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Sep 2019A new era for nonprofits’ and charities’ advocacy and engagement
By John Beebe and Kallee Lins Imagine Canada has created the Election Hub to inspire sector advocacy and participation in the upcoming federal election. The post below, co-written by Imagine Canada and Ryerson University’s Democratic Engagement Exchange, argues that charities’ engagement in the electoral process is fundamental to furthering the causes we work on and building a robust democracy. You can view the original on...
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Aug 2019Five reasons why your nonprofit needs a professional procurement policy
By David Rourke, Round Table Procurement Services From the Board of Directors to funders to community members they serve, nonprofits have a long list of stakeholders to take into consideration when determining how money is spent and how suppliers are chosen. Establishing and enforcing policy to govern the way a nonprofit buys goods and services, also known as a procurement policy, can help nonprofits ensure...
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Jul 2019Bracing for the budget impact
By Terrance S. Carter, Barry W. Kwasniewski and Ryan M. Prendergast, Carters Professional Corporation Ontario’s 2019 budget may affect many nonprofit and charitable organizations across the province. Organizations expecting changes in their provincial funding arrangements need to know their specific rights and responsibilities. Nonprofit boards of directors and leadership need to take a clear-headed and informed approach to resolve fiscal challenges. Proper planning and preparation...
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25
Jun 2019Going beyond grants: Alternative financing for your cash flow crunch
By Rebecca Waterhouse and Beth Coates, Canadian Alternative Investment Foundation (CAIF) Getting the credit you deserve as a nonprofit is not easy. Nonprofits have a hard time accessing the same financial tools that for-profit businesses routinely rely on to manage and scale operations. In 2019, the need for funds to stabilize cash flow is real; fundraising is increasingly precarious, grant funding can be piecemeal, and...
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15
May 2019Stronger together: Collective advocacy in changing times
By Cathy Taylor This is a disconcerting and uncertain time for the public benefit sector in Ontario. A change of government brings about changes that affect the environment in which our sector operates. From legislative and policy changes that affect our operations, like the nonprofit labour force and our financing, as well as changes impacting issues our sector cares deeply about: climate change, the arts,...
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08
Apr 2019Building equity and community impact through social procurement: Reflections on the 2019 Buy Social Canada Summit
By Teshini Harrison This past February, I had the opportunity to attend Buy Social Canada’s annual summit. Billed as the event for “ exploring the rapidly emerging and expanding field of social procurement,” I found it insightful and informative. It offered a great opportunity to see a wide range of purchasers from across the country and from all sectors, including government, corporations, and anchor institutions...
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22
Feb 2019Network Weaving 101: What your network role says about you
By: John Saunders One key strength to network building is that anyone can do it. In fact, most of us are already weavers to different extents, even if (like me) you might feel you still have a lot to learn. Everyone can develop leadership capacities and play a vital role in network development and growth. And as the leadership capacities of members grow, so too...
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13
Feb 2019Strengthening democracy requires building community: A taste of Democracy XChange 2019
By: Teshini Harrison On a cold January afternoon, a group of us young and old followed Chef Ashrafi down the hall of Toronto’s Regent Park Community Food Centre, where we were instructed to grab an apron, a hair net and wash our hands before being put to work in the kitchen. This was how my experience of the Democracy XChange 2019 (DXC19) began. Founded by...
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Jan 2019Network Weaving 101: You’re already doing it
Network Weaving 101: You’re already doing it By: John Saunders Nonprofits survive (and thrive) through their networks. They collaborate to share resources, build capacity, and develop solutions – often for sector-wide challenges. Engaged effectively, networks often amount to more than the sum of their individual members. Network members contribute toward addressing a shared problem or opportunity that involves more than their own selves or organization....
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15
Jan 2019Leveraging the Power of Networks
Leveraging the Power of Networks By: Lisa Watson If you’re like most nonprofit leaders, you’re devoting significant effort to your networks. But how intentional are you about making your networks effective and impactful? I recently spoke with 500+ nonprofit leaders at Nonprofit Driven 2018 about the power and potential of networks, including the Ontario Nonprofit Network. Participants milled about the huge ballroom connecting with colleagues...
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