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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: June 2008
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
$35 million for construction trades in Ontario
June 30, 2008
The province of Ontario will invest $35 million in Algonquin College, creating 600 spots for more students. The funding will help build a new centre dedicated to construction trades and building sciences. The 142,000-square-foot building will allow students to learn the latest techniques in architecture, engineering and interior design. Ontario is facing a high demand for skilled trade workers with more than half of existing workers expected to retire over the next 15 years. The funding is part of the government’s three-year $1.5 billion Skills to Jobs Action Plan. For more information, visit: www.premier.gov.on.ca.
June 30, 2008
As reported by cbcnews.ca, Canadians have donated $15 million more to survivors of the Chinese earthquake than to those of the Burmese cyclone, even though both Red Cross campaigns fell under the federal government's matching donation program. The Red Cross speculates that this could be partially due to the high Chinese population in Canada, particularly in Vancouver which is also a city situated on an earthquake fault line. But perhaps more importantly, donors across Canada were moved by the tragic pictures that came out of China shortly after the earthquake. Many journalists were barred from entering Burma after the cyclone, and the Canadian public saw far fewer images of this disaster than of the earthquake. In total, the Red Cross earthquake campaign raised $17.2 million, $15 million of which will be matched by the federal government. The Burma cyclone campaign raised a total of $2.76 million, with $1.6 million to be matched. For more information, visit: www.cbc.ca.
June 30, 2008
The 2008 National Gambling Report released this week by Harris/Decima Research in Ottawa found that more than ever before, Canadians are supporting their favourite charities through the purchase of lottery tickets. The consumer study, the fourth released since 2005, delves into the gambling habits of Canadians and puts their participation in these activities into social and political context. The latest study notes that 25% of Canadians report they have purchased a charity lottery ticket in the past year, up from 18% in 2006. Regionally, Albertans lead the way with nearly 40% purchasing charity tickets in the last year and one in four picking up hospital lottery tickets. Atlantic Canadians are the second strongest supporters of such endeavours, with Quebecers participating the least, though availability of hospital lottery tickets in that province is limited. As a result of the information flowing from the overall study of gambling in Canada, Harris/Decima will conduct a detailed syndicated study in the fall among the major charitable organizations which use lotteries to raise funds. For more information about Harris/Decima, visit: harrisdecima.com.
Fast Fact: Canadians receiving increased e-mails
June 30, 2008
The average number of e-mails that Canadians receive on a weekly basis rose by 9% last year, a far smaller rise than the 26% increase seen between 2005 and 2006. These increases are causing some problems for Canadians, with 38% saying they have trouble keeping up with the e-mail they receive. However, 70% of online Canadians signed up for at least one e-mail newsletter last year, a decrease of only 10% from the previous year. This decrease was also reflected in the number of websites that Canadians registered with, which dropped from 8.5 in 2006 to 7.7 in 2007. Canadians are also increasingly using junk folders, with 42% of all e-mail received being filed in a spam folder. -- Ipsos Reid
June 30, 2008
As reported by the Regina Leader-Post, the All Nations Healing Hospital received a donation of $1.3 million over three years from the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund in order to increase maternity services in the area. The All Nations Healing Hospital, which is located in Fort Qu'Appelle and is owned and operated by both the File Hills and Touchwood Agency Tribal Councils, will now be able to deliver a larger number of babies and also assist women experiencing high risk pregnancies. The hospital will also be able to provide pre- and post-natal care to the First Nations community. For more information about the All Nations Healing Hospital, visit: www.fortquappelle.com/anhh.html.
June 30, 2008
This September, students at the Richard Ivey School of Business in London, Ontario will lend their business expertise to not-for-profit organizations (NPO) free of charge. Ivey Connects, a program at the Richard Ivey School of Business, has set up pro-bono consulting projects for NPOs in the community for the past four years. This project pairs an NPO with a group of undergraduate business students guided by a consultant at Accenture Consulting to recommend solutions for business issues or ways to implement a new business project. Past projects have included innovative sustainability plans, recommended fundraising strategies and tactical marketing plans. The projects run for 6 weeks, as students research and synthesize their findings into a presentation or document for NPO partners. For more information, or to submit an application, visit: www.ivey.uwo.ca.
