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Why is it important that anyone seeking or receiving funds on behalf of the organization:
a. act with fairness, integrity, and in accordance with all applicable laws – Volunteers, employees, and contracted third parties engaged in fundraising should conform to all standards in Section C of Imagine...
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What is a mission statement and why is it important? A mission statement is a short, written statement that describes the core purpose of the organization including what it does, for whom and why. The mission statement should be sufficient to guide the strategies and actions of an organization,...
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Definition: Board Terms of Reference1A document approved by the board that specifies the stewardship responsibilities of the board of directors and their accountabilities to the organization’s members and stakeholders.
Why are terms of reference important? Board and committee terms of reference...
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Donations that are primarily intended to benefit the individual making the donation are not eligible for a tax receipt. Benefits to the donor can include:
admission fees to concerts or other performances;
tickets to attend events where a meal is served or entertainment is provided;
events that...
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When a donor gives the use of property (for example, provides the use of one's cottage or car) to a charity, this is not a transfer of property and is therefore not a gift. No tax receipt may be issued.
When a charity gives the use of property in return for a gift, however (for example, use of a...
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Why is it essential for employees to be provided with appropriate orientation and training? Orientation improves an employee’s performance, strengthens their commitment to their organization,1 and can promote staff retention.2 An effective orientation process not only conveys the practical...
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What does “appropriate fundraising policies” mean? While all nonprofit and charitable organizations in Canada depend on some form of fundraising, Imagine Canada recognizes that Canada’s nonprofit sector is incredibly diverse and that organizations have differing needs with regards to fundraising...
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Definition: Strategic Plan 1The strategic plan is a document that outlines the desired future for the organization and provides a roadmap that defines how the organization will achieve it. The roadmap contains broad directions as well as more specific ways they will be achieved. The plan usually...
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Why is it important for the boards of nonprofits and charities to consist of at least three members that are at arm’s length to each other and to the most senior staff person? The Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act states that any soliciting corporation must have a minimum of three directors.1...
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A charity may generally not issue a tax receipt for the gift of shares or securities of a corporation unless they are publicly traded on a “prescribed stock exchange” or if the donor is at arm’s length from the charity and each of its director and officers. This is a complex area of the regulations...
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