This column was written with the assistance of Ryan Turnbull, Director of Ethics and CSR, Eco-Ethonomics. Our charity needs to start a social enterprise to fund programs operating at a deficit. Do we need to replace the board with business...
In the Dr. Seuss classic, the Grinch dresses like Santa, slinks down chimneys and makes off with all the gifts under all the trees and fireplace mantles in Whoville. This story came to mind last week with the news that...
Have you ever stopped to consider how much your name is worth? Chances are, if you’re anything like me and have not attained celebrity status, the value of your name has not crossed your mind. Why would it? It couldn’t...
Want to make a donation and get a tax credit for 2012? Under current rules, you need to get your money to your favourite charity by 11:59 pm on December 31 to qualify for a tax deduction for this year....
If a board is responsible for articulating the ethical values of their organization, how would they know what those are? The board is responsible for articulating the ethical values as they want them to be, not as they are. It’s...
How much would you compensate a volunteer for his or her work and/or time? Should volunteerism be remunerated to reward the activity and, in theory, motivate others to give of their time and skills to worthy causes? These and other...
You finally get the go-ahead. After much deliberation over many months, your project proposal has been given the green light by your board. You've got the money set aside to get it done, and even know of a company that...
Nestled amongst the lush greenery of Langley, British Columbia, the Langley Senior Resources Society has spent the last 30 years offering services that help the elderly maintain their independence. Then, in 2009, the centre's contract for outreach programs – which included...
I read articles for and against term limits for nonprofit directors. How would my organization decide what’s right for it? In Canada, most nonprofits now must have or implement term limits. The new legislation for both federally incorporated nonprofits and...
Each year, more than half a million visitors flock to Vancouver Island's Clayoquot Sound for sun, sand and surf. It's about as far west as you can get in Canada, and the region is well-known for its exquisite views of...

