Many academics and government experts are exhorting community developers, practitioners, and private sector managers to partner and collaborate. Although some inter-organizational systems, such as industry councils, have been around for many years, few primers exist as to how to do...
Is it ethical to pay grant writers a percentage of grants received? This question comes up all the time, as many charities would like to have a chance at new monies with no cost to them. They do not understand...
The amount I earn as a charity worker is not sufficient for a decent lifestyle for my kids. My children and I wear second-hand clothing, and one month when I had extra dental costs we ended up at a food...
You're at a party, mixing and mingling with friends, and someone happens to mention that they volunteer with the board of a charity. You've heard that this is a good way to beef up your resume, perhaps acquire some new...
I know that personal relationships at work can be career-limiting. But are there any ethical concerns? Yes, there are ethical issues because you are not the only stakeholder. You have to consider whether the other person's career is going to...
Organizational capacity has been defined by the Panel on Accountability and Governance in the Voluntary Sector as "the human and financial resources, technology, skills, knowledge and understanding required to permit organizations to do their work and fulfill what is expected...
I see other staff at my nonprofit who take supplies home or make personal use of our equipment. Is this acceptable? As usual, it depends. It depends on whether: The use is minor and reasonable, such as jotting down a...
Can I serve on the board of one charity while I work for another? They are located in the same city, but have quite different missions. You probably can, but you have to take some care. It is quite a...
Following on the heels of the Federal Court of Appeal's decision in Fuaran Foundation v. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, 2004 FCA 181 (the "Fuaran Foundation decision"), which narrowly construed the practices constituting "advancing religion" in the charitable sense, the...
How do I do ethical procurement for my charity? I recently became Executive Director and have little experience with major purchasing. That's a big topic! Purchasing has become professionalized for those who specialize. I suggest you read the Purchasing Management...
