Two social service agencies share prestigious Donner Award
November 24, 2008
The Donner Awards recognize excellence in social service provision by Canadian nonprofit organizations by encouraging best practices and greater accountability. Alice Housing of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, Ontario, shared the $20,000 William H. Donner Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services, the award for the highest performing agency overall.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, our feature organization in this month's Spotlight series, was also named top agency for excellence in the delivery of services for children, winning an additional $5,000 prize. Alice Housing was also recognized for excellence in the provision of basic necessities, receiving another $5,000 prize as well.
Nine other organizations shared the remaining $40,000 in category awards.
For more information, including a full list of winners, visit: www.donnerawards.org. (Word document)
CRA revokes charitable status of Vancouver's Pinnacle Foundation
November 24, 2008
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has revoked the charitable registration of the Pinnacle Foundation, a Vancouver-based charity, effective November 15, 2008.
In a letter to the foundation, the CRA alleges that "The primary activity of the Charity to date appears to have been issuing tax receipts in support of the donation arrangement and in amounts supplied by the donation arrangement promoters. The Charity's sole activity during the audit period was its participation in the donation arrangement; no charitable activities have been conducted by the Charity prior to or after its participation aside from the gifting of approximately $18,000 to qualified donees." For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Dalhousie University receives $6 million private donation
November 24, 2008
As reported by the ChronicleHerald.ca, Dalhousie University's ophthalmology and visual sciences department received a $6 million donation from Margaret (Peggy) St. George, in memory of her adoptive parents. The donation will establish the Dr. R. Evatt and Rita Mathers Scholarship Fund, which will provide assistance for a new research account, visiting scientist program, and scholarship fund. St. George's adoptive father, Dr. Mathers, was an ophthalmologist who taught at the Dalhousie medical school. St. George also donated $500,000 in honour of her biological father, to create a scholarship for first-year commerce students. For more information about Dalhousie University, visit: www.dal.ca.
New report released on HR issues facing nonprofits
November 24, 2008
The Calgary HR Initiative released a new report on nonprofit human resources entitled The Myths and Realities of the Workforce Crunch in Non-Profits.
The report addresses recent research suggesting a 50% pay gap between equivalent positions in for-profit and nonprofit, as well as a 20% vacancy rate and 40% turnover rate in nonprofit employment. While the paper focuses on what this means for Alberta nonprofits, the information is broad in spectrum and identifies popular myths regarding nonprofit employment. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.calgarycvo.org.
(PDF)
13th annual Flare volunteer awards accepting nominations
November 24, 2008
FLARE Magazine announced the call for nominations for the 13th Annual FLARE Volunteer Awards. The awards honour Canadian female volunteers aged 13 and up who have made a significant contribution to the lives of people in their communities.
The FLARE Volunteer Awards also announced a new category that is just for teens. The awards will be presented to seven Canadian women who will be invited to Toronto in the spring of 2009 to participate in an awards ceremony, and will be featured in a subsequent profile in a national edition of FLARE.
The deadline for nominations is February 6, 2009. For more information, or to submit a nomination, visit: www.flare.com.
Fast Fact: Canadians plan to maintain Christmas giving levels
November 24, 2008
According to a recent survey, 82% of Canadians believe that people in developing countries need even more help than ever, and 65% indicate that because of the economic slowdown they will be even more likely to donate to those less fortunate than themselves. Of those who annually give at Christmas, 69% say they'll continue to give the same amount, while 13% indicate that they will be giving more than in previous years. Only 18% stated that they will scale back their Christmas donations this year. -- Ipsos Reid
Newfoundland cancer campaign raises $3.6 million
November 24, 2008
The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer
Care Foundation in St. John's announced that their recent campaign, Priority: The Campaign
for Cancer Care, raised $3.6 million for
cancer care at the centre. Funds raised will be used to purchase two new 4-dimensional CT simulators that will enable
the cancer care teams to enhance the accuracy of
radiation treatment planning.
Also, the foundation established the Patient and Family Support
Endowment Fund, a $1 million permanent endowment. Investment interest will be
used on an annual basis directly for patient and family support.
