Resource Library
June 30 2009 E-Bulletin
Welcome to the CCVO e-bulletin. This bi-weekly bulletin focuses on delivering nonprofit and voluntary sector news and resources.
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CVO News
CCVO Celebrates 5 years at 2009 AGM
CCVO would like to thank all its members, supporters and funders for their contributions over the last 5 years. We would also like to thank all those that attended our AGM on June 22nd - thank you for marking this milestone with us and making the AGM such a success!
CCVO Responds to call for Comments on Proposed Accounting Standards for Non-profits
Earlier this year, the Accounting Standards Board and Public Sector Accounting Board jointly issued an "invitation to comment" on proposed standards for Financial Reporting by Non-Profit Organizations. CCVO convened a working group of senior financial officers in the Calgary voluntary sector to contribute their input and expertise to the CCVO response, which has been submitted to the accounting boards.
Government News
Not-for-Profit Corporations Act receives Royal Assent
New federal legislation that streamlines the regulatory burden on Canada's not-for-profit is ready to become law. Bill C-4, the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, passed Third Reading in the Senate and received Royal Assent. The federal government states that the act will enable organizations to incorporate faster and improve their financial accountability, clarify the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, and enhance the protection of members' rights. The new Act will replace the Canada Corporations Act of 1917. For more information, please read CCVO's backgrounder on the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
City of Calgary Property and Business Tax Exemption Application for Non-Profits Due
Please be reminded that today - June 30 - is the deadline for applications to the City of Calgary for non-profit tax exemption. CCVO has submitted a letter to the City expressing concern about this year's application process, particularly the short timelines and the complexity of the forms. We suggested that in the future the City should consult with the sector when initiating significant changes in procedure, and also suggested the City to extend the deadline or apply leniency towards late applications.
Get Help with Income Tax Act Compliance through New Charity Program
Capacity Builders is pleased to announce The Charity Law Information Program (CLIP), a new CRA-funded initiative to assist charities with Income Tax Act compliance. Subscribe to CLIP's free e-newsletter In order to stay informed, and to receive free tools, resources, and training updates.
Research and Resources
Vital Signs 2009 - Contributions Deadline Extended
The Calgary Foundation is calling for more participants for its 2009 Vital Signs survey. The yearly Vital Signs reports provide a reading of Calgary's strengths and weaknesses today to help move toward the city Calgarians want to create for the future. Contributions to the survey can be made until July 8.
HR Council releases Final Labour Force Study Report
The HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector (HR Council) has released the final report based on its comprehensive national Labour Force Study. Mission Driven features five recommendations that will shape and support local and regional strategies to attract, develop, and retain appropriately qualified people to work in Canada's nonprofit sector.
Managing in Tough Times: May 2009 Nonprofit Leaders Survey Update
Responses of nearly 100 nonprofit leaders participating in a Bridgespan longitudinal study show nonprofits are turning to much tougher measures than foreseen six months ago to cope with the economic downturn. The report is an update on Bridgespan's original survey on potential effects of the economic downturn that was conducted in November 2008.
Canadian Boards Still Struggling for Diversity
A new Canadian report indicates that while the gender gap is closing when it comes to nonprofit board diversity, racial diversity is extremely low, with Caucasians holding over 75% of board positions. In terms of the range of diversity, 43.6% of the organizations surveyed had only one racial group represented among their board members.
UK Report Advocates use of Cell Phones as an Important Fundraising Technique
A new UK report by nfpSynergy, the Charities Aid Foundation, and the Institute of Fundraising, indicates that charities are not doing enough to use cell phones in their fundraising and advocacy efforts. The report offers ideas on how charities could integrate cell phones into their fundraising plans, and includes successful case studies.
Professional Development
Charity Village Looking for Feedback
Got an opinion on what the nonprofit sector needs now? CharityVillage is partnering with Junxion Research to determine how they can best provide resources to Canadian nonprofits and charities. Contribute your ideas by participating in the online survey or the upcoming online focus group.
Fundraising, Funding, Awards
Nominate a Mental Health or Addiction Initiative for National Award
The 2010 National Awards for Excellence Program in mental health and addictions initiatives, by the Kaiser Foundation, is looking for nominations. The program honours the outstanding work being done in the fields of mental health and addictions in seven categories, including organizations, communities and individuals. Each award recipient receives a $10,000 grant to be directed to a recognized charity of their choice. Nominations are due November 20, 2009.