. The move is expected to save more than $100,000 a year with no job losses, and better serve patients and contributors. Donors will still be able to direct their funds to areas of research of their choosing. The new foundation will be fully launched with a new name and website in April. For more information on these two foundations, visit: www.tbrhsc.com or www.ncrf.on.ca.
February 25, 2008
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has received $1 million in funding from CIBC. CAMH operates an addiction and mental health teaching hospital, and the funding, to be paid over ten years, will be applied to the building of CAMH's new facilities on Queen Street in Toronto. CAMH's Youth Addiction Services REACH Day Treatment program will also benefit from the gift. The program assists youth, their families, and service providers with innovative ways to recover from addiction, and works with the Toronto District School Board to provide a comprehensive academic curriculum that balances education with recovery. For more information about the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, visit: www.camh.net.
February 18, 2008
Imagine Canada recently handed out its annual Business and Community Partnership Awards to the following collaborations between Canadian nonprofit organizations and the business community:
- The Alberta Conservation Association and Suncor Energy Foundation for their Boreal Habitat Conservation Initiative
- The Canadian Association of Food Banks, Regina Food Bank, Ontario Association of Food Banks and Farm Credit Canada for the program Drive Away Hunger
- Volunteer Richmond Information and Coast Capital Savings for Leadership Richmond
Honourable mentions were also awarded to CanWest Global Communications Corporation and Every Literary Umbrella Organization in Canada for CanWest Raise a Reader, and EnCana Corporation and AIESEC Canada for the Community Investment Model. Awards are handed out annually in February, and recognize passion for a good cause, understanding of the true spirit of partnership, and dedication to making a difference. For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca.
February 18, 2008
Suncor Energy announced it invested $11.1 million in more than 900 charitable organizations and nonprofit groups in 2007. Approximately $8.2 million of that total was invested through the Suncor Energy Foundation, which supports charitable organizations in Canada. An additional $2.9 million was invested by different Suncor businesses through cash and in-kind contributions. Funding priorities in 2007 included programs supporting Aboriginal initiatives, educational programs in skilled trades and science and technology, and environmental initiatives. For more information on Suncor's community investment, visit: www.suncor.com.
February 18, 2008
The City of Mississauga's Office of Arts and Culture recently established a new grant program to support community cultural festivals and celebrations. The Office of Arts and Culture will disseminate a $25,000 grant to a new and emerging festival or celebration, and a grant of $125,000 to an established festival or celebration in the amount of $125,000. Recipients of grants must be community-based, nonprofit, and their events must be open to the public, publicized citywide, and be predominantly cultural in content. The application deadline is March 19, 2008. For more information, and to apply, visit: www.mississauga.ca.
February 18, 2008
According to a new report titled The Business Contributions to Canadian Communities, 89% of Canadian businesses give financial or in-kind support to nonprofits, compared with 94% of Canadian individuals. However, there is still room for businesses to increase the impact of their contributions by devoting more attention to organizing and formalizing their giving strategies. Currently, only 22% of companies have ongoing programs to organize their giving, and just 8% have written policies. This may be the reason why so many businesses indicate that one of the biggest challenges to their contribution efforts is the difficulty they face responding to increasing requests for support. -- Imagine Canada
February 18, 2008
Researchers in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa recently received a total of $6 million in grants. With the funds, Leta Fernandes will study how to reduce waste in landfill sites and recover bio-energy, Emil Petriu will work on the creation of a multimodal sensor surveillance technology for use in crowded environments such as shopping malls, and Hussein Mouftah will be developing a wireless sensor network to be used in telemedicine and home and business security systems. For more information, visit: www.media.uottawa.ca.
February 18, 2008
A new report titled Factors in Canadians’ Cultural Activities, conducted by Hill Strategies Research, indicates that cultural experiences and exposure are more important factors in cultural activities than demographics. The study calls this the "arts bug" and suggests that those with the "bug" will attend cultural activities across the board, whereas those without it will attend far fewer activities, regardless of demographics. The statistics have interesting marketing implications for cultural organizations. Specifically, cultural marketing might be directed at other cultural attendees. For example, performance information should be made available at art galleries, festivals, museums and historic sites.The study looked at four areas of cultural activity: reading a book, attending live performances, visiting an art gallery, and going to a movie theatre. For more information and to view the full study, visit: www.arts.on.ca.
February 18, 2008
Earth Day Canada, in partnership with Cascades, launched its search for the 2008 Hometown Heroes Award winner. The award recognizes and encourages personal environmental achievement at the local level. This year’s winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 - $5,000 to keep and $5,000 to donate to the environmental cause of their choice. This year’s winner will be recognized as part of the 5th Annual Earth Day Canada Gala in Toronto, on June 18, 2008. The deadline for applications is April 22, 2008. For more information, or to nominate yourself or an individual or group from your community, visit: www.earthday.ca/hometown.
