AFP Blog: Recent News of Note

This blog contains assorted news and commentary on the fundraising profession and philanthropy gathered by the AFP Fundraising Resource Center. Other Sites of Interest Section Disclaimer: AFP provides the following listing of hyperlinks to other Internet pages as a privilege to the user. AFP does not necessarily endorse, support or attest to the accuracy of information posted on those Internet pages. Some links may require registration to view and/or may only be available for a limited time.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Daily Record - Morris County - Nonprofits learn tips on 'surviving'

Daily Record - Morris County - Nonprofits learn tips on 'surviving': "Nonprofits learn tips on 'surviving'

Speakers at conference in Randolph stress need for more collaboration

BY MICHAEL DAIGLE
DAILY RECORD

RANDOLPH -- Some of the information directors and staff of Morris County nonprofit organizations heard Thursday was not new: The needs are growing and the funds are shrinking.

Other information presented at the seminar, however, offered tools and advice on how better to survive the changing landscape. The key, all the speakers stressed, is collaboration.

About 250 representatives of nonprofit agencies gathered at Meadow Wood Manor for the conference sponsored by the county Department of Human Services, the county freeholders and Commerce Bank"

Public Opinion - www.publicopiniononline.com - Walkers make 'great strides'

Public Opinion - www.publicopiniononline.com - Chambersburg, PA: "Walkers make 'great strides'
Join a 'walk' this season for a good cause
By TRACY PANZER
Staff writer

Amanda Myers and her family each year take 'Great Strides' toward finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. They've raised money and walked in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's annual fund-raiser event for each of the past three years.

But their main reason for participating is personal."

Electronic Business - Charitable impulses - 1/1/2006 - Electronic Business - CA6296101

Electronic Business - Charitable impulses - 1/1/2006 - Electronic Business - CA6296101: "Charitable impulses

Electronics heavyweights hold the pace of corporate giving steady

By Lauren Gibbons Paul -- Electronic Business, 1/1/2006

A rising tide doesn't always lift all boats, at least not in the electronics industry. As business conditions improve, a random sampling of electronics companies reveals that they have no specific plans to increase corporate philanthropic efforts to keep pace."

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County-"Charity still hasn't picked up raffled-off cars

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County: "Charity still hasn't picked up raffled-off cars
By Bill Smith
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/23/2006

A local charity's $1.5 million house and car raffle took another odd twist Thursday when a St. Louis County auto dealership revealed the charity still had not picked up two cars valued at nearly $300,000 that were supposed to be prizes in the drawing.

Tom Schultz, sales manager at Bentley-Maserati St. Louis, said he telephoned the charity's president on Wednesday and asked why he had not yet come to get the vehicles. The prize drawing was five weeks ago. Schultz said the two cars - a $200,000 Bentley and a $90,000 Maserati Spyder - remained unclaimed Thursday."

StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | "Sarbanes Counters Critics of 2002 Law

StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC: "Sarbanes Counters Critics of 2002 Law

The Associated Press

Sen. Paul Sarbanes, D-Md., offered his most sweeping defense of a law he co-authored following the collapse of Enron Corp. and suggested that current efforts to roll back the law are on shaky legal footing.

'We need to remind those who complain that Congress overreacted or overreached in passing Sarbanes-Oxley of several crucial points,' he said Thursday"

AP Wire | 03/23/2006 | Study: Wis. donors give $600,000 to independent groups in '05

AP Wire | 03/23/2006 | Study: Wis. donors give $600,000 to independent groups in '05: "Study: Wis. donors give $600,000 to independent groups in '05
RYAN J. FOLEY
Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin contributors last year gave more than $600,000 to groups that can spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections and almost a third went to a group supporting Gov. Jim Doyle, a watchdog group said Thursday.

Wisconsin individuals, businesses and tribes gave $194,000 to the Democratic Governors Association, which has given money to a group that has run ads supporting Doyle and criticizing his opponents, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign said.

The group's review found 220 Wisconsin individuals, corporations, tribes and labor unions gave a total of $610,000 to 23 so-called '527' groups last year."