For more information, visit: www.cancercarefoundation.nl.ca.
(PDF)
New online resource highlighting Senate documents available
November 24, 2008
Senator Elaine McCoy (Alberta) recently launched a
new online resource
highlighting key Canadian Senate documents, many of which are available
online for the first time. These documents focus on such issues as abortion, aging, autism,
climate change, charities, healthcare, palliative care, seniors and
more.
The site also includes a blog where citizens are encouraged to share their viewpoints, as well as information on the Senate Brains Trust, which features committee studies and critical reviews of proposed legislation. For more information, visit: www.albertasenator.ca.
Ontario government requests feedback on accessibility standard
November 24, 2008
The Public Review for the Initial Proposed Accessible Information and Communications Standard was launched last week as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
The initial proposed standard is now posted for public review and feedback, which will take place from November 17, 2008 to January 16, 2009.
The standards development committee will then reconvene to consider the feedback received. They may make changes to their initial proposed standard prior to finalizing a submission to the Minister of Community and Social Services.
For more information, and to submit your comments, visit: www.mcss.gov.on.ca.
UBC creates two endowments with $2 million gift
November 24, 2008
Michael Audain donated $2 million to the University of British Columbia, creating the country’s largest endowment for educating gallery and museum curators.
The gift creates two endowments that will support the UBC Department of Art History, Visual Art, and also the Theory’s Masters in Critical and Curatorial Studies (CCST) Program. A $1.3-million endowment will provide financial support to CCST students through four annual fellowships, while a second $700,000 endowment will provide enhanced funding for travel, student internships, and other program needs.
For more information, visit: www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca.
Fast Fact: Canadian business leaders prefer giving to unique charities
November 24, 2008
According to a recent report, the leaders of Canada's largest corporations have very positive
attitudes about the charitable sector - far more positive than either
the broader business community or the general public. Almost 8 in 10
(79%) agreed that most businesses would donate to charity even
without financial benefits, and 71% strongly agree that these
organizations generally improve the quality of life in Canada.
And yet, more than three-quarters (76%) said they face difficulties arising from
increasing requests for donations, with 38% indicating that too many
charities are trying to solicit money for the same cause.
-- Imagine Canada
Art contest open to Ontario residents with an intellectual disability
November 24, 2008
IDEAL-WAY is hosting a unique art contest open to individuals with an intellectual disability living in Ontario. Art in any medium is eligible, provided it was created in 2008. The contest is open to all ages but is limited to two entries per person.
The IDEAL ART Show is being planned at one of Ontario's premiere art galleries to showcase these works of art.
This free contest also has many prizes for the winners, including random prize draws for everyone who enters. The deadline is December 31, 2008.
For more information, visit: www.ideal-way.ca.
Global citizenship fellowship available in Calgary
November 24, 2008
The Consortium for Peace Studies at the University of Calgary announced the inaugural Dr. Arthur Clark Fellowship in Global Citizenship for 2009-2010. This fellowship is held at the University of Calgary and can range from two to eight months, with a stipend of $6,000. The fellowship is open to both scholars and practitioners working in such areas as: the true costs of conflict; conflict prevention; human health and well-being; community-building; and international human rights and/or humanitarian law. The successful fellow will be expected to conduct and present independent research. For more information, including full eligibility information, visit: www.ucalgary.ca.
Imagine Canada releases report on corporate philanthropy
November 17, 2008
A new research study from Imagine Canada finds that the community investment initiatives of many of Canada’s largest corporations have moved beyond "chequebook philanthropy" and are leveraging their assets in more ways than the public - or even the charities and nonprofits they support - might think. This focused research report, Corporate Community Investment Practices, Motivations & Challenges: Findings from the Canada Survey of Business Contributions to Community, puts a spotlight on 93 of Canada’s largest companies (annual revenues exceeding $25 million) and their community investment practices. It is based on findings derived from a broader study, Canada Survey of Business Contributions to Community, that looked more generally at business contributions to charities and nonprofit organizations in Canada. For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca. (PDF format)
Montreal Children’s Hospital receives $3 million donation
November 17, 2008
The Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation recently confirmed its support for the construction of the new Montreal
Children's Hospital with a donation of $3 million to The Best Care
for Children campaign. This amount will be dedicated to the new hospital's
pediatric laboratories, which will be named in honour of Marcelle and Jean
Coutu. Plans to build the new Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill
University Health Centre were given the green light by Quebec Minister of
Health and Social Services Dr. Yves Bolduc on October 15, 2008. The
construction of the new hospital is scheduled to begin at the end of 2009.
