Canada continues to support Haiti earthquake relief
January 25, 2010
Canada's government, businesses, and citizens continued to rally for the Haitian people this week, as more important funding announcements were made. First, the Government of Canada committed a further $80 million in aid, with many provincial and municipal governments also stepping up with funding pledges. Additionally, Astral Media raised $800,000 through a radio telethon featured on 82 radio stations in 45 cities across Canada. The Canadian business community also continued to show their support, with Honda Canada donating $300,000 and Canada Safeway reportedly donating $100,000 the Canadian Red Cross. Elsewhere in Canada, Federation CJA collected $100,000, while Boston Pizza raised $50,000 from staff and guests. An Edmonton businessman, Frank Flaman, also made a private donation of $500,000 to the Red Cross. For those considering a donation to a relief organization, the Government of Canada released a brief advising citizens on how to help during times of disaster. Find it here: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Apply for employee training funding in British Columbia
January 25, 2010
The British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development established a new initiative, the Workplace Training for Innovation Program. The program provides eligible employers with funding for employee training in order to
improve productivity,
support the introduction of new technology, machinery, equipment, or work processes,
enhance international competitiveness,
and introduce innovative training and workplace strategies to increase the long-term competiveness of the organization and its workforce.
Both businesses and not-for-profit employers may be eligible to receive funding. Eligible employers must be small organizations (less than 50 employees),
in good standing with the BC Corporate Registry, and in existence for one year or more.
In addition, organizations must certify that they would not undertake the training without financial assistance from the province. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.aved.gov.bc.ca.
Tides Canada launches a new give green initiative
January 25, 2010
Fighting climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and ecosystem degradation takes ongoing resources. Yet, less than two cents of every dollar donated in Canada goes to environmental groups. Give Green Canada is a new resource launched by Tides Canada that promotes gift planning as a solution to long-term environmental funding concerns. The site offers specialized assistance and resources to donors, professional advisors, and environmental and conservation groups.
The initiative includes an online education course that helps environmental groups learn how to start a planned giving program and attract donors. The course is provided at no cost. For more information, visit: www.givegreencanada.ca.
Lazaridis family commits $5 million to Stratford Shakespeare Festival
January 25, 2010
Stratford Shakespeare Festival announced that Ophelia and Mike Lazaridis made a pledge of $5 million to the
festival. In a move to maximize the impact of their contribution, Mr. and Mrs.
Lazaridis have issued a challenge to individuals and government to match this pledge, and
will disburse the gift as incremental matching donations are committed, thereby
ultimately garnering funds of $10 million.
For more information, visit: www.stratfordfestival.ca.
Fast Fact: Healthcare workers at high-risk for burning out
January 25, 2010
A new study examining four Ottawa-area hospitals found that almost three in five healthcare workers are suffering from a condition called "role overload" that puts them at risk physically and mentally, and contributes to high burn out rates. The study found that 57% felt overloaded at work, while 24% felt overloaded at home. To cope with this, 51% reported sleeping less while 18% indicated they turn to alcohol or drugs. One in three workers reported calling in sick due to emotional or physical fatigue, while three-quarters also suggested that they often come to work when they are sick because they feel they cannot be replaced.
-- Sprott School of Business
BC announces new plan to tackle domestic violence
January 25, 2010
The BC government is taking action to protect victims of domestic violence and ensure offender accountability, Solicitor General Kash Heed announced. Included in the new plan is the development of cross-agency domestic violence policies and a uniform procedure for investigating all cases of domestic violence. The plan also will change bail standards for accused who are considered high-risk in order to better protect victims. However, women's groups throughout BC were hoping the announcement would include more funding for transition houses and front-line violence protection workers. Angela Marie MacDougall, executive director of Battered Women's Support Services, explained, "If she doesn't have anywhere to go, and there aren't enough beds or workers to help, more women will stay with violent partners and more will die." For more information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/pssg.
Judy Project offers a free program seat to female nonprofit leaders
January 25, 2010
The Judy Project is offering one free seat in its program to women who work in the nonprofit sector. The Judy Project, run by the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, is designed to strengthen organizations by advancing more women into senior leadership and CEO positions. The Judy Project gives women the network and skills they need to be effective and inspiring leaders, while addressing the unique challenges they face. For more information, and to apply, visit: ep.rotman.utoronto.ca.
Website hopes to provide mentorship and support to teens with cancer
January 25, 2010
The Childhood Cancer Foundation - Candlelighters Canada launched a new website designed to provide support to teens battling cancer. Teen Connector is a social networking website where teens can count on support from a mentor, make a friend, share their story, or get more information. Many teens living with cancer face unique challenges that are different from those that young children or adults face. Often these teens suffer particularly with isolation, made worse by the fact that many are forced to drop out of school and lose touch with their friends. For more information, visit: teenconnector.ca.
