Friday, December 16, 2005

KGPE - CBS TV47 - Attorney General issues guidelines for giving wisely during the holidays

KGPE - CBS TV47 - Attorney General issues guidelines for giving wisely during the holidays: "Attorney General issues guidelines for giving wisely during the holidays
Posted: 12/16/2005 9:38:43 AM

Attorney General Bill Lockyer is urging Californians to show their holiday spirit by donating generously to the charitable programs that enhance the community and people's lives, but he also cautions donors to be vigilant and protect themselves against potential fraud."

NP Times /-Leaders Drucker, Kuhn and Svenson all die

NP Times / NPT Executive Of The Year: "November, A Bitter Month

Leaders Drucker, Kuhn and Svenson all die

By Craig Causer and Marla E. Nobles

The nonprofit management and fundraising worlds were rocked during November as three of the sector’s influential leaders died. Management guru Peter Drucker, fundraising legend Don Kuhn and database fundraiser pioneer Andrew E. Svenson all left their marks on the nonprofit and for-profit worlds."

Evergreen Newspapers, Inc.-Statewide report finds charitable giving up, money reaching charities down

Evergreen Newspapers, Inc.: "Statewide report finds charitable giving up, money reaching charities down

By Heath Urie
12/14/2005

With the holiday season rapidly gearing into full force, now is the time many charitable organizations appeal to the hearts and wallets of strangers to support their services — but who's really getting the money?

Last week, Colorado Secretary of State Gigi Dennis and Attorney General John Suthers announced the results of the third Annual Report on Charitable Solicitations. The report details how much money charities spend on paying collectors, compared with how much money goes to their stated causes."

Chron.com | Sept. 11 Memorial Fundraising Troubled

Chron.com | Sept. 11 Memorial Fundraising Troubled: "Dec. 16, 2005, 1:00PM
Sept. 11 Memorial Fundraising Troubled

By AMY WESTFELDT Associated Press Writer
� 2005 The Associated Press

NEW YORK — With groundbreaking a few months away, the campaign to raise $500 million for a Sept. 11 museum and a memorial to the World Trade Center dead has been beset by vague cost estimates, battles over what to build, and, some say, poor planning."

Present pressure

Present pressure: "Present pressure

By MATT WICKENHEISER, Portland Press Herald Writer

Copyright � 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

OF CHARITY ONE INCREASINGLY popular workplace gift is a donation to a charity, given in the recipient's name. Some charities, such as the Cancer Community Center in South Portland, sell physical gifts that can be given to co-workers or clients. The Cancer Center sells candles, for example.

THE MAINE Nonprofit Association has the 'Gifts that Give Twice' section on its Web site, www.nonprofitmaine.org. Forty nonprofits have posted items and services for sale as holiday fundraisers.

ANOTHER SITE for those seeking a charity-related gift is www.charitychecks.us. The organization allows a buyer to purchase a set amount, say $25, and give the 'Charity Check' to the gift recipient, who can then give that check to any of 800,000 IRS-qualified charities across the country.

Online NewsHour: Troubles at the American Red Cross -- December 14, 2005

Online NewsHour: Troubles at the American Red Cross -- December 14, 2005: "AMERICAN RED CROSS TROUBLES

December 14 , 2005


The chief executive of the American Red Cross resigned amid criticism of the charity's disaster relief efforts, including its response to Hurricane Katrina. After a background report, a public service professor discusses the problems facing the Red Cross.

realaudio

MARGARET WARNER: When disaster strikes, the Red Cross is the one private charity that U.S. officials from the president on down urge Americans to give to, just as they did after Hurricane Katrina hit this year.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: Right now if our fellow citizens want to help, they ought to give a cash donation to the Red Cross, which they can find at a phone number 1-800-HELP-NOW.

MARGARET WARNER: Americans responded. Of the $2.6 billion raised in private donations for hurricane relief, by far the largest amount, more than $1.8 billion, went to the Red Cross."

Newsday.com: Red Cross Umbrella Group Wants $333M

Newsday.com: Red Cross Umbrella Group Wants $333M: "Red Cross Umbrella Group Wants $333M


By Associated Press

December 15, 2005, 1:12 PM EST

GENEVA -- The umbrella group for Red Cross societies worldwide said Thursday it needs $333 million to fund its aid work, particularly in Africa and Asia, through 2007.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was breaking from its policy of issuing annual 12-month appeals to help facilitate better planning of its humanitarian operations and ward off the effects of donor fatigue in case of future disasters. "

The Nation Newspaper | Red Cross putting plans in place

The Nation Newspaper | Red Cross putting plans in place: "Red Cross putting plans in place
Published on: 12/16/05.

THE RED CROSS is determined to learn from past mistakes in order to be better prepared to handle disasters in the region.

This came out from a media conference at the end of a five-day meeting on Strengthening Disaster Management Capacity In The Caribbean Region project.

Disaster Management Delegate for Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU), Thomas Doyle, is tasked with implementing the European Commission Humanitarian aid Office (ECHO) funded project within the Caribbean Region."

