New report: Training in Tough Times
April 27, 2009
If cutbacks are putting pressure on your training and development budget, read our new report: Training in Tough Times.
The report offers tips and resources for how to make the case for training, focus your development goals, and do the most good with the smallest budget possible. For more information, visit: www.charityvillagecampus.com
Animal advocate bequeaths $7.5 million to Ontario Veterinary College
April 27, 2009
The late Mona Campbell created a legacy of giving that will live on through a $7.5 million gift to benefit the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). It is the largest private donation in the university’s history. Campbell’s gift to OVC is directed toward causes in which she strongly believed. Half of the funds will be used to fully endow a chair in companion animal welfare and to provide further support for animal welfare research and initiatives. The other half, which is designated for Pet Trust, will support Canada's first comprehensive animal cancer centre.
For more information, visit: www.uoguelph.ca.
New study will probe HR issues in community support service sector
April 27, 2009
A comprehensive survey funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) is being launched by the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) to analyze health human resources in the community support service sector in Ontario. Upon completion in March 2010, the Health Human Resource Project will give service providers and their stakeholders a better understanding of the backgrounds of paid staff and volunteers, which will, in turn, help to inform decisions on developing leadership and skills training. It will also help the sector to develop and apply certain benchmarks.
For more information, visit: www.ocsa.on.ca. (PDF)
Amgen Canada donates $1.5 million to Ontario hospital
April 27, 2009
Amgen Canada, a biotechnology company, is donating $1.5 million to The Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario. The funds will facilitate the placement of the Optimal Care Program for Credit Valley’s renal patients and will make possible the creation of internal training materials, the continued education of staff, the purchase of safety-focused products, and the installation of a project manager to work with patients to identify and remove obstacles to home therapies and address pain management issues.
For more information, visit: www.cvhfoundation.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Annual campaigns and events remain top charity revenue drivers
April 27, 2009
A recent Canadian study indicates that annual giving/direct mail programs and special events remain the most common fundraising techniques, with 85% of Canadian charities relying on them. Other top rated fundraising techniques are online giving at 76%, major gifts at 69%, and planned giving at 57%. In 2008, 27% of charities saw direct mail revenues increase, while 52% reported the same for online giving, 47% for events, and 39% for major gifts. -- Innovative Research Group
New research study will assess labour needs of Nova Scotia nonprofit sector
April 27, 2009
The Federation of Community Organizations (FOCO), in partnership with Phoenix Youth Programs (Phoenix), has been awarded funding by the Government of Canada to undertake research on the labour needs of the nonprofit sector in Nova Scotia. The research project aims to address gaps in knowledge in the following areas:
- The size and scope of the sector in Nova Scotia in relation to economic contribution.
- Educational and training experience, employment history and salary levels of varying staff levels.
- Rates of staff turnover, as well as push and pull factors associated with staff turnover.
- Identification of specific challenges in attracting and retaining talent in nonprofit organizations.
- Exploration of staff retention strategies with a view to future needs.
Nonprofit organizations based in Nova Scotia that are interested in participating in the research, and community members seeking to know more, are invited to contact Margaret Fraser, executive director of FOCO, by email at info@foco.ca.
For more information, visit: www.hrcouncil.ca.
Contribution from Shaw helps open new Ocean Discovery Centre
April 27, 2009
The New Marine Centre's Discover Your Ocean Campaign reached its $5-million goal thanks to a $1.5 million gift from the Shaw Charitable Donations Committee. This is the largest single gift to the fundraising campaign. With news of the Shaw contribution came the announcement that the environmental education centre will be named the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. The centre opens on June 20 in Sidney, BC. Construction crews are completing the installation of giant aquarium habitats that will soon hold 87 tonnes of seawater and thousands of specimens. More than 150 volunteers, called Oceaneers, ranging in age from 11 to 80, are being trained to answer hundreds of questions and guide visitors through the ocean experience when the centre opens.
For more information about the centre, visit: oceandiscovery.ca.
