Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 16h

ONN thanks HUB International for their support of Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects as a Community Champion! 💚 HUB International provides dedicated nonprofit experts who help develop cost-effective solutions — with the right coverage — to meet your organization's insurance needs.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 1d

By signing and amplifying this letter, we are calling on all corporate and philanthropic funders to adopt trust-based philanthropic practices to help ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of Canada's nonprofits and charities.
www.tamarackcommunity.ca/articles/ope...

A quote graphic with a dark blue background and a white border. Large quotation marks appear at the top. The quote reads:"In this uncertain yet critical moment, trust-based philanthropy has the power to drive transformational change in communities. This is an approach to funding that prioritizes equity, transparency, and trust-centred partnerships between funders and the organizations they support, as well as the communities they serve." Below the quote, in a lighter grey section, it states: "From an open letter from nonprofits and charities across Canada calling on corporate and philanthropic funders to commit to and demonstrate trust-based philanthropic funding practices now."

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 2d

Today is World Day for Decent Work - a global call to ensure dignity, fair wages, & safe working conditions for all. But systems and barriers - including current backlash to equity and economic downturn - threaten our goals. What can we do? Learn more in our latest blog:
theonn.ca/2025/10/10-y...

A quote on a light pink background inside a white border. Large purple quotation marks appear in the top left and bottom right corners. The quote reads: "Don’t stop, don’t go backwards, keep building worker power." Below the quote, in smaller text, it says: "World Day for Decent Work."

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 7d

Nonprofit directors and officers must account for all interests to fulfill fiduciary duties. Depolarization in the context of corporate law means taking principled positions and navigating toward your mission, cognizant of the reality of conflicts. Learn more: theonn.ca/2025/09/depo...

A graphic with a quotation in dark blue text on a light blue background, enclosed in a thin blue border. The quote reads:
"'Depolarization' in the corporate law context [applicable to nonprofit organizations] means navigating towards our end goal cognizant of the reality of conflicts, minimizing unnecessary conflict, and taking principled positions on those we cannot minimize."
Below the quote is the source in smaller text:
"Source: Depolarization starts at home: Fundamental legal principles in living with intractable governance disputes."
In the top-left corner are two quotation mark icons, and in the top-right corner is a minimalist circular design made of three overlapping shapes.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 10d

We honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never made it home, and acknowledge the deep and ongoing harm caused by colonialism. This day is a call to action - let’s recommit to the ongoing work of reconciliation, guided by the 94 Calls to Action and led by Indigenous voices.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 13d

It started with a simple question: How do we make decent work a reality for the nonprofit sector? Learn about our initiatives, resources, and advancements - and where we're going next. The work continues, and there's more to do.
theonn.ca/topics/onn-p...

#DecentWork

A vertical timeline titled “Reflecting on Our Decent Work Journey” highlights key milestones from 2015 to 2023:

2015 (Yellow): The decent work movement was officially launched, marking the first sector-wide commitment to improving wages, job security, and equity. Also, the first decent work checklist was created, with over 100 sector leaders committing to advance decent work with their boards.

2016 (Teal): Launched social media campaigns, including World Day for Decent Work toolkits and the Decent Work for Women campaign.

2018 (Blue): Continued efforts in advocacy; specific milestone not listed.

2021 (Orange): Intensified focus on anti-racism and reconciliation, embedding equity into the core of decent work.

2023 (Green): Launched “Pathways to Decent Work” — eight pathways and resources to support decent work and equity for Black, Indigenous, and racialized people.

Each year is marked with a colored dot and label, connected by a curving line to represent the journey.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 15d

Soon we’ll be recognizing World Day for Decent Work on October 7. Decent work isn't only about pay. It's about changing workplace cultures, addressing systemic inequities, and building organizations that value their people as much as their mission. Learn more: theonn.ca/topics/polic...