ABC News: Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity

ABC News: Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity: "Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity
Czech Tsunami Survivor and Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity
(AP Photo/Shiho Fukada)
The Associated PressThe Associated Press

WASHINGTON Dec 15, 2005 — Petra Nemcova said Thursday she recently made a tearful return to her work as a supermodel but still devotes most of her time to the children's charity she established after recovering from injuries sustained in last year's tsunami."

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Fundraisers will be forced to reveal if they are paid

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Fundraisers will be forced to reveal if they are paid: "Fundraisers will be forced to reveal if they are paid
ANGUS HOWARTH

NEW rules to make charity fundraisers in Scotland disclose whether they are being paid to collect public donations were launched yesterday.

The regulations, which will come into effect next summer,

will require fundraisers to say who they are, whether they are being paid to collect donations and how much of the collected money goes to the charity."

News from Agape Press

News from Agape Press: "Proposed Amendment May Restore Associated Churches' Tax-Exempt Status

By Allie Martin
December 15, 2005

(AgapePress) - A U.S. senator from Arkansas has proposed a measure that would restore tax-exemption eligibility for a handful of churches across the United States. The amendment is designed to address a 2001 Internal Revenue Service ruling that disqualified 'associations of churches' from claiming tax-exempt status if they allow individual members to vote during organizational meetings."

Royal GazetteDonations reach $2m mark for Red Cross(Bermuda)

Royal Gazette: "Donations reach $2m mark for Red Cross

By Tricia Walters

Weather-related disasters in 2005 have led to donations from Islanders totalling more than $2 million.
According to a report by the United National Environment Programme (UNEP), 2005 saw the highest number of hurricanes or tropical storms since records began in 1850 – showing a growing trend which experts have linked with climate change.
The report quoted preliminary estimates presented by Munich Re Foundation.
This year’s trend shows that major tropical storms in the Atlantic and Pacific have increased in duration and intensity by 50 percent since the 1970s, the report said.
As for the victims of these natural disasters, which included not only hurricanes, but also earthquakes, droughts in West Africa and floods, charities in Bermuda did not shy away from raising money."

Catholic Explorer :: Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond

Catholic Explorer :: Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond: "Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond

By KATHRYNNE SKONICKI


Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond
A volunteer for the Salvation Army braves the snowy weather to ring her bell for donations.


ROMEOVILLE—The American public has used its checkbook to demonstrate compassion in 2005 and nonprofit organizations continue to express their gratitude. However, some nonprofits have conveyed concern over donor fatigue, especially as many organizations are in the midst of year-end appeals.

Catholic Relief Services is still carrying out a five-year $188 million relief effort in tsumani affected areas in Southeast Asia and is pleading with donors to help avert a second round of deaths after a Pakistan earthquake that affected more than 2.2 million children. Stateside, Catholic Charities USA documented the continued generosity of Americans as they donated more than $116 million to aid survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but Catholic Charities agencies across the country expressed concerns about bracing for high utility costs and a bleak financial future."

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Playing God on a budget

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Playing God on a budget: "Ellen Goodman / Syndicated columnist
Playing God on a budget

BOSTON — The kitchen table was set with the usual utensils for our annual family conference: A mug of coffee, a pot of tea, a stack of fundraising requests, a checkbook and a pen.

Our domestic scene was by no means unique. Americans donate around $250 billion a year. We give half of it between Thanksgiving and Christmas, driven by seasonal good will and (blush) an IRS deadline. This week alone, thousands of families will put billions of dollars into sealed envelopes all destined to do good.

Though we are not, to put it mildly, Melinda and Bill Gates, my husband and I perform this ritual with some generosity and good feeling. But this year, as we shuffled through the requests, with their check-off boxes and carefully honed appeals, something clicked."

Illinois Foundations, Individuals Donate $9.1 Billion to Charity :: PNNOnline ::

Illinois Foundations, Individuals Donate $9.1 Billion to Charity :: PNNOnline ::: "llinois Foundations, Individuals Donate $9.1 Billion to Charity
Posted by: jeleneb on Friday, December 16, 2005
Topic General Fundraising


Charitable giving in Illinois totaled $9.1 billion in 2003, an increase of 2 percent from 2001, according to a new report on foundation, corporate and individual giving trends in the state. Released by the Donors Forum of Chicago, Giving in Illinois 2005 found that this increase was fueled by a rise in individual giving, while foundation and corporate giving dropped for the first time in six years.


Giving in Illinois 2005 offers detailed analysis on grantmaking by region, subject area and support type using 2003 data, the most current data available for Illinois foundations.


After steadily increasing since 1997, grantmaking by foundations and corporations fell for the first time in 2003. Giving by foundations and corporations totaled $1.49 billion, a decrease of 9 percent from 2001. Meanwhile, giving by individuals in Illinois rose to $7.6 billion in 2003, an increase of 5.8 percent compared with 2001."

ABC News: Corporate 'Peace Corps': Companies Now Lend Employees

ABC News: Corporate 'Peace Corps': Companies Now Lend Employees: "Corporate 'Peace Corps': Companies Now Lend Employees
Businesses Expand Philanthropy By Giving More than Cash and Products
Global Health

Solveig Haupt in her new job in southwestern India as a Pfizer corporate fellow. (Solveig Haupt)
By CHARLOTTE SECTOR

Dec. 16, 2005 — Solveig Haupt's work environment changed dramatically three months ago.