Awards handed out to organizations doing exceptional work with homeless youth
April 27, 2009
In this fourth year of Eva’s Initiatives Award for Innovation, three winners are being recognized for their outstanding work with homeless youth. Eva’s Initiatives received 40 applications from organizations working with homeless youth in ten provinces and territories. A six-member panel, knowledgeable about services for homeless youth across Canada, reviewed all applications and selected three winners:
- Groupe communautaire l’itinéraire for the initiative Le magDVD le 3e Œil (Montréal. QC)
- The Laing House Association for the program Youth Speak: Breaking Down Stigma One Classroom at a Time (Halifax, NS)
- Parkland Youth Homes Society for Street Ties Youth Outreach (Red Deer, AB)
Each winning organization receives a prize of $5,000, presented at an awards ceremony in their community.
For more information, visit: www.evasinitiatives.com.
Fast Fact: US nonprofits remain hopeful about coming year
April 27, 2009
A recent US study indicates that although the economic climate is having an effect on nonprofits, the outlook is not entirely bleak. Of those organizations responding to the survey, 75% indicated their organizational mission will not change, and 17% indicated it will actually expand. Additionally, 38% will be increasing programs and 36% will not be making any changes to existing programs. Seventy-one percent of respondents expect to partner with other agencies over the coming year, and 37% indicate that current circumstances have not changed organizational unity, with 33% indicating there is increased unity within the organization. Thirty percent did report that morale has decreased, but 70% of respondents report that they are not worried about losing their job.
-- Retriever Development Counsel
Calgary AFP Chapter wins Ten Star Chapter award by AFP International
April 27, 2009
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Calgary and Area Chapter was named a 2008 Ten Star Chapter by AFP International. Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. A list of several goals is published annually, and chapters must accomplish 10 of these goals during the year and submit a nomination form for verification to be honoured. Derek Fraser, chapter president, comments that "the Calgary and Area Chapter works very hard to raise awareness of philanthropy in southern Alberta through its very successful National Philanthropy Awareness Week each November." For more information on the AFP Calgary and Area Chapter, visit: afpcalgary.afpnet.org.
New online tool helps employers to deal with mental health issues
April 27, 2009
The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace (the Centre) announced the launch of Guarding Minds @ Work - an evidence-based tool developed by leading Canadian mental health researchers. The user-friendly tool provides Canadian employers with comprehensive ways to assess the psychological safety and health of their specific workplace, as well as information on appropriate
solutions to common issues, and a method of measuring the effectiveness of those solutions. For more information, visit: www.guardingmindsatwork.ca.
Winnipeg hospital benefits from $1 million donation
April 27, 2009
St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation announced a $1
million donation by Douglas (Doug) and Patricia (Patty) Everett to begin an endowment in support of neurodegenerative research at St. Boniface Hospital. Having had neurodegenerative disorders touch their family, the Everetts were keen to support the Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism, diabetes, epilepsy and stroke research that is happening in Manitoba at St. Boniface Hospital’s Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders. The Everett Endowment Fund will support ongoing research into the
causes and cures of these diseases.
For more information, visit: www.saintboniface.ca. (PDF)
RBC makes $2-million gift to support the Campaign for BC Children
April 20, 2009
The BC Children's Hospital Foundation announced that RBC made a $2 million donation to the Campaign for BC Children. The gift will be used to support BC children, youth, and families coping with mental health challenges. Priorities of the campaign include construction of a new children’s hospital. The BC Children's Hospital Foundation launched the fundraising drive exactly one year ago, and the
community has contributed $82 million to date toward the $200-million
effort.
For more information about the BC Children's Hospital Foundation, visit: www.bcchf.ca.
Alberta’s Community Spirit Program gets $20 million commitment
April 20, 2009
Following last week’s announcement of a merger between the Wild Rose Foundation and the Community Initiatives Program, the Government of Alberta has committed to contributing $20 million to the Community Spirit Program in 2009. The program matches Albertans' donations to the provincial fund, which then provides grants to Alberta's nonprofits. The Community Spirit Program received 1,592 applications for grants in 2008. Of these, 1,496 were approved and will share in a total of $19 million in grant funding. The remaining $1 million of the first year budget was used for program operating and start-up costs, including an education campaign and information sessions.
For more information, visit: alberta.ca.
Canadian performance groups forced to cancel appearances
April 20, 2009
As reported by theglobeandmail.com, Ontario’s Stratford Festival was forced to cancel one performance and put another 30 on hold due to poor box office sales. The festival administration is waiting to see if ticket sales pick up and the economy improves before making a final decision about the performances. Ticket sales are down 15% from this time last year and according to research conducted by the organization, the poor economy is causing some regular buyers to pass on tickets this year.
