Centre On Philanthropy Ceases Operations
The Centre on Philanthropy has ceased operations as they “were unable to secure the necessary funding to ensure the viability of its operations going forward” and said they want to “thank the many nonprofit leaders, donors and community members who have shared encouraging messages.”
A spokesperson said, “Despite diligent efforts to keep its doors open, The Centre on Philanthropy has ceased operations as of December 31, 2019.
“The Board and staff of the Centre were unable to secure the necessary funding to ensure the viability of its operations going forward and were forced to close the Centre at the end of last year.
“The Board is now taking the required steps to wind down all operations, and wishes to thank the many nonprofit leaders, donors and community members who have shared encouraging messages.
“Although staff at the Centre were made redundant on December 31st, former Executive Director Danielle Riviere has agreed to serve in a volunteer capacity until March 31, 2020 to oversee pre-existing training obligations.
“These include the Under 40s in Philanthropy Board Training which concludes January 2020, the AML Compliance Officer Training scheduled for January 20, 2020 and the 2019 cohort of the Nonprofit Leadership Development Programme which ends in March 2020.
“While The Centre’s closure creates a considerable service gap for the nonprofit sector, the Board is considering options on how the knowledge and the assets of The Centre can be retained. ”
“The Centre on Philanthropy has been the central resource and coordinator of programmes and services for nonprofits, donors and volunteers in Bermuda for the past 28 years. Since 2011, it has held 383 workshops with more than 5050 participants and has hosted six major conferences with more than 1,100 attendees.
“The Centre has also raised $627,000 for the nonprofit sector through the Give Back Games and has recognized hundreds of volunteers in celebration of the International Day of the Volunteer. Most importantly, The Centre on Philanthropy has helped countless people achieve the skills and abilities needed to create community change.”
Joel Schaefer, Board Chair, stated, “Although the work of The Centre has come to an end, the needs of the island’s nonprofit sector continues. We are confident that those who understand its value will take up the challenge to ensure further development.
“We encourage leaders and donors in our community to collaborate around new ideas that can transform, grow and ensure the viability of nonprofit organisations in Bermuda. Their work is vital to the health, strength and stability of our island.”
In closing Mr. Schaefer stated, “The Centre Board and staff would like to thank the members, funders and volunteers who have supported the organisation over the years. Without your support The Centre would not have been able to do the great work it achieved over the past three decades.”
Any queries regarding The Centre on Philanthropy can be directed to the Board by email: info@centreonphilanthropy.org.
M&As hitting donations, less money in people’s pockets = less donations, companies cutting back = less donations. A very sad sign of the times …
Less expats = less donations
Less expats = less volunteers
FACT
Less people = less donations….more more people needing help
20 years of the PLP status quo…
It’s money out there but the CEO and VIP prefer to travel on private jets, $20,000 + round trip BDA to NYC. Giving a helping hand to a charity is no concern anymore to many. A very sad sign of the times…
Not tryin to be cheeky as i usually am, but u know that its gov’s responsibility to take care of its people right? Not necessarily private businesses. Compare what the private sector has donated to charity over the years to that of the government,(either side before i get crucified). There are less people here. A lot less. That means less money. Unfortunate but that is a fact. And this admin has made it abundantly clear that they dont want anymore “outsiders” here to help contribute. Funny how none of our “honorable” ministers ever come out de rocks so to speak to help. They sure can afford it.
“u know that its gov’s responsibility to take care of its people right?”
I must disagree. It is the community’s responsibility to take care of itself.
People used to be frugal and self-sufficient. Now, few people save for retirement or a rainy day. Most people want to have steak and Champagne now and worry about retirement later. Our current Government policy is the same.
Unless and until the community at large (including whatever government we elect) starts to make responsible decisions we will continue on the road to bankruptcy.
It’s the responsibility of individuals to take care of themselves.
The only exceptions should be for people who are genuinely unable to take care of themselves, perhaps due to physical or mental disability. They should have compassionate assistance from the community and the government.
Any other assistance that the community provides should be on an entirely voluntary basis.
Yet all we hear from the PLP is positive. They say all is good, ignore the naysayers. They clearly live in the other Bermuda they talk about.
A sad state of affairs for the island. When will the administration learn that more people = more philanthropy?!?