Friday, February 10, 2006

2006 Federal Budgets Takes Billions from Nonprofits

2006 Federal Budgets Takes Billions from Nonprofits: "Congress' approval of roughly two-thirds of President Bush's proposed budget for 2006 resulted in nonprofits directly or indirectly losing billions of dollars in federal support, the Foundation Center reported Feb. 6.

The findings are the result of a study by the Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program (NSPP) of the Aspen Institute."

The Jewish Exponent - Philadelphia, PA

The Jewish Exponent - Philadelphia, PA: "NEW YORK
When a top official of the World Jewish Congress was relieved of financial management responsibilities after an investigation found fiscal impropriety, some members of the Jewish community saw it as a wake-up call to other groups.

As nonprofits grow, they said, their leaders ought to stand back and evaluate how their finances flow."

Less charity beginning at home

Less charity beginning at home: "Less charity beginning at home
Local nonprofits losing cash to national causes
Friday, February 10, 2006
BY LIZ COBBS

Local affiliates of three major national charities are now feeling the financial pinch from local charitable dollars going to assist victims of the Gulf Coast hurricanes and Indian Ocean tsunami last year.

Officials at the Washtenaw County and Livingston County offices of the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army say the state's faltering economy also is likely a factor in the decline in local donations.

The nonprofits say they are not cutting back on services, at least not yet. Instead, they are redoubling their fundraising efforts and, in one case, resorting to a reorganization that eliminates a couple of paid staff positions."

The Stanford Daily Online Edition-Wondering how to spend your spring break? Students tell all

The Stanford Daily Online Edition: "Alternative Spring Break is another popular option for Stanford students. Those who were accepted into the ASB program will have the opportunity to travel and perform community service work with various organizations. Valerie Villarreal, a junior, will be going on her third trip this year.

“These ASB trips offer a unique opportunity to explore issues affecting local underserved communities,” she says. “I can party anytime of the year but seldom would I have the chance to gain an on-the-ground perspective on one of the greatest challenges facing our nation today.”"

Donor Power Blog: Let your donors know they're part of a community

Donor Power Blog: Let your donors know they're part of a community: "A study posted on the Association of Fundraising Professionals website shows how donors are influenced by what other donors do: Knowledge of others' giving can increase contributions. The study describes a test that took place during a public radio station's membership drive:"

CNS STORY: Survey shows Catholics who give most want more church accountability

CNS STORY: Survey shows Catholics who give most want more church accountability: "Catholics who give more than $5,000 a year to the church are more critical than other Catholics about the church's financial accountability practices, according to a new survey commissioned by FADICA.

'Only 12 percent of larger parish donors rated the church above average in keeping them informed on the use of their donations, while over a third of typical parishioners rated church reporting practices above average,' according to a survey analysis prepared by Charles E. Zech, director of the Center for the Study of Church Management at Villanova University's College of Commerce and Finance.
"

House Republicans unveil faith-based initiative (OKLAHOMA)

House Republicans unveil faith-based initiative: "OKLAHOMA CITY House Republicans today unveiled a faith-based initiative with proposals to help problem gamblers and ex-convicts who are adjusting to life outside prison.
The legislation also includes a tax credit for charitable donations and encourages partnerships between government agencies, religious groups and organizations that help needy Oklahomans."

News: Charity or self-promotion? - myDNA

News: Charity or self-promotion? - myDNA:
snip snip>>

"Bono is a clear leader in the celebrity charity realm.

And, nominated today for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize, he has been tireless in his advocacy to end African suffering from HIV and AIDS.

Today, many celebrities - including Lance Armstrong and Patti LaBelle - are using their stardom to help raise social consciousness and awareness about a variety of health-related issues. And while celebrity charity may look easy, behind the scenes it can get complicated."

Update 1: Head of Beleaguered Getty Trust Resigns - Forbes.com

Update 1: Head of Beleaguered Getty Trust Resigns - Forbes.com: "Update 1: Head of Beleaguered Getty Trust Resigns
02.09.2006, 11:34 PM


The chief executive of the multibillion-dollar J. Paul Getty Trust resigned Thursday in the wake of reports of purported lavish spending.