She left the confines of her New York City office for a crowded hospital in southern India to volunteer her marketing and management skills as a Pfizer fellow."

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Canadians less charitable?

Canadians less charitable?: "Canadians less charitable?
Far less generous than Americans: study

Eric Beauchesne, CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, December 15, 2005

OTTAWA -- Canadians are far less generous with their charity giving than Americans, a report from the Fraser Institute says.

The organization calculates that if Canadians were as generous as Americans, then Canadian charities would have $8-billion a year more to help the needy.

That Canadians have come to rely on a more generous social safety net, and as a result also pay higher taxes, may explain in part why they give less to charity than Americans, said one of the authors of the annual report by the Fraser Institute."

Wisconsin State Journal

Wisconsin State Journal: "Charity, religion and public schools
00:00 am 12/15/05

The red Salvation Army kettle is a ubiquitous part of the holidays, but should public schools send students on bell-ringing field trips for the religious-affiliated organization?
The red Salvation Army kettle is a ubiquitous part of the holidays, but should public schools send students on bell-ringing field trips for the religious-affiliated organization?
(DARREN HAUCK -- Associated Press file photo)

Today's issue: Should public-school students help to raise funds for the Salvation Army?

Background: Last week, Chavez Elementary School in Madison canceled a third-grade field trip to help raise money for the Salvation Army after a parent objected to having public-school students help the religious-based charitable organization. Assistant Superintendent Sue Abplanalp said Chavez staff chose the organization due to its charity work with the poor and homeless rather than for its Christian basis.

Viewpoints: Most writers say the Salvation Army helps, not harms, people.One writer applauds the parent who protested against the trip."

Scottish Charities go Online

content: "Scottish charities go online

07/12/05

The first ever list of the 18,000 Scottish charities, plus a profile of their activities, has been published by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

The list includes details of each organisation’s charitable purposes, income, beneficiaries and geographical location while the profile, called Scottish Charities 2005, gives various statistics reflecting the state of the Scottish charitable sector."

Queen Noor Of Jordan To Keynote Portland, Oregon's Premier Philanthropic Event - (Medford Article)

Queen Noor Of Jordan To Keynote Portland, Oregon's Premier Philanthropic Event - (Medford Article): "Queen Noor Of Jordan To Keynote Portland, Oregon's Premier Philanthropic Event

Portland, Oregon - Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan will be the featured speaker at Portland State University's annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner on March 1, 2006, honoring philanthropists Gary and Barbara Ames and Ken and Marta Thrasher. In its seventh year, the Simon Benson Awards dinner is Portland's premiere philanthropic event, celebrating Pacific Northwest residents who are advocates for philanthropy. Named after one of Oregon's philanthropic pioneers, the award recognizes individuals who are visionaries and have generously given time and/or money to support the lives of generations of Oregonians."

Make the most of your last-minute donations - Countdown to Christmas - MSNBC.com

Make the most of your last-minute donations - Countdown to Christmas - MSNBC.com: "Make the most of your last-minute donations
By Jean Chatzky
“Today” financial editor
Updated: 11:32 a.m. ET Dec. 14, 2005


Are you in the giving mood this holiday season? If so, your donations must be made by Dec. 31 in order to get a 2005 tax credit. “Today” financial editor Jean Chatzky shares advice on how to make the most of your charitable contributions."

U.S. charitable donations could set record this year | IndyStar.com

U.S. charitable donations could set record this year | IndyStar.com: "U.S. charitable donations could set record this year
Groups report that requests for aid have not left donors tired of making contributions

Powered by Topix.net
By David Crary
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Donor fatigue? Not this year.

Even after the outpouring of donations for the Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, holiday giving is robust this season, and 2005 could well set an overall record, U.S. charity officials are reporting.
'It seems to be a phenomenal year,' said Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. 'Donor fatigue is something not many charities are seeing.'"

10NBC / WHEC TV-10-Former President Clinton visits Rochester, tours RIT with Golisano

10NBC / WHEC TV-10: "President Clinton visits Rochester

Former President Bill Clinton visited Rochester Wednesday afternoon at the invitation of Paychex founder Tom Golisano. They toured the RIT campus and spoke to students and staff. During his speech the 42nd president praised Golisano for his philanthropy and for making a difference in the world. "

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

ABC News: America's Charities Impressed by Donors

ABC News: America's Charities Impressed by Donors: "America's Charities Impressed by Donors
America's Charities End a Challenging Year Impressed by Their Donors' Zeal

People line up for food provided by the American Red Cross in the Lakeshore neighborhood of New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005. Some charities feared their holiday season fundraising would suffer as donors decided they had given enough. Thus far, however, end-of-year giving is generally reported strong, although some local charities remain worried because they have more needy people to serve. (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki, File)
By DAVID CRARY AP National Writer
The Associated PressThe Associated Press

NEW YORK Dec 14, 2005 — Donor fatigue? Not this year. Even after the outpouring of donations for the Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, holiday giving is robust this season and 2005 could well set an overall record, U.S. charity officials are reporting.