#DecentWork

Infographic titled “Decent Work Is:” with eight key points listed, each accompanied by an icon:

Fair, stable, and productive workplaces where everyone thrives – icon of three people with a heart above them.

Development opportunities for advancement and skills building – icon of a human head with a gear.

Employment opportunities with quality jobs and diverse recruitment – icon of a group of people.

Equality rights ensuring all voices are valued and heard – icon of four hands joined in the center.

Fair income including adequate earnings, benefits, and pay transparency – icon of a handshake with a dollar sign.

Culture and leadership that builds equity and inclusion – icon of three people with raised arms and stars above them.

Stable employment that reduces precarity and high turnover – icon of a person climbing stairs.

Health and retirement benefits that protect workers' wellbeing – icon of two hands giving thumbs up with stars.

The background is white, and the icons are pink. The text is in dark blue.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 16d

ONN is grateful to Global Philanthropic Canada for their sponsorship of Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects! 💚 By becoming a Community Champion they are showing their commitment to Ontario nonprofits.

@globalphilcda.bsky.social

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · 22d

Thank you to Rideau Hall Foundation for their sponsorship of Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects this year! 💚 By becoming a Network Champion they are demonstrating their commitment to Ontario nonprofits. @rhf-frh-canada.bsky.social

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Sep 9

Explore a range of funding programs that are currently available to support your nonprofit mission! From community development, Indigenous engagement, environmental sustainability, and more! Keep up to date by subscribing to our newsletter. theonn.ca/subscribe/

Graphic titled 'Funding Opportunities' featuring four listed programs with green check marks next to each. The programs are: Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund (IRSCEF), Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC), Free to Play - Community Foundations of Canada, and Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF). The design has a green border and a bold header.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Sep 5

ONN thanks Cowan Insurance Group for their sponsorship of Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects this year! 💚

As a Community Supporter for Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects they are demonstrating their commitment to Ontario nonprofits.

@cowaninsurance.bsky.social

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Sep 3

How can Ontario nonprofits harness their $30B in collective buying power to strengthen the sector?

ONN has partnered with Round Table Procurement Services to give members access to a group buying program offering preferred supplier deals & purchasing support.

Learn more: theonn.ca/services/ser...

An informational flyer for Round Table Procurement Services.
The flyer includes a light bulb icon and four main service highlights with arrow icons:
Community Purchasing Network – access group buying power through RTPS’s Community Purchasing Network to save time, money, and stress.
Expert Support – get support with procurement strategy, BPS guidelines, supplier relations, and risk management.
Purchase with Purpose – work with suppliers that support local jobs, social impact, environmental responsibility, and community benefit.
Nonprofit Focused – receive tools, training, and advice tailored to nonprofit purchasing needs.
The flyer uses a clean design with dark blue text, yellow icons, and a yellow border.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Sep 2

ONN thanks Alterna Savings for their sponsorship of Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects as a Community Champion! 💚

Alterna Savings is a credit union dedicated to helping nonprofits thrive.

Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 26

ONN thanks Global Philanthropic for their sponsorship of Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects! As Canada’s largest fundraising consultancy, Global Philanthropic Canada has eleven regional offices, delivering professional fundraising counsel, accessible to all organizations.
@globalphilcda.bsky.social

Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 25

Join us for Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects!

📍 Hamilton
📍 Simcoe County (Orillia)
📍 Durham (Ajax)
📍 Chatham-Kent
📍 Windsor-Essex

To connect. To organize. To build a nonprofit-driven future - rooted in local leadership, equity, and care. Register today: www.eventbrite.ca/o/ontario-no...

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 22

Our 2024-2025 Annual Report is here!

We’re excited to share ONN’s key achievements and sector-wide progress over the past fiscal year. The report highlights major policy wins, impactful convenings, and valuable resources, plus much more!

Access the full report here : theonn.ca/publication/...

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 18

For years, a piecemeal funding structure forced WAGE into short-term planning, undermining its ability to drive systems change & leading to burnout. While the sector advocates against cuts to WAGE, it must also push for federal funding structures that don't leave vital work hanging in the balance.

