We are pleased to unveil the six recipients of the Niagara Regional Accreditation Accelerator Program, made possible by Niagara Community Foundation (NCF). This program, the first of its kind in Ontario, provides local charitable and nonprofit organizations with support to strengthen their governance and operational practices as they work toward accreditation under the Imagine Canada Standards.

Participating organizations include:

• Bethlehem Housing and Support Services
• Birchway Niagara
• Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara
• Links for Greener Learning
• Regroupement des Organismes Haïtiens pour des Actions Communautaires à Haute Valeur ajoutée (Regohva)
• Village of Hope Niagara

“As an organization that achieved accreditation in 2012 and actively supports initiatives that strengthen charities and nonprofits in the region, partnering with Imagine Canada was a natural fit. This initiative not only helps the organizations we serve enhance their governance and operational practices through accreditation, but also focuses on building long-term capacity by equipping them with the tools, connections, and resources needed for sustainability. Through accreditation, these organizations will demonstrate the highest levels of accountability and transparency to the communities they serve in our region," said Bryan Rose, Executive Director of Niagara Community Foundation.

Achieving Standards accreditation is a rigorous and meaningful milestone that reflects an organization’s unwavering commitment to good governance, operational excellence, accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.

Thanks to the generous support from NCF, the selected organizations in the Niagara Region will receive financial support to pursue accreditation. This opportunity provides them with full access to the Standards Community resources, guidance from dedicated peer advisors and staff, in addition to having the accreditation application fee waived. The selected organizations recently convened for an in-person orientation session in Niagara with Imagine Canada’s staff, and we’re excited to continue supporting them throughout the next phases of their capacity-building efforts.

“We’re thrilled that community foundations see accreditation as a catalyst for regional capacity building. Through our partnership with the Niagara Community Foundation, we’re helping local organizations enhance their practices using the proven framework of the Imagine Canada Standards. We look forward to supporting these organizations throughout their accreditation journey and celebrating their achievements,” said Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Imagine Canada.

Congratulations to all selected organizations! 

ABOUT IMAGINE CANADA STANDARDS ACCREDITATION

Since 2012, the Imagine Canada Standards have served as the only national accreditation designed for all Canadian charities and nonprofits.

Through a rigorous accreditation process, independent peer reviewers evaluate organizations against 73 standards developed by the nonprofit sector, for the nonprofit sector. Organizations participating in the accreditation get 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 tools to strengthen practices. The peer reviewers’ assessment of policies and practices, as well as constructive feedback, contribute to elevating accountability, transparency, and sound governance in Canadian charities and nonprofits.

The Imagine Canada Accreditation Trustmark is a recognized symbol of trust and excellence within the sector. It lets donors and volunteers know that when supporting an organization, their goodwill is in good hands.

 

ABOUT Niagara Community Foundation

Established in 2000, Niagara Community Foundation has raised over $92.5 million and has granted in excess of $34.3 million to charities working in the arts, heritage, environment, social services, health, education and community development sectors. NCF connects donors to causes and communities to resources turning intent into impact.

NCF received its accreditation under the Imagine Canada Standards in 2012. As Niagara’s philanthropic leader, NCF inspires other organizations in the sector to prioritize excellence in all aspects of service. NCF is proud to partner with Imagine Canada to help facilitate the inaugural Niagara Regional Accreditation Accelerator Program.  

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cristina Andoni

Manager, Accreditation, Communications & Partnerships

Imagine Canada

candoni@imaginecanada.ca