Governance Q&A: Ethical alternatives to ending programs

No one with money seems to support the program I think is most important to my community of everything we offer. The grants are always restricted to other programs. Local donors give, but not enough to matter; our community is...

Proper financial controls can protect your nonprofit

The executive director didn't have an inkling. The volunteer team had just celebrated a successful fundraising event that brought $20,000 into their nonprofit - or so they thought. When the ED reviewed the bank deposit, however, only $15,000 could be...

Membership in an international organization

Many Canadian nonprofits belong to some type of international association and gain valuable benefits from doing so. But membership in an international organization does carry with it some legal ramifications, making it vital for nonprofits to know their rights and...

Governance Q&A: Volunteering ethically

I have skills and expertise that I think nonprofits could use, and would like to help my community. However, I have many family and business commitments to juggle. What's the ethical approach for someone like me? So many of us...

Canada’s new Not-for-Profit Corporations Act

Canada's new Not-for-profit Corporations Act received royal assent this past June, and could affect upward of 100,000 organizations throughout Canada. This podcast outlines how to find out whether your organization is affected, what you need to do if you are...

Personal Liability for Nonprofit Directors

Directors serving on a board of directors of a Canadian nonprofit are subject to Canadian liability laws, and as such, must understand their rights and responsibilities to ensure that they comply with current legislation. This extensive article covers a variety...

The right treasurer can be a treasure trove for a nonprofit

How financially competent is your nonprofit team? If yours is similar to many small nonprofits or charities, the board, management and staff are likely struggling to address financial challenges arising from the battered economy. Given these pressures, the treasurer's role...

Municipal-nonprofit partnerships: The future is now

Contemplating entering into partnership with a government body is something that can send shivers down the spines of executive-level staff at nonprofits and charities. Fear of being controlled by bureaucrats, losing your organization's sense of mission, and being beholden to...

Overview of governance models and board types

Operational (primary focus: operations) The board does the work of the organization and manages as well as governs it. This is typical of a board in the "founding" stage of an organization and of boards in organizations, such as service...

Governance Q&A: Last minute event changes

If an event is cancelled or greatly scaled back at the last minute, due to circumstances beyond our control, what do we do about our vendors and sponsors? We’ve spent the money they gave us. Once businesses enter into a...