Vancouver General Hospital receives $15 million donation
March 30, 2009
A new, state-of-the-art research centre will be established at Vancouver General Hospital, housing three internationally-recognized research programs and named after Robert H.N. Ho in honour of his $15-million donation. The Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre will house hundreds of scientists and clinicians pioneering new treatments and cures for patients with prostate and ovarian cancers, as well as hip and mobility issues. Mr. Ho's gift will also fund enhancements in the cardiac investigation and intervention unit, including new equipment and research to improve cardiac care for patients in British Columbia and around the world. For more information, visit: www.vchri.ca.
HR Council releases framework on shared HR services
March 30, 2009
The HR Council published a new framework exploring the development of a shared service framework that would help leaders to effectively manage HR and workplace issues. Specifically, the framework outlines the potential value and benefit derived when a group of executive directors pools their resources and collectively hires an HR professional. Entitled Better Together, the framework provides nonprofit leaders and their boards with background information on the shared HR service concept and outlines the steps and considerations required. The content of the framework is largely based on experiences gleaned from the Muttart Foundation’s HR Cluster Pilot Project in Alberta and another current shared HR model serving a group of organizations in Toronto.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.hrcouncil.ca. (PDF)
Alberta report suggests nonprofits are adapting to economic conditions
March 30, 2009
Recently, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations conducted a province-wide online survey to determine the Impact of the Current Economic Climate on Alberta's Nonprofits and Charities. This report indicates early signs of reductions in earned income, corporate donations and sponsorship, and donations of stock. This takes place at the same time as a rise in demand for services and an anticipated decrease in revenues for 2009. Results indicate that many organizations are adapting to the situation as it emerges in order to maintain existing levels of programs and services. However, high levels of uncertainty about how revenue sources will be affected in 2009 and onward are having a negative effect on their ability to plan ahead.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.volunteeralberta.ab.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Corporate sustainability reporting an issue for many companies
March 30, 2009
According to a new survey, an overwhelming majority (90%) of Canadian senior financial executives consider reporting on the environmental and social impacts of their companies to be important. A large proportion of responding companies, 72%, also claimed that their company understood which sustainability issues were most relevant to achieving their business goals. However, when asked if there was an effective strategy for managing these issues, only half of respondents reported that they had one in place. Most respondents (78%) believe that the average investor does not have enough information about the sustainability performance of Canadian companies. -- Canadian Financial Executives Research Foundation
Imagine Canada seeks board of director nominations
March 30, 2009
Imagine Canada is inviting the nomination of candidates for its board of directors. Each candidate must be nominated by two individuals and nominations must include
contact information of the candidate. Candidates must provide a brief biography (in both English and French if available) and a note of acceptance of the nomination. In 2009, elections will be held for four positions. Important selection criteria in the development of a slate of candidates include:
- An understanding of the charitable and nonprofit sector and the issues and
challenges facing it
- Significant experience in charity and nonprofit governance at the board level
- A background that reflects the contemporary diversity of Canada
- Experience in or connection to a particular geographic region of Canada
All nominations must be received by Imagine Canada no later than April 20,
2009. They should be sent to Ms. Amanda Mayer at amayer@imaginecanada.ca. For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca. (PDF)
AFP Toronto looking to recognize exceptional fundraisers
March 30, 2009
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Toronto Chapter is proud to recognize individuals who, early in their fundraising career, are making an outstanding contribution to the fundraising profession and provide a powerful inspiration to others. The awards selection committee is now accepting nominations for the New Fundraising Professional Award from members who represent the new generation of professional fundraisers. A candidate for this award has to be a member of AFP Greater Toronto Chapter and needs to have between two to five years employment experience as a full-time fundraising professional. The individual will be honoured at the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter's Fundraising Day Luncheon on Thursday, May 28, 2009. The deadline for receiving the completed nomination form is Wednesday, April 1, 2009.
For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: afptoronto.org.
New resource available for Volunteer Week planning
March 30, 2009
With National Volunteer Week fast approaching, the time for planning your organization’s celebrations is now! Volunteer Alberta has created a new resource kit to help nonprofits across Canada recognize the importance of their volunteers. The National Volunteer Week Resource Kit has information to help you plan, organize and celebrate National Volunteer Week activities with volunteers in your community. This kit contains media campaign tools that will help you determine what kind of media campaign is right for your community. The kit includes sample news releases, ideas for community initiatives, schedules, and a number of resources for communicating with the media.
