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New group of nonprofit organizations achieve the Imagine Canada accreditation

New group of nonprofit organizations achieve the Imagine Canada accreditation

Press release

Standards Program Trustmark

17 accredited organizations recognized for their commitment to transparency and good governance

 

Toronto, May 17, 2023 — Imagine Canada, the umbrella organization for the charitable and nonprofit sector, is pleased to welcome the latest group of accredited nonprofits to its national Standards Program. This cohort of 17 nonprofits has successfully completed the accreditation process to join the growing community of 270 organizations across the country committed to accountability, governance, transparency, and best practices.

As the charitable and nonprofit sector continues to face increased demand due to the rising cost of living, and grapples with staff and volunteer shortages, the Standards Program provides invaluable guidance to organizations of all sizes and causes to enhance their governance and practices. By achieving accreditation, these organizations can proudly display the Program's seal of excellence, fulfill their missions and have the greatest possible impact.

Congratulations to the newly accredited organizations for their remarkable commitment to excellence!

Food Banks BC

Humane Canada

The Canadian Council of Churches

The Vitanova Foundation

In addition to the newly accredited nonprofits, 13 organizations have successfully completed their re-accreditation, demonstrating their continued commitment to excellence.

Arthouse

Calgary Health Foundation

Halton Women's Place

Humanitarian Coalition

Milton Community Resource Centre

Oxfam Canada

Praxis Spinal Cord Institute

St. Boniface Hospital Foundation

Sunshine Coast Foundation

Lighthouse for Grieving Children

Ve'ahavta

YMCA of Brandon

YMCA of Greater Toronto

“Ensuring high standards of transparency and governance has become a major priority for charities and nonprofits facing unexpected challenges,” said Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Imagine Canada. “We commend these organizations for their commitment to strengthening their practices. Accreditation is critical in building trust with donors and the public, and we are thrilled to welcome this new group of exceptional organizations to the Standards Program.”

Organizations from coast to coast to coast, big and small, and devoted to a diverse range of worthy causes have demonstrated excellence by achieving accreditation. Recognition through Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program is a public demonstration of credibility and transparency. For the complete list of accredited organizations, please visit ImagineCanada.ca/standards

We extend our congratulations to all organizations on their accreditation and thank the dedicated volunteer peer reviewers for their outstanding contribution to this important work.

About the Standards Program

Organizations participating in the Standards Program have access to a spectrum of resources at all stages of the process, such as self-assessment tools, volunteer peer advisors from accredited organizations, and online resources to strengthen practices. The peer reviewers’ assessment of policies and practices, as well as constructive feedback, contribute to elevating accountability, transparency, and sound governance practices in Canadian charities and nonprofits. 

Created by the sector for the sector, the Standards Program is the only national accreditation program that is designed for all Canadian charities and nonprofits. To earn the accreditation, organizations must demonstrate excellence in five fundamental areas: board governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement. 

The Trustmark is a sought-after symbol of trust and excellence within the sector for funders, donors, sponsors, and supporters alike.

Acknowledgements

The Standards Program is made possible with the financial contributions from founding and presenting sponsor Canada Life.

Sponsor logo: Canada Life

ABOUT IMAGINE CANADA 

Imagine Canada is a national, bilingual charitable organization whose cause is Canada’s charities. Through our advocacy efforts, research and social enterprises, we help strengthen charities, nonprofits and social entrepreneurs so they can better fulfill their missions. Our vision is of a strong Canada where charities work together alongside business and government to build resilient and vibrant communities.

To learn more, visit our website, follow us on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook and Instagram

 

For additional information please contact:

Noéline Le Jeune

Coordinator, Communications (Bilingual)

nlejeune@imaginecanada.ca