For more information about the Montreal Children's Hospital, visit: www.thechildren.com/en/.
UN report highlights need for culturally sensitive development strategies
November 17, 2008
Development strategies that are sensitive
to cultural values can reduce harmful practices against women and promote
human rights, including gender equality and women's empowerment, affirms the UNFPA, the United Nations
Population Fund.
Reaching Common Ground: Culture, Gender and Human Rights reports that culture is a central component of
successful development of poor countries, and must be integrated into
development policy and programming.
The report, which coincides with this year's 60th anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is based on the concept that the
international human rights framework has universal validity. The report endorses culturally sensitive approaches to
development and to the promotion of human rights, in general, and women's
rights, in particular.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.unfpa.org/swp/.
Fast Fact: Average giving levels across Canada
November 17, 2008
In 2007, the median individual donation level across Canada was $250 - meaning half of respondents gave more than $250 and half gave less. This was unchanged from giving levels in 2006. The highest median among provinces and territories was found in Nunavut, at $470, with the second highest in Prince Edward Island ($360) and third in Alberta ($350). Donors in Abbotsford, BC led the donations with a median of $620, followed by donors in Kelowna, BC at $370, and Vancouver, BC at $360. -- Statistics Canada
Grateful families inspire support for the Alberta Children's Hospital
November 17, 2008
The Country 105 FM and Q107 FM Caring For
Kids Radiothon recently raised $1.9 million for the Alberta Children's Hospital. That brings the total amount raised by the community through this radiothon to more
than $7.7 million in six years. More than 75 children,
families and caregivers captivated listeners with their stories of hope, help
and healing thanks to the Alberta Children's Hospital. Country music star and
former nurse Paul Brandt again dropped by to co-host with the Country 105 FM
announcers and interview children in hospital.
For more information, visit: www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.
Community achievement awards in BC accepting nominations
November 17, 2008
The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is
inviting nominations from communities across the province for the 2009 British
Columbia Community Achievement Awards. The nomination deadline is
extended to November 24, 2008.
These awards recognize individuals whose spirit, dedication, imagination
and commitment have made a difference to a community, whether as a volunteer or in the
course of their work. Up to thirty recipients will be selected by an independent advisory
council and will be presented with the British Columbia Community
Achievement Medallion at a formal ceremony in March at Government House in
Victoria. For more information, including full nomination details, visit: www.bcachievement.com.
Tele-learning workshops available on filing charity returns
November 17, 2008
Feeling confused about how to file your organization’s charity information return in 2009? The Charities File is offering free tele-learning workshops to help charities better understand the process. The telephone learning sessions will be held over the telephone and last approximately two hours. There are no registration or long distance fees associated with the sessions. Please note the sessions fill up quickly so register early.
For more information, and to register, visit: thecharitiesfile.ca/en/tlr.
Two Canadian organizations shortlisted in global competition
November 17, 2008
In July 2008, Citi and Ashoka put out a call to find the world’s most creative measures to promote financial security for all. Organizations around the globe have responded with an impressive array of groundbreaking innovations that address financial inequity and provide viable solutions. Two Canadian organizations were included on the shortlist:
- Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN), Canada. This group is enabling Canadians with disabilities to accumulate savings through a collective, registered plan.
- TIO Networks, Canada. TIO provides financial services that are geared to help low-income people better manage their cash flow.
The Changemakers community and the public at large will cast their votes for their favourite innovations from November 10-24, 2008. The three winners will be announced on December 1, 2008, and will receive $5,000 each to expand their project. For more information, and to vote on your favourite project, visit: www.changemakers.net.
