Few topics generate more heated discussion in non-profit organizations than whether development professionals (staff or consultants) should be paid a percentage of the money raised, receive commission-based compensation, or be paid a performance bonus. Perhaps because it is a practice...
Often formed as a support for the volunteer treasurer and the paid accounting/finance staff, a Finance Committee usually has a key role in establishing annual budgets, and in monitoring performance against the budget periodically - monthly or quarterly - during...
The single most important current investment issue for Canadian foundations is the need to increase investment returns. This need for enhanced investment performance reflects a change in our Canadian charitable environment and investment environments. As governments struggle to control their...
MOST FRAUD investigators would agree that the elements required for fraud to occur are motivation on the part of the perpetrator combined with opportunity. Opportunity generally arises through an organization's non-existent or ineffective internal controls. The more checks and balances...
There are many situations in which charitable receipts may be improperly issued. The tax issues involved, however, are so many and detailed that any charity actively involved in a number of fundraising programs should have access to a summary of...
Although it's generally unsubstantiated, we probably hear or read about fraudulent activity, on average, at least weekly. The headlines confirm that fraud - lying, cheating and stealing for financial gain - does occur in NPOs and, in some instances, may...
The law in Canada recognizes two basic approaches for somebody who has suffered damages to sue the person who caused the damages - contract law and tort law. In the case of contract law, two parties have come to an...
Most Ontario charities are aware - or should be - that they should address the potential for liability arising when their board of directors continues to delegate investment decision making to a discretionary investment fund manager. While a court might...
So, your board has a concern with a government program and has some suggestions for changes. The board instructs you, as the executive director, to let the appropriate ministry know and to try to get a change in the program....
1. Your mission is your lighthouse (a beacon in the fog) Clearly express your agency's reason for being and make it pervasive in your organization before you look for people who can help achieve long-term goals. (Placing your mission on...
