Alberta Edition
January 2012

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!

1. Video: How to Obtain and Maintain Charitable Status
   
   
2. Panel on Video: Bob Gibson, Robert Paehlke, Karen Kraft Sloan and Colin Isaacs on Environmental Trends
   
   
3. Article: US Environmentalists Get Down to Earth
   
   
4. GreenHereos: Video of the Month
   
   
5. Webinars: Free Energy Conservation Social Marketing Webinars
   
   
6. Announcement: 2012 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program
   
   
7. New tool: Imagine Canada's Map of Training for Charity and Nonprofit Executives
   
   
8. Announcement: Emerald Awards Accepting Nominations for Environmental Excellence
   
   
9. Fact Sheet: 5th Imagine Canada Sector Monitor
   
   
10. Capacity Building Opportunity: Offerings from Volunteer Alberta
    
    
11. Capacity Building Opportunity: Offerings from Volunteer Edmonton
    
    
12. Capacity Building Opportunity: Offerings from CentrePoint
    
    
13. Brief Driving Strategy for Social Impact
    
    
14. Report: Donors May Give More if Charities Provide Greater Transparency
    
    
15. Paper: Matt Price and The Revenge of the Beaver
    
    
16. Brief: The Who, How, What and Why of Corporate Community Investment in Canada
    
    
17. Resource: The Just Enough Planning Guide
    
    
18. Report: Passion Persistence and Partnership: The Secrets of Earning More Online
    
    

1. 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

2. 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

3. Article: US Environmentalists Get Down to Earth

In this article from the December 18th New York Times, Leslie Kaufman looks at the challenges currently faced by US environmental groups and how some groups are finding success by focusing on the local dimensions of climate change and promoting a vision of "where we intend to be".

Check it out at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/sunday-review/environmentalists-get-down-to-earth.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

4. 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.

5. 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

6.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/scholarsh

7. 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

8. Announcement: Emerald Awards Accepting Nominations for Environmental Excellence

Do you know an individual, group or business in Alberta that has set an example for environmental achievement? Someone who has gone above and beyond what is expected of them in the protection of the environment? Why not share that success and let others learn from your experience by submitting an Emerald Award nomination? There are several award categories, including for individuals, nonprofits, the public sector and businesses. The nomination deadline is February 24, 2012.

For more information visit:
http://www.emeraldfoundation.ca

9. 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

10. Capacity Building Opportunity: Offerings from Volunteer Alberta

De-Complicate the Complicated Business of Privacy for Your Non-Profit Organization
January 24, 2012
Various locations and time
This two-hour presentation provides a solid understanding about practices in privacy protection and answers to questions related to such matter.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/news-and-events/events-calendar

Learning Provider Forum
January 27, 2012 (1:00 – 4:00pm)

Join this session for solid networking, an excellent marketing opportunity and gain valuable insight into leadership trends in your region.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/news-and-events/events-calendar

11. Capacity Building Opportunity: Offerings from Volunteer Edmonton

Fundraising Success: Where to Start and How to Build It!
Friday, January 20, 2012 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
This workshop is recommended to those who are raising funds in a small organization, starting a new fund development program, or just learning the ropes in fund development. It emphasizes on the basic steps to building a successful fund development program.

For more information and to register:
http://fundraisingsuccess.eventbrite.com/

Financial Training for NonProfits (6 sessions)
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 1:00 PM - Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Highly skilled presenters will share their experience and expertise within the nonprofit sector for this series of six workshops focusing on the key elements for successful financial management for small to medium sized nonprofit organizations.

For more information on each sessions and to register, please visit: http://sixfinancialtraining.eventbrite.com/

Debriefing Stressful Situations
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
Learn what to do next in a stressful situation and how to help others express the effects of stressful situations while exploring options for self-care. The material covered in this workshop can also help to prevent accumulation of stress.

For more information and to register, please visit: http://debriefingstressfulanddeescalatinganger.eventbrite.com/

De-Escalating Angry People
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 (1PM - 4:30 PM.)
You will learn how to communicate effectively and to deal with angry people in this workshop. The skills and techniques acquired can be applied to a wide range of situations and interpersonal relationships.

For more information and to register, please visit: http://debriefingstressfulanddeescalatinganger.eventbrite.com/

Volunteer Management: An Introduction
Wednesday & Thursday, February 8 & 9, 2012 Wednesday & Thursday, February 15 & 16, 2012 Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
This four-day workshop provides a more formalized training to those who are new to managing volunteers or in an organization with new volunteer program.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://volunteermgmtintroduction.eventbrite.com/

Strengthening Volunteer Boards
Saturday, February 11, 2012 ( 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
This is a workshop for those who are new to the board wanting to learn more aobut your role, or an experienced board member hoping to enhance your skills and work effectively as a team member.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://strengthenvolunteerboards.eventbrite.com/

12. Capacity Building Opportunity: Offerings from CentrePoint

The Development Audit - An Assessment Process for Best Practice
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 (1:00pm-4:00pm)

This session provides a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the steps to improve fund development performance, process of implementing an audit/assessment for fund development program, the use of other assessment tools with the audit and how to set priorities for improvement in best practice.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://thecentrepoint.ca/prof_dev/cour_dev_audit.html

Your database is filthy!
Thursday, January 19, 2012 (1:00pm-4:00pm)

In this session participants will learn how every user can take steps to keep the organization's database clean and healthy.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://thecentrepoint.ca/prof_dev/cour_your_database_is_filthy.html

Social Enterprise: Winning the Hearts and Pockets of Non-Profits
Thursday, January 26, 2012 (7:30 – 9:00am)

Join Peter R. Elson to learn about and to explore the landscape of social enterprises in Alberta.

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://thecentrepoint.ca/prof_dev/bkfst_series_jan26_12.html

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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