Benjamin Moore announces support for community and heritage groups
May 25, 2009
Thirty-three community agencies across Canada are receiving grants and Benjamin Moore paint as part of the Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program, a partnership between Benjamin Moore and Community Foundations of Canada. The renovation and heritage restoration projects, range from restoring a vaudeville theatre to refurbishing program space for an immigrant women’s organization.
This year, the program is awarding $75,000 in grants and more than $14,000 in paint to community groups in 20 communities across Canada, from Kelowna, BC to Sydney, NS.
The application process for the 2010 Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program will begin in October 2009. For more information on how to apply, visit: www.cfc-fcc.ca.
Shaw Festival receives $5 million donation
May 25, 2009
As reported by cbc.ca, the Ontario-based Shaw Festival received $5 million from the family of Alan Slaight, a former board member and chair of the organization. The donation will primarily fund education initiatives, including an acting course for children and teenagers, a program to train Canadian theatre coaches and directors, and a program to provide better training to apprentice actors and those new to the Shaw Festival.
For more information about the Shaw Festival, visit: www.shawfest.com.
Federal funding available for recreational infrastructure
May 25, 2009
Local hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community sites throughout the west will be eligible to receive funding for upgrades, renovations, and fix-ups thanks to the new Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC), part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Funding for the RInC program is now available through Western Economic Diversification Canada. The federal government will fund up to 33% of eligible costs. Projects must begin and materially conclude construction before March 31, 2011. The maximum federal contribution to any one project under this program will be $1 million. Project proposals are due by May 29, 2009 and projects needing more time to develop have until June 19, 2009. For more information, visit: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
CRA issues revised policy commentary on volunteer expenses
May 25, 2009
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) released a revised commentary on their policy regarding expenses incurred by volunteers and whether a donation receipt can be issued instead of a cheque for reimbursement. The CRA states that a charity cannot simply issue an official donation receipt to a volunteer for the amount of the expenses, in lieu of reimbursing the expenses. However, they can reimburse a volunteer for the expenses incurred on behalf of the charity and later accept the return of the payment as a gift, provided that the amount is returned voluntarily. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Children’s cancer research gets $1.1 million boost
May 25, 2009
Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation (CTCACF) presented a $1.1 million donation to the Canadian Council of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Directors at a ceremony at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The funds were raised during the 2008 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. This is the single largest donation in the history of the C17 Council, Canada's childhood cancer organization that represents all of the pediatric hematology/oncology programs across the country. Of the $1.1 million, $770,000 was given to the C17 to fund national programs for pediatric hematology and oncology research. A further donation of $330,000 was made to the pediatric oncology centres across Canada to fund research and education at the local level. For more information about the fundraiser, visit: www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com.
Fast Fact: Wives are primary influence in charitable giving
May 25, 2009
A new US study reveals that 92% of male respondents named their spouses as their primary influencer in charitable giving, while women are more likely to name a range of influencers that include their spouse (84%), extended family (24%), friends (23%) and co-workers (17%). Likewise, 81% of men say they defer to their spouses on which charities to support, and 83% on how much money to donate. Women also appear to place a greater emphasis on teaching their children to give than men do, with 48% of women responding that this was critical, as opposed to 39% of male respondents. -- Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund
Federal government calls for proposals for seniors projects in Quebec
May 25, 2009
The federal government launched a call for proposals for projects in Quebec under the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The federal program is accepting proposals under both its Community Participation and Leadership and Capital Assistance funding streams. Funding is available for local projects that encourage seniors to play a leadership role in their communities and for nonprofit organizations that require upgrades to the facilities or equipment they use for existing seniors
programs. The deadline for proposals is September 11, 2009. For more information, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
RBC Foundation gift creates new nursing program at St. Paul's Hospital
May 25, 2009
Thanks to a $1 million gift from the RBC Foundation, nurses at St. Paul's Hospital in downtown Vancouver have new mentorship and educational opportunities. The donation will create the Leadership Program for Nursing Innovation, which will include the RBC Nursing Mentorship Program, allowing senior nurses at St. Paul's to provide practical mentoring of new nurses. It will also support the founding of the RBC Nursing Education Awards, which will enable the hospital's nurses to apply for funding support to further their education and training.