'It seems to be a phenomenal year,' said Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. 'Donor fatigue is something not many charities are seeing.'"

New Models Emerge for Workplace Giving Campaigns: Broader Employee Interests and Technology Drive Change

PRESS RELEASE


New Models Emerge for Workplace Giving Campaigns: Broader Employee Interests and Technology Drive Change: "Press release from: Global Impact

New Models Emerge for Workplace Giving Campaigns: Broader Employee Interests and Technology Drive Change


(CSRwire) Alexandria, Virginia - A study of 22 U.S. corporations reveals that the traditional workplace giving campaign is evolving into a new model. The study found that more corporations are providing their employees charitable choices beyond local charities and also integrating technology as a core campaign component. With more than $3.8 billion generated annually for charity, workplace giving campaigns are an integral aspect of individual philanthropy in the U.S.

'The changes in workplace giving campaigns that we are seeing today are being driven by donors who are more diverse and sophisticated in their charitable giving interests.' said Ren�e Acosta, president and CEO of Global Impact. 'Moreover, the availability of technology solutions facilitates campaigns providing greater workplace giving choices to their employees.' "

News from The Roanoke Times -Bald is bountiful

News from The Roanoke Times -Bald is bountiful: "spokeswoman at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University said this year's hurricanes and the South Asian tsunami have had an effect on charities.

'The results are pretty mixed results across the board on how Hurricane Katrina giving has affected other charities,' said Adriene Davis. 'We do know that human services organizations ... often feel the pinch when there is a pinch at all in giving. That is often because there is an increase in the need for their services at the same time that there is a decrease in giving.''

The Rescue Mission's plight is similar to other human service agencies across the country.

Public backs donors' say in fund use - Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Public backs donors' say in fund use - Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "ublic backs donors' say in fund use

By Jennifer Harper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
December 14, 2005

The public does not take kindly to nonprofit organizations, charities and educational institutions that ignore the wishes of donors and misuse donated money, according to a Zogby poll released today. "

NewsOK.com | Powered by The Oklahoman and NEWS 9

NewsOK.com | Powered by The Oklahoman and NEWS 9: "End of the year is smart time to give to charity

Today's Q&A is with the vice president of membership, Association of Fundraising Professionals -- Oklahoma Chapter.

Q: With so many nonprofits in Oklahoma and beyond, how do we decide which are legitimate organizations that deserve our support?

A: Great giving decisions start with great information. And in this information age, the data you need to make a sound and reasoned giving decision is easily available. At www.guidestar.org, you can find detailed information on almost every IRS-registered charity in the United States. This information includes the charity's mission, its programs, its leadership and its finances. You can also check with friends and colleagues who might have insight into a certain local charity's programs and whether or not its programs are achieving the desired results. Additionally, you can call the nonprofit directly and ask for their annual report and/or an audited financial statement."

Times Leader | 12/14/2005 | Cds Creative, inc., CreateAThon benefits regional nonprofits

Times Leader | 12/14/2005 | Cds Creative, inc., CreateAThon benefits regional nonprofits: "Cds Creative, inc., CreateAThon benefits regional nonprofits

Cds Creative, inc., a six person advertising, marketing, public relations and event management agency, held its CreateAThon, a 24-hour work-around-the-clock effort,"

Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/14/2005 | A double standard in charity

Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/14/2005 | A double standard in charity: "A double standard in charity
Giving to the poor lags this year despite a rise in donations to hospitals and religious groups.
By Toni Callas
Inquirer Staff Writer

The clang of the tiny, gold bell drew Maple Shade's Marlene Currier to the Salvation Army's familiar red kettle outside Strawbridge's at the Cherry Hill Mall.

She put in a few dollars and was on her way. It didn't matter that she had already given to a New Orleans family devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

'My husband and I live by the saying, 'To whom much is given, much is expected,' ' Currier said. 'We are very blessed and want to give when we can.'

Apparently many Americans feel the same. Despite reports that donor fatigue is affecting Christmas giving, those who keep track say agencies and groups will see an overall increase from the $250 billion raised for charity last year."

HollywoodPoker.com Announces Charity Poker Gone MADD Winner: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE

HollywoodPoker.com Announces Charity Poker Gone MADD Winner: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "HollywoodPoker.com Announces Charity Poker Gone MADD Winner
Wednesday December 14, 6:00 am ET

BELL GARDENS, Calif., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- HollywoodPoker.com ( http://www.hollywoodpoker.com ), where the stars come to play, was happy to lend a helping hand on Saturday, December 3, 2005 for the first installment of the 'Charity Poker Gone MADD Tournament Series,' organized by Exit 131 Productions and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at the Bicycle Casino. More than 170 players participated in the first installment of the series, generating a prize pool of $69,000."

The Fraser Institute: Media Release-Once Again Manitoba Tops the Fraser Institute's Generosity Index; Americans Donate Twice as Much as Canadians

The Fraser Institute: Media Release-Once Again Manitoba Tops the Fraser Institute's Generosity Index; Americans Donate Twice as Much as Canadians: "The Fraser Institute: Media Release-Once Again Manitoba Tops the Fraser Institute's Generosity Index; Americans Donate Twice as Much as Canadians

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - Dec. 14, 2005) - Manitoba is once again Canada's most generous province, according to Charitable Giving in Canada and the US: The 2005 Generosity Index, released today by The Fraser Institute.

