Canada Revenue Agency revokes charitable status of two organizations
January 30, 2012
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the charitable registration of Word of Christ Ministry, a Toronto area charity, effective January 21, 2012. A CRA audit allegedly identified serious issues of non-compliance with the requirements of the Income Tax Act. The audit also revealed that the organization failed to maintain adequate books and records, failed to issue tax receipts in accordance with the Act, and didn't file a Registered Charity Information Return.
For more information visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
The CRA also revoked the charitable registration of Hope Church of God Deliverance Ministries, another Toronto area charity, also effective January 21. A CRA audit concluded that the organization failed to devote its resources exclusively to its own charitable activities by participating in a promoted donation arrangement in 2009.
For more information visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
RBC invests $20 million in new social and environmental initiatives
January 30, 2012
RBC announced a $20 million commitment to a new social and environmental initiative aimed at facilitating solutions to social and environmental problems. The investment includes a new $10 million capital fund to help finance projects by organizations and entrepreneurs tackling social and environmental challenges. Priority areas will include projects promoting environmental sustainability and water resource management, as well as providing employment opportunities for youth and newcomers to Canada. The project also includes a $10 million investment by the RBC Foundation of its own assets into Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) funds. For more information visit www.rbc.com.
Awards recognize leaders in mental health initiatives
January 30, 2012
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) announced the MHCC’s 5th Anniversary National Mental Health Awards, designed to recognize programs, projects and initiatives across the country that are having a profound influence on mental health. There are several award categories and the deadline for applications is February 16. For more information visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
Fast Fact: Few nonprofits have written marketing plan for 2012
January 30, 2012
According to a new report on nonprofit communications, only 24% of nonprofits have a
written and approved marketing plan
for 2012, while 59% have a written plan or
informal notes for themselves only, not
formally approved by leadership. The $5 million budget mark
appears to be where the shift
between informal and formal
planning begins to take place. For
organizations with budgets under $5
million, only 20% have a written and
approved plan for 2012. Of those
with budgets over $5 million, 42%
had a formal and approved plan. — 2012 Nonprofit Communications Trends Report
Volunteer Canada seeks nonprofit participation in communications survey
January 30, 2012
The School of Journalism and Communications at Carleton University, in partnership with Volunteer Canada, invites you to participate in a new survey about how nonprofits communicate with their stakeholders. The survey seeks to understand how nonprofit organizations are communicating outside their organizations, the goals and objectives for these communications activities and their capacity to maintain and support these efforts. The data generated from the survey will inform ongoing research into the role of communication in supporting nonprofit activities and will also allow for the development of new resources to assist organizations in their communications and capacity building. For more information visit www.surveymonkey.com.
SVP Calgary invites letters of interest from children/youth organizations
January 30, 2012
Social Venture Partners (SVP) Calgary is inviting letters of interest for funding from registered charities in Calgary who provide services or programs benefitting children and youth.
SVP Calgary is looking for an organization ready to stretch for the next level of impact, and where SVP Calgary and their partners can build a lasting working relationship. In the past, their partners have worked with organizations to create and implement marketing plans, increase awareness through special events, develop strategic plans, improve governance, and volunteer where their influence and expertise have the most value.
For more information visit www.svpcalgary.org.
TELUS launches new social change awards honouring everyday citizens
January 30, 2012
TELUS announced a new awards program aimed at recognizing everyday citizens who have stepped up to drive social change and innovation. These awards will celebrate those in the Toronto area who look to themselves to be the agent of positive change, rather than waiting for action from others. To recognize someone who has "stepped up", submit a nomination by February 8. The top five award winners selected by the TELUS Toronto Community Board will receive a $1,000 grant from TELUS to support their next community project. For more information visit steppingupforchange.ca.
Fast Fact: Lions Club members strengthen philanthropy locally, globally
January 30, 2012
Members of Lions Clubs International are making significant contributions to philanthropy in the United States and internationally, a new study found. Internationally, 92% of Lions Club members surveyed donated to charitable causes and 86% volunteered.