For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
Additionally, the National Ballet of Canada announced the company will postpone its tour to western Canada in September 2009.
“In order to avoid undue financial risk, we have decided to not proceed with the five city tour to western Canada in September,” said executive director Kevin Garland. “This is a decision we make with the deepest regret but one that is necessary in the current difficult economic environment.” The National Ballet hopes to reinstate the western Canada tour in future years when a more predictable and stable economic situation returns.
For more information, visit: www.national.ballet.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Nonprofits missing out on opportunities for volunteer consulting
April 20, 2009
According to a recent US survey, both nonprofits and corporations are overlooking opportunities to leverage pro bono and skilled volunteer support to offset a decline in corporate giving dollars. Despite the challenging economic backdrop, nearly 40% of nonprofit executives say they will spend between $50,000 and $250,000 on outside contractors and consultants this year. Yet nearly 24% of nonprofit respondents have no plans to use skilled volunteers or pro bono support in any capacity in 2009. Further, 95% of nonprofits agree they are in greater need of pro bono or skilled volunteer support, however 35% do not have the appropriate infrastructure needed to successfully deploy volunteers. Also, 24% have no one in charge of volunteer coordination, and 23% have a person with less than three years experience in the position. Corporations don’t fare much better, with 26% having no one to oversee the corporate employee volunteer program, and 17% having no such program at all. -- Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey
Queen’s University gets $1.5 million boost for breast cancer research
April 20, 2009
Queen’s University researchers received more than $1.5 million from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Region. “This is really critical funding,” says recipient Christopher Mueller, professor of biochemistry, pathology and molecular medicine at Queen’s. “Federal agencies are having a record low year in funding research, and without the foundation, these important projects would simply not be moving forward.” Project applications are submitted to a set of peer-review panels, and the panels decide what projects will receive the funding. These decisions support the goal of having the broadest possible impact on breast cancer by supporting relevant work that responds to the needs of those affected by the disease.
For more information, visit: qnc.queensu.ca.
Desjardins ready to hand out $5,000 prizes to Canadian nonprofits
April 20, 2009
Fondation Desjardins would like to invite organizations involved in social, economic, and community development to send in their applications for the 34th edition of the Desjardins Annual Prizes. Six prizes of $5,000 each will be awarded to social and community organizations that are members of Desjardins caisses in Québec, caisses/branches in Ontario, or caisses populaires in New Brunswick or
Manitoba. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: senior citizen assistance, youth assistance, community development, cultural development, community economic development, and sustainable development. Applications must be submitted to Fondation Desjardins by June 20, 2009.
For more information, visit: www.desjardins.com.
Oxfam creates first charity gift card available in Canada
April 20, 2009
Oxfam Canada is launching the first charitable gift card available in a retail setting. The $58 card can be used to purchase goats, mosquito nets, literacy kits and other life-improving items for families in developing countries, and will be available across Canada at Shoppers Drug Marts, except in Ontario and Quebec. The price point of $58 represents the average cost of delivering a goat to a needy family in the developing world. When the cardholder logs on to Oxfam Unwrapped to redeem their gift card, they can choose from a wide range of gifts including chickens, donkeys, and tools to help farmers.
For more information, visit: www.oxfam.ca.
Fast Fact: Abuse still an important issue for Canadian nurses
April 20, 2009
According to a recent Canadian study, 46% of male nurses and 33% of female nurses reported physical abuse in the previous year. Emotional abuse was reported by 55% of male nurses and 46% of female nurses. The study suggests that there may be a tendency to expose men to violent patients, and for male nurses to feel protective of female staff and assume the primary role in restraining aggressive patients. Of nurses working in geriatric care, 50% reported physical abuse, followed by 47% in palliative care. Seventy percent of nurses working in psychiatry and mental health had high instances of emotional abuse, followed by emergency room nurses at 69% and critical care nurses at 54%.
-- Statistics Canada
Grant gives future environmental leaders opportunity to travel to the Arctic
April 20, 2009
Know a teenager who's passionate about the planet and a leader when it comes to living green? Brita, in partnership with Students on Ice (SOI), is looking for three of Canada's most promising young environmentalists to send on a life-changing educational expedition to the Arctic this July as part of the FilterForGood Eco-Challenge - a new student grant program to recognize and cultivate Canada's future environmental leaders. For a chance to participate in the FilterForGood Eco-Challenge, high school students are invited to submit a two-to-four minute video that showcases their environmental leadership in their community and describes why they think they would benefit from an Arctic expedition with SOI. For more information on SOI, visit: www.studentsonice.com.