For more information, visit: www.volunteeralberta.ab.ca.
University of Calgary will help build world’s biggest telescope
March 30, 2009
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) gave $1.25 million to the group of scientists and engineers working at the University of Calgary on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which is attempting to build the world's largest telescope. The University of Calgary is the lead Canadian institution on the $3-billion international research project. SKA will be the largest radio telescope ever built and will be used to study naturally occurring radio emissions from the edge of the universe to a distant time before stars and galaxies were formed.
For more information, visit: www.ucalgary.ca.
Fast Fact: Albertans keen on protecting the environment
March 30, 2009
A recent study shows that 79% of Albertans agree that it is possible to have a strong economy in Alberta while protecting the environment. A further 66% also agree that more government action is needed to solve the environmental problems facing Alberta. Another 78% of Albertans say, in the future, they would prefer that the provincial government provide subsidies for the development of renewable and clean energy options, while 11% say they would prefer subsidies for oil and gas development. Nine out of ten (91%) Albertans say, when it comes to the clean up of environmental harm, it is more fair that the company causing the harm pays (with costs passed to its consumers through higher product costs), while 6% say it is more fair that the government pays (with costs passed on to all citizens in the form of taxes).
-- Ipsos Reid
Funding available to help Canadians protect endangered species
March 30, 2009
Canon Canada announced the launch of the 2009 Canon Canada Nurture Nature Awards. The Nurture Nature Awards is an environmental program that encourages Canadians to help protect or improve the natural habitat of an endangered or threatened species in their community. Individuals can submit a proposal consisting of a short video and a brief written plan on how they intend to positively impact a threatened habitat in their area. Three winners from across Canada will be announced on September 14, 2009. Each winner will receive a cash award of $20,000 to fund their project. Proposals can be submitted until September 1, 2009. For more information, visit: www.canon.ca.
New site provides tools for coping with a learning disability
March 30, 2009
The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada launched a new website for students with learning disabilities. The site is fully accessible and offers support such as BrowseAloud, which features a real person reading the contents of each webpage. Developed by young people themselves coping with learning disabilities, the site is geared toward youth and focuses on completing high school, getting to and succeeding in a post secondary environment, and successfully transitioning into a career path after completing their degree. For more information, visit: www.youth2youth.ca.
Introducing "Attracting Corporate Sponsorship"
March 23, 2009
We're pleased to announce the launch of our latest CharityVillage Campus course: Attracting Corporate Sponsorship. If you're keen to unlock corporate marketing dollars for your organization, this is the course for you. We'll take you through the whole process, including
figuring out what you have to offer, what sponsors want, pricing, recognition, writing a proposal, and building successful long-term relationships with your corporate partners. Our course author is Sue Griffin, president and CEO of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and a Canadian leader in the field of strategic fundraising alliances. From now until April 30, save 25% on your registration with our early-bird discount. The course is just $97 per user. Find out more today at: www.charityvillage.com/cv/learn/sponsorship.html.
New report published on the public benefit economy
March 23, 2009
Lynne Eakin, a Canadian researcher who studies the nonprofit sector, released a new report examining the role of the nonprofit sector in what she calls the public benefit economy. Eakin suggests that the public sector can be an economy in its own right, and that private enterprise principles are not necessary for a legitimate economy. Eakin also argues that we need to pay much more attention to this economy because it is central to our ability to tackle the challenges facing our planet.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.lynneakin.com.
Fast Fact: Many donors will continue to give to charity despite recession
March 23, 2009
More than half of individual charitable donors plan to give the same amount or more to philanthropic causes in 2009 despite the recession, according to a recent survey conducted by Cygnus Applied Research. However, nearly half will either give less or are unsure about their giving threshold in 2009, which could determine the ability of some charities to survive this year. The study, Philanthropy in a Turbulent Economy, showed that 52.3% of donors said they will give the same amount or more to charity in 2009, with 17.5% planning to give less and 30.2% indicating that it is too early to say whether their giving will increase or decrease. Of those donors planning to give less to charity in 2009, 55% cited the economic downturn as the main reason. -- Cygnus Applied Research
Volunteer MBC partners with Volunteering Peel
March 23, 2009
Volunteer MBC (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon), a volunteer centre that fosters and develops volunteerism in the Region of Peel, is pleased to announce its partnership with Volunteering Peel, a youth-run volunteer organization. Volunteering Peel has been entirely led by high school students since its creation in November 2005, and works with community groups and event organizers to provide youth volunteers to facilitate community and fundraising events. Volunteer MBC, in collaboration with Volunteering Peel’s executive committee, will be developing strategic approaches to communicate the role and importance that youth volunteerism has in the community. Plans are in place to deliver their message through school assemblies, peer-to-peer presentations and various volunteer fairs held throughout the Region of Peel. In addition, Volunteering Peel will provide assistance for youth volunteer opportunities that Volunteer
MBC engages in, including the upcoming Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge, ChangeTheWorld, which is being held during National Volunteer Week in late April. For more information, visit: www.volunteeringpeel.org.