Barry Munitz, who was president and CEO for eight years, will pay the trust $250,000 'without admitting any wrongdoing,' Getty spokesman Ron Hartwig said in a statement. "

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Harvard Business School raises a record $598.7m - The Boston Globe

Harvard Business School raises a record $598.7m - The Boston Globe: "Harvard Business School raises a record $598.7m

By Robert Weisman, Globe Staff | February 9, 2006

Harvard Business School has raised nearly $600 million in a multi-year capital campaign that will fund student financial aid, faculty recruitment, technology initiatives, new global research centers, and building projects on the school's campus along the Charles River.

The school said the sum, which is set to be publicly disclosed today, is the largest ever raised by any business school and surpassed Harvard's goal of $500 million. That goal was established when the capital campaign was formally launched in 2003, though business school leaders and fund-raisers laid the foundation for the campaign by soliciting early commitments from large donors as far back as 2000."

NP Times-The American Red Cross Interim CEO Club

NP Times: "The American Red Cross Interim CEO Club
Temping at the top becoming a regular occurrence

By Marla E. Nobles

The Interim CEO Club of the American Red Cross (ARC) is quite the exclusive, yet growing club. Comprised of the first African-American to lead the ARC, one of Georgia’s 100 most powerful people, an attorney and a leader in the biomedical field, the ARC’s past four interim presidents are an impressive assembly.

Preceding current interim president Jack McGuire, are Gene Dyson, who substituted for president Elizabeth Dole during her 13-month hiatus from October, 1995 to early 1997; Steve Bullock, interim for seven months when Dole stepped down in January,1999; and Harold Decker, who took the reins following the controversial October, 2001 resignation of Dr. Bernadine P. Healy. McGuire was appointed following the Dec. 13, 2005 resignation of Marsha J. Evans."

This Valentine's Day - Give Your Spouse a Budget ... It Might Save Your Marriage

PRESS RELEASE

This Valentine's Day - Give Your Spouse a Budget ... It Might Save Your Marriage:
snip snip>>

"His Candidates, Her Community PNC's survey also found that men and women continue to approach philanthropy differently. In the new results, men continued to donate greater amounts of money to political or advocacy organizations, religious and faith- based organizations, and educational institutions. Women, on the other hand, again donated greater amounts to children and youth services, community foundations, animal rights groups and women's organizations. Furthermore, women are generally more concerned than men about giving to charities and having enough assets for philanthropic purposes."

Insight News-Jamaican Ambassador to the United States Gordon Shirley’s encourages Black Diaspora to participate in global economy

Insight News:
snip snip>
"Secondly,” he continued, “there is a great effort from the Diaspora to contribute through philanthropy to the communities from which they emerged. We have a very large number of Jamaican organizations in the United States and in Canada which provide assistance to their communities back home in a variety of ways. Some of them support their primary schools and some provide assistance through healthcare by adopting hospitals and treating people in rural areas.”"

'No $2,000, no run' cancer volunteers told(Canada)

'No $2,000, no run' cancer volunteers told: "No $2,000, no run' cancer volunteers told
Potential breast cancer weekend runners, walkers angry about mandatory donations
Judy Stonehouse says she volunteered to 'make a difference' in the Inaugural Weekend to End Breast Cancer this summer, but was told by the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation: 'No $2,000, no run.'
Sharon Stenhouse, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, February 09, 2006

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer is debuting in Ottawa this summer, but some cancer research supporters are refusing to participate in the walk.

To join in the 60-kilometre walk, which runs over two days in July, individuals must raise a $2,000 minimum pledge. For some, that is just too much.

'I really wanted to make a difference,' said Judy Stonehouse, 'but I was rejected by the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. No $2,000, no run.'

If a person does not raise the full $2,000, plus pay a $75 registration fee, they may not join the Weekend to End Breast Cancer, which is being hosted by the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation on July 21 to July 23."

Young Hollywood and Philanthropy

Young Hollywood and Philanthropy: "Young Hollywood and Philanthropy
Smaller nonprofits are reaping the benefits of having ties with young Hollywood.
February 08, 2006
By Tatiana Siegel

It's who you know: Smaller nonprofits are reaping the benefits of having ties with young Hollywood.

