Thursday, February 26, 2009
Cost of fundraising -- when priorities are in conflict
From policy-makers' offices to the cocktail party circuit, nothing sparks debate quite like posing the question: "What is an acceptable cost of fundraising for charities?" At issue are diametrically opposed positions of fundraising effiiciency versus gross amount raised. In essence we wonder, what is more important? A low cost-to-income ratio or the total amount a charity has raised in support of its cause? Matt Mendolsohn in The Economist proposes a procative perspective....maybe charities should approach return-on-investment like companies do. Do you agree?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
More on International Women's Day
The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women lists events being held across the province in support of International Women's Day. Please visit their website at:
http://women.gov.ns.ca/calendar.asp
http://women.gov.ns.ca/calendar.asp
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Growth Trends
In their final newsletter of 2008, Canada Revenue Ageny reports approximately 83,000 currently registered charities and 4,500 new applications submitted every year (with the majority of new applications being approved). If this trend continues, the number of registered charities in Canada could surpass 100,000 by 2015. When non-profits without charitable status are added into the mix, that number doubles.
Why does this matter?
Canada's population currently stands at approximately 32.9 million. In 2007, Canadian taxfilers reported making approximately $8.6 billion in charitable donations. If every single individual in Canada were included in this $8.6 billion, it would work out to approximately $261 per individual. However, not every individual in Canada is a tax-filer. Children, for example, are included in the population count, but not as tax filers.
The actual number of donors reported in this $8.6 billion was approximately 24% of tax filers - just under 5.7 million people. Using these numbers, we end up with an average donation of $1,500 per person. Statistics Canada reports the median donation as $250, meaning that half of the donors gave more than $250 and half less.
In a 2004 study conducted by Imagine Canada, 75% of charities reported annual revenues of less than $250,000. Assuming the growth trend for registered charities continues, and that approximately 25% of tax-filing Canadians continue their support to the charitable sector, the years ahead could see 6 million tax-filers providing annual financial support of more than $4,000 each to sustain revenues of less than $250,00/year for 100,000 charities. However, if all Canadian tax-filers contributed to tax-deductible charitable donations, that amount drops to approximately $1,000 per tax-filer, on average - still well above the mean donation amount of $250 reported by Statistics Canada.
So, does the charitable sector need more donors and supporters? Of course. As citizens, we can all add value to the work of the Canadian charitable sector. But does the charitable sector also need to work together, share resources, and examine potential mergers and partnerships before considering adding yet one more organization to a sector that is currently being supported by only 25% of the Canadian population?
Your views are welcome.
Why does this matter?
Canada's population currently stands at approximately 32.9 million. In 2007, Canadian taxfilers reported making approximately $8.6 billion in charitable donations. If every single individual in Canada were included in this $8.6 billion, it would work out to approximately $261 per individual. However, not every individual in Canada is a tax-filer. Children, for example, are included in the population count, but not as tax filers.
The actual number of donors reported in this $8.6 billion was approximately 24% of tax filers - just under 5.7 million people. Using these numbers, we end up with an average donation of $1,500 per person. Statistics Canada reports the median donation as $250, meaning that half of the donors gave more than $250 and half less.
In a 2004 study conducted by Imagine Canada, 75% of charities reported annual revenues of less than $250,000. Assuming the growth trend for registered charities continues, and that approximately 25% of tax-filing Canadians continue their support to the charitable sector, the years ahead could see 6 million tax-filers providing annual financial support of more than $4,000 each to sustain revenues of less than $250,00/year for 100,000 charities. However, if all Canadian tax-filers contributed to tax-deductible charitable donations, that amount drops to approximately $1,000 per tax-filer, on average - still well above the mean donation amount of $250 reported by Statistics Canada.
So, does the charitable sector need more donors and supporters? Of course. As citizens, we can all add value to the work of the Canadian charitable sector. But does the charitable sector also need to work together, share resources, and examine potential mergers and partnerships before considering adding yet one more organization to a sector that is currently being supported by only 25% of the Canadian population?
