I have skills and expertise that I think nonprofits could use, and would like to help my community. However, I have many family and business commitments to juggle. What's the ethical approach for someone like me? So many of us...
Canada's new Not-for-profit Corporations Act received royal assent this past June, and could affect upward of 100,000 organizations throughout Canada. This podcast outlines how to find out whether your organization is affected, what you need to do if you are...
Contemplating entering into partnership with a government body is something that can send shivers down the spines of executive-level staff at nonprofits and charities. Fear of being controlled by bureaucrats, losing your organization's sense of mission, and being beholden to...
Directors serving on a board of directors of a Canadian nonprofit are subject to Canadian liability laws, and as such, must understand their rights and responsibilities to ensure that they comply with current legislation. This extensive article covers a variety...
How financially competent is your nonprofit team? If yours is similar to many small nonprofits or charities, the board, management and staff are likely struggling to address financial challenges arising from the battered economy. Given these pressures, the treasurer's role...
During Virginia Edelstein's annual review last year, it was decided that for the purpose of her professional development, she would work at identifying her next steps. Project director at Volunteer Vancouver, Edelstein had grown a bit restless recently. Discerning more...
I have three people who report to me, and they generally carry out their responsibilities without any difficulties. But sometimes when I point out something that they haven't done correctly or on time, they say that they weren't clear on...
If an event is cancelled or greatly scaled back at the last minute, due to circumstances beyond our control, what do we do about our vendors and sponsors? We’ve spent the money they gave us. Once businesses enter into a...
Operational (primary focus: operations) The board does the work of the organization and manages as well as governs it. This is typical of a board in the "founding" stage of an organization and of boards in organizations, such as service...
Computer scientist Alan Kay once observed that "the best way to predict the future is to invent it." What we can create is, in fact, instrumental in shaping our future. As John Schaar puts it, "The future is not a...
