CharityVillage® set to celebrate our 15th anniversary!
June 28, 2010
On July 13, CharityVillage® will officially turn 15 years old, and we're not about to let a milestone like that go by without a party. A summer-long party, to be exact! Starting in the next few weeks, we'll have an exciting lineup of special 15th anniversary content, including a temporary weekly piece highlighting Canadian Changemakers. Additionally, be on the lookout for new sales and promotions and exciting contests. If you'd like to nominate someone special to be a part of our Changemakers series, please visit: www.surveymonkey.com.
Teck Resources donates $1 million to BC Museum of Mining
June 28, 2010
Teck Resources, based in Vancouver, recently donated $1 million to the BC Museum of Mining located in Britannia Beach. The museum is currently working on a three-phase project intended to preserve on-site heritage buildings and mining collections. With the project, the museum also hopes to turn itself into a more vibrant, international destination. For more information about the museum, visit: www.bcmm.ca.
Nominations open for awards commemorating the Persons Case
June 28, 2010
Status of Women Canada announced the call for nominations for the 31st annual Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.
The awards honour the "Persons Case" and the five Alberta women whose determination led to a landmark victory in the struggle of Canadian women for equality.
Recipients of these awards continue the tradition of courage, integrity, and hard work that the Famous Five of the Persons Case inspired. Their effectiveness and courage has advanced the cause of equality for girls and women in significant and substantial ways that have enriched their communities. While nominations for the awards are accepted all year round, the deadline for 2010 nominations is June 30, 2010. For more information, visit: www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.
TELUS offers scholarships for not-for-profit governance program
June 28, 2010
The Not-for-profit Governance Essentials Program (GEP) is a national governance education program jointly developed by the Institute of Corporate Directors and the
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. A limited number of need-based TELUS Scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, are available to support the participation
of not-for-profit board members and executive directors who otherwise would not be able to participate in the program
due to financial considerations. Scholarship applications must be received by June 30, 2010. For more information, visit: www.icd.ca. (PDF)
Fast Fact: Majority of Canadians donate used goods to charity
June 28, 2010
When looking to dispose of old household items such as furniture, books, or children’s clothing, Canadians tend to make sure that these items are put to good use, as 81% report that they usually donate these items to a charity, a new poll found. Another 22% indicated that they donate their old electronics, such as computer parts, televisions, or video games, to charity. -- Ipsos Canada
Standard life raises $355,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
June 28, 2010
Standard Life announced that it has raised $355,000 in total to date in 2010 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s campaign to address the worrisome shortage of youth mentors. The announcement was made during the firm's Big Search event, which also helped generate hundreds of new applications from potential new mentors. The event was established by Standard Life as a platform to raise funds and assist Big Brothers Big Sisters to increase awareness about the urgent need for new youth mentor volunteers. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
Ontario Nonprofit Network announces new constellation group
June 28, 2010
The Ontario Nonprofit Network is considering a new constellation group regarding organizational and governance models. Tides Canada Initiatives is proposing to take the lead in convening an ONN Charitable Venture Organization Constellation that would bring together ONN members interested in exploring good practices, as well as learning and researching opportunities in alternative organizational and governance models. Specifically the constellation would focus on the emerging governance model of charitable venture organizations (CVO). For more information, visit: ontariononprofitnetwork.ca.
Toronto literacy programs invited to apply for funding
June 28, 2010
The National Post’s Raise-a-Reader campaign seeks to use the media to raise funds, awareness, and resources for family literacy programs in the Greater Toronto Area. If your organization is interested in receiving funding for a literacy program in the GTA, you are invited to submit an application. Fund recipients must be a registered not-for-profit society or have a charitable number, and literacy programs must exist within the GTA. Funds allocated from the 2010 campaign must be used during the 2011 calendar year. The submission deadline is October 29, 2010. For more information, and to download a monetary beneficiary application, visit: www2.canada.com.
Fast Fact: Maritime students going back to school after first degree
June 28, 2010
Of maritime university graduates who obtained their first degree in 2003, 70% have gone back to school, according to a new report. Of 2003 grads, 78% borrowed money to finance both their first degree and subsequent education, with 46% borrowing $30,000 or more. In 2008, five years after obtaining their degree, 23% still owed $30,000 or more, while only 28% had paid off the full amount. -- Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission
Apply now for free marketing support services
June 28, 2010
DAM² Marketing is offering free marketing support through their
Marketing Matters program to one lucky not-for-profit charitable arts or grass roots
organization. The program is open to charities throughout North America, although the company is based in Toronto, and the deadline for applications is July 30, 2010. For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.damsquared.com.