In the US, 97% of members donated and 97% volunteered. By comparison, approximately 65% of all American households give to charity, while 26% volunteer, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. — Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
House of Commons Finance Committee to review charitable tax incentives
January 23, 2012
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance announced that a study of charitable giving in Canada will be launched when Parliament returns this year. In particular, the study will examine, in respect of both individuals and corporations, current and proposed tax measures to encourage charitable giving. The examination will include the charitable tax credit amount and the possible extension of the capital gains exemption to donations of private company shares and real estate. The study will also focus on the feasibility and cost of changes to existing tax measures as well as the implementation of new tax incentives. For more information visit: www.parl.gc.ca.
New study offers new insight into motivation of mobile donors
January 23, 2012
According to a new study on mobile giving by Pew Internet, 64% of American adults now use text messaging, and 9% have texted a charitable donation from their mobile phone.
This in-depth study on mobile donors, which analyzed the Text to Haiti campaign after the 2010 earthquake, found that these contributions were often spur-of-the-moment decisions that spread virally through friend networks. Three quarters of these donors (73%) contributed using their phones on the same day they heard about the campaign, and a similar number (76%) said they typically make text message donations without conducting much research.
Yet while their initial contribution often involved little deliberation, 43% of these donors encouraged their friends or family members to also give to the campaign. In addition, a majority of those surveyed (56%) have continued to give to more recent disaster relief efforts using their mobile phones. For more information visit: pewinternet.org.
Charitable giving at pre-recession levels, according to new US report
January 23, 2012
Blackbaud, Inc. announced that, according to their research, US fundraising has returned to
pre-recession levels. Through the first 11
months of 2011, overall giving was up 3.4%
over 2010, and is now officially above the
level of giving last seen in 2007. It is important to note
that while giving has increased, the increase is not uniform across all sub-sectors. However, most
nonprofits saw greater stability and predictability in their 2011 fundraising than in the past few
years. For more information visit: us.vocuspr.com.
Fast Fact: US nonprofit sector shows job growth over past 10 years
January 23, 2012
A new report shows the US nonprofit sector posted a remarkable 10-year record of job growth despite two recessions, achieving an average annual growth rate of 2.1% from 2000 to 2010, while for-profit jobs declined by an average of minus 0.6% per year.
Even during the recession from 2007 to 2009, nonprofit jobs increased by an average of 1.9% per year. At the same time, businesses averaged jobs losses of 3.7% per year. — John Hopkins University Center for Civil Society Studies
Report calls for better coordination to assist youth with disabilities
January 23, 2012
A new report suggests that better coordination across the sector could improve social interaction and development for youth and children with disabilities. Strengthening Communities for Canadian Children with Disabilities reiterates the need for children and youth with disabilities and their families to have a sense of community and suggests that while there are numerous programs available across the country, they are challenging to access and navigate. Three main recommendations have been proposed in response to the findings, including:
- Develop coordinated web-based navigation tools for families that can create a single online reference resource for accessing community programs, services, and professional care.
- Develop integration-focused programs and services that will allow for children and youth with disabilities and their families to feel part of their community.
- Augment the social networks of children and youth with special needs using social networking tools to strengthen current and future community programs to actively engage and include children and youth with special needs as active members of their community.
For more information visit: sandboxproject.ca.
RBC After School Grants Project accepting applications for funding
January 23, 2012
RBC announced its call for grant applications for this year's After-School Grants Project, which is offering more than $2 million to fund first-time and renewed grant recipients. Funding is awarded by regional community panels made up of experts in the fields of youth and education. Organizations wishing to apply should have a mandate to keep students in grades K-12 safe and positively engaged through an enriched curriculum when their classes end each day. Grants of up to $40,000 are provided by the RBC Foundation to programs located in at-risk or underserved communities. The deadline for funding applications is March 12, 2012, and grant recipients will be advised by June 2012. For more information visit: www.rbc.com.