Your views are welcome.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Oxfam Halifax - International Women's Day
Oxfam Halifax would like to invite you to “Get caught up in the action: Women’s Movements and Change”!
To celebrate International Women’s Day we will be holding a dynamic discussion featuring four prominent activists working for greater gender equality locally and internationally. This event will include a lively conversation with panelists, an opportunity to enjoy our musical guest and a chance to access great resources and learn more about how you can get involved in issues that are important to you.
We hope you will join us for a fun and inspiring evening!
For more information please contact: Peggy at mr842902@dal.ca
When: Thursday March 5, 2009
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm to mingle with organizations; panel will be at 7pm.
Where: The Public Archives
6061 University Ave.
Corner of University Avenue and Robie Street
To celebrate International Women’s Day we will be holding a dynamic discussion featuring four prominent activists working for greater gender equality locally and internationally. This event will include a lively conversation with panelists, an opportunity to enjoy our musical guest and a chance to access great resources and learn more about how you can get involved in issues that are important to you.
We hope you will join us for a fun and inspiring evening!
For more information please contact: Peggy at mr842902@dal.ca
When: Thursday March 5, 2009
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm to mingle with organizations; panel will be at 7pm.
Where: The Public Archives
6061 University Ave.
Corner of University Avenue and Robie Street
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
International Women's Day
March 8th - International Women's Day is a day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.
In addition to being a day of celebration, IWD is also a day of advocay and awareness-building. With female CEOs and prime ministers; young women welcomed into university; the opportunity for women to work and have a family -today's women have real choices. So have women achieved equality - at least in the "developed" nations?
Internationalwomen'sday.com states,
"With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are often still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men".
Corroborating that statement, is a Canadian News Wire release from late January, 2009:
The number of women in top executive jobs at Canada's largest publicly traded companies is at its highest level, but remains at 7.2 per cent, according to a new report. The fourth annual Rosenzweig Report on Women at the Top Levels of Corporate Canada found that 36 women now hold top officer jobs in Canada's 100 largest publicly-traded companies; up from 31 last year. On a percentage basis of top jobs, women now hold 7.2 per cent of the positions and men 92.8; last year it was 5.8 per cent and 94.2 respectively. However, more than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Canada's biggest public companies do not have women executives at the top paid ranks.
Unquestionably, women have made great advances in equality over the past 100 years. Recognizing this, the tone and nature of International Women's Day is shifting more to being a celebration of the positives, rather than a reminder of the negatives.
However, there is still more work to be done. According to the United Nations, women do 2/3 of the world's work yet earn only 5% of the world's income and own less than 1% of the world's real property. Women often lack resources that might help move them out of poverty. This includes capital, land, and borrowing opportunities. Advocating for equality for all women and girls remains a priority for the United Nations. The United Nations Development Fund for Women continues to work for women's empowerment and gender equality.
More times than not, when women live in poverty, so do their children. With just over two weeks until International Women's Day 2009, please take a moment to share with us your plans for this important day, and your thoughts on how we can work together to improve the lives of women and children.
Now celebrated annually in dozens of countries throughout the globe, International Women's Day (IWD) was first celebrated in 1911. A list of 333 IWD events taking place in 33 countries, as well as a history of IWD can be found on www.internationalwomensday.com.
In addition to being a day of celebration, IWD is also a day of advocay and awareness-building. With female CEOs and prime ministers; young women welcomed into university; the opportunity for women to work and have a family -today's women have real choices. So have women achieved equality - at least in the "developed" nations?
Internationalwomen'sday.com states,
"With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are often still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men".
Corroborating that statement, is a Canadian News Wire release from late January, 2009:
The number of women in top executive jobs at Canada's largest publicly traded companies is at its highest level, but remains at 7.2 per cent, according to a new report. The fourth annual Rosenzweig Report on Women at the Top Levels of Corporate Canada found that 36 women now hold top officer jobs in Canada's 100 largest publicly-traded companies; up from 31 last year. On a percentage basis of top jobs, women now hold 7.2 per cent of the positions and men 92.8; last year it was 5.8 per cent and 94.2 respectively. However, more than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Canada's biggest public companies do not have women executives at the top paid ranks.