Report examines online giving and online donor retention
March 23, 2009
Target Analytics, a Blackbaud company, released the 2008 donorCentrics™ Internet Giving Benchmarking Analysis. The report indicated that over the past few years, online giving has become an increasingly significant source of new donor acquisition, and integrating online and offline fundraising channels is key to long term success. Key findings from the analysis include:
- Online giving still represents a relatively small portion of donors and revenue at most organizations, but it is growing rapidly and is becoming an important source for new donor acquisition.
- Online donors are younger and have higher incomes than traditional direct mail donors.
- Online donors give larger gifts and, as a result, have a higher overall long-term value than donors to more traditional giving channels like direct mail. However, they are less loyal in terms of repeat giving.
- The online giving channel must be an integrated part of an entire direct marketing program because although offline donors do not generally migrate to online giving, online donors do migrate to offline channels in large numbers. In addition, online donors tend to downgrade when they move offline, further evidence that online donors are not cultivated to their full potential.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.blackbaud.com. (PDF)
PINC announces call for nonprofit video content submissions
March 23, 2009
Pinc Productions Inc. announced it is accepting video content submissions from nonprofits to be promoted on its soon to be launched Life On Purpose Network™. Life On Purpose Network™ (LOPN) is an online philanthropic media platform dedicated to engaging viewers and facilitating philanthropy through video content that's entertaining, enlightening and inspiring. Finished videos are not necessary; quality video footage can be edited by Pinc’s video production department, which specializes in online video. For more information on how your organization’s cause can be featured, email your submission request to: chantale@pincproductions.ca or call 1-888-683-7462.
Fast Fact: Donors reassessing their giving and volunteer habits
March 23, 2009
A US poll found that 45% of respondents are giving the same amount to charity this year, while 24% are giving to fewer organizations and 31% are giving less. Additionally, 6% are not making any donations at all, and 7% are volunteering less. On a more positive note, 9% indicated they were volunteering more because of the economic downturn. People who give to health care organizations are somewhat more likely to give smaller amounts (38% vs. 31%) and to give to fewer organizations (29% vs. 24%). Most people (60%) who give time or money to charity prefer, if given the choice, to give gifts to organizations that specify exactly how donations are used. Only 25% prefer to give unrestricted gifts that organizations are free to use as they see best.
-- Harris Interactive
Guidestar releases report on nonprofit transparency
March 23, 2009
A new report released by Guidestar shows that while 93% of nonprofits are embracing using the Internet to disclose information about their programs and services, only 43% are posting their annual report to their website, and 13% their audited financial statements. The report, The State of Nonprofit Transparency, 2008: Voluntary Disclosure Practices, also outlines key recommendations for nonprofits, including that all nonprofits should consider posting the above documents on their website, in addition to brief biographic outlines of key staff and board members. It is also essential for nonprofits to ensure their websites are up to date with current information about programs and services. For more information, and to obtain a full copy of the report, visit: publications.guidestar.org.
BC families just can’t get ahead
March 23, 2009
A new study reveals that BC’s poor and middle class families are in worse financial shape than their parents’ generation. BC’s Growing Gap: Family Income Inequality 1976-2006, released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, finds that fully 60% of families with children are earning less than their counterparts were in the late 1970s, while incomes for the wealthiest 10% have increased dramatically. The result is a widening gap between the rich and the rest of the population. Among the study’s key findings is that the income gap has widened to the point that the top 10% of BC families now earn more than the entire bottom half of families. "These findings point to a disturbing growth of inequality in this province," author Iglika Ivanova says, “and they help explain why even during our recent economic boom, many people have found it hard to get ahead." For more information and to download the full report, visit: www.policyalternatives.ca.
