What’s your nonprofit’s impact?

The consensus is in. “Measuring your impact can feel like a chore, but the long-term benefits vastly outweigh the short-term inconveniences,” says Sherry Ferronato, a community impact associate with the Calgary Foundation. She’s not alone in this thought process. Community...

Don’t call me, I’ll call you: Canada’s “do not call” legislation

Ring Ring. Ring Ring. “Hello?” [giant pause]... “Hello sir. My name is Andy. I’m calling on behalf of [insert name of business, polling company, charitable cause or foundation here]. Your contribution could save a life/a tree/a seal/the environment...” etc., etc....

Reporting fundraising expenses

Canadians think charities have a long way to go when it comes to reporting fundraising expenses. A 2008 study by the Muttart Foundation called Talking About Charities found only one in four Canadians think charities do an excellent or good...

Building a culture of innovation

The business world is abuzz with innovation. Why is it so important? In an increasingly crowded marketplace where new businesses pop up everyday, there is a need for companies to stay ahead of the competition and this is done through...

When volunteering is not a choice: a look at mandatory community service

Linda Graff’s voice grows firm as she insists that to use the term, court-mandated volunteering is to speak in contradictions. “Mandatory volunteering is an oxymoron. Volunteering is, by definition, voluntary,” she stresses. A long-time consultant in the in the nonprofit...

On the horizon: A sector council for nonprofits in Nova Scotia

Earlier this year, CharityVillage reported on progress that nonprofits in Nova Scotia are making with the provincial government on the creation of a new sector council. You can read the full article here. In June and July, the advisory committee...

Governance Q&A: When it’s time to blow the whistle

I’ve read about the importance of board member solidarity with board decisions, but aren’t there times a board member should blow the whistle? Absolutely there are times when a board member should blow the whistle on their organization. Most of...

Evolve or Die: Why and how nonprofits are thinking differently about our organizations

Editor's Note:  This is the second article in a multi-part content series that explores the shifting landscape and the move towards greater collaboration and shared services in the nonprofit sector. The first article, Thinking about sharing services? Don't assume it...

Updated: ONN calls on Government of Ontario to delay proclamation of the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 1:24 p.m. ET on Monday, July 30, to include a comment from the office of Minister of Consumer Services Margarett Best.   Ontario’s nonprofit community is bracing itself for what it describes as...