Imagine Canada releases brief providing recommendations to federal government
January 26, 2009
In anticipation of this week's federal budget, Imagine Canada submitted a brief to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance on Short-Term Stimulus Measures for Assisting Canadians and Communities
during the Economic Downturn. The brief puts forward three key stimulative measures to assist Canada’s vulnerable populations and the organizations that support them:
- Maintain direct funding through federal grants and contributions agreements.
- Earmark federal infrastructure funding for community and social services, arts and culture, sports and
recreation, and green retrofit initiatives.
- Provide a time-limited enhancement to tax measures that stimulate giving.
The brief also supported the recommendations from many other charities and nonprofits calling for enhancements to income support programs including employment insurance. For more information, and to download the full brief, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca. (PDF)
ATCO donates $2.7 million to charity through employee giving program
January 26, 2009
ATCO, through its company-wide ATCO Employees Participating in Communities (EPIC) fundraising program, pledged $2.7 million to more than 500 charities and community groups across Canada for 2009.
ATCO EPIC is an employee-led fundraising initiative where employees donate to the charity of their choice and their donations are then matched by the company. Employees from all 10 ATCO principal operating companies participated in the program. Fundraising events included everything from a moustache growing contest to silent auctions. The company absorbs all administration costs, ensuring that 100% of the funds go directly to benefiting organizations.
For more information, visit: www.atco.com.
James Moore suggests no further funding cuts to arts and culture
January 26, 2009
As reported by cbc.ca, Heritage Minister James Moore promises that there will be no further cuts to arts and culture in the upcoming federal budget, to be released on January 27. In an interview, Moore stated that the $45 million in arts and culture funding that was cut by the feds was then reallocated to other arts programs. He also indicated that the federal government will continue to invest in the CBC, and that the arts sector may be considered in the economic stimulus package about to be announced by the federal government.
For more information, visit: www.cbc.ca.
Fast Fact: Charity websites lacking in donor engagement
January 26, 2009
A recent UK study analyzing the websites of 15 major charities found that, overall, while most were following best practices of usability and design, few were using techniques to create a loyal, online visitor community. The study looked at 26 different factors and gave each charity a final score based on their performance in each area. Average marks were high in communicating the charity’s key message (78%), containing fresh content (78%), and having an easy-to-use search function (100%). But overall, only three charities were able to score above 70% on the entire survey, and none of the charities surveyed sent follow-up e-mails to donors within 30 days of a donation. -- dotMailer
Survey of economic impact on fundraising requires participants
January 26, 2009
Canadian FundRaiser is conducting a survey of professional fundraisers and consultants from across Canada. Specifically, they want to hear how organizations are approaching fundraising and fundraising-related challenges in these tough economic times. This national survey will examine changes in 2008 giving patterns attributable to economic conditions, and the results of early strategies to adapt to those new conditions. Understanding giving trends by region, type, and size of charity, and sources of revenue will help equip the sector to plan effective fundraising for a flagging economy. Participants who complete this survey before 6:00 pm (Pacific Time), Thursday, January 29th, 2009 will receive a complimentary copy of this study.
To participate in the survey, visit: www.canada2020.com.
Montreal auto show raises $340,000 for charity
January 26, 2009
The Montréal International Auto Show
(MIAS) Charity Preview evening, which took place on January 15th, helped
raise $343,305 to benefit five causes within the Greater Montreal
medical community: the Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital Foundation, the
Pierre-Boucher Hospital Foundation, the Foundation du Centre hospitalier de
l'Université de Montréal, the McGill University Health Centre Foundation, and
the Santa Cabrini Foundation. This fundraising event was presented and
sponsored by the Montreal Automobile Dealers Corporation Foundation and the
Palais des congrés de Montréal. More than $1,443,305 has been donated since 2005.
For more information, visit: www.salonautomontreal.com.
AFP Congress 2009 looking for speakers
January 26, 2009
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Congress, happening December 1 - 3, 2009, is currently looking for speakers for the event. They are especially interested in hearing from speakers with innovative approaches to fundraising, management and leadership practices, web 2.0, social marketing, public relations, and other areas where new models are driving change in practice. Educational sessions will be shared at three levels:
Green - practical fundraising
Yellow - strategic fundraising
Red - advanced leadership
The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 6, 2009.