(PDF)
Software donations available to charities and social enterprises
June 28, 2010
NetSuite, a vendor of financial management systems, is offering free software to both charities and social enterprises. The standard donation is a complete software package sufficient to run all aspects of a small charity including a full NetSuite software suite, five user licenses, support at the silver level, a NetSuite essentials training course, and implementation materials. For more information, visit: www.netsuite.org.
Philanthropist gives $20 million to children's hospital
June 21, 2010
Bloorview Kids Rehab and Bloorview Kids Foundation announced that Canadian investment executive and philanthropist Bill Holland and his family have donated the largest gift ever to a Canadian hospital specializing in the treatment and research of children’s disability, $20 million. In recognition of the Holland family, the hospital and the foundation will be renamed as Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation. For more information, visit: www.hollandbloorview.ca.
CRA announces funding in partnership and outreach program
June 14, 2010
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced contribution funding for seven new projects under the Charities Partnership and Outreach Program. The CRA will provide almost $3 million in contribution funding for projects intended to educate and train charities around a variety of compliance issues. The following organizations submitted successful proposals:
- Carleton University (Ottawa, ON)
- Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's, NL)
- Éducaloi (Montréal, QC)
- Imagine Canada (Toronto, ON)
- Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. (Edmonton, AB)
- Ontario Community Support Association (Toronto, ON)
- Université du Québec à Montréal (Montréal, QC)
For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
New Blackbaud study reports 12.1% increase in overall charitable giving
June 21, 2010
Blackbaud, Inc. announced the launch of the Blackbaud Index of Charitable Giving, a broad-based fundraising index that reports monthly on revenue trends of 1,400 nonprofit organizations representing $2.2 billion in yearly revenue.
The most recent index released last week reported that overall revenue increased by 12.1% for the three months ending April 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009. A significant portion of this increase was related to the very generous outpouring of support to organizations helping with relief efforts in Haiti. For more information, and to download the full report, visit: www.blackbaud.com.
Fast Fact: Boomers are increasingly using social networking sites
June 21, 2010
A new US survey indicates that more than 25% of Americans aged 50 and older are using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Almost 50% of those using social media sites started using them at a request from a family member (often child or grandchild). Nearly half of respondents aged 50 - 64 indicated that they are Internet savvy. -- AARP
Nonprofit research grants awarded to two new Canadian projects
June 21, 2010
The Institute for Nonprofit Studies at Mount Royal University is pleased to announce the successful recipients of its semi-annual applied research fund program. Francois Brouard, Leighann Neilson, and Anahit Armenakyan of the Sprott School of Business, Carleton University were awarded a grant to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ten years of fundraising activities by small charities.
Sean Markey at the Centre for Sustainable Community Development, Simon Fraser University and Stacey Corriveau, BC Centre for Social Enterprise will conduct an examination of what would be needed to create a "made in Canada" solution to the development of a distinct legal structure for social enterprises. The next deadline for letters of intent for the Applied Nonprofit Research Fund is October 15, 2010. For more information, visit: www.mtroyal.ca.
Wheels In Motion raises more than $1 million for Rick Hansen Institute
June 21, 2010
The recent Wheels In Motion fundraiser, benefiting the Rick Hansen Institute, raised more than $1 million. Funds raised by Wheels In Motion will support a wide range of life-enhancing programs that allow people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to fully participate in their community and live life to its full potential. The majority of funds will stay in the community where they were raised to support local projects, with remaining funds directed toward national projects that hold the promise of benefiting all Canadians living with SCI.
For more information, visit: www.wheels-inmotion.org.
New masters program in community development launched at UVic
June 21, 2010
The School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria recently welcomed the first cohort of students to the new Master
of Arts in Community Development (MACD). The program prepares leaders for the
challenges of today’s global issues in communities around the world. Developed in collaboration with practitioners from the nonprofit, co-operative, and
community economic development sectors, the degree is for community leaders and
professionals working in Canadian communities. As a part-time program, the MACD is primarily delivered online with three 10-day residential
periods based at the University of Victoria. For more information, visit: publicadmin.uvic.ca.
