I- History: The Charitable Foundation was conceived and developed by a small group of dedicated CAPS members who believed in its principles. It was approved as the philanthropic arm of CAPS by the CAPS National Board in 2006.
II- CAPS FOUNDATION: The CAPS Foundation, through its trustees, will oversee and administer three areas: Professional Speaker Benefit Fund, Student Scholarship Fund and Education Registration Grant Program, as well as future initiatives deemed appropriate.
III- Member support areas.
1. Professional Speakers Benevolent Fund (PSBF).
Purpose: To provide emergency financial relief for members who are facing a personal tragedy, catastrophic health emergency, or natural disaster.
Rationale: People in the speaking business typically run small businesses that don’t always provide the same level of support that large organizations provide to employees. While we expect and encourage entrepreneurs to provide for their own future needs, it is appropriate to consider how our organization can help those in our profession who need help in a variety of ways.
PSBF Grants Committee members:
Committee Chair: Jeff Mowatt, CSP, Past President Caps Calgary, Past National President
PSBF Grant Application process:
If you, or someone you know, falls into a category above (facing personal tragedy, catastrophic health emergency, or natural disaster), you may be a candidate for a PSBF grant. Simply download and complete the PSBF application form below and Submit to:
Caps Foundation, Canadian Association of Professional Speakers
1370 Don Mills Road, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M3B 3N7
Phone: 416/847/3355 Fax: 416/441/0591 Toll Free: 877?847?3350
Email: foundation@canadianspeakers.org
NOTE: Names of applicants will not be revealed to the general Caps membership.
Click here to download the grant application form
2. Student Scholarship Fund (SSF).
Purpose: to provide partial funding for post secondary education for those needing assistance for tuition, books, residency or other scholastic needs.
Rationale: to encourage more children to choose post-secondary education.
Criteria for consideration: a child of a professional member or past member of over 5 years as a professional member of CAPS, or any child in Canada who meets the criteria established by the Foundation Scholarship Committee can apply. The Foundation Scholarship Committee will allocate funds on a prioritized basis.
NOTE: this committee will be activated at a later date.
3. CAPS Foundation Education Registration Grant Program (ERGP).
Purpose: to assist CAPS members who are not otherwise able to afford the full cost of registration fees for professional development and continuing education at conventions and educational meetings.
Rationale: to encourage CAPS members to achieve a high level of platform professionalism in spite of emergency, significant loss or special circumstances.
To provide an opportunity for CAPS members to enhance their knowledge and experience of the fundamental business elements of the speaking profession so that they, in turn, can positively contribute to the profession and CAPS.
NOTE: this committee will be activated at a later date.
IV- CAPS Foundation Trustee Board.
Founding Chair: Dave Kemp, Spirit of Caps 2007 Award Recipient.
2009 – 2011 National Chair: Michael J. Hughes
Trustees:
| 2009 – 2011 | 2010 – 2012 |
| Treasurer: David Saxby | Fund Development: Chris Ward |
| Convention Liaison: Bob Hooey | PSBF Committee: Jeff Mowatt, CSP |
| Strategic Planning: Sid Ridgley, CSP | Trustee at Large: Michael Kerr, CSP, HoF |
| CAPS National Board representative: David Gouthro CSP Recording Secretary: Shari Bricks |
|
V- Contribution options.
Donations: contributions to the CAPS Foundation can be made at any time, for any amount. They are accepted in cash, cheque or major credit card. Please make cheque payable to CAPS Foundation.
Monthly contributions: some members feel that donating an amount on a monthly basis is more manageable. Arrangements can be made with CAPS to deduct a monthly amount from your credit card.
Planned giving: a donation to the CAPS Foundation can be incorporated into a Planned Giving personal strategy. Please consider this as part of your on-going long term
VI- FAQ
Who may be eligible for a PSBF Grant?
CAPS members may be eligible for a PSBF grant, providing they have been a member in good standing for at least three (3) years. Former CAPS members may be eligible if they were a member in good standing for at least five (5) years. Keep in mind PSBF grants are intended for members who are facing personal tragedy, catastrophic health emergency, or natural disaster.
What is involved in the CAPS Foundation PSBF Grant process?
Upon receiving an application, the PSBF committee will conduct a preliminary review to ensure that the basic criteria (listed above) has been met. If so, a member of the PSBF Committee will be contacting the applicant to determine need. This information along with any other information gathered, will be relayed to the PSBF committee to make a final determination. During the application process, the PSBF committee may be interviewing individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s circumstances. All grants are subject to review by the CAPS Foundation. Names of applicants will not be revealed to the general CAPS membership. We will of course expedite communications in cases of extreme urgency. In most cases, the decision will be made and communicated to the applicant in less than 30 days.
What is happening with funds currently in the CAPS Foundation account?
Any monies collected by the CAPS Foundation are stored in a separate and secure interest-bearing account, helping add to the total of funds on an on-going basis. The Foundation is identified as a stand-alone line item on the CAPS annual report, and has created a high-yield investment portfolio to maximize return on donated funds.
Does the Foundation supply tax-deductible receipts?
Canada Revenue Agency does not recognize Charitable Foundations as tax-sheltered entities at this time. The CAPS Foundation does not have tax-exempt status and therefore cannot supply tax-deductible receipts. Incorporated companies can, however, make a donation that may be used as business expense. Check with your accountant before finalizing this option.
How can I help with this worthwhile initiative?
The primary need of the CAPS Foundation is funding, so a donation is the most effective and productive way of helping (see contribution options above). Supporting the Foundation by participating in Foundation-related national or chapter events will provide another option to help. We welcome your ideas. Time and talent are always appreciated so please consider volunteering for any of the Foundation initiatives.
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