Friday, August 26, 2005

Hometown Life-lymouth philanthropist funds new charter school

Hometown Life: "Plymouth philanthropist funds new charter school
BY TONY BRUSCATO

STAFF WRITER

Plymouth philanthropist Robert Thompson will spend nearly $14 million in partnering with The Skillman Foundation to build the first of what could eventually be 15 charter high schools in Detroit.

Thompson, who in 2003 offered to donate $200 million to build 15 Detroit charter high schools, said he will take this venture one school at a time."

Emerging Issues: Philanthropy: Blogs on Philanthropy

Emerging Issues: Philanthropy: Blogs on Philanthropy: "Blogs on Philanthropy
With more than 15 million weblogs and counting, Technorati -- the blog-tracking service – estimates that the blog universe is doubling in size every five months. At then end of 2003, Technorati counted a mere 100,000 blogs. With this stupendous growth, its inevitable that we will increasingly see more blogs by institutions, leaders, and pundits – both supporters and critics -- of philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector. Love them or hate them – with some that could be described as being at the least, quite irreverent -- blogs are considered by many as a valid, timely, proactive and collaborative form of communication, in this era of increased transparency. "

Channelnewsasia.com-"KPMG raises over $160,000 for VWOs and $100,000 for President's Challenge(Singapore)

Channelnewsasia.com: "KPMG raises over $160,000 for VWOs and $100,000 for President's Challenge
By Rita Zahara, Channel NewsAsia



KPMG - an audit, tax and services advisory company - has raised over $160,000 for charity.

An additional $100,000 was also handed over to President Nathan for the President's Challenge 2005.

In the last six years, the firm has devoted one day completely to the community.

So far, the firm has raised nearly $900,000 for charity. "

PUERTO RICO HERALD: Mixing goodwill with good business

PUERTO RICO HERALD: Mixing goodwill with good business: "CARIBBEAN BUSINESS

Mixing goodwill with good business

The social obligations of the business community also can lead to extra profits

By GEORGIANNE OCASIO TEISSONNIERE of Caribbean Business

August 25, 2005
Copyright © 2005 CARIBBEAN BUSINESS. All Rights Reserved.

The picture of the stereotypical corporate executive handing over a large cardboard check to company’s charity of choice has become an industry cliché. While the recipients of the check may make good use of the funds, the companies can make good use of the public relations. Usually, that is as far as it goes. A new chorus of awareness, however, is arising among local business executives, calling for more creativity and action when it comes to corporate social responsibility (CSR)."

The booklet represents experiences from Cordaid’s partner organisations in local fundraising.

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group): "The booklet represents experiences from Cordaid’s partner organisations in local fundraising. Together with Mama Cash, Cordaid carried out a survey into the experiences related to local fundraising of 20 organisations from the following countries: Albania, Brazil, Ghana, Hungary, India, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Philippines, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Ukraine. "

TARE YOU GETTING YOUR MONEY'S WORTH FROM YOUR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR?

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group): "ARE YOU GETTING YOUR MONEY'S WORTH FROM YOUR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR?

by Mal Warwick
Chairman and Founder of Mal Warwick and Associates

What you’re really wondering is whether the investment you’re making in your development program—a huge investment, really—is delivering the goods as well as it might. You know that the circumstances at your organisation are unique. That no other organisation is really comparable to yours. But you want some way to evaluate the effectiveness of the people who are raising money for you."

ICMA-RC/Story-Stanford Business School: New Study Says Location Makes a Difference for Nonprofit Support

ICMA-RC/Story: "Stanford Business School: New Study Says Location Makes a Difference for Nonprofit Support

Business Wire - Friday, August 26, 2005
Jump to first matched term >>

STANFORD, Calif., Aug 26, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Although most nonprofit organizations are small, they collectively represent an important part of a region's economy. An important new study just released by the Center for Social Innovation at the Stanford Graduate School of Business finds that nonprofits in the San Francisco Bay Area are better-funded and spend more per capita compared to the rest of California and the nation. Yet, nonprofit leaders in the Bay Area feel stretched when marshalling resources to meet the needs or aspirations of their organization's mission."

Bennington Banner - Today's Headlines-County's nonprofit chiefs' earnings in line

Bennington Banner - Today's Headlines: "County's nonprofit chiefs' earnings in line

By CLOVER WHITHAM
Staff Writer

BENNINGTON -- They may be called nonprofits, but they're still making money.

The pay for area nonprofit executive directors, often set by a board of directors or trustees, floats around 7 percent of the organizations' total revenue. Across organization size and type, the percentages remain similar to each other and in line with other nonprofits in the state.

The Vermont Alliance of Non Profit Organizations reports the average salary of nonprofit directors according to organization size, as well as the middle 50 percent range of salaries."