Fast Fact: Canada may be losing the gender gap battle
November 17, 2008
According to a recent report, Canada has dropped 13 spots on the global gender gap index, taking Canada to 31st place out of 130 countries. Canada’s score dropped by less than one percent to 71%, however other countries made large improvements, thereby jumping ahead of Canada. Norway, Finland, and Sweden are at the top of the list at 80%, while Yemen sits at the bottom of the list at 46%. The US jumped four spots this year, the first time it has ever been ranked ahead of Canada. -- World Economic Forum
Charities encouraged to participate in survey on Income Tax Act compliance
November 17, 2008
Charity Central is a project designed to help registered charities understand their responsibilities under the Income Tax Act. Their aim is to provide information and resource materials to help guide charities through the ins and outs of issuing official donation receipts, maintaining proper books and records, and complying with the tax requirements of charitable fundraising.
In order to better serve charities in Canada, it is important to know what their specific needs are. If you work with a registered charity, your opinion will help discover how Charity Central can better assist you.
To take the survey, visit: webxls.extn.ualberta.ca/cgi-bin/rws4.pl?FORM=csep_nas.
Canadian Museum of Human Rights benefits from $1 million donation
November 17, 2008
Scotiabank CEO Rick Waugh, his wife Lynne, and sons David, Steve and Chris, recently made a $1 million gift to the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights. This donation brings
the total raised from the private sector to $97.5 million for the new museum. Based in Winnipeg, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be the first national museum to be built outside the National
Capital Region. It will be the first new national museum created in 41 years and the first national museum created in partnership with all three levels of government and the private sector. The museum is set to open in 2010. For more information, visit: www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com. (PDF)
Statistics Canada releases national donor statistics
November 10, 2008
Statistics Canada released new information about charitable donors in Canada last week, and you might find the results surprising. Over 2007, the number of charitable donors declined in Canada, but the donations made by Canadians actually went up. Last year, Canadian nonprofits received $8.6 billion in donations, up 1.4% from 2006. The number of donors, however, fell to 5.7 million, a 0.9% decrease. Although 24% of Canadians filing tax returns reported charitable donations, Statistics Canada suggests that the number may be higher since not all Canadians claim their donations on their income tax returns. For more information, and to read the full report, visit: www.statcan.ca.
School of fine arts receives $15 million private donation
November 10, 2008
Canadian fibre artist Marilyn Walker donated $15 million to Brock University's School of Fine and Performing Arts, the largest donation the university has ever received. The gift is particularly appreciated as it is made in a climate marked by economic
uncertainty and waning support for the arts. In tribute to the artist, Brock will rename its arts school the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. The entire $15 million will be endowed in perpetuity to build the school's programs and enhance its facilities.
For more information, visit: www.brocku.ca.
CRA revokes charitable status of the Choson Kallah Fund of Toronto
November 10, 2008
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the charitable status of the Choson Kallah Fund of Toronto, effective November 1, 2008. According to information in a letter from the CRA to the foundation, which was made available to the public, the foundation is accused of being involved in a tax shelter scheme and issuing inflated tax receipts to donors. The letter goes on to say, “In our view, the Charity's original purpose, which is to provide funding for relief of poverty to impoverished individuals, has been sidetracked by its participation in this arrangement and has, in effect, become a secondary purpose.”
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Fast Fact: Charities continue to have poor rating on donor care
November 10, 2008
According to a new survey of charities in five countries, including Canada, 20% of charities do not respond to a donor's initial contact. For those donors interested in bequest information, only 24% of charities thanked the donor for their interest. With regard to monthly donations, 30% took ten days or more to set up the donation, while 25% failed to confirm with the donor when the monthly giving program was about to begin. Canada ranked especially poor, with only 53% of monthly giving offers actually followed up on. -- Pareto Fundraising
Conference Board issues report card on Canada’s socio-economic performance
November 10, 2008
The Conference Board of Canada released How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada 2008 last week. This report card compares Canada’s performance against 16 peer countries in six categories - economy, innovation, environment, education and skills, health, and society - using grades from “A” to “D”. It assesses how well Canada is meeting its fundamental goal of creating a high and sustainable quality of life for all Canadians. How did Canada perform? Check out the following grades:
Economy - B
Environment - C
Education and Skills - B
Health - B
Society - B
For more information, and to view detailed information from each category, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca.