CIBC donates $7.2 million to United Way in 2009
January 25, 2010
CIBC employees and retirees have once again opened their wallets to support United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada and its work towards improving the social conditions of Canadians. CIBC raised more than $7.2 million, including a $2.8 million corporate donation, for United Way in 2009. "In challenging economic times like today, it's more important than ever to help support those who truly need it," said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC's president and chief executive officer. For more information about the United Way, visit: www2.unitedway.ca.
Fast Fact: Seasonal flu and H1N1 take a heavy toll on workers
January 25, 2010
In November 2009 alone, 1.5 million Canadians stayed home from work due to either the seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus, with each losing approximately 19.6 hours of work. In some cases, workers stayed home because they had to care for an immediate family member who was ill. Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest rates of absenteeism, at 14.2%, while Quebec had the lowest at 7.6%. While some were taking sick days, others found themselves putting in a lot of overtime during November, with approximately 600,000 workers putting in a total of 8.6 million overtime hours.
-- Statistics Canada
Canada steps up to support earthquake victims in Haiti
January 18, 2010
As the world struggles to assist earthquake victims in Haiti, Canada's government and corporations are jumping in to provide funding support. The federal government pledged $5 million in immediate urgent relief, and will match the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations, up to a total of $50 million. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will allocate these funds to Canadian and international humanitarian and development organizations. Provincial governments throughout Canada have also pledged support for humanitarian aid in the area.
For more information about CIDA's matching program, visit: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.
Corporations throught Canada are also offering financial support to various humanitarian aid agencies. Desjardins Group has committed $300,000 to the Red Cross, while Rogers Communications, BMO Financial Group, and Scotiabank have offered $250,000 each to the cause. RBC, CIBC, TD Bank, and Wal-Mart have each made a donation of $100,000 to aid earthquake victims. Each of these organizations is also collecting donations on behalf of their employees and customers. For more information on making a donation to the Red Cross, visit: www.redcross.ca
Queen's School of Business receives $2 million donation
January 18, 2010
Queen's School of Business received a $2 million gift from BMO Financial Group in support of the expansion of Goodes Hall, the home of the business school.
In recognition of BMO's support, the Goodes Hall Atrium has been named the BMO Financial Group Atrium. The 75,000 square foot expansion will feature three new high-tech classrooms, breakout rooms, a student common area, and multi-purpose room for conferences, guest speakers, and recruiting events. For more information, visit: business.queensu.ca.
Ontario nonprofits struggle to fundraise in uncertain economy
January 18, 2010
Following up on conversations first held in January 2009, the Ontario Trillium Foundation returned in the fall to ask Ontario not-for-profit organizations how they were faring in the wake of the recent recession.
More than 72% of respondents reported collaboration was increasing in the sector, and 87% have now developed plans to manage through the current economic uncertainty. However, more than 75% of respondents indicated that their organizations were feeling the effects of the recession (compared to about 30% in January). Almost two-thirds of organizations surveyed reported a decline in funding over the past year, and 68% of respondents reported the fundraising climate was worse (34%) or the same (34%) as in January 2009. For more information, and to view the full report, visit: trilliumfoundation.org.
Volunteer consulting available to nonprofits this spring and summer
January 18, 2010
Endeavour Volunteer Consulting for Non-Profits helps nonprofits improve and sustain their impact by providing pro bono strategy consulting in various business areas, including strategic planning, marketing strategy, earned income venture feasibility studies, and more. Endeavor is currently accepting project applications from nonprofits for Spring/Summer 2010 consulting engagements. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2010.
For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.endeavourvolunteer.ca.
Fast Fact: Tuition fees on the rise throughout most of Canada
January 18, 2010
Canadian full-time students in undergraduate programs faced the same increase in tuition fees (+3.6%) for the 2009/2010 academic year as they did a year earlier.
On average, undergraduate students paid $4,917 in tuition fees in 2009/2010, compared with $4,747 in 2008/2009.
Fees remained unchanged in Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick, while they declined in Nova Scotia (-3.1%) for a second year in a row.
Two provinces ended freezes on tuition fees with increases - Manitoba (+4.3%) and Saskatchewan (+3.4%). Elsewhere, tuition fee increases ranged from 2.0% in British Columbia to 5.0% in Ontario.