'The charitable sector depends on the generosity of Canadians to finance the provision of goods and services that might not otherwise be available to some of society's neediest citizens,' said Sylvia LeRoy, policy analyst at The Fraser Institute. 'Our Generosity Index measures private charitable giving across the Canadian provinces and US states.'

Generosity in Canada

Manitoba ranks first in Canada for having the highest percentage of tax-filers donating to charity (28.3 percent), followed by Ontario (27.0 percent) and Saskatchewan (26.7 percent)."

Chicago Tribune | $2.9 billion given after storm

Chicago Tribune | $2.9 billion given after storm: "$2.9 billion given after storm

By Charles Storch
Published December 14, 2005

Charitable giving by Americans to help victims of this year's major Gulf Coast hurricanes has exceeded $2.96 billion in fewer than four months, topping the estimated $2.8 billion donated over several years in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to a report released Tuesday.

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University also found that U.S. disaster giving totaled around $4.83 billion when it included the nearly $1.8 billion and more than $83 million so far donated, respectively, to assist South Asian victims of last December's tsunami and October's earthquake."

Red Cross Top Official Steps Down

Red Cross Top Official Steps Down: "Red Cross Top Official Steps Down
Charity Says Departure Is Unrelated to Katrina

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 14, 2005; Page A01

The American Red Cross, facing criticism for its Hurricane Katrina relief effort, said yesterday that its chief executive, Marsha J. Evans, has resigned -- the latest in a string of leaders who have struggled to guide the giant, often troubled charity."

ABC News: Red Cross President Resigns; Questions Remain

ABC News: Red Cross President Resigns; Questions Remain: "Dec. 13, 2005 — Today's resignation by American Red Cross President Marsha Evans makes her the third in the last four presidents of the organization to end their tenure after a major national disaster.

Evans' resignation came as a surprise just hours before a congressional committee heard detailed testimony of Red Cross shortcomings and failures in the wake of Hurricane Katrina"

BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How to give away �51m

BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How to give away �51m: "How to give away �51m
By Jonathan Duffy
BBC News Magazine

Body Shop founder Anita Roddick says she plans to give away her entire �51m fortune to good causes. But there's nothing straightforward about philanthropy these days."

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group)

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group): "Global Connections
The electronic newsletter of the Resource Alliance

Welcome to Issue 20 of 'Global Connections', the Resource Alliance’s electronic newsletter. Please pass along this newsletter to anyone you feel might find it of interest. "

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

New Orleans CityBusiness -- Boggs to serve as nonprofit ambassador

New Orleans CityBusiness -- New Orleans CityBusiness: "Boggs to serve as nonprofit ambassador
By April Capochino

2005-12-12 1:24 PM CST

NEW ORLEANS — Former Congresswoman Lindy Boggs will serve as the official ambassador of the Unified Nonprofits of Greater New Orleans, a post-Katrina collaboration of nonprofits.

Boggs was the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, served as a U.S. ambassador to the Vatican and is the mother of news analyst Cokie Roberts.

Early today, she spoke to a room of about 30 nonprofit leaders at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City.

'We were trying to think of someone who could represent what the nonprofit sector does and someone suggested her name, which made complete sense,' said Lisa Kaichen, who heads the group."

Palo Alto Online-Giving Tree’ short 20,000 gifts

Palo Alto Online: "Giving Tree’ short 20,000 gifts
But ‘virtual’ tree still makes giving possible

More than 20,000 children may miss out on gifts this Christmas, due to a deficit of donations to the Family Giving Tree.

Nearly 55,000 needy Bay Area children received gifts from the Family Giving Tree’s Holiday Program last year. But this year, when 6,000 volunteers arrive to prepare gifts before Christmas they won’t have enough presents to sort, founder and “Queen Elf” Jennifer Cullenbine, who started the program in Palo Alto, said.

“We are now facing a huge deficit. ... Sixteen years ago I started this program as an MBA project. In all those years, we have never had to worry about not being able to provide gifts for all the families we serve."

Why Sponsors Sponsor (Karrh On Marketing) - Ark. Business online media paper Arkansas News ebusiness biz in Arkansas

Why Sponsors Sponsor (Karrh On Marketing) - Ark. Business online media paper Arkansas News ebusiness biz in Arkansas: "Why Sponsors Sponsor (Karrh On Marketing)
By Jim Karrh
Arkansas Business - 12/12/05

It’s hunting season again — and it doesn’t just involve things with feathers.

Most of us on the corporate side of the ledger have gone through budgeting processes that include plans for partnerships, event support and sponsorships, and other philanthropic activities. On the other side, leaders of not-for-profits have been planning ways of securing corporate partnerships in an increasingly competitive fundraising environment.

In this column, I’d like to share one marketer’s ideas and biases as well as the conclusions of an interesting article on corporate philanthropy. Taken together, they might make things easier for both the hunter and hunted."