June 30, 2008
Imagine Canada is now accepting nominations for their Canadian Business and Community Partnership Awards. Three winning partnerships will be chosen and celebrated at a gala reception in the spring of 2009. To be eligible, partnerships must be between a not-for-profit organization and a Canadian business and must have been in existence for at least two years prior to the time of nomination. Established in 1996, these awards recognize and celebrate outstanding partnerships between small or large businesses and nonprofit organizations that are finding innovative ways to support Canadian communities. The deadline for nominations is September 26, 2008. For more information, or to submit a nomination, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca.
June 30, 2008
A new report shows that food bank clients in the greater Toronto area spend 77% of their income on rent, leaving little left for other necessities. The report also showed a 5% increase in the number of people accessing food banks from this time last year. The number of children accessing the food bank dropped from 37% in 2003 to 34% in 2008, and 13% of children said they went hungry one day a week this past year as opposed to 27% in 2003. The average wage for employed food bank clients was $10.36 per hour, the majority of whom could only find part-time jobs without prescription drug or dental coverage. -- Daily Bread Food Bank
June 30, 2008
According to an article by the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, the Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive raised $1.2 million this past week for the Children's Health and Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. The drive consisted of nine events stretched over 36 hours and included a divot breaking, a public demonstration given by Weir, and three golf tournaments. Two donors paid $100,000 each to be a caddy at one of Weir's future events. Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada aside from PEI that does not have their own children's hospital. For more information about the Children's Health and Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, visit: www.chhf.sk.ca.
June 30, 2008
The Ontario Safety Association for Community and Healthcare (OSACH) released the first workplace violence prevention video developed specifically for the province's health and community care sector. Workplace Violence Prevention in Health and Community Care is a collaborative initiative with participation from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the Ministry of Labour, senior healthcare and union leadership, healthcare professionals and managers. It identifies responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and provides guidance in the development of a comprehensive violence prevention program, with specific education modules for acute, long-term and community care. Strategies to avert responsive behaviours in persons who have cognitive impairments, psychiatric issues or dementia are also a component of the DVD. For more information, visit: www.osach.ca.
June 30, 2008
According to a recent survey, 35% of respondents indicated they have sent e-mails at work that could come back to haunt them. The same number of respondents, 35%, also suggested that they feel their employer probably checks their e-mails, with 52% agreeing that it is an employer's right to check company e-mails. In addition, 51% say their employer has a specific e-mail policy clearly documented, 74% are always careful about what they send, and 30% know someone who has been disciplined for inappropriate use of work e-mail. Only 43% indicated they are aware that their e-mails could be forwarded without their knowledge. Respondents said they send an average of 2.6 personal e-mails every day, with 7% suggesting they send more than 10 personal e-mails per day. -- Environics
June 23, 2008
As reported by cbcnews.ca, Holocaust survivor Michael (Chaim) Neuberger has donated $10 million to help rebuild and renovate the existing Holocaust education centre located in Toronto. The centre will be part of the new National Centre for Jewish Heritage. The education centre, which is visited by about 60,000 people per year, will be renamed the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre, in honour of Neuberger and his late wife. As a child Neuberger lost most of his family in the Holocaust before coming to Canada in 1948. For more information about the Holocaust Education Centre, visit: www.tomorrowcampaign.com.
June 23, 2008
On June 13, the federal government introduced the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act, which would modernize Canada's not-for-profit legislation for the first time since 1917. The proposed Act will enable organizations to incorporate faster and improve their financial accountability, clarify the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, and enhance the protection of members' rights. Corporations currently incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act will have three years to apply for corporate status under the proposed Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. There will be no fees for this process. For more information, visit: www.ic.gc.ca.
June 23, 2008
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that the Government of Canada has listed the World Tamil Movement (WTM) as a terrorist group, pursuant to the Canadian Criminal Code. The WTM, created in 1986, is believed to be the leading front organization for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Canada. The Government of Canada alleges that the various offices of the WTM transfer funds, many publicly raised as donations, to bank accounts in Sri Lanka meant for the LTTE. The federal government also alleges that WTM representatives canvas areas in Canada with large Tamil populations demanding large donations on behalf of the LTTE, with refusals to contribute leading to threats and intimidation. For more information, visit: www.ps-sp.gc.ca.
June 23, 2008
The University of Guelph received a $5-million, 10-year commitment from Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. to support an educational centre at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). The Hill's Pet Nutrition Primary Healthcare Centre will be an international centre for teaching and research in companion animal health care and service delivery. It will provide a variety of educational experiences, from practical skills development to preventive medicine. Students will also learn to educate owners about the health, nutrition and the well-being of their animal companions. For more information, visit: www.uoguelph.ca.