Star Community Newspapers - Plano Star Courier - 08/25/2005 - Charities are shaped by fundraising - for better or worse

Star Community Newspapers - Plano Star Courier - 08/25/2005 - Charities are shaped by fundraising - for better or worse: "harities are shaped by fundraising - for better or worse
By: Shawn Floyd 08/25/2005

Was the Plano Repertory Theatre a victim of a poor fund-raising climate?
The PRT, which announced its closing on Monday after 29 years as a Plano theatrical powerhouse, had taken steps to remedy its financial difficulties, including reducing staff and consolidating office and rehearsal space, but in the end, closing the theater was their only option. But despite signs of a slowly rebounding economy, some people say the theatre is just the latest example of a malady that is affecting many non-profit organizations. "

Donor-advised funds eliminate guesswork

Donor-advised funds eliminate guesswork: "hoda Israelov
Donor-advised funds eliminate guesswork



Question: A couple of fellow volunteers for a local charity told me about a way in which they make their donations, called a donor-advised fund. Initially, they contributed a sum of money, and occasionally they add money or donate stock. Each year, my friends tell the people running the fund how much to give and to which charities. In fact, my friends can change their minds from year to year about where the money goes."

Venom flows as lawyers rip Axelrod

Venom flows as lawyers rip Axelrod: "Venom flows as lawyers rip Axelrod
Friday, August 26, 2005
BY MARK MUELLER
Star-Ledger Staff

Liar. Cheat. Scoundrel. Fraud.

For nearly 10 hours yesterday, those words and others like them tumbled from the mouths of lawyers in a Monmouth County courtroom, the bile directed at a white-haired millionaire who once commanded respect in the boardroom and bountiful praise for his philanthropy.

Herbert Axelrod listened to it all without flinching. Then again, perhaps he's grown accustomed to condemnation after more than a year of tumult and imprisonment, a period in which he pleaded guilty to a federal tax fraud count and watched as his celebrated sale of rare violins to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra came under new scrutiny."

The Bar Harbor Times : Opinion : Does Congress understand park paradox?

The Bar Harbor Times : Opinion : Does Congress understand park paradox?: "Does Congress understand park paradox?


by Ken Olson

Editor's Note: Ken Olson president of Friends of Acadia, testified Wednesday at the Oversight Field Hearing of the Government Reform Committee in Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources in Boston on park budget issues and philanthropy. Following is the text of his remarks.

Friends of Acadia is completely independent from Acadia National Park and the National Park Service. Since 1995 alone, we have donated $5.1 million to the park or to community entities for projects that complement park values. Our charitable funding makes possible the employment of about 115 seasonal workers (approximately 50 FTEs) in Acadia or directly serving it from the outside, such as the fifty to sixty drivers of the Island Explorer propane bus system, thanks to L.L. Bean's generosity.

Friends of Acadia has raised $16 million in endowments and other invested funds. Each year, we grant the interest - about 4 percent - to the park."

uuworld.org : donors pool resources in 'giving circles'

uuworld.org : donors pool resources in 'giving circles': "Giving circles leverage gifts for charities

A few years ago Marilyn and Don Hartman were reviewing their charitable giving and noticed a number of $25 to $50 contributions. They wondered if such small sums really made a difference.

In researching that question, the Hartmans learned about “giving circles,” groups of people who meet regularly to learn about charities together and then pool their donations. They decided to create such a circle at their church, the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Durham, North Carolina—making them leaders in a new UU philanthropic movement."

heraldsun.com: Donors give Duke $275.8M in year

heraldsun.com: Donors give Duke $275.8M in year: "Donors give Duke $275.8M in year


BY PAUL BONNER : The Herald-Sun
pbonner@heraldsun.com
Aug 25, 2005 : 10:23 pm ET

DURHAM -- Duke officials announced this week that the university collected $275.8 million in charitable giving during the 2004-2005 fiscal year."

icWales - Zeta writes big cheque for Welsh charity

icWales - Zeta writes big cheque for Welsh charity: "Zeta writes big cheque for Welsh charity

Aug 26 2005

Tryst Williams, Western Mail


CATHERINE ZETA-JONES and husband Michael Douglas are ready to make a five-figure donation to Welsh charity.

It is understood the Hollywood couple are again backing the Noah's Ark Appeal in its continuing work funding the new Children's Hospital for Wales."

City council wants more from nonprofits - PittsburghLIVE.com

City council wants more from nonprofits - PittsburghLIVE.com: "City council wants more from nonprofits


By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, August 26, 2005

Pittsburgh City Council could be headed for a scuffle with a group of nonprofits ready to give millions to the financially troubled city over the next three years.

Council President Gene Ricciardi wants to make the charities' donations to the city a very long-term obligation."

HoustonChronicle.com - Private education: Philanthropy should enrich public schools, but winds up providing basic support

HoustonChronicle.com - Private education: Philanthropy should enrich public schools, but winds up providing basic support: "PRIVATE EDUCATION
Philanthropy should enrich public schools, but winds up having to provide basic support.
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Texans are generous with their money and time, and education is a prime beneficiary. In a state with an adequate and equitable system of financing the public schools, philanthropy would enrich the learning of Texas children. As it is, private corporations and foundations are struggling just to keep the wheels from coming off the school bus."

