Here is a copy of a presentation I recently delivered to a number of Canadian charities in Ottawa entitled Legal Issues for Canadian Charities Conducting Foreign Activities and International Development Download Article
Here is a copy of my recent article Global Philanthropy Growing as World Shrinks which appeared in the CAGP Toronto 2008 Supplement Your Guide To Giving Back. View Article
In these files we list every country and the individual Canadian charities that operate in those countries according to the 2006 T3010 information. By providing this information charities and donors will be aware of which organizations operate in each country. …
The Hudson Institute Center for Global Prosperity discusses the role of the private sector, both for profit and non-profit “in the creation of economic growth and prosperity in the developing world.” Their 2008 Index of Global Philanthropy is an excellent…
The recent Cyclone Nargis in Burma has killed many people and caused tremendous devastation. Well-meaning Canadians should be careful to respond appropriately in order to ensure that their donations will be used effectively. Canadian organizations need to consider carefully their…
Planned Giving in a Global World is my presentation at the CAGP national convention about Planned Giving by Canadian charities for projects outside of Canada. The description of the presentation was “In this session, we will discuss basic information that…
April 3, 2008 – CRA has just released the latest T3010 information which is for the year 2006 and it shows another large increase in funds spent by Canadian charities operating abroad. In fact in 2006 Canadian charities spent over…
I often read commentators talking about the ‘increased burden’ placed by Canada Revenue Agency on Canadian charities operating abroad or the ‘increasingly complicated’ administrative rules. I then scratch my head and wonder what increased burden and what increased rules? The…
Here is a copy of a presentation I recently delivered on promoting bequests to charities. As charities seek to diversify or increase revenue, bequests become an even more important potential source. It covers some of the advantages and disadvantages with…
Imagine has revised its Code of Ethics (or Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code) and in this article I review the changes and provide a critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the Imagine Canada’s Code of Ethics. Imagine Canada’s…
Alliance Magazine has a summary of this UK article on Who Gives for Overseas Development? at This article may be of interest to professional fundraisers who work on international development and humanitarian aid. It may or may not be…
Many charities involved with international development and humanitarian relief are familiar with CIDA funding, major gifts, and direct mail. Some of these charities may receive in fact the vast majority of their funds from CIDA and other Canadian government sources. …
This interesting book provides lots of insights into grantmaking in Africa.
Here is a copy of my presentation on the legal requirements for Canadian charities operating abroad. The presentation discussed CRA positions and documents, case law, and various other legal, practical and ethical issues that a Canadian charity may face. Download…
Although the law, governance and ethics are closely intertwined there is little written about ethics of Canadian charities operating abroad. Here are some links that may be of assistance to Canadian charities that operate outside of Canada to understand some…
I read a very interesting article by David O. Renz entitled “Reframing Governance”. It appeared in Volume 13, Issue 4, Winter 2006 of The Nonprofit Quarterly. It will be of particular interest to those involved with international NGOs who work…
This European Foundation Centre and the Council on Foundations guide on Disaster Grantmaking sets out principles of good disaster management for charities, foundations and corporations. DISASTER GRANTMAKING: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations The Report of a Joint Working…
Inc. Magazine recently wrote an article entitled “Everybody Wants to Save the World: But when you start a charity overseas, good intentions often go awry” The article profiles Troy Wiseman, former owner of fashion label, BUM International. “There was a…
I had the privilege of spending December 1 and 2 (ie my last weekend) at a Board meeting of Canadian Crossroads International. Here are some personal thoughts. I had the privilege of spending December 1 and 2 (ie my last…
An Ipsos Reid poll suggests that Canadian donors have low levels of trust of “international development” charities. This article will attempt to explain why and suggest how to increase levels of trust. In September 2006 Ipsos Reid and The Muttart…
The Globe & Mail article I referred to above on Canadian disaster relief charities not complying with the rules provides one of many illustrations of the importance of Canadian charities understanding and complying with CRA guidelines on Canadian charities operating…
In this article I discuss the importance of remittances by Canadian residents to foreign countries. Canada is the third largest country in terms of remittances at $6.3 billion, after the US at $61B and the UK at $6.6B. The impact…
Here are some handy resources and links for Canadian Charities conducting activities outside of Canada. www.GlobalPhilanthropy.ca CANADA REVENUE AGENCY PUBLICATIONS The Canada Revenue Agency has hundreds of forms and documents that are relevant to Canadian charities operating outside of Canada…
The Globe & Mail recently wrote about Canada Revenue Agency audits of Canadian charities involved in disaster relief including the tsunami. The large number of charities that were non-compliant amongst the CRA sample will not improve the public’s confidence in…