June 23, 2008
Imagine Canada has just approved the first roster of new Ethical Code participants. The Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code (The Ethical Code) is a self-regulatory initiative that sets a framework for best practices in fundraising and financial reporting. Preliminary uptake from the sector is strong with the current list representing 120 charities both large and small from throughout Canada and with an estimated $1 billion in fundraising revenue. The Code itself will evolve on an ongoing basis to remain in step with current practices in fundraising and financial management. Complaints will be reviewed by a volunteer committee of finance and fundraising experts and all charities are required to submit an annual report. As well, the Ethical Code works in tandem with other standards initiatives such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ code of ethics for individual fundraisers. For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca. (PDF)
June 23, 2008
Total operating revenue for the performing arts industry in Canada during 2006 remained almost unchanged from 2005 at $1.2 billion, an amount that was split almost equally between for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. In the not-for-profit sector the profit margin rose from a loss of 0.4% in 2005 to a profit of 1.2% in 2006. For every $100 in revenue that not-for-profit companies earned, $42 was generated by ticket sales and $9 from royalties and rentals. Government grants, subsidies and donations generated $26, while private sector grants provided the remaining $23. Theatres comprised the largest segment of the not-for-profit sector in 2006, attracting 57% of total attendance and 48% of total revenues. -- Statistics Canada
June 23, 2008
According to an article by canada.com, working conditions in the Canadian public sector are toxic. Bill Wilkerson, chairman of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, cites absenteeism, disability claims and distress among Canada's nurses, doctors, teachers, police, military and bureaucrats as proof of this phenomenon. Disability claims are rising across Canada in all sectors, and are estimated to cost about $51 million per year. Up to 40% of these claims are due to depression. Although these issues are certainly not limited to the public sector, Wilkerson believes it needs a closer look since the public sector is funded by taxpayers. For more information, visit: www.canada.com.
June 23, 2008
More and more workers are finding it difficult to balance the roles of employee, parent, spouse, and eldercare giver. Trying to balance paid work, family responsibilities, and personal needs takes a toll on employers, families, and workers. It shows up as higher absenteeism, reduced employee commitment, declining job satisfaction, lower workplace morale, and reduced satisfaction with family life. A new report published by Health Canada, entitled Reducing Work-Life Conflict: What Works? What Doesn't, examines common difficulties that are faced by Canadian employees when trying to balance their work and home lives. The report offers special recommendations to both employees and employers on how to limit these difficulties, and also explores such common challenges as caring for dependents while remaining employed, and working for a non-supportive manager. For more information, and to read the entire report, visit: www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
June 23, 2008
Thanks to the environmental awareness of customers who opt for reusable bags, IGA retailers announced a contribution of over $1 million to Fonds Ecomunicipalité IGA, managed by Earth Day Québec. For over 15 years, IGA has given customers a few cents for every bag they reuse. But after surveying customers about this recycling incentive, IGA recently decided it could do more good by giving the money to Fonds Ecomunicipalité IGA, a sustainable development tool for Québec municipalities. From June 26, 2008, to May 1, 2009, municipalities across Québec, environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) and teaching institutions will be able to apply for funding through the Fonds Ecomunicipalité IGA. For more information about Earth Day Québec, and to apply for funding, visit: www.jourdelaterre.org.
June 23, 2008
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is looking for board members to represent various districts that will have upcoming vacancies. Nominations can be made by individuals or by AFP chapters. Additionally, the AFP is looking for nominees for chair-elect and vice chair who have previously served on an AFP board, held an officer position, and/or served in a chapter leadership role. The membership and external relations divisions also require vice chairs, and the professional advancement division requires a secretary and treasurer. The nomination deadline is July 15, 2008. For more information, visit: www.afpnet.org.
June 23, 2008
The Ontario government is looking for organizations that want to play a leadership role in improving access for people with disabilities and helping organizations meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and accessibility standards. The EnAbling Change Partnership Program is part of the government’s commitment to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. For 2008/09, the program is providing $1 million in funding for strategic partnership projects that will make a significant impact on improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and promoting compliance with the Act and accessibility standards. The impact should be broad enough to be felt throughout an industry or sector, or across several sectors. Letters of interest that are submitted on or before June 30, 2008 will be given priority consideration. For more information, visit: www.mcss.gov.on.ca.