Inside Bay Area - Oakland Tribune - Local News-Private donors give record $318 million to Cal

Inside Bay Area - Oakland Tribune - Local News: "Private donors give record $318 million to Cal
Campus received gifts in 2004-05 from 54,128 sources, including one for $40 million
By Michelle Maitre, STAFF WRITER

BERKELEY — University of California, Berkeley received a record-breaking $318 million in private donations last fiscal year and expects to receive several significant gifts again this year, the university's chancellor said Thursday."

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Ladner Suspended During AU Audit

Ladner Suspended During AU Audit: "Ladner Suspended During AU Audit
School Reviews President's Expenses

By Allan Lengel and Clarence Williams
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, August 25, 2005; Page B01

American University President Benjamin Ladner was suspended yesterday pending the outcome of an audit of his personal and travel expenses, the university announced.

In a brief statement last night, Leslie E. Bains, chair of the university's board of trustees, said Ladner, 63, had been placed on administrative leave. Cornelius M. Kerwin, the university's provost, will become interim president."

Schilling auctions off steroid subpoena for charity - Boston.com

Schilling auctions off steroid subpoena for charity - Boston.com: "chilling auctions off steroid subpoena for charity

August 25, 2005

BOSTON --Congress may not have solved baseball's steroid problem, but its hearings on the subject will do some good after all.


Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling earned $2,000 for two charities by auctioning off the subpoena he received to testify at March's hearing alongside Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco. Kevin Bronson, a New York Yankees fan and memorabilia dealer from Springfield, Mass., paid $2,200, including auction fees for the document and an autographed picture of the Boston ace.

'It's probably one of the more significant baseball documents of the new era of baseball,' Bronson said in a telephone interview on Thursday. 'I think in years to come it's going to be more significant.'"

Southwest Nebraska News - from the Republican Valley Media Group, McCook, NE

Southwest Nebraska News - from the Republican Valley Media Group, McCook, NE: "Gov. Heineman Touts State Tax Credit for Charitable Donations

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman held a ceremonial bill signing for LB 28, which offers state income tax credits for qualified individual and corporate donations made to non-profit organizations with endowments based in Nebraska.
"

Botanical garden financial officer ditches calculator for clippers

Botanical garden financial officer ditches calculator for clippers: "Botanical garden financial officer ditches calculator for clippers
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Suzanne Hively
Plain Dealer Garden Editor

Four months ago, Bob Rensel looked out his office window at the Cleveland Botanical Garden and wistfully watched the gardeners as they weeded, watered, mulched and planted.

'It looked like fun,' said Rensel, who is chief financial officer for the botanical garden.

'Try it,' suggested director Brian Holley. An opening existed in that department."

AOL awards funding to charities for their innovation in use of the internet :: PublicTechnology.net :: e-Government & public sector IT news from

AOL awards funding to charities for their innovation in use of the internet :: PublicTechnology.net :: e-Government & public sector IT news from: "AOL awards funding to charities for their innovation in use of the internet

This was published: 2005-08-25 06:40:00
Innovative use of the Internet has secured AOL Innovation in the Community Awards of £2,000 for 30 forward-thinking charities and community groups across the UK. The winning projects demonstrate the positive impact the Web can have in areas such as protecting the environment, developing new writing talent, the representation of ethnic minorities, and encouraging young volunteers.

The annual scheme, run by AOL UK and the national charity Citizens Online since 2003, is open to any community group or registered charity in the UK looking for support for an Internet project. Each winning organisation will receive £2,000 and a year's free AOL Broadband Gold subscription to get their projects off the ground. "

Jimmy Carter Opposes Moving Habitat HQ | theledger.com

Jimmy Carter Opposes Moving Habitat HQ | theledger.com: "Jimmy Carter Opposes Moving Habitat HQ

The Associated Press
ATLANTA
Former President Jimmy Carter said he opposes a proposal by Habitat for Humanity International to move its headquarters out of Americus.

Habitat for Humanity is considering relocating its headquarters, saying Americus, 116 miles south of Atlanta, is too far from a major airport and that executives might balk at living in a small town.
"

Daily Times - Site Edition-VIEW: Africa needs free trade, not charity

Daily Times - Site Edition: "IEW: Africa needs free trade, not charity —Mary Robinson

The changes needed — in rich and poor countries alike — to lift millions of people out of poverty have nothing to do with charity. They are about fairness. They are about seeing our fates as one human family being increasingly interconnected. They are about granting all people the right to a decent livelihood

The leaders of the G-8 nations made some progress in fighting global poverty at the Gleneagles Summit in July through new commitments to increased aid and debt relief. No previous G-8 meeting has done as much to support development in the world’s poorest countries, particularly in Africa. "

News Tribune-Web site allows donors to check Missouri charities

News Tribune: "Web site allows donors to check Missouri charities


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Web site introduced Wednesday allows Missourians to check how charities spend their money, Attorney General Jay Nixon said.