Fast Fact: UK donors overwhelmingly favour cancer charities
June 21, 2010
According to a UK report, in the first three months of 2010, 48% of the public gave money to cancer charities. Just 9% gave money to charities working with the environment and conservation. The report also found that 34% of the UK public have made a will, with 6% reporting that they have left a legacy to charity in their will.-- nfpSynergy
Volunteer consulting available to nonprofits this fall
June 21, 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 Fall 2010/Winter 2011 consulting engagements. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2010. For more information, visit: www.endeavourvolunteer.ca.
JDRF Canada receives $1 million for the Artificial Pancreas project
June 21, 2010
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Canada recently announced a $1 million contribution by the Boston Pizza Foundation. The "Boston Pizza Foundation Artificial Pancreas Fund" will support research and clinical trials related to the Artificial Pancreas, a device, which, when fully developed, would be the first automated system available on the market to dispense insulin based on real-time changes in blood sugar levels, helping people better manage type 1 diabetes. For more information about JDRF Canada, visit: www.jdrf.ca.
CRA revokes status of Canadian Lacrosse Association
June 14, 2010
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has revoked the status of the Canadian Lacrosse Association as a registered Canadian amateur athletic association (RCAAA), effective June 5, 2010. According to a statement from the CRA, the organization is accused of "issuing more than $60.7 million in donation receipts for abusive transactions arising from its role as a participant in tax shelter arrangements that, in the opinion of the Minister, do not qualify as gifts." For more information, visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Tim Hortons Camp Day raises $9.7 million for children's summer camps
June 14, 2010
On June 2nd, all purchases of Tim Hortons coffee helped give thousands of kids in communities across Canada and the United States the camping adventure of a lifetime. More than 3,500 Tim Hortons restaurants across North America donated their entire coffee sales, as well as funds raised through special Camp Day events and activities, to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, raising $9.7 million. For more information, visit: www.timhortons.com.
International nonprofit survey now open to Canadian organizations
June 14, 2010
The 2010 State of the Nonprofit Industry Survey (SONI) is now open to more than 10 countries globally, including Canada. Blackbaud, Inc. facilitates the survey, and expects it to uncover some interesting differences in operations, fundraising, technology, and accountability.
Organizations who respond to the survey by June 25, 2010 will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a Dell® laptop and will also receive a copy of the results report.
For more information, and to participate in the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/9SFWSQ5.
Fast Fact: Majority of donors make decisions rationally, not emotionally
June 14, 2010
A new UK survey indicates that 68% of donors would stop giving to an organization that they felt was underperforming. Another 18% indicated that they would feel more obliged to give to a charity that they knew was performing well. Furthermore, 42% stated that knowing a charity's achievements influenced their decision to donate, while 29% indicated that their decision to donate was influenced more by emotion than rational decision-making. -- YouGov
Water available for Toronto organizations to deliver to homeless
June 14, 2010
Project Water is a volunteer-based organization that evolved in response to the dehydration crisis that people on the streets face during the summer months. The organization donates bottled water to agencies in Toronto who are able to effectively get the water out to people living on the city's streets. Interested organizations may submit one request form for each of their programs and must include a brief (2-3 lines maximum) description of each program that will be using the water. Applications are due June 18, 2010. Pickup and distribution will be on July 7, 2010, from 12 to 5 in the afternoon. Organizations must be able to pick up the water at this time as no delivery is available. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.bargainsgroup.com.
Hockey for Haiti raises $1 million for Haitian children's hospital
June 14, 2010
The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and World Vision Canada announced that more than $1 million was raised through their Hockey for Haiti campaign to help rebuild a children’s hospital that was badly damaged in the January 12 earthquake. The campaign is a joint initiative of Haitian-Canadian Georges Laraque, the NHLPA, and World Vision Canada. Grace Children’s Hospital, operated by International Child Care, is one of Haiti’s leading pediatric centres dedicated to the treatment of children with tuberculosis, HIV, and other diseases. The hospital’s staff is currently running an outpatient clinic from tents in the yard. For more information, visit: www.worldvision.ca.
Center on Philanthropy releases Giving USA
June 14, 2010
Giving USA Foundation™ and its research partner, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, announced in their Giving USA report that estimated total charitable contributions from American individuals, corporations, and foundations fell to $303.75 billion in 2009, down from a revised total of $315.08 billion for 2008. The 2009 drop represents a fall of 3.6% in current dollars. In 2009 the overall economy saw slight price deflation, which makes the adjusted change in giving year-over-year a decline of 3.2%. For more information, visit: www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Fast Fact: Internet users connecting to their community online
June 14, 2010
According to a US report, 22% of all adults (representing 28% of Internet users) signed up to receive alerts about local issues, such as traffic, school events, weather warnings, or crime alerts, via email or text messaging.
