Resource Library
June 19 2009 E-Bulletin - Special Edition
This special edition of the e-bulletin is to focus on important breaking nonprofit and voluntary sector news and resources.
Please feel free to send us your feedback. We would appreciate any comments you may have.
Government News
CIP Funding Information Released
On June 17 the Alberta government announced changes to the Community Initiatives Program (CIP). While some changes are identified in the government's news release, the detailed criteria for the new guidelines are still being developed. The government expects to implement the new guidelines in September/October.
The $28 million in CIP funds consists of the extension of the previous CIP ($22 million) plus monies for two programs formerly funded by the Wild Rose Foundation: $1.3 million for international development programs and $4.7 million for social, health and community service organizations.
New guidelines and applications are expected to be available on the CIP website in September for the October 1st deadline. Applications made in April to the Wild Rose Foundation are currently being processed under the former WRF guidelines. Until the new guidelines are implemented, CIP is accepting applications and processing them under the current (unchanged) guidelines.
CCVO will continue to track future CIP developments.
City of Calgary Property & Business Tax Exemption for Non-Profits
As a result of the City of Calgary's Business Tax By-law Review, all not-for-profits are required to complete a more complex application form for the 2010 property and business tax exemption. This form also has an earlier deadline of June 30. The extensive information requested in the form allows the City to determine whether a not-for-profit is providing benefit for all Calgarians, and therefore qualifies for the business tax exemption under the new by-law. City staff have confirmed that the long form application is required for this year, but in subsequent renewals organizations will only need to complete a short form.
Assistance with forms is available from the Assessment Business Unit at 403-268-2888, or from a Duty Assessor at 2924 11th St. NE.
June 23 : Plan It Calgary to be presented to City Hall
CCVO has been participating as a partner in the ImagineCalgary process over the past several years to help create a plan for a sustainable, environmentally-friendly growing Calgary. Two documents that embody the outcomes of that process, the proposed Municipal Development Plan and the Calgary Transportation Plan (known as PLAN IT), will be brought before City Council Tuesday June 23 for public input and a council vote. If passed by Council these two documents will form the legal framework for how our city will transform itself over the next 50 years.
To present your opinions on the plan, feel free to attend the council meeting at 9:30am on June 23rd, at City Hall's Council Chambers. More information about the plans and presenting to the City are available on the CivicCamp blog.
Sector News
Muttart Supplement
The Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal released a section highlighting the successes and issues facing nonprofits and charities on June 17th. The supplement was funded by the Muttart Foundation and is evidence of their belief that a strong and sustainable voluntary sector is important to all. The Calgary and Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations were highlighted in the supplement, as well as the Calgary YWCA, United Way of Calgary and Area, and Volunteer Calgary.
Congratulations to the Muttart Foundation for this initiative.
Read the full supplement here (pdf).
Engage NOW Conference
September 30 - October 2, 2009
This fall, non-profit leaders will have an opportunity to participate in a community engagement conference as part of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Calgary. The Dalai Lama will address the conference twice on how to build community through compassion. Other speakers include President F.W. De Klerk, former President of South Africa, on how to prepare community for large scale social change, and Sir Richard Branson, CEO of the Virgin Group, who will talk about Virgin Unite, a global philanthropic venture. There will also be several more concurrent speakers addressing community engagement topics such as First Nations, wellness and environmental issues. Tickets are $475.
CCVO News
Welcome New CCVO Staff
Laura MacKinnon has joined CCVO as our new Policy Analyst on a one-year contract. Laura has worked and volunteered in the Calgary nonprofit sector for many years, including positions with the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Calgary French and International School. Laura can be reached at 403-261-6655 ext 229.
Also welcome to Irene Pobee, our summer student from the University of British Columbia. Irene can be reached at 403-261-6655 ext 230.