Crime Prevention Ottawa project funding now available
March 23, 2009
Nonprofit community organizations in Ottawa are invited to submit applications for new projects that address gaps in service that help prevent crime and victimization within the community and address the root causes of crime. Full project funding and application guidelines are available on Crime Prevention Ottawa’s website. Applications must be postmarked or received by 4 pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2009. For more information, visit: crimepreventionottawa.ca.
Charityvillage.com wants your feedback!
March 16, 2009
Do you subscribe to Village Vibes, E-Training Update, or Flow? Or any combination of the three? If so, Charityvillage.com wants your input on how you are enjoying our newsletters. Tell us what’s great, what’s okay, and what we can improve upon. And if telling us your opinion isn’t incentive enough, one lucky participant will win an iPod Touch. To take this 10-minute survey, please visit: www.surveymonkey.com.
Saskatchewan’s 33rd annual Telemiracle raises $3.8 million
March 16, 2009
The Kinsmen Foundation will be able to continue distributing funds to Saskatchewan residents with disabilities, in many cases purchasing state of the art technology and equipment, thanks to this year’s Telemiracle event. The telethon raised $3.8 million, which although short of the $5.6 million pledged in 2007, is higher than last year’s totals. The 20-hour telethon often sees Saskatchewan donors return 105% of what was actually pledged.
For more information, visit: www.telemiracle.com.
Fast Fact: Canadians will continue giving to charity, despite recession
March 16, 2009
According to a recent survey, 76% of Canadians reported giving $25 or more to charity in the last 12 months. Only 18% expect to give less to charity this year, down from 24% in October 2008, while 59% said they will give the same and 12% indicated they would give more. Of the 12% who plan on giving more to charity this year, 69% will increase their donations by more than 10%, and 9% will increase their donations by 30% or more. Health-related charities are the priority for Canadians, making up 23% of the planned donations. Thirty-one percent of those giving less to charity indicated that their donations will be going to this sector.
-- Innovative Research Group, Inc.
Research study identifies what nonprofits must do well in hard times
March 16, 2009
A small US research study, Nonprofit Fundraising Trends 2009, reveals some important characteristics for nonprofits that want to stay afloat during these grim economic times. In particular, diverse funding streams, strong management, and a "learning culture" are identified as key characteristics. Those nonprofits that are remaining successful appear to be putting an emphasis on development activities, including donor relations and working with major donors. The study also makes key strategy recommendations for leaders and board members. For more information, visit: www.tacs.org. (PDF)
New diabetes management strategy gets $500,000 boost
March 16, 2009
The National Diabetes Management Strategy received a $500,000 boost in funding from Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. to research diabetes treatment in primary care and ultimately improve the lives of people with the disease. The strategy is a joint initiative of the University of Western Ontario (Western) and the Canadian Diabetes Association. The new funding will target at least two key aspects of the strategy that focus on primary care. The first involves evaluating the care and challenges family practices face in implementing the Canadian Diabetes Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada, while the second will focus on physician and allied health professional education.
For more information about the Canadian Diabetes Association, visit: www.diabetes.ca.
Legal fellowships available to organizations in Ontario
March 16, 2009
The Law Foundation of Ontario (LFO) is pleased to announce the creation of ten Linguistic and Rural Access to Justice Articling Fellowships. These fellowships will fund articling positions for community legal clinics and Legal Aid Ontario to provide legal information and services to linguistic minorities and residents of rural and remote communities. Successful organizations will be funded to hire students beginning in the 2010 articling period and may be eligible to receive the grant for three years. Once an organization has been selected, it will choose a student through the articling process governed by the Law Society of Upper Canada.
For more information, visit: www.lawfoundation.on.ca.
Fast Fact: University enrollment among women continues to climb
March 16, 2009
University enrollment increased by 0.9% in 2006-2007, with 90% of the increase attributed to young students aged 18 to 21, according to a new report. This is the second smallest increase in students since 2000. Female enrollment remains steady at 58%, up 1.1% from the previous year. The number of students enrolling in a master’s program rose 1.8%, with women making up 54% of the total. Men still outnumber women in doctorate programs, although the proportion is growing smaller with the number of male registrants decreasing from 60% in 1995-1996 to 54% in 2006-2007.
