Here’s an opportunity for your organization to shine: through the Donner Canadian Foundation Awards. Recognizing excellence in social services, the awards are national in scope and with a total of $60,000 in prize money, provide much-needed funding to a variety of causes in the sector.
In 2013, 440 organizations across Canada participated in the program. The deadline to apply this year is set for May 30, 2014.
Since its establishment in 1998, the awards have granted over $1 million to organizations across the country. To be eligible, organizations must deliver social services through one of the following categories:
The categories are quite broad in order to encourage maximum participation.
Free performance evaluation
The Donner awards are unique in that they offer more than money and recognition; a free performance evaluation of your organization is also included – even if you don’t win!
The performance reports are invaluable as they can be used to build public and donor confidence. At a time when scrutiny of the sector has never been higher, a performance evaluation can go a long way towards strengthening your organization’s reputation.
The performance evaluation (which is confidential) measures your organization’s performance in the following 10 areas:
No matter how you look at it, applying for the awards is a win-win situation.
Michelle Jondreau is a communications professional with an avid interest in all things HR. On top of that, she hails from the nonprofit world and as such has a keen understanding of sector trends and issues. Follow her @majondreau.
