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News Archives News items are dated in reverse chronological order.
Salute to Excellence: Call for Nominations The Salute to Excellence Committee is currently gathering nominations for the 2008 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony being held in June to honour outstanding Edmontonians who, through their participation in arts and culture, community service, or sports, have made exemplary contributions to the quality of life in Edmonton. The awards will be presented during a ceremony at the Winspear Centre for Music on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. A nomination package is available at the City of Edmonton website. The City encourages you to complete a form to nominate someone you know who meets the specific criteria. The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 22, 2008. For further information, please phone 496-7380.
Information sessions coming up: Interested in learning more about a part-time opportunity to develop your leadership and management skills in a nonprofit/voluntary sector context? MacEwan's newest credential is a post diploma certificate designed for Executive Directors of small to medium sized community organizations, nonprofit program managers interested in development opportunities, and individuals with leadership experience in other sectors wanting to move to voluntary sector roles. Apply now for fall 2008. Information sessions will be held at MacEwan's City Centre Campus (10700-104 Avenue) on the following dates:
To register, please contact Brigitte Rondeau at (780) 497-5534. Funding available for communities at
risk Public Safety Canada's Security Infrastructure Pilot program (SIP) has been established to help enhance the security infrastructure of communities targeted by hate-motivated crime. Funding is available to not-for-profit organizations linked to a community with a demonstrated history of hate-motivated crime. The funds are to help defray the costs of minor security infrastructure for places of worship, provincially recognized educational institutions, and community centres. Applicants not eligible for funding include public institutions and for-profit organizations. Application guide and form available from http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/le/sip-en.asp. Federal Funding: Festivals, Arts,
Heritage and Communities The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program was created to help you celebrate your community, its past and its present. The Program will increase opportunities, through festivals or other events and activities, for your local artists and artisans to be involved in their community and for local groups to commemorate your local history and heritage. For more information, answers to frequently asked questions and applications, please visit: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/dcap-bcah/index_e.cfm. Community
Guard Insurance for the Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector Responding to the issues of the affordability and accessibility of insurance coverage for the Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector, The Co-operators, a national insurance company launched a first-of-its-kind insurance and risk management solution designed specifically to address serious challenges affecting the Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector. The Co-operators introduced Community Guard as a pilot project available to nonprofit and volunteer-run organizations in the province. Click here to read The Co-operator's news release. To connect with Community Guard insurance experts, please contact Volunteer Alberta at projects@volunteeralberta.ab.ca.Who Cares?
Alberta Campaign A coalition of networks that represent community organizations who assist families in crisis, children and people with disabilities throughout Alberta, started a public awareness campaign today that calls on the provincial government to address the growing human resources crisis. The public will be asked to show they care by supporting this campaign by writing to the Premier and their MLAs and sharing their stories about how this crisis is impacting them and their families. A list of sponsoring organizations, more facts about the issues and the advocacy campaign is available on the campaign website at www.whocaresalberta.com Nominations
accepted for Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards The Wild Rose Foundation honors individuals nominated by community organizations and fellow community members for their extraordinary volunteer contributions through the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards (formerly known as Stars of the Millennium Volunteer Awards).Six awards are presented annually, two in each of three categories of youth, adult and senior. Anyone who is a current resident of Alberta and whose volunteer efforts have played a significant role during the person's lifetime is eligible to receive an award. For more information, and to download a nomination form, visit http://www.wildrosefoundation.ca/. Deadline for nominations is September 28, 2007. Awards will be presented on International Volunteer Day, December 5, 2007. Muttart Report on the Lobbyists Act The Muttart Foundation has commissioned a report from the Legal Resource Centre on Bill 1 of the Lobbyists Act, to examine the potential impact it may have on Alberta's non-profits and charities. The report, "Bill 1 Lobbyist's Act: A Preliminary Assessment of its Implications for Not-for-Profit Organizations in Alberta," is available for downloading from www.muttart.org/ (look under "Recent News"). Alberta
