New report examines impact of economic downturn on philanthropic sector
February 23, 2009
Last month, Innovative Research Group, on behalf of Canadian Fundraiser, asked fundraising professionals to complete a survey assessing the impact that the economic downturn has had on the charitable sector and gauge expectations for 2009. The study found that social services charities are the highest charitable priority among Canadians who donate to charity, outpacing even health-related charities, which have been the highest priority since 2006. Forty percent of charities expect total contributions (fundraising revenues and government grants) to decrease in 2009, while 31% expect total contributions to stay about the same as last year, and 26% expect total contributions to increase in 2009.
When asked if senior management is doing enough to see their organization through these tough economic times, one in five staff members (20%) who were surveyed said "no." Among the smallest charities, almost one in three (32%) do not believe senior management is doing all they can.
For more information, visit: www.innovativeresearch.ca.
CRA issues call for proposals from the charitable sector
February 23, 2009
The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue, is inviting charities and not-for-profit organizations that serve the charitable sector to submit project proposals for funding consideration under the Charities Partnership and Outreach Program. In fiscal year 2009-2010, $3 million in funding will be available, aimed at supporting sector education and training projects related to charity compliance. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), in consultation with members of the voluntary sector and other government departments, will recommend funding suitable projects related to one or more of the following priorities:
- requirements and obligations of charitable registration;
- gifts to non-qualified donees;
- safeguards against terrorism; and
- small and rural charities.
The deadline for applications is March 27, 2009.
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Dominion Christian Centre loses charitable status
February 23, 2009
Last week, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the charitable registration of the Dominion Christian Centre of Canada, a Hamilton-area charity. A CRA audit revealed serious issues of non-compliance. In particular, the charity's assets have been misused for the private benefit of members, directors, donors and employees, including numerous personal trips, payments for privately used vehicles, gym memberships, food, lodging, and other unsubstantiated payments. The organization also issued official donation receipts containing incorrect or false information, and failed to properly establish the fair market value of property received, which, in several cases, was significantly inflated.
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Fast Fact: Charities must demonstrate impact of donations
February 23, 2009
Research conducted by the UK-based fundraising direct marketing agency, DMS, found that 37% of high-value donors want charities to provide greater accountability and greater focus on the impact of previous donations. Only 15% of those surveyed intend to give less to charity in 2009, while 7% plan to give more. Respondents also expressed interest in alternatives to cash: 39% of people would like charities to suggest other ways of giving, such as buying charitable goods or taking part in raffles or prize draws.
-- DMS
Funding available for wildlife and habitat conservation
February 23, 2009
The Canadian Wildlife Foundation (CWF) is now
accepting funding applications for conservation and educational programs
related to wildlife and research. The CWF distributes funding to registered
charitable nonprofit organizations for wildlife and habitat conservation
initiatives. Priority is given to Canadian-based programs and research. Awards generally range from
$2,500 - $10,000 per project. The deadlines for submissions are March 1st and
September 1st.
For more information, visit: www.cwf-fcf.org.
Twitter followers raise more than $250,000 for clean water projects
February 23, 2009
Twitter users around the world rallied last week to raise money for clean water projects. So far, the fundraising Twestival has brought in $250,000 USD for 55 water projects in Ethiopia, Uganda and India, with results still pending from 80 cities. The projects will provide clean water for more than 17,000 people.
Twitter is the new kid on the social networking block, offering users with a quick way to communicate online (updates are limited to 140 characters). For more information about Twestival, visit: twestival.com.
You can check out the CharityVillage Twitter page at: twitter.com/CharityVillage.
Canadian Arab groups at risk of losing government funding
February 23, 2009
Federal immigration minister, Jason Kenney, made headlines last week when he suggested that organizations like the Canadian Arab Federation and Canadian Islamic Congress should not expect to receive government funding because of their "hateful sentiments" toward Israel and Jews. Speaking at an international conference on anti-Semitism in London, Kenney stated that "...organizations are free within the confines of our law and consistent with our traditions of freedom of expression, to speak their mind, but they should not expect to receive resources from the state, support from taxpayers or any other form of official respect from the government or the organs of our state."
According to cbc.ca, "Kenney referred to comments made by Mohamed Elmasry, former president of the Canadian Islamic Congress, who three years ago said Israelis over the age of 18 are legitimate targets for suicide bombing because they’ve served in the Israeli army. Kenney also slammed the Canadian Arab Federation for circulating what he described as propaganda videos on behalf of Hamas and Islamic Jihad."