February 18, 2008
Canadian Tire JumpStart (CTJS) announced $1 million in funding to make sport and recreation activities available to financially underprivileged children in Quebec in 2008. CTJS believes that all kids should have the opportunity to play, however the reality is that one in three Canadian families cannot afford to enroll their children in sports and recreation activities. This funding will provide an opportunity for more than 12,000 children in Quebec to get active. Last year, 38,000 children across Canada were provided the opportunity to participate in organized sports and recreation through CTJS. For more information, visit: www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart.
February 18, 2008
A recent survey reports that while 31% of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said offering higher compensation than competitors is the most effective incentive for attracting accounting professionals, 20% felt the benefits package had the greatest influence, up from 1% five years ago. The findings also suggest traditional incentives are a higher priority today, and while the popularity of benefits surged, telecommuting and flexible work schedules fell eight points, from 28% in 2003 to 20% in 2008. The survey results further suggest that extended healthcare costs have increased the value workers place on benefits options. Signing bonuses and extra vacation days tied at 4%. -- Robert Half International
February 18, 2008
The Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP), run by the city of Ottawa, distributes $50,000 in grant money to small-scale, community-based initiatives managed by nonprofit organizations interested in the improvement and preservation of the local environment. The 2008 application deadline is Friday, April 4, 2008. For more information and to access grant applications, visit: http://ottawa.ca.
February 18, 2008
RE/MAX realtors raised $4 million through the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program(R), whereby a portion of their commission earned on the purchase or sale of each home is given to Children's Miracle Network (CMN) affiliated hospitals. CMN supports 14 children's hospitals and foundations across Canada. The funds raised on behalf of CMN help support outreach programs and fund advancements in critical research, as well as upgrades to medical facilities and equipment. Funds raised in each community stay in that community to be invested in the local CMN hospital. For more information about the Children's Miracle Network, visit: www.childrensmiraclenetwork.ca.
February 18, 2008
The HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector (HR Council) has a new website and a new look. The site now includes an expanded and updated HR Toolkit, a new HR forum, and a Trends & Issues feature that outlines sector perspectives. The HR Council works with organizations, educators, labour and government to identify and address issues related to paid employment in the voluntary and nonprofit sector. For more information (PDF), visit: www.hrcouncil.ca.
February 11, 2008
Imagine Canada released a new study last week that examines how businesses support Canadian communities. It shows that 91% provide some form of support to Canada's charities and nonprofit organizations. Seventy-six percent of businesses surveyed provide cash donations; 51% give goods and products; 43% provide services; 43% support or encourage their employees to volunteer; and 22% of businesses fundraise from their customers and suppliers.Businesses generally see the value in supporting charities and nonprofit organizations. More than eight in ten (83%) report that an important reason for their contributions was “because it is a good thing to do, irrespective of financial returns.” Almost nine in ten (87%) indicated that an important reason for their contributions was because they help build strong and healthy communities, which is good for business. Some types of charities seem to be more attractive to Canada’s corporate donor. Causes related to children and youth command the bulk of business support (68% and 55% respectively). For more information (PDF format), visit: www.imaginecanada.ca .
February 11, 2008
The Ontario Ministry of Education is investing $33 million in the Community Use of Schools program for 2008-09, a significant increase over the previous year's investment. The program provides funding to school boards so they can make school space more affordable for use after hours. In some priority areas, school space will be available for free. The program and its funding will continue to grow over the next few years, reaching $66 million by 2011-12, and will include $6.4 million to hire outreach coordinators throughout Ontario to help administer the program. For more information, visit: www.edu.gov.on.ca.
February 11, 2008
Nonprofit social service agencies have an opportunity to win a share of $70,000 in prize money through the Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services. Award recipients are selected based on a ranking of their performance in ten areas, including management and governance, the use of staff and volunteers, innovation, program cost, and outcome monitoring. The top organizations in each of the nine categories of social service delivery will each recieve $5,000, while the $20,000 William H. Donner Award for Excellence will be presented to the highest performer overall. The Donner Awards' newest honour, the $5,000 Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Management, will be presented to a nonprofit organization with a consistent record of excellence and innovation in management and service delivery.Applicants receive a confidential report that compares their organization's performance to that of similar organizations, allowing them to identify both areas of particular strength and areas where performance can be improved. The deadline for submission is May 15, 2008, and all applications completed online are eligible for a $1,000 cash draw. For more information, and to apply, visit: www.donnerawards.org.