Cultural Policy Questionnaire Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture has been given the mandate to lead the development of a cultural policy that encompasses Alberta's cultural, historical and natural heritage. This policy will provide a framework for decision-making related to the support, growth and development of culture in Alberta as we move into our province's second century. Through a review of cultural policies in other Canadian jurisdictions and a preliminary series of public and stakeholder consultations, Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture has developed a set of key components for a cultural policy in Alberta and would appreciate your feedback by July 31, 2007. To take the survey online, or print the questionnaire, please visit http://tprc.alberta.ca/culturalpolicy/default.aspx. Who Cares? Linda L. Graff and Paul B. Reed are two Canadian experts on volunteering and caring. They are telling us that something is happening in Canada that will have a serious impact on our way of life in this country. In conversation, Linda and Paul paint a picture of a much-changed Canadian people and a much changed way of life in less than a generation’s time. To read about the latest research on how volunteering is changing in our country, and/or to download the audio files of the Graff-Reed conversation, visit http://www.canadawhocares.ca/. Your
Input is Important: Together, Volunteer Edmonton and Volunteer Alberta are asking that organizations, their staff and volunteers take the time to fill out the Government of Alberta's questionnaire, Building the Community Spirit Program: You Input is Important, which is available at: http://tprc.alberta.ca/communityspirit/pdf/communityspirit.pdf The above document includes background information on the initiative and the origins of the program. The questionnaire must be received by July 31, 2007.
Your feedback requested: The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations and the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations are pleased to announce that the first draft of A Workforce Strategy for Alberta's Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector is now available for your review and comments.This strategy has been developed over the last six months with input from a wide variety of organizations, and in conjunction with Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry. This strategy is not meant to replace existing work that is underway; rather, it is meant to support and expand on good ideas and help coordinate efforts. Your feedback on this draft is requested in order to guide the development of the next version of the strategy. Please complete the feedback form and return it by July 13. ERA partners with nonprofits
to reduce landfill waste Corporations and government departments across Canada are encouraged to send their old PCs and laptops to the Electronic Recycling Associations (ERA) so they can be distributed to charities, nonprofit groups, and similar organizations who can not otherwise afford such equipment. Many nonprofits and charities are currently waiting for donated computer equipment, and ERA welcomes more requests. For more information, please visit the ERA website at http://www.era.ca/. Increased Tax Credit for Charitable
Giving Tax credits on total annual charitable donations over $200 will now increase from 12.75 per cent to 21 per cent. Combined with the federal charitable donations credit, every dollar donated in Alberta (over $200) will receive a 50 cent tax credit. For more information on Alberta's 2007 budget, please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/budget2007/index.cfm?page=1625. Count
Yourself In: How big is the nonprofit sector in the Edmonton area? What groups does it encompass, how many people does it employ, and how many volunteers? What are the issues it faces, and what does it look like? The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) is gathering this information, to finally have some good answers to those questions. They need your help to do this, though, and ask for you to "Count Yourself In." There are many ways to provide your organization's information to the ECVO: by mail, email, fax or online. For details, please visit http://www.ecvo.ca/countyourselfin.htm. Corporate Volunteer Awards of
Excellence accepting nominations Alberta's Wild Rose Foundation's Corporate Volunteer Awards of Excellence recognize Alberta corporations for their contribution to communities. The awards are open to any local or international business that is committed to corporate philanthropy and other forms of community support and that promotes a culture of giving and volunteering among employees. For more information on the nomination and selection process visit: http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/all_about_us/commissions/wild_rose/corporatevolunteer/index.asp The deadline for nominations is April 13, 2007. Canada Revenue Agency's
