40 nonprofits achieve Imagine Canada Standards accreditation

Accredited organizations demonstrate leadership in transparency and good governance

Toronto, January 30, 2024 — Imagine Canada, the umbrella organization for the charitable and nonprofit sector, is proud to introduce the latest cohort of organizations accredited under the Standards. This diverse group of 40 nonprofits showcases the commitment of Canadian nonprofits to uphold the highest standards of accreditation in governance and transparency.

In an era where nonprofits face continued challenges, from economic challenges to heightened demand for services, the Standards accreditation helps organizations strengthen their practices in the areas of board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, human resources, and volunteer involvement. Achieving accreditation is a symbol of governance excellence that tells donors, funders and stakeholders that the organization is committed to transparency and efficiency so they can better support the communities they serve.

We applaud the following newly accredited organizations for their achievement:

• Cedar Centre
• Good Neighbours Canada
• Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Canada
• Hope Air
• Jack.org
• LiveDifferent
• Myeloma Canada
• Outside Looking In (OLI)
• Oxfam-Québec
• Physically Handicapped Adults’ Rehabilitation Association (PHARA)
• SARC
• Siloam Mission
• Welcome Hall Mission
• YMCA of Medicine Hat

We also congratulate organizations that have been re-accredited, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to accountability and performance:

• ALS Society of Canada
• Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
• Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
• Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan
• Boys and Girls Clubs Foundation of South Coast BC
• Canadian Mental Health Association – North and West Vancouver Branch
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Northern BC
• Canadian Mental Health Association – South Okanagan Similkameen
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Vernon and District Branch
• Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation
• Daily Bread Food Bank
• FuseSocial Wood Buffalo
• Lakeridge Health Foundation
• Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
• LOFT Community Services
• QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation
• Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
• Sarnia Lambton Rebound: A Program for Youth
• SickKids Foundation
• Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation
• United for Literacy
• United Way Winnipeg
• Victoria Foundation
• West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation
• YMCA of Lethbridge
• YMCA of Regina

“In today’s dynamic environment, charities and nonprofits are increasingly focused on surpassing high standards in transparency and governance. The efforts of our newly accredited and re-accredited organizations in strengthening their governance practices are commendable. Their success in achieving Standards accreditation not only fosters trust with donors and the public but also solidifies their role as leaders in ethical practices within the sector.” said Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Imagine Canada. “As they become part of our network of over 270 accredited organizations, we celebrate their contributions to integrity and accountability. This milestone, marked by the launch of our new Standards brand, reaffirms our collective dedication to the highest standards in our sector.”

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 is a public demonstration of credibility and transparency. For the complete list of accredited organizations, please visit ImagineCanada.ca/standards.

Our heartfelt congratulations to all accredited organizations and a special thank you to the dedicated volunteer peer reviewers for their outstanding contribution to this important work.

About the Standards

Organizations participating in the Standards 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.

The Standards is the only national, bilingual, accreditation program created to improve the governance and operations of charities and nonprofits across Canada and strengthen donor and public confidence in the sector. The Standards leverage the wisdom and expertise of the nonprofit sector in five fundamental areas: board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, human resources, and volunteer involvement.

The Accreditation Trustmark lets donors and volunteers know that when supporting an organization, their goodwill is in good hands.

Acknowledgements

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

ABOUT IMAGINE CANADA

Imagine Canada is a national, bilingual charitable organization whose cause is Canada’s charities and nonprofits. 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 X, on LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook and Instagram.

For additional information please contact:

Noéline Le Jeune
Coordinator, Digital Experience (Bilingual)
nlejeune@imaginecanada.ca