In an industry known for big blockbusters, hefty paychecks and colossal egos, it might come as a surprise that Tinseltown's denizens like to think small when it comes to charitable giving. Not small checks, mind you, but small nonprofits and charities."

Nonprofits a growing sector in Maine

Nonprofits a growing sector in Maine: "Nonprofits a growing sector in Maine

By CHRIS CHURCHILL
Staff Writer

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.


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Charlie's!

Today's Top Headlines
from the Kennebec Journal

Middle school takes laptops
House OKs wage boost of 50 cents
Maine nonprofits thrive despite funding challenges
First Student wins 5-year bus contract
Chief achievement
Chocolate lovers head for Fairfield
No snow locally, no problem: Watch this
Unofficial state gymnastics meet Friday

All of today's: News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal

Today's Top Headlines
from the Morning Sentinel

Nonprofits a growing sector in Maine
JFK mall bought for $8 million
School's ban irks mother
Governor promotes energy initiatives
Baldacci task force to study energy options
Towns would share pumper truck
Confidence setting in for MCI
No snow locally, no problem: Watch this

All of today's: News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel

By CHRIS CHURCHILL

Staff Writer

The number of nonprofit organizations in Maine is growing, even as revenue streams to the groups are waning.

A newly released study commissioned by the Maine Association of Nonprofits says there were nearly 2,200 nonprofits in the state in 2003 -- up from 1,805 just three years earlier."

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

NPR : Making Philanthropy Part of the Nuptials

NPR : Making Philanthropy Part of the Nuptials: "Making Philanthropy Part of the Nuptials

Listen to this story... by Shia Levitt

Morning Edition, February 3, 2006 · Some couples are making philanthropy part of the theme of their wedding day. Some couples register their gifts through a charitable gift registry program, while others are asking their guests to donate to selected charities instead of buying them gifts."

Giving Forum—Resources-Donors Guide to Legal and Financial Advisors

Giving Forum—Resources: "Donors Guide to Legal and Financial Advisors

By Melissa Cliett and Albert Ruesga

Charitable and philanthropic giving are highly rewarding and personal acts that millions of Americans engage in annually. Whether the choice to give is inspired by a childhood recollection of kindness, gratitude for an important college scholarship, or simply a desire to give back to the community, the decision to give enables an individual to support a worthwhile cause while continuing a national legacy of privately funding projects that are of benefit to society.

Charitable and/or philanthropic giving often involves what can best be termed the 'philanthropy triangle.' This triangle is made up of the donor, the charity or foundation that you wish to fund, and your professional advisors.

The purpose of this information bulletin is to educate you, the donor, on the various types of professional advisors and the roles they can play when you make a charitable or philanthropic gift. All of these professionals are available to assist you in meeting your philanthropic objectives and making the act of giving as easy as possible."

Rock the Vote Is Stuck in a Hard Place - Los Angeles Times

Rock the Vote Is Stuck in a Hard Place - Los Angeles Times: "Rock the Vote Is Stuck in a Hard Place
By Charles Duhigg, Times Staff Writer

For more than a decade, the youth-and-civics group Rock the Vote has been the coolest kid on the political playground.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1990 with the goal of politically empowering the MTV generation, Rock the Vote quickly became a cause celebre among Democratic and entertainment power brokers. At rock concerts, on college campuses and with ads featuring a near-naked Madonna, the group helped register millions of young voters.

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But as it moves into its 16th year, Rock the Vote itself is being rocked by crisis.

Saddled with about $700,000 in debt, the group has cut its staff from more than 20 people in 2004 to just two today. Its president, who left last summer amid disagreement about the organization's direction, has yet to be replaced. And last month, Rock the Vote was sued for the second time in just eight months."

Tax tip: Donating a vehicle to charity (Page 1 of 3)

Tax tip: Donating a vehicle to charity (Page 1 of 3): "Donating a vehicle to charity
By Kay Bell • Bankrate.com


The ads are still out there: 'Donate your car and get a tax break.' Technically, the ads are true.

