Resource Library
April 22 2009 E-Bulletin
Welcome to the CCVO e-bulletin. This bi-weekly bulletin focuses on delivering nonprofit and voluntary sector news and resources. Please feel free to send us your feedback. We would appreciate any comments you may have.
Policy Update
Provincial Budget 2009: Wild Rose Foundation Update
As reported in CCVO's budget response, the $8.5 million in funding previously allocated to the Wild Rose Foundation has been cut. The Minister of Culture and Community Spirit has stated that the Wild Rose Foundation granting program will be amalgamated with the Community Initiatives Program, but that he intends to maintain the positive features of the Foundation's programming. He has committed to providing further program details within 30 days.
Window of Opportunity to Voice Your Concerns
While the details are being worked out by the Ministry in the next few weeks, a window of opportunity exists for you to voice your concerns by calling your MLA or the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit, the Honourable Lindsay Blackett. CCVO will continue to engage with the Minister and departmental staff to clarify what this means for the sector and what changes may be proposed. If you have concerns or questions about the changes to the Wild Rose Foundation, please contact CCVO.
CCVO News
It's Membership Renewal Time!
CCVO's membership year ends on April 30th. If you are a current member of CCVO, you must renew by this date to ensure your membership benefits (including discounted job postings and event attendance) are maintained. Most members should have received their renewal notice in last week's mail; if you didn't, please give us a call at 261-6655. Membership can be renewed by mail, fax or phone - contact us for more details!
Interested in Becoming a Member?
Join CCVO and take advantage of our one-time 'Welcome Rate' which gives members 50% off your first-year's membership! CCVO membership entitles member organizations to discounts on CCVO services and events, opportunities to join sector colleagues as part of a collective voice for charities and nonprofits, access to member-only events including our AGM, and print copies of all of CCVO's research.
New Nonprofit Accounting Standards - CCVO Seeking Working Group Members
CCVO is convening a short-term working group to prepare a response to an Accounting Standards Board/ Public Sector Accounting Board paper that outlines new financial reporting rules for not-for-profit organizations. We are seeking individuals from the not for profit sector with senior expertise in accounting to help develop a response to this paper. If you are interested in joining this working group please contact Kim Mustard at (403) 261-6655.
Save the Date!
CCVO's 5th AGM will be held on June 22, 2009 from 4:00 - 6:00pm. Invitations with full details will be sent to members shortly.
Government News
Community Spirit Program Results
Last week the Community Spirit Program distributed a total of $19 million in grant funding to 1,496 applicants. The program matches Albertans' donations to the provincial fund, which then provides grants to Alberta's nonprofits. The Government of Alberta has committed to contributing $20 million to the Community Spirit Program in 2009.
Alberta Creates Program to Subsidize Police Information Checks for Volunteers
The Government of Alberta has announced a new, three-year pilot program that will cover the costs of Police Information Checks (PICs) for volunteers who are in positions of trust and authority with minor children, seniors 65 and older, and persons with disabilities.
Calgary Business Tax Bylaw Update
In late April, Calgary City Council will vote on a new business tax bylaw that outlines what types of organizations will continue to be exempt from paying business tax. If approved, the majority of Calgary's nonprofit organizations will continue to be exempt from paying business tax.
Professional Development
Celebrate Your Volunteers!
As this week is National Volunteer Week, it is a great opportunity for your organization to thank the people who donate their time and energy to support your work. Volunteers play a critical role in the governance, operations and programming for many organizations and are an essential part of our sector. So, before April 25, take a moment to thank the fabulous volunteers who are helping to meet your mission!
AFP Presents Workshop on CRA and Charitable Giving
May 13, 2009, 9:00 - 1:30pm
Half Day Workshop AFP Members $75, Non-members $90
Luncheon Only AFP Members $30, Non-members $45
Why is the CRA attacking so many charitable gifts and how did the crisis develop? This half-day workshop & luncheon will examine and seek to answer this question, as well as present a seminar on the tax credit system in Alberta. Attendees can choose to attend the full-day session, or the luncheon. Register by May 11th. For information call 403-297-1033.
Canadian Social Forum
May 19-22, 2009
The Canadian Council on Social Development will be hosting the first Canadian Social Forum in Calgary this May. The forum will bring together community leaders from social development, public health, environment, community safety and recreation to target both urban and rural poverty.
Register for the Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources Conference
May 31 to June 3, 2009
Grant McEwan College, Edmonton
The CAVR conference will feature a variety of keynote speakers and sessions, and is a great professional development opportunity for executives and vounteer managers in the nonprofit/voluntary sector.
HR Resources
Work-Sharing Program Aims to Help Organizations Avoid Layoffs
Work-Sharing is an adjustment program designed to help employers and workers avoid temporary layoffs when there is a reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides EI Part 1 income support to workers eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who are willing to work a temporarily reduced work-week, with wages reduced accordingly. For more information, call 1-866-891-5319.
Accessibility & the Workplace
Viable Calgary has just launched its new website, which includes information and best practices concerning the hiring and accommodation of disabled workers.