Friday, January 13, 2006

newsarticle - Philanthropy Journal-Netherlands most generous country

newsarticle - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change: "U.S. ranks first in giving, eighth in volunteering, study says.

01.13.2006 -

While it tops the list in financial generosity, U.S. lags seven other nations in volunteering, a new study says.

In a study of private philanthropy across the world, Johns Hopkins University analyzes cash and in-kind giving as a percentage of gross domestic product, and the value of volunteer time as a percentage of GDP.

Where available, the data include giving and volunteering for religious organizations."

United Way to Give Money to Boy Scouts

United Way to Give Money to Boy Scouts: "United Way to Give Money to Boy Scouts

The Associated Press
Friday, January 13, 2006; 2:36 AM

ATLANTA -- The United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta announced it would give the local Boy Scouts $250,000, six months after it withheld the donation over inflated numbers of inner-city recruits.

The charity decided this week to release the money after reviewing the Scout's plan for improving Operation First Class. The program is designed to draw more inner-city boys, mostly blacks and Hispanics, by waiving registration fees, providing free uniforms and offering scholarships for camps."

: Maine Antique Digest, January 2006-Sotheby's, New York City

: Maine Antique Digest, January 2006: "Sotheby's, New York City
Mickey Mouse 75th Birthday Statues Bring $614,500 for Noble Causes
by Dorothy S. Gelatt

What a haul! What a 75th birthday salute to Disney's revered Mickey Mouse. Long a favorite of antique toy and animation art collectors, Mickey—specially reproduced in 75 massive 700-pound 6'5' 75th birthday statues—is now elevated to new collectible heights.

Born November 18, 1928, Mickey celebrated his 75th birthday starting in 2003 with a two-year United States birthday tour of the 75 statues (plus four extras for good measure!)"

Funding tight, but charities try to cope - baltimoresun.com

Funding tight, but charities try to cope - baltimoresun.com: "Funding tight, but charities try to cope
Cuts in support by government and corporations present nonprofits with money-raising challenges
By Jamie Smith Hopkins
Sun reporter
Originally published January 13, 2006
Baltimore Reads' budget is a bit more than $1 million, which might sound good until you consider that it was four times larger a half-decade ago.

Its federal grants shrunk drastically after the government diverted welfare-to-work money away from programs that educate people but do not directly help them find employment, said Marlene C. McLaurin, the nonprofit's executive director. Appeals for private money didn't bring in nearly enough to bridge the gap. Her literacy group has cut its staff by more than half in the past five years, eliminated programs for children and reduced classes for adults."

Thursday, January 12, 2006

USATODAY.com - College coffers are in the pink

USATODAY.com - College coffers are in the pink: "College coffers are in the pink
By Mary Beth Marklein, USA TODAY
U.S. colleges and universities earned 'respectable returns' on their endowments last year as wealthier schools posted higher averages than less wealthy ones, a report out Thursday shows.

Annual returns on endowments averaged 9.7%, says the Commonfund Benchmarks Study. It is based on 729 education institutions, primarily public and private universities but also independent schools and private education foundations."

Cocktails for arts: Museums compete for young patrons - Arts & Leisure - International Herald Tribune

Cocktails for arts: Museums compete for young patrons - Arts & Leisure - International Herald Tribune: "Cocktails for arts: Museums compete for young patrons
By Dana Vachon The New York Times

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2006
Agantlet of paparazzi flanked the entrance to the Guggenheim on the night of the museum's annual Young Collectors Council gala last month. More than 600 young art patrons slowly made their way past the flashbulbs into the main hall, which over the previous 40 hours had been adorned with hundreds of yards of burgundy draperies, 1,000 long-stemmed roses and 6 life-size mechanical bulls on pedestals rising into the air. A platoon of 20 waiters in black tie awaited the guests with 180 bottles of Champagne and 144 bottles of vodka.

House GOP eyes ban on free trips for lawmakers - The Boston Globe

House GOP eyes ban on free trips for lawmakers - The Boston Globe: "House GOP eyes ban on free trips for lawmakers
Romney says gifts will go to charity

By Jim Abrams, Associated Press | January 12, 2006

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans, seeking to recover their standing with voters following a lobbying scandal, are considering a total ban on privately funded congressional trips, the lawmaker leading the reform effort said yesterday."

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

FresnoBee.com: Lew Griswold: 7 students from China tour Valley nonprofits

FresnoBee.com: Lew Griswold: 7 students from China tour Valley nonprofits: "Seven college students from China will be visiting Earlimart today, touring a 51-unit Self-Help Enterprises 'sweat-equity' housing project.

The students, in their early 20s, are here on Chan Fellowships, which bring Chinese students to the United States for six months to study nonprofit organizations and how they are managed.