Charities Directorate Roadshows CRA's Charities Directorate 2007 Roadshows are for registered charities and will provide information on books, records, financial statements, preparing for an audit, sanctions, receipting and tax planning schemes. To be invited to one of the CRA Roadshows, you must complete an online response form by Friday, April 20. Visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/roadshow/menu-e.html for more details and for the response form. AFP's State of Fundraising Survey 2006 The purposes of the survey are to ascertain how organizations performed in their fundraising efforts, what techniques were most successful, what new trends are on the rise and how fundraisers are responding to societal, financial and demographic changes. This information will be useful not only to the profession and AFP members, but also to the government, the media and the general public. To complete the survey visit: http://websurveyor.net/wsb.dll/33613/test2006canadasurvey.htm CRA's guide to Registered Charity Information Return available To help charities complete the Registered Charity Information Return forms, (form T3010A), Canada Revenue Agency has published a new guide, available at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/t4033a/README.html. Annual Duncan & Craig Laurel Awards Do you have program or project that deserves recognition? Duncan & Craig LLP has established the Laurel Awards, Recognizing the Innovation and Creativity of Non-Profit Organizations, to honour not-for-profit organizations who further their objectives through exceptional creativity and innovation. A maximum of three awards--bronze, silver and gold--are presented each year and supported by cash prizes of $3000, $2000 and $1000 respectively. Please visit http://www.duncanandcraig.com/laurelAwards/laurelAwards.aspx for a list of past Laurel Award recipients, as well as for the nomination form and criteria. Nomination deadline is March 30, 2007; awards will be presented September 10, 2007. 2007 FLARE Volunteer Awards - Call for Nominations In 2007, six awards will be presented to Canadian women aged 18 and up whose volunteer contributions and achievements have made a significant difference to the lives of the people in their communities. The nominee must be female, been 18 years of age or more in 2006, and be a resident of Canada. Her volunteer activities, whether in Canada or abroad, must have been in association with Canadian based organizations. For more information about past recipients, categories, requirements, and the nomination form, please visit http://www.flare.com/volunteer/index.jsp. City of Edmonton Hall of Fame Awards The City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence Committee is actively seeking nominations for the City of Edmonton Halls of Fame. Saluting Edmonton’s most outstanding citizens, these awards are presented to individuals or groups who, through their participation in arts and culture, community service, or sports, have made exemplary contributions to the quality of life in Edmonton. The Hall of Fame categories are: Arts and Culture Hall of Fame: This award is presented to individuals or groups whose work in arts and culture has brought recognition to our city. Community Service Hall of Fame: This award is presented to honour outstanding individuals or groups who have demonstrated significant leadership or provided exemplary service to the citizens of Edmonton. Sports Hall of Fame: Honouring our city’s finest athletes and sports builders, inductees are individuals who have represented Edmonton in athletic competition and demonstrated superior sportsmanship, as well as those who have contributed significantly to the development of sport in the city. Deadline for nomination is February 23, 2007. Nomination package is available at http://edmonton.ca/. For more information, contact Mavis Snider at 496-7380 or mavis.snider@edmonton.caJunior League of Edmonton Community Assistance Fund The Community Assistance Fund was established by the Junior League of Edmonton to help meet critical or emergency areas of need in the community. The total fund does not typically exceed the sum of $10,000 in any given year and may be divided among more than one applicant. The program/project must fit within the current focus area of the League--"Children, Youth and Families at Risk." Grant applications will be accepted until February 28, 2007. For more information, visit http://www.jledmonton.org/grants/index.htm or download the grant application and guidelines here.
Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) Survey The Voluntary Sector Forum is currently collecting information on the impact of the federal spending cuts and what they mean to the voluntary sector. It is estimated that about $200 million of the $1 billion in cutbacks will directly or indirectly impact volunteer organizations in Canada. If your organization or your particular sector has been affected by the cuts, the VSF is asking that you complete a short survey. For more information, visit the Voluntary Sector Forum. Or, download the survey here.Talking About Charities 2006 According to Talking About Charities, a public-opinion poll released by the Muttart Foundation last week, the majority of Canadians continue to trust charities, despite concerns that they are not doing a good job of providing information about fundraising costs, donations, and programs and services, and the impact of work done. To download the full report, executive summary, charts that graphically demonstrate results on either a national and demographic or provincial basis, or detailed tables showing responses based on various demographic factors, visit: http://www.muttart.org/news.htm. 2006 Budget Cuts and the Voluntary Sector The Conservative government announced last week their plans to cut $1 billion in federal spending over the next two years. A large part of the cuts in the areas of heritage, education, and environmental initiatives will affect the voluntary sector. For example, the Canadian Volunteerism Initiative loses nearly 10 million, which ends the program. Visit the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's website to access the official press release and a complete list of cuts to programs. For commentary on the budget cuts, read the cover story, "Surprise! Budget Cuts 2006," at Charity Village.
