charity

Charity scams are alive and well in Canada.  In 2003 the Chronicle of Philanthropy released a report that in North America over $1.28B is lossed due to fraud (and that is only the fraud that is caught!).  This hit home this week when Ashley Kirilow was denied bail for her part in a cancery charity scam. Read more »

In a recent article published by McKinsey and Company, "Global Forces: An Introduction," five trends were identified as the new directions for business.  These same five trends can be applied to global charity and philanthropy. Read more »

Last week I was having coffee with two amazing and insightful people at my favourite local coffee shop - @CaffeRosso in Ramsay. @MicheleFGartner and Bob McInnis, Executive Director of @brownbaggingit, and I were talking about donor motivations and charity trends around fundraising and identifying other revenue streams.  At some point during the conversation Michele identified that "Feel-Good Philanthropy" can have a negative downstream effect on overall grant-making because it does not look at a foundations overall social strategy. Read more »

Carters Professional Corporate just released their latest charity law update.

Here is an excerpt:

A CRA news release, issued on June 14, 2010, notes that 810 charities were selected for audit last year. As a result, the CRA revoked the charitable status of 40 charities for serious infractions of the law. Many additional charities also lost their charitable status for failure to file their annual return.  Read more »

The other day Warren Buffet along with Bill & Melinda Gates announced the Giving Pledge campaign to speak with the wealthiest people in North America and urge them to give 50% of their wealth. Read more »

Ottawa, Ontario, June 7, 2010... The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has revoked the status of the Canadian Lacrosse Association as a registered Canadian amateur athletic association (RCAAA), effective June 5, 2010. The following notice of revocation was published in the Canada Gazette: Read more »

You really never do. One day the non-profits you donate to could be the places you turn for help.

I am a vocal supporter for the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter. I've donated in the past and I'd give more if I could. But I also do my part by talking about it as a worthwhile organization whenever I can: dinner parties, lunch-room gossip, casual conversations. "Hey, did you know about this charity and what they do? You should give them some money..."

Little did I know I'd be using the very services I'd donated to in the past. Someone I care about came to me with a serious problem. Her life was in tatters; her heart, mind, soul and body were all being abused.

I had no idea what to do.

For someone who'd advocated on a personal level for a charity, it never occurred to me to turn there for help. My face is bright crimson as I make this admission.

Another friend actually told me to call the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter. Duh...I could've told myself that.

The counselor was amazing. She listened to me describe what I knew, what I was terrified of. Over the phone, she bore witness to my tears, frustration and sadness. And she understood. She didn't ask me stupid questions like, "Well, what do you mean abuse? Is there any hitting involved?" She knew exactly what to say, and exactly what I needed. Most importantly, she told me I was doing the right thing. I was listening. My inability to swoop down and save the day had been crushing me. But the counselor told me that listening was all I could do. In fact, it was exactly what I should be doing.

When my daughter and I talk about why we give to charities like the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter, I tell her the reason is that they help people who are sad and hurt.

Now I know first hand that it's true.

Social Justice Mommy (SJM) is a regular blogger.  When she is not writing for this blog, Heather Setka, is an editor and freelance writer and single mom raising a five year old daughter.

Here is the lastest update on the charities have been de-listed and suspended by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Liberty Wellness Initiative http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2010/m04/nr100419-eng.html

Destiny Health and Wellness Foundation http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2010/m04/nr100419b-eng.html

Notice of Suspension to International Relief Fund for the Afflicted and Needy-Canada http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2010/m04/nr100413c-eng.html 

The Globe & Mail published a report on charitable sector CEO compensation.  My thoughts on CEO compensation, for what they are worth... Read more »

This is an open letter from Brad Krusky who just returned from Guatemala.  An update on Dentistry for All - Dr. Shane Fisher will be staying in Comi for the next six months to establish a perminent local presence working with Guatemalan dentists and health care practitioners as well as local social service agencies addressing larger issues.  If you would like more information on what is happening on the ground you can email Shane. Read more »