“To be a charity or not?” is a dilemma that many organisations face. Unfortunately, they often do not think through the answer sufficiently. Many just apply for charitable status without understanding what might be involved and, particularly, what the downside might be. The reality is that being a charity means, among other issues: Much stricter […]
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Reopening your Workplace by Jo Anne Langshaw, MAS VC
The Premier of Ontario recently announced a 3-phased plan to support the gradual reopening of the province. As we await confirmation of dates, non-essential workplaces look forward to re-opening and not-for-profit organizations need to be prepared to deal with the new-normal thrust upon us by COVID-19. Since mid-March, most non-essential workers have been away from […]
Financial Reforecasting by Brian Traquair, MAS VC
Every organization, and every family for that matter, is trying to understand the financial impact of the pandemic. In such times, we need to adapt our approach so that we can prepare for an uncertain future. We all want to protect and preserve our not-for-profits through this crisis. When so many things have changed […]
Risk Management by Chris Govern
Today I want to focus on the role of the board in risk management. All boards must have an understanding of the key risks in the organization and how those risks are managed. The Board should start by demonstrating good risk management through appropriate governance practices, including effective oversight. Beyond that, the role of […]
15 best free apps for your organization
Non-profits can definitely put their best foot forward by using these free apps. From time-saving scheduling apps, creative tools and analytics we have found many teams benefits by checking out these top marketing apps. HootSuite – This Canadian, timesaving social media dashboard tool allows staff to schedule 30 posts in advance for free to up to […]
What a 2019 non-profit marketing skills student learns.
I regularly meet with people looking to make a career change or with students who are eager to chart a career path in the charitable sector. It’s not surprising as with over 170,000 non-profits in Canada, employing over 2 million people (not including volunteers) the sector is a vibrant, innovative and often rewarding place to […]
How well is your board performing?
Looking at Board Self-Assessment A board’s responsibility is to continually improve its governance practices and effectiveness. Regular evaluation of the board is a governance best practice. Evaluations may focus on different points like: The performance of individual directors, The overall board, The board chair, The board committees The orientation and training among other aspects of […]
How is your board
How’s the Relationship between the Board and the CEO/ED? The relationship between a non-profit organization’s Board of Directors and its CEO/ED is one of the key elements of effective governance. That relationship, however, is often the source of tension for both parties. Indeed, at times the relationship can become quite fraught and dysfunctional, which reduces […]
What is Coaching?
Coaching has surged in popularity during the past 15 years. Not surprisingly, there are as many definitions of Coaching as there are Coaches. Previously coaches were contracted to fix behavioural problems at the senior level, but as Coaching has become more common in the workplace, it has evolved to build on an individual’s strengths to […]
Coaching – What it is and isn’t
Our second blog in our Coaching series clears up any misconceptions. What Coaching Is Coaching is a confidential, customized, flexible one-on-one interaction between an objective, third party (the Coach) who is external to the organization, and the individual (the Manager) who makes major decisions that impact the organization, has managerial responsibility, and wants to […]