Resource Library
February 11 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.
Feature
Alberta's New Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Workforce Council is Under Construction
Workforce issues remain among the most pressing challenges facing the nonprofit and voluntary sector today. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort involving sector organizations, governments and funders.
The Alberta Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Workforce Council will be a collaborative platform for the sector to develop a high performance, sustainable workforce. Through the Council, the nonprofit and voluntary sector will have a framework to further existing initiatives, share ideas and information across the sector and develop systemic, long-term solutions. An update on the status of the Council as well as information about how you can become involved is attached.
CCVO News
CCVO's Latest In Brief is Now Available
CCVO has released a new publication to help charities better understand the Canada Revenue Agency's rules for advocacy by charities. Influencing Public Policy: Rules for Charities Engaging in Advocacy provides an overview of what charities can and can't do under the Canada Revenue Agency's rules for Political Activities and includes a checklist to help your organization get started and resources for more information.
Help us Better Understand the Impact of the Economic Downturn
To better understand how Alberta's nonprofits and charities are being affected by the current economic turmoil and what they are doing to address the situation, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) is collaborating with other nonprofits from across Alberta on an online survey to determine the impact of the current economic climate on the province's nonprofits and charities. The survey only takes a few moments and must be completed by February 20, 2009.
Government News
Government Rejects Petition on the Do Not Call List
The Federal Government has rejected a joint Petition to Cabinet filed by Imagine Canada and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) asking Cabinet to overturn or reconsider the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's inclusion of charities under the new national Do Not Call List (DNCL). As part of CCVO's work, we also wrote a letter of support for this petition.For more details about what charities need to do now, visit CCVO online.
Not-For-Profit Corporations Act Reintroduced in Parliament
The Not-For-Profit Corporations Act was introduced in the last session of Parliament but died when Parliament was prorogued on December 3, 2008. The proposed act will enable organizations to incorporate faster and repeal the outdated Canada Corporations Act. Organizations currently incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act will have three years to apply for corporate status under the proposed Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
The Pros and Cons of the 2009 Budget
Find out what the budget actually delivered and what nonprofit leaders have to say about it in this article by Charity Village.
Funding, Fundraising and Awards
The Calgary Foundation Grants Cycle Underway
The deadline for Letters of Intent to The Calgary Foundation's Community Grants Spring Cycle is March 2, 2009. Now is the time to verify if your programs and services are truly aligned with your organization's mission or if you should consider some new partnerships and collaborations. Please contact Melissa at 403.802.7713.
HR Resources and News
Summer Work Experience Program
The Canada Summer Jobs initiative provides funding for not-for-profit organizations with 50 or fewer employees to hire summer students. A guide to the application process will be available from February 2nd, and funding applications will be accepted until February 27, 2009.
U of C Social Work Students Available for Practicum Placements
The U of C Social Work program is looking for MSW and BSW student placement opportunities for Sept 2009 - April 2010. If your organization has a position available for a student and can provide a minimum of two hours direct supervision by an MSW or RSW each week, please contact Ellen Perrault, Field Coordinator at 403-220-6029. The deadline to place an opportunity is February 23, 2009.
Resources
Space Available for Rent by Nonprofits and Charities
The Downtown Friendship Centre has approximately 2,500 square feet (office and program space) in an East Village, air-conditioned building available. The building is handicapped accessible with handicapped and some staff parking available. Other available rooms (at a very nominal cost) include a board room, library, auditorium and small kitchen. If interested, please contact Don Fisherman, at 403-262-5342, ext. 223.
Effective Strategies for Facilitating Small Groups
The Further Education Society and The Canadian Red Cross are offering a proven, low cost training course in facilitating. GROUP WORKS enables participants to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the art of helping people learn in small groups. Contact Magdalena Caro at (403) 466-5592 for information or to register.
Reports
1/5 of all Nonprofits and Charities Could Collapse Under Effects of the Economic Downturn
This Ottawa Citzen article looks at what might be the worst-case long-term impact of the economic downturn on Canadian nonprofits and think tanks.
UK Study Shows Increased Demand for Charity Services
According to a new UK study by the Charity Commission, 35% of charities in England and Wales are reporting an increased demand in services since the global recession hit, with 19% of charities unable to access new funding to provide increased service, and 16% unable to secure funding to maintain current programs.