Youth environmental program partners with Canadian First Nations
April 20, 2009
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine and primatologist, environmentalist, and humanitarian Dr. Jane Goodall announced a partnership to bring the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots global youth action program to First Nations communities across Canada. Roots & Shoots is the Jane Goodall Institute's environmental and humanitarian education program. The AFN will work with the institute
to promote awareness and understanding of the program among First Nations, with a focus on youth. There are already two First Nations in Canada involved in Roots & Shoots, Beecher Bay First Nation and T'sou'ke, both in BC.
For more information, visit: www.afn.ca. (PDF)
Alberta Government axes Wild Rose Foundation in new budget
April 13, 2009
The Alberta provincial government released their 2009-10 budget last week, and announced that they will be combining the Wild Rose Foundation with the Community Initiatives Program (CIP). Because the total funding for the CIP has not increased in this budget, Alberta nonprofits can expect to receive far less grant funding this year. The granting process will be changing as well, as it becomes more streamlined to reflect the changes to the two funds. The Vitalize conference, to be held this coming June, will continue as scheduled.
For more information, visit: www.wildrosefoundation.ca.
CRA announces funding for Partnership and Outreach Program
April 13, 2009
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced funding for seven new projects under the Charities Partnership and Outreach Program. The Government of Canada is investing $3.1 million in small and rural registered charities for education and training projects to support charities with their responsibilities under the Income Tax Act. Funding is being provided this year to the following organizations:
- Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development (Carleton University)
- Community Futures South Fraser
- Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador
- Institute for Nonprofit Studies (Mount Royal College)
- Resource Centre of Alberta
- Ontario Community Support Association
- Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Imagine Canada's Ethical Code Program exceeds year one targets
April 13, 2009
Imagine Canada celebrated the the first official report produced by the re-launched Ethical Code Program. Participation in the revised program was greater than anticipated, with 175 charities joining the program by the end of 2008. The Ethical Code Program is a tool that can help charities meet donor
expectations and distinguish them from others in the field. Charities that join the program have the right to use the Ethical Code trustmark, which signals to donors that they comply with the
standards in the Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code.
For more information, and to download the full report issued by Imagine Canada, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca. (PDF)
PAVR-O completes the Volunteer Management Salary Review in Ontario
April 13, 2009
The first Salary Survey for Managers of Volunteers in Ontario elicited terrific feedback with more than 500 responses collected. The survey information will be analyzed over the next few weeks and key findings will be posted on a regular basis on the public page of the PAVR-O website. The first report, Overall Key Findings, is available now and the second report, available soon, will focus on salary ranges related to titles and employment status. Information is featured in the Resources section of the PAVR-O website. For more information, visit: www.pavro.on.ca.
Fast Fact: Nonprofits could be capturing more online donations
April 13, 2009
A recent US study analyzed 23 nonprofit websites and observed test subjects who were asked to choose an organization and make a donation. Many of the testers had difficulty finding the organization’s mission statement as well as information on how the donation would be used. Only 43% of the websites had the mission statement on the front page of the site, and only 4% indicated clearly how donations would be applied. Among other potential turnoffs that the testers reported, 47% of the websites had poor page design, 53% had unclear content, and in 17% of the cases the tester could not find where to donate. -- Nielsen Norman Group
Art Gallery of Ontario lays off 23 permanent staff
April 13, 2009
According to a story by theglobeandmail.com, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) laid off 23 permanent staff and chose not to renew 47 contract workers. All 23 positions were unionized, and the AGO states that the contract workers were hired for a recent renovation and did not expect to have their contracts renewed. With revenues falling 20% below expectations, the AGO has taken additional steps to cut costs, including implementing a salary freeze. However, 38 jobs were saved due to staff reassigning work and managers adjusting future projects. The layoffs came a week prior to an announcement by the Ontario cultural minister of an annual operating increase of $24.8 million that is to be split between six organizations, including the AGO.
For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
Alberta creates program to subsidize police information checks for volunteers
April 13, 2009
The Government of Alberta has announced a new, three-year pilot program that will cover the costs of police information checks (PICs) for eligible volunteers in nonprofit and voluntary sector organizations. The Volunteer Police Information Check Program is administered by Volunteer Alberta and addresses a key concern in Alberta’s nonprofit/voluntary sector since the cost presents a strong barrier to volunteerism. The program will cover the costs of PICs for volunteers who are in positions of trust and authority with minor children, seniors 65 and older, and persons with disabilities.