February 11, 2008
A new report indicates that barely three out of ten Canadians aged 15 and over participated regularly in one or more sports in 2005. The figure was much higher in the early 1990s, at 45% in 1992 but declining in 1998 to 34%. The report cautions that these figures do not indicate that Canadians are becoming more physically inactive, as many are exercising on their own or in community programs. Some key factors in the decline include the current aging population as well as time pressures related to both career and home life. The study also found that there are now more women amateur coaches than men, and that women have made considerable headway in becoming referees. Golf remains the most popular participation sport in Canada, with ice hockey second and swimming third. -- Statistics Canada
February 11, 2008
Three Calgary business leaders have made a $5 million donation to Mount Royal College in memory of Roderick Mah. Donald McCaffrey, Dr. Norman Wong, and Wayne Chiu, made the donation in honour of their friend, a Mount Royal alumnus who passed away a year ago. It is anticipated the donation will be matched over the next two years using money from the Government of Alberta’s Access to the Future program and will go toward improving and upgrading facilities for students in Mount Royal’s health and science degree programs. For more information, visit: www.mtroyal.ab.ca.
February 11, 2008
Prairieaction Foundation released its annual call for letters of intent for its CARE Grants Program. This program funds community-based organizations in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to do action-oriented research into solutions to violence and abuse. The deadline for letters of intent is March 20, 2008. For more information on the grants and how to apply, visit: www.prairieactionfoundation.ca.
February 11, 2008
Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is inviting interested parties to submit proposals for the 2008 CFC conference, to be held in Montreal from November 7- 9th. The conference will spotlight important trends and opportunities in philanthropy for community foundations and community philanthropic organizations. Three key threads underline the conference program: diversity, dialogue and positioning. Proposals should explore these threads from the perspective of community and philanthropy in both the local and global contexts, including collaboration across boundaries, changing economic and political contexts, the changing role of philanthropy, and the changing definition of community. The deadline for proposals is March 15, 2008. They should be sent via e-mail to Carrie Nixon. For more information, visit: www.cfc-fcc.ca.
February 11, 2008
Amway Corporation (Quixtar in the U.S. and Canada) has discovered an Internet scam that uses a bogus Amway charity as a lure. Amway cautions individuals to be on the lookout for e-mails from a group calling itself the “Amway Children Charity Foundation”. The bogus group sends an e-mail informing recipients that they will be given a grant to help establish a children’s help centre to assist poor children in the area. A nomination code number may be given, and banking information is requested. The scam has been circulated by e-mail in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia and recipients are advised not to respond or reply in any way. For more information, visit: www.amway.com.
February 11, 2008
Nonprofit and charitable organizations based in Alberta will benefit from a new donor-driven grant program created to help increase private charitable donations in the province. The Community Spirit Program is composed of a donation grant program and an enhanced charitable tax credit. Available to all eligible nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to Albertans and Alberta communities, grants will be calculated on a proportional basis and based on cash donations received by the eligible organization. The maximum grant is $25,000 per year, with total grants not to exceed $50,000 over three-years. Grants can be used for operations, projects, programming and small capital projects. Program guidelines will be available by April 1. The annual grant submission deadline will be in October. The Alberta government has also raised the charitable tax credit for eligible annual donations above $200 by 60%. For more information, visit: alberta.ca.
February 11, 2008
In honour of its 80th anniversary, HudBay Minerals Inc. has donated $1 million to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The museum is poised to be Canada's first federal museum devoted to human rights, and the first federal museum outside the national capital area. Located in Winnipeg, it is envisioned to be the largest human rights centre in the world, with a special focus on equipping and educating young people to become human rights leaders and advocates. For more information about the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, visit: www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com.
February 11, 2008
AFP and Legacy Leaders have partnered to offer researchers the funds necessary to conduct studies on issues related to planned giving. The first of two grants awarded this year funded the project Identification, Death and Bequest Giving, which will explore how individuals who are considering making or have made planned gifts identify with the organizations they want to support. The second grant will fund Causes and Correlates of Charitable Giving in Estate Planning, a review of five waves (1996-2006) of the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Survey, involving more than 100,000 people. For more information, visit: www.afpnet.org.
February 11, 2008
Following up on the International Year of Volunteers (2001), United Nations Volunteers is asking for participation in an online survey that will help in writing a background paper on volunteering. This background paper will then form a report that the UN Secretary General will submit to the 63rd General Assembly later this year. The deadline for submission is Friday February 29. To take the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com.
February 11, 2008
ING Group is launching a global art competition, called ING Fresh Eyes, intended to fuse the art and sports worlds by creating works of art based on ING's sponsorship of Formula 1 racing. Each winner will receive a trip to the Grand Prix and be mentored by one of ING's artists 'in residence', in order to experience and capture the spirit of F1. The competition is split into five national competitions taking place in Australia, Belgium, Hungary, Spain and the UK, as well as a global competition. For more information on how to apply, visit: www.ingfresheyes.com.