Another 20% of all adults (27% of Internet users) used digital tools to talk to their neighbors and keep informed about community issues. -- Pew Internet & American Life Project
Ride for Heart raises $3.2 million for Heart & Stroke Foundation
June 14, 2010
The annual Ride for Heart fundraiser in Toronto attracted approximately 13,000 cyclists to the Don Valley Parkway on June 6, despite heavy rain and strong winds. The group raised more than $3.2 million for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. The car-free event is now in its 23rd year, and this year sold out for the first time ever.
Sections of the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway were closed to vehicle traffic during the event. For more information, visit: www.rideforheart.ca.
Canadian organization wins international award for water innovation
June 14, 2010
The Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) was awarded the Special Prize in the Suez Environment Water for All Foundation
Competition on June 4.
The international competition aims to create awareness of innovative
solutions to improve and expand water and sanitation services in urban areas of developing
countries. The contest is aimed at higher education institutions of research or training and
rewards technical, economic, or social projects that have shown positive results, are ready to be
shared, and are supported by a local public entity.
For more information, visit: www.cawst.org.
Maclean's magazine releases list of top 50 socially responsible companies
June 14, 2010
For the second year in a row, Maclean's, in partnership with Jantzi-Sustainalytics, has compiled their list of the country's top 50 socially responsible corporations.
The reasons each company was selected vary: Gildan Activewear donated more than half a million dollars to Haitian relief efforts, Loblaw's committed to acquiring all of its seafood from sustainable sources by 2013, and Nike made World Cup jerseys for nine national teams out of bottles found in landfills.
For more information, visit: www2.macleans.ca.
Carleton University receives $15 million donation
June 7, 2010
Thanks to a financial commitment of $15 million from Calgary businessman Clayton H. Riddell, Carleton University is creating Canada’s first graduate program in political management. The goal of the program is to improve the practice of politics at all levels of government across Canada by providing graduate level professional training for political officeholders, advisors, campaigners, and staff. The donation is the largest philanthropic gift in the university's history. For more information, visit: www2.carleton.ca.
Arts and music festivals in BC no longer eligible for gaming grants
June 7, 2010
According to a report by the Vancouver Sun newspaper, arts and music festivals in BC are no longer eligible for provincial gaming grants. Major changes to the eligibility requirements for gaming grants were made back in March of this year, but at that time arts and music festivals were still allowed to apply for grants. Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman explained the cuts, saying, "When we started doing these changes it was very obvious there were some festivals that had been running for 25 years and they were saying if they couldn't get a $10,000 grant they wouldn't be able to survive for a year. I'm thinking, you've got to wonder what have you been doing as far as planning for your organization...the past 25 years."
For more information, visit: www.vancouversun.com.
Volunteer consulting available to Ontario nonprofits
June 7, 2010
Endeavour Volunteer Consulting for Non-Profits (Endeavour) provides management consulting to enable nonprofit leaders to improve organizational performance and social impact. Since 2007, Endeavour has provided free consulting to 31 nonprofits spanning many sectors in Ontario. Endeavour is currently accepting project applications from nonprofit organizations for the Fall 2010/Winter 2011 consulting cycle. The application deadline is July 15, 2010.
For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.endeavourvolunteer.ca.
Fast Fact: Household giving falls in 2009 but expected to rebound in 2010
June 7, 2010
A new US report indicates that charitable household giving fell by 4.9% last year. Considering that household giving declined by 6% in 2008, this figure is concerning. However, it isn't all bad news. The same report suggests that household giving will rebound in 2010, rising between 3% and 4.5%. -- Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College
Chancellor of Calgary university gives $1 million to her school
June 7, 2010
With less than one month remaining on her four-year term as chancellor of the University of Calgary, Joanne Cuthbertson and her husband, Charlie Fischer, have announced their decision to donate $1 million for a new student learning and resource facility. The centre will provide a wide variety of learning support and resources to students, from modern library and research skills to advising, tutoring, and help with writing. For more information, visit: www.ucalgary.ca.
Grants for programs helping people with disabilities available in Toronto
June 7, 2010
Applications are now being accepted for the James Rutley Grand Memorial Fund at the Toronto Community Foundation, a fund that supports charitable organizations in Toronto that work to improve the lives of people with physical disabilities. Funding priorities include:
- Program funding: Programs that make an improvement in the lives of people of any age with physical disabilities.