Nomination period for organizations with inclusive hiring policies closes today
January 23, 2012
Hire Immigrants Ottawa is accepting entries for the 2012 Employer Excellence Awards from employers in the National Capital Region. In its fifth year, the awards recognize local employers for their innovative policies and practices in the recruitment and retention of skilled immigrants into their organizations. The Awards will be presented at the Employer Council of Champions Summit in March 2012. The deadline for submissions has been extended to January 23, 2012. For more information visit www.hireimmigrantsottawa.ca.
Fast Fact: Report shows why individuals stop giving to organizations
January 23, 2012
A recent report found that women (49%) are more likely than men (41%) to stop giving to an organization they previously supported, with “too frequent solicitation/asked for inappropriate amount” cited as the top reason by both genders. Other reasons include their household circumstances having changed (women: 31%, men: 28%) and/or that the organization changed leadership or activities (29% for both). — Bank of America Merrill Lynch
BC government reinstates community gaming grant funding
January 16, 2012
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark announced $15 million in increased funding to the province's nonprofit groups through community gaming grants. Based on the recommendations made in a review of recent community gaming grant funding cuts, the province will reinstate funding eligibility for adult arts and sports organizations, environmental groups and animal welfare agencies. The province will also increase support for other organizations that have experienced funding reductions in the past three years, including those responsible for fairs and festivals, youth arts and culture, community service, the BC Senior Games and community education organizations. For more information visit: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca.
National Volunteer Week website launches with new tools
January 16, 2012
The National Volunteer Week website, published by Volunteer Canada, launched last week with new tools and resources to support organizations and volunteer centres in their efforts to recognize Canada’s volunteers. This year’s NVW site features new volunteer recognition tools, which will be available on an ongoing basis throughout January and February. A new instalment of the NVW video seminar series will be released on the site each week starting in late January. For more information visit: nationalvolunteerweek.ca.
Calgary youth organizations encouraged to apply for funding
January 16, 2012
The Linda Putnam Legacy Fund ("The Fund") will once again be selecting one or more charities for one-time or ongoing funding. The Fund currently has approximately $19,000 to distribute and would like to focus that grant on one or more registered charitable agencies with programs that involve sports, artistic or educational activities for children and teenagers within the Calgary area. Agencies are invited to submit a (maximum) one page application describing your program or organization and your proposed use of funds. All applications should be sent to mitchlputnam@shaw.ca. The deadline for submissions is February 17.
Fast Fact: Survey finds nonprofits have frequent communication with supporters
January 16, 2012
A new survey found that monthly emailing is the most popular
frequency for nonprofits at 43%,
followed by every other week at 19%
and quarterly at 14%. More than three-quarters of nonprofits (78%) plan to
email their supporters at least
monthly.
As for direct mail, quarterly is the most
popular frequency at
39%, followed by twice a year at 31%.
Only 12% expect to send direct mail
to their supporters at least
monthly. — Nonprofitmarketingguide.com
Website awards accepting nominations from nonprofits
January 16, 2012
The .CA Impact Awards recognize youth, educators, nonprofit and public organizations, small businesses and web developers and designers for their innovation and the impact of their .CA websites and applications. The Impact Awards is seeking entries in four categories: Public Sector and Not-for-Profit, eLearning, Small Business and Applications. Entries for the 2012 awards will be accepted until March 23, with winners each receiving $5,000. For more information visit: www.cira.ca.
Community service-learning conference accepting proposals
January 16, 2012
The Canadian Alliance for Community Service-Learning Conference (May 10 to 12 at the University of Saskatchewan) has issued a call for presentation proposals. The conference will focus on the impacts of community engagement, how all stakeholders involved in CSL are affected by CSL practices and programs. Individual submissions are welcome, and joint submissions from stakeholder groups (community organizations, faculty and academics, and staff and practitioners) are highly encouraged. Joint proposals should be submitted by one contact person, with all participants listed. Proposals are due January 31, 2012. For more information visit: blog.communityservicelearning.ca.