Imagine Canada issues call for nominations to new advisory council
November 10, 2008
Imagine Canada’s board of directors approved the establishment of an advisory council, with the mandate of advising the board of Imagine Canada on broad sector issues. The mandate of the council is intended to create opportunities for broader and more structured interface between the sector and Imagine Canada, as well as providing a forum for sector leaders to interact and connect, not only on issues related to Imagine Canada, but beyond that, to any issues affecting the sector. The nominating committee will be accepting nominations from now until November 14th. Individuals interested in submitting their name or nominating others should send an e-mail to advisorycouncil@imaginecanada.ca along with a brief CV or bio, including a brief statement as to the specific knowledge and breadth of experiences that the individual could bring to the deliberations of the advisory council. For more information, including the terms of reference for the council, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca.
Grants available for youth-related health and education
November 10, 2008
The McKesson Foundation announced the launch of its 2008-2009 Regional Grant Program, a Canada-wide campaign that each year provides a number of nonprofit organizations with financial assistance to improve children and youth-related health and education.
McKesson Canada would like to encourage the submission of grant applications for one-time specific projects or programs. The Canadian Regional Grants Program typically awards grants that range in size from $2,500 to $25,000. The grant deadline is November 30, 2008, and the selection announcements will be made in the spring of 2009.
For more information, visit: www.mckesson.ca.
Governor General awards celebrate Canadians helping women
November 10, 2008
In recognition of Persons Day 2008, the Honourable Helena Guergis, announced the recipients of this year's Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. The awards, which honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of women in Canada, were presented at Rideau Hall last week. The following six individuals are the 2008 recipients:
Shelagh Day, from Vancouver, BC
Frances Ennis, from St. John's, NFLD
Beverley Jacobs, from Ohsweken, ON
Maureen A. McTeer, from Ottawa, ON
Mair Verthuy, from Montréal, QC
Youth Award recipient is Ben Barry, of Ottawa, ON
For more information, including more detailed information about the recipients, visit: www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.
Toronto Community Foundation seeks applications for Vital Ideas
November 10, 2008
The Toronto Community Foundation’s Vital Ideas program is now accepting applications. The initiative supports programs and organizations that are already making a positive difference in the community. Vital Ideas enables these proven, effective organizations to expand their reach, share their experience, and better sustain their impact through capacity-building grants of up to $30,000 for one year. A Vital Idea is a program or project that has been piloted or is currently in operation that helps make Toronto a better place to live, work, learn, and grow. Its effectiveness can be proven through documented evaluation, reviews, testimonials, or other means. The application process starts with a three-page letter that must be submitted by December 3, 2008. Applicants short-listed for funding consideration will be requested to provide more information in January 2009.
For more information, visit: www.tcf.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Nonprofits view advertising as a waste of time
November 10, 2008
According to a recent UK survey on how nonprofits view various forms of communication, only 10% deemed advertising as essential. Alternatively, information ranked the highest in importance, with 43% calling it essential and 33% calling it important. The Internet and new media such as social networking ranked second, with 41% calling it essential, and media ranked third. Other forms of communication ranked in the survey include internal communications (37%), marketing (35%), policy and research (35%), branding (33%), and publications (30%). Campaigning and lobbying joined advertising at the bottom of the list at 26%. -- Charity Comms
Charities beginning to show losses on high-priced lotteries
November 10, 2008
Alberta charities are struggling to sell enough tickets in their annual lotteries in order to simply break even, reports the Edmonton Journal. The Changing Lives Provincial Lottery, which supports a number of children’s charities, must sell 1,000 tickets by November 16 in order to cover costs and have funds available for the charities. The Caritas Hospital Lottery is also in trouble, announcing that they are extending the ticket buying deadline in a last-minute bid to break even.