-- Statistics Canada
New online tool helps charities examine their fundraising viability
March 16, 2009
The Institute of Fundraising and THINK Consulting Solutions have created a free online diagnostic tool designed to help charities understand the impact of the recession on their income portfolios over the coming years. The diagnostic tool is suitable for charities of all sizes that wish to check the viability of their fundraising, anonymously and confidentially. It offers two analysis routes. The Net Income Report scrutinizes a charity's fundraising profitability across a mix of channels to determine the most profitable income streams and donor groups, and areas needing focus. The second route, an Investment Report, assesses the mix and risk of a charity's investment portfolio, looking at recruitment and donor development across techniques and channels to ensure strategic risk management. For more information, visit: www.fundraisinghealthcheck.org.
Conference Board survey confirms decreased corporate philanthropy
March 16, 2009
Issues related to the economic downturn dominate the concerns of corporate giving officers of major U.S. companies polled by The Conference Board. The report, The 2009 Corporate Philanthropy Agenda: How the Economic Downturn is Affecting Corporate Giving, indicated that limits on budgetary resources and the current economic downturn in general are the leading factors taken into consideration when giving officers plan their 2009 contributions agenda.
Forty-five percent of those surveyed have implemented a reduction in their 2009 giving budget, and 16% are now considering it. When asked what they anticipate as their biggest 2009 challenge, giving officers most often said an increase in the number of grant requests, followed by inadequate financial resources, a decline in their corporate foundation endowment, and measuring results/outcomes. For more information, visit: www.conference-board.org.
Student-led journal exploring themes of poverty launched in Ontario
March 16, 2009
The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) launched Esurio, the first-ever online, student-led academic journal in North America that helps build a base of information around the array of issues surrounding hunger and poverty. Esurio provides students with an outlet to publish their academic research on emerging social issues ranging from energy poverty to food security, and encourages them to develop innovative partnerships with NGOs, community leaders, academia, government and corporations. The first issue of the Esurio journal includes eight peer reviewed articles from undergraduate and graduate students in Ontario, as well as invited contributions featuring researchers and experts. For more information, visit: www.esurio.ca.
Fast Fact: Extra work demands on staff cost employers more than overtime pay
March 16, 2009
Employers take note: if your employees are working longer hours without reward, 62% of them will find ways to reward themselves at your expense, according to a new Canadian poll. The poll revealed that 21% of Canadians are now working more hours per week to keep up, and almost four in 10 (37%) receive no additional compensation or time off. Twenty percent of working Canadians say they are changing their work habits, doing things such as taking work home more often, working through lunch, or avoiding taking sick days as a result of the slowing economy. Another 21% say they're working more hours per week. Those who take their own payback for extra work do so by leaving early (53%), working at a more leisurely pace (27%), taking sick days when they are not sick (23%), taking longer lunch breaks (21%), and arriving late (16%).
-- ADP Canada
Carolyn Sifton Foundation donates $1 million to human rights museum
March 9, 2009
Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights announced a $1 million donation to the museum from the Carolyn Sifton Foundation. The donation was made in honour of Nancy Sifton, mother of the foundation’s president, who passed away in April of 2008. Graeme Sifton, her son, commented, "My family is impressed with the unique youth focus of this museum. We believe that educating people about children's rights, while at the same time engaging and inspiring the youth to promote human rights is an unbeatable combination for a better future." For more information, visit: www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com. (PDF)
Vancouver 2010 launches call for volunteer performers for Olympic Ceremonies
March 9, 2009
Performers, dancers, and athletes of all types have a chance to apply to be part of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. David Guscott, VANOC executive vice president of celebrations and partnerships says, "Previous experience isn't a requirement, but taking quick action is. This is the one and only call for participation. Above all, we're looking for volunteers with lots of personality, a positive attitude, and tons of energy." Candidates are asked to complete an application online that lists their skills and abilities. VANOC is searching for 4,500 dancers, athletes and performers across all disciplines. All performers must be aged 17 or older by May 1, 2009 to apply. Possible opportunities for performers younger than this are still being considered.
For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.vancouver2010.com.