For more information, and to submit a proposal, visit: afptoronto.org.
New report available on small and grassroots nonprofits
January 26, 2009
The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) has released a new report on local small and grassroots organizations, entitled No Small Thing: Calgary’s small nonprofits, charities, and grassroots groups. The report expands on a study completed in 2005 and explores the challenges and opportunities faced by such groups, who often find their funding is precarious.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.calgarycvo.org. (PDF)
National op/ed piece encourages investment in volunteerism
January 26, 2009
Last weeek, newspapers across Canada featured an article written by Ruth MacKenzie, president of Volunteer Canada. Entitled, An investment in volunteerism makes good economic sense, the opinion piece argues for a better investment by the federal government in the nonprofit sector, and volunteerism specifically. To find out what Ruth had to say, visit: www.charityvillage.com.
Fast Fact: Canadians struggling to achieve work/life balance
January 26, 2009
Canadian workers are finding themselves struggling to manage workdays that are getting longer and family responsibilities, according to a recent report. Workers spent, on average, 13 minutes more per day at work in 2005 than in 1992, which adds up to an astonishing 54 hours per year. Meanwhile, time spent with families on a workday has shrunk from 250 minutes to 206 minutes, an 18% drop. In an average week, 23% of Canadians work overtime hours, and 12% work unpaid overtime. Sadly, only 27% believe that work/life balance is even achievable in today’s society, and only 17% feel that society supports the necessary steps to achieve it. -- Vanier Institute of the Family
Make-a-Wish Foundation warns of e-mail chain letters
January 26, 2009
The Make-a-Wish Foundation of Canada is warning Canadians about e-mail chain letters that are supposedly circulating on the charity’s behalf. Most of these letters highlight a fictional story of a child, and indicate that the foundation will receive seven cents every time the e-mail is forwarded. The foundation does not fundraise in this manner, and suggests that these e-mails actually cost valuable staff time answering the many queries that come in regarding these letters every week.
For more information, visit: www.makeawish.ca.
Young leaders sought for inaugural sustainability conference
January 26, 2009
Impact: The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership, will be held at the University of Guelph from September 24 to 27, 2009. It is a partnership of
business, academia and non-governmental organizations teaming up with 180 Canadian students. The conference will host a variety of speakers and experts to help develop sustainability solutions for the participants’ campus, their community, and their current and future workplaces. All conference costs will be covered for selected participants, but
students must contribute their time and commitment. Prior to the conference,
they will explore sustainability issues facing various industries, interview
Canadian business and sectoral leaders, and develop practical sustainability
solutions. Participants are also required to take concrete action after the
conference. Students who will be 19 - 25 and enrolled in any
discipline at a Canadian college or university in September 2009 may apply until February 27.
For more information, visit: www.impactyouthsustainability.ca.
More charities struck down by the Canada Revenue Agency
January 19, 2009
Two more organizations have had their registered charity status revoked by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Little League Baseball Canada had their registered Canadian amateur athletic association (RCAAA) status revoked as of January 10th. In a letter to the association, the CRA alleges that the association issued "more than $82 million in donation receipts for abusive transactions arising from its role as a participant in a tax shelter." For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Additionally, the charitable status of the Millennium Charitable Foundation, a Toronto area charity, was revoked by the CRA as of January 10th. The CRA alleges that the foundation was created as part of a tax shelter scheme that saw the organization issuing $168 million in tax receipts between 2003 and 2006, but only dispersing $2,200 of the funds reportedly raised. Reportedly, $33 million was issued to the tax shelter promoters. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Ontario telethon goes green in more ways than one
January 19, 2009
The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation collected $4.6 million in donations during its recent Telethon of Hope broadcast. In addition to a shorter broadcast, this was also the year that the telethon went "green" by using online donations and computer spreadsheets instead of using paper.
In another first, the telethon took on a new format with a focus on cancer education. Chefs spent the day offering samples of foods that are known to help in the fight against cancer, while cancer specialists provided information throughout the day on the different types of cancer.
For more information, visit: www.ottawacancer.ca.
