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Checking in
How are you?
So much has changed since we last sent this newsletter to you. Since then the ripple effects of COVID-19 are being felt across our sector. We wanted to check in. How are you?
We’re reaching out to sector organizations to better understand the effects of COVID-19 on your operations and your needs at this time. If you would like to share your experiences with us to help inform our advocacy, please reach out to publicpolicy@imaginecanada.ca. We’re listening.
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Federal Government update
Additional COVID-19 economic relief measures
 The Prime Minister recently announced additional economic relief measures related to COVID-19. Of particular interest to the sector:
The Canada Emergency Business Account will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits to help cover operating costs. Organizations should contact their financial institutions to apply for these loans. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).
A wage subsidy of 75% of eligible salary for qualifying small employers, including charities and nonprofits, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Previously, the Government announced a 10% wage subsidy for small employers, including nonprofits and charities. The subsidy is worth up to $847 per week per employee, with no limit on how much an organization can receive.
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Advocacy update
150+ organizations endorse ask for $8 billion stabilization fund
Based on our financial modelling of how COVID-19 will impact charities, we are asking the federal government for $8 billion for the sector, mostly in grant funding, to help keep vital services provided by our sector running across the country throughout this crisis.
Building on our March 18 letter to Finance Minister Bill Morneau, in which we shared several policy measures that would alleviate the pressures on our sector, we’ve submitted a proposal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and relevant Ministers on March 23. The proposal focuses on 4 key policy measures and a process ask: requesting a roundtable with key ministers and sector leaders to converse as this crisis unfolds. We’re asking our sector peers to come together and endorse this proposal.
If you stand behind the policy proposals outlined in the letter, your organization can officially endorse it by emailing publicpolicy@imaginecanada.ca.
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Resources for your organization
COVID-19 Hub for charities & nonprofits
 We’ve created a new webpage to help charities and nonprofits navigate the evolving situation with COVID-19. We will continue to monitor and share resources here and via our social media channels. On this page you’ll find resources for fundraisers, ways to advocate, and more. During this time it is important that we work together as a sector, sharing resources and advice, and keeping spirits up among our staff and within our communities.
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PRESS RELEASE
COVID-19 threatens to devastate Canada’s charities
 With help from a coalition of sector peers, we are raising awareness about the impact COVID-19 will have on the sector and the urgent need for support from government, corporations, and individuals.
“We have a very real concern that, without a major infusion of funds to help charities weather the storm, the sector is in real danger of going dark,” says Bruce MacDonald, Imagine Canada’s president and CEO. “The essential services provided by charities that millions of Canadians rely upon will no longer be available unless the government stands up now to ensure the sector’s survival. Federal government action to provide emergency relief will determine the future viability of Canada’s charities.”
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RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT
Fundraising Support
During these unprecedented times, the fundraising landscape is constantly evolving and creative fundraising solutions are more important than ever. We’ve rounded up resources to support fundraisers through COVID-19.
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Virtual events to support charities and nonprofits
Responding to COVID-19: What Canadian NPO boards and management teams should know
TODAY - Tuesday, March 31 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EDT
As the global response to COVID-19 continues to evolve, charities and nonprofits are facing several potentially significant challenges. Join us alongside a panel of PwC specialists to discuss the considerations of COVID-19 for non-profit organizations.
If you’re looking for more insights check out this recording from the Toronto Foundation’s webinar. Listen in as Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Imagine Canada, and Teresa Vasilopoulos, Executive Director of WoodGreen Foundation discuss the challenges many nonprofits are facing to keep their supports and services available to the most vulnerable communities during this time of necessary social distancing and financial uncertainty.
Running a nonprofit virtually during a pandemic
Thu, April 2, 2020 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
ONN and Imagine Canada are pleased to present a series of free webinars to support nonprofits and charities. Join this free webinar to get informed, hear stories, and get your questions answered.
- Learn how to foster engagement with team members, donors, and clients while working remotely.
- Hear real-life examples from TechSoup Canada and the Centre for Social Innovation on how they manage teams, changing priorities, and daily operations.
- Get your questions answered in a live question and answer period with sector leader, Jane Zhang.
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REMOTE WORK RESOURCEs
Tips for home office success
 Many of our sector peers are now working from home offices. We wanted to share a few resources to help you feel successful in this new environment.
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For the sector. Together.
As a charity professional, you're doing critical work alongside government, individuals and the corporate community. We aim to support you with relevant news, resources and professional development opportunities - and are committed to doing so for free. Always. We are dedicated to investing resources to ensure you're always receiving high-quality content, but we could use your support. If you value Imagine Matters as a resource in your work, consider supporting this publication by becoming a Sector Advocate for as little as $5 a month.
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