Canadian Film Fest forced to cancel 2009 event
March 9, 2009
As reported by theglobeandmail.com, the Canadian Film Fest (CFF) has cancelled its 2009 film festival because several sponsors backed out. The four-day event, set to run in Toronto in March, found itself the victim of the economic downturn as the main sponsor, Bell Video Store, a subdivision of Bell Canada, was forced to slash its marketing budget. Unfortunately, this included the sponsorship of the CFF. The CFF is a privately funded, grassroots event that screens about 50 Canadian shorts, features, and documentaries. CFF founder and director Bern Euler says that he is not giving up on his event, and plans to be back in 2010. For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
Imagine Canada announces winners of partnership awards
March 9, 2009
Imagine Canada announced the year’s most outstanding partnerships between
Canadian businesses and nonprofit organizations.
The Canadian Business & Community Partnership Awards recognize
innovative collaborations between leading businesses and their
nonprofit partners. These partnerships, which involve more than
financial support, demonstrate the leadership and commitment of
everyone involved. Both parties engage in project design, oversight,
and implementation.
This year's winners are:
- Share the Warmth: Home Energy Efficiency Project, partnering SaskEnergy, The Salvation Army and Saskatchewan Institute of
Applied Science and Technology
- The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, partnering TD Bank Financial Group, Vancouver Aquarium, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
- The Red Cross Call Centre, partnering TELUS and the Canadian Red Cross Lower Mainland Region
For more information, including details about the winning projects, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca.
Youth leadership fellowships accepting applications
March 9, 2009
The Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation announced the 2009 call for applications for the Gordon Global Fellowship. The fellowships are targeted toward emerging Canadian leaders who demonstrate potential to enhance Canada’s role on the world stage. The fellowships provide successful candidates with a cash award of $20,000 as well as other forms of support. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents between 24 - 35 years of age with previous international experience - paid or volunteer. They also need to demonstrate a sustained commitment to international issues through studies, career choices and volunteer activities. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 15, 2009. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.gordonfn.org.
Telethon raises $800,000 for Ottawa children’s hospice
March 9, 2009
A telethon held during a recent Ottawa Senators hockey game raised more than $800,000 for Roger’s House, a children’s hospice named after the late Roger Nielson. Roger’s House, the charity of choice of the Sens Foundation, provides a comprehensive pediatric respite and palliative care program with elements of outreach, residential hospice, pain and symptom management; grief and bereavement counselling, and research. Since opening its doors in May 2006, Roger’s House has had more than 500 admissions. The telethon, a joint effort between the Ottawa Senators Foundation and Rogers Sportsnet, has been running since 2004. For more information on Roger's House, visit: www.rogershouse.ca.
Fast Fact: Not-for-profit performing arts see decline in profit margin
March 9, 2009
Canada's live performing arts industry generated operating revenues of $1.2 billion in 2007, up 2.8% from the previous year. These revenues were split almost equally between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, however the profit margin for not-for-profit companies declined from 1.2% to 0.1%. All performing arts disciplines posted a surplus, except not-for-profit theatre, which incurred a loss of 1.6%. Musical groups and artists (everything from orchestras to rock groups) accounted for 29% of total operating revenue in 2007, while theatre companies accounted for 27%. The remaining 44% was split among musical theatre groups, including opera companies, as well as dance companies and a miscellaneous category that includes circuses and ice skating shows.
-- Statistics Canada
Calgary youth to be honoured for giving back to their community
March 9, 2009
Child & Youth Friendly Calgary (CYFC), in partnership with ConocoPhillips, is hosting the sixth annual Youth of Distinction Awards ceremony on May 9th, 2009. If you know a young person in Calgary between the ages of 13 and 18 who gives back to their community in selfless ways, please consider nominating them for a Youth of Distinction Award. Award categories include: activism, environmentalism, leadership, peer support, perseverance, and volunteerism. The nomination deadline is April 6th. For more information, and to download a nomination form, visit: www.cyfc.ca.
Fraser Health encourages BC health programs to apply for chronic health grants
March 9, 2009
The iConnect Health Network’s Community Wellness initiative is intended to support and promote community initiatives that strengthen the health and wellness of community members living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, depression, or anxiety. To this end, Fraser Health will be funding community agencies to offer programs or initiatives in White Rock/South Surrey, New Westminster, or Surrey that support or promote services for these conditions. Organizations are invited to submit a proposal for new projects or enhancements to existing projects. The maximum amount of funding per initiative is $50,000 for one year, with the option to renew for a second year, based on successful results. For more information and to submit an application, visit: www.fraserhealth.ca.
