Fossil fuel companies have been using sponsorship, funding and donations to become increasingly embedded in communities. By providing critical infrastructure, companies are strategically able to avoid being held accountable by the communities they serve, according to the charity.
When non-profits can combine operations with values, it can have a meaningful impact that builds trust, inspires action, and sets an example for others to follow.
Charities and non-profits interact with government on many levels, including requesting funding, being contracted to deliver essential services, and advocating for policy reform. While not all of these activities are classed as lobbying, the upcoming changes to reporting requirements will likely mean that many organizations will have to track and report their interactions with the federal government.
Charities and non-profits may find long-term sustainability challenging, given high delivery costs, fluctuating donation patterns, changing community needs, and shifting priorities for funders. One under-explored exit strategy is to merge operations with other organizations. Charities and non-profits, however, need to be aware of their obligations with the Canada Revenue Agency should they choose to go down this route.
Charities and non-profits are often at the whim of economic cycles. When there is a downturn, donations and corporate giving shrink too. In these times, consistent government funding could support and sustain non-profits, but some are concerned the sector could fall by the wayside again.
Canada’s political climate can feel divisive, but the journey of these two women proves that empathy and open-mindedness can bridge even the widest political gaps. Braver Angels is actively working to create solutions to North America’s growing political polarization, an issue that often divides families, friendships, and workplaces.