For more information, visit: www.helpstpauls.com.
Funding available in Toronto for social purpose enterprises
May 25, 2009
Is your organization or community group working on a great idea for a social purpose enterprise that would employ people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or very low income? The Toronto Enterprise Fund provides grants to social purpose enterprises - revenue generating ventures founded by nonprofit organizations or community groups to create jobs or training opportunities for very low-income individuals. If your organization or community group is interested in starting a social purpose enterprise in Toronto, you may want to apply for seed funding through the Business Plan Competition. The deadline for applications is September 14, 2009.
For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.torontoenterprisefund.ca.
Fast Fact: Nonprofits dedicating more resources to websites
May 25, 2009
A UK survey polling nonprofits in the latter half of 2008 found that organizations are increasingly dedicating resources to keep an online presence, particularly through an organization website. Of those surveyed, 53% indicated their organization’s website had its own budget. The average organization had 4.5 staff or volunteers (in full-time equivalents) currently working on their website, and 4.9 people with the ability to enter content on the site. Organizations are updating their websites often as well, with 49% updating it as needed, 7% hourly, 20% daily, 14% weekly, and 5% monthly. Thirty-five percent of organizations surveyed had completely redesigned their website in the past six months.
-- nfpSynergy
New website to act as a global portal for environmental news and resources
May 25, 2009
A new worldwide green global portal, EcoSeed, was officially launched last week. The website will provide worldwide access to global green news, green business, green finance and many other important green subjects. The interactive portions include international news coverage in the areas of sustainable technology and eco-friendly business and commerce as well as financial news, including green stocks and market tracking. The website also houses a collection of research papers, market studies and reports on the latest developments in ecology related subjects.
For more information, visit: www.ecoseed.org.
CIBC commits $500,000 to help complete critical care centre
May 25, 2009
CIBC announced a $500,000 commitment to the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation that will go toward the completion of the Loretta Anne Rogers Critical Care Centre. The centre, located in the Fell Pavilion at TWH, has been transformed to optimize care for the most critically ill patients with an improved healing environment and a
greater emphasis on infection prevention. "The Centre now has the latest technology and facilities for staff, a patient-centred healing environment, a more comfortable waiting area for families, staff education opportunities, and a space that exceeds all infection control standards,” said Dr. Bob Bell, president and CEO of the University Health Network.
For more information about the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, visit: www.tgwhf-uhn.ca.
Charity BBQ day raises $1.9 million for Crohn’s disease
May 19, 2009
On May 9th, franchisees, staff, and thousands of volunteers at the more than 470 M&M Meat Shops locations across Canada joined together to raise $1.9 million for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). The rain, wind and inclement weather across much of the country didn't dampen the spirits of supporters who lined up to celebrate M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day and raise funds to support research to find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To date, M&M Meat Shops' franchisees, customers, and volunteers have raised more than $18.3 million for the cause.
For more information, visit: www.charitybbqday.com.
CRA revokes status of Children’s Emergency Foundation
May 19, 2009
Another Canadian charity has run into trouble with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) because of its alleged involvement with a tax shelter scheme. The CRA revoked the charitable registration of The Children's Emergency Foundation, a Toronto-area charity, effective May 9, 2009. A CRA audit alleges that the foundation devoted a significant portion of its resources to the promotion of two tax shelter donation arrangements and an international donation arrangement, and also devoted a substantial portion of its actual cash donations to fundraising and administrative expenses. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
University of Saskatchewan rejects $500,000 endowment gift
May 19, 2009
According to an article by the National Post, the University of Saskatchewan rejected a $500,000 donation intended to create a scholarship endowment to be used only for non-Aboriginal students. The university stated that honouring the gift would violate internal university polices as well as provincial human rights legislation. The donors, speaking anonymously to the National Post, indicated that they did not intend the gift to be racially exclusive. For more information, visit: www.nationalpost.com.
