33 Tim Richardson, Senior Manager, Standards, Imagine Canada Cristina Andoni, Manager, Accreditation, Communications & Partnerships, Imagine Canada E Every day, donors help charities and nonprofits reach millions of Canadians who depend on them for essential ser- vices. This support is more than a gift; it’s part of a mutual relationship built on trust, shared values, and a common goal of creating lasting impact in com- munities across the country. In today’s complex and uncertain environment, earning and maintaining that trust is more critical and more challenging than ever. It takes more than good intentions; it requires transparency, accountability, and a visible, sustained commitment to values-driven action. Luckily, donors have never been more engaged. They are no longer passive contributors; they are active partners in shaping the future of the public good sector. Whether giving directly, through a donor-advised fund, a corporate foundation, or a legacy gift, they want to know that their investment is stew- arded responsibly and sustainably. Strong governance, ethical manage- ment, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement are no lon- ger optional; they are expected. Charities and nonprofits are rising to meet these expectations. A recent Insights Charity Canada Project1 survey by Carleton University found that 76% of organizations have taken action in the past year to strengthen accountabil- ity, enhance transparency around finan- cials and outcomes, or review ethical fundraising and privacy practices, all of which are efforts aimed squarely at building and protecting public trust. As expectations for transparency and accountability continue to rise, donors are seeking trusted, independent third-party validation mechanisms to inform their giving. Imagine Canada Standards accreditation offers just that: a nationally recognized symbol of cred- ibility, strong governance and opera- tional effectiveness. Through a rigor- ous, peer-reviewed process, accredited organizations demonstrate excellence in five key areas: Board Governance, Financial Accountability and Transparency, Fundraising Practices, Staff Management, and Volunteer Engagement. A study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization2 shows that external recognition fosters greater trust: certified charities receive approximately 10% larger gift sizes, inspire greater public trust and are more successful in acquiring new donors. When donors see the Standards Trustmark, they can give with greater confidence, knowing that their contri- butions are going to responsible, well-managed organizations with the leadership, systems, and values needed to deliver on their mission, today and in the long term. Since 2012, the Imagine Canada Standards, developed by the nonprofit sector, for the sector, have provided Canada’s only national accreditation framework for all charities and non- profits. This framework offers organiza- tions a clear path to strengthen organi- zational practices, enhance accountabil- ity, and improve transparency. To ensure continued relevance, the Standards evolve to reflect the sector’s growing responsibilities and changing expectations, and are governed by an independent Council made up of vol- unteer sector representatives responsi- ble for overseeing the Standards. Today, more than 280 organizations across Canada are accredited by Imagine Canada, representing a wide range of missions, sizes, and geograph- ic locations. With 42% of these organi- zations maintaining their accreditation for over 10 years and a 97% retention rate, the program reflects a strong com- mitment and satisfaction among non- profits to strive for nonprofit excel- lence. Accredited organizations are Give With Confidence: How the Imagine Canada Standards Help Amplify Philanthropic Legacy CHARITABLE GIVING 1. https://carletonu.yul1.qualtrics.com/reports/RC/public/2FybGV0b251LTY3OTdjNTIwOGVhODNhMDAwODViYzdmMi1VUl85enhKcHR6aDB1N3ZjYTE= 2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167268119300083 CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