Fast Fact: More than men, women expect excellent donor stewardship
January 16, 2012
A recent US report found that, when making a gift, more women (80%) than men (68%) expect that the nonprofit will honour their request for how the gift is used, and that the organization will share with them the positive impact their gift has made (women: 45%, men: 26%). In addition, more high net worth women (91%) than their male peers (83%) expect nonprofit organizations to send a receipt for tax purposes. — Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
Grants available to assist environmental nonprofits with diversity projects
January 16, 2012
The Environment and Diversity Project is a four-year collaborative designed to help the Ontario environmental community consider, develop and implement strategies to better reflect and engage under-represented communities.
The Sustainability Network is pleased to announce the second of two annual rounds of mini-grants.
Funds are available to help environmental nonprofits better reflect and engage ethno-cultural and Aboriginal communities by responding to the extensive knowledge, interests and important needs of those communities.
Grants to a maximum of $5,000 will be made. Applications must be submitted by email to info@sustainabilitynetwork.ca by February 15. For more information visit: sustainabilitynetwork.ca.
Ottawa Public Library offers free access to nonprofit resources
January 16, 2012
The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is offering free access to Imagine Canada’s Canadian Directory to Foundations and Corporations to local nonprofit organizations.
This tool allows users to search grant-makers, match needs up with particular grantmakers, and see past recipients of grants. Don’t wait to be able to afford a subscription, visit any branch of the OPL and access this tool free on the computers at the library. For assistance, contact the business outreach librarian at 613-580-2424, extension 32140.
Convio announces their predictions for 2012 trends
January 9, 2012
Convio recently announced its key predictions and expected trends that will have the biggest impact on the nonprofit sector in 2012. They include social and mobile continuing to mature; peer-to-peer engagement having greater influence; and donors dictating terms of interaction. Other trends identified by Convio: online will continue as the fastest growing fundraising channel; donor fatigue will be more pronounced; and integrated marketing will rise to new heights. For more information visit: www.convio.com.
Nominations now being accepted for Green Toronto Awards
January 9, 2012
Nominations are now open for the 2012 Green Toronto Awards, the City of Toronto's Environmental Awards of Excellence.
The City of Toronto, in partnership with Green Living Enterprises, invites Toronto residents to nominate individuals, community groups, organizations and companies that are leading the way to a cleaner, greener Toronto.
Winners will receive a Green Toronto Award, a $5,000 prize, and be honoured at a special evening at the Green Living Show. For more information visit: www.toronto.ca.
Apply now for upcoming fellowship addressing mental health and addiction
January 9, 2012
Recognizing the need for effective knowledge exchange initiatives, the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC) Knowledge Exchange Centre (KEC) will begin hosting an annual nine-month SPARK Training Institute fellowship with the overall goal of creating effective knowledge exchange practices in the field of mental health, substance use and addictions. This year, thirty-six fellows will be selected to receive on-site training in St. John’s, Newfoundland on July 11-12, 2012. This will be followed by nine months of mentorship and supported learning events. Applications for the fellowship will be accepted until February 24.
For more information visit: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
Fast Fact: Religious Americans believe they can impact their communities
January 9, 2012
A new US poll found that 53% of religiously active Americans believe that other people are generally trustworthy, compared with 43% of those not involved with religious groups. Additionally, 45% of religiously active view their community as an excellent place to live, while 38% of religiously active Americans believe that they can have a major impact on their communities. Some 40% of Americans say they are active in a church, religious, or spiritual organization. — Pew Internet & American Life Project
Grants available for healthcare projects in Ontario
January 9, 2012
Since 1998, the Kay Stafford Memorial Fund has granted more than $750,000 to agencies to help them provide healthy outcomes. Again this year, the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation is seeking nominations for their Kay Stafford Fund from community partners needing financial support for healthcare projects and equipment. The grants are available to projects located in Quinte West and Brighton. The deadline for applications is February 29, 2012. For more information visit: tmhfoundation.com.
US saw bigger major gifts in 2011, according to Chronicle of Philanthropy
January 9, 2012
The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported that gifts from the rich were up last year in the US. The biggest gifts announced by Americans totalled more than $2.6 billion, compared with $1.3 billion in 2010. The top gift on the list went to a cultural institution (the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art) but universities dominated this year’s mammoth contributions, receiving eight of the largest commitments. For more information visit: philanthropy.com.