June 23, 2008
Johnson & Johnson (J&J), working in conjunction with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, seeks to promote the use of the arts to enhance the healthcare experience for patients, their families and caregivers. Proposals are being sought from healthcare and/or arts organizations who have established arts in healthcare programs with evidence of initial impact. Grants, each averaging a total of $75,000 over three years, are intended to assist organizations in strengthening program evaluation and replicating programs nationally and/or internationally. Letters of inquiry are due August 8, 2008. For more information, visit: thesah.org.
June 23, 2008
Registration is now open for Community Foundations of Canada’s biggest and most international conference to date, CFC Conference 2008 – Our Communities, Our World, which will be held in Montreal from November 7- 9th. The conference is a global event, with speakers from San Francisco to South Africa, more than 50 concurrent sessions, cultural activities, peer dialogues, youth programming, site visits, a host event and plenty of time for networking and socializing. Attendance is expected to be twice the size of CFC’s usual biennial conference, with room for more than 800 delegates. For more information, visit: www.cfc-fcc.ca/conference2008.
June 16, 2008
On June 4, more than 3,000 Tim Hortons stores in North America donated their entire coffee sales and funds raised through Camp Day events and activities to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, raising $9 million. This amount exceeds last year's total of $8.3 million. Over 13,000 children will attend one of the six foundation camps this year, thanks in large part to the funds raised on Camp Day. Each camp offers a wide range of programs and activities that encourage campers to embrace challenges. The experience is designed to build self-confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills and provide campers with a positive view of their true potential. For more information about the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, visit: www.timhortons.com.
June 16, 2008
A new study released by the Center for Responsible Business at the University of Berkeley indicates that people who volunteer their time to a charitable organization are more likely to give larger gifts to the organization than those who only give funds. The Happiness of Giving: The Time-Ask Effect, conducted by Wendy Liu and Jennifer Aaker, found that individuals experience different mindsets, namely emotional and economic, depending on what question is being asked of them. Participants in the study who were asked first to donate volunteer time before being asked to donate money were more likely to give more money than those that were only asked to donate funds. For more information, and to download the study, visit: repositories.cdlib.org.
June 16, 2008
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) announced a gift of $3.5 million from Thomas Beck, establishing the Tom Beck Concertmaster Chair, which names and endows in perpetuity the concertmaster position. A long-standing patron of the TSO, Beck made the gift in recognition of his years of involvement with the TSO and his passionate love of the music. In the past, Beck served the TSO as a board member and as a distinguished chair. Tom and Mary Beck were founding members of the Music Director’s Circle, and with this gift, will have contributed more than $5.5 million to the TSO. For more information, visit: www.tso.on.ca.
June 16, 2008
The 5th annual Leucan Shaved Head Challenge took place in Quebec on June 8, with the results exceeding last year's totals. Almost 7,300 participants shaved their heads and raised more than $3.8 million for children with cancer. The funds raised will be used by Leucan to offer children with cancer and their families services such as emotional support, financial aid, recreational animation service, massage therapy, social and recreational activities, school awareness, and support to clinical research. Leucan, which receives no government grants, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1978. Its mission is to enhance the well-being, healing and recovery of children with cancer and ensure support for their families. For more information, visit: www.tetesrasees.com.Meanwhile, cnews reported that a waitress in Owen Sound, Ontario was laid off for the summer after shaving her head to raise money for cancer research. Stacey Fearnall raised more than $2,700 by shaving off all of her hair, but upon returning to her job at an upscale restaurant was told that she should either wear a wig or take the summer off. After a media furor, the restaurant owner apologized, but there is no word on whether Fearnall will be returning to her job. For more information, visit: http://cnews.canoe.ca.
June 16, 2008
The Centre for Social Innovation and Enterprising Non-Profits BC are launching Enterprising Non-Profits Toronto (ENP-TO), an initiative to seed and support social enterprise in the Greater Toronto Area. The program provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to help nonprofit organizations start and grow social enterprises. In order to apply for funding, participants must attend an ENP-TO orientation session. The orientation session is a full-day workshop with prospective participants to ensure that staff and board members have a thorough understanding of the issues involved in enterprise development. The cost of the orientation session is $100 per person ($50 for a second person from the same organization) and includes breakfast, lunch, coffee/snacks, and a copy of the Canadian Social Enterprise Guide. For more information, visit: www.socialinnovation.ca.