For more information, visit: www.cbc.ca.
Fast Fact: Employees can expect smaller pay increases in 2009
February 23, 2009
A survey conducted by the Conference Board of Canada finds that Canadian organizations continue to lower their projected 2009 salary increases for non-unionized employees in response to the economic recession. Projected average increases already fell from 3.9% among respondents to the summer 2008 Compensation Planning Outlook survey, to 2.9% in the update conducted in December and January. Total inflation is forecast to be 0.7% in 2009, so workers can still expect to receive increases that will outpace inflation. -- The Conference Board of Canada
Olympic athletes step forward to defend Right To Play
February 23, 2009
A who's who of Canadian Olympians recently released a statement decrying the the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to exclude the humanitarian charity Right To Play from the athletes' village for the 2010 Winter Games. "The decision by the International Olympic Committee to exclude Right To Play from
the Olympic village, and dissolve the memorandum of understanding that had existed
previously, has been met with profound disappointment and regret," said the statement, signed by more than 70 athletes. Originally, it was the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) that made the original decision to bar Right To Play for the first time since its inception in 1992 because the charity's sponsors conflicted with their own. The International Olympic Committee later cut its ties to the humanitarian group.
For more information, visit: www.righttoplay.com.
CRA annuls charitable status of Phoenix Community Works Foundation
February 16, 2009
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) annulled the charitable registration of the Phoenix Community Works Foundation, a Toronto-area charity. The CRA alleges that the foundation operated primarily as a tax shelter, issuing more than $56.5 million in tax receipts. The CRA's letter to the charity also indicated that "the CRA's audits also revealed that substantially all of the monies 'donated' to the Charity were returned to the promoters of the tax shelter arrangement." The CRA made the decision to annul the status, rather than revoke it, because the foundation never operated in an exclusively charitable manner, and thus its charitable status was granted in error.
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Ontario environmental groups receive $2 million in grant money
February 16, 2009
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced five new Future Fund grant recipients. These organizations will lead collaborative ventures involving a total of 27 environmental groups. They were selected to help drive change in Ontario communities through research,
planning and action. The Future Fund grant recipients are Farmstart, Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA), Ontario Nature, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) and Sustainability Network. In 2008/09, the Future Fund's focus has been on the environment sector. Starting in the spring of 2009, the program's funding will support not-for-profit initiatives that create innovative opportunities in Ontario's
economy.
For more information, visit: www.trilliumfoundation.org.
Fast Fact: US corporations still planning on giving even in economic downturn
February 16, 2009
According to a recent survey of US corporations, 42% of corporations and 37% of corporate foundations indicated that their giving budgets will decrease in 2009. However, the size of the decrease appears to be small, at only 3 - 5%. Half of the corporations responding to the survey said their giving budgets will stay the same in 2009. Corporate giving does appear to be changing with the changing economy, with 49% of those who were supporting arts and culture indicating they will decrease their gifts to that sector, and increase gifts to nonprofits dealing with basic needs and environmental causes. Many are also shifting to giving locally, with 84% indicating they will be more strategic with their donations. -- LBG Research Institute
Imagine Canada is looking to profile your good work in photos
February 16, 2009
If your organization or company has photos that convey the essence of your work and/or its impact in your community, Imagine Canada would love the opportunity to use them on their website and in their publications. If your photos are used, your organization or company will receive credit. Once a photo has been submitted, permission has also been granted for Imagine Canada to use the photo. You can rescind permission whenever you like. Please provide captions for all photos, and if possible identify the people in the photo. Photos should be a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) and in a JPEG format. Please send photos using YouSendIt.com (that has a free use option). In the "To" field enter the email address mgrona@imaginecanada.ca with the subject "Photo Call Submission."
For more information, visit: www.industrymailout.com.
Alberta forms council to address nonprofit workforce challenges
February 16, 2009
Workforce issues remain among the most pressing challenges facing the nonprofit and voluntary sector today. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort involving sector organizations, governments and funders. The Alberta Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Workforce Council will be a collaborative platform for the sector to develop a high performance, sustainable workforce. Through the council, the nonprofit and voluntary sector will have a framework to further existing initiatives, share ideas and information across the sector, and develop systemic, long-term solutions.