Unquestionably, women have made great advances in equality over the past 100 years. Recognizing this, the tone and nature of International Women's Day is shifting more to being a celebration of the positives, rather than a reminder of the negatives.
However, there is still more work to be done. According to the United Nations, women do 2/3 of the world's work yet earn only 5% of the world's income and own less than 1% of the world's real property. Women often lack resources that might help move them out of poverty. This includes capital, land, and borrowing opportunities. Advocating for equality for all women and girls remains a priority for the United Nations. The United Nations Development Fund for Women continues to work for women's empowerment and gender equality.
More times than not, when women live in poverty, so do their children. With just over two weeks until International Women's Day 2009, please take a moment to share with us your plans for this important day, and your thoughts on how we can work together to improve the lives of women and children.
Now celebrated annually in dozens of countries throughout the globe, International Women's Day (IWD) was first celebrated in 1911. A list of 333 IWD events taking place in 33 countries, as well as a history of IWD can be found on www.internationalwomensday.com.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Gender Pay Equity in the Fundraising Profession: Why is this still an issue?
AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) annual Compensation and Benefits Study (2006) reveals that from 2004 to 2005 salaries for professional fundraisers decreased in the United States and remained stable in Canada
The average salary for U.S. respondents to the 2006 survey fell to $67,181 in 2005, a 16.7% decrease from the average in 2004. During the same period, average salaries for Canadian fundraisers increased by 2.3%, to $65,768.
While the survey results reveal a to-be-expected correlation between salary level and factors like geography, organizational size, tenure in the profession and possessing the CFRE credential, it also revealed that a significant gender gap continues to exist between the salaries of male and female fundraisers.
Male fundraisers in the U.S. reported an average salary of $76,148 in 2005. Women earned $62,980 on average.
In Canada male fundraisers reported an average salary of $75,254 in 2005. Women earned $63,055 on average. Seventy percent of all respondents (both U.S. and Canada) classified themselves as female, while 30 percent classified themselves as male.
Several survey questions addressed respondents’ perceptions of the reasons for the salary gender gap. Forty-four percent of respondents in both countries stated they feel there is widespread salary gender bias in fundraising. Top reasons cited for this gap included the “double standard” in society and the unconscious bias of supervisors. Other high ranking reasons included the fact that women employees have been hesitant to complain about salary bias, and male employees tend to be more aggressive in pursuing salary raises.
In a profession where each year sees a greater percentage of females, the persistent gender gap in pay scales seems incongruous. Perhaps in an era when we’ve witnessed watershed moments like the election of the first African American U.S. president, we will also see the extinction of a disparity that itself should have become extinct a long time ago. I hope it becomes extinct before I do.
The average salary for U.S. respondents to the 2006 survey fell to $67,181 in 2005, a 16.7% decrease from the average in 2004. During the same period, average salaries for Canadian fundraisers increased by 2.3%, to $65,768.
While the survey results reveal a to-be-expected correlation between salary level and factors like geography, organizational size, tenure in the profession and possessing the CFRE credential, it also revealed that a significant gender gap continues to exist between the salaries of male and female fundraisers.
Male fundraisers in the U.S. reported an average salary of $76,148 in 2005. Women earned $62,980 on average.
In Canada male fundraisers reported an average salary of $75,254 in 2005. Women earned $63,055 on average. Seventy percent of all respondents (both U.S. and Canada) classified themselves as female, while 30 percent classified themselves as male.
Several survey questions addressed respondents’ perceptions of the reasons for the salary gender gap. Forty-four percent of respondents in both countries stated they feel there is widespread salary gender bias in fundraising. Top reasons cited for this gap included the “double standard” in society and the unconscious bias of supervisors. Other high ranking reasons included the fact that women employees have been hesitant to complain about salary bias, and male employees tend to be more aggressive in pursuing salary raises.
