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Ontario Edition
January 2012
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Happy New Year Everyone! Welcome to the first edition of 2012.
This month, we’re proud to announce the availability of Environment & Diversity Project mini-grants as well as a workshop with Niagara area ENGOs that we’re helping pull together.
Also, the latest from TCC Group, Spitfire Strategies, GuideStar, Imagine Canada and nfpSynergy as well as resources on charitable status, a panel of Canadian environmental thinkers on sector trends and an article on the state of the US ENGO community.
Hope you will read on and take in another packed edition of the Sustainability Network Digest!
- Announcement: Convening the ENGO Community This Month in Niagara Region
- Reminder: Sustainability Network Diversity Mini-Grants
- Reminder: Powerpoint Projector and Flip Camera Available for Rent
- Video: How to Obtain and Maintain Charitable Status
- Panel on Video: Bob Gibson, Robert Paehlke, Karen Kraft Sloan and Colin Isaacs on Environmental Trends
- Announcement: Young Conservationists Professionals call for Applications
- Announcement: Green Toronto Awards
- Article: US Environmentalists Get Down to Earth
- Resource/Event: EDLink and Tales from the Swamp
- GreenHereos: Video of the Month
- Webinars: Free Energy Conservation Social Marketing Webinars
- Announcement: 2012 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program
- New tool: Imagine Canada's Map of Training for Charity and Nonprofit Executives
- Fact Sheet: 5th Imagine Canada Sector Monitor
- Brief Driving Strategy for Social Impact
- Report: Donors May Give More if Charities Provide Greater Transparency
- Paper: Matt Price and The Revenge of the Beaver
- Brief: The Who, How, What and Why of Corporate Community Investment in Canada
- Resource: The Just Enough Planning Guide
- Report: Passion Persistence and Partnership: The Secrets of Earning More Online
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1.
Announcement: Convening the ENGO Community This Month in Niagara Region
The Niagara Environmental Sector Team, Sustainability Network, Ontario Trillium Foundation & Sustainable Niagara invite Niagara Region environmental NGOs to come together for a half day workshop to:
• explore common interests as ENGOs;
• exchange information about the work that Niagara area ENGOs are doing;
• discuss opportunities to collaborate on shared priorities for greater impact; and,
• identify local, specific non-profit needs and challenges to assist funders in setting priorities to build the sector capacity.
The workshop will be facilitated by Charlotte Young of Envision Synergy and will feature a presentation by Paul Bubelis of the Sustainability Network. It will take place at the Ball's Falls Conservation Centre on Thursday January 26th from 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM. A light lunch will be included.
The session is free but preregistration is required. If interested, please rsvp by January 12th by sending the name and affiliation of your organization's representative to rsvp@sustainabilitynetwork.ca or leaving a message with Yvonne Hopkins 905-380-4408. |
2.
Reminder: Sustainability Network Diversity Mini-Grants
The Environment & Diversity Project is a four-year collaborative project led by the Sustainability Network. It is designed to help the Ontario environmental NGO community consider, develop and implement strategies to better reflect and engage under-represented communities.
We are pleased to announce the second of two annual rounds of Environment & Diversity Project mini-grants.
Funds are available to help environmental nonprofits better reflect and engage ethno-cultural and Aboriginal communities by responding to the extensive knowledge, interests and important needs of those communities. Grants to a maximum of $5000 will be made and there is a total of $25,000 in funds available for 2012. Organizations that have received EDP mini-grant funding during the 2011 granting period are not eligible for funding in 2012. Applications must be submitted by e-mail to info@sustainabilitynetwork.ca by 5:00pm EST February 15th, 2012. Decisions will be made by February 28th, 2012.
Details, including guidelines, application information and a list of past grants, posted at: http://www.sustainabilitynetwork.ca |
3.
Reminder: Powerpoint Projector and Flip Camera Available for Rent
Environmental nonprofits in Toronto are invited to rent our Flip Camera and LCD projectors.
We aim to provide environmental nonprofits with temporary access to projection and video equipment that many organizations find too expensive to purchase or even rent privately. We have a Panasonic PT-LB50XGA and a Dell 1800MP, as well as a Flip Camera that directly downloads videos to your computer via a USB port. The LCD projectors require a lap top to operate and can project video as well as Powerpoint presentations.
