New cohort of nonprofits receive the Imagine Canada accreditation
Commitment to organizational excellence attained by 21 accredited organizations
Toronto, May 31, 2022 — Imagine Canada, the umbrella organization for the charitable and nonprofit sector, is proud to welcome the latest group of 21 accredited organizations to its national Standards Program. By earning this sought-after hallmark of excellence, these organizations have demonstrated their commitment to the highest level of accountability, governance, and transparency, all the while providing stellar service to their communities.
Imagine Canada applauds these well-deserving new recipients of the Trustmark for their dedication to excellence:
CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg
Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation
Covenant Foundation
First United Church
Sinai Health Foundation
South Winnipeg Family Information Centre
Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Canada
In addition to the newly accredited charities, these 14 organizations are maintaining their good standing after successfully completing their re-accreditation, bringing the total number of organizations currently accredited across the country to 260:
Acclaim Health
CMHA Kelowna and District
Canadian Mental Health Association - Cariboo Chilcotin Branch
Christmas Bureau of Edmonton
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
March of Dimes Canada
Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation
St. Andrew’s Residence
Stephen Lewis Foundation
YMCA of Greater Vancouver
YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford
YWCA Metro Vancouver
“Completing the Imagine Canada accreditation requires a deep commitment by both the volunteer Board of Directors and organization’s staff,” says Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Imagine Canada. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we’re pleased to see that nonprofits continue to prioritize strengthening their capacity to better serve the diverse needs of individuals across the country. We commend these accredited nonprofits for raising the bar on organizational excellence and contributing to building a stronger sector.”
With the effects of the pandemic still affecting communities, and inflation putting added strain on many individuals, more and more Canadians are turning to nonprofits and charities for support. The Standards Program has been specifically designed to provide a blueprint to organizations so that they can elevate their practices and have the greatest possible impact.
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.
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 elevate 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; and generously supported by the Lawson Foundation.
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
Assistant, Communications (Bilingual)
nlejeune@imaginecanada.ca