OTIP Corporate Philanthropic Philosophy
Guiding Principles
OTIP recognizes that our organization is judged not only on our ability to produce and deliver quality
products and services, but also on our ability to attract and retain employees, our stewardship of the
environment, our ethical business practices, and increasingly, on our responsibility toward the communities
in which our members and employees live and work.
OTIP's philanthropic philosophy is based on the belief that a successful organization has a responsibility
to both members and employees, to contribute to the well being of their communities. As such, we seek to
build and support relationships with recognized non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life for
individuals and communities.
Consideration
Our charitable and community programs must support projects that are innovative and sustainable, and where a
long-term commitment has been made to the community.
Emphasis is placed on programs:
- That serve the needs of the communities where OTIP has a significant business presence,
- That are not-for-profit and provide services to Ontario's educators, children and families, and
- In which its employees are actively involved as contributors or volunteers.
Criteria
Programs which support one or more of the following areas, will be considered for corporate donation:
- Community based social betterment and welfare services through the annual United Way campaign
- Direct health services focusing on children, youth and seniors
- Community capacity programs focusing on poverty, homelessness, and abuse
- Health research support organizations (ie. cancer research, mental disabilities research)
- Diversity in the workforce and society programs promoting equal opportunities for minorities, women and individuals with disabilities
- Conservation and environmental programs
Preference will be given to organizations that:
- Are not-for-profit educational, health or charitable organizations, or are sponsored on behalf of such an organization
- Demonstrate sound financial management and effective use of resources
- Directly impact or benefit, through its programs and services, communities within Ontario
- Provide opportunities for OTIP employees to contribute their volunteer time to enhance the effort being funded
Exclusions
OTIP does not usually support the following:
- Individuals, unless all proceeds are remitted to a qualifying charitable or research organization (cheques must be payable to the charity)
- Organizations, projects and other activities outside Ontario
- Funding for advertising and promotion
- Donations to political parties or political and partisan organizations or lobby groups
- Purchase of tickets for contests, raffles or other fund-raising activities with prizes
- Donations to churches, synagogues or other religious groups or organizations
- Talent and beauty contests
- Fundraising campaigns for individuals, schools, universities and hospitals
- Donations to endowment funds and private foundations
- Organizations that do not engage in fair and ethical labour practices
- Donations to sports and sports-related organizations
Requests for Funding
Funds are typically initially allocated to projects, programs and not-for-profit organizations with which we
have developed initiatives, have made long-term funding commitments, or have a history of employee involvement.
Unsolicited applications will be considered after all previously committed funds have been allocated, providing
that they are received in writing and that they meet the program/organizational criteria outlined above.
All requests for donations or sponsorships are considered on a centralized basis, and are subject to the approval
of the Chief Executive Officer.
All requests should be directed to:
Julie Millard, Director of Marketing and Communications
OTIP
125 Northfield Drive West, PO Box 218
Waterloo ON N2J 3Z9
Fax: 519-888-6983