Linda Putnum Legacy Fund looking to distribute $15,000 to charity
January 19, 2009
The Linda Putnam Legacy Fund will be selecting a charity for one-time or ongoing funding. The fund currently has approximately $15,000 to distribute and would like to focus that grant on an agency with programs that involve sports, artistic, or educational activities for children and teenagers. Agencies whose mandate fulfills this focus are invited to submit a (maximum) one-page application describing your program or organization and your proposed use of funds. All applications should be sent to mitchlputnam@shaw.ca. The deadline for submissions is February 13th, 2009.
HR Council releases summary report from last year’s summit
January 19, 2009
The HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector recently released the Canadian Non-Profit Workplace Summit, a summary report from the organization’s event held last year in Ottawa. The summary report tracks the progress of the two-day event, directs readers to resources made available through the summit, and also outlines collaborative ideas that came from sessions. For more information, and to download the full summary, visit: www.hrcouncil.ca.
Fast Fact: Calgary centre sees jump in youth addicts
January 19, 2009
The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) counsellors in Calgary saw a 14% increase in youth clients last year, including a jump in the number of youth addicted to crystal meth. Overall, the centre worked with 1,232 clients, and during April to July when numbers were tracked, saw a doubling of the number of youth coming in with crystal meth addictions. Even with this doubling effect, there were only seven meth addicts treated during this time, and counsellors remain optimistic that the drug is not taking over their city. -- AADAC
Funding available for youth environmental projects in Alberta
January 19, 2009
The Alberta Youth
Environmental Stewardship Program program funds projects by
creative young people with a desire to help address environmental issues in
Alberta.
If you've got an idea and the energy to implement it, the Alberta Youth
Environmental Stewardship Program has up to $5,000 to help you make it happen.
Successful
applicants will receive project management training and support, as well as
mentoring and guidance by experienced project managers and environmental
professionals. This is valuable training for aspiring teachers,
business people, and community leaders.
The application deadline is February 1st, 2009.
For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.albertaecotrust.com.
Service Canada accepting applications for summer work experience program
January 19, 2009
If you are thinking of hiring a summer student this year, the Canada Summer Jobs initiative provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create high-quality summer job opportunities for students between the ages of 15 and 30. The application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2009 will be from February 2 to February 27, 2009. To support employers, the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide will be made available on February 2nd. It offers information on eligibility requirements and assessment criteria, including details on local priorities.
For more information, visit: www1.servicecanada.gc.ca.
RBC After-School Grants Program calls for grant applications
January 19, 2009
The RBC After-School Grants Program is offering more than $2 million in grants to fund
first-time and renewed grant recipients. The grants of up to $40,000 are awarded by regional panels made up of youth and education
experts to a limited number of community-based charitable organizations. Each
organization should have a mandate to keep students in grades K-12 safe, as
well as positively engaged through an enriched curriculum after their classes
end each day. The deadline for funding applications is March 2, 2009 and grant
recipients will be advised by June 2009.
To qualify for a grant, after-school programs should offer structured,
supervised activities in an environment that provides what RBC calls the
"3Ss": safety, social skills and self-esteem. Other activities that programs
should also offer include computer instruction, sports, literacy tutoring,
music and art lessons, nutrition guidance, and help with homework.
For more information, visit: www.rbc.com.
New online tool helps Canadians answer work and finance questions
January 19, 2009
A recently released poll shows that most
Canadians feel ill-equipped to make many of the economic and financial
decisions that they face in today's volatile economic climate. This led the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) to produce the Virtual Adviser, an online tool for Canadians. The Virtual Adviser provides answers to about 80 of the most common
questions that Canadians ask about money and about 60 of the most common
questions that Canadians ask about work. The answers provided are objective
and written in plain language. The web site also provides links to many other
helpful resources and online calculators.
For more information, visit: www.virtualadviser.ca.
Nominations accepted for CAMH Transforming Lives Awards
January 19, 2009
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2009 CAMH Transforming Lives Awards. The annual public awareness and fundraising campaign recognizes the achievements of seven extraordinary individuals across Ontario who have demonstrated courage and determination in the face of mental illness and/or addiction and now use their experiences to help transform the lives of others facing similar circumstances. Nominations for the 2009 CAMH Transforming Lives Awards must be received no later than February 11th, 2009.
The 2009 award recipients will be honoured at a gala dinner, to be held in Toronto on May 12, 2009.
For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: www.supportcamh.ca.