TIME.com Print Page: Inside Business -- Movies with a Message

TIME.com Print Page: Inside Business -- Movies with a Message: "Movies with a Message
ONE HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER HAS HIGH HOPES HIS FILMS WILL CHANGE THE WORLD
By MELBA NEWSOME/ LOS ANGELES

By the time Jeff Skoll, CEO of the newly formed film company Participant Productions, got the script for Good Night, and Good Luck--about the showdown between heralded 1950s news anchor Edward R. Murrow and infamous communist witch hunter Joseph McCarthy--it had been turned down by every studio in Hollywood. 'Once I started to learn about McCarthyism and about what Murrow did, the story struck me as very relevant to what's going on today with this Administration and things like the Patriot Act,' says Canadian-born Skoll. Nonetheless, Skoll also passed on making the script, which George Clooney had originally cowritten as a four-part television show. But when Skoll spent time with Clooney in Dubai during the filming of Syriana, the two talked for hours about history. Clooney explained his vision for the film, frame by frame, and Skoll was sold. He believed the film would meld with Participant's grandiose mission: to change the world."

"China Charity Receives Shoddy Donation From Religious Group

ChinaCSR.com - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) News and Information for China's New Millennium: "China Charity Receives Shoddy Donation From Religious Group

Xinhua reports that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being investigated after China Charity, the country's largest charitable organization, received donations that included expired medical equipment and stained bedding.

The report says a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hong Kong says that the church only donates high-quality goods.

China Charity officials will be sent to the United States to look into how this happened."

Arizona Daily Sun-Give to your favorite animal charities

Arizona Daily Sun-: "Give to your favorite animal charities
By Diane Jarvis
12/12/2005

[ archive | email this story ]

Gosh, it's hard to believe that it is the middle of December already; crunch time for those of us who have put off holiday cards and shopping. Well, here is a little reminder that with the end of the year looming ahead, it is time to think about making donations to your favorite charity that can act as gifts and tax benefits at the same time.

One of my favorite Christmas gifts is a check to the recipient's favorite charity; something I and my friends appreciate far more than another doodad to dust. They're happy, the charity is happy, and I have another tax deduction. And, since most of my friends are animal lovers, most of the checks go to animal-related charities that are near and dear to my heart.

Now that you are thinking about charitable giving, there are many other ways to give year-round. Gifts in kind, such as real estate, company shares, and stocks or bonds can be donated to charities with the potential of reducing the giver's tax obligations. These can also be used to fund charitable gift annuities, which can provide ongoing funds for the charity while offering the giver a guaranteed income for life. Your financial advisor can provide you with the details for such a gift."

Monday, December 12, 2005

TIME.com: Charity Fat Cats -- Dec. 19, 2005 -- Page 1

TIME.com: Charity Fat Cats -- Dec. 19, 2005 -- Page 1: "Charity Fat Cats
THE IRS IS CRACKING DOWN ON EXCESSIVE PAY AND PERKS AT NONPROFITS. COULD THE SCRUTINY GO TOO FAR?
By ELEAZAR DAVID MELENDEZ
SUBSCRIBE TO TIMEPRINTE-MAILMORE BY AUTHOR

Posted Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005
There was no particular reason for Steven J. McCormick's salary to raise a red flag. In fact, his 2003 remuneration as CEO of the Nature Conservancy, the world's largest environmental charity--at $275,000 plus health and retirement benefits--might even have seemed inadequate. With operations in 28 countries and claims of having nearly a million members, the Conservancy that McCormick was running was, after all, the nonprofit equivalent of a multinational. But it turned out that McCormick had also received a $75,000 sign-on bonus, $75,000 to cover living expenses, a $1.7 million loan to buy a new house and a no-strings-attached discretionary fund to use toward finishing pet projects."

Leader: The positive spin on being hacked - Security Strategy - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com

Leader: The positive spin on being hacked - Security Strategy - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com: "Leader: The positive spin on being hacked

It's good to talk (but better not to be hacked in the first place)


By silicon.com

Published: Monday 12 December 2005

The news that a UK charity has seen its systems breached and 2,800 donors' credit card details stolen is pretty shocking stuff.

Charities have long been singled out by hackers, often for petty crimes such as web defacement, because they are perceived as being a soft touch. But anybody who has dealt with a charity in a professional capacity will know there are often hard businessmen and women at their heart and run accordingly."

Beyond Ties and Scarves: Three Out of Four Consumers Prefer Charitable Contributions to Traditional Holiday Gifts, According to Recent Survey

PRESS RELEASE

Beyond Ties and Scarves: Three Out of Four Consumers Prefer Charitable Contributions to Traditional Holiday Gifts, According to Recent Survey: "Beyond Ties and Scarves: Three Out of Four Consumers Prefer Charitable Contributions to Traditional Holiday Gifts, According to Recent Survey

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2005--

Survey Also Found That 57 Percent of Respondents Would Give up All Holiday Gifts This Season to Help Their Favorite Charitable Cause


Ties are out and charitable gifts are in this holiday season, according to a recent survey from Kintera(R) Inc. (NASDAQ:KNTA). The results reveal that more than three out of four consumers prefer to have a charitable contribution made in their honor rather than the usual tie or scarf this holiday season.

