Governance Q&A: The ethics of employees donating to employers

The director of development at the charity where I work wants to be able to tell foundations that 100% of the board and staff make a donation every year. I agree that the board members should donate, but can donating...

Where Teambuilding meets Philanthropy

I work for a company that is looking into setting up and running a philanthropic team-building event. I was wondering if you had any ideas for fundraising events that would be team-building and philanthropic? As a company, you need to...

Do you need event cancellation insurance?

What is event insurance and what kind of protection does it offer? Event cancellation insurance is a specialized insurance and not offered through all insurance companies at this time. Two insurance companies in Canada that do offer event cancellation coverage...

Governance Q&A: Is it ethical for a company to make a profit from a relationship with a charity?

Is it ethical for a company to make a profit from a relationship with a charity? It absolutely is - unless the company tries to count the same support as philanthropy. If a company wants a tax receipt, it must...

The advantages of having your own photographer at your event

If we invited the media to our event do we still need to go through the expense of hiring a professional photographer or can staff take any additional shots? Having your own professional photographer at your event is advisable for...

Capital gains tax: The continuing fight

Thirty-four years ago a government worried about recessions and revenue streams saddled the Canadian public with a new tax. Charities, community organizations, and individuals have been paying ever since. The Canadian Capital Gains Tax came into existence in 1971 with...

How to keep your annual fundraiser fresh every year

Recently, I started a new job as a communications officer with a nonprofit environmental organization. For the past several years, the organization has hosted an annual paddling event to raise funds for one of their ecological properties. Over the years,...

When is a Gift Really a Gift?

Considering the Income Tax Act devotes quite a bit of attention to the issue of gifts, it is perhaps surprising that there is no definition of gift or the act of giving or receiving a gift in the Act. In...

Bridging the gap between organizations and allied professionals

There's always been a connection between the nonprofit sector and professionals like lawyers, financial planners, insurance agents, and accountants, but usually it's been at the board of directors' level. There is, however, a small but growing association between nonprofits and...

Philanthropy Explosion: It’s not just for the wealthy anymore

Giving is giving is giving. Yet, traditionally the term 'philanthropy' has been the domain of the wealthy. It doesn't have to be that way, though. You no longer need to be wealthy and prominent like the Bill Gates' of the...