WATERLOO REGION, April 24, 2014 — Capacity Waterloo Region announced today it has earned accreditation under Imagine Canada’s national standards program.

“This is a wonderful milestone in our fifth year of operation,” says Cathy Brothers, Capacity’s executive director in residence. “It demonstrates to our non-profit partners and supporters that we are performing well as we take on the challenges of social change in our community.”

Imagine Canada is a national organization that acts as a resource for charitable non-profits on issues ranging from the impact of federal budgets to trends in volunteerism. It established a standards program two years ago to raise public confidence in Canada’s charitable and non-profit sector.

The program sets benchmarks in five areas: Board Governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and the involvement of volunteers.

Accredited organizations undergo a review every five years. In the meantime, they are allowed to use Imagine Canada’s accreditation trustmark in print and online communication.

Formed in 2009, Capacity Waterloo Region runs several programs to help charitable non-profits strengthen boards, staff leadership and programming.

“The standards set out in the accreditation program certainly match our own capacity-building objectives,’’ says Steve Farlow, Capacity’s incoming chair. “Having the Imagine Canada trustmark alongside our own brand assures people that we know what we’re talking about when it comes to building better non-profit organizations.”

For more information, contact:

Cathy Brothers,
Executive Director in Residence
Capacity Waterloo Region
519-513-2606, ext. 1
[email protected]

 

Andrew Wilding,
Director of Operations
Capacity Waterloo Region
519-513-2606, ext. 2
[email protected]

Capacity Waterloo Region brings together the ideas, people and resources that drive social change.  Our vision is to change lives through courageous community organizations.  We are accomplishing this by providing non-profit leaders new resources and professional support that enhances leadership skills, stimulates cross-sector collaboration, promotes knowledge sharing, and encourages social innovation.