For more information on the status of the council and how to get involved, visit: www.calgarycvo.org. (PDF)
2009 Governance Awards recognize Canadian nonprofits
February 16, 2009
The Conference Board of Canada and Spencer Stuart announced the winners of the 2009 National Awards in Governance. Taking top honours for the public sector was Canadian Blood Services, with honourable mentions going to Athabasca University, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and OMERS Administration Corporation. The not-for-profit winner is the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, with honourable mentions going to The Ottawa Hospital, STARS, and St. John’s Rehab Hospital. The awards recognize the governance achievements and innovations of private, public, and nonprofit organizations of all types.
For more information, including a full profile of all winners, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca.
(PDF)
Fast Fact: People who donate to charity also highly involved in social capital
February 16, 2009
Findings from a UK survey indicate that people who regularly donate to charity are also involved in activities that raise so-called "social capital." Forty percent of donors are also members of a local club, society, or association, as compared with only 23% of non-donors. Additionally, 47% of donors stated they were on a first-name basis with their neighbours, as opposed to 35% of non-donors. With regard to religion, 22% of donors indicated they worshipped regularly, while only 13% of non-donors said the same. More than two-thirds (68%) of donors indicated they would be very likely to vote if an election were called tomorrow, while just 52% of non-donors would vote. -- nfpSynergy
Casey House honours leadership in HIV/AIDS and social justice
February 16, 2009
Casey House announced this year's recipients of The Casey Awards, honouring leadership in the fields of HIV/AIDS and social justice. The awards will be presented February 28 at the Fairmont Royal York. The Casey Awards were launched last year in memory of June Callwood, a founder of Casey House. The Casey Awards annually recognize up to five individuals or organizations whose pioneering leadership and activism in the fields of HIV/AIDS and social justice carry on Callwood's passionate life's work. The 2009 recipients are:
- Richard Burzynski, a pioneer in advocating for a community-based response to HIV/AIDS;
- Jim Shea (presented posthumously), a Casey House founding volunteer and Ontario community health organizer; and
- Dr. Jane Philpott, a family physician whose experience practicing medicine in Niger for nearly a decade led her to found Give a Day, a volunteer-run campaign raising money for international HIV/AIDS relief.
For more information, visit: www.caseyhouse.ca.
Poverty tied to bad health according to Ontario report
February 16, 2009
Chronic and severe health conditions hit poor
Ontarians at rates that are far higher than those of average Ontarians,
according to new research. Diabetes, heart disease, chronic bronchitis and mood disorders are found at rates as much as 4.5 times higher among social assistance recipients than those not on social assistance, according to the study by the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, the University of Toronto's Social Assistance in the New Economy Project, and the Wellesley Institute. The study, entitled Sick and Tired: The Compromised Health of Social Assistance Recipients and the Working Poor in Ontario, examined health and income data from across the province and found that people on social assistance had worse health on 38 of 39 indicators when compared with the non-poor. Suicide attempts were 10 times higher for social assistance recipients
compared to the non-poor.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: socialplanningtoronto.org. (PDF)
Cassie awards recognize advertising campaigns of Canadian nonprofits
February 16, 2009
The Cassie Awards were recently handed out to leading Canadian advertising campaigns, with three nonprofits picking up top honours. War Child Canada was recognized for their Camp Okutta campaign showing the realities of a child soldier camp. SickKids Foundation was recognized for their "Believe" campaign, which increased fundraising from $70 million to $98 million over three years. Finally, the Colon Cancer Check campaign was also recognized for their work in building awareness about colon cancer, and also encouraging Ontario residents to be tested for the disease.
For more information about the Cassie Awards, and to view the full list of winners, visit: cassies.ca.
Fast Fact: Workplace conflicts can be positive, when properly managed
February 16, 2009
According to a new survey of Canadian human resource managers, 81% saw workplace conflict lead to someone leaving an organization, 77% saw it result in sick leave or absences, 76% saw it cause personal insults, and 43% saw it result in someone being fired. However, these HR managers also acknowledged the positive aspects of properly managed conflict, with 77% saying it results in a better understanding of others, 57% that it results in better solutions to problems, 40% saying it boosted team performance, and 21% indicating it led to major innovation. While 90% believe that handling workplace conflict is an important skill, only 64% said they believe current management at their organization is skilled in working with conflict. -- Psychometrics Canada Ltd
Funding for Mississauga playground available
February 16, 2009
Is your community in need of a playground? Do you know of an organization that is in need of a playground? Do you have dreams of helping design your own playground? KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in North America. KaBoom! is currently looking for Mississauga-based individuals and community organizations that serve children and families that would benefit from and who would embrace the process of a community-built playspace partnership.