Open letter issued by Canadian charities to federal government
January 12, 2009
An open letter addressed to both the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister was published in newspapers across Canada last week, and featured signatures representing some of Canada’s biggest charities. The letter calls on the federal government, in anticipation of the January 27, 2009 budget announcement, to exempt gifts of private company shares and gifts of real estate from capital gains taxes. This has already been done with publically listed securities, and the signatories are confident that extending the benefit to gifts of private shares and real estate would further encourage Canadians to give these large-scale donations. They also ask the government to help stimulate stock donations from family directors and executives of public companies that are family-controlled. For more information, and to view the letter, visit: www.cfc-fcc.ca.
Philanthropists, volunteers, activists appointed to Order of Canada
January 12, 2009
Governor General Michaëlle Jean recently appointed 60 Canadians to ranks within the Order of Canada, including several philanthropists, volunteers and social activists. Philanthropists Stephen A. Jarislowsky, Peter Munk, Fred S. Fountain, and Elinor Gill Ratcliffe were all appointed to the Order of Canada. Among those recognized for voluntary service were: M. Azhar Ali Khan, K. Alexander Nilsson, Donald W. Storch, and Shirley Westeinde. Appointments for social service were given to: Gary Birch, William J. Commanda, Dave Joe, Arlene Haché, and Barbara McInnes. Various other Canadians were also honoured in the areas of public service, heritage, arts and stage, and health, among others. The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service. It is Canada's highest honour for lifetime achievement. For more information, and to view a full list of appointments, visit: www.gg.ca.
Fast Fact: UK residents want to volunteer rather than donate during a recession
January 12, 2009
A poll conducted in the UK found that, with a recession anticipated, one third of UK consumers are more likely to give their time rather than money to charities. The survey questioned 30,000 people, asking them: "During the recession would you be more likely to give time or money to charity?" The survey found that 57% of women who give to charities were more likely to give their time than money, while retired people preferred giving money to time. Respondents in low income brackets tended to be more willing to give time than money. -- G2 Data Dynamics
Toronto Salvation Army exceeds Christmas fundraising goal
January 12, 2009
The Salvation Army 2008
Christmas Kettle Campaign met, and then exceeded its Greater Toronto Area
(GTA) goal by some $280,000 - for a total of $2,780,000. Much of the Christmas Kettle Campaign success can be attributed to the
hundreds of Christmas bell ringers across the GTA who stood by their
kettles in the cold all day, offering a smile, a handshake, and, in many
locations, music from the iconic Salvation Army Bands. In an era of high-tech
methods, the Salvation Army relies heavily on the one-on-one personal approach
Christmas Bell Ringers provide. Christmas Kettle Campaign funds stay
in the community where they are collected, providing direct aid to people with
a wide range of social services, from emergency response to fires and other
disasters to shelter for the homeless, food for families, youth services, and
more.
For more information about the Toronto Salvation Army, visit: torontosalvationarmy.ca.
Canadian charity loses funds in American investment scheme
January 12, 2009
As reported by the Chronicle Herald, the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto is the first Canadian investor to announce a loss due to the alleged fraudulent investment scheme run by American financier Bernard Madoff. The organization reportedly lost $486,000, although they also stated that they are not expecting the loss to affect their services. The federation is optimistic that they will be able to recoup their losses when the markets pick up again. For more information on the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto, visit: www.ujadonations.com.
Commerce students in philanthropy course grant $20,000 to local charities
January 12, 2009
An innovative undergraduate class offered at McMaster University recently awarded $20,000 to local charities. Seeded by a $10,000 gift by Doris Buffett (sister to Warren Buffett) that was matched by Canadian philanthropists Michael Lee-Chin, Jeff Wheeler and Robert Levis, students in the class received a hands-on introduction to philanthropy. A focal point of the course was a group assignment where students designed a Request for Proposals, screened applications, and awarded grants from the $20,000 fund to eligible Hamilton charities. In the end, three grants were awarded to North Hamilton Community Health Centre Children's Gardening Program, the YWCA Girls Zone Healthy Living Program, and Settlement and Integration Services Organization's family literacy and peer mentorships. For more information, visit: dailynews.mcmaster.ca.