Edmonton Adopts Volunteerism Policy Developed by the Community Services department and passed in July, the policy also adopts the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement. The policy addresses and promotes volunteerism, including encouraging city employees to volunteer, and provides consistency in volunteer interactions across city departments. To view the policy click here. New Funding for Rural Development in Alberta Recently, the Rural Alberta Development Fund selected ten new board members to guide the distribution of $100 million to rural Alberta communities. The fund will support community-focused projects that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of rural Alberta. The program is due to be officially launched later this fall, at which time the board will release guidelines and application forms. For updates on the program, continue to visit http://www.rural.gov.ab.ca/ Nominate an Outstanding Edmontonian for a
Salute to Excellence Citation or Performance Award Do you know someone who has gained national or international recognition in the fields of art or sport over the past year? Do you know someone who has given more than 5 years of distinguished service as a volunteer and has been an inspiring leader in sport, arts and culture or community service within the city of Edmonton? Help us recognize our fellow Edmontonians by nominating them for a Salute to Excellence Performance or Citation Award! Deadline for nominations is October 2, 2006. For more information and nomination forms visit www.edmonton.ca or call 496-7380. You may also download the form here, available in Word or PDF format.
Charities Partnership and Outreach
Program Developed to educate charities about regulatory obligations, the main objectives of the Charities Partnership and Outreach program are to raise awareness among the charitable sector of regulatory obligations under the Income Tax Act, increase the capacity of the charitable sector in meeting regulatory compliance requirements in a sustainable fashion and improve the capacity of the sector to develop and deliver sustainable compliance-based training/education solutions.
For more information about the program, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Alberta's
Board Development Program Seeking Volunteers Alberta's Board Development Program is looking for volunteers to train as workshop instructors. Successful applicants are expected to conduct a series of 10 workshops over a period of 2½ years with boards of not-for-profit organizations. These applicants receive free specialized training in board governance, and all expenses paid travel to various locations within the province.
2007
National Awards in Governance The Conference Board of Canada and Spencer Stuart are seeking entries from boards of directors that have "demonstrated excellence in governance and have implemented successful innovations in their governance practices" for the 2007 National Awards in Governance. Visit The Conference Board of Canada for details on award criteria and previous winners, as well as a Call for Entries online form and printable brochure. CreateAction - Internships
for Canadian Youth Young Canadians interested in helping their communities now have the chance to do it in their own backyard. The Canadian Community Economic Development Network’s (CCEDNet’s) newest program, CreateAction, is focussed on giving young people who care about social issues a chance to make a difference locally. The first of its kind in Canada, this unique youth initiative will place 60 post-graduate youth with community organizations across the country over the next two years. Read the entire Canadian CED Network and CreateAction press release. Alberta announces
Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector Initiative (ANVSI) To help address current and future voluntary sector challenges in funding, insurance, human resources and volunteer screening, Alberta's Ministry of Community Development announced the formation of the ANVSI. The council, comprised of voluntary sector leaders and government representatives, "will develop a framework to guide and strengthen the relationship between the Government of Alberta and the province's non profit/voluntary sector." Submission of the ANVSI framework to the Minister of Community Development is expected by January 2007. For more information, read the Government of Alberta news release. Released: Volunteer Alberta's
Volunteer Screening Survey Results (See March 24). Survey findings suggest that "Alberta's voluntary sector is facing escalating costs due to growing demands for volunteer screening." The cost for conducting police information checks, which are becoming a standard operating policy for many organizations, is often coming out of program delivery funds. The research identified a need for additional funds for non-profit organizations to cover volunteer screening, as well as for standard practices and procedures that will help to protect agencies, their clients and volunteers. Visit the PolicyChannel to view a video of Joelle Fawcett-Arsenault (CVI Capacity Building Manager, Local Network Coordinator) discussing the project and to download a summary of the findings, or the entire final report (both in PDF format). GST Reduction and Non-profits On July 1, 2006 the GST will drop from 7% to 6%. The Canada Revenue Agency advises non-profits that, generally, any supplies made available are exempt from the GST/HST, and that the 50% public service bodies rebate rate used by charities will not change. For more information on how non-profit/charitable organizations can prepare for the change, and for reaction and commentary, read the cover story at Charity Village. Statistics Canada releases
Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and
Participating (CSGVP) Based on data collected in 2004, Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians: Highlights from the Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, provides a comprehensive picture of how Canadians contribute their time, money and other resources to individuals, communities and non-profit/charitable organizations. To learn more about the history of this survey, visit GivingandVolunteering.ca. Read the cover story on the newly released CSGVP at Charity Village. Federal Budget 2006: Visit http://www.fin.gc.ca/budtoce/2006/budliste.htm for full budget coverage. Effective immediately, capital gains tax on the donation of ecologically sensitive lands and listed publicly traded services to public charities will be eliminated. Evidence shows that tax incentives tend to encourage and enhance charitable giving in Canada. For more information, highlights and reactions, visit:
Charity Village News
First National Study of Board Governance Practices in
the Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector in Canada The email survey, conducted throughout 2005 and released April 2006, was a joint project between the Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development (CVSRD) and Strategic Leverage Partners (SLP). Their goal was to "produce a study that would represent a unique database of Canadian non-profit board governance practices that could be shared by non-profit and voluntary organizations across sub-sectors throughout the country." The report, 129 pages long, can be downloaded at: http://www.strategicleveragepartners.com/download.html Volunteer Week, April 23 - 29,
2006 Internationally designated Volunteer Week is a series of local, regional, national and international events intended to raise awareness of volunteer support in our communities. Wild Rose Foundation and Volunteer Alberta facilitate a provincial focus to Volunteer Week and encourage communities throughout Alberta to celebrate Volunteer Week. For more information on how your community can become involved, contact Cindy Chow, Volunteer Alberta, at (780) 482-3300 or 1-877-915-6336. United Way's Annual Great Human
Race "Be a Hero" and raise money for an organization or cause of your choice. Organized by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, this year's 3 km walk and 8 km run starts at the University of Alberta Butterdome on Saturday, May 6, 2006. For more information, and to register, visit: https://www.greathumanrace.com/secure/default.aspx Police
Security Checks in Alberta Research Project Volunteer Alberta has secured funding to gather data on the costs of police security checks in Alberta. Research will be conducted through interviews with voluntary organizations in Alberta that are currently using risk management screening processes for volunteers and/or employees. If you or someone in your organization is willing to spend a few minutes with an interviewer regarding your screening program, please reply to projects@volunteeralberta.ab.ca For more information, visit: http://www.volunteeralberta.ab.ca/, "Special Notices." Edmonton Humane Society Receives
Award In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, volunteers from the Edmonton Humane Society helped reunite lost pets with their devastated owners in Louisiana. For their hard work, the volunteers were acknowledged by the Doris Day Foundation with the Animal Kingdom Kindred Spirit Award. Read the story at CBC Calgary. Enhancements to the Canada Revenue Agency's Charities Directorate (Feb. 22, 2006) The CRA has announced improvements to its Charities Directorate site, which include enhanced search and download features such as dropdown menus and a multiple keyword search field. Four listings, updated daily, are now displayed: Canadian registered charities, newly registered charities, recently revoked charities and recent annulments. Additional improvements to the Charities Directorate
will be implemented in the Spring/Summer of 2006. To read more about
these changes, visit Vartana (charity bank for the
voluntary sector): Info Session Would you be interested to learn more about a
charity bank designed specifically to address the needs of the voluntary
sector? If you see possibilities for your organization or just want to
be current on emerging opportunities in the voluntary sector, come out
to a FREE information session:
10th
Anniversary 2006 FLARE Volunteer Awards 2006 is the tenth consecutive year that FLARE Magazine will recognize outstanding female volunteers in Canada. Nominations begin October 18, 2005 and close February 3, 2006.