Fast Fact: Australian women more likely to donate to charity than men
January 9, 2012
According to an Australian survey, 60% of women were expected to have given to charity by the end of 2011, as opposed to only 56% of men. The poll also found that Australians overwhelmingly prefer to donate cash rather than volunteer, with 22% expected to make Christmas donations but only 5% doing volunteer work. — Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA)
Imagine Canada releases new fact sheets, including latest Sector Monitor
January 3, 2012
Imagine Canada has released two new white papers for the nonprofit sector. Trends in Individual Donations (1984 to 2010) is a research bulletin that presents an overview of trends in charitable donations from 1984 to 2010, drawing on a number of data sources derived from Canadian personal income tax returns. It focuses on describing long-term trends in donations as well as the impact of the recent global economic downturn. Imagine Canada also released information from their latest Sector Monitor survey (conducted between November 3 and December 2, 2011) in a new fact sheet. The report shows continued organizational stress as charities struggle to meet the demand for their services.
US number one in terms of charity, according to new report
January 3, 2012
The United States now ranks the highest in terms of
charity in a massive global survey, according to CAFAmerica, a
member organization of the United Kingdom based Charities Aid Foundation International Network of
Offices. The 2011 report looks at three aspects of giving behavior of
individuals in the preceding month, asking if they have donated money to a charity, volunteered time to
an organization, or helped a stranger.
The top-ranked US was followed in the survey by Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the United
Kingdom. Canada ranked seventh overall. For more information, and to view the full report, visit: www.cafamerica.org. (PDF)
University of Western Ontario receives gift of $1 million
January 3, 2012
Thanks to a $1.06-million gift, The University of Western Ontario will expand its community-driven Western Heads East program that provides disease-fighting probiotic yogurt to people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.
The donation was made by professor Marianne Larsen, a chair of the program. For more information visit: communications.uwo.ca.
Fast Fact: Majority of US nonprofits have a Facebook presence
January 3, 2012
According to a recent US survey, 89% of nonprofits (all sizes) report having a presence on Facebook. Twitter has the second highest adoption rate with 57% of nonprofits indicating they have a Twitter account. The average Facebook fan base for nonprofits is up 161% in 2011 to 6,376 members. — 2011 Nonprofit Social Network Benchmark Report
Volunteer Canada wants your perspective on volunteer engagement
January 3, 2012
Volunteer Canada, in partnership with Manulife Financial, is interested in learning more about the innovative strategies and inspiring practices organizations have developed to engage today’s volunteers, with a focus on youth, families, baby boomers, and employer-supported volunteering.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and Volunteer Canada will share the results of this research in February 2012. For more information visit: volunteer.ca.
Emerald Awards accepting nominations for environmental excellence
January 3, 2012
Do you know an individual, group or business in Alberta that has set an example for environmental achievement? Someone who has gone above and beyond what is expected of them in the protection of the environment? Why not share that success and let others learn from your experience by submitting an Emerald Award nomination?
There are several award categories, including for individuals, nonprofits, the public sector and businesses. The nomination deadline is February 24, 2012. For more information visit: emeraldfoundation.ca.
CP Holiday Train raises $800,000 for local food banks
January 3, 2012
The 2011 CP Holiday Train successfully wrapped up its cross-border mission of raising money, food and awareness for food banks along its network in Canada and the United States.
After three weeks of taking the magic of two Holiday Trains to about 150 communities in six Canadian provinces and eight US states, the event raised more than $800,000 (CDN) and 225,000 pounds of food for local food bank programs. For more information visit: www.cpr.ca.
Fast Fact: US donor-advised funds continue to recover from recession
January 3, 2012
A recent report found that US contributions to donor-advised funds were up 25.5% in 2010, while total grantmaking from these funds increased by 1.3%. The total assets held by these funds grew 12.3% since 2009, as organizations continue to recover from the global recession.
— National Philanthropic Trust
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