-- Statistics Canada
Google mentor gives $2 million to University of British Columbia
January 18, 2010
A University of British Columbia alumnus widely credited for mentoring Google’s founders and helping establish the company is supporting science education with a $2 million gift to the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative (CWSEI). David Cheriton's gift will support the transformation of core, required courses in the Faculty of Science departments of computer science and mathematics over the next five years with the help of the CWSEI. For more information, visit: www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca.
Apply for volunteer week funding in Alberta
January 18, 2010
Celebrate National Volunteer Week with Volunteer Alberta’s Enhancement Funding.
Volunteer Week Enhancement Funding is intended to assist communities in leveraging additional sources of funding to recognize the contribution of community volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
The deadline for this year is Monday, February 8, by 4:30 pm.
Please note that funding is available on a first come, first serve basis and is available only to paid members of Volunteer Alberta. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: volunteeralberta.cloverpad.org.
Nominate a committed volunteer for Ontario service award
January 18, 2010
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards honour the thousands of people who generously contribute their time as volunteers across Ontario. Awards are given to people who volunteer their time to a single organization for several years. Youth nominees must be under the age of 24 and have volunteered with one group for two consecutive years, while adult nominees must have volunteered with one group for at least five years. Nonprofits are encouraged to nominate volunteers who meet with the award criteria by January 25, 2010. For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca.
Funding available for Calgary youth agencies
January 18, 2010
The Linda Putnam Legacy Fund (The Fund) will once again be selecting a charity for one-time or ongoing funding. The Fund currently has approximately $15,000 to distribute and would like to focus that grant on a registered charitable agency with programs that involve sports, artistic, or educational activities for children and teenagers within the Calgary area. Agencies whose mandate fulfills this focus are invited to submit a (maximum) one-page application describing the program or organization and the proposed use of funds. All applications should be sent to mitchlputnam@shaw.ca. The deadline for submissions is February 19, 2010.
Fast Fact: Transition homes most common type of women's shelter
January 18, 2010
According to a recent report, transition homes, which provide short- to moderate-term housing, were the most common type of women's shelter in Canada. In 2008, they represented 47% of all shelters, while emergency-type facilities accounted for 26%.
Since about 70% of mothers coming to shelters to escape abuse are accompanied by their children, many facilities offer services that address the needs of child residents. About three-quarters provided recreational facilities for children, while about half offered specialized programming for child witnesses and victims of abuse.
-- Statistics Canada
Regina Spirit Fund offering $100,000 in funding
January 18, 2010
The application period for Farm Credit Canada (FCC)’s Regina Spirit Fund opens January 11 for registered charities and nonprofit organizations in Regina. The FCC Regina Spirit Fund will accept online applications until 3 pm on Monday, February 8. A total of $100,000 will be awarded to successful applicants in April. Applications will be evaluated by a committee of Regina-based FCC employees.
For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.fcc-fac.ca.
Alberta nonprofits encouraged to apply for watershed funding
January 18, 2010
The Alberta Stewardship Network is now accepting applications for the 2010 Watershed Stewardship Grant Program.
Community groups with a project designed to protect, enhance, or otherwise benefit Alberta's watersheds may be eligible for up to $7,500 in stewardship-related projects to be completed before March 31, 2011.
For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.ab.stewardshipcanada.ca.
Alan Thomas Fellowship now accepting applications
January 11, 2010
The Carold Institute Alan Thomas Fellowship to Promote Civil Society and Voluntary Action was established to provide a sabbatical to a leader in the NGO/nonprofit sector who would not normally have access to one. It is hoped that the award will free the recipient, at a transitional moment in his or her professional development, to make a significant contribution to the NGO/nonprofit sector through research and possible publication or dissemination in the medium of the applicant’s choice (e.g. film, exhibit, performance piece).
Applications are invited for projects that fit within the broad scope of promoting civil society and voluntary action, and are due no later than March 26, 2010. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.carold.ca.
Funding available to Calgary agencies working with at-risk youth
January 11, 2010
Social Venture Partners Calgary has selected its focus for its 2010
grant cycle. This grant, an investment to a registered charitable agency serving Calgary,
will be provided to a nonprofit organization whose programs engage at-risk children
and youth in their communities. SVP encourages agencies that work with addiction,
learning disabilities, and homelessness to apply.
Interested agencies should submit at maximum, a two-page
letter of inquiry.
The deadline for submission is Friday, January 22, 2010. Annual grants have
generally ranged in size from $20,000 to $50,000 and have been dedicated to special projects,
programs, and/or general operating support. For more information, and for further application guidelines, visit: www.svpcalgary.org.