Fast Fact: Calgary homeless at high risk for violent attack
January 12, 2009
According to a recent survey of Calgary’s homeless citizens, a significant number have been the victim of a violent attack. Of the 137 people surveyed, 68% indicated they have been violently attacked since becoming homeless. Of all the cities across North America that have undergone similar surveys, so far Calgary ranks the highest in terms of violence. The survey also created a vulnerability index, identifying 35 of the most vulnerable people living on Calgary’s streets. Of these 35 individuals, 91% stated that they have been the victims of violent crime. -- Calgary Homeless Foundation
Appreciation of the arts is not affected by where you live
January 12, 2009
According to new research conducted by Alex Michalos of the University of Northern British Columbia, where Canadians live has little effect on whether or not they enjoy various cultural pursuits, reports the Victoria Times Colonist. The study, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, found that urban and rural dwellers scored almost the same on their favourite activities, favourite arts-related pastimes, and how they view the arts overall. Small differences were apparent, with urbanites slightly more drawn to the theatre and people from smaller communities preferring museums with a historical, technological or scientific focus.
For more information, visit: www.timescolonist.com.
Call for Nominations for the 36th Canadian Sport Awards
January 12, 2009
The True Sport Foundation reminds the Canadian
sports community that the nominations period for the 36th Canadian Sport
Awards (CSA) will close on Friday, January 16, 2009.
The awards will celebrate excellence, athletics, commitment, and
leadership in sport during the 2008 calendar year. The Athlete Performance Awards will be seeded by
the top eight results published by Sport Canada. The other award categories
include: Junior Athlete of the Year, Corporate Excellence Award, Leadership in
Sport Award, Volunteer Leadership Award, Athlete Leadership, and the
popular Spirit of Sport Story of the Year.
Finalists for each CSA award will be announced on February 6, 2009.
Winners will be announced and awarded at the official awards ceremony in
Ottawa, Ontario on February 24th 2009.
For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: www.truesportfoundation.ca.
Fast Fact: US museums facing huge financial setbacks
January 12, 2009
According to a new survey, museums in the US have been hard hit by the economic crisis, with many reporting up to a 20% loss in their endowments. Most museums also reported a five to 20% cut in 2009 and expected deeper cuts in 2010. New York’s Guggenheim Museum is facing a 10% budget cut, while the Denver Art Museum is looking at a 15% cut. The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) lost more than $100 million in their endowment fund in 2008. -- Art Newspaper
CharityVillage creates new tough times survival guide
January 5, 2009
Over the past few weeks, we have featured a number of articles and resources geared toward helping your organization get through the current economic downturn relatively unscathed. Since the issue is still a hot topic for the nonprofit sector, we decided to compile these resources in one place, our Tough Times Essentials. Here you'll find articles related to how all aspects of nonprofits may be affected, from fundraising to volunteering, as well as many other issues. You'll also find links to other survival guides and helpful resources where you can do further research. We'll be adding to the guide over the next few weeks, so check back often for updates, and please send any comments or suggestions to Nicole at editor@charityvillage.com. To read our Tough Times Essentials, please visit: www.charityvillage.com/cv/guides/guide9.asp.
Revoked status charity leader canvassing for donations in BC
January 5, 2009
According to an article by the Richmond News, the former leader of the Canadian Charity Assist Society, which had its status revoked by the Canada Revenue Agency in 2006, has started a new organization and is canvassing for donations in the Lower Mainland. Mirek Kwasny was reportedly going door-to-door in Richmond looking for donations to Single Parent Food Banks of BC, his new organization. When interviewed, Kwasny stated that he is currently applying for CRA status so that he can issue donation receipts for contributions to the new organization, however he also showed a badge he wears for fundraising purposes that clearly references the Canadian Charity Assist Society. Margaret Hewlett, of the Richmond Food Bank Society says, "They've been a plague since 1981." For more information, visit: www.canada.com.
Nominations open for Courage to Come Back Awards
January 5, 2009
Coast Mental Health, presenter of the Courage To Come Back Awards, encourages
individuals across British Columbia to nominate a friend, family member, colleague or other
person in their community who has overcome extraordinary challenges. Nominations are open to all residents of British Columbia and are being sought in six categories: addiction, medical, mental health, physical rehabilitation, social adversity, and youth. The recipients will be honoured at the 11th Annual Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency in
Vancouver on April 30, 2009. Proceeds from the awards gala support Coast Mental Health in reaching out
to people with a mental illness. The nomination deadline is February 16, 2009. For more information, visit: coastmentalhealth.com.
