A conversation with Cathy Hawara – Director General of the Charities Directorate

If you run or work for a Canadian nonprofit or charity, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve come into contact with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)’s Charities Directorate in some shape or form. Whether it be reading updates from the directorate,...

Nonprofit Innovation Awards celebrate innovation (and failure) in Calgary

At the second annual Calgary Nonprofit Innovation Awards on September 13, Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) Vice President of Programs and Operations Michael Grogan admitted that innovation is “the most overused word in the organizational lexicon these days.” According...

Let’s work together: The potential for cross-sectoral collaboration

When the Toronto Community Foundation (TCF) launched Playing for Keeps on August 16, it had the impressive backing of organizations and individuals from the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Leveraging the 2012 Ontario Summer Games and the 2015 Pan/Parapan American...

Governance Q&A: Preparing for changes to bylaws

I lead a federally incorporated nonprofit. What I should be doing now to prepare for the Canadian Nonprofit Corporations Act (CNCA) coming into effect? Please note I’m not a lawyer and you’ve asked about a legal matter. Even though the...

What’s your nonprofit’s impact?

The consensus is in. “Measuring your impact can feel like a chore, but the long-term benefits vastly outweigh the short-term inconveniences,” says Sherry Ferronato, a community impact associate with the Calgary Foundation. She’s not alone in this thought process. Community...

Don’t call me, I’ll call you: Canada’s “do not call” legislation

Ring Ring. Ring Ring. “Hello?” [giant pause]... “Hello sir. My name is Andy. I’m calling on behalf of [insert name of business, polling company, charitable cause or foundation here]. Your contribution could save a life/a tree/a seal/the environment...” etc., etc....

Reporting fundraising expenses

Canadians think charities have a long way to go when it comes to reporting fundraising expenses. A 2008 study by the Muttart Foundation called Talking About Charities found only one in four Canadians think charities do an excellent or good...

Building a culture of innovation

The business world is abuzz with innovation. Why is it so important? In an increasingly crowded marketplace where new businesses pop up everyday, there is a need for companies to stay ahead of the competition and this is done through...
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