The site currently lists only about a third of the hundreds of charities that operate in Missouri, but Nixon said he hopes other charities join the effort when they realize consumers are using the site."

Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake Tribune Home Page

Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake Tribune Home Page: "Are curbside donations at risk?
Easy pickings: Charitable groups say scavengers are stealing their donated items
By Kirsten Stewart
The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah charities are complaining of a ne.w scourge in town: curbside bandits who scout neighborhoods for furniture and clothing that homeowners have set aside for recycling.
It's unclear whether the scavengers are modern-day Robin Hoods or intentionally swiping the goods for themselves.
But charities that solicit these recyclables as donations say the takers are 'thieves' cheating Utah's most vulnerable residents. "

Philanthropy Leaders To Receive Ethical Fund Raising Award :: PNNOnline ::

Philanthropy Leaders To Receive Ethical Fund Raising Award :: PNNOnline ::: "Higher education leader Claire L. Gaudiani and former Boston Foundation President Anna Faith Jones will be honored for their philanthropic service as the 2005 recipients of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University’s most prestigious award.


Since 1990, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University annually has presented this distinguished award to exceptional individuals. The award was created to honor Henry A. “Hank” Rosso (1917-1999), a founder of the Center on Philanthropy and founding director of The Fund Raising School at the Center. Mr. Rosso received the first award for establishing a means for fund raising professionals to learn about ethical philanthropic fund raising and for creating concepts of discipline and dignity in the profession.


A former Indianapolis resident, Gaudiani currently is a professor at The George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. She previously was Senior Research Scholar at the Yale Law School and served for 13 years as President of Connecticut College. Under her leadership, from 1988-2001 the college quintupled its endowment.


“Anna Faith Jones is an important leader in the foundation world,” said Dwight Burlingame, Associate Executive Director of the Center on Philanthropy. “She changed the shape of the Boston Foundation and developed a number of innovative programs in Boston to fight poverty and support the arts.” "

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Los Angeles Business Journal Online

Los Angeles Business Journal Online: "Getty Keeps Tax-Exempt Status

The J. Paul Getty Trust has retained its tax-exempt status after a two-year audit by the Internal Revenue Service, the Bond Buyer newspaper reported.

The investigation, which covered compensation, grants and other expenditures at the trust, focused on $371 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank on behalf of the non-profit trust."

Fashion Monitor Toronto - Guide to Toronto Fashion, Style and Nightlife - Sandra Bullock Will Receive a Humanitarian Award - Sandra Bullock will recei

Fashion Monitor Toronto - Guide to Toronto Fashion, Style and Nightlife - Sandra Bullock Will Receive a Humanitarian Award - Sandra Bullock will receive the Humanitarian Award at Fashion Group International's 22nd annual Night of Stars gala. : "Sandra Bullock Will Receive a Humanitarian Award
Sandra Bullock will receive the Humanitarian Award at Fashion Group International's 22nd annual Night of Stars gala.

Sandra Bullock is recognized by Fashion Group – but not for her style. The actress will receive a humanitarian award for her charitable contributions to the American Red Cross. "

Canadian Jewish News-Group launches matching grants initiative for Israel

Canadian Jewish News:

By SHELDON KIRSHNER
Staff Reporter

A U.S.-based organization with members in Canada has launched a new program to support non-profit projects in Israel.

The Jewish Funders Network, with headquarters in New York City, has started what is describes as a matching grants initiative.

“We’ve been active in Israel for many years, but this is the first time we have taken such an active role in trying to stimulate philanthropy there,” the group’s Canadian-born president, Mark Charendoff, said in an interview last week."

YMCAs Receive Major Kresge Foundation Grant for Mexico; $5,000,000Award to YMCA of the USA Will Advance Resource Development in Mexico : ArriveNet Pre

YMCAs Receive Major Kresge Foundation Grant for Mexico; $5,000,000Award to YMCA of the USA Will Advance Resource Development in Mexico : ArriveNet Press Releases : Politics: "YMCAs Receive Major Kresge Foundation Grant for Mexico; $5,000,000Award to YMCA of the USA Will Advance Resource Development in Mexico

Distribution Source : U.S. Newswire

Date : Wednesday, August 24, 2005

To: National Desk

Contact: Arnold Collins of the YMCA of the USA, 312-419-8418 or arnold.collins@ymca.net or Sandra M. Ambrozy of The Kresge Foundation, 248-643-9630 or smambrozy@kresge.org

CHICAGO, Aug. 24 /U.S. Newswire/ -- YMCA of the USA has been selected to receive a unique $5,000,000 grant from The Kresge Foundation to advance the culture of philanthropy in Mexico, working in partnership with Mexican YMCAs. The YMCA grant is part of the International Initiative developed by Kresge, an independent, private foundation based in Troy, Michigan. YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is the national office for the 2,594 independent YMCAs in the United States, collectively one of the nation's top charities of choice and, for the last two years, ranked number one on NonProfit Times' list of 100 top non-profits. Y-USA supports many overseas projects through YMCAs in other countries."

