TABLE OF CONTENT
- Chairman's Remarks
- Executive Director's Report
- Grants Approved In 1998
- Continuing Projects 1998
- Grant Summary 1998
ANNUAL REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
1998 has been a year of brisk activity for the staff of The Counselling Foundation of Canada. We have settled into our new offices and neighbourhood. We are enjoying the opportunity, afforded by our larger meeting space, to welcome a growing number of groups for partnership building meetings.
The fundraising training program sponsored by The Counselling Foundation of Canada and delivered by Mo Davies and Associates was very well received and attended by agency staff and volunteers. Some participants made their way from as far away as North Bay to access this professional development opportunity. At the end of the six month program, participants took the time to identify additional topical areas of interest and the future professional development needs of their staff and volunteers.
This valuable information was complimented by a survey of charitable not-for-profit service delivery agencies in the Greater Toronto Area. The survey was conducted for the Foundation by Ed Kothiringer and Partners and included detailed responses from Board Chairs and Executive Directors.
With information in hand, the staff of the Foundation have worked diligently to find ways of responding to the needs identified. A series of Board Development sessions for volunteer board members and executive directors was developed. Plans are now in place to provide support and participate in an innovative approach to assist agencies attract and keep skilled well-informed volunteer board members.
Recent Supreme Court of Canada rulings concerning the definition of "charitable activities" and the definition of "educational activities" have touched on areas of specific interest to many grantees of The Counselling Foundation of Canada. While the decision does not effect the charitable status of those already registered and delivering programs funded by The Counselling Foundation of Canada, a few grantees have raised some concern about the long term implication on innovation and responsiveness in career programs and employment services. Alternatively, some are looking forward to the new opportunities afforded by the expanded definition of education.
While individual differences in opinion on these recent rulings do exist, there appears to be consensus amongst grantees that the Broadbent Commission report "Building on Strength: Improving Governance in Canada's Voluntary Sector" clearly sets out necessary legislative changes. Legislative changes made necessary by the multitude and complexity of philosophical and organizational management issues which face the third sector - the charitable not-for-profit sector. Without change, it is unlikely the challenge of continuing the rapid and successful growth of partnerships rooted in the integration of private, public and third sector practices and policies can be met.
The staff of The Counselling Foundation of Canada have greatly appreciated and benefited from the many events, meetings and brainstorming sessions we attend. We would specifically like to thank the students of Sir Sandford Fleming Career Practitioner Program who graciously gave of their time and provided us with a glimpse of the future face of career counselling in Canada - diverse, energetic and committed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean E. Faulds