June 16, 2008
A new study shows that Canadian Internet usage is growing, with 73% of respondents aged 16 and over going online for personal reasons in the 12 months prior to the survey. This is up from 68% when the survey was last conducted in 2005, although the increase is mainly because 16- and 17-year-olds were included in the survey this time around. Only 65% of people in rural areas accessed the Internet prior to the survey, as opposed to 76% in urban areas. Of those using the Internet at home, 68% went online everyday of the month, while 50% spent five hours or more online each week. -- Statistics Canada
June 16, 2008
Nominations for the 29th Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are now being accepted. Candidates whose effectiveness and courage have advanced the cause of equality for girls and women in significant and substantial ways will be considered. Five awards as well as one Youth Award are presented annually to candidates chosen from across Canada. A noteworthy change to the eligibility criteria has been made in respect to the age categories. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be Canadian citizens and over 30 years of age or between 15 and 30 years of age for the Youth Award. The deadline for nominations is July 15, 2008. For more information, including criteria for the awards, visit: www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.
June 16, 2008
The UBC Museum of Anthropology (MOA) announced that thirteen of the fifteen objects stolen from the museum on May 24 have been safely recovered. The objects, which included twelve original works by Haida artist Bill Reid and three items of Mexican jewellery, were the subject of an intense recovery effort. Among the recovered items are Bill Reid's gold box with a three-dimensional eagle on top, his gold frog brooch, and two bracelets. Still missing are an argillite pipe and an eagle brooch, both by Bill Reid. For more information, visit: www.moa.ubc.ca.
June 16, 2008
Nominations are now being accepted for the Alcan Prize for Sustainability, a $1 million prize that recognizes organizations demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing, achieving, and further advancing economic, environmental and/or social sustainability. Additionally, grants valued at $15,000 are awarded to the remaining nine shortlisted organizations, with the specific intention of investing in certifiable training and capacity building for the organization. Nominations are welcomed from small, medium and large organizations, based anywhere in the world, that have been incorporated and operating for a minimum of five years, and who can demonstrate impact on at least two dimensions of sustainability - economic, environmental and/or social development. Preference will be given to organizations that are successfully advancing all three sustainability goals. The deadline for submissions is September 12, 2008. For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: www.prixalcanpourladurabilite.com.
June 16, 2008
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) submitted a report outlining 11 recommendations relating to the Canadian Television Fund's (CTF) mandate and governance structure to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Among the recommendations is one proposing that the CTF's funding be split into private- and public-sector streams. The private-sector stream would support the production of commercially successful programming and would be accessed by private commercial broadcasters. The public-sector stream would be set aside for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, educational broadcasters, and other not-for-profit broadcasters. For more information, and to view the report, visit: www.crtc.gc.ca.
June 16, 2008
As reported by the Northern News Service, Volunteer NWT closed its doors on June 9 due to lack of funding. The program, which began in 2003, supported the volunteer sector in the NWT through workshops and training, and by keeping members up to date on volunteer opportunities and news from across the country. Government funding to the program was cut this year, and although the centre was offered $80,000 from a private foundation, it was simply not enough to run the program. For more information, visit: nnsl.com.
June 16, 2008
Dr. David McKeown, the City of Toronto’s medical officer of health, has issued a call for nominations for the inaugural Public Health Champion Awards, created as part of the celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of public health in Toronto. The awards recognize individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting and promoting the health of Toronto’s residents. Nominations will be adjudicated by a committee of the Board of Health based on demonstrated achievement in one or more of four areas:The nomination deadline is July 11, 2008. For more information, visit: wx.toronto.ca.
- Providing leadership in efforts to reduce health inequalities
- Fostering collaboration to improve the health of the population
- Building community capacity through innovative health promotion strategies
- Achieving impact by acting as a catalyst for change
June 16, 2008
The Health Care Foundation announced a $100,000 contribution from ExxonMobil Canada for the purchase of cardiac-care equipment. "This contribution will provide cardiac surgeons and specialists with state-of-the-art equipment so that they can provide optimal cardiac care for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Health Care Foundation Chairman Frank Fagan. For more information about the Health Care Foundation, visit: www.healthcarefoundation.ca.
June 9, 2008
Mike Lazaridis donated $50 million to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI), bringing his personal contributions to $150 million in the research institute. Lazaridis is founder and chairman of the board of PI, an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and educational outreach organization where international scientists gather to develop new ideas about space, time, matter and information. The gift will help to strengthen government-industry partnerships and to attract scientists from all over the world. For more information, visit: www.perimeterinstitute.ca.