Channelnewsasia.com-TE, polytechnic students drive home volunteerism message on IT bus

Channelnewsasia.com: "SINGAPORE : It's a mobile IT classroom on wheels created by students for students.

The Ep-Bus, an open double decker bus classroom, will make its rounds visiting about 100 Singapore schools within a year.

But instead of seats, the bus is equipped with the latest in digital photography gadgets.

And instead of ferrying passengers, it will drive the message of volunteerism to 100,000 students. "

CMS | Library | Boomer Giving Now Tops That of the Older Generation | fundraising / integrity / innovation / results

CMS | Library | Boomer Giving Now Tops That of the Older Generation | fundraising / integrity / innovation / results: "Boomer Giving Now Tops That of the Older Generation
CMS and PrimeGroup announce landmark study
by Bill Krieger
08/17/2005

Born between 1946 and 1964, the Boomers, now contribute more to charities, causes and campaigns than their elders, according to a benchmark survey just completed by the CMS/PrimeGroup DonorTrends Project.

The study, titled “Navigating the Generational Divide in Fundraising and Advocacy” has just been completed by the CMS/PrimeGroup Donor Trends Project.

A city strives to save jobs, and its future - The Boston Globe

A city strives to save jobs, and its future - The Boston Globe: "A city strives to save jobs, and its future
As Bank of America buys MBNA, Maine residents worry good times are over

By Sasha Talcott, Globe Staff | August 24, 2005

BELFAST, Maine -- Nearly a decade ago, with little advance notice, credit-card company MBNA Corp. dropped thousands of jobs into this one-stoplight city then poured millions of dollars into local schools and nonprofits -- all because, according to local legend, a friendly resident lent money to the man who one day would be MBNA's chief executive when his car broke down."

SFMOMA turns 'timeshare' gifts into an art form - 2005-08-22

SFMOMA turns 'timeshare' gifts into an art form - 2005-08-22: "SFMOMA turns 'timeshare' gifts into an art form
Sarah Duxbury

SFMOMA has emerged as a big player in the art world's timeshare market.

It's not buying or selling vacation properties. It's using so-called fractional gifts to build and improve its collection. In a fractional gift, a donor grants partial ownership of a work of art to the museum. The museum gets to display it for a proportionate part of the year, while the owner gets a corresponding tax break and doesn't have to give up the work all at once."

UW-funded groups asked to certify they're not terrorists - Boston.com

UW-funded groups asked to certify they're not terrorists - Boston.com: "UW-funded groups asked to certify they're not terrorists

By David Gram, Associated Press Writer | August 23, 2005

MONTPELIER, Vt. --Dave Connor is used to responding to crises. It's in the nature of the work at a human services agency like the Family Center of Lamoille County, where Connor is co-director.

But if there's one human problem in which Connor doesn't usually get involved, it's international terrorism.

Despite that, the Family Center of Lamoille County is one of 10 area non-profits that get funding from the United Way of Lamoille County that are now being required to fill out a 'counterterrorism compliance' form."

TODAYonline-Games gone, it's time for a rethink

TODAYonline:
Givers must appreciate their good fortune while charities, without the gaming element, must win back public confidence

CHARITY fund-raising has been much in the news of late, but even before the recent high-profile discussions there had been growing talk about donor fatigue.
.
And yet, for every person who frowns or walks away when approached by students selling charity flags on the streets, there are many who readily part with their money when watching celebrity-studded charity fundraising shows.
.
Some of these glamorous events include an element of gaming and it is difficult to determine how many people take part to contribute to charity and how many are just hoping to win the grand draw prizes. Most participants probably have both aims — to give to a good cause and stand a chance to win something in the process.
.

Seattle Weekly: News: 98.8 Percent Overhead by Bruce Rushton

Seattle Weekly: News: 98.8 Percent Overhead by Bruce Rushton: "98.8 Percent Overhead
The North Seattle Community College Foundation is one of the nation's biggest credit-counseling agencies, but hardly any of the millions of dollars in revenue goes to helping students. Most of it goes to for-profit corporations.

by Bruce Rushton
(Karen Steichen)

Desperate debtors were supposed to be the key to riches for the North Seattle Community College Foundation, created to independently raise money for North Seattle Community College, a public school. Finding money for scholarships can be tough for a two-year school that alumni are prone to forget after they transfer to a four-year college. So seven years ago, the nonprofit foundation, which had relied on dinners and other traditional fund-raising events, settled on an unusual way to fill its coffers: credit counseling."

Foundation urges nonprofits to follow panel's suggestions - PittsburghLIVE.com

Foundation urges nonprofits to follow panel's suggestions - PittsburghLIVE.com: "oundation urges nonprofits to follow panel's suggestions

By Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, August 24, 2005

The Pittsburgh Foundation is mailing a letter to 2,300 nonprofit groups in Allegheny County urging them to adopt strict standards for accountability recommended by a national panel.

'My hope is we'll have 100 percent sign on, but it'll take some time because there's a lot to digest here,' said William E. Trueheart, president and CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation. 'It will become the centerpiece of policy discussions for boards.'"