- Capital investment: Improvements in capital infrastructure to improve accessibility or assist rehabilitation for those with physical disabilities.
The deadline for applications is Monday, June 28, 2010.
For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit: www.tcf.ca.New report shows food bank use in Toronto still increasing
June 7, 2010
Despite an improving economy, food banks in the Greater Toronto Area reported a 15% increase in client visits, a new report from Daily Bread Food Bank finds. The Hunger Snapshot shows a total of 1,187,000 visits to food banks from April 2009 to March 2010. This is the largest one-year increase since social assistance rates were cut 21.6% in the mid-1990s.
The report also finds that individuals and families are spending most of their limited income on housing, and many new clients are visiting food banks because they have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced at work. The full report with the results of the annual survey will be released on September 24, 2010, but some early results can be found on the organization's website. For more information, visit: www.dailybread.ca.
Vancouver Timeraiser benefits organizations with pledged volunteer hours
June 7, 2010
Now is your chance to connect your organization to young and talented volunteers at Vancouver’s 3rd Annual Timeraiser event. Last year, 150 volunteer pledged 5,355 volunteer hours to 25 organizations at this innovative event. You can read more about the Timeraiser event and what it is all about in one of last year's cover stories. The Vancouver Timeraiser takes place on September 23, 2010 and the deadline for agency applications is June 22, 2010. For more information, visit: www.timeraiser.ca.
Fast Fact: Canada's festivals draw many tourists, raise millions of dollars
June 7, 2010
According to new research, an estimated 12.6 million people attended Canada's 15 largest festivals. Out of that amount, 3.3 million were tourists and one million came from outside Canada. The events generated more than $1 billion in spending, with an estimated $780 million spent by tourists. New spending at events contributes $650 million in GDP to local communities. -- Enigma Research Corporation
Quebec museum awards seek nominations
June 7, 2010
Nominations for the Prix de la Société des musées québécois (SMQ) will be accepted until June 23, 2010. The annual awards recognize the active members of the SMQ network who have advanced the field of museum science in Quebec through their accomplishments and the excellence of their museum practices.
Following an evaluation of nominations by a peer committee, seven awards will be given in the following categories: career, next generation, excellence, Télé-Québec audiovisual and multimedia, and publications. For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: www.smq.qc.ca. (French only)
Inaugural walk for arthritis raises $900,000 across Canada
June 7, 2010
Almost 3,500 people in 16 cities across Canada participated in the first national Walk to Fight Arthritis and raised $900,000 to help find a cure for one of the leading causes of disability among Canadians. Many participants also joined the fight online through a virtual walk. In addition to making online pledges, the walk's website provided a place for people to share their personal stories. "Everyone has a story to share about their fight against arthritis, and the more people talk about the disease, the more awareness is generated," said Steven McNair, president and CEO of The Arthritis Society. "Whether sharing tips for managing arthritis or simply connecting with others affected by it, the stories will continue the momentum toward finding a cure." For more information, visit: www.walktofightarthritis.ca.
Nonprofits encouraged to apply for grants supporting financial literacy
June 7, 2010
TD Bank Financial Group and Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI), a charitable organization that helps low-income Canadians gain financial independence, officially launched the TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund with the first call for applications for funding. The new fund, managed by SEDI, will provide grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to qualified community-based agencies, charities, and not-for-profit organizations to help integrate financial literacy training into services they deliver to their clients. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2010. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: www.sedi.org.
PEI telethon raises more than $500,000 for local hospital
June 7, 2010
The QEH/EastLink 21-Hour Equipment Drive celebrated another successful intiative, raising more than $524,798, all of which will directly support ambulatory care medical equipment. The funds will assist current services at the QEH and this equipment will then be transferred to the new Ambulatory Care Centre when it opens in early 2012. This year's total was almost $17,000 above last year's total.
For more information, visit: www.qehfoundation.pe.ca.
Fast Fact: Canadians pessimistic about cancer cure
June 7, 2010
A new poll indicates that almost two-thirds (62%) of adults surveyed in 23 countries (representing 75% of the worlds GDP) has a belief that "there will be a cure for cancer in my lifetime". This compares with 38% who disagree with that statement. Canada was grouped in the most pessimistic countries, with only 51% of Canadians agreeing that a cure will be found in their lifetime.
-- Ipsos Canada
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
use your browser's "find" feature (CTRL-F or CMD-F). To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