June 9, 2008
As reported by cbcnews.ca, the federal government is considering delisting the Banyan Tree charitable foundation. Under a complicated system, the foundation accepted cash donations and provided tax receipts for more than the donated amount. Additionally, the foundation offered loans through a company owned by the foundation's president, Robert Thiessen, for donors who wanted to further increase their tax credits. At this time, thousands of donors are being required to repay more than $63 million in tax credits to the federal government, in addition to their loans to the lending company. As well, many charities that were promised gifts from the foundation last year have never received the funds. The Canada Revenue Agency has not yet commented on the issue, however Revenue Minister Gordon O'Connor suggested that donors be cautious about their gifts, reminding them that receiving a tax credit for an amount higher than the donation is illegal. For more information, visit: www.cbc.ca.
June 9, 2008
Princess Margaret Hospital announced that a long-term gift of $37.5 million from the Campbell family will be recognized through the creation of the Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (CFCRI) at Princess Margaret Hospital. The Campbell family’s support over the course of their association with Princess Margaret Hospital now totals $67.5 million, representing the largest cumulative private gift to cancer research in Canada. While breast cancer will remain a major focus at the CFCRI, funding for the new institute will support a high content tumour bank, a state-of-the-art Advanced Molecular Profiling Lab (AMPL), and cancer research in tumour metabolism, cancer stem cells, cancer genomics, proteomics, informatics and guided therapeutics. For more information, visit: www.uhn.ca.
June 9, 2008
As reported by the Edmonton Journal, Statistics Canada has agreed to continue to collect information on the nonprofit sector through the Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP). After it was announced that budget cutbacks might spell an end for the survey, national and provincial lobbying efforts, particularly by Volunteer Canada and Imagine Canada, convinced Statistics Canada to continue the funding for the project. The last data collection occurred in 2007, and the results will be published next year. This will allow for important trend analysis in the sector that couldn't previously be done, since the 2000 and 2004 surveys had incomparable data. For more information about Statistics Canada, visit: www.statcan.ca.
June 9, 2008
According to a survey completed in 2005, 51% of children aged five to 14 participated in organized sports that year, down from 57% in 1992. About half of the children played in more than one organized sport, and active kids played their sport about 2.6 times per week when the sport was in season. The survey also indicated that participation rose with household income, with 68% of children in the top one-fifth income bracket participating in organized sport, while only 44% of children in the lowest one-fifth income bracket participated. Highest rates of participation occurred in Atlantic Canada (61%) and the lowest in British Columbia (44%) and Quebec (48%). -- Statistics Canada
June 9, 2008
According to globeandmail.com, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto has declined to accept a gift of a new church and surrounding seven acres of land, valued at $19 million, from auto magnate Frank Stronach. The public relations office for the Archdiocese indicates that the decision was made because Stronach wanted to retain control of the architectural design and create a building that was considered too grand. The archdiocese also wanted parishioners to have more ownership of the project, but Stronach reportedly rejected a proposal to have him match funds raised by the parishioners. For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
June 9, 2008
The 2008 IWK Telethon for Children, benefiting the IWK Health Centre Foundation, raised more than $5 million. Thousands of callers helped to purchase equipment such as a state-of-the-art Visucam Fundus Camera for the eye care team, Cozy Cots with oxygen monitors for the birth unit ,and an Olympus microscope for hematology/oncology. Donations will also support leading research initiatives and specialized programs such as Child Life, Bilingual Services and Spiritual Health. Over 2,000 volunteers work year-round to make the telethon a success. For more information, visit: www.iwkfoundation.org.
June 9, 2008
RBC announced the third and final component of its Blue Water Project grants pool for 2008. Community Action Grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each, up to a total of $200,000 for 2008, are available to support local and community projects in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean that are dedicated to watershed protection. Grant proposals will be accepted all year long. Community Action Grants focus on watershed protection because local water resources are best protected by effective watershed management. Problems that occur in one part of a watershed, like pollution, over-consumption, degraded habitat or mismanagement, affect people, agriculture, industry and natural habitats elsewhere. For more information, and to download an application, visit: www.rbc.com.
June 9, 2008
The Vancouver Foundation is looking for citizen graders living in metro Vancouver to participate in an upcoming survey designed to grade their region on factors that contribute to overall wellness and liveability. This annual survey examines everything from transportation, learning and housing, to diversity, culture and the environment. Vital Signs is used by community leaders, politicians, donors, and funders to stimulate dialogue and make informed decisions. For more information, and to participate in the survey, visit: www.vancouverfoundationvitalsigns.ca.