The economic downturn is being blamed for low ticket sales, while the demand for increasingly expensive prizes and higher advertising costs have significantly increased the overhead for many of these lotteries. For more information, visit: www.canada.com.
University of Waterloo benefits from $3 million donation
November 10, 2008
The chair of the board of governors at the University of Waterloo (UW) is committing $3 million to the school, with two thirds of the gift establishing undergraduate scholarships and faculty fellowships in UW's school of accounting and finance, and the remaining $1 million directed to a newly established humanities and social sciences research endowment. UW mathematics accounting graduate, Bob Harding, will establish two endowments, one supporting 10 president's entrance scholarships for accounting and finance students, and one funding three faculty fellowships to help UW recruit and retain the best students and academics in the industry. This is the largest one-time donation ever received by the school of accounting and finance. For more information, and to view the full report, visit: newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca.
BC nonprofits invited to participate in survey addressing relationship with government
November 10, 2008
The Government Non Profit Initiative (GNPI) Steering Committee launched a short web-based survey and is looking for BC nonprofits to participate. The steering committee exists to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the working relationship between nonprofit and governments on behalf of the people and communities of BC. The GNPI has involved over eighty executives from the two sectors in developing a proposed course of action to enhance their work together. This survey is in addition to, and complements the regional focus groups already taking place. To participate in the survey, please visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=exty008aBvOv0BvBA1QQLQ_3d_3d.
Unique bowling fundraiser available in Ontario
November 10, 2008
Lucky Strike Lanes, of Vaughn, Ontario, is looking to partner with your organization to help make a striking difference in your fundraising efforts. Their Fundraising for a Day! Program has your organization select a special date, Monday to Thursday, as a dedicated fundraising day when supporters of your organization can come out to bowl. Once a date has been selected, you can spread the word with the complimentary fliers issued by Lucky Strike. By doing so, 20% of each cheque (before tax and any gratuity) will be donated to your cause.
For more information, visit: www.bowlluckystrike.com.
Federal government undergoes cabinet shuffle
November 3, 2008
Prime Minister Stephen Harper introduced his new Conservative cabinet last week, bringing some new faces into ministry offices. Not sure how this affects the nonprofit sector? Check out the following appointments:
- The Honourable Marjory LeBreton - Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister of State (Seniors)
- The Honourable Chuck Strahl - Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
- The Honourable Rona Ambrose - Minister of Labour
- The Honourable Diane Finley - Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
- The Honourable Jim Prentice - Minister of the Environment
- The Honourable Jason Kenney - Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
- The Honourable James Moore - Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq - Minister of Health
- The Honourable Gary Lunn - Minister of State (Sport)
- The Honourable Helena Guergis - Minister of State (Status of Women)
For more information, including a full listing of cabinet appointments, visit: pm.gc.ca/eng/cabinet.asp.
Philanthropists pay $5 million for 12-year naming rights at Ontario gallery
November 3, 2008
Long-time Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) donors and art collectors, Vivian and David Campbell are augmenting their previous AGO gift of $1 million with an additional $4 million. In recognition of this generosity, the AGO will name its new centre for contemporary art in their honour.
As part of the donation, the Campbells insisted that the naming of the Vivian & David Campbell Centre for Contemporary Art be term-limited, rather than in perpetuity. As a result, in 12 years they will relinquish the name, enabling tomorrow’s AGO to offer naming rights to tomorrow’s supporters of the gallery.
For more information, visit: www.ago.net.
Global economic crisis hits some charities hard, others not so much
November 3, 2008
While some Canadian charities are already being hit hard by the global economic crisis, others are still unsure of what the world recession will mean for their bottom line. As reported by The Canadian Press, the Salvation Army has seen an increase in demand for services and a decrease in donations. In some areas, Salvation Army food banks have seen as much as a 100% increase in people accessing the programs. Other charities, such as the Canadian Red Cross, United Way, and the Canadian Cancer Society, have seen less of a decline in donations and are still waiting to see what the future holds. For more information about the Salvation Army, visit: www.salvationarmy.ca.