Applications must be received no later than 5pm, February 20th. For more information on application criteria, please contact Tiffany Jacob at: tjacob@kaboom.org.
New website tool allows surfers to raise money
February 16, 2009
bettertheworld.com is a new fundraising platform that provides tools to empower people to raise money for charity simply by surfing the web. It targets Internet users who have no money to give to charity and charity supporters who want to find additional ways to give. In less than two minutes, people can join, download the tools, start raising money, and track the impact of their activities. The tools include a browser sidebar, and Google powered search toolbar, both of which seamlessly integrate to Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Better the World partners with both global and local charities.
For more information, visit: www.bettertheworld.com.
Streetohome Foundation contributes $750,000 to address homelessness
February 9, 2009
Streetohome Foundation marked its official launch with $750,000 in private funding for projects that address homelessness. The foundation's aim is to help ensure that, by 2015, people who are homeless in Vancouver have access to safe, decent, affordable housing and support services. The Streetohome Foundation raised funds for two projects:
- $250,000 toward the London Hotel Project, with 72 units. The funds will be used to renovate rooms and bathrooms for use by people who are homeless.
- $500,000 toward renovations to the Aboriginal Mothers' Centre. The renovations will create 16 units of transitional supportive housing. The apartments will help Aboriginal women to get custody of their children who are in foster care, and help new mothers keep their babies.
For more information on the Streetohome Foundation, visit: www.streetohome.org.
Charity appeal regarding Do Not Call List rejected by feds
February 9, 2009
The federal cabinet has rejected a petition filed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Imagine Canada requesting that charities be exempted from the fees and registration process for Canada's new Do Not Call List. No reasons for the decision were given. Charities must comply with Do Not Call List regulations, which include registering with the Do Not Call operator, paying the appropriate fees to the Do Not Call List investigator, and maintaining a private do not call list within their own records.
For more information, visit: www.afpnet.org.
Canada's record on indigenous rights questioned by UN Council
February 9, 2009
The international community sent a strong message that the Government of Canada must do more to uphold the human rights of indigenous peoples. Canada's human rights record was reviewed by the United Nations Human Rights Council as part of the new Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Of the 45 states that spoke during the three-hour session, 30 raised concerns about the rights of indigenous peoples. The United Kingdom recommended that Canada give its "highest priority" to addressing "fundamental inequalities" between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, including through the "resolution of land claims and reconciliation of governance and self-government." For more information, including a full webcast of the proceedings, visit: www.un.org.
New report suggests food banks are expected to do too much
February 9, 2009
A Saskatchewan report released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calls on government and policy makers to address poverty issues. Bridging the gap from poverty to independence: What is the role of the Canadian Food Banks?, written by Candace Weimer, examines the role of food banks in Canadian society, concluding that they should continue to solely be emergency crisis centres, as they were initially intended. Weimer explores various anti-poverty measures in other countries, as well as current initiatives in Canada, and suggests that the public is better served when food banks aren't forced to expand their services to address all poverty issues. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.policyalternatives.ca. (PDF)
Toronto nonprofits encouraged to apply for free management consulting
February 9, 2009
Endeavor Volunteer Consulting Network helps nonprofits improve their impact by providing pro bono strategy consulting in various business areas, including strategic planning, marketing strategy, earned income venture feasibility studies and more. Endeavor is currently accepting project applications from nonprofits and charities for Spring/Summer 2009 consulting projects in Toronto and neighbouring cities. Applications are preferred by Wednesday, February 18th, but will still be accepted afterward. Applications received in mid-March will be considered for Fall/Winter projects. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.evcn.ca or e-mail contact@evcn.ca.
Fast Fact: UK study shows increased demand for charity services
February 9, 2009
According to a new UK study, 35% of charities in England and Wales are reporting an increased demand in services since the global recession hit. The survey also revealed that 19% have been unable to access new funding to provide increased service, and 16% were unable to secure funding to maintain current programs. The survey also indicated that charities have a ways to go in learning to work together, with only 24% referring people to other charities for help, and 13% indicating they never refer to outside organizations. -- Charity Commission
Children's health and physical activity grants available to charities
February 9, 2009
BMO Employee Charitable Foundation's Kids 'n Motion Endowment Fund is accepting applications until February 28th. Established in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, Kids 'n Motion supports Canadian charities that promote health and physical activity among children and young people, including those with physical or mental challenges and those who are financially disadvantaged. Kids 'n Motion will distribute up to $25,000 in funds this year, with individual grant amounts ranging from approximately $500 to $5,000. Charities or qualified donees from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Atlantic provinces, are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit: www.bmoemployeecharitablefoundation.ca.
