Vision and Mission: This initiative is in alignment with core values of CAPS. The Speakers Benefit Fund , Scholarship Fund and Educational Grants are consistent with the founding values and in the spirit of CAPS.

“Sharing, connecting and growing as a professional association”.

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 Board of 2005.

CAPS FOUNDATION: The CAPS Foundation, through its trustees, will oversee and administer three areas: Speaker Benefit Fund, Student Scholarship Fund and Education Registration Grant Program, as well as future initiatives deemed appropriate.

Member support areas.

1. Professional Speakers Benevolent Fund (PSBF).
   Purpose: Its mission is to aid those CAPS members and their families who may be indigent, face catastrophic health emergencies or losses, or are facing health or natural disaster emergencies.
   Rationale: People in the speaking business run small businesses operating without benefit of corporate benefit plans, pension plans and long term catastrophic health plans. 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.
   
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.
   
3. CAPS Education Foundation 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.

CAPS Foundation Trustees.
Founding Chair: Dave Kemp, Spirit of Caps 2007 Award Recipient.
2009 - 2011 Chair: Michael J. Hughes
Trustees:
2008 – 2010                      2009 – 2011
secretary: Eric Trogdon      Treasurer: David Saxby
Kit Grant, CSP, HoF            Bob Hooey
Rhonda Scharf, CSP           Sid Ridgley, CSP
Valerie Cade, CSP              Bob Parker

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

To make an on-line donation now, click here.

FAQs
When will the CAPS Foundation have the ability to disperse funds?
The CAPS Foundation has, effective in 2009, a five-year growth plan. The total amount of Foundation funds will be assessed on an annual basis. Foundation trustees and the CAPS Board will determine when the Foundation will begin dispersing funds.

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.

Who is eligible to apply for foundation funds?
When the CAPS Foundation achieves its full potential, any member in good standing can apply for a Foundation support in one of the three identified areas.

What is the process for applying for funds from the Foundation?
When Foundation funds are approved for dispersal, this site will include an application form containing criteria for requesting financial aid and deadline for submission. Completed forms will be reviewed by a Foundation sub-committee. Funds will then be dispersed to those with the highest need based on the information supplied.

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.

How can I help with this worthwhile initiative?
The primary need of the CAPS Foundation is money, 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 any idea you might have to assist in achieving our financial objectives. Time and talent are always in short supply so volunteering for the Foundation is also an option you may want to explore.

How can I make a donation?
To make an on-line donation now, click here.