June 9, 2008
PAVR-O, the Professional Administrators of Volunteer Resources Ontario is concerned that the voluntary sector is not listening or hearing the messages about volunteerism and the challenges ahead. Linda Graff and Paul Reed are hosting a full day session, Taking Action on Volunteerism , on Thursday June 26th with key leaders Linda Graff and Marilyn Mackenzie. The issues and challenges in volunteerism and the impact on volunteer resources will be explored, but more importantly they will show you how to apply this knowledge to your day to day operations and changes you can make to reposition your volunteer program. This session is open to all who share a deep concern for volunteerism and who want to take a pro-active role. For more information, and to register for the workshop, visit: www.pavro.on.ca.
June 9, 2008
A reminder that volunteers over the age of 18 in Ontario are invited to participate in a new study that is investigating the concept of "volunteer engagement". This online survey will require only 15 minutes of your time and is confidential. Contact Erin Spink at Erin.Spink@guelphleadership.com for more information. This research has been approved by the Research Ethics Board of the University of Guelph. To participate in the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com.
June 9, 2008
In late June, the Government of British Columbia will be issuing $100 to each B.C. resident. The "Climate Action Dividend" is a rebate on the provincial Carbon Tax initiative and the government has challenged British Columbians to use it wisely to help fight climate change. Special Places, a joint initiative between This Community Cares Foundation and The Land Conservancy of BC, offers citizens a charitable way to spend their rebate. By making a $100 donation to the Special Places Campaign citizens can support local projects aimed at ending homelessness and protecting valuable green space. For more information, visit: www.specialplacesbc.ca.
June 9, 2008
A recently launched fee-based website by Third Sector Publishing is allowing users to search, sort, analyze, compare, and rank Canada’s 80,000 registered charities. Charter Press Ltd., parent company of Third Sector Publishing, has a license agreement with the Government of Canada that allows it to aggregate information from digitized T3010 annual filings. This means website users have access to, among other things, the last five years of financial statements for each of these charities. Users can search for Canadian charities by name and keyword, and create various lists of Canadian charities modified by geographic qualifiers, charity category qualifiers, and financial filters and ranking tools. Users will further be able to generate a detailed report on any charity that results from a search or that appears on a list. For more information, visit: www.charitycan.ca.
June 9, 2008
As reported by UK Fundraising, the Aspinall Foundation, in cooperation with BT iDonate, has created a Facebook application that allows for monthly giving. Facebook users can buy a "badge" with the Aspinall logo to post on their own page or to give to a friend. After 30 days the badge expires and the user is prompted to renew. Although the application was not developed by Facebook, and thus is not widely available to all charities, it does suggest that this could be a future form of revenue generation for many organizations around the world. To view Aspinall's Facebook page and their new badge, visit: www.facebook.com.
June 2, 2008
Communities across Alberta will receive $242 million in capital funding from the provincial government to create more affordable housing units, and $12.4 million to provide rent supplements for lower income residents. All Alberta municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and the private industry may apply for $142 million for affordable housing projects under this year’s Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Based on population this year, Calgary receives $47.9 million and Edmonton receives $34.3 million. Funding for other major cities includes $3.8 million for Lethbridge, $4 million for Red Deer, $2.3 million for Grande Prairie and $1.5 million for Medicine Hat. For more information, visit: alberta.ca.
June 2, 2008
A new report, entitled Boards of Midsize Nonprofits: Their Needs and Challenges, written by Francie Ostrower was recently released by the Urban Institute. The report uses data from the Urban Institute National Survey of Nonprofit Governance, and looks at organizations with annual expenses between $500,000 and $5 million. The report finds that many midsize nonprofits have difficulty keeping board members engaged and attracting new members. In the report, Ostrower highlights specific difficulties and outlines suggestions to combat these problems. For more information, or to download a copy of the report, visit: www.urban.org.
June 2, 2008
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) released a new document outlining their policies around acceptable purposes - or objects - for charitable organizations, as well as a list of examples that the CRA approves. The CRA suggests using their "model objects" where possible since it can speed up the charitable registration process. For an organization to be legally considered charitable, its object must fall into one of four categories: the relief of poverty; the advancement of education; the advancement of religion; and other purposes beneficial to the community as a whole in a way which the law regards as charitable. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
June 2, 2008
The University of Toronto announced an historic $14 million gift from John and Myrna Daniels to the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, the largest private donation to any architecture school in Canada. The gift will fund a major physical expansion and renovation of the faculty and will also endow a scholarship fund for outstanding architecture, landscape and design students. In recognition of the impact this gift will have on the university, U of T will name the faculty the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design. Part of the money will also go toward an endowed fund that will be awarded annually, with preference given to students who are the first in their family to attend university. For more information, visit: www.news.utoronto.ca.
