New Nonprofit Resource from Government of Alberta | CCVO attends Throne Speech
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CCVO's Reflections on the Throne Speech
Alberta’s Speech from the Throne was delivered October 30 by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Salma Lakhani. CCVO was present to hear about the government’s priorities and its impact on the nonprofit sector, and discuss the importance of the sector with Minister Tanya Fir (Arts, Culture, and Status of Women) and Joe Ceci (NDP Critic for Arts and Culture). The speech itself contained few surprises with key areas of focus for this new government: provincial and federal jurisdiction, energy, affordability, housing, public safety, education, and healthcare.
We have a resource with the contact information of Ministers and Critics, should you wish to reach out to the one that your nonprofit works most closely with to discuss anything within the Throne Speech that is of notable interest or relevance to your organization, or, to try and secure that seat for the next Throne Speech. There is nothing like being in the room for the throne speech to witness the pomp and circumstance, to see the tradition, and to revere in democracy. Read our full reflection on the Throne Speech here.
CCVO at the Kahanoff Centre Tenant Open House
We had a great time engaging with Calgary's nonprofit community at The Kahanoff Centre Tenant Open House where we discussed our programs and membership offerings. Our membership provides exclusive access to networking opportunities, Grant Connect's funding database, valuable sector insights, event discounts, and more. Ready to join CCVO's membership? Explore the benefits here.
What Does the Alternative Minimum Tax Mean for Charities?
The Alternative Minimum Tax has been making headlines in the nonprofit world in response to proposed changes in federal tax law. It was created to “prevent high income earners and trusts from paying little or no tax as a result of certain tax incentives" (RBC, 2023). Changes are being made to the AMT this year to lower tax breaks for high income earners. For most Canadian taxpayers – those not among the highest income earners – the new rules will have no effect. In fact, an increased flat tax exemption will reduce the chances of the AMT being triggered. The changes are most likely to increase the tax burden for high income or high net worth individuals gifting a portion of the value of dividends or sale of property, gifting public securities, or gifting property.
The assumption is that high income earners will be incentivized to reduce their philanthropic contributions. The Alberta Network of Community Foundations, Imagine Canada, the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and others have also made submissions to the Department of Finance expressing concerns about this change to the AMT. Read more about the changes and see how you can weigh in here.
Policy Highlights
Calgary Housing Strategy Clears Its first Hurdle. Next Up: 2023 Budget Adjustments
Thank you, Calgary nonprofits! On September 14, you showed up in a way we’ve rarely seen. 93 nonprofit organizations signed a letter calling on the City Council to curb the housing crisis by adopting recommendations made by the Housing Affordability Task Force (HATF). On September 16, the Council voted 12-3 in favour of the Housing Strategy, which includes those recommendations.
The City Council’s adoption of the Housing Strategy is a great first step towards keeping Calgary affordable. Its continued success will be contingent on proper funding – which the public can weigh in on at the City’s review of the budget in November. Opportunities for public input on the Adjustments to the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budgets are welcome up until November 20, 2023. Share your comments or sign up to speak here. Read more here.
A New Nonprofit Navigator at the Government of Alberta
The Government of Alberta has launched a new website that provides comprehensive information and resources to support nonprofits serving Albertans. It includes information on how to start, fund, manage and end a nonprofit; available programs, services and grants for nonprofits; nonprofit data; learning and capacity building opportunities; and board member training. Check out the new site here and access the grant search engine here.
By creating a centralized hub for valuable tools and insights, this new resource provides nonprofits with quicker access to valuable information. Read more about the resource here.
Calgary's 2023 Living Wage
Vibrant Communities Calgary, in collaboration with the Alberta Living Wage Network, released the new living wage of $23.70 for Calgary. Calgary is one of 16 municipalities that published their living wages in Alberta.
The living wage reflects what people need to earn to maintain a modest standard of living based on the actual costs of living in Calgary. It is determined by calculating average expenses using local costs, subtracting taxes, and adding government transfers for a given household.
Shelter costs were the largest contributor to increases in this year’s living wages. About $2,846 in extra costs over last year were attributed to increases in shelter costs in Calgary. Certain government benefits did keep the living wages lower than expected this year. Read more here.
City of Calgary Accessibility Awards
Nominations for the Advisory Committee on Accessibility’s (ACA) annual Accessibility Awards are open. Organizations, groups or individuals ca be nominated. The three awards available are:
The Advocacy Award for those that have improved the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
The Universal Design Award for those who’ve created better access to the physical environment, technology, or products.
The Transportation and Mobility Award for those enhancing how Calgarians navigate the city.
The ACA sponsors these awards to raise awareness about disability and the importance of accessibility and universal design. The deadline for nominations is November 17 and nominations can be submitted here.
Funding & Grants
Canada Service Corps Call for Proposals
Canada Service Corps offers funding for youth ages 12-30 to engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities. All opportunities must be in Canada and project must seek to engage Indigenous or underserved youth. Three funding streams are available.
1) Service Placements National Stream: This stream is for organizations offering projects in two or more provinces or territories and a minimum of 14,400 service hours. Up to $8 million is available and placements can be full or part time.
2) Service Placements Regional Stream: Organizations can receive up to $3 million for part time placements amounting to a minimum of 4,800 service hours.
3) Micro-grants: This stream is for youth-led service projects that address community needs. Up to $5,000 is available and the money is given directly to the youth.
Nonprofits, research organizations, indigenous organizations and government entities are welcome to apply. The deadline for applications is December 19. Application information can be found here.
UNAC Calgary
UNAC Calgary is committed to supporting projects that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that their organization and the initiative advances the goals of diversity, equality and inclusion.
Grants of up to $2,000 are available, more funding may be requested upon agreement of the board. Microgrants are available for organizations applying for less than $500. Successful applicants will be required to execute a AGLC Recipient Agreement. Find out more information and apply here.
Member Events
Debt Dialogues
November 8 | online
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Parkdale Nifty Fifties
November 9 | Parkdale Nify Fifties
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Sip N' Chat, Connections for Seniors (Online), Seniors Cribbage Group, Neighbour Night, Caregiver Support, Farmers' Market
Ongoing | Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association
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Hangar 48th Anniversary
November 18&19 | Hangar Flight Museum
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Blogs & More
Men's Mental Health Mini Series Living Fully
Living Fully, Calgary Counselling Centre
Men all over the world are struggling with their mental health. Anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among men continue to rise. There are many underlying factors to these challenges that need to be addressed in order for meaningful change to happen. To help address these issues Calgary Counselling Centre is focusing on men’s mental health. For the next four episodes we’ll be talking about the challenges men are experiencing. Listen Here→.
A Canadian Tax Lawyer's Guide For Registered Charities In Canada: Non-Resident Withholding Tax
David Rotfleisch, Mondaq
Registered charities in Canada may find themselves facing unexpected tax obligations and consequences when they work with non-residents of Canada. In spite of the general exemption a registered charity is entitled to under the Act, a portion of the payment for any non-resident independent contractors to provide services in Canada should generally be withheld and remitted to the CRA by the payor. The applicable tax rate is determined by relevant tax treaties. Read More→