Bloomberg.com: U.S.-Wall Street Profit Fuels Philanthropy Surge: Naming a Preschool

You may also want to take a look at the accompanying media on demand files Links are on the page with the storie

Audio Listen
Listen Chronicle of Philanthropy's Palmer: Charitable Giving
Listen New York University's Levine: Philanthropy, Fundraising

Bloomberg.com: U.S.: "New York, where Wall Street's profits are fueling wealth beyond the ranks of brokers and traders, is seeing a new wave of patrons eager to join the likes of the Carnegies and Rockefellers. They're writing checks -- and attaching their names to everything from preschools to park benches. Just this week, Columbia University and New York University each announced $200 million gifts.

``The economy is strong enough that people are giving in a large way,'' says Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy newspaper."

Thursday, March 23, 2006

The Clinton News-"Experts advise Mississippians to give with care

The Clinton News: "Experts advise Mississippians to give with care

Special to The Clinton News

Mississippi regularly leads the nation in charitable giving, and where there is money, there are people who want to get some of it by illegal or unethical means.

Bobbie Shaffett, family resource management specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, applauded Mississippians for their generosity, but encouraged them to give wisely.

'Always investigate before you invest. Ask to be sent printed information, and then call the Better Business Bureau or the Secretary of State's office to make sure they are a real charity and to find how much of your money is actually going to the charitable purpose,' Shaffett said. 'You can make good choices when you have the facts.'"

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

For Tom's, activism is a natural

For Tom's, activism is a natural: "Tom's of Maine has helped to preserve tracts of Maine wilderness, purchase medical equipment for a clinic for the poor in Sanford and start an alternative school in Kennebunk.

And those are just three examples of the multitude of environmental, charitable and social causes to which the Kennebunk-based company, the nation's leading seller of natural toothpaste, has donated significant sums of money over the past several decades."

Verizon to Donate on Retirements or Death

Verizon to Donate on Retirements or Death: "erizon to Donate on Retirements or Death

The Associated Press
Tuesday, March 21, 2006; 1:41 PM

NEW YORK -- Most Verizon Communications Inc. directors will send a gift either when they retire from the telecom company's board or when they die: The company will make a total of $8.5 million in donations to the charities of their choice.

Of the company's 13 directors, nine qualify for programs that will send donations to qualified charities or educational organizations upon their retirement or death."

National Repository of Online Courses Receives $2.35 Million Grant :: PNNOnline ::

National Repository of Online Courses Receives $2.35 Million Grant :: PNNOnline ::: "National Repository of Online Courses Receives $2.35 Million Grant
Posted by: laurakujawski on Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Topic General Fundraising

The Monterey Institute for Technology and Education (MITE) announced the receipt of a $2.35 million grant from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to continue the development of the National Repository of Online Courses (NROC).
"

News-Record.com - Greensboro, North Carolina: News - Local: Sit-in museum faces competition for funds

News-Record.com - Greensboro, North Carolina: News - Local: Sit-in museum faces competition for funds: "Sit-in museum faces competition for funds

By Margaret Moffett Banks
Staff Writer

I
GREENSBORO -- The International Civil Rights Center and Museum needs untold millions -- maybe six, maybe 10, maybe more -- before officials can swing open the double doors and show the world where the sit-in movement was born."

News - Jan Stohr to step down as mentor to nonprofits - sacbee.com

News - Jan Stohr to step down as mentor to nonprofits - sacbee.com: "Jan Stohr to step down as mentor to nonprofits
Resource center's founder was 'a font of information for everybody,' says one capital charity's director.
By Todd Milbourn -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Story appeared in Metro section, Page B1

Jan Stohr, a leader of Sacramento's philanthropic community for nearly two decades, is stepping down as head of the Sacramento-based Nonprofit Resource Center.

Stohr, 65, confirmed her retirement plans Tuesday, saying she wanted to spend more time with her retired husband and family."