February 4, 2008
International Development Enterprises (IDE) has announced a grant of $27 million over four years from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in support of its micro-irrigation programs for Indian smallholder farmers. The project aims to directly affect up to 250,000 smallholder farm families in 14 diverse states of India, increasing farmers’ income by a minimum of $400 per year, and boosting the agricultural economy by $300 million at the grassroots level. The grant will provide funding for the development of an expanded product line of micro-irrigation technologies including water storage devices, low pressure sprinklers, and solar- and wind-powered pumps. For more information, visit: www.www.ideorg.org.
February 4, 2008
A new study released by The Offord Group reports that during the period of 2001-2005, Canadian philanthropy grew by more than 20%. The National Report on Fundraising Trends and Cost Effectiveness also showed that the largest charities, who made up only 2% of those surveyed, benefitted the most by receiving more than 50% of the funds raised. The smallest charities included in the study made up more than three-quarters of those surveyed and yet received only 15.6% of all donations.Although giving increased over this five-year period, the growth rate of new Canadian charities slowed considerably to 1.5%. The composition of Canadian charities remained constant with religious and welfare groups making up the majority. However, giving patterns did change among these groups with welfare and health organizations both showing increases, while religious groups fell by 3%. To view the study, visit: www.theoffordgroup.com.
February 4, 2008
As reported by the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation (ORCF) raised more than $6 million with their 11th annual Cancer Foundation Telethon last week, almost doubling last year's total. "We know that over 100 people each week in Eastern Ontario receive a diagnosis of cancer," said Walter Robinson, chair of the foundation's board of directors. The foundation will use the money to fund clinical trials, equipment upgrades, and research, including research into prevention and increasing survival rates. For more information about the ORCF, visit: www.orccfoundation.ca.
February 4, 2008
A recent study of Ontarians aged 15 and older showed that the most popular cultural activity in 2005 was reading the newspaper (83%), closely followed by listening to recorded music (83%), watching a video (80%), and reading a magazine (89%). With 52% enjoying a visit to a nature park or conservation area, Ontario joins British Columbia as the only provinces where a heritage activity attracted at least half of the population. The study also compared figures from 1992 with the current numbers and found that while many types of activities have increased their audience, classical music and newspapers did attract less of the population in 2005. -- Hill Strategies Research
February 4, 2008
Carleton University announced that philanthropist and architect David J. Azrieli is donating $5.5 million to the Carleton University School of Architecture. The gift will be used to create a permanent endowment and will provide the school with annual funding to introduce academic programs such as a new PhD and a new undergraduate program in environmentally sustainable architecture. The gift is being made by the Azrieli Foundation, a Canadian nonprofit organization. For more information, visit: www.carleton.ca.
February 4, 2008
Heritage Canada is accepting nominations in several categories for its annual awards program. The wide array of categories recognize governments, individuals, corporations, and journalists who have shown an outstanding commitment to Canada's heritage conservation. All nominations must be received by April 30, 2008. For more information on the individual awards and how to submit a nomination, visit: www.heritagecanada.org.
February 4, 2008
Scotiabank announced a $6.6 million contribution to United Way of Greater Toronto. The gift included an employee contribution of $5 million and a corporate gift of $1.6 million. In 2007, the United Way of Greater Toronto raised $108.1 million in support of its network of 200 health and social service agencies, and its work in the city's inner-suburban neighbourhoods. For more information about the United Way of Greater Toronto, visit: www.unitedwaytoronto.com.
February 4, 2008
A recent poll indicates that 82% of Canadians would continue to work after retirement, even if finances were not a factor. However, 53% indicated they would cut back on their hours and would not work full-time. More than half surveyed (56%) indicated they plan on working as long as possible, and 72% suggested that they could return to work after retirement if they required additional income. Possible factors could include the desire to retire debt free and the possibility of supporting other family members after retirement. -- Ipsos Reid
February 4, 2008
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP) launched in Ottawa last week, thanks, in part, to a $750,000 donation from founding partner Bell. The CCCP is a charitable organization dedicated to the safety of all children. The centre advises and raises awareness on best practices related to prevention strategies to reduce online sexual exploitation of children and improve their safety. The centre delivers two national programs, Cybertip.ca and Kids in the Know. For more information, visit: www.protectchildren.ca.
February 4, 2008
The RCMP Heritage Centre recently received a $150,000 commitment from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) through its RBC Foundation. “We are honoured to partner with RBC to help share the important modern work of the RCMP in Canada, both with our visitors and the numerous school children that will benefit from the ‘Policing our Nation’ program," said Vic Huard, president and CEO of the centre. For more information about the centre, visit: www.rcmpheritagecentre.com.
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