KTLA The WB | Where Los Angeles Lives | Nonprofits Cloak Donors to Governor

KTLA The WB | Where Los Angeles Lives | Nonprofits Cloak Donors to Governor: "Nonprofits Cloak Donors to Governor

Tax-exempt groups provide millions from sources not made public. Ethics watchdogs say the practice avoids state disclosure laws.

By Robert Salladay and Peter Nicholas
Times Staff Writers

August 24, 2005

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is benefiting from millions of dollars raised by a network of tax-exempt groups without revealing that the money comes from major corporations with business before his office.

The groups are run by Schwarzenegger's closest political allies, who also represent some of California's biggest interest groups. Unlike the governor's many campaign funds, the nonprofits are not required to disclose their contributors and can accept unlimited amo"

Nonprofits must bend 80/20 rule | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Nonprofits must bend 80/20 rule | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Nonprofits must bend 80/20 rule

LIZ HEATH
Published: August 24th, 2005 12:01 AM

Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It comes in many forms. Eighty percent of the money raised is donated by 20 percent of your donor base. Or 20 percent of the people involved do 80 percent of the work.

There’s a corollary to the 80/20 rule. It is “the world is run by those who show up.” Here are a couple of nonprofit 80/20 scenarios I’ve heard about and a few ideas about how changes might be made.

“We have 15 people on our board, but it’s the same three or four who do all the work.”"

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

PTAs are lifeblood for school 'extras'

PTAs are lifeblood for school 'extras': "PTAs are lifeblood for school 'extras'
SWARTZ CREEK
THE SWARTZ CREEK NEWS
Sunday, August 21, 2005
By Robyn Rosenthal
rrosenthal@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6310

***

SWARTZ CREEK - It's not your mother's PTA.

Parent-teacher organizations nowadays are raising thousands of dollars for their schools - districtwide more than $100,000 last year - helping to pay for everything from field trips and snacks during MEAP testing to costly items like playgrounds and copy machines.

'They are the mortar that fills the gaps and holds the bricks together,' said Syring Elementary School first-grade teacher Julie Clark. 'We could make it without them, but it would be very hard.'"

Newsday.com: MLK Memorial Fundraising Picks Up Steam

Newsday.com: MLK Memorial Fundraising Picks Up Steam: "WASHINGTON -- Backers of a permanent National Mall memorial to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. said Monday they are more than a third of the way toward their $100 million fundraising goal.

'He is the foundation and the moral compass for our youth,' Sheila Johnson, owner of the WNBA's Washington Mystics, said in announcing plans to give $1 million on behalf of her children.


Johnson was among several Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation leaders gathered at the Tidal Basin to launch the Kids for King campaign, an essay contest. Twelve winners will attend the September 2006 groundbreaking ceremony on a four-acre site not far from the Lincoln Memorial, where King delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech on Aug. 28, 1963. "

ABC 7 News - Make-A-Wish Foundation to Remain on CFC Donation List

ABC 7 News - Make-A-Wish Foundation to Remain on CFC Donation List: "Make-A-Wish Foundation to Remain on CFC Donation List
RSS Feeds From ABC 7 Tuesday August 23, 2005 6:07am
Washington (AP) - Federal workers can still contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign.

The agency that organizes charitable giving by federal workers has backed off a decision to drop the foundation at the urging of a federal judge.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

The Office of Personnel Management decided to drop the foundation from its list of about 30,000 approved charities this year after determining that the group's national chapter spent more than the agency's limit of 25 percent on salaries and administrative expenses."

15 Tips for Improved Subject Lines

15 Tips for Improved Subject Lines: "15 Tips for Improved Subject Lines

by Loren McDonald

May 2004 Issue - EmailLabs Newsletter

Subject lines are one of the most important components of a successful promotional or newsletter email. This article outlines six principles and 15 tips to help you write subject lines that produce higher open and click-through rates.

Working in tandem with the from line, the content of a subject line is the key determinant for whether a recipient will open an email, delete it immediately, ignore it, file it for future access, report it and/or filter it as spam. The subject line content is also a major component in the algorithm of many ISP and recipient-level spam filters. In other words, a poorly written subject lead may not only go un-opened, it may not even reach the recipient’s inbox in the first place.

Keep these six principles in mind as you approach writing subject lines for your messages:"

United Way's New Look

United Way's New Look: "United Way's New Look


Tuesday, August 23, 2005; Page A14

STEALING FROM any charity is a gutter crime, and no such act in this region has been more disgusting than the pocketing of nearly $500,000 some four years ago by the then-chief executive of the United Way of the National Capital Area, Oral Suer. That criminal act, coupled with sloppy oversight and gross greed among other executives, all but killed the unique, essential mission of the organization in this area. Only now -- a good two years after a thorough shake-up -- are people discovering that the United Way has cleaned up its act and is worthy of generous support."

