Nonprofit News: How Amazing Is That?

Although I penned my final article of the year last week, I am honoured to have been included in an end of year celebration of some of the volunteer contributors to Nonprofit Quarterly “An Ode To Brains And Backbone”. Thousands of articles are published each year, ranging from lengthy features to newswires, and it all happens thanks to an intriguing and inspiring mix of staff writers/editors and volunteer writers. I invite you to learn more about it, and see the skills of the NPQ team on display as demonstrated by how they took my biographical information and made my life sound very exciting! Happy holidays to all, and I with you a healthy and happy 2020!

Final NPQ North of 2019: In Wake of Federal Election, Canadian Nonprofits Seek New Policy Framework

In the aftermath of an election campaign that had a chilling effect on nonprofit advocacy, the December edition of NPQ North looks at a revitalized initiative to “give a home in government” to the charitable sector.

There is wisdom in the “Home in Government” campaign and these relatively straightforward recommendations for making it happen—sector veterans who have seen little progress in their lifetimes understand that unfocused passion is unlikely to deliver results, particular in the environment of a minority government. If there is no progress prior to the next election (on average minority governments in Canada last two years) the Senate report and the momentum for reform will surely be lost.

This will be the final issue of NPQ North for 2019. I want to thank the team at NPQ for providing me the opportunity to write exclusively about the Canadian non-profit community, and I am especially grateful to readers who have reach out with story ideas and words of encouragement. All the best to you and yours in the holiday season and for a safe and prosperous 2020.

NPQ North: Canadians Are Anxious—and This Election Campaign Isn’t Helping!

In the latest edition of NPQ North, I attempt an election campaign overview followed by the role of charitable organizations in the election – fears, opportunities, and the need for regulatory changes!

There is just one weekend remaining for Canadians to ponder their choices before going to the polls on Monday, October 21^st. Predicting the outcome from the election of 338 Members of Parliament to the House of Commons—and formation of the next Government of Canada—is proving almost as difficult as trying to come up with a narrative for the campaign. It’s not that the election has been uninteresting (there are even indications of high voter turnout but it is proving very difficult to answer the question, “What is the 43^rd federal election all about?” More…

Slowing or preventing the death of professional journalism in Canada – the federal Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization tax plan could help – but it’s only part of any successful long term solution (NPQ North, August 4, 2019)

What started out as a source of partisan tension seems to have been largely diffused as a political issue – as in, the Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization tax plan isn’t likely to result in actual or perceived pro-government bias – but it also isn’t going to save professional journalism in Canada. Check out my latest NPQ North to learn about the expert panel’s recommendations, and to explore some of the other options for new models of sustainable media.

NPQ North: Senate of Canada “Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector” mostly points in the right directions – but does anybody care?

It’s been a few weeks since the last NPQ North installment, and you might think a Senate of Canada report is a bit heavy for a summer read, but if you are at all involved or interested in the nonprofit and charitable sector, it’s actually pretty fascinating. You can also start out with my review of the report and see if you feel compelled to read further!

One of the more interesting issues is the status of religious organizations who receive the full tax benefits of charitable status but without the same requirements and oversight as other charities. The Senate report stops short of recommending a change but leaves the door open as well – what do you think?