In addition, the Vancouver Foundation recently disclosed to CBC News that it will likely have to lower its community investments by $10 or $15 million next year, meaning local charities can expect less grant money. The foundation's endowment fund totalled $760 million at the beginning of the year, but is now down to $660 million, mainly due to the collapse of investment markets. "Just like people may have a savings account, a lot of charities rely on creating an endowment fund, and they use the interest off that money each year for operations, so they are affected a lot by the investment market," said Catherine Clement, vice president of communications for the foundation. For more information on the Vancouver Foundation, please visit: www.vancouverfoundation.bc.ca.
New website encourages environmental philanthropy
November 3, 2008
This week, a new website is being launched to help encourage donors to apply a "climate change" filter to their philanthropy. GlobalWarmingOpportunitiesGuide.org was created by Natasha van Bentum, CFRE, and is the fourth in her series of helpful web-based guides.
"People are flabbergasted when they learn of the immeasurably
small piece of the philanthropy pie that goes to fight global warming,"
says van Bentum, who is also outreach director for PowerUP Canada.
"I often speak with individuals who are concerned about
climate change, but say they are (understandably) confused about the
issue in terms of solutions. They would like to do more
by way of their philanthropy to combat global warming, but
are not as surefooted in this territory as compared to the
traditional causes they support, such as health, social services, or education." The new site features resources on leveraging philanthropy to fight climate change, environmental reports, and information on how climate change impacts the economy. There is also a blog: giveclimate.blogspot.com.
For more information, visit: www.globalwarmingopportunitiesguide.org.
Fast Fact: Moncton's nonprofits contributing more than just services
November 3, 2008
Greater Moncton's nonprofit sector creates more than 1,000 jobs and contributes $40 million to the region's Gross Domestic Product, according to a recent report. The survey also found that although 20% of the region's social development agencies have a total operating budget exceeding $1 million, 60% work with budgets of $500,000 or less. The region employs 4,750 volunteers, and another study completed by Imagine Canada in 2006 showed that only 52% of Atlantic nonprofits had paid staff. -- Enterprise Greater Moncton
Calgary science centre looking for youth advisors
November 3, 2008
The Suncor Energy Foundation announced a five-year, $2 million investment in TELUS World of Science - Calgary that will be used to fund a gallery dedicated to teens.
The Suncor Energy Foundation Design It! Gallery will create an environment for teens and young adults where unusual combinations of art, science, technology, style, and music collide to inspire thinking outside the box. The science centre also announced a call for Calgary teens aged 14 - 17 to be part of a 15-member youth advisory group that will help shape the new science centre. As youth advisors, teens will be involved in brainstorming, engaging other teens, and sharing their thoughts with TELUS World of Science staff about what will resonate best with the teen demographic.
For more information, or to become a youth advisor, visit: www.calgaryscience.ca.
Donner Awards set to honour best-run nonprofits in Canada
November 3, 2008
The 11th annual Donner Awards will be presented at a celebratory luncheon in Toronto on Wednesday, November 19, 2008. A total of $70,000 in awards will be presented to Canada’s best-run, nonprofit, social service organizations, short-listed from 601 applicants from across Canada. Join the Donner Canadian Foundation in this celebration of nonprofit excellence and meet the 2008 Donner Awards finalists, view displays about their organizations, and mingle with other distinguished guests from the business and philanthropic community.
For more information or to register for this event, visit: www.donnerawards.org.
Survey reports lower donations compared to same time last year
November 3, 2008
A new GuideStar survey shows that the proportion of charity representatives in the US reporting decreased contributions nearly doubled between 2007 and 2008, and almost half of participants from nonprofits that rely on end-of-year gifts expect donations to decline during the last quarter of 2008 compared to the last quarter of 2007. This year,
some 38% reported increased contributions, 25% said contribution levels had remained about the same, and 35% reported a decrease.
By contrast, in 2007, 52% said that contributions had increased, 25% said they were about the same, and 19% said they had decreased.