You can check availability of the projectors and the camera and make a reservation online. Afterward, your browser will be redirected to our online payment to collect $50/day for a projector and $10/day for the Flip Camera. Reservations will only be confirmed after payment has been processed. Users will be required to pick up and drop off the equipment from our downtown Toronto office (no shipping, couriers or cab pick-ups) and sign a loan agreement stating terms of use, and an itemized check list with replacement costs. The projectors and camera are expensive items and we reserve the right to decline any loan request.
Check it out at:
http://sustainabilitynetwork.ca/lcd_rental.html |
4.
Video: How to Obtain and Maintain Charitable Status
Registered charities have many benefits under the Income Tax Act (Canada); the most important of which permits them to issue charitable receipts for donations. The economic benefits to donors are clear and encourage donations. However, the resulting loss of tax revenue has led fiscal authorities to create a myriad of laws and regulations limiting the scope of activities in which charities may engage. In this recorded presentation, Andrew Stirling, Associate, McMillan LLP, offers tips and insights into the application process for new organizations and non-profits, while also offering suggestions to existing registered charities to comply with regulatory obligations.
Watch this half hour video at:
http://bit.ly/zoW0Tp |
5.
Panel on Video: Bob Gibson, Robert Paehlke, Karen Kraft Sloan and Colin Isaacs on Environmental Trends
“Deep Roots, New Shoots: The Environment Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” was a panel organized by the Centre for International Governance Innovation on November 16th, 2011. Click through to access this 2 hour video of a group of environmental experts who came together to explore Canada's environmental past and the challenges for the future. Nicola Ross moderated the evening with Bob Gibson, Robert Paehlke, Karen Kraft Sloan and Colin Isaacs as panelists.
Check it out at:
http://www.cigionline.org/events/deep-roots-new-shoots |
6.
Announcement: Young Conservationists Professionals call for Applications
The Young Conservation Professionals Leadership Program is a personal and professional development program designed to enhance the leadership and management skills of upcoming leaders in land and water conservation and related environmental fields in Ontario.
The program is especially suited to agencies and organizations with limited professional development resources, limited budgets, and a pressing need for the next generation of leaders to "step-up".
The YCP Leadership Program is accredited by the University of Guelph. The program takes place over the course of one calendar year and requires a total on-site time commitment of approximately 15 days. Over the last seven years, 140 young leaders have graduated.
To apply, candidates must have:
- at least 2 years of employment in the conservation sector following completion of a college diploma or undergraduate degree
- a staff position in a government or environmental non-profit organization - written approval and confirmed support of supervisor
- commitment to invest the required time and registration fee - $750 for non-government, $1400 for government employees
Applications are due February 1 and must include a resume and personal statement including your educational experience, employment history, present position, career aspirations, and why you would like to participate in the program.
For more information and to apply, please visit:
http://ycpleadership.ca |
7.
Announcement: Green Toronto Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2012 Green Toronto Awards, the City of Toronto's Environmental Awards of Excellence. The City of Toronto, in partnership with Green Living Enterprises, invites Toronto residents to nominate individuals, community groups, organizations and companies that are leading the way to a cleaner, greener Toronto. Winners will receive a Green Toronto Award, a $5,000 prize, and be honoured at a special evening at the Green Living Show.
For more information please visit:
http://www.toronto.ca |
9.
Resource/Event: EDLink and Tales from the Swamp
EDLink, the new community of non-profit Executive Directors (EDs) in Toronto, recently held their first breakfast forum. Sustainability Network was there and we can attest to the quality and value that the session delivered.
EDLink is a resource and gathering place for EDs of non-profit non-governmental organizations (NPOs/NGOs). Through EDLink, EDs have access to sharing and networking exclusively tailored to their profession. With local chapters for in-person events plus an online presence for global networking and virtual learning, EDLink connects EDs to peers locally and around the world. EDLink Toronto is the first chapter, and it has a full program of breakfast sessions, a conference, and regular, informal networking events.