In this tax tip: • $500 limit
• Intervening-use exception
• Break for bargain basement sales
• Other donation rules still apply
• Charitable gifts require itemization



But some people who give away an old auto this year could find their tax break smaller than they expected. And a few donors, thanks to the intricacies of recently released vehicle gift guidelines, might be able to boost their deduction amount.

Because some taxpayers got greedy when it came to claiming vehicle donations, the rules on how much you can write off were tightened as of Jan. 1, 2005. A November 2003 General Accounting Office report found wide discrepancies between the value that some auto donors claimed on their tax returns and the actual worth of the donated cars. These excessive vehicle valuations, according to the GAO, cost the U.S. Treasury $654 million in tax revenue in 2000."

Business in MaineToday.com | New free news release service for nonprofit organizations announced, in honor of the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Day

Business in MaineToday.com | New free news release service for nonprofit organizations announced, in honor of the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Day: "New free news release service for nonprofit organizations announced, in honor of the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Day

NONPROFIT-FOCUSED PR FIRM ENHANCES & RE-LAUNCHES NONPROFITSNOW.COM AS A GIFT TO MAINE'S NONPROFITS

PORTLAND, MAINE -- Shoestring Creative Group has re-launched NonprofitsNow.com, a news and information site about and for Maine nonprofits. Previously, the site served as a place for the firm to post news releases for its clients and general news of interest to Maine’s nonprofit community.

Beginning Feb. 8, 2006, NonprofitsNow.com will become a free news release distribution service to all of Maine’s nonprofit organizations – serving not only as a place to post and read information about and of interest to Maine nonprofits, but as a no-cost wire service that will distribute the information to media outlets statewide. "

Financial Express-"More than just charity

Financial Express: "More than just charity
Dr. Ashoke K. Roy
2/8/2006


GONE are the days when Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was thought as charitable activities of big corporations only. With improving societal consciousness and increasing business understanding, it is getting importance in the West and expanding to the developing countries. It is now well established that this is more than doing a charity.
Since the later part of last century, CSR has become a crucial issue for the companies to survive in the community. It was started under pressure from right groups, consumers, media and later from the government. But now it is understood that this is a win-win situation for both corporations and communities. The only important aspect is that it is to be managed very carefully with clear objectives and visions. The risk of backfire should also to be taken into account. It is not only an investment. Rather it is doing something more for the company and eventually for the community. "

Selling A Cause? Better Make It Pop

Selling A Cause? Better Make It Pop: "Selling A Cause? Better Make It Pop
With competition fierce, charities are finding that savvy marketing is a must

The Empire State Building will glow red for an evening in February. Niagara Falls will run red for a day. And on Feb. 3 newscasters will don red dresses. It's all part of a grassroots campaign to remind women of heart disease risks that has drawn employees at thousands of companies to hand out Red Dress pins plugging the American Heart Assn.'s National Wear Red Day. Backed by marketing hustle worthy of a new car rollout, recognition of the pin could come to rival awareness of the pink ribbon as a symbol for breast cancer research.


With big-name endorsements and flashy events, the 'Go Red for Women' effort will use all the tricks of a big ad campaign for a shampoo or an SUV. Increasingly, nonprofits are finding it's a game they must play. Amid an explosion of causes competing for attention, even trusted charities like American Heart have had to rewrite their fund-raising playbooks to cut through the din."

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

New Red Cross chief grateful for volunteers - By JONDI GUMZ - Sentinel staff writer - February 7, 2006

New Red Cross chief grateful for volunteers - By JONDI GUMZ - Sentinel staff writer - February 7, 2006: "New Red Cross chief grateful for volunteers
By JONDI GUMZ
Sentinel staff writer

Donna Jones, the new CEO of the local Red Cross chapter, said she's impressed by the role volunteers play at the agency.

For example, the front desk is run by volunteers. Bill Fitler, a board member, and two high school students keep the Web site up and running. Another volunteer produces a quarterly newsletter. And hundreds of businesses have signed up to provide assistance in case of disaster."