Fast Fact: US nonprofits cutting budgets to adjust to recession
May 19, 2009
A US survey of nonprofits reveals that 35% of respondents have cut their 2009 budgets from 2008 levels. Of these, 57% had reduced services, 45% had frozen staff salaries, 37% had imposed hiring freezes, and 30% had resorted to layoffs. Other strategies include salary reduction (20%), reduction in employee benefits (20%), and reduction in operating hours (13%). A total of 59% of organizations reported increased demand for their services between October 2008 and February 2009. Some 32% said demand had increased "modestly," and 27% said it had grown "greatly." Eight percent of organizations reported that they were in imminent danger of folding because of financial reasons. -- GuideStar
Canadian nonprofit research gets a boost from Mount Royal College
May 19, 2009
The Institute for Nonprofit Studies at Mount Royal College is pleased to announce the first successful applicants to its newly launched Applied Research Program. This program is designed to support and promote research in nonprofit organizations in Canada in the areas of governance and sustainability. The 2009-2010 Applied Research Program Fund recipients are:
- Harvey Frankel and Sid Frankel, University of Manitoba (sustainability): Identifying Determinants of Implementation Success in a Program Adoption-Based Sustainability Strategy: A case of a small Alberta-based international development organization
- Travis Gleidt and Paul Parker, University of Waterloo (sustainability): Voluntary Green Electrical Purchasing: A comparative study of North American nonprofit organizations
- Agnes Meinhard, Ryerson University (governance): Diverse Nonprofit Organizations for Diverse Communities
- Clifford L. Spyker, Mount Royal College (sustainability): Cluster Analysis of Descriptive Statistics and Performance Metrics for Registered Charities in Canada
For more information, visit: www.mtroyal.ca.
Hire more fundraising staff during recession, new AHP study concludes
May 19, 2009
As the recession's grip tightened on nonprofit hospitals and health care systems in the US and Canada, high-performing philanthropic fundraisers in charge of major gifts and planned giving programs were often their most effective and efficient rain-makers, according to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP). These and other important findings come from the latest series of reports from the AHP Performance Benchmarking Service for fiscal year 2007, which takes in the early months of the current recession. One bright spot came from major gifts given by individual contributors, which averaged $55,000 per gift. The highest performing fundraising organizations put stronger, longer-term emphasis on cultivating major gifts, investing, on average, three times more than other surveyed organizations but earning five times more in high-dollar gifts. For more information, visit: www.ahp.org. (PDF)
Law Foundation of Ontario awards articling fellowships
May 19, 2009
The Law Foundation of Ontario (LFO) has awarded eleven Connecting Articling Fellowships for the 2010 articling year. These articling positions for community legal clinics and Legal Aid
Ontario will provide legal information and services to linguistic minorities and residents of rural and remote communities. The LFO’s recently released report, Connecting Across Language and Distance: Linguistic and Rural Access to Legal Information and Services, described significant barriers in access to legal information and services for people who do not speak English or French and people living in rural and remote areas, and provided recommendations for improving their access to justice. The articling fellowships are just one recommendation that the LFO has acted upon.
For more information, and to view the full report, visit: www.lawfoundation.on.ca.