Tuesday, they visited Delano to learn about the history of the United Farm Workers of America.

'We want to expose them to an organized movement in the United States,' said program manager Carrie Donovan of Berkeley. 'The whole idea of community organizing and nonprofits isn't there yet in China. They can adapt it in a way that works for China.'"

Taipei Times - archives-Wealthy Chinese learning to give

Taipei Times - archives: "Wealthy Chinese learning to give

THE GUARDIAN , BEIJING
Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006,Page 4

China, the economic success story of the 21st century so far, is calling on its growing middle class to share more of its good fortune with the needy.

The government has made an appeal for charity amid rising criticism that the spirit of philanthropy is developing a lot less quickly than the urge to accumulate wealth, as the country becomes richer but more divided.

Almost twenty-five years of spectacular economic growth are estimated to have created more than 10,000 people with assets in excess of US$10 million.

But while the new rich are spending, investing and gambling more than ever, their willingness to give something back to a society which still contains tens of millions of people living on less than a dollar a day is being called into question.

Last week Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs Li Liguo (李立國), said the government needed more help from the private sector to deal with natural disasters. Last year was one of the worst in memory for typhoons, floods and droughts, which claimed 2,500 lives, left 15 million people homeless and created food shortages for more than 70 million, mostly in the poor western and northern regions."

The Pilot Newspaper - Local News-Charitable Giving Up in North Carolina

The Pilot Newspaper - Local News: "Charitable Giving Up in North Carolina

North Carolinians gave generously to charitable groups registered with the Secretary of State’s office in the second half of 2004 and first half of 2005, even before this year’s deadly hurricane season impacted the national consciousness.

The N.C. Secretary of State’s annual Charitable Solicitation Licensing report showed a big spike in donations versus the previous annual report.

The report covers the time frame from July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005.

Gross receipts in that period from “events,” meaning any kind of fund-raising campaign conducted by a paid solicitor and covered by the state’s charitable solicitation law, totaled $204,582,853.

That compares to a 2003-2004 figure of $145,594,969."

The New Etiquette of Lobbying - Emily Post, meet Jack Abramoff. By John Dickerson

The New Etiquette of Lobbying - Emily Post, meet Jack Abramoff. By John Dickerson: "The standards of decorum for courtship and lobbying have moved in opposite directions. In the Victorian era, a gentleman seeking a lady's affection asked her to dance, took her to the refreshment room, and then returned her to her chaperone. A 19th-century lobbyist offered lawmakers cash for votes and threw liquor-soaked parties where he introduced his targets to women of loose morals. According to a Senate report, Samuel Colt's lobbyist won government contracts to buy revolvers by adopting the rule: 'To reach the heart or get the vote, the surest way is down the throat.'"

Chinese government calls for a charity revolution : Mail & Guardian Online

Chinese government calls for a charity revolution : Mail & Guardian Online: "Last week, the Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs, Li Liguo, said the government needs more help from the private sector to deal with natural disasters. Last year was one of the worst in memory for typhoons, floods and droughts, which claimed 2 500 lives, left 15-million people homeless and created food shortages for more than 70-million, mostly in the poor western and northern regions.

'We ask for greater support from charity-based organisations and from society,' the minister said. 'The Chinese government will make new policies, such as the introduction of tax breaks, and try to create a more encouraging social climate for corporate donations.'"

Appeal-Democrat.com-Y-S nonprofits want casino fundraisers back

Appeal-Democrat.com: "This legislation is key, and we all need to get behind it,” said Jackie Sillman, district director for Soroptimist International and a member of the Marysville-Yuba City club. “It would allow us more freedom to set up our fundraising events.”

Julie Eckardt, a soroptimist and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, said the legislation would really help local organizations.

“We're going to have to fill out paperwork and pay a registration fee, but it's not going to be a huge barrier to having the event,” she said."

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

CBS News | FTC Sues AmeriDebt For Fraud | November 20, 2003 02:18:40

CBS News | FTC Sues AmeriDebt For Fraud | November 20, 2003 02:18:40:
snip snip.

"AmeriDebt touts itself as 'the friend of consumers in crisis,' but the Federal Trade Commission alleged the company hid fees and did not educate people about how to get out of debt.

The FTC, which filed the lawsuit in federal court, also claimed the Germantown, Md.-based company falsely described itself as a nonprofit organization.
"

AP Wire | 01/10/2006 | Berkeley accused of infringing scouts' speech

AP Wire | 01/10/2006 | Berkeley accused of infringing scouts' speech: "Berkeley accused of infringing scouts' speech
DAVID KRAVETS
Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO - The city of Berkeley, which was celebrated in the 1960s as the home of the Free Speech Movement, now finds itself accused of violating the First Amendment rights of a group of young sailors connected to the Boy Scouts of America.