Debt-ridden West Valley Symphony closes its doors

Debt-ridden West Valley Symphony closes its doors: "Debt-ridden West Valley Symphony closes its doors

Charles Kelly
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 6, 2006 12:55 PM

SUN CITY-- The West Valley Symphony - $90,000 in debt and floundering without a permanent home - closed its doors Monday after 38 years.

'It's really a very sad thing for the West Valley,' said Julie Richard, executive director of the West Valley Arts Council.

Like many other arts operations, the symphony was simply underfunded, she said.
a"

Top News Article | Reuters.co.uk-Stuck for romantic inspiration with Valentine's Day just a week away?

Top News Article | Reuters.co.uk: "Stuck for romantic inspiration with Valentine's Day just a week away?

Then consider llamas.

A charity with the slogan 'get calmer with a llama' is offering romantic country strolls for the lovelorn, leading a llama together around the picturesque Lake District."

Monday, February 06, 2006

NYC Mayor Bloomberg's 'Anonymous' Gift To University - Forbes.com

NYC Mayor Bloomberg's 'Anonymous' Gift To University - Forbes.com: "NYC Mayor Bloomberg's 'Anonymous' Gift To University
Chris Noon, 02.03.06, 11:01 AM ET

Michael Bloomberg


LONDON - Did Michael Bloomberg want us to know that he didn't want us to know about his $100 million donation to The Johns Hopkins University or is that way too cynical? Maybe it was the sheer size of the gift that gave the billionaire away--either way the Republican mayor's latest act of philanthropy is now anything but anonymous, since everybody knows about it. "

The Future of Philanthropy :: PNNOnline ::

The Future of Philanthropy :: PNNOnline ::: "The Future of Philanthropy
Posted by: mmiller20910 on Monday, February 6, 2006


Topic Expert Opinion


To meet tomorrow's needs, foundations must be must be more inclusive, visionary, and collaborative, according to Steve Case, the chair of the Case Foundation and co-founder of AOL. A number of factors, including an influx of new philanthropists with new ideas and approaches, are already beginning to shape that change, he said. "

The Craig Daily Press: Partners weighs value of nonprofits

The Craig Daily Press: Partners weighs value of nonprofits: "Partners weighs value of nonprofits
By Christina M. Currie, Daily Press Writer
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Evaluating the social and economic effects nonprofit organizations have has become a more time-consuming process than Audrey Danner imagined.
'Done by February,' has become 'soon' as she works to compile the report in between the duties of her job as the director of Yampa Valley Partners.
'We don't have the finished report, but we do"

Bono's Wonk-and-Roll

Bono's Wonk-and-Roll: "When Bono arrived, he did not disappoint, dressed in his omnipresent wrap-around shades, rumpled blazer and a black shirt unbuttoned dangerously close to the navel area.
'I don't even tell the band I do this,' he said after the first of three standing O's. 'This is like Bono unhinged, not Bono unplugged.'
The evening's sponsoring group, the American Society of Association Executives, has held this distinguished speaker lecture series for the past 12 years and hosted other big-name guests, such as Dr. Phil and Oprah, said Susan Sarfati, president of the ASAE's Center for Association Leadership."

Charities get you where you shop

Charities get you where you shop: "Charities get you where you shop
Canadians being asked to donate at the cash register
Anne Marie Owens, National Post
Published: Saturday, February 04, 2006
Tack $2 on to your bill at the Bay, and you can support Olympic athletes. Put an additional $3 on to your stub at the movie theatre, and make a donation to Variety Village children's charity.
It's known as 'point-of-sale philanthropy' and it is quickly becoming one of the most common forms of charity. These days, a request to tack on a donation before the final bill is tallied is being used by a growing number of retail establishments, from big-box retailers and department stores to coffee shops."

Foundations honor women in philanthropy

Foundations honor women in philanthropy: "Foundations honor women in philanthropy

By ROGER MOON, roger@tmnews.com
Saturday, February 4, 2006 7:26 AM CST


Women from Orange and Washington counties are among six from southern Indiana who will be honored in March for their philanthropic efforts.