CCVO launches new community exchange centre
March 9, 2009
The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations launched a new online community exchange centre. The website is a shared space dedicated to the nonprofit community where you can publish an ad or posting to offer or inquire about sharing office space, goods, HR costs, and information. You may also anonymously post responses to and questions about any ad or posting, and/or send an e-mail reply in confidence. The site is intended to foster communication between Calgary nonprofits who might otherwise find it difficult to connect. For more information, visit: www.calgarycvo.org.
Canadian teens apply for World Vision Youth Ambassador program
March 9, 2009
Now in its third year, the World Vision Youth Ambassador program is looking for Canadian teens to get involved again this year. Six young Canadians, ages 16-19, will be chosen to represent their provinces as global advocates to mobilize other youth to speak out for change and fight poverty. They will have the opportunity to travel to Tanzania on a two week journey to learn about the challenges of poverty and how World Vision is working with people to overcome barriers. During their trip, they will also participate in a forum with young African leaders and develop their skills for global leadership. After returning to Canada, Youth Ambassadors will engage Canadian youth throughout the year to get involved in making a difference. The deadline for submitting an application is April 4.
For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.worldvision.ca.
Awards recognize outstanding support of people with developmental disabilities
March 9, 2009
In honour of June Callwood’s legacy, Surrey Place Centre announced that the nomination process for this year’s award is now open. Successful nominee(s) will be announced at the 3rd Annual Inspiring Hope Awards on Thursday, June 11, 2009. Nominees can be someone you know: a colleague, a person living with a developmental disability, a family member, or an important group or organization that has made a difference for people with developmental disabilities. Nominations must be received by Tuesday, March 31, 2009 in order to be considered. All entries will be kept private and confidential. For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.surreyplace.on.ca.
(PDF)
Ashoka launches new initiative to help rural and farming communities
March 9, 2009
Ashoka’s Changemakers announced the launch of Cultivating Innovation: Solutions for Rural Communities, a global, online competition to seek out the most innovative solutions in farming and rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, India, and around the world. The competition is funded as part of a grant awarded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Using the Changemakers’ open source online platform, the competition will be open to anyone striving to stimulate rural development and agriculture. The online competition will showcase innovative solutions, encouraging members to comment, network, and assist one another in making a difference. Nominations and submissions are welcome until May 13. For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.changemakers.net/agriculture.
Canada Revenue Agency launches new Project Trident website
March 2, 2009
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), in their continuing crackdown on tax fraud, including charity-related tax fraud, announced their Project Trident initiative. Project Trident is an enforcement project that targets three types of fraud: tax preparer fraud, charity-related fraud, and identity theft. The CRA also created a new website for the project, where Canadians can access information on how to submit a complaint, how to correct information through voluntary disclosure, as well as listings of and news items related to charities that have had their status revoked or annulled.
The CRA hopes that the site will assist Canadians in learning how to protect themselves from these types of fraud. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Calgary health groups reach four-year fundraising target of $300 million
March 2, 2009
Celebrations are underway as Reach!, the joint fundraising initiative of the University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services and the Calgary Health Trust, announced they surpassed their fundraising goal by $12 million.
Launched in October 2005, Reach! set out to raise $300 million in targeted philanthropic gifts for more than 100 projects in medical research, education, patient care, and public health and wellness, but more than $312 million has been raised to date. The money raised will be used to advance projects in eight key areas of health: bone and joint; brain; cancer; cardiovascular; child and maternal health; infection, immunity and inflammation; new frontiers of medicine; and public health and wellness.
For more information, visit: www.ucalgary.ca.
PAVR-O launches salary survey for managers of volunteers in Ontario
March 2, 2009
The Professional Administrators of Volunteer Resources-Ontario (PAVR-O) has launched an Ontario-wide salary survey of volunteer managers and coordinators. As an association representing the staff who engage and support volunteer resources, often called managers, administrators, coordinators or directors of volunteers, PAVR-O is often asked for a salary grid for the profession, but to their knowledge, none exists. They are initiating a quick survey to gather information that will be shared with members and non-members and used as a baseline for future comparisons. PAVR-O encourages all paid managers of volunteers in Ontario only to complete the survey.
The survey will be posted until March 31, 2009, after which reports will be created and shared on the PAVR-O web site. To take the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com.