Citing a violation of its nondiscrimination policy, the City Council revoked the free berthing the Berkeley Sea Scouts received for six decades. The city targeted the group because the Boy Scouts bar atheist and gay members.

The council's actions were to be tested Tuesday during oral arguments before the California Supreme Court in a case that challenges the legality of removing or withholding public subsidies from groups whose ideals run counter to the government's. Both sides maintain legal precedent is on their side.

City officials told the Sea Scouts in 1998 that the group could retain its berthing subsidy, valued at about $500 monthly, if it either broke from the Boy Scouts or disavowed the policy against gays and atheists."

Star Community Newspapers - Plano Star Courier - 01/08/2006 - Charities feel the holiday crash

Star Community Newspapers - Plano Star Courier - 01/08/2006 - Charities feel the holiday crash:
snip snip>>
"Many local agencies reported a drop in holiday donations this year, possibly an after-effect of the generosity displayed after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And, reports have shown that non-profits nationwide annually see a tremendous drop in donations in the weeks following holidays or disasters.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals saw this exact scenario play it self out months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and again after the 2004 tsunamis that hit South Asia.
"

NPR : Rate Hikes and the Future of Snail Mail

NPR : Rate Hikes and the Future of Snail Mail: "Rate Hikes and the Future of Snail Mail

Listen to this story...

Talk of the Nation, January 9, 2006 · The post office raises the cost of first class stamps to 39 cents. Postal Service historian Nancy Pope talks about economic viability of today's postal service.

Guest:

Nancy Pope, historian at the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum
"

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Charity: new cultural revolution

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Charity: new cultural revolution: "Charity: new cultural revolution

Authorities call on burgeoning middle class to help out the country's poor

Jonathan Watts in Beijing
Tuesday January 10, 2006
The Guardian

China, the greatest economic success story of the 21st century so far, is calling on its growing middle class to share more of its good fortune with the needy. The government has made an appeal for charity amid rising criticism that the spirit of philanthropy is developing a lot less quickly than the urge to accumulate wealth, as the country becomes richer but more divided."

Monday, January 09, 2006

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Establishes Distinguished Fellow Program

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Establishes Distinguished Fellow Program: "Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Establishes Distinguished Fellow Program

Jan 9, 2006 - Princeton, N.J.
C. Tracy Orleans, Ph.D., appointed first distinguished fellow

To shape the direction philanthropy takes in finding solutions to the nation’s most pressing and complex health and health care challenges, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has established a Distinguished Fellowship Program. The program recognizes outstanding professionals who are national thought leaders, providing them with wider opportunities for scientific and programmatic leadership to help RWJF achieve its mission and goals."

CBS News | Charity Begins With A Scandal | January 8, 2006 11:33:52

CBS News | Charity Begins With A Scandal | January 8, 2006 11:33:52: "Charity Begins With A Scandal

Jan. 8, 2006
Congressmen are scrambling to get rid of campaign contributions linked to Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff (GETTY)


(CBS) Weekly commentary by CBS Evening News anchor and Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer.

Here are several ways to know that something's wrong: the sun rises in the West, a teenager laughs at a parent's joke, or, even more improbable, a politician gives away a campaign contribution.

So we knew something bad happened last week in Washington when we saw that cloud of dust raised by the stampede of politicians racing to give campaign contributions from Lobbyist Jack Abramoff to charity.

This epidemic of charity enveloped Washington after Abramoff pleaded guilty to corruption charges and agreed to help prosecutors track down members of Congress who took bribes. "

The Capital Times-Smart Cookies

The Capital Times:
snip snip>>>
"The 'brand' that Girl Scouts carry with them when they ring the neighbor's doorbell is enough to make any professional fundraiser's mouth water.

'It's certainly an enviable position to be in,' said JoAnn Stormer, executive director of the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program and a former president of the Madison chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

'It's like a business that when you say the name everybody knows the products and the reputation,' Stormer said. 'The Girl Scout cookie fundraiser is the kind of thing other nonprofit organizations may be looking for.'"

The Journal Standard Online-A timely focus on philanthropy

The Journal Standard Online: "A timely focus on philanthropy


The issue: Rich and famous honored for stepping up and making a difference

Our view: High-profile efforts are creating a long overdue sense of urgency for helping the poor in developing nations.

Amid so many stories of selfish politicians and movie stars, it was refreshing to see three of the world's richest and most powerful people gain recognition for something besides their latest for-profit venture.