World Parrot Refuge able to keep doors open with $15,000 donation
January 11, 2010
Great Canadian Casino Nanaimo announced that it will donate $15,000 to the World Parrot Refuge in Coombs, BC. After a financially difficult year, the World Parrot Refuge was severely struggling to remain open and provide a home to some 700 parrots.
To ensure that the World Parrot Refuge remains open, the team at the Casino Nanaimo decided to step up and make a donation. President and co-founder of the World Parrot Refuge Wendy Huntbatch is thrilled to be receiving the donation as the organization has the space, knowledge, and ability to care for these birds, but funds are always minimal. For more information about the World Parrot Refuge, visit: worldparrotrefuge.org.
Calgary marathon includes new fundraising challenge
January 11, 2010
The Calgary Marathon, Canada's longest running marathon, is kicking off a new decade with Scotiabank as its new title sponsor. Along with the sponsorship, the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge is a new program for 2010, which will give runners the opportunity to fundraise for the official charity of their choice. This year's event, which takes place on Sunday, May 30, 2010, aims to top 9,000 participants and exceed $130,000 in charitable donations. For more information, visit: www.calgarymarathon.com.
Fast Fact: Canadians appear less generous than Americans
January 11, 2010
According to a new report, Canadians appear to be less generous than their American neighbours in donating money to charity.
In 2009, 26.6% of US tax filers donated to charity compared to 24% of Canadian tax filers. Further, Americans gave 1.6% of their aggregate personal income to charity, more than double the .73% that Canadians donated.
-- Fraser Institute
HR Council looking for nonprofit employment stories
January 11, 2010
Are you a young person 30 or under with employment experience in the Canadian nonprofit sector? Are you willing to tell your story about developing your career in nonprofits?
The HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector is looking for young people to share their advice about job search strategies and career development in the nonprofit sector in a new video series to be hosted on their site. If you are interested in sharing your story, please complete the online application, attach a copy of your resume, and submit them via email to Michelle Jondreau by end of day on January 17, 2010. For more information, and to view the application form, visit: www.hrvs.ca.
Breast Cancer Foundation creates iPhone™ application
January 11, 2010
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation announced the launch of the first bilingual iPhone™ application in the Canadian charity landscape. The application offers users the ability to catch up on the latest foundation news and events in both official languages, provides direct and fast access to online communities, allows the ability to register for the Run for the Cure, offers an easy way to make donations, and sends the latest downloads from the foundation sent to your phone. For more information, and to take the survey, visit: www.cbcf.org.
Canadian Lung Association warns of telephone scam
January 11, 2010
The Canadian Lung Association is warning of a telephone scam that uses the organization’s name as a lure. The goal of the fraudulent activity is to trick victims into revealing personal banking information. Victims receive a phone call from an organization purporting to be soliciting donations for The Lung Association. The victims are then informed that for every individual donation pledged that a certain company will match that donation.
Canadians should be aware that this is not an authorized campaign of The Lung Association.
For more information, visit: www.lung.ca.
Mussel give-a-way raises $8,700 for local hospital
January 11, 2010
As reported by the Prince Edward Island Guardian, PEI Mussel King, a local business, raised $8,700 for stroke care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital through a unique fundraiser. The company gave away 10,000 pounds of free mussels, asking only for a donation to the hospital in return. The event was in memory of the late founder of the company, Russell Dockendorff Sr., who passed away in 2009. For more information about the hospital, visit: www.gov.pe.ca.
Fast Fact: Atlantic Canadians most likely in Canada to give locally
January 11, 2010
Among online Canadians who made a donation to charity last year, atlantic Canadians, at 87% were most likely to state that their donation had affected their local community. Ontarians (48%) and Albertans (45%) were more likely to state that their giving had affected Canada as a whole, while British Columbians were more likely than others in Canada to state that their donation had benefited developing countries (27%). Across the country, Albertans, at 92%, and atlantic Canadians, at 89%, are most likely to give to medical causes. Furthermore, those in western Canada are more likely to donate to poverty/international development than the rest of the country. Respondents from Quebec were least likely to give to social causes (13%).
-- Ipsos Reid
CIBC raises more than $3.5 million for children's charities
January 4, 2010
CIBC announced that its employees raised more than $3.5 million for children's charities in Canada on CIBC Miracle Day, December 2, 2009.
Every year since 1984, on the first Wednesday in December, CIBC wholesale banking sales and trading staff and CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors have donated their fees and commissions to support children in need across the country. "This money will support health research, emergency shelters, counselling, education, and recreational opportunities, meal programs, and specialized programs for children in need," said Richard Nesbitt, CIBC chairman and CEO.