As the holiday shopping countdown continues, Kintera research indicates that charitable gifts may be a popular trend in gift-giving this season. Key survey findings include:

The Chronicle, 12/9/2005: 29 Percent of Americans Volunteer, New Study Finds

From the Chronicle of Philanthropy

The Chronicle, 12/9/2005: 29 Percent of Americans Volunteer, New Study Finds: "29 Percent of Americans Volunteer, New Study Finds
By Leah Kerkman

Twenty-nine percent of Americans volunteered in the past year, a percentage that has held steady for the past two years, according to a report released today by the U.S. government.

However, the amount of time people spent volunteering during the year declined slightly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics' survey found. Volunteers spent a median of 50 hours volunteering in 2004-2005,meaning half volunteered more and half less. In the previous three years, Americans said they spent 52 hours volunteering.

Some 65.4 million people in the United States volunteered at least once over the 12 months ending in September 2005, the survey found."

Donors seeking worthy recipients (phillyBurbs.com) | Courier Times

Donors seeking worthy recipients (phillyBurbs.com) | Courier Times: "Donors seeking worthy recipients

By MARION CALLAHAN
Bucks County Courier Times

He gives more during the holidays than the average family makes in a year.

So, come holiday season, the letters pour in.

A Methodist church in Ohio needs money. So does a college in Chicago and a Korean War organization.

By year's end, Telford business entrepreneur Alex Rankin, 73, sees about 620 requests, many of which are duplicates from organizations that bombard him monthly. Most are legit, some are not. He spends a big chunk of his time sorting through the piles of letters soliciting money for everything from surgeries in third world countries to political groups rivaling Hillary Clinton.

'I get things from groups all over the country that I haven't even heard of,' he said. 'I have to know what they do and what they stand for. I only write one check a year. Otherwise, you'll fall into the trap of writing a check every week.'"

Free Timesheets for Small Nonprofit Organizations :: PNNOnline ::

Free Timesheets for Small Nonprofit Organizations :: PNNOnline ::: "ree Timesheets for Small Nonprofit Organizations
Posted by: laurakujawski on Monday, December 12, 2005
Topic Special Features


Journyx, a 9-year-old software company in Austin, Texas, has just released a new version of its software program which enables employee time tracking to automate billing, payroll and project or grant accounting. Why does Journyx give its software away? The company hopes for suggestions from its free users.


'Nonprofit organizations are often under budget constraints,' said Curt Finch, Journyx CEO. 'Rarely is the mission of a nonprofit organization to spend all of its money on employees and technology, but rather to serve its constituents. Journyx helps them do that more efficiently.'"

KUTV: China Charity Returns Donations From LDS Church

KUTV: China Charity Returns Donations From LDS Church: "China Charity Returns Donations From LDS Church
t It

BEIJING, China Thousands of pounds of medical equipment reportedly donated to China by the LDS church will be returned because it includes stained bedding, used surgical clothes and expired medical equipment, local media and a charity official said Friday.

The donations came from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, said a woman reached at the publicity department of China Charity, the country's largest charitable organization. She declined to give her name and could provide no further details about the donor.
"

Chron.com | After hurricane charity, Houston likely has less to give

Chron.com | After hurricane charity, Houston likely has less to give: "Generosity may have given out
Houston likely has less to share after its charity for storm victims

By CYNTHIA LEONOR GARZA
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The lonely pile of Barbie doll boxes hints at the challenge facing the Star of Hope Mission this Christmas season. The toy cars and trucks, filling less than a shopping cart, offer little encouragement."

ABC News: Glitz, Glamour Affecting Charitable Giving?

ABC News: Glitz, Glamour Affecting Charitable Giving?: "Glitz, Glamour Affecting Charitable Giving?
Charities Serving Poor Sometimes Take Second Place to More Alluring Causes
charity event

It's the season for giving -- and for opulent charity events where the rich, powerful and famous mingle. But charities that help the poor aren't doing as well as more glamorous causes. (ABC News)
By BRIAN ROSS

Dec. 8, 2005 — This year alone, charitable giving in America is expected to reach at least $250 billion, with many Americans writing their checks in these last few weeks of the year, so their donations will still count toward this year's tax deduction.

And for some of the wealthiest Americans, it is not only the season of giving, but also the season of lavish black-tie events. According to publicist and society columnist R. Couri Hay, 'It's all about charities. Social life in New York revolves around giving, and so every single night there are five, six, maybe even 10 parties during the busy season a night where you can go and give to a worthy cause.'

Daily Herald | Illinois-"Study finds that giving is up, thanks to individual effort

Daily Herald | Illinois: "Study finds that giving is up, thanks to individual effort

By Dave Orrick
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Monday, December 12, 2005

Charitable giving in Illinois continued to inch up, finally reaching a level 2 percent above how things looked in 2001, according to a report released today.

But the improvement was thanks to individual donors, not companies and foundations.