Time Magazine recently named U2 singer Bono, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda as its persons of the year. But the award wasn't for creating great music or the next “killer” software application; it was for how they've chosen to use their billions and their success to change the world, particularly the world outside the United States where unprecedented human suffering goes on with little or no interest from those who could help.
"

Kansas City Star | 01/08/2006 | Missouri Arts Council funds dry up

Kansas City Star | 01/08/2006 | Missouri Arts Council funds dry up: "Missouri Arts Council funds dry up
By ROBERT TRUSSELL
The Kansas City Star

The Missouri Arts Council has canceled a program worth millions of dollars once promised to local arts groups.

In the fiscal year beginning July 1, the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet, the Lyric Opera, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and 21 other arts organizations across Missouri will no longer receive annual payments from the council that would have reached tens of millions of dollars over time.

The arts council gave no notice to any of the affected arts groups in October when it voted to end contracts with organizations participating in the Capital Incentive Program. The program allowed them to collect interest from the council’s endowment."

Crain's Detroit Business-Super Bowl events expected to raise $8 million-plus

Crain's Detroit Business:

snip snip>>
"Fundraising experts disagree on the typical profitability of events or the prospects for the Super Bowl. Remington said there are events in town where 90 percent of the money goes to the organization and there are events where 90 percent goes to event expenses. He said he doesn’t like to see more than 50 percent of proceeds go to costs.

“You certainly want to keep the costs down, but you want to make sure you have a party that attracts people,” Remington said.

“Special events become friend raisers, not fundraisers. They’re not very cost-effective events, historically,” said Gary Dembs, past president of the greater Detroit chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and president of the Non-Profit Personnel Network of Southfield, an executive search firm for nonprofits.

John Fikes, president of Philanthropic Solutions L.L.C., a consulting firm that helps nonprofits enlarge their fundraising base, said events often cost 75 cents to 90 cents for each dollar raised. It’s rare for an event to get into the 50-55 cent range, he said.

“The fundraising at special events is gravy, though you certainly don’t want to lose money,” he said."

Townhall.com :: Columns :: Lobbying not a 'culture of corruption' by Donald Lambro

Townhall.com :: Columns :: Lobbying not a 'culture of corruption' by Donald Lambro: "Lobbying not a 'culture of corruption'

Jan 9, 2006
by Donald Lambro ( bio | archive )


WASHINGTON -- Two things need to be said about the sordid scandal surrounding disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff: Most lobbyists aren't crooks, and most members of Congress are honest.

Maybe this goes without saying, but we need to be reminded of it as the tale of tainted campaign contributions to buy influence on Capitol Hill unfolds and the investigation proceeds to find out who else will be caught in Abramoff's tangled web of deceit, deception and double-dealing."

Overhead issues - 2006-01-09

Overhead issues - 2006-01-09: "Overhead issues
Nonprofits scramble to pay the bills as donors give to causes
Robin J Moody
Business Journal staff writer

It's one of the most difficult challenges facing the sector: Nonprofits struggle to raise money for core costs like rent, heat and information technology, but funders want their dollars to go to more compelling causes."

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Free time

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Free time: "Free time

Charlotte Ashton is spending each month of her gap year with a different UK charity. This month, Christmas working at a homeless shelter provides a refreshing perspective "

DesMoinesRegister.com University online donations soar

DesMoinesRegister.com: "University online donations soar
U of I, with $1.4 million, leads other state schools

By ERIN JORDAN
REGISTER IOWA CITY BUREAU

January 9, 2006


Online giving to Iowa's public universities has skyrocketed, particularly at the University of Iowa, where Web donations for 2005 reached nearly $1.4 million.

Online donations still represent only a small portion of all university giving, but the ease and flexibility of giving online may be a key to snagging younger donors, foundation officials and donors said."

Despite Predictions, Charitable Donors Just Keep Giving

Despite Predictions, Charitable Donors Just Keep Giving: "Despite Predictions, Charitable Donors Just Keep Giving

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, January 9, 2006; Page B01

Donor fatigue? What donor fatigue?

For weeks, many nonprofit organizations have been predicting that the billions of dollars that Americans poured into relief funds last year to help the victims of epic disasters -- the South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the Pakistan earthquake -- would result in 'donor fatigue.' Donors would grow weary of charitable giving after contributing to disaster-relief groups and desert their regular causes, the theory went."

Buffalo News - Corporations to the rescue

Buffalo News - Corporations to the rescue: "Corporations to the rescue

The disasters of 2005 raised corporate philanthropy to a new, higher plane

By VIOREL URMA
Associated Press
1/8/2006
NEW YORK - The killer tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes of the past year have led to more aid from U.S. companies, which are increasingly reaching out to donate money and supplies and provide expertise, training and services."