Have a look at the FLARE website for additional information, past winners profiles, or to view the online registration form (available in October).
You can also call toll-free for information about the awards: 1-877-2-AWARDS
Tap-In
Program Goes Live The Tap-In program works in conjunction with educational facilities to match staff and volunteers of non-profit and public sector organizations with educational opportunities in Edmonton. Organizations submit a registration form to the program identifying their training needs, and when such an opportunity becomes available Tap-In contacts the registrants and notifies them of the offering.
This program is delivered by the Volunteer Management Group and financially supported by Alberta Human Resources and Employment. There are already more than thirty educational opportunities available. Check this program out and see how it can contribute to your training needs.
The
Voluntary Sector Awareness Project In an effort to raise awareness about the voluntary sector in Canada, eight national organizations have teamed up for this special project. The project (funded by Social Development Canada and led by Imagine Canada) seeks to generate dialogue and solicit feedback from charities and non-profits, with an ultimate goal of launching a public awareness campaign over the summer of 2006, utilizing communication resources provided by the project.
This project offers a fantastic opportunity for a variety of voluntary organizations to share one voice and enhance their individual abilities to achieve goals.
City of
Edmonton Recruiting Members to Serve on Agencies, Boards and Commissions The City of Edmonton is recruiting volunteers for the 2006 term. Civic agencies are an important part of Council's Governance model and this is your opportunity to make a contribution. Appointments are typically for one year, but individuals may serve for up to six years.
Alberta's
Board Development Program Seeking Volunteers Alberta's Board Development Program is looking for volunteers to train as workshop instructors. Successful applicants are expected to conduct a series of 10 workshops over a period of 2½ years with boards of not-for-profit organizations. These applicants receive free specialized training in board governance, and all expenses paid travel to various locations within the province.
CFRE to
Begin Using Computer-Based Testing Beginning in 2006, the exam for becoming a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) will be administered electronically for North Americans. This change has been undertaken to increase availability of the exam to candidates, as well as to provide more immediate scoring results. Candidates will be able to take the test several times throughout the year at a number of proctored testing centres. Click here to read more details on this change.
New HR Council for
the Voluntary/Non-profit Sector Spells Stability and a New Home on the
Web for HRVS The HR Council for the Voluntary/Non-profit Sector is an independent non-profit organization, funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program, that provides leadership on issues related to paid employment in the voluntary/non-profit sector. It brings sector employers and employees together to work collaboratively on research, strategies and action.
The Capacity Joint Table of the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) identified
human resource capacity as a major issue for voluntary sector organizations now
and in the future. The Government of Canada, through the VSI, funded the
Developing Human Resources in the Voluntary Sector (HRVS) project to address
these issues. Following several years of activity, the HRVS and NLI (National
Learning Initiative) projects have moved to the HR Council for the
Voluntary/Non-profit Sector. With support from the sector council the valuable
work done on these earlier projects has achieved a new level of security.
Towards a Skills Strategy for the
Voluntary/Non-profit Sector - Discussion Paper
Last March, as part of the HR Council Feasibility Study, Community Foundations of Canada and United Way of Canada-Centraide Canada joined forces with CPRN to organize a workshop on skill requirements within the sector. They brought together researchers and sector leaders to provide the new HR Council with information and advice about first steps towards a sector skills strategy. Towards a Skills Strategy for the Voluntary/Non-profit Sector, the workshop background paper by Richard Brisbois and Ron Saunders, Researcher and Director of CPRN's Work Network, focused the discussion. This paper, as well as other CPRN documents can be found at http://www.cprn.org/en/doc.cfm?doc=1266
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