Email Bulletin Archives

Email Bulletin - May 7, 2008

In this email bulletin from the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations you will find resources and news items for and about the voluntary sector.

CCVO News

CCVO adds new Resource

CCVO has recently added a list of free (and almost free) electronic journals and newsletters for the voluntary sector to our resources. Links to over 40 excellent Canadian and American sources of sector news, reports and training information are included.

 BBB discontinues Charity Review program

The BBB Serving Southern Alberta has announced that they have decided to discontinue the Charity Review program they have been operating for the past several years.  CEO Ellen Wright indicated that the BBB had reviewed its Charity Review program “in light of Imagine Canada’s donor assurance program … and found many similarities.”  Concerns that two review programs could place an undue burden on already strained sector resources, potentially diluting the effectiveness of either program, contributed to the BBB’s decision. 

The BBB Charity Review program was the subject of a CCVO study in 2005 in response to concerns raised by local charities. The BBB subsequently made a number of changes, particularly in how they reported the results of their reviews. 

CCVO will continue to work with the BBB on donor awareness and education opportunities.

CCVO Events

CCVO AGM

June 25th

Save the Date! Please note that CCVO’s 2008 AGM will take place at La Joie de Vivre from 3:30 to 6:30pm. Details and invitations will be sent to members shortly.

Shared Space and Services

May 22nd 1-3 PM

In response to our query of organizations interested in the concepts of shared services and shared space, CCVO invites organizations who are interested in further exploring these concepts to a collaborative session. Please contact Mike Grogan for more information.

Educational Roundtable Discussion

May 28th

CCVO invites representatives of educational institutions and organizations providing training and education for the nonprofit human service sector workforce to a roundtable discussion session of cross-sector issues, trends and strategies and explore possibilities in program development and research.  For more information contact Mike Grogan.

Government News

Community Spirit Donation Grant Program guidelines released

The Government of Alberta has now released the application guidelines and forms for the Community Spirit Donation Grant Program. CCVO has prepared an informative guide on the program with background information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Workforce Strategy Released

On April 28, CCVO celebrated the Alberta Government’s release of A Workforce Strategy for Alberta's Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector. CCVO played a leadership role in the development of the Workforce Strategy, which looks at collaborative actions to alleviate the voluntary sector’s HR concerns.

Charities File Tele-Learning workshops now available

 The Charities File has begun free tele-learning sessions on filing charity returns. The sessions will run multiple times between May 12 and June 30, 2008. There are two available topics - Module 1: Ten Practices for Managing Your Charitable Status and Module 2: Training and Resources to Complete the T3010A. Please register in advance.

New CRA Guidelines for the Registration of Umbrella Organizations

This updated policy outlines the Charities Directorate's policy on registering organizations that support the charitable sector by promoting the efficiency and/or effectiveness of registered charities, or that advance a charitable purpose by working with and through member groups. In a nod to umbrella groups, the policy states “In fact, the establishment of a coordinating body is often necessary and integral to the success of a program on a larger scale.”

Professional Development

Evaluation courses offered

The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work is offering two training seminars on evaluation methods. The first course, Utilization-Focused Evaluation, runs June 11, while the second, Evaluating Innovative Initiatives & Programs, will be held June 12-13.

Max Bell Public Policy Training Institute

This public policy course for charity employees includes a series of modules led by eminent public policy experts; one-on-one coaching, and support to develop policy-ready positions. Partial bursaries available; apply by May 30.

ISCC Conference on cross-sectoral developments

The Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary (ISCC) will be holding Connect, Share, Celebrate: ISCC Conference on May 23, 3008 at the Red and White Club, Calgary. All sectors are invited to attend. Registration deadline is May 13, 2008.

Resources

Women on Boards: A Guide to Getting Involved

Women are often underrepresented in leadership at the board level, leaving a void in discussions, perspectives and decision-making. This guide provides both organizations and women who are interested in serving on boards with practical resources to ensure strong representation and leadership from women at the board level.

Research

New paper on collaboration released
Nonprofit organizations are not effectively using collaboration to solve problems and move forward on projects because many people lack the skills and training to make such a venture successful, according to the paper Building a collaborative workplace.

Funding, Fundraising and Awards

Donner Awards accepting 2008 applications

The Donner Awards Program is Canada’s largest and most prestigious non-profit recognition program. A total of $70,000 is available to be won, with a total of eleven awards granted. The Donner Awards Program is accepting applications until Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Canadians giving to community foundations
Canadians gave $348 million to community foundations last year, showing a 28% increase from 2006, according to a news release issued by Community Foundations of Canada. Collectively, community foundation assets grew from $2.7 billion to $2.91 billion last year, allowing community foundations across Canada to hand out $176 million to thousands of local charities.

CCVO Membership

Welcome new CCVO Members:

YouthLink Calgary – The Calgary Police Interpretive Centre

Lupus Society of Alberta

Volunteer Lethbridge Association

Toole Peet Insurance (Associate Member)

Wanting to renew for the 2008 – 2009 membership year?

There’s still plenty of time – visit the online renewal page on the CCVO website.

Interested in becoming a member?

Contact Janet or Joanna at 261-6655 to find out more about CCVO membership benefits and rates.

Online Job Centre

Looking to hire a Summer Student?

CCVO’s online job centre can advertise your summer student positions. The job centre receives over 3,400 visitors a month. Contact jobs@calgarycvo.org for more information.

To view jobs or for information on posting a job, visit CCVO’s online job centre at www.calgarycvo.org. 

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CCVO – Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations

STRONG VOICE . STRONG CONNECTIONS .  POSITIVE CHANGE .