Ethical Corporation: Latin America - Development banking on responsible business

Ethical Corporation: Latin America - Development banking on responsible business:
snip snip>>
"He talks about corporate social responsibility in Latin America being “on the verge of take-off” and the region’s philanthropic tradition as its “departure point”. From his vantage point in IDB’s sustainable development department in Washington DC, the corporate responsibility field must indeed look much like a busy, criss-crossing flight panel.

INDEPENDENT SECTOR Publishes a “Checklist for Accountability” :: PNNOnline ::

INDEPENDENT SECTOR Publishes a “Checklist for Accountability” :: PNNOnline ::: "INDEPENDENT SECTOR Publishes a “Checklist for Accountability”
Posted by: laurakujawski on Monday, August 22, 2005
Topic Special Features

As part of its continuing commitment to improving the practice and self-regulation of charitable organizations, Independent Sector has released a list of steps organizations can take to help improve and demonstrate their accountability. The steps in the Checklist for Accountability, which also includes a list of resources available as models, are intended to help each charitable organization reassure its stakeholders of its commitment to upholding the public trust vital to earning support and fulfilling its mission.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Stanford Social Innovation Review-The Ratings Game

Stanford Social Innovation Review: "
In recent years, three Web-based agencies have emerged to help potential donors differentiate among the various charities soliciting their money. Now it's time to take a closer look at the raters themselves.
by Stephanie Lowell, Brian Trelstad, and Bill Meehan"

VillageSoup - Government News - VillageSoup-Message to Maine: Estate tax vs. death tax: reality vs. rhetoric

VillageSoup - Government News - VillageSoup: "Message to Maine: Estate tax vs. death tax: reality vs. rhetoric
By Tom Allen

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug 22, 2005): Since George W. Bush moved into the White House and Republicans took control of Congress, they have sought total repeal of the federal estate tax.

They temporarily succeeded in 2001, approving a law that reduced this tax gradually until eliminated in 2010. However, under this legislation, in 2011 the estate tax is scheduled to go back to 2001 levels. Congress will have to remedy this arbitrary and bizarre bit of budgetary and legislative trickery.

Letting Your Fingers Do the Running - New York Times

Letting Your Fingers Do the Running - New York Times: "Letting Your Fingers Do the Running

*
By MARK WALLACE
Published: August 21, 2005

THIS year is the 20th anniversary of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life events, in which teams of runners jog through the night at schools, fairgrounds and parks to raise money for the fight against cancer. To date, the program has raised more than $1.5 billion for the organization. More than three million Americans participate in these local events each year, as do people in 21 other countries around the world.

Now, the residents of an online world are getting in on the act, too. On Aug. 27 and 28, the American Cancer Society will hold its first Relay for Life in the 3D virtual world of Second Life. Instead of running around tracks in their hometowns, participants will guide their onscreen representatives (known as avatars) around a virtual track designed and displayed in cyberspace. Pledges will be made in Second Life's virtual currency, though they will be converted to dollars before being passed along to the cancer society."

NPR : Public Radio Podcasts

NPR : Public Radio Podcasts: "NPR and Public Radio Podcasts

Several NPR programs are currently available as podcasts:

* On the Media from WNYC and NPR
* Living on Earth from NPR
* Science Friday from NPR's Talk of the Nation"

They're not taking it to the grave - Concord Monitor Online - Concord, NH 03301

They're not taking it to the grave - Concord Monitor Online - Concord, NH 03301: "hey're not taking it to the grave
More seniors are donating bequests


By MEG HECKMAN
Monitor staff
August 22. 2005 8:00AM

B
efore knocking on heaven's door, an increasing number of New Hampshire residents are signing over their assets to schools, environmental groups or other charities.

Granite Staters have a reputation as some of the stingiest givers in the nation, but that changes when they die. Local nonprofits report that benefactors who made regular, but modest, donations while alive are leaving hugeposthumous gifts to their favorite good cause. The Concord SPCA, for example, recently received a house from an animal-lover with no heirs. The Women's Fund has been promised portions of life insurance policies, and charities of every stripe are affixing 'in memory of'plaques to new building projects."

Fundraising group aims for right note - Austin - MSNBC.com

Fundraising group aims for right note - Austin - MSNBC.com: "Fundraising group aims for right note

By Jenny Robertson
Austin Business Journal
Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET Aug. 21, 2005

Kevin Kettler thinks Austin has its fair share of black-tie balls and formal fundraisers.

That's why Dell Inc.'s chief technology officer and two of his former colleagues have formed Charity Partners of Austin, a new nonprofit organization seeking to raise money through family-friendly, informal music eve"

Green Bay Press-Gazette - Kroc center closes in on reality

Green Bay Press-Gazette - Kroc center closes in on reality: "Kroc center closes in on reality

Powered by Topix.net
Organizers not far from meeting project requirements

By Terry Anderson
tanderso@greenbaypressgazette.com

Day by day, dream by dream, and dollar by dollar, plans are moving forward for the $37.5 million Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center on Green Bay’s east side.

