Is it ethical to hire our executive director on a fee-for-service basis rather than on salary? Does this arrangement help us avoid liabilities such as an unjust dismissal suit if we terminate the individual? Many organizations do use this method,...
Many high performing not-for-profit organizations engage an objective third party - with the required expertise - to conduct an organization review. This involves a rigorous evaluation of how effectively resources are being applied to serve an organization’s vision, mission, and...
Some Canadian charity boards and senior staff when dealing with legal, accounting, governance problems seem to operate under the premise “Forget about it”. Hey, it even seems to sometimes works. In many cases, however, there is a time of reckoning....
The directors who serve on a nonprofit board do so voluntarily. But there are instances when directors are financially compensated for their time and effort. Adam Aptowitzer, a lawyer with the Ottawa-based law firm Drache LLP, explains when this may...
I have some volunteers that are more trouble than they are worth, but they are good-hearted people who mean well. Another team leader suggested I fire them. Can a nonprofit ethically get rid of people who want to help? Not...
John’s board experiences in the nonprofit sector have run the gamut from exhilarating to frustrating. He has served on several boards, some of the traditional, management variety, others with a governance model. One of his current boards is a poster...
The founding of a new charity is often a cause for celebration, but when an organization decides to close its doors for good, people aren't as vocal about the process. Still, there are steps involved and legal requirements that must...
Discussion of not-for-profit organization governance has risen to common conversation for those engaged in associations; this includes members/donors, staff, volunteer leaders, government and more. Governance refers to the processes that govern the organization. This article reviews what they are and...
My charity has just been offered a large donation from a tobacco manufacturer. Is it ethical to take money obtained from a product that kills when used as directed? Many people are surprised to find there are two sides to...
Your organization may be doing great work in the community, but would it pass the CRA's public benefit test? Adam Aptowitzer, a lawyer with the Ottawa-based law firm Drache LLP, explains what the test is and what it actually means...