Fast Fact: Canada’s top foundations by assets
May 19, 2009
According to a Canadian directory of foundations and grants, the following are the top 10 Canadian foundations by assets:
- The Master Card Foundation (2007) - $2,352,787,000
- Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon (2007) - $1,531,965,000
- Vancouver Foundation (2007) - $784,506,600
- Sick Kids Foundation (2007) - $557,850,000
- The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation(2007) - $518,282,400
- The Winnipeg Foundation (2007) - $447,809,500
- Li Ka Shing (Canada) Foundation (2007) - $349,818,700
- The Calgary Foundation (2007) - $311,033,800
- Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal (2007) - $259,712,800
- La Fondation Marcelle et Jean Coutu (2007) - $238,301,100
-- Imagine Canada
New report explores nonprofit use of social networking strategies
May 19, 2009
A new report on how US nonprofits are using social networking has been made available by the Nonprofit Technology Network, Common Knowledge, and ThePort™ Network, Inc. The Nonprofit Social Network Survey Report reveals that, although large numbers of nonprofits are using social networking sites, particularly Facebook, their communities on the sites remain relatively small. The report explores the tactics being used by nonprofits on social networking sites, how they are allocating staff hours to develop their programs, and how much revenue they are generating.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.commonknow.com.
Vancouver nonprofits invited to participate in The Little Give
May 19, 2009
Karyo Edelman, a public relations firm, invites Vancouver-based nonprofits to nominate themselves for The Little Give, an annual CSR initiative that sees a little bit of seed money and a whole lot of time and energy donated to nonprofit organizations helping children and youth. In the inaugural year of The Little Give, Karyo Edelman staff were given a few thousand dollars in company donated seed money and tasked with turning it into initiatives that would make a big impact for the nonprofit partners. Thanks to the creativity, commitment, and teamwork staff brought to the assignment, they turned it into the equivalent of $100,000 in donations and services. The deadline for this year’s applications is June 5th, 2009. Nominees will be shortlisted and ultimately three nonprofits will receive a donation of $2,500 in cash and 48 hours of staff time to help advance their cause.
For more information, visit: thelittlegive.ca/2009.
Gifts of securities to The Salvation Army drop by $5.8 million in 2008
May 19, 2009
The ongoing financial crisis has impacted donors that give appreciated securities to The Salvation Army, according to new figures released last week. For the year ending March 31, 2009, The Salvation Army saw a $5.8 million, or 83%, drop in securities-related giving. While the dollars raised declined from nearly $7 million in 2007 to $1.2 million in 2008, the number of planned securities gifts also declined precipitously from 289 to 142 - a 51% drop. “Clearly, the economic downturn is hitting charities hard,” said Lois Flemming, territorial director of major gifts and planned giving. “As stock values have declined, so too have the number of donors making gifts of publicly traded securities that generate millions of dollars to help us serve people in need.”
For more information, visit: www.salvationarmy.ca.
$12.5 million donation helps expand cancer rapid diagnosis program
May 11, 2009
Through the generosity of Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight, Princess Margaret Hospital’s Breast Cancer Rapid Diagnosis program will receive a $12.5 million donation in support of its $25-million expansion campaign. The couple is also leading a fundraising campaign to secure the remaining $12.5 million to complete the centre. The vision for this groundbreaking initiative is that when completely operational, women and men suspected of having breast cancer will be able to receive all their tests, diagnosis and treatment plan in one day at Princess Margaret Hospital. To date, 550 patients have gone through the rapid diagnostic process at Princess Margaret.
For more information, visit: www.pmhf.ca.
Report addresses difficulties in providing tax credits for volunteer hours
May 11, 2009
With national and local media reporting suggestions from both elected officials and nonprofit organizations that volunteer tax credits would improve volunteer rates, Volunteer Alberta recognized the need to research the efficacy of this approach. The result of their research is a report titled The Potential Impact of Canadian Federal and/or Provincial Tax Credit Incentives for Volunteer Participation. It argues that implementing such a system could result in the loss of billions in tax revenue, not to mention the monumental cost of administration. The report also addresses several key concerns including compliance issues, the impact on volunteer motivation, and the economic value of volunteer hours. To obtain a copy of the full report, email communications@volunteeralberta.ab.ca. To view the executive summary, visit: www.volunteeralberta.ab.ca.
(PDF)
Kids Help Phone raises $3 million in annual fundraising walk
May 11, 2009
Participants in more than 55 communities across Canada laced up their walking shoes on May 3, 2009 and helped raise more than $3 million in the eighth annual Walk for Kids Help Phone. Kids Help Phone is Canada's only toll-free, bilingual, confidential and anonymous phone and online counselling, referral and information service for children and youth. Funds raised through the Walk for Kids Help Phone represent approximately one-third of the charity's annual operating budget. "This year, we invited our supporters to walk so kids could continue to have someplace safe where they can talk about the problems and questions that are important to them," said Graham Lute, interim president and CEO. "Canadians certainly stepped up to the challenges and we appreciate the support of everyone who came out to walk or who pledged a friend or coworker in this important event." For more information, visit: org.kidshelpphone.ca.
Many homeless receive money from welfare or a job, new report finds
May 11, 2009
The Salvation Army released a report with findings from a national study on homelessness in Canada. The report, Poverty Shouldn’t be a Life Sentence, is based on information from surveys of hundreds of homeless men living in Salvation Army shelter care between 2007-2008. It finds that factors such as employment, income, healthcare, and housing continue to adversely affect the marginalized throughout Canada. These findings show that nearly 30% of homeless men are employed and nearly two-thirds receive money from some source of welfare or a job, yet many still find themselves within the shelter care system. The findings conclude that a national housing strategy, which includes social services like job training, health care and counselling, must be prioritized by federal officials in order to end the cycle of poverty. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: smr.newswire.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: BC donors planning on giving less to charity this year
May 11, 2009
A new survey of British Columbia donors reveals that current economic conditions are dampening prospects for donor dollars in the coming year. Thirty-two percent of those surveyed are "less likely" to make a donation in 2009, and 24% of donors intend to give less money than they did in 2008. With only 11% being "more likely" to give, the charitable giving market in BC could shrink by as much as 21 percentage points in the coming year. In 2009, 44% say they decide how much they’ll give based on their financial situation, up significantly from 33% in 2002. Only 20% are likely to make a donation "without really thinking about the amount they give," as opposed to 31% in 2002. -- Ipsos Reid
New report finds Canadians support efforts to deal with global poverty
May 11, 2009
In March 2009, the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC), in partnership with the Wild Rose Foundation, conducted a poll of Canadians regarding global poverty issues. Despite the global economic crisis, it appears that there is substantial support for various groups tackling the issue of global poverty, including federal and provincial governments, NGOs, and others. The poll found that 89% of Canadians believe “Canada should be addressing global poverty in some way,” with 29% actually placing global poverty as a higher priority than local issues. When asked the benefits of providing poverty reduction support to other countries, 64% identified contributing to global political stability, and 55% identified preventing breeding grounds of terrorism.
For more information, and to view the full report, visit: acgc.ca. (PowerPoint)
Multiculturalism funding available in Alberta and Northwest Territories
May 11, 2009
The Alberta and Northwest Territories office of Citizenship and Immigration Canada is accepting expressions of interest for funding from the Multiculturalism Program. Interested organizations should contact Djaka Blais-Amare by email or at 403-292-4139 for a preliminary assessment questionnaire. Completed assessments must be returned by Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at 4:30pm. The Multiculturalism Program provides financial assistance (grants and contributions) through project funding, in order to facilitate and strengthen support for economic, social and cultural integration in Canada. For more information, visit: www.cic.gc.ca.
Participants needed for survey exploring economic impact on nonprofits
May 11, 2009
Collis & Reed Research, in a new survey, is attempting to assess how organizations in Western Canada will be affected by the current economic climate. The study will explore why some nonprofits seem to be unaffected by the economic recession, while others have seen their funding drop dramatically. In particular, it will consider how geographical and operational differences contribute to the ability of organizations to withstand an economic storm. Participants will receive a report on the overall findings, along with an indication of how their organization compared with other respondents. Survey responses must be completed by May 15, 2009.
For more information, visit: www.collis-reed.com.
Report ranks donor management software available to nonprofits
May 11, 2009
A new report, A Consumers Guide to Low Cost Donor Management Systems, was published to help organizations determine the best donor software for their needs. Independent organizations N-TEN and Idealware initially identified 33 systems that met their criteria for cost-effectiveness and popular use. After extensive interviews, detailed surveys and two rounds of demonstrations, they selected their top 10 solutions. The products were evaluated on 127 standard criteria, and recommendations were made based on nonprofit purchasing categories as well as on specific features.
For more information, and to obtain the full report, visit: www.nten.org.
Fast Fact: Nonprofit websites must satisfy their visitors
May 11, 2009
A new survey of computer users directed to visit various nonprofit websites has revealed interesting results that nonprofits should be quick to take notice of. A satisfied visitor to a nonprofit website is:
- 65% more likely to recommend the site to others;
- 57% more likely to have a favorable overall impression of the organization;
- 55% more likely to return to the site;
- 49% more likely to donate; and,
- 38% more likely to volunteer.
The top two reasons people gave for visiting nonprofit sites are news and events (40%) and to stay informed about the organization’s cause (40%). Less than one in five (18%) specifically go to make a financial contribution.
-- ForeSee Results
Radiothon raises $1.6 million for Montreal children’s hospital
May 11, 2009
The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation announced that the annual Caring for Kids Radiothon raised $1.6 million on April 30, 2009. Broadcasting live from The Children's Hospital, dozens of patients and their families shared how the hospital's professionals touched their lives. Responding to the call of their favourite radio hosts, thousands of listeners joined the "Circle of Hugs" with a monthly donation of $18, in spite of difficult economic times. In six years, more than $11.6 million has been raised thanks to this undertaking. The funds raised will help support the hospital's most urgent needs, which include medical and surgical equipment and funding for innovative projects.
For more information on the radiothon, visit: childrenfoundation.com.
Social service organizations to be listed on anti-bullying website
May 11, 2009
BullyingCanada.ca, the first youth-created, anti-bullying website in Canada, has launched a new Youth Resource Database. They are providing organizations across the country with the opportunity to be listed in this database, which will be used when youth access the website or contact the office for information on what types of services and support are currently being offered in their community. To have your organization’s information listed, simply visit www.youthdatabase.org, and click on the "Submit An Organization" link. You will then be taken to a secure form where you can enter your organization’s information.
For more information, visit: www.youthdatabase.org.
CRA revokes status of British Columbia charity
May 4, 2009
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has revoked the registered charity status of the British Columbia-based Universal Aide Society. In a letter to the charity, the CRA alleges that the society used their funds for the personal benefit of employees. This included the reimbursement of travel expenses for their relocation during the winter months to Nice, France and subsequently their return to Gabriola, B.C. during the summer. The society also paid to have the employees' relatives travel from Russia to Gabriola, B.C., and for other trips and expenses that appear unrelated to the charity's activities.
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Brazilian carnival raises $2.6 million for SickKids
May 4, 2009
The tradition of giving was as strong as ever
at the 2009 Brazilian Carnival Ball, which took place in Toronto on
April 25. The ball celebrated more than 43 years of dance, music and friendship and raised over
$2.6 million for the SickKids Research Institute.
To date, the ball has raised more than $55.6
million for numerous causes in healthcare, research, education and
culture, helping to change the lives of people here in Canada and abroad. The
event showcased extravagant Brazilian performers channeling the
spirit of Rio's Carnival through their elaborate feathered and sequined
costumes.
For more information, visit: www.brazilianball.com.
Fast Fact: Charities struggling to raise money through social networking
May 4, 2009
According to a recent US survey, Facebook remains the most popular social networking site among nonprofits, with 74% of those surveyed using the site. Most organizations have not been involved in the social networking scene for too long, with 94% having used Facebook for less than two years, and 93% having used Twitter for less than one year. Eighty percent of the nonprofits using social networking sites are devoting at least one-quarter of a full-time position to social networking. However, only 39% had successfully raised money through Facebook, with 29% raising less than $500 in the past 12 months. -- Nonprofit Social Networking Survey Report
CRA releases information on disbursement quota relief
May 4, 2009
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) released information clarifying their policy on requests for disbursement quota relief. The disbursement quota is the minimum amount that charities must spend each year on charitable activities, as outlined by the CRA. If a charity is unable to meet the disbursement quota due to unforeseen events beyond their control, a request for relief can be submitted to the CRA.
