FINDINGS

A.     POTENTIAL FOR COLLABORATION

There is demonstrated need; support and ability within the women's sector for the creation of a collaborative fundraising initiative.

The majority of women's groups responding to a questionnaire administered for this Study receive more than half of their operating revenue from government sources. Women's groups indicate a need to raise money to replace dwindling government resources. They do not, however, wish merely to shift current resources around but want to tap into new resources. Groups recognize that working in collaboration is probably the most effective way of raising new funds without competing with current national, provincial, or local fundraising efforts. Women's groups also recognize that collaborative work has the potential for increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The results of the questionnaire also indicate that women's groups have the structural capacity and are ideally positioned to embark on a collaborative initiative:

• The majority of groups are federally incorporated
• The majority have charitable status
• Eight have endowment funds
• Seven have separate charitable foundations or trusts
• Six groups have full or part-time fundraising staff
• The majority have elected Boards of Directors
• Most groups have between two and seven full-time staff
• The majority have operating budgets at or above $50,000 a year
• The majority have operating reserves
• Nine have had collaborative fundraising experiences

Most groups which responded are incorporated and have charitable status. Some of those which do not have charitable status have a charitable foundation or trust. And, most importantly, most are willing to share volunteers, expertise, staff, and financial resources for a collaborative effort.

National women's groups should work together to access new markets and ensure success.

• Women's groups should focus on accessing new markets and new donors for their work in ensuring equality for women and girls in Canada
• Women's groups should work collaboratively to maximize potential for success
• Women's groups should develop proactive plans for collaboration through a cooperative spirit of trust
• Women's groups must develop a common vision for their collaborative work or else they will not succeed
• Women's groups need to position their work as results-oriented leading to tangible and measurable improvements in the quality of life for women and girls in Canada
• Women's groups should be as inclusive as possible in defining participation in a new collaborative venture. The diversity of Canada's women should be actively sought out and accommodated. Francophone women, aboriginal women, women of colour, immigrant and refugee women, lesbians, and women with disabilities should all find their place in this venture.

Chrow

Gibson

Omidvar