Historic Vancouver theatre saved for future generations
February 9, 2009
Vancouver developer Wall Financial Corporation, with the City of Vancouver, announced the company's commitment to purchase and save the York Theatre on Commercial Drive from imminent demolition. The theatre, built in 1912 and once a hub for live entertainment, appeared on Heritage Vancouver's 2008 list of the city's Top 10 endangered sites. A few significant features of the York include its full fly tower, excellent acoustics and unprecedented site lines. The restoration proposal developed by architect Gregory Henriquez includes the addition of a 2-storey glass lobby that will look onto the street. When completed, the new theatre will be operated by The Cultch, a local nonprofit arts organization, and will be used by a variety of arts and community groups for performances and other special events. For more information, visit: www.thecultch.com. (PDF)
Brain Injury Association of Canada receives $150,000 donation
February 9, 2009
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) donated $150,000 to the Brain Injury Association of Canada (BIAC). The donation makes IBC the presenting sponsor of BIAC's Hawaiian Oyster Odyssey series of fundraising events across Canada for the next three years. The events promote the prevention of brain injuries and raise funds to advocate for survivors. There is at least one event scheduled in each province across Canada in 2009. For more information about the Brain Injury Association of Canada, visit: biac-aclc.ca/en/.
Fast Fact: Starving artist stereotype rings true in Canada
February 9, 2009
According to a recent study, artists in Canada are, on average, living right at the poverty line and are unlikely to see their situations improve in the current economic climate. Canadian artists earn 37% less than the average working Canadian, bringing in only $22,731 in 2005. Of the artists surveyed, 43% made less than $10,000. Salaries seem to be decreasing as well, as artists in 2005 made 11% less than they did in 1990. Most artists seem to find other work to help them get by, with 42% indicating they had a secondary part-time job in 2005. -- Hill Strategies Research
Survey on impact of economic downturn requires participants
February 9, 2009
To better understand how Alberta's nonprofits and charities are being impacted by the current economic turmoil and what they are doing to address the situation, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) is collaborating with other nonprofits from across Alberta on a survey to determine the impact of the current economic climate on the province's nonprofits and charities. The survey only takes a few moments and must be completed by February 20, 2009. Visit: www.surveymonkey.com to participate. (Please complete the survey only once.)
RCMP Heritage Centre gets $110,000 boost
February 9, 2009
The RCMP Heritage Centre announced that its "Protect and Preserve" capital campaign received a $110,000 gift from TD Bank Financial Group. The purpose of the campaign is to raise funds for the
nonprofit's second phase of exhibits and enhancements. TD's donation will go toward the installation of several bilingual outdoor panels that will provide visitors with historical and modern information about the RCMP training program, the centre's unique landscaping and environmental plan, and the centre itself. For more information about the RCMP Heritage Centre, visit:
www.rcmpheritagecentre.com.
Federal government releases 2009 budget
February 2, 2009
The federal government released their highly anticipated 2009 budget on January 27, 2009. The budget highlights mainly focus on the worsening economy in the form of stimulus spending, personal income tax relief, and an extension of Employment Insurance benefits. Although no announcements were made in relation to Imagine Canada's proposal for assisting the voluntary sector, there were some announcements that will affect nonprofits throughout Canada.
- $2 billion for social housing for low-income earners, seniors, people with disabilities and native Canadians
- $2 billion to repair post-secondary institutions
- $325 million to Aboriginal organizations and provinces to deliver health programs and child and family services
- $60 million over two years for community theatres, libraries and museums
- $75 million over two years for Parks Canada facilities, and an additional $75 million for national historic sites
To read the 2009 budget in full, visit: www.budget.gc.ca/2009/home-accueil-eng.asp. And to help make sense of how the budget will affect nonprofits, CharityVillage is running a special Cover Story this week. Click here to read more.
Not-For-Profit Corporations Act reintroduced in Parliament
February 2, 2009
The Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act was reintroduced last week by the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). The bill was introduced in the last session of Parliament but died when Parliament was prorogued on December 3, 2008. 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.
It will also allow for the repeal of the outdated Canada Corporations Act. Corporations currently incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act will have three years to apply for corporate status under the proposed Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. There will be no fees for this process.
For more information, visit: www.ic.gc.ca.