Aaron Wherry @aaronwherry.bsky.social · Aug 7

This is an interesting quibble with reports that Women and Gender Equality Canada is set for a huge funding cut — basically it comes down to how WAGE is budgeted for by the government.

Still a problem. But maybe not quite the problem it's been presented as.

www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...

WAGE isn’t in a funding crisis—it has a design flaw

Women and Gender Equality Canada's latest funding forecast has sparked panic, but for all the wrong reasons. The gender equity sector must zoom out, stop reacting to fear, and push for a complete over...

www.hilltimes.com

Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 14

Tackle the unique challenges facing your organization with the Legal, HR & Governance for Nonprofits program. Learn More: bit.ly/3UFwDol.

Offered by Lincoln Alexander Law Professional Development & accredited by the Law Society of Ontario.

#NonprofitLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #ONNPartner

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 12

Join our workshop on applying for charitable status and learn the rules that govern registered charities. Participants will be guided step-by-step through determining whether charitable status is right for them and each question of the charity application forms.
www.eventbrite.ca/e/applying-f...

Applying for charitable status: Working session

Join this workshop to complete the forms needed to apply for charitable status and learn the rules that govern registered charities.

www.eventbrite.ca

Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 6

Join our Legal principals of risk management workshop! Participants will get the chance to examine their assumptions about an organization’s legal responsibilities & be given a framework to apply to common and simple cases to access & manage risk.

Register today!
www.eventbrite.ca/e/legal-prin...

Legal principles in risk management

Examine assumptions and attitudes about organizational risk and take home a framework for making decisions that accounts for risk.

www.eventbrite.ca

Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Aug 5

Coming together builds our resilience and relationships; allowing nonprofits to address complex issues together. Join us at Nonprofit Driven Regional Connects, check out the remaining locations for this year’s series. Register today!

theonn.ca/2025/04/brin...

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Jul 31

Become an ONN member today! We invite individuals, volunteers, and corporate and government friends of the sector to become supporters via membership and enjoy a range of benefits, including event discounts and special rates from service providers. theonn.ca/join/become-...

Promotional flyer with the text 'Join Our Network' and 'Become an ONN Member Today!' A search bar shows the URL www.theonn.ca/join-us/become-a-member. Below the text, five diverse hands are placed side by side on a wooden table, symbolizing unity and collaboration. A globe icon appears on the right side.

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Jul 30

Ontario’s socio-economic landscape is rapidly shifting at a time when nonprofits are needed more than ever. The economic downturn is impacting nonprofits in three ways: as employers, procurers of goods and services, and as organizations supporting people. Learn more:
theonn.ca/economic-unc...

Economic Uncertainty - Ontario Nonprofit Network

The Ontario Nonprofit Network is the independent network for Ontario’s 58,000 nonprofit organizations. We engage with members to address issues and to ensure the voices of our communities reach govern...

theonn.ca

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Jul 25

Discover the key elements of culture driving your governance in this updated resource, including how decisions are made, the partnership between the board and staff leadership, and the way that governance work is accomplished. theonn.ca/reimagining-...

Nonprofit governance tools and resources - Ontario Nonprofit Network

Explore a variety of resources, prompts, and practices to unlock new ways you can do your governance work, and get grounded in some governance foundations while you’re at it!

theonn.ca

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Ontario Nonprofit Network @theonn.ca · Jul 24

A CBC article outlines the concerns Bill 10 is raising for the sector, including fears around funding, liability, and client safety. Without clarification, the sector may not be prepared to adapt infrastructure and budgets to accommodate the bill's potential changes. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Ontario wants to make landlords liable for preventing drug activity on their property | CBC News

Supportive housing providers say a new Ontario law that would make landlords responsible for preventing certain kinds of drug-related activity in their units could threaten their ability to house thos...

www.cbc.ca