Recognition will go to Margaret Murray of Paoli and Rebecca Marshall of Salem. The Southern Indiana Women in Philanthropy Celebration, called �Giving from the Heart,� will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 11 at Caesars Indiana in Elizabeth."

Argus Leader - Editorials-"Time for salary change?

Argus Leader - Editorials: "Time for salary change?
High pay for executive of nonprofit CSD sends wrong message

Editorial Board
Argus Leader
Article Published: 02/6/06, 9:15 am
It just isn't enough to say that Benjamin Soukup has done well for himself and for Communication Service for the Deaf. It isn't enough to say CSD is a unique operation. Nor is it enough simply to say he's worth his munificent salary.

Soukup's salary as CEO - $857,000 in 2004 - sends the wrong message.

Guardian Unlimited | World dispatch | Net benefits

Guardian Unlimited | World dispatch | Net benefits
Net benefits

Today's technology billionaires are investing their money, time and intellect in charitable causes. David Teather reports

Monday February 6, 2006


The Google mantra of "don't be evil" has come under tough scrutiny lately. The internet search engine has faced criticism for censoring its site in China and become entangled in a Bush administration request for information on what its users are looking for. The world, it appears, is a little more complex than perhaps its young founders would like.

Giving millions is great if it is given for the right reasons

Giving millions is great if it is given for the right reasons: "Giving millions is great if it is given for the right reasons
AT ISSUE: A recent Argus Leader article, 'From success to significance,' told of the philanthropy of T. Denny Sanford, a Sioux Falls banker who during the past several months has given away millions of dollars. His two favorite charities, he said, were children and education. However, there appears to be a caveat to most of his giving.
While this may prompt some to get 'their feathers ruffled,' those millions of dollars will go a long way in making South Dakota a better place to live. At the same time, at least one person asked, 'Whatever happened to giving without expecting something in return?'
A RECENT LETTER to the editor of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader was critical of the SD Board of Regents allowing Sioux Falls banker and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford to have his name attached to the USD School of Medicine following a $20 million endowment for the school to focus on more research. "

Desoto Sun Herald - 02/05/06-Boy Scouts weigh merits of selling hot real estate

Desoto Sun Herald - 02/05/06: "Boy Scouts weigh merits of selling hot real estate
BRADENTON -- For 77 years, Boy Scouts have spent nights telling stories around the campfires at Camp Flying Eagle, beneath a lush canopy of oaks and Spanish moss on the banks of the Manatee River.
That ritual may soon be over. With the Gulf Coast's hot real-estate climate enveloping the area, developers have offered to buy the camp from the Southwest Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America for as much as $13 million, setting off a local battle."

Library accepting food for overdue fees

Library accepting food for overdue fees: "Library accepting food for overdue fees

By Holly Hollman
DAILY Staff Writer
hhollman@decaturdaily.com � 340-2445
ATHENS � Food can get the forgetful out of paying fines.
For Valentine's Day, the Athens-Limestone Public Library is asking its patrons to 'love your neighbor, love your library.'
Head Librarian Susan Todd said the library will accept food donations to clear people's record of overdue fines. For each item a patron brings in, he will get $1 deducted from his fine. The limit is $20. "

Bend.com - Oregonians Donate Record $2.3 Million to Cultural Trust in 2005

Bend.com - Oregonians Donate Record $2.3 Million to Cultural Trust in 2005: "2005
Oregonians statewide enthusiastically support arts, heritage and humanities funding
Bend.com news sources
Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2006 3:51 PM
Governor Ted Kulongoski announced today that Oregonians donated a record $2.3 million to the Oregon Cultural Trust in 2005, which is 16 percent more than the amount they donated in 2004.
The increased giving of more than $360,000 reflects the growing support for Oregon�s culture, arts, heritage and the humanities, the Governor said."

DMNews.com | News | Article

DMNews.com | News | Article: "The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation said Friday that the 2006 Max L. Hart Nonprofit Achievement Award will be given to Chris Cleghorn, executive vice president, direct and interactive marketing at Easter Seals.
The award will be presented Feb. 17 at the DMANF's 2006 Washington Nonprofit Conference. "