For more information, visit: voan.volunteeralberta.ab.ca.
CRA accepting registrations for 2009 information sessions
April 13, 2009
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is accepting registrations from charities interested in hosting a 2009 information session. These sessions provide an overview of the Charities Directorate and the Registered Charity Information Return, and also discuss fundraising, gifting and receipting. All charities interested in hosting a session must be able to provide a venue equipped to seat 50 people, and are required to fill out an online registration form. Currently, the CRA is looking for host charities in British Columbia, the National Capital Region, Ontario, and the Territories.
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Manitoba offers funding for nonprofits to hire summer students
April 13, 2009
The Manitoba provincial government announced that applications for the 2009 Urban Green Team and Hometown program funding are now being accepted. Not-for-profit organizations and municipal governments who provide students with hands-on skills through working on community development projects are welcome to apply for funding. Projects can include such themes as youth recreation, housing rehabilitation, and neighbourhood safety. The program also provides high school and post-secondary students with summer employment to help them pay tuition costs. The Urban Green Team program is available to not-for-profit groups in Winnipeg, and organizations can hire up to four youth between May 4th and August 21st. For more information, visit: www.edu.gov.mb.ca.
Ontario nonprofit program offers peer-to-peer learning support
April 13, 2009
The London-based Pillar Nonprofit Network is offering nonprofit leaders a new peer-to-peer learning program. Executive directors will create discussion circles to address issues of long-term financial sustainability. Each group will have a volunteer facilitator and will plan out the year’s sessions together. Michelle Baldwin, the executive director of Pillar, will provide details of the program to any nonprofit who might be interested in duplicating it, and the Ontario Nonprofit Network is considering taking the program province-wide.
For more information, visit: ontariononprofitnetwork.ca.
Fast Fact: Charity merchandise sales drop significantly
April 13, 2009
A national US survey has found that nonprofit merchandise sales have dropped significantly in the past year. Only 23% of respondents had recently made a purchase from a charity, down 43% from just three years ago. With retail sales dropping only 6.4% overall, some experts are suggesting that consumers may no longer be interested in charity merchandise. Purchases at special events dropped more than 63%, while charity retail overall dropped by 44%. Online purchases fell by 21%.
-- The NonProfit Times
Wal-Mart raises $2.7 million for children's breakfast programs
April 6, 2009
The recent Taste for
Learning campaign held at Wal-Mart stores across the country raised $2.7 million for Breakfast Clubs of Canada, a foundation supporting community-based nutrition programs for schoolchildren. During the four-week national campaign, customers were asked
to purchase a $1 bookmark to support school breakfast programs. The in-store
campaign raised more than $2.6 million including more than $624,000 from
Wal-Mart Canada's corporate matching grants, and received another $115,000 from the sale
of select food products.
For more information, visit: breakfastclubscanada.org. (PDF)
Donner Awards accepting applications from Canadian nonprofits
April 6, 2009
Nonprofit social service agencies have an opportunity to win a share of $70,000 in prize money through the Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services. Award recipients are selected based on a ranking of their performance in ten areas, including management and governance, the use of staff and volunteers, innovation, program cost, and outcome monitoring. The top organizations in each of the nine categories of social service delivery will each recieve $5,000, while the $20,000 William H. Donner Award for Excellence will be presented to the highest performer overall. The $5,000 Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Management, will be presented to a nonprofit organization with a consistent record of excellence and innovation in management and service delivery.
Applicants receive a confidential report that compares their organization's performance to that of similar organizations, allowing them to identify both areas of particular strength and areas where performance can be improved. The deadline for submission is May 28, 2009, and all applications completed online are eligible for a $1,000 cash draw.
For more information, visit: www.donnerawards.org.