June 2, 2008
The charity event Together for China - Earthquake Relief Telethon, broadcast on May 23, raised $2,286,300 across Canada. The event was a national earthquake relief effort by Fairchild Television in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross and featured performing artists from Asia and representatives from Canadian organizations appealing for and presenting pledges to help the earthquake victims in China. Canadian viewers raised the funds within just one day. For more information about how the Canadian Red Cross is helping survivors in China, visit: www.redcross.ca.Canadian aid agencies, under the banner of the Humanitarian Coalition, have received $1.6 million from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in support of their relief efforts in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Save the Children will receive $600,000 for mobile health services to reach more than 90,000 survivors. CARE will receive $1 million to deliver water and purification supplies, restore water supply systems, and provide non-food items such as plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, and blankets. The Canadian government is matching individual donations by Canadians, with the funds to be distributed by CIDA to established humanitarian organizations. For more information, visit: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.
June 2, 2008
A new study has thrown into doubt the idea that younger philanthropists are less generous than their older counterparts. The study looked at 10,000 people from each generational category, including the Millennials, who were born in 1981 or later. When all factors, such as income, education level, and religious attendance were equal, the study found no difference in giving between the generations. The study also found that the Millennial generation is more likely to cite the "desire to make the world a better place to live" as a key motivation for giving. -- Center on Philanthropy
June 2, 2008
According to Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted from Purpose, published by Project Streamline, the current system for grant application and reporting needs to be fixed to reduce burdens on time, energy, and effectiveness of both nonprofit staff and also foundations as a whole. Citing an "effectiveness paradox," the study found that some of the adopted measures to ensure strategic and accountable grantmaking are actually backfiring and creating unreasonable demands on staff time. The study outlines ten key ways that the current system creates more burdens than it relieves, and also recommends four core principles for change, highlighting a variety of ways these principles can be implemented. For more information, and to download the study, visit: www.projectstreamline.org.
June 2, 2008
On the cusp of Canadian Environment Week, a number of cities and towns across Canada have partnered with Earth Day Canada's EcoAction Teams program to implement a year-round program of conservation actions any citizen can take. Cities such as Ontario's Waterloo and Town of Blue Mountains, New Brunswick's Moncton and Alberta's Grand Prairie and Sylvan Lake have all signed agreements with Earth Day Canada to use EcoAction Teams to engage their citizens in simple lifestyle changes that add up to a big impact. And more cities are in the process of signing on. It is expected that more than 25 cities and towns across Canada will implement the program by the end of the year.The program is anchored by an online conservation calculator that is loaded with simple, easy to understand tips that walk users through the steps they can take to reduce energy and water use, waste, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Personalized reports on greenhouse gas emission reductions and cost savings are sent directly to the user, and can also be compared with other people across Canada. For more information, visit: www.ecoactionteams.ca.
June 2, 2008
The victim of theft, the University of British Columbia (UBC)'s Museum of Anthropology has lost 15 valuable objects, 12 of which are pieces by the late Haida artist Bill Reid. UBC is offering a reward of $50,000 for the safe return of the stolen artworks and the subsequent arrest of any suspects, by June 30, 2008. The monetary value of the items totals over $2 million, however, since several pieces were in gold, the museum is concerned that the thieves may be planning on melting them down. The gold in the artwork is only worth about $15,000 in today's market. For more information, including a complete list of the stolen artwork, visit: www.moa.ubc.ca.
June 2, 2008
A UK study found that, of the employers polled, 69% either never, or only occasionally, allow employees to work from home. Of the organizations that do offer to allow employees to work from home, only 8% find a negative difference in productivity, and 30% find an increase in productivity. Managers and professionals are more likely to obtain work-from-home agreements, with 19% of the organizations admitting they are more willing to work out options for employees that fall into these categories. A quarter of respondents did indicate that they plan on increasing the number of staff who work from home over the coming year. -- CIPD and KPMG
June 2, 2008
The 2008 For Advisors By Advisors gala event in St. John's raised $200,000 for the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation's Patient and Family Support Endowment Fund. The objective of the Patient and Family Support Endowment Fund is to create a $1 million permanent endowment, with the investment interest generated to be used on an annual basis directly for patient and family support. For more information about the foundation, visit: www.cancercarefoundation.nl.ca.
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