Award winners announced for Canada's top diversity employers
March 2, 2009
The 2009 winners of the annual Canada's Best
Diversity Employers competition were announced last week, recognizing the
nation's leaders in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. The competition
recognizes employers that have developed exceptional inclusiveness programs
for employees from five main groups: women; members of visible
minorities; persons with disabilities; Aboriginal peoples; and
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered/transsexual (LGBT) peoples. This year's winners include several nonprofit and public sector organizations, including:
- Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto
- McGill University
- Ontario Public Service
- Statistics Canada
- University Health Network
- University of British Columbia
- University of Toronto
- WorkSafeBC
For more information, including a full list of winners, visit: www.canadastop100.com.
Fast Fact: More Americans are signing on to Twitter
March 2, 2009
As of December 2008, 11% of online American adults said they used a service like Twitter or another service that allowed them to share updates about themselves or to see the updates of others.
Twitter and similar services have been most avidly embraced by young adults. Nearly one in five (19%) online adults, ages 18 and 24, have used Twitter and its ilk, as have 20% of online adults 25 to 34. Use of these services drops off steadily after age 35, with 10% of 35 to 44 year olds and 5% of 45 to 54 year olds using Twitter. The decline is even more stark among older Internet users; 4% of 55 to 64 year olds and 2% of those 65 and older use Twitter.
The use of Twitter is highly intertwined with the use of other social media; both blogging and social network use increase the likelihood that an individual also uses Twitter.
-- Pew Internet & American Life Project
Canadian environmentalists encouraged to apply for community award
March 2, 2009
Earth Day Canada (EDC), in partnership with Cascades Inc., is searching for Canada’s 2009 Hometown Heroes Award winner. The Hometown Heroes Award program recognizes and encourages environmental leadership and achievement in local communities. Canada’s 2009 environmental hero will receive a cash prize of $10,000 ($5,000 to keep and $5,000 to donate to the environmental cause of their choice). The recipient of the award will be recognized as part of the 6th Annual Earth Day Canada Gala in Toronto, on June 10, 2009. The deadline for applications is Earth Day, April 22, 2009. For more information, and to submit a nomination for yourself or someone in your community, visit: www.earthday.ca.
Post-secondary institutions facing difficult times in national recession
March 2, 2009
A new report by the Educational Policy Institute suggests that Canadian universities could be facing dire circumstances if provincial support is cut during the current national recession. On the Brink: How the Recession of 2009 will Affect Post-Secondary Education,
indicates that in past economic recessions, provincial governments across the country have typically cut support for their universities. However, because of deteriorating job markets, more Canadians will return to school in the hopes of increasing their chances at landing a higher paying job. The report highlights several recommendations on how governments can support Canadian schools through this potential crisis. For more information, and to read the full report, visit: www.educationalpolicy.org. (PDF)
Award program recognizes Alberta corporate volunteers
March 2, 2009
Are you an Alberta nonprofit with a particularly loyal corporate partner? Nonprofits can recognize Alberta businesses for their community
contributions by nominating them for the 2009 Corporate Volunteer
Award of Excellence, organized by the Wild Rose Foundation. The awards are open to any local or international business that promotes and encourages a culture of giving and volunteering among employees, and is committed to corporate philanthropy and other forms of community support and investment within the province of Alberta.
Six awards, two for each category of small, medium and large business, are presented annually in June.
The deadline for nominations is April 9, 2009. For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: www.wildrosefoundation.ca.
Online course provides key epilepsy and seizure information to Canadians
March 2, 2009
Epilepsy Toronto recently launched a new website that teaches the community the basics of epilepsy (and beyond). What’s different about the site is that it is interactive, offering a quiz so people can test their knowledge of epilepsy, then providing a quick online course that people can use to fill in the gaps. The course teaches community members how to recognize a seizure as well as appropriate first-aid techniques.
For more information, and to take the course, visit: www.epilepsytoronto.org.
Loblaws donates $100,000 to YMCA Strong Kids campaign
March 2, 2009
Thanks to a donation by Loblaw
Companies Limited, more children, teens and families across Canada will be
able to participate in and enjoy the full benefits of YMCA programs at a time
when many families simply cannot afford the costs involved. The company contributed $100,000 to
the 2009 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, a month-long campaign focused on raising much needed financial support
for children, teens and families who are unable to afford the full cost of
participation in a YMCA program or activity. Funds raised through the campaign go directly to
children and youth in the community, and support financially assisted
memberships and recreation programs for children and youth at YMCAs across the
country. For more information about the campaign, visit: www.ymcastrongkids.ca.
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