For the first time in six years, company and foundation giving fell in 2003, the year of giving that was analyzed in the report by the nonprofit Chicago Donors Forum. The report is the only annual snapshot of the state’s $21.5 billion charitable sector."

onPhilanthropy - How KETRA Helps Donors Maximize their Charitable Deductions. An Interview with philanthropy advisor Janice Schoos

onPhilanthropy - How KETRA Helps Donors Maximize their Charitable Deductions. An Interview with philanthropy advisor Janice Schoos: "How KETRA Helps Donors Maximize their Charitable Deductions. An Interview with philanthropy advisor Janice Schoos
By: Nathan Shaver, 12/09/05

On September 23, 2005, President Bush signed into law the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (KETRA). While enacted in order to aid storm victims in the Gulf region, this legislation also allows for any cash giving between August 28 and December 31, 2005 to be fully deductible – up to 100% of AGI – twice the normal limit of 50%. The provisions of this bill open many doors for donors to contribute not only to disaster relief efforts, but also to other charities or organizations. Observations in Philanthropy felt it would be helpful for our readers to explore the impact of this legislation – and the benefits for donors and non-profits – with Janice Schoos, Senior Managing Director of the newly created philanthropic services division at Changing Our World.


OIP: What should non-profit organizations be thinking about in light of the KETRA legislation?

JS: Congress recognized that the fund-raising efforts of non-Katrina related organizations might be severely hurt this year. Non-profits should reach out to their donors to point out that the tax change applies to non-Katrina contributions, as well as those made to help disaster relief."

NewsOK.com | Powered by The Oklahoman and NEWS 9

NewsOK.com | Powered by The Oklahoman and NEWS 9: "ompanies give to charity for client gifts
By Clytie Bunyan
The Oklahoman

If you're someone's client and accustomed to receiving a substantial, or even lavish, 'thanks for your business' gift each year, don't expect one this year.

Many companies in recent years have been responding to a growing demand among charitable groups that help people in need, particularly during the Christmas season. This year, thanks to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, that need is even greater. Donations to many organizations after the hurricanes already have been distributed to help the thousands of displaced Americans. Those donations followed a national appeal to help the people in Asia and parts of Africa that were affected by the Boxing Day tsunami last year.

All that generosity earlier this year puts a damper on budgets for charitable giving during the holidays."

The Baytown Sun

The Baytown Sun: "Baytown resident Nick Lloyd said he also felt a strain in his pockets this year. During Hurricane Rita, Lloyd and his family evacuated to Austin, where he said plenty of money was spent on groceries.

“I just haven’t had as much to give this year,” he said. “I’m sure everyone feels the same.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals reported “nearly half of U.S. charities have seen their fund-raising decline because of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes and the associated relief efforts.”"

- toledoblade.com -New tax rules take bite out of vehicle donations

- toledoblade.com -: "OLEDO-AREA CHARITIES
New tax rules take bite out of vehicle donations
Value and quality of automobiles also declining
Photo
Dave Pifer auctions vehicles while Lester and Mary Calendar browse the Volunteers of America lot. A decline in automobile donations has especially hurt the Volunteers of America because its other funding sources have remained flat for years.
( THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH )
Zoom

By TAD VEZNER
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Almost a year after the federal government put the brakes on excessive tax deduction benefits for donating vehicles to charity, some area agencies that got a lot of mileage out of such gifts are seeing a significant slowdown in donations.



Until the end of 2004, donors were able deduct the Kelley Blue Book value of vehicles they donated to charity on their tax returns. But a change in federal law this year - part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 - now allows donors to claim only the actual price charities receive when they sell most donated vehicles."

Porterville Recorder

Porterville Recorder: "Porterville residents opened up their hearts - and in some cases their wallets - in a altruistic display the days and weeks following Hurricane Katrina's fury.

Nationwide, the American Red Cross estimates that Katrina relief efforts will exceed $2 billion, with financial assistance to approximately 1.2 million families, or 3.7 million survivors, according to the Web site."

Eroding foundation

Story121205_3: "Eroding foundation
Endowment's assets fall with Lilly stock; heavy sale of shares dim chances for rebound

By Scott Olson
IBJ Reporter

Wall Street is chipping away at Indianapolis' most-venerable philanthropic institution.

The value of Lilly Endowment's primary asset--Eli Lilly and Co. shares--has dropped by more than half since 2000, forcing leaders to sell additional shares in order to give away hundreds of millions of dollars as required each year.

Still, the privately run endowment remains a major Eli Lilly shareholder, with nearly 148 million shares of the company's stock. Now hovering around $50, Lilly's slumbering shares are down dramatically from the $93 they fetched five years ago.

As a result, the endowment's value tumbled from $15.5 billion to $7.5 billion, renewing questions about whether it should diversify its investments."

Black-oriented museums lacking African-American donors - The Boston Globe

Black-oriented museums lacking African-American donors - The Boston Globe: "Black-oriented museums lacking African-American donors
Aid seen going to other causes

By Darryl Fears, Washington Post | December 11, 2005

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The glamour, the popping flashes of the paparazzi, and movie stars such as Jim Carrey, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and Chris Tucker gave a glitzy Hollywood feel to the grand opening of the Muhammad Ali Center in this horse-racing town."