The next session, on January 19th, is called Tales from the Swamp: Rising Above Crisis Management to Lead Real Change. How do effective EDs find the time, energy, and insight to lead their organizations to a better place? Are there practical ideas and techniques that can help EDs move out of crisis management mode and into real change leadership? Peers will share their experiences, habits and suggestions, and to respond to questions and comments. Panelists include: - Owen Charters, CEO, CanadaHelps - Debra Kerby, ED, Canadian Feed The Children - Elisabeth Ross, CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada
For more information on EDLink, visit http://www.TheEDLink.org. To register for the January 19th session, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2623097756?ref=ebtn. If you can’t attend but would like to learn more, please contact info@TheEDLink.org to be placed on the mailing list. |
10.
GreenHeroes: Video Clip of the Month
GreenHeroes, a Web/TV series produced by CineFocus Canada in association with TVO, tells the story of change – of how people improved their lives, what their tipping point moments were and how they overcome obstacles to on the road to becoming a GreenHero.
To inspire New Years Resolutions, GreenHeroes is featuring the work of two GreenHeroes this month who have provided opportunities for every one of us to make a big difference through simple actions.
In her decades of work, iconic primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall has learned about the impact humans have had on the environment. She travels the world sharing this knowledge and showing people how they can reduce this impact. Jane created the organization Roots and Shoots that engages youth in actions that help the environment and foster a respect for it. http://www.greenheroes.tv/webisode/2943681-Jane-Goodall
Former marketing executive Stuart Hickox created One Change, an organization that encourages and facilitates simple, inexpensive changes to basic technologies that will make a big difference to the earth, especially as more people get on board. Some of these include changing incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents to reduce pollution and switching to low-flow shower heads to reduce water. http://www.greenheroes.tv/webisode/2943563-Stuart-Hickox
GreenHeroes hopes these two amazing leaders inspire others to take simple action for big change. Check out these videos and stay tuned for more GreenHeroes next month. |
11.
Webinars: Free Energy Conservation Social Marketing Webinars
Tools of Change is offering 25 free webinar registrations for each of three energy webinars highlighting newly designated Landmark case studies. Professionals, volunteers and students are eligible, with one fifth of the registrations going to students. To apply, email their registrar, Cate Berthelet registrar@toolsofchange.com with the name and date of the webinar you want to take, and how you plan to use the information from the webinar. The three are:
• Power Smart Residential Behavioural Program: January 18 from 12:00 to 1:00 Eastern.
• Opower Home Energy Reports, Minnesota: February 28, 12 noon to 1:00 PM Eastern.
• Queensland's ClimateSmart Home Service: March 2, 3:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern.
Other webinars in the Highlights Series focus on sustainable transportation, backyard composting and water conservation programs, and cost $50.
Details and paid registration:
http://www.webinars.cullbridge.com |
12.Announcement: 2012 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program
Earth Day Canada, with financial support from the Toyota Canada Foundation, has launched the 2012 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program to recognize and cultivate tomorrow’s environmental leaders. This year, the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program will reward 20 graduating high school and Cégep students across Canada with $5 000 scholarships for their environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2012.
For more information please visit:
http://www.earthday.ca/scholarship |
13. New Tool: Imagine Canada's Map of Training for Charity and Nonprofit Executives
Using Google Maps, Imagine Canada developed this visual to indicate where there is training available to support the management and direction of charities and nonprofits in Canada. One of the challenges noted in a recent survey of EDs was where to locate training on topics such as fundraising, governance, leadership, HR, volunteer management and finance.
Check it out at:
http://library.imaginecanada.ca/resource_guides/human_resources/training |
14. Factsheet: 5th Imagine Canada Sector Monitor
A factsheet presenting a preliminary assessment of recent trends in the sector, based on results from Imagine Canada’s fifth Sector Monitor, is now available for download. This factsheet focuses on trends over the previous year. The most recent edition of the Sector Monitor survey was conducted between November 3 and December 2 and collected responses from 2,255 charity leaders.