The Show Must Go On - March 22, 2006 - The New York Sun - NY News

The Show Must Go On - March 22, 2006 - The New York Sun - NY News: "A couple of footnotes, if I may: The Met's performance on Monday night was dedicated to the late James King, a prominent Florestan. And, before the performance began, the Met's 'seatback titles' informed us that the production had been paid for by Alberto Vilar. One of the great arts philanthropists of our time, Mr. Vilar fell from grace - losing his money and his reputation. I hope, and actually expect, that, like the characters in 'Fidelio,' he will find his way back into the light."

- toledoblade.com -Red Cross’ generous severance

- toledoblade.com -: "Red Cross’ generous severance

THE American Red Cross may find it tougher to look the public in the eye while asking for donations these days. The disaster relief agency gave a $780,000 severance package to Marsha Evans, the CEO ousted in December. That comes after the agency handed $2.8 million in severance, deferred compensation, and bonuses to five acting or permanent directors in the last seven years.

The organization is in management crisis, not what Americans expect when asked to open their wallets to charities. Donors have a right to ask why they should give to a $4 billion charity that funds platinum parachutes.
"

Star-Telegram | 03/22/2006 | Poker lobbyists want state to shuffle up, deal with it

Star-Telegram | 03/22/2006 | Poker lobbyists want state to shuffle up, deal with it: "What we envision is that poker games could be run along the same lines that the state uses for charitable bingo,' Lavigne said. 'Poker is a multibillion-dollar industry in this country, and it is downright silly that Texans can't benefit from that. Texas charities are losing out on millions of dollars because of our antiquated laws.'"

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - JK Rowls out egg for charity

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - JK Rowls out egg for charity: "JK Rowls out egg for charity
STEWART COOPER

A CERAMIC egg painted by JK Rowling is to be auctioned in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland.

The Harry Potter author is among a host of celebrities, including Scots actor Ewan McGregor and painter Elizabeth Blackadder, who have painted their own designs on eggs for a charity auction."

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Student groups promote charities

Student groups promote charities: "To combat this problem and get students more involved in philanthropy, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) social awareness committee organized the first Civic Engagement Extravaganza to showcase student groups involved in civic engagement.

The Civic Engagement Extravaganza began Saturday with a showing of Jaws by Penn State's chapter of Amnesty International at the White Building. Throughout this week, about 15 other student civic groups will hold events to raise money and awareness of their causes.

Richardson, the event organizer, said the week helps smaller organizations gain publicity."

Gregg Behr: The best of ourselves

Gregg Behr: The best of ourselves: "What does it matter whether I get involved? What difference am I going to make?' How many times have you heard, or perhaps, even uttered that cynical refrain?

Well, here's a news story that tears against that ingrained thinking: The dateline was March 7 and the setting was the main ballroom of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center where some 1,000 southwestern Pennsylvanians came together at the sixth annual Pittsburgh Nonprofit Summit."

Beaver County Times Allegheny Times - News - 03/20/2006 - New nonprofit aims to bolster economy

Beaver County Times Allegheny Times - News - 03/20/2006 - New nonprofit aims to bolster economy: "On Jan. 1, their brainchild, the Rural Community Assistance Corp., was launched based on a threefold mission to bring community growth, economic leadership and top-quality service to the western Pennsylvania area. Months later, the mission has taken off, with offerings of free grant-writing services to fire departments and emergency medical services in need of new equipment or training money. "

The Beaumont Enterprise - News - 03/21/2006 - CEO visits area to help company better prepare for future disasters

Just a reminder that we do not always clip articles from the beginning.

The Beaumont Enterprise - News - 03/21/2006 - CEO visits area to help company better prepare for future disasters:

snip snip>>
"In January, Goldberg visited New Orleans and said he was struck by how profound the residents' emotional, physical and survival needs were.

In meeting with the staff in Beaumont, he attempted to learn how to better prepare for similar disasters in the future. He is scheduled to visit Lake Charles, La., today to round out his tour of the Gulf Coast region."

Democrat & Chronicle: Local News-A severe shortage of donated items is threatening agency

Democrat & Chronicle: Local News: "Empty shelves at Volunteers of America

Lara Becker Liu and Marketta Gregory
Staff writers

(March 21, 2006) — Volunteers of America is suffering from a severe shortage of donated items, prompting the agency to ask schools and churches to organize clothing drives to bulk up its stock, and take out billboards encouraging people to give."