Green Bay is one of 10 communities in the Midwest — and the only Wisconsin community — that has been approved for the project, and organizers say they are well on their way to meeting the two major stipulations that will allow the “campus of opportunity” to move from dream to reality."

Fredericksburg.com - Who got what? United Way explains Bulk of area donations go to nonprofits, local groups

Fredericksburg.com - Who got what? United Way explains Bulk of area donations go to nonprofits, local groups: "Who got what? United Way explains Bulk of area donations go to nonprofits, local groups



Rappahannock United Way distributes more than $1.2 million this year to 35 local nonprofit agencies

Date published: 8/22/2005

By JESSICA ALLEN

Stephen Batsche wants Fredericksburg-area residents to know how and where their donations to Rappahannock United Way are spent."

Nonprofits try barter at ShareThing site - 2005-08-22

Nonprofits try barter at ShareThing site - 2005-08-22: "Nonprofits try barter at ShareThing site
Lynn Graebner

Good businesses are often born of necessity. Jessica Hardwick, founder and chief executive officer of Web-based bartering company SwapThing Inc. hopes tight pocketbooks and need will fuel not only her initial new venture, but its most recent cousin, ShareThing, for nonprofits."

DailyProgress.com | Crozet man's Web service helps nonprofits

DailyProgress.com | Crozet man's Web service helps nonprofits: "rozet man's Web service helps nonprofits

By David Hendrick / Daily Progress staff writer
August 21, 2005




Donations are the lifeblood of most nonprofit organizations, and Arin Sime has a product that aims to keep the blood flowing.

The Crozet resident and longtime software developer is the entrepreneur behind Donor Town Square, a Web site hosting and donation processing service aimed at small- to medium-sized nonprofit organizations and religious and political groups."

Herald.com | 08/20/2005 | Couples' joy, gifts shared with charities

Herald.com | 08/20/2005 | Couples' joy, gifts shared with charities: "ouples' joy, gifts shared with charities

BY ANA VECIANA-SUAREZ

aveciana@herald.com

For her July wedding at Riverside Baptist Church in Kendall, Jennifer Jea chose navy blue spaghetti-strapped dresses for her bridesmaids, a mixed bouquet of fresh flowers for the table centerpieces, a simple scoop-necked bridal gown for herself -- and two charities to share in her wedding gifts."

New fund makes city rely on charity of nonprofits - PittsburghLIVE.com

New fund makes city rely on charity of nonprofits - PittsburghLIVE.com: "New fund makes city rely on charity of nonprofits


By Jeremy Boren and Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, August 20, 2005

Pittsburgh has reached a tentative deal with an umbrella group of nonprofits -- including churches and struggling arts organizations -- to help the city out of its financial hole.

Mayor Tom Murphy signed a preliminary three-year agreement Aug. 5 with the newly formed Pittsburgh Public Service Fund, which makes few cash guarantees and is cloaked in secrecy.

The service fund signed the agreement Thursday. The agreement still needs the approval of City Council, which won't be able to vote on the deal until after it returns from recess Aug. 30.

Pittsburgh is so desperate for cash that it built $6 million in contributions from nonprofit groups into its $417.5 million budget for 2005. The nonprofits' expected contribution since has been reduced to $5 million."

The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Firms venture into new field: philanthropy

The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Firms venture into new field: philanthropy: "irms venture into new field: philanthropy

By Ariana Eunjung Cha

MENLO PARK, Calif. — They say the soul of Silicon Valley is reflected in the billboards scattered along the 45-mile stretch of Highway 101 that cuts through the region. During the dot-com era, the messages were mostly from such startups as Excite.com, Homestead.com and eGain.com. The goal was to sell you something, anything.

Today the signs have changed. 'End World Hunger,' urges one billboard. Another promotes a campaign to aid the mentally disabled. A third features a smiling portrait of the men and women of the California Air National Guard 129th Rescue Wing, who 'keep America safe, secure and free.'"

Scotsman.com Business - Top Stories - No prods necessary for businesses to behave responsibly

Scotsman.com Business - Top Stories - No prods necessary for businesses to behave responsibly: "No prods necessary for businesses to behave responsibly

PAUL STOKES

IT IS hard to move in Edinburgh at this time of year without some corporate acting in a manner that can only be described as downright socially responsible. Hardly a ballet shoe is laced, bow put to string, filthy joke told or bum placed on seat without the generous financial assistance of one of the capital's capitalists.

The Bank of Scotland is subsidising Swan Lake, while the Royal is funding cut-price tickets for hordes of teenage lovers of opera and theatre. Standard Life is putting its money into Nuts CocoNuts, something which will probably not surprise its policyholders."

Hospital CEOs here over par in income

Hospital CEOs here over par in income: "Hospital CEOs here over par in income

Sunday, August 21, 2005
By Christopher Snowbeck, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Amid growing federal scrutiny of the high salaries of chief executive officers at the nation's nonprofits, at least a half-dozen chief executives at Allegheny County's largest hospitals and health systems last year received annual compensation above the national average."