What’s in a name? The ins and outs of charitable receipting for non-cash gifts

Have you ever stopped to consider how much your name is worth? Chances are, if you’re anything like me and have not attained celebrity status, the value of your name has not crossed your mind. Why would it? It couldn’t...

Making it happen: Exploring the nature of successful co-operatives

In naming 2012 as the United Nations’ Year of Co-operatives, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “Co-operatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.” In recognition of the Year...

Give now or give later?

Want to make a donation and get a tax credit for 2012? Under current rules, you need to get your money to your favourite charity by 11:59 pm on December 31 to qualify for a tax deduction for this year....

Deconstructing Philanthropy: Take a Sunday drive on the road to annual planning

Just about every business or fundraising book you pick up, workshop you attend, or professional you seek advice from, will tell you that you need a plan and show you how to build one. And so you should – no...

A funny thing happened on the way to the (Social Finance) Forum

Editor’s Note: CharityVillage is pleased to be a media sponsor for the Social Finance Forum taking place in Toronto this month. Benita Aalto will be attending and sharing her thoughts and insights with CharityVillage readers. Below are her initial musings...

Bin there, donated that: The state of charity shops

My dad was very frugal and it would mortify me as a kid when he would proudly announce that he bought his shirts and suits – and, eww, shoes! – from Goodwill and Salvation Army charity shops. Buried at the...

Increasing donor loyalty through delight

For nonprofit organizations, it’s major (or planned) donors that contribute significant revenues. Securing a major donor, however, often requires stewardship through the donor pyramid, which in turn, requires loyalty. Loyalty is important because it is a major contributing factor to...

Fundraising Tricks and Treats: Raise more than the dead this Halloween

Halloween is an ancient tradition that has today become a multi-billion dollar industry – and it’s only growing. More than two-thirds of Canadians celebrate the holiday, and this year families with children plan to spend an average of $75 on...