Five B.C. organizations have been recognized as the best-managed non-profit social service agencies nationwide and are finalists for the 15th annual Donner Canadian Foundation Awards for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services.
The five finalists and their categories are:
- The Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC in Vancouver – Counseling and Crisis Intervention category;
- Elephant Thoughts of Vancouver – Education category;
- The Servants Anonymous Society Surrey – Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse category;
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quesnel – Services for Children category; and
- West Vancouver's North Shore Volunteers for Seniors – Services for Seniors category.
The five B.C. finalists, along with 16 other organizations from across Canada, are in the running for $60,000 in prize money.
The Donner Awards recognize and encourage best practices in non-profit management and increase public confidence and support for Canada's non-profit sector. The awards are administered by the Fraser Institute on behalf of the Donner Canadian Foundation.
Fraser Institute president and Business in Vancouver columnist Niels Veldhuis said, "These organizations are leading the nation in terms of non-profit management. Despite limited budgets and resources, the work they do enriches our communities and makes a real difference in people's lives."
This year, 554 non-profit social service agencies from across Canada applied for the awards. Participating organizations are ranked on their performance in 10 key areas, including management and governance, the use of staff and volunteers, innovation, program costs and outcome monitoring.
The top organization in each of seven categories of social service delivery will be awarded $5,000, while the $20,000 William H. Donner Award for Excellence will be presented to the highest performer overall.
In addition, the $5,000 Peter F. Drucker Award for Non-Profit Management will be presented to a non-profit organization with a consistent record of excellence and innovation in the management and delivery of services.