New report examines nonprofit fraud and its consequences
February 2, 2009
Nearly 70% of insiders who defraud
nonprofits face jail time, according to new research released by the
CA-Queen's Centre for Governance. The study found that the average fraud cost to a nonprofit is $119,821 per occurrence and was more likely to occur in large urban centres than in smaller
centres. More that 90% of reported frauds of nonprofits are committed
by one person, with the most frequently reported fraudsters holding senior management
positions.
CEO-committed frauds cost nonprofits the most, at $176,000, while
fundraiser fraud averaged $60,000. Age is highly correlated with fraud with board members, management and
employees who are older or longer serving more likely to commit
fraud.
However, when younger employees do commit fraud it is for large
amounts (average of $868,667).
For more information, and to read the full report, visit: business.queensu.ca.
(PDF)
Fast Fact: Online users good at multitasking
February 2, 2009
Canadians are spending almost half of their online time multitasking, listening to music or watching television while using the Internet. Canadians spend on average 15 hours per week online, 15 hours per week watching television, 10 hours per week listening to the radio, and only 3 hours, or 30 minutes per day, reading newspapers. For younger users, the Internet is rapidly outpacing television as their primary recreational activity, with those aged 18 - 34 spending 18.4 hours online each week, while those aged 35 - 54 spend 13.6 hours online and those 55 and older spending 14.2 hours online. -- Ipsos Reid
Study examines the role of business in determining health
February 2, 2009
The Conference Board of Canada has released a new study, Healthy People, Healthy Performance, Healthy Profits: The Case for Business Action on the Socio-Economic Determinants of Health,
examining the role of employers in addressing the socio-economic determinants of health. The report argues that employers and businesses play a pivotal role since many aspects that are key to health, including income, working conditions, literacy, and housing, are strongly affected by an individual's place of employment. In addition to offering examples of successful initiatives already taken by Canadian and international firms, the report provides practical guidance and principles of success to businesses that may take action. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.conferenceboard.ca.
CanadaHelps accepting presentation abstracts for upcoming conference
February 2, 2009
CanadaHelps is seeking workshop abstracts for oral presentations at the MyCharityConnects Conference, June 8-9, 2009 in Toronto. The conference, targeted at small and medium-sized charities, will provide a series of workshops on best practices for various online tools that enable increased fundraising and awareness. Desired topics are social media, website basics, e-newsletters, online communities, storytelling, budgeting and planning, and engaging younger demographics.
Abstracts for presentations will be accepted until February 20, 2009; presenters will be notified by no later than March 20, 2009.
Submissions should include: presenter(s) name, title, organization, phone and e-mail; proposed title of session, topics covered, description (max: 200 words), target audience, and "take aways;" and any materials or AV equipment requirements. Please also include previous workshops conducted. Abstracts should be sent to: carlo@canadahelps.org.
Service Canada accepting applications for summer work program
February 2, 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.
Fast Fact: Canadians feel they don't fit in at work
February 2, 2009
A surprising number of Canadians don't feel that they fit in with their coworkers at their place of employment. A recent survey showed 12% feel like an outsider at work, while 3% claimed they feel like complete "misfits." Younger Canadians, aged 18 - 34, were most "dragged down by the negative work environment," with 37% agreeing with the statement, while only 30% of those aged 35 - 54 agreed, and 20% of those 55 and older. This challenge is a key contributor to employee turnover, which is estimated to cost between $50,000 and $100,000 per employee. -- Ipsos Reid
Project Winter Survival hands out more than 2,000 kits to the homeless
February 2, 2009
On January 17, 2009, more than 100 volunteers gathered to hand out 2,000 winter survival kits to the Toronto homeless through the Salvation Army's Project Winter Survival program. The program issues kits made up of necessary winter survival items, such as sleeping bags, blankets, gloves, coats, and personal care items, to those who are vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. The event also raised $45,000 in cash.
For more information about Project Winter Survival, visit: www.projectwintersurvival.org.
Manufacturing award honours Windsor company for philanthropy
February 2, 2009
The Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame announced a new annual award, named the Essence of Philanthropy, to
honour a Canadian manufacturing company that has demonstrated a long-term
engagement in philanthropic activities at the regional, provincial, national
and/or global level. The recipient of the inaugural award is Valiant Machine and Tool of
Windsor, Ontario. The company not only provides financial and human resource assistance to various nonprofit organizations, but employees get involved as volunteers in their community, logging more than 20,000
hours on an annual basis.
For more information, visit: www.cmhof.ca.