A 1 page factsheet was published in December 2011 and can be found at:
http://bit.ly/wFB5bB |
15. Brief: Driving Strategy for Social Impact
Authors Anne Sherman and Paul Connolly of the TCC Group offer frameworks and advice to help guide nonprofits and funders through a strategy process. An effective strategy provides leaders with criteria for making important decisions and increasing the overall quality of their work.
You can access this 16 page brief, published in October 2011, at:
http://www.tccgrp.com/pdfs/Driving_Strategy_for_Social_Impact.pdf |
16.
Report: Donors May Give More if Charities Provide Greater Transparency
GuideStar and Hope Consulting recently announced the results of a new study, Money for Good II, that shows if nonprofits and information providers are able to provide donors, advisors, and foundation grant-makers with the information that they want, where and how they want it, these US donors would consider shifting up to $15 billion in charitable dollars to higher-performing nonprofits. The report suggests that donors would like access to:
• A broad range of information on nonprofits' impact, financials, and legitimacy
• Data provided in transparent formats or portals that provide them with several pieces of information • Information from third-party portals that provide information on nonprofits
For more information, and to view the 148 page report, visit:
http://prn.to/AABbSL |
17.
Paper: Matt Price and The Revenge of the Beaver
As we do the heavy lifting towards sustainability, are we spending our scarce hours and dollars in the most effective way?
Matt Price brings his 15 years of experience as an environmental campaigner to bear on this question, arguing for a return for more face to face organizing, particularly to counter what he sees as an emerging "culture war" imported from the U.S. that targets both environmental policy and environmentalists themselves. Revenge of the Beaver is a follow up to Matt's 2007 'Greening the Beaver".
Check out this 10 page essay from January 2012 at:
http://bit.ly/Az2xgi |
18.
Brief: The Who, How, What and Why of Corporate Community Investment in Canada
Using data collected for the Business Contributions to Communities (BCTC) research initiative, Imagine Canada recently published a new fact sheet on corporate community involvement.
Check out our latest blog piece for five tips to secure corporate donations, based on data from this fact sheet or sign-up to receive Grantseeker Monthly and more corporate and foundation fundraising tips. Designed specifically for Canadian grantseekers, this free newsletter brings together expert advice and additional resources to help you strengthen your fundraising efforts.
Check out the 7 page fact sheet and other resources at:
http://bit.ly/yNPru2
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19.
Resource: The Just Enough Planning Guide
Developed by Spitfire Strategies, and the Communications Leadership Institute, with funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, The Just Enough Planning Guide was developed to help those looking to create winning policy campaigns, issue campaigns, corporate campaigns or public education campaigns. Based on findings from a comprehensive search to find the perfect approach to campaign planning, this tool provides organizations and coalitions with just enough of a process for planning successful campaigns.
The Interactive Just Enough Planning Guide provides users with an online, interactive approach to the planning process. As you work your way through the tool, you'll have several opportunities to evaluate your answers and ensure you are making the smartest choices. You can also stop and save your answers at any time, and come back and finish later. This allows you to finish the planning process in your own time — and gives you maximum flexibility so you can get input on your choices from staff, board members or other outside resources as needed.
At the end of the process, you will have a fully completed plan that links your organization's objectives to the many strategic decisions necessary for a successful campaign.
Check out the 44 page report from August 2011 at:
http://www.justenoughplanning.org/pdf/Spitfire%20Campaign%20Guide%20final.pdf |
20.
Report: Passion Persistence and Partnership: The Secrets of Earning More Online
nfpSynergy have recently published an update of their report from 2008. They carried out a survey of what UK charities are doing with social media, combining this with trend data on how the wider world is using social media, which shows the rise of the mobile internet and the penetration of broadband into society as a whole. This report suggests the share of charitable donations arriving through online channels has risen 85% – from 2% to 3.7% – in just 3 years. While online donations remain some way behind online retail (at almost 10% of UK retail), results indicates that many charities are beginning to generate real returns from their online activities. At the same time, there are clear signs from our report that charities are taking a more sophisticated and holistic approach to online communication – looking beyond the money at how to develop deeper relationships with potential supporters.
You can download this 52 page report from 2011 at:
http://bit.ly/wOUEZt |
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