In a profession where each year sees a greater percentage of females, the persistent gender gap in pay scales seems incongruous. Perhaps in an era when we’ve witnessed watershed moments like the election of the first African American U.S. president, we will also see the extinction of a disparity that itself should have become extinct a long time ago. I hope it becomes extinct before I do.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Transparency and Accountability
Today's Chronicle Herald features a front-page article on a donor's discontent with the way her donation was handled by a local charity:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1105956.html
Reading the article, one is left with the impression that the donor is not so much upset by the use of the funds, as she is about the apparent lack of transparency. According to the article, the donor was not informed when the charity instituted a change in the use of the facilities made possible by the donated funds. The donor received several letters of complaint from stakeholders affected by the decision made by the charity - leaving her feeling, in her words, "heartbroken and saddened".
Could this situation have been avoided? Had the charity made thier intentions clear from the outset, the public sentiment may still have be one of disapproval, but the donor would have known clearly how her gift was to be used and would not have been left surprised and, perhaps, embarrassed, by the charity's actions.
Charities play an invaluable role in society, and their continued success is dependent upon the public's trust and confidence. No one can argue that the charity discussed in this article is not fully deserving of the public's trust and confidence. No one can question the outstanding dedication of the staff, and the enormous contribution they make to our community. As a public, we embrace them and whole-heartedly support their work.
However, this "black-eye", as the article refers to it, on the organization could have likely been avoided through improved donor communications. Communicating in a way that is fully transparent with donors and stakeholders, even if the news is unpopular or unpleasant, not only builds trust and confidence - it fosters a culture of accountability.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1105956.html
Reading the article, one is left with the impression that the donor is not so much upset by the use of the funds, as she is about the apparent lack of transparency. According to the article, the donor was not informed when the charity instituted a change in the use of the facilities made possible by the donated funds. The donor received several letters of complaint from stakeholders affected by the decision made by the charity - leaving her feeling, in her words, "heartbroken and saddened".
Could this situation have been avoided? Had the charity made thier intentions clear from the outset, the public sentiment may still have be one of disapproval, but the donor would have known clearly how her gift was to be used and would not have been left surprised and, perhaps, embarrassed, by the charity's actions.
Charities play an invaluable role in society, and their continued success is dependent upon the public's trust and confidence. No one can argue that the charity discussed in this article is not fully deserving of the public's trust and confidence. No one can question the outstanding dedication of the staff, and the enormous contribution they make to our community. As a public, we embrace them and whole-heartedly support their work.
However, this "black-eye", as the article refers to it, on the organization could have likely been avoided through improved donor communications. Communicating in a way that is fully transparent with donors and stakeholders, even if the news is unpopular or unpleasant, not only builds trust and confidence - it fosters a culture of accountability.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Can Charities Collaborate to Weather the Economic Downturn?
Collaboration brings many benefits to those who choose to embrace it. Increased knowledge, reduced costs and the power of many acting as one, are just a few.
Cooperatives are a prime example of how collaboration can work to reduce costs by increasing buying power. When large-scale buyers form a buying group, such as a cooperative, members are able to purchase goods in bulk - resulting in cost savings to both the member organizations, and to the end-user consumer.
In the corporate world, many small businesses will collaborate through the sharing of resources. It is not uncommon for an office comprised of several small businesses to share a central reception and office technology centre, thus reducing the cost for each business while allowing for crucial resources that otherwise might be finacially out of reach.
Most charitable organizations are well-practised at operating on a shoestring budget and making the most of limited resources. Many are known for being innovative in times of extreme need. Will the recent economic crisis see even more innovation and creativy from the charitable sector? Will charities forge new partnerships in an effort to build or maintain capacity, and what lessons can the for-profit and not-for-profit organizations learn from each other?
If you have any great examples of collaboration, we'd love to hear about them.
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