ARTICLE: Donations rise 21% for Robertson’s TV ministry (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com)

ARTICLE: Donations rise 21% for Robertson’s TV ministry (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com): "Donations rise 21% for Robertson’s TV ministry

Pat Robertson
Pat Robertson

By STEVEN G. VEGH , The Virginian-Pilot
© March 21, 2006

VIRGINIA BEACH — Pat Robertson’s television ministry continues to ride a wave of ever-mounting contributions, which have almost doubled in less than a decade.

Donors gave $160 million to Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network, according to tax statements for the year ending in March 2005, an increase of 21 percent from the previous year. Contributions to CBN have increased steadily since 1997, when it received $84 million, filings with the Internal Revenue Service show.

Donations from viewers and supporters account for most of the network’s overall revenue of $236 million ."

New Orleans CityBusiness -- United Way keeps focus on recovery

New Orleans CityBusiness -- The Business Newspaper of Metropolitan New Orleans: "United Way keeps focus on recovery
by April Capochino
03/20/2006

Beth Inbau, left president and CEO of the National Safety Council’s south Louisiana chapter, teaches student Mary Hulmer how to open up the airway when performing CPR.
New Orleans-area nonprofits are looking for new funding sources in response to decreased corporate donations and a diminishing donor base post-Katrina.

“There’s good news and bad news,” said Gary Ostroske, president of United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area. “The bad news is there are less people here by which we have historically raised money from, and those who are here often don’t have the resources they had before because they’ve been affected by the hurricane.

New Orleans CityBusiness -- "N.O. nonprofits struggle post-Katrina

New Orleans CityBusiness -- The Business Newspaper of Metropolitan New Orleans: "N.O. nonprofits struggle post-Katrina

03/20/2006

The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations says more than half of health and human service nonprofits in southern Louisiana are still not fully operational after hurricanes Rita and Katrina."

Redlands Daily Facts - News-Grant provider to hold workshops for nonprofits(California)

Redlands Daily Facts - News: "Grant provider to hold workshops for nonprofits

One of California¹s largest private grant providers for nonprofit agencies will be meeting with San Bernardino County and Riverside County nonprofit agencies on March 27 for a one-day 'Meet the Funder' event."

A $200 Million Gift Could Turn Columbia Into a Force in Study of the Brain, Mind - March 21, 2006 - The New York Sun - NY News

A $200 Million Gift Could Turn Columbia Into a Force in Study of the Brain, Mind - March 21, 2006 - The New York Sun - NY News: "A $200 Million Gift Could Turn Columbia Into a Force in Study of the Brain, Mind

By JILL GARDINER - Staff Reporter of the Sun
March 21, 2006

A $200 million gift that will allow Columbia University to build a neuroscience center on its yet-to-be-constructed Manhattanville campus is raising the bar on academic philanthropy."

Monday, March 20, 2006

Columbian.com - Mr. Hudson's Bay event brings in record $91,733

Columbian.com - Serving Clark County, Washington: "Mr. Hudson's Bay event brings in record $91,733

Monday, March 20, 2006
By JOSE PAUL CORONA, Columbian staff writer Advertisement

Hudson's Bay High School senior Ken Horenstein took a load of vitamins last week in an attempt to keep a mystery illness at bay.
His throat might have felt like it was on fire, but the bug didn't stop Horenstein from setting up meetings and making his pitch.
That perseverance and the $18,163.61 he raised for Doernbecher Children's Hospital earned him the title of Mr. Hudson's Bay on Saturday night. "

Chron.com | (PRN) Pier 1 Imports Named 2006 Outstanding Corporation

Chron.com | (PRN) Pier 1 Imports Named 2006 Outstanding Corporation: "Pier 1 Imports Named 2006 Outstanding Corporation

PRNewswire

Company Honored for its Extraordinary Support of the Charitable Sector and

Long-Standing Partnerships With Community Organizations

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Fort Worth, Texