CharityVillage tweets your good news stories!
November 30, 2009
At CharityVillage we know that across Canada, nonprofits, volunteers, and ordinary citizens are committed to spreading joy and good cheer. We’re looking to you, our CharityVillage readers, to send us your good news stories so that we can highlight all the great things, big or small, being done by Canadians. We’ll compile them through the month of December and share them with you in a special section of our website. As a fun challenge, we are asking for all news stories to be submitted in 120 characters or less so that we can broadcast them through our Twitter network! Send your good news stories to editor@charityvillage.com, and please write "Good News" in the subject line of your email. You can also send us a message via Twitter at: twitter.com/charityvillage.
Toronto Humane Society management and board face criminal charges
November 30, 2009
As reported by theglobeandmail.com, the Ontario SPCA (OSPCA) raided the Toronto Humane Society (THS) late last week, following a six month investigation that included allegations of some animals being denied food and water and others left to die in their cages. The society's president, two veterinarians, and three others face a number of charges, including cruelty to animals, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and obstruction of a peace officer. All volunteer members of the board of directors could also face charges. For more information, visit: www.theglobeandmail.com.
BMO gift establishes new scholarship at University of Alberta
November 30, 2009
A $1 million gift from BMO Financial Group will provide support to the University of Alberta's Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research for the recruitment and retention of outstanding graduate students.
The BMO Financial Group Graduate Scholarship is an endowment to be established over a 10 year period. It is awarded annually to a student registered in, or admitted to, a full-time PhD or thesis-based Master's program at the University of Alberta. The first $20,000 BMO Graduate Scholarship was awarded to Libe Garcia Zarranz at a special ceremony last week. For more information, visit: www.expressnews.ualberta.ca.
Mount Royal University announces new nonprofit research awards
November 30, 2009
The Institute for Nonprofit Studies at Mount Royal University announced the recipients of its semi-annual applied research fund program. Dr. Vic Murray (University of Victoria) and Dr. Yvonne Harrison were awarded grants to develop an online diagnostic tool to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organization boards of directors. Dr. Judith Haiven and Dr. Larry Haiven, (Saint Mary’s University) will conduct a study that will examine governance practices across a wide range of co-operatives in Alberta and Nova Scotia. The next deadline for letters of intent for applied research applications is April 9, 2010. For more information, visit: www.mtroyal.ca.
New research project addresses mental health and homelessness
November 30, 2009
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) implemented a new
national research project in five cities to find the best way to provide housing and services to people who are living with
mental illness and homelessness. Using a "housing first" approach, the research project focuses on first providing people
who are homeless with a place to live, and then the other assistance and services they require. The goal is to see if this
approach is better than traditional "care as usual".
A total of 2,285 people who are homeless and living with a mental illness will participate in the study. For more information, visit: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Canadians remain generous despite difficult economy
November 30, 2009
A recent Canadian survey showed that 55% of respondents report that over the last 12 months, the amount of money they donated to charity has remained the same as previous years. The poll also revealed that 13% have increased contributions in the last year. Another 18% said they increased non-monetary donations in the past year, including volunteer and non-paid charitable work. However, some continue to feel the impact of today's difficult economy, and
accordingly, 20% reported that they will not be making financial
charitable donations this year.
-- MasterCard Canada
Report examines generational differences in the workplace
November 30, 2009
A new report published by the Conference Board of Canada, Winning the "Generation Wars," examines how generational differences and similarities in the workplace may affect organizational performance and provides employers with advice on maximizing the effectiveness of a multigenerational workforce. The report also offers employers insights and advice on ways to build an inclusive workplace culture, how to recruit, engage, and retain workers from across the generations, and how to learn from effective generational policies, programs, and practices used in other organizations. For more information, and to view the full report, visit: sso.conferenceboard.ca. (Free registration may be required)
Québec develops $200 million fund for caregivers
November 30, 2009
The Gouvernement du Québec and Sojecci II ltée, reached an agreement to implement a $200 million fund over ten years to help natural caregivers in Québec.
This partnership will fund activities and projects designed, among other things, to offer respite, coaching, and support to people taking care of a loved one with a significant or lasting disability that could compromise their ability to remain in their home.
The fund was created following the 2008-2009 Budget Speech. For more information, visit: www.gouv.qc.ca.
Community-based research resources ensure women's voices are heard
November 30, 2009
The Ontario Women's Health Network (OWHN) released two new resources for conducting community-based research with women who experience marginalization. These publications, funded by Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario, include the Inclusion Research Handbook and the Guide to Focus Groups. Based on OWHN's experience consulting with hundreds of women in more than 50 focus groups, these resources are intended to help community members and organizations conduct community-based research and ensure that women's voices are included in health research, policy, and practice. For more information, and to download the resources, visit: www.owhn.on.ca.
BC Cancer Foundation celebrates $500,000 donation
November 30, 2009
The BC Cancer Foundation received a $500,000 donation from David Black as part of the Inspire the World capital campaign. The $10 million campaign will fund a a state-of-the-art patient and family support centre, a predictive cancer research centre, and a radiation innovation wing at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre.
Black lost his wife Annabeth to pancreatic cancer three years ago and knows first hand how difficult a terminal cancer diagnosis can be for both the patient and family. For more information about the campaign, visit: www.inspiretheworld.ca.
Fast Fact: Immigrant workers continue to face lower wages
November 30, 2009
According to a recent report, newcomers to Canada often receive lower wages and have a higher instance of involuntary part-time or temporary work than other Canadians. Immigrants who have been in Canada less than five years tend to earn $5.04 less per hour than their Canadian-born counterparts. After being here for a decade or more the wage gap narrows to $1.32. About 42% of immigrant workers are overqualified for their job, as compared with 28% of Canadian-born workers.
-- Statistics Canada
Free computers available to nonprofits in BC
November 30, 2009
The Electronic Recycling Association announced that, from November 23 to December 31, it will provide free computers to qualifying residents (low income, disabled, elderly, AISH assistance recipients) and nonprofit and charitable organizations in BC. Desktop computers and laptops will be available and are collected from individuals and corporations in Vancouver and across BC. For more information, and to submit an application for a computer, visit: www.era.ca.
Annual bike ride for kids raises $116,000 for Calgary charities
November 30, 2009
The 2009 Macleod Dixon Ride for Kids, an annual bike ride event that challenges participants to
cycle from Jasper to Banff via the famous Icefields Parkway, saw 32 riders raise
more than $116,000. Four local youth initiatives will benefit from the efforts: Child & Youth Friendly Calgary, the
YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, the YMCA Growing Strong Together Campaign, and the Calgary
Inter-Faith Food Bank’s Macleod Dixon Milk for Teens Program. For more information on Child & Youth Friendly Calgary, visit: www.cyfc.ca.
Art gets a boost in Canada's poorest neighbourhood
November 30, 2009
The Vancouver Foundation, working with the Carnegie Community Centre, awarded grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to help take practicing artists living in Vancouver's downtown east side (DTES) to the next level in their careers.
The DTES Small Arts Grants program is intended for artists who demonstrate a history of original art practice and show a vital engagement with the DTES community.
Thirty-one DTES artists were awarded a total of almost $30,000 in the first round for projects that represent a broad spectrum of artwork, including visual art, video, a traffic installation, website creation, a graphic novel, and performance art. The work must be presented publicly by November 30, 2009.
For more information, visit: www.vancouverfoundation.bc.ca.
Charitable donations drop by 5.3% in 2008
November 23, 2009
As reported by cbc.ca, according to new research recently released by Statistics Canada, charitable donations in Canada dropped by 5.3% in 2008, with Canadians donating a total of $8.19 billion to charity. This is the lowest annual figure since 2005, when Canadians donated $7.9 billion. Manitoba had the highest rate of donors at 27%, with Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island following at 26%. Nunavut had the lowest rate at just 10%, but their median donation was again the highest in Canada at $500. PEI had the second highest median donation at $370, followed by Alberta at $360. For more information, visit: www.statcan.gc.ca.
Join us for a free webinar about careers in the nonprofit sector
November 23, 2009
Join CharityVillage.com on Wednesday, December 2nd for a free 1-hour webinar about careers in the nonprofit sector. Hosted in conjunction with CareerJoy.com, this interactive session will feature panelists Veronica Utton, director of human resources with UNICEF Canada and Michelle Baldwin, executive director of Pillar Nonprofit Network along with Maggie Leithead, president and CEO of CharityVillage.com.
For more information, visit:
www.charityvillage.com/CV/charityvillage/careersinnonprofits.html
Teddy Bear Affair raises $1 million for Children's Aid Foundation
November 23, 2009
More than 840 guests and supporters of this year's swing era-themed Teddy Bear Affair helped to raise more than $1 million for the Children's Aid Foundation. The event, which took place on November 14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, also marked the 30th anniversary of the foundation. One hundred per cent of the funds raised will go directly towards helping at risk children across Canada in the areas of prevention, enrichment, and education. For more information about the Children's Aid Foundation, visit: www.cafdn.org.
New report proposes replacing CRA with charity council
November 23, 2009
The C.D. Howe Institute released a new paper by Adam Aptowitzer, Bringing the Provinces Back In: Creating a Federated Canadian Charities Council.
The paper argues that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the regulator of charities by the happenstance of history and the absence of action
by the provinces to assert their constitutional power in this area. The result, Aptowitzer argues, is a regulatory
environment that is costly for charities, stymies the development of new charities, and injects
tax bureaucrats into the arena of social policymaking. The paper offers new ideas for reform, most specifically the creation of a Canadian Charities Council that would assume the CRA's current responsibilities with regards to charities. For more information, and to download the paper, visit: www.cdhowe.org. (PDF)
Ontario charities will now be allowed to own businesses and hold property
November 23, 2009
Increasingly many charities find themselves having to cobble together charitable donations, government funding, and earned income to pursue their mission. Social enterprises are often looked at as a sustainable source of revenue, but until now Ontario charities have been restricted to owning only 10% of a not-for-profit company. Bill 212, The Good Government Act, a government omnibus bill, has received second reading and repeals the Charitable Gifts Act, which put such restrictions on charities. For more information, visit: ontariononprofitnetwork.ca.
Fast Fact: Baby boomers leading the way with charitable giving
November 23, 2009
A recent survey of Canadian baby boomers found that 68% of respondent said their number one reason for donating to charity is
"to make a difference in a cause I believe in." The majority of respondents, 94%, indicated it is important for
them to give to charities that serve local causes.
And almost one in three who donated money to charity within the last 12
months also raised money or volunteered for a charity. A total of 82% of respondents indicated that they are planning to increase or maintain their charitable giving in the next five years.
-- BMO Retirement Institute
Imagine Canada proposes new stretch tax credit for charitable giving
November 23, 2009
Imagine Canada is proposing a Stretch Tax Credit for Charitable Giving, a new tax incentive for Canadians.
The purpose of the tax credit is to encourage more Canadians to give and to support those who do give to give more by increasing the federal charitable tax credit from 29% to 39% on all new giving that is over $200. This incentive would allow Canadians to "stretch" their giving even more. Imagine Canada released the brief they submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, and have also published a frequently asked questions page on their website. For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca.
Canadian food banks show largest year-over-year increase since 1997
November 23, 2009
The results of the newly released HungerCount 2009 survey, coordinated by Food Banks Canada, show food banks across Canada helped 794,738 separate individuals in March 2009, an increase of 17.6%, or almost 120,000 people, compared to March 2008. This represents the largest year-over-year increase since 1997.
Of the people helped in March this year, 72,321 - 9.1% of the total - stepped through the front door of a food bank for the first time. The need for food banks increased in every region. Alberta (+61%), Nova Scotia (+20%), Ontario (+19%), and Manitoba (+18%) experienced the largest increases. For more information, and to view the full report, visit: www.foodbankscanada.ca. (PDF)
New toolkit helps financial advisors talk to clients about charitable giving
November 23, 2009
Community Foundations of Canada launched an online toolkit to encourage financial, investment, and legal advisors to "ask the giving question" in their discussions with clients over the coming year. The toolkit, called Professional Advisors eResource, offers advisors a wide range of basic and more technical information about charitable giving, including adding giving to your practice, talking about charitable giving, detailed information on six common gift options, handouts that advisors can personalize and share with clients, and donor stories that illustrate how giving can be used to help clients
meet their financial and personal goals. For more information, visit: www.cfc-fcc.ca.
Raising the Roof report examines youth homelessness in Canada
November 23, 2009
On any given night across Canada, 65,000 youth are without a place to call home. A new report, Youth Homelessness in Canada: The Road to Solutions, authored by Raising the Roof, offers recommendations for a national strategy to deal with the issue of youth homelessness. In order to identify the key challenges facing youth on the street, the authors of the report interviewed 700 homeless youth. “Canada desperately needs a national strategy to truly support our country’s homeless and disenfranchised young
people,” says Sean Gadon, president of Raising the Roof. “Our young people have told us they want and expect to be
part of the solution in working with government, community and private sector partners. We all have a responsibility
and a part to play in implementing solutions.” For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.raisingtheroof.org.
CanadaHelps launches Great Canadian Giving Challenge
November 23, 2009
The CanadaHelps Great Canadian Giving Challenge is a four week long competition, from November 23 to December 20, that gets Canadians to use the power of social networking to raise funds for charity. Participants can raise funds for any registered Canadian charity, including their own, and win up to an additional $5,000 for their cause. CanadaHelps is launching the challenge to promote charitable giving to Canadians, and to show how easy it is to give online and make a difference. For more information, visit: www.canadahelps.org/givingchallenge.
Fast Fact: Canadian firms nervous about hiring people with disabilities
November 23, 2009
A recent survey of 100 human resource executives from a variety of Ontario firms found that 36% were discouraged from hiring a person with a disability as they felt it would be harder to dismiss an underperforming employee with a disability than one without. Another 24% indicated that they had concerns about possible absentee rates. Fifty-three percent of respondents indicated that they felt a person with a disability would bring a fresh perspective to their organization, and 53% also said that the idea that a person with a disability would try harder at their job would motivate them in a hiring decision.
-- Opportunity Information Network
Read a new benchmarking report studying Canadian charities
November 16, 2009
Pareto Fundraising released the results of their 2009 mid-year benchmarking study looking
at trends in the Canadian charitable sector. Despite the global financial decline, the organizations included in the project are holding up
well, and one of the key messages delivered overall was that those who have invested heavily
in monthly giving in the past are the ones most likely to enter 2010 in the best shape.
Specifically, the latest analysis found that:
- Monthly giving remains resilient, and in fact continues to grow. In 2008 the participating organizations generated more than $35 million from monthly
donors.
- Cash recruitment slowed in the first half of 2009 after a strong 2008.
- Major gifts (gifts over $1,000) rebounded, and actually grew in the first half of 2009 after a
poor second half of 2008.
For more information, visit: www.paretofundraising.com.
Canadian war effort remembered with $850,000 donation
November 16, 2009
Walmart Canada's recent "Give thanks! Give a dollar" campaign in support of the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France raised $850,000. The Juno Beach Centre represents the war effort made by all Canadians, civilians and military alike, both at home and on various fronts during World War II. Funds raised will be used to develop two exhibit rooms at the centre, the Canada Today Room, which showcases Canada's diversity in the new millennium, and a temporary exhibit room to hous a variety of ever-changing displays. For more information about the Juno Beach Centre, visit: www.junobeach.org.
Ontario Nonprofit Network examines impact of HST in Ontario
November 16, 2009
With the new harmonized sales tax (HST) coming into effect next year in Ontario, the Ontario Nonprofit Network convened a cross-sectoral work group, which included a tax expert and lawyer, to examine the potential impact of the harmonization of the PST/GST on the sector and the public. The HST Constellation wrote a detailed brief which was submitted to various government ministries. The brief explains how the sector will be impacted and makes eight recommendations for action. For more information, and to view the brief, visit: ontariononprofitnetwork.ca.
Fast Fact: Canadians remain generous despite recession
November 16, 2009
A recent survey of Canadians aged 45 and older who have assets of at least $50,000, and who have donated to charity in the past 12 months, found that while 51% decreased the amount of money they donate since the economic recession began, most don’t expect to continue to scale back. In fact, 53% intend to maintain and 29% intend to increase their charitable contributions over the next five years, while only 6% of those polled intend to decrease their contributions over the next five years. Among those who will increase their charitable giving, 64% say they’ll continue to do so regardless of the economy, while 36% would only do so if the economy improves.
-- Ipsos Reid
Salvation Army wins $540,000 grant to assist with emergency aid
November 16, 2009
The W. Garfield Weston Foundation donated $540,000 to The Salvation Army in an effort to assist with the increase in demand for help, particularly for its food bank and meal programs. Twenty-five Salvation Army offices, from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island, were awarded grants to restock their food banks, introduce new community kitchen programs, upgrade kitchen facilities, and expand feeding programs for the homeless, the working poor, and seniors who are living on a fixed income. Funds were also provided for school breakfast programs as well as programs providing emergency clothing and shelter. For more information, visit: www.salvationarmy.ca.
Apply now for environmental research funding
November 16, 2009
The Alberta Conservation Association is now accepting applications for environmental research funding. These grants support high quality research projects on wildlife, fish, and habitat that provide information on the effective management of wildlife, fish populations, and habitat in Alberta. Up to $350,000 in project funding is available. Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2009. For more information, visit: www.ab-conservation.com.
Global fellowship now accepting applications
November 16, 2009
The Global Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh is requesting applications for the H. J. Heinz Company Foundation Fellowship Program. The program begins August 1, 2010 and ends July 31, 2011. The fellowship provides for one year of practical, professional, and non-degree educational experiences through the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For this round, Heinz Fellowships will be granted to two individuals from developing countries who demonstrate potential as future leaders in the government, nonprofit, or private sectors. For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.ucis.pitt.edu.
Fast Fact: Majority of nonprofit professionals support social media
November 16, 2009
The vast majority of nonprofit organizations (88%) are experimenting with social media to engage key audiences, but 79% are uncertain of how to demonstrate social media’s value for their organizations, according to a new US survey. Only 51% of respondents reported active use of social media. The survey found that 92% of nonprofit and foundation professionals believe their online presence helps raise awareness, 86% believe it keeps external audiences engaged, and 77% believe that it reduces costs relative to traditional media. Sixty-one percent say the rewards outweigh the risks. For these reasons, 85% intend to make greater use of social media in the next two years and 78% will require additional and deeper social media expertise.
-- KRC Research
Create a video about blindness in women and win a laptop
November 16, 2009
Seva Canada is calling on Canadians age 13 and up to help restore sight and prevent blindness in girls and women by creating short videos about vision and gender. The top three winners will receive such prizes as a MacBook and flip video camera. Videos cannot be longer than three minutes and must contain the SEVA logo at the beginning and/or end of the film. The three winning videos will be screened at the World Community Film Festival in eight locations across Canada. The deadline for entries is December 15. For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.seva.ca.
SickKids Foundation receives $450,000 from Baxter Canada
November 16, 2009
SickKids Foundation is celebrating a three-year commitment of $450,000 from Baxter Canada. The funds will support three elements: the development of a handbook of
paediatric thrombosis and haemostasis for use in the SickKids Emergency
Department; creation of an education module on the transition
of adolescent males with haemophilia; and the creation of an education
module on home treatment
by parents/patients with haemophilia with factor concentrates. Baxter Global made an additonal $290,000, two-year commitment to the foundation. For more information on the SickKids Foundation, visit: www.sickkidsfoundation.com.
Seymour Schulich gives $10 million to Ontario heart centre
November 9, 2009
The people of Ontario will have more access than ever to the latest life-saving, minimally invasive cardiovascular treatments thanks to a recent donation by the Canadian philanthropist, Seymour Schulich.
Mr. Schulich made a $10 million investment in a new heart centre at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Last year, Mr. Schulich challenged Sunnybrook Foundation to raise $10 million by the end of 2008 to rebuild the Schulich Heart Centre at Sunnybrook. The foundation did just that and Mr. Schulich made this gift to Sunnybrook to match those donations dollar-for-dollar.
For more information, visit: www.sunnybrook.ca.
New website helps foundations with responsible investment
November 9, 2009
Community Foundations of Canada launched the first phase of its new website devoted to sharing its growing collection of Responsible Investment (RI) resources with foundations and other funders.
The website is part of CFC’s Responsible Investing Pilot Project, which is assisting community foundations across the country in starting or advancing their journey along the path of mission-based investing, adopting appropriate investment policies and programs, and increasing the percentage of their assets that are aligned with their mission. For more information, and to visit the new site, visit: www.responsible-investment.ca.
Men and women equally likely to leave a bequest to charity
November 9, 2009
Gender does not generally predict whether someone who donates to charity is likely to leave a charitable bequest in his or her will, according to a study released by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
In addition to little difference by gender, there also was no difference in the rates of legacy gift planning between single men and single women, after controlling for other factors such as age, educational level, income, and marital status.
The only gender-related difference found was that, among people who attend religious services frequently, men were more likely than women to say they have made a charitable provision in their will.
Both men and women who had never married were more likely than married or widowed donors to have charitable bequests. For more information, visit: www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Workforce inventory available for nonprofits
November 9, 2009
The Alberta Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Workforce Council developed the Workforce Initiatives Inventory to provide a forum for nonprofit organizations to obtain and share information about nonprofit workforce initiatives throughout Alberta. The inventory is divided into four categories: Human Resources Management, Leadership Development, Information and Research, and Shared Space and Services. The inventory allows organizations to search for initiatives to help with workforce and human resources management challenges, and provides a forum to share their workforce projects and initiatives with the sector. For more information, and to download the inventory, visit: www.calgarycvo.org.
Fast Fact: Americans not making donations through new media tools
November 9, 2009
A recent US study indicates that, although respondents are using new social media tools to learn about charities, they are not using them to make donations. Nearly 80% of respondents felt that these tools helped charities raise money, yet less than 20% donated using one of these tools in the past. Nearly 75% responded that they learn about charities through new media tools but they are not motivated to give, and 39% said they didn't trust that their donation would actually help the cause. A further 31% said they would rather give offline, 27% said they didn't see any results or impacts from donations, 22% are overwhelmed by the number of causes using new media, and 17% said they didn't understand the particular tool or application. New media was primarily defined as "dialogue among individuals or groups" on social networks, blogs, Twitter, online games, mobile devices, message boards, and sites that allow people to share photos, audio, and video.
-- Cone
Two universities in Alberta benefit from major gifts
November 9, 2009
A $4 million endowment by Peter and Doris Kule will establish the Kule Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Alberta. "Kule Institute scholars will undertake wide ranging and diverse research on topics echoed by the Ukrainian experience, topics such as political oppression, multiculturalism, minorities, cultural identity, religious persecution, and the politics of famine and food distribution," said university president Indira Samarasekera. For more information, visit: www.expressnews.ualberta.ca.
Calgary-based Imperial Oil Foundation donated $1 million to The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary to support Energy for Life, a new program that will enhance policy development and public dialogue on energy, the economy, and the environment.
In addition to supporting public policy research and education programs, this gift establishes the Imperial Oil Foundation Distinguished Lecture Series. This quarterly series will bring notable figures in energy and related fields to Calgary to present perspectives and contribute to the dialogue and research on energy policy issues. For more information, visit: www.ucalgary.ca.
Ontario nonprofits encouraged to apply for free management consulting
November 9, 2009
Endeavour Volunteer Consulting for Non-Profits (Endeavour) provides management consulting for nonprofit groups that cannot afford professional consulting. To date, Endeavour volunteers have provided management advice in corporate, operations, marketing, and organizational strategies to early-stage and well-established nonprofit organizations across many sectors. Endeavour is currently accepting project applications from nonprofit organizations in Ontario for Spring/Summer 2010 consulting projects. Application deadline is February 1, 2010. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for Fall 2010/Winter 2011 projects. For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.endeavourvolunteer.ca.
Edmonton receives Prince of Wales heritage prize
November 9, 2009
The City of Edmonton, Alberta, received the 2009 Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership.
The annual awards honour the government of a municipality that has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to the conservation of its historic places.
The City of Edmonton has been an innovator in heritage conservation for a number of years. Since the 1970s, the city established the Edmonton Historical Board to advise city council on heritage issues, developed several programs designed to assist owners in preserving heritage properties, and continues to maintain a large inventory of heritage buildings. For more information, visit: www.gov.edmonton.ab.ca.
Ontario Trillium Foundation hands out Great Grants Awards
November 9, 2009
The Ontario Trillium Foundation named the seven winners of the 2009 Great Grants Awards. The awards recognize charitable and not-for-profit organizations that have had an exceptional impact in their communities.
The following organizations were honoured:
- Actua
- Faith and the Common Good
- Foodlink Waterloo Region
- Chippewas of Nawash Unceded Nation
- Fools for Health
- Salon du Livre du Grand Sudbury
- Youth Serving Agencies Network
For more information, and to view profiles of all the winning organizations, visit: www.trilliumfoundation.org.
Fast Fact: Baby boomers are increasingly caring for aging parents
November 9, 2009
A new Canadian survey found that a third of baby boomers spend a significant amount of time or money caring for an aging parent. In the survey of 43 to 63-year-olds, 69% indicated that they had at least one living parent or parent-in-law. Of those, 35% devoted an average of 42 hours each month and travelled an average of 225 kilometres to care for their parent or parents. Of those who help their parents, 40% indicated they spend an average of $6,000 per year as caregivers. Another 56% said that their family bonds had improved due to this extra support, while 60% said they wouldn't have spent this much quality time with their parents otherwise.
-- Investors Group
Fundraiser for BC hospital raises close to $1 million
November 9, 2009
A South Asian community fundraising effort on behalf of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation exceeded its three-year, $2 million goal during a third annual radiothon.
The 16-hour broadcast on November 2 at Surrey-based radio station Red 93.1 FM resulted in pledges totalling $900,000. This allowed the community to surpass the $2 million goal that was established in 2007. The fundraiser was in support of the emergency centre campaign, which is raising $15 million to help replace the hospital’s current ER - the busiest in BC at 77,000 visits a year.
For more information, visit: www.smhfoundation.com.
New promotion offers Disney theme park pass for volunteering
November 9, 2009
Volunteer Canada announced
that, beginning January 1, 2010, when you sign up to volunteer for a
day with a participating organization (and your volunteer commitment
is completed and verified) you'll receive a one day admission pass to
a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park. Starting in early December, Volunteer Canada will announce access for nonprofit organizations and volunteer centres to input volunteer opportunities into a centralized national database for inclusion in the promotion. For more information, visit: volunteer.ca.
CPRN closing in December due to lack of funding
November 2, 2009
Canada is losing one of its leading independent public policy think tanks due to a lack of long-term funding from governments and other resources. “It is with sadness that I must announce that after 15 years of quality public policy research, Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) is no longer financially viable and will cease operations,” announced Dr. Sharon Manson Singer, president of CPRN. CPRN has worked extensively in the areas of social innovation, citizenship, diversity and Canadian values, productivity and skills, health, and the environment, and may be most widely known for championing deliberative dialogues and consultations with a range of Canadians. CPRN will officially close its doors on December 23, 2009. For more information, visit: www.cprn.org.
Gala evening raises $1.27 million for cancer foundation
November 2, 2009
The 2009 Inspiration Gala raised $1.27 million for the BC Cancer Foundation and colorectal cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency. Donations reached the million-dollar mark when guests were challenged to match $500,000 in donations already committed to support colorectal cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency. Donors who stepped up to meet the challenge included TELUS with a $100,000 gift and two colorectal cancer patients who, though absent from the evening's festivities, donated $50,000 in the hope that their gift could leverage others. Funds from the live and silent auctions and the raffle raised the evening's grand total to $1.27 million. For more information, visit: www.bccancerfoundation.com.
New report examines impact of recession on Ontario nonprofits
November 2, 2009
Hard Hit: The Impact of the Economic Downturn on Nonprofit Community Social Services in Ontario, a new report published by the Social Planning Network of Ontario, found that more than half of survey respondents experienced increased demand in key programs since September 2008. Among these agencies, 97% reported an increased number of people requesting services, 49% were engaging in more crisis management and had less time for preventative programming, and 72% were finding increased complexity in the needs of the people they serve. For more information, and to view the full list of recipients, visit: socialplanningtoronto.org.
Learn how BC nonprofits are dealing with economic downturn
November 2, 2009
The Vancouver Foundation released Weathering the Storm, a report examining the effects of the economic downturn on charities in BC.
The survey, which was conducted in the last two weeks of September 2009, gathered information on what happened to charities in 2009, and how they responded. The questionnaire also explored what charities anticipate will happen in 2010, and how prepared they are for those challenges. Among other findings, the study reports that almost every charity was impacted in some way by the economic downturn in 2009. However, certain organizations - smaller charities, arts and culture, and environmental groups - were the most negatively impacted by drops in their revenue base. For more information, and to view the full report, visit: www.vancouverfoundation.bc.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Nonprofits have room to improve on email marketing
November 2, 2009
A new US study found that nonprofits are mastering the basics of email marketing but still have room for improvement. Sixty-two percent of nonprofit organizations studied sent new subscribers a welcome email message, a significantly higher number than the 40% of commercial marketers who did so. Even better, 90% of nonprofits
followed best practices and sent their welcome message within 24 hours. While 81% of advocacy organizations requested geographic data, only 12% actually used geographic data to customize or segment their email
marketing. Fifty-eight percent of arts organizations requested geographic data but none of the organizations used that data to customize their email marketing.
-- Return Path Study
Healthcare philanthropy suffers decline in Canada
November 2, 2009
Confirming the full impact of the global recession, philanthropic giving for health care in the United States grew 2.9% in 2008, while similar donations in Canada fell by a dramatic 12.9%, according to a new Report on Giving issued by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).
In Canada, the portion of donations made by individual givers dipped almost 10% last year to just under 52% of the total. Canadian businesses, including corporate foundations, supplied about one-quarter of the 2008 funding, about the same as the previous year. Canadian foundations contributed 6.3% in 2008, also little changed from the year-earlier level. For more information, visit: www.ahp.org.
CRA announces call for proposals for funding consideration
November 2, 2009
Registered charities and not-for-profit organizations that serve the charitable sector are invited to submit project proposals for funding consideration under the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Charities Partnership and Outreach Program. During the course of fiscal year 2010–2011 (April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011), $3 million in contribution funding will be available to support sector education and training projects related to compliance. Funding priorities include:
- educating charities on compliant fundraising practices;
- educating charities and/or donors about tax shelter donation arrangements and false receipting; and
- promoting transparency and accountability in the charitable sector.
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca. BMO raises $570,000 for Kids Help Phone in bowling fundraiser
November 2, 2009
BMO Financial Group employees, families, and friends raised $570,000 at the BMO Boo-la-thon in support of Kids Help Phone. The Halloween-themed bowling fundraiser took place in over 45 communities across the country on October 24 and 25, 2009. Started five years ago in a handful of communities, this grass-roots event grew to become a national annual fundraiser for Kids Help Phone in 2008. As a charity, Kids Help Phone relies on the support of community-based volunteers, as well as individual and corporate donors, to ensure that its counselling, information, and referral services for kids can continue to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For more information, visit: www.kidshelpphone.ca.
Citrus scents may make for more generous donors
November 2, 2009
A new study called The Smell of Virtue: Clean Scents Promote Reciprocity and Charity found that the fresh smell of lemons may encourage people to be more generous. Participants in the study who were in a room smelling like citrus were more likely to make a donation when asked than those in an unscented room. The study used two separate experiments to discover these results. In the first, participants were given $12 and told they could give it randomly to people in the room or keep it for themselves. In the second experiment, participants were given a list of questions asking them about the possibility of donating to Habitat for Humanity. In both cases, participants in the clean, citrus-smelling room were more likely to give. For more information, and to view the full study, visit: www.rotman.utoronto.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Twitter continues to grow among savvy tech users
November 2, 2009
Some 19% of internet users now say they use Twitter or another service to share updates about themselves, or to see updates about others. In addition, the more devices someone owns, the more likely they are to use Twitter or another service to update their status. Fully 39% of internet users with four or more internet-connected devices (such as a laptop, cell phone, game console, or Kindle) use Twitter, compared to 28% of internet users with three devices, 19% of internet users with two devices, and 10% of internet users with one device.
The median age of a Twitter user is 31.
-- Pew Internet
Read about preparing for flu pandemic in new publication
November 2, 2009
The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants developed a new publication to help not-for-profit organizations prepare for the potential impact of an H1N1 flu pandemic.
The Director Alert, entitled Pandemic Preparation and Response: Questions for directors to ask, provides questions about risk assessment, business continuity planning, and crisis response that directors of nonprofits can ask to help them assess their organization’s readiness for a major crisis such as a flu pandemic, and assist them in responding to a crisis should one occur. For more information, and to download the alert, visit: www.rmgb.ca. (pdf)
Apply now for chance to win $50,000 in digital-media consulting
November 2, 2009
The Masters of Digital Media (MDM) Program at Vancouver’s Centre for Digital Media recently launched a social change initiative called The Big Push. They are inviting artists, inventors, educators, health care professionals, nonprofit organizations, or academic/research institutions to submit a proposal for a digital media-based project to deliver a product that promotes a philanthropic cause or positive social change initiative.
The prize, valued at $50,000, includes a team of multidisciplinary graduate students who will work with the chosen applicant(s) to define and execute a final project, and help realize social and cultural goals of the proposal. The deadline for applications is November 13, 2009. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: mdm.gnwc.ca.
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