Humane societies worried about how financial crisis will affect animals
January 5, 2009
A growing number of people are no longer able to care for their pets while also dealing with a difficult economy, reports cbcnews.ca. Shelters across the United States have reported a large increase in surrendered animals, and shelters here in Canada are bracing for the same. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Humane Society found itself overrun with cats, kittens, and rabbits right before Christmas, according to the Edmonton Journal. The society had fully twice the number of cats and kittens as it normally does at that time of year, and as a result, adoption fees were drastically reduced on Boxing Day and for the following week. The "Companion Week" event was a success, with the shelter breaking previous records and adopting out 144 animals, 82 on Boxing Day alone. For more information about the Edmonton Humane Society, visit: www.edmontonhumanesociety.com.
Fast Fact: Degree-holding immigrants finding it harder to land a career position
January 5, 2009
A new report indicates that a national recession may directly affect the ability of degree-holding immigrants to find a career position in their field. The report compared the working situation of immigrants in 1991, prior to the recession of the early 1990s, and in 2006. It showed that the number of male immigrants with a university degree working in low-education jobs rose from 12% in 1991 to 21% in 2006. For female immigrants, the rate rose from 24% in 1991 to 29% in 2006. The report also indicated that it is much harder for established immigrants who have lived in Canada for 11 to 15 years to find work in their field in 2006, as compared with 1991. -- Statistics Canada
Volunteer Canada looking for photographs and videos of your volunteers at work!
January 5, 2009
In 2009, National Volunteer Week is April 19-25, and while this may seem far away, at Volunteer Canada their planning is in full swing - and they want you to play a role. Between now and January 23, 2009, they are seeking photos and video footage of your organization in action as part of a new effort to create a portal of stories and information on the NVW 2009 website. A key thing to remember is that videos and photographs do not need to be professionally done. A team of video editors will work with the footage, add your logo and website, and then upload it onto the NVW website. Please upload videos to drop.io, and e-mail your photographs to outreach@volunteer.ca. For more information on the project, or for more instructions on how to upload your videos, please e-mail outreach@volunteer.ca.
Waterloo community foundations benefit from $700,000 in donations
January 5, 2009
The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation received a large donation at the end of December, creating an entirely new fund. A $650,000 gift from an anonymous donor will be used to set up a special fund that will grant to a variety of organizations such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, UNICEF Children's Fund and Street Kids International. Meanwhile, the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation received a $50,000 from an anonymous donor to be used immediately for community needs. For more information, visit: www.kwcf.ca.
Disability Savings Plan deadline extended
January 5, 2009
The Government of Canada has extended the application period for the 2008 RDSP Grant and Bond through March 2, 2009 to provide people with disabilities and their families more time to access the 2008 matching grant and income-tested bond. Contributions made on or before March 2, 2009 will be considered for 2008 grants and these grants will not be included in 2009 grant limits. Bond applications made on or before March 2, 2009 will be considered for bonds in 2008, 2009, and in future years.
For more information, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
CIDA grant to support use of communications technologies by Indigenous peoples
January 5, 2009
A grant of $100,000 was awarded by
the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to support the
development of The Indigenous Commission for Communications Technologies in
the Americas (ICCTA). The grant was made possible through a partnership
arrangement between ICCTA and the Métis National Council (MNC). Tony Belcourt, president of ICCTA, said, "To fight poverty and build
stronger communities we need to find effective ways to address health issues,
increase our levels of education and build our economies. Greater access to
communications technologies such as high-speed Internet are obviously needed,
but much needs to be done to learn how to use those technologies and develop
the solutions that best fit the priorities and circumstances of the
communities."
For more information about CIDA, visit: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.
Free .tel names available to Canadian charities
January 5, 2009
Webnames.ca will be giving away 100 free .TEL names to Canadian charities to help them stay connected with those that matter the most - the people they help and the people who support them through donations or volunteering. The first 100 registered Canadian charities to contact Webnames.ca will be offered a pre-booking for a .TEL. Registered Canadian charities should contact Webnames.ca at 1-866-221-7878 (1-604-633-1142) or write an e-mail to support@webnames.ca quoting promotion "Santa-dot-tel", indicating the .TEL they wish to receive and the primary contact at the organization.
For more information, visit: www.webnames.ca.