For more information on Miracle Day, visit: www.cibc.com.
Winter survival kits available for distribution in Toronto
January 4, 2010
Project Winter Survival and The Bargains Group have successfully distributed more than $1 million worth of needed items to the less fortunate, and this year Project Winter Survival kits will include a sleeping bag and backpack filled with winter survival items such as gloves, toques, socks, scarves, personal hygiene items, food, drinks, and more.
If your organization is interested in handing out kits, please submit one request form for each of your programs. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 8, and the kits will be distributed on Saturday January 23, 2010. Organizations must make arrangements for pickup on that day. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: projectwintersurvival.org.
Canada's top teen philanthropist announced
January 4, 2010
Sophia Gran-Ruaz was recently named "Canada's Top Teen Philanthropist" in Mackenzie Investments' second annual national contest. The 17-year-old Mississauga, Ontario resident won for her work with Snug as a Bug, Kids Helping Kids, an organization she founded when she was 11 and currently runs from the living room in her family home.
As Canada's Top Teen Philanthropist of 2009, Sophia receives a $5,000 donation, made in her name, to Hockey for the Homeless, a volunteer-driven charitable organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Canada through fundraising and education. She also personally receives $1,000, which will go towards her savings for post-secondary education. Five runners-up will also be rewarded with a $500 donation to the charity of their choice.
For more information about the contest, visit: www.mackenziefinancial.com.
Fast Fact: Canadians plan on giving more time and money in 2010
January 4, 2010
According to a new poll, 29% of Canadians report they are planning to give more time to worthwhile causes in 2010, and 19% indicated they are planning to donate more money. With regards to how they like to give, 69% of respondents said they would rather donate time than money, and 89% indicated they prefer to volunteer locally in their community. Another 82% said they donate to local charities and causes.
-- Harris/Decima
Muscular dystrophy research receives $500,000 boost
January 4, 2010
Jesse’s Journey announced that it is providing researchers with more than $500,000 in new research funding for 2010, in addition to the $500,000 in grants made in 2009, for a two-year total of more than $1 million.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal disease that affects 1 in every 3,500 youngsters. Among the projects receiving funding is a new database initiative in London, led by Dr. Craig Campbell of the University of Western Ontario and Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario. This Canadian national database will be a valuable tool in bringing treatments developed in the lab to the patient. For more information on Jesse's Journey, visit: www.jessesjourney.com.
Apply now for a Maytree scholarship for protected persons
January 4, 2010
Applications for the Maytree Scholarship Program are now available online. This program is for protected persons or landed immigrants who were protected persons, between the ages 18 and 27, living on their own with no parents in Canada, entering first or second year of a university or community college in Toronto. It is designed for students with a sense of civic responsibility combined with a successful academic, work, and/or volunteer service record.
The scholarship covers tuition, books, transportation, rent, and a living allowance, and it includes monthly meetings for a maximum of ten students. The deadline for the application is Friday, March 26, 2010.
For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.maytree.com.
Read a new report examining how public policy affects children and youth
January 4, 2010
To encourage policy-makers to examine their own progress on child and youth issues and to foster discussion among Canadians, the Canadian Paediatric Society produces a biennial status report on public policy affecting children and youth. The 2009 edition was released in December and adds a new indicator to its list of health measures: child and youth poverty. The addition of poverty to the report underscores how child and youth health is affected by social determinants such as income and housing.
For more information, and to download the report, visit: www.cps.ca.
Fast Fact: Medical and children's charities remain on top in Canada
January 4, 2010
Among online Canadians that have donated to a charity in the past year, the biggest beneficiaries have been medical charities (77%), followed by poverty and international development charities (51%). Others are less likely to be the recipients of donations, with 41% donating to children’s charities, 33% to social charities such as places of worship or the arts, 31% to environmental charities, and 7% to political/justice causes. Donations to medical and children’s charities also tend to increase with household income.
-- Ipsos Reid
Weight Watchers members donate 75,000 pounds of food
January 4, 2010
This fall, Weight Watchers pledged to make a donation, and provide other benefits, valued at up to $50,000 to Food Banks Canada. This donation was part of Weight Watchers Canada's first-ever Lose For Good campaign, designed to encourage Canadians to get healthier while doing good for others. As Weight Watchers members across the country shed pounds over a period of seven weeks, they celebrated their success by donating pounds of food, symbolic of their weight loss, to food drives at Weight Watchers locations from coast to coast. An estimated 75,000 pounds of food was collected across the country and donated to food banks within each community, benefiting local residents in need.
For more information about Food Banks Canada, visit: foodbankscanada.ca/main.cfm.
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