The 2007 and 2008 survey results were similar in one area. This year, 64% of participants reported that demand for their organizations' services had increased during the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007. Last year, 67% of participants reported increased demand. For more information, and to view the full survey, visit: www.guidestar.org.
Victoria art gallery acquires sculpture worth $1.5 million
November 3, 2008
As reported by the Vancouver Sun, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria received an important and expensive donation of sculpture last week. The $1.5 million Assyrian sculpture dates back 5,000 years, having stood in Israel between 4,000 and 5,000 BCE. The pillar was donated by Toronto philanthropists Joey and Toby Tanenbaum, and stands 81.5 centimetres high, and is in the form of a stylized flat-topped human head used to promote fertility. The piece is now the oldest and most valuable work of art on display at the Victoria gallery.
For more information about the Art Gallery of Victoria, visit: www.aggv.bc.ca.
New initiative seeks contributors for poverty and education-related issues
November 3, 2008
Allowing Children a Chance at Education (ACCESS) is seeking schools, students, and individuals who are interested in participating in the Speak Up for Change program, which gives both youth and adult guest contributors a chance to write about poverty and education-related issues. It provides students with writing experience and online exposure, as well as community service hours and prizes.
Topics include social justice, youth activism, global development, poverty, education, political action, and more.
Contributors will respond to quotes, current events, and social justice issues. Both regular contributors and one-time participants are welcome. After approval, submissions will be published on the Speak Up for Change website.
For more information, and to become a contributor, visit: www.speakupforchange.ca.
Fast Fact: Baby Boomers flocking to the Peace Corps
November 3, 2008
The Peace Corps has experienced a huge increase in the number of
volunteers aged 50 and older. Usually sitting at about 5% of total volunteers, baby boomers have increased by 40% this year, taking the total number of baby boomer volunteers to 9.4% of the Peace Corps' total volunteer base. This is the largest representation of volunteers from this age group in the organization's history. Overall, the Peace Corps has more than 8,000 volunteers worldwide, and the oldest serving volunteer was Arthur Goodfriend, who completed his second tour in 1994 at the age of 86. -- Peace Corps
Report shows Aboriginal children being raised by younger parents
November 3, 2008
According to a new report by Statistics Canada, Aboriginal children are more often being raised by young parents than non-Aboriginal children. The first-ever 2006 Aboriginal Children's Survey revealed that a high proportion of off-reserve First Nations, Métis and Inuit children are born to mothers between the ages of 15 and 24, including 27% of First Nations' children, 22% of Métis children, and 26% of Inuit children. The report also showed that the majority of these children receive attention from multiple family members, including grandparents and Elders. For more information, and to view the full report, visit: www.statcan.ca.
Last Call: CanadaHelps’ online technology survey
November 3, 2008
CanadaHelps is interested in learning what charities know about various online technologies, what technologies charities are using, what they're interested in learning about, and what issues they're having that can be addressed with technology.
The information you provide will assist in the development of an online resource centre to be launched by the end of the year. If your charity hasn’t done so already, please fill out the survey at the links below by November 14.
For the English survey, please visit: tinyurl.com/3oyj28. For the French survey, please visit: tinyurl.com/4fheqd.
Philanthropist couple donate life savings to Carleton University
November 3, 2008
Carleton University announced a
multimillion-dollar gift that will establish an innovative scholarship in its
College of the Humanities, a scholarship that will cover all expenses for
recipientswho are pursuing a classical liberal arts education.
Pamela and Richard Joho are donating the bulk of their life savings
through lifetime and planned giving arrangements. This gift will
endow the scholarship, which will cover the full cost of an undergraduate
degree, including four years of tuition, housing, meals, textbooks, and
personal expenses.
Mr. and Mrs. Joho discovered the College of the Humanities through
Internet research and felt its interdisciplinary academic approach fit
perfectly with their belief in the value of a liberal arts education. The inaugural Richard and Pamela Joho Scholarship will be awarded in 2010
to selected humanities students who demonstrate both academic merit and
extra-curricular and/or community involvement.
For more information, visit: www2.carleton.ca.