After applying, the CRA will check to ensure that the charity is in shortfall through no fault of their own, has no further excess funds to disburse, and is doing everything in their power to meet their quota. For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Federal funding program gives a boost to Canada's festivals
May 4, 2009
A new $100 million federal tourism support program is helping many of Canada's arts and cultural festivals to survive during hard times this year. Recipients of the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP) include:
- Toronto International Film Festival - $3 million
- Quebec City Summer Festival - $3 million
- Montreal International Jazz Festival - $3 million
- Stratford Shakespeare Festival - $3 million
- Calgary Stampede - nearly $2 million
"Due to the recession, there have been some challenges for them, so we think this is a perfect time for some new intiatives that will grow these events, that will make the world even more aware of what Canada has to offer," said MP Diane Ablonczy, minister of state for small business and tourism. For more information, visit: www.ic.gc.ca.
Fast Fact: Nonprofits attracting former corporate employees
May 4, 2009
A new US survey of nonprofits reveals that 21% of new hires last year were employees new to the nonprofit sector. Of those who left organizations last year, 15% moved to the for-profit sector, indicating a net gain for nonprofits. The survey also showed that 25% of leadership vacancies in the past 18 months were filled through internal promotions, and 41% through recruiting done specifically in the nonprofit sector. Forty-nine percent of those surveyed use job boards as their main source for recruitment, 44% use external networking, and 38% using general print advertising. -- The Bridgespan Group
Nominations accepted for national outstanding volunteer award
May 4, 2009
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is accepting nominations for the 2009 Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award. The award is presented annually to two Canadians.
The 2009 award will be presented to two exceptional volunteers - one for Youth Participation (from the age of 18 to 30) and one for Lifelong Commitment (from the age of 31 and over).
The award recognizes volunteers from across Canada and award recipients are individuals whose commitment to their communities and persistent efforts have contributed significantly to the well-being of their fellow Canadians. The deadline for nominations is June 19, 2009.
For more information, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
Atkinson Foundation releases series of articles on aging population
May 4, 2009
Toronto journalist Judy Steed has been writing about social issues for 30 years. Last fall, she embarked on a one-year project to document the most pressing policy implications of Canada's aging society as part of the 2008 Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy.
Her findings were featured in a series of articles published in the Toronto Star, and have now been compiled into a PDF file available online. Steed's discussion topics include healthy aging, life expectancies, senior home care, and abuse of seniors. For more information, visit: www.atkinsonfoundation.ca. (PDF)
New report examines independence of voluntary sector
May 4, 2009
In order to explore the independence of voluntary action, the Baring Foundation has published essays from authors in seven countries (Canada, England, Germany, Northern Ireland, Scotland, United States and Wales) reviewing issues relating to independence from government. Together, the essays confirm that independence is fundamental to the principle and practice of voluntary action, and explore the many ways in which independence can be threatened and power exercised over voluntary action. Finally, they share lessons about what voluntary organizations can do to protect their independence.
For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.baringfoundation.org.uk. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Foundation grants expected to shrink
May 4, 2009
A survey of US foundations showed that 43% plan on reducing the overall number of grantees in 2009, while 46% indicated that they will reduce the number of new grantees this year. As well, 37% reported that they will be limiting the amount of capital support they provide to charities. However, foundations aren't abandoning their grantmaking priorities, with 80% expecting to maintain their current number of program areas, while 3% anticipate increasing their focus. Another 6% intend on increasing the geographic reach of their foundation.
-- Foundation Center
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