Ontario report addresses impact of economic downturn
April 6, 2009
Earlier this year, the Ontario Trillium Foundation set out to have in-depth conversations with more than
100 not-for-profit organizations across the province. They spoke with a wide
range of organizations, large and small, in every region of Ontario, and the resulting report, Challenges and Opportunities for Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Sector during Tough Economic Times, reveals the depth of the impact and how organizations are responding to it. The report also addresses how funders are managing in these challenging times. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.trilliumfoundation.org. (PDF)
University of Toronto takes big hit on endowment fund
April 6, 2009
As reported by theglobeandmail.com, the University of Toronto's aggressive investment program may have backfired in the recent gloomy economic climate. The school is reported to have lost $1.3 billion on its investments in 2008, reducing the endowment and pension funds by almost 30%. The University of Toronto has the largest endowment fund in the country. The second and third largest endowments belong to the University of British Columbia and McGill University, both of which report losses of about 20%. The University of Toronto has currently stopped all payments coming out of the endowment fund, and will likely issue fewer scholarships this year. For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
Fast Fact: Charities raised less money last year
April 6, 2009
A new US study revealed that only 46% of American charities raised more money last year than in 2007. This is a new low in this particular survey's history, as usually about 60% of organizations report increases in funds raised. Forty percent of respondents indicated that they raised less money last year than the year before, while 14% indicated they raised about the same amount. Of those who did report an increase in funds raised, about two-thirds indicated it was in an amount of 20% or less, while only 5% saw an increase of 50% or more. -- Association of Fundraising Professionals
Accounting boards seek feedback on nonprofit financial reporting
April 6, 2009
The Accounting Standards Board and the Public Sector Accounting Board are inviting feedback on the future of financial reporting for not-for-profit organizations. Individuals, governments and organizations are invited to send written comments to either board on this important topic. Comments are most helpful if they clearly explain the issues they raise and suggest a specific course of action, supported by specific reasoning. All comments received will be available online in a public file within one week of receipt. The deadline for receiving feedback is June 30, 2009.
For more information, visit: www.acsbcanada.org. (PDF)
Funding available across Canada to promote accessibility
April 6, 2009
The Enabling Accessibility Fund, an initiative of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, is part of a $45 million, three-year commitment to expand opportunities for people with disabilities and improve accessibility across Canada. The fund supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility, reduce barriers and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their community and the economy. A call for proposals for small projects enabling accessibility is now open. Approved projects will have strong ties to and support from their communities.
The deadline to apply is Monday, May 4, 2009 at midnight.
For more information, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
Saint John's waterfront goes green thanks to donation
April 6, 2009
Saint John Waterfront Development is another
step closer in its efforts to enhance Harbour Passage thanks to a $500,000
gift received from TD Bank Financial Group.
The project involves greening the Inner Harbour with the construction
of environmental awareness hubs along its existing community trail. These
sites will educate the community and visitors by highlighting destination
points that follow the Harbour from the southern peninsula to Saint John's
west side.
For more information, visit: www.sjwaterfront.com.
Fast Fact: Canadian visual artists struggling to survive
April 6, 2009
A recent study revealed that Canadian visual artists made only $20,000 on average last year, from all of their income sources. Although only 43% made any money from their studio practice, the study found that Canadian artists are not relying on government funding to survive. Most of the studio income came from sales, at 54%, while only 34% came from grants and 12% from artist fees. On average, visual artists work about 26 hours per week on their own art, 14.5 hours at art-related jobs, and another 7.6 hours at jobs with no artistic connection. Artists who split their time in this fashion made significantly more than artists who focused mainly on creating their art.
-- Art Gallery of York University
Participation needed in nonprofit public relations survey
April 6, 2009
Students at Ryerson University are working on a research study to determine how the economic downturn is affecting public relations in the nonprofit sector.
As part of the project, they are conducting an online survey directed at public relations professionals, communicators, marketers, and fundraisers who work or volunteer with Canadian nonprofit organizations.
The survey will be open until midnight on Monday, April 13. Once compiled, the results will be made available to anyone interested. Inquiries about this survey can be sent to pr.nfp.survey@gmail.com. To take the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com.
Unique social networking site provides support to kids in hospital
April 6, 2009
The TELUS Atlantic
Canada Community Board announced its first donation of $50,000 to IWK
Health Centre. The donation will help launch Upopolis.com, an online
social network for young patients in hospital.
Upopolis.com provides the best features of social
networking for these patients who often feel out-of-touch with friends and
school when they're in the hospital. The site includes a personal profile,
instant messaging and games, as well as unique features like a homework site
to stay up-to-date with their schoolwork, child-friendly health and wellness
information, and connections to other children in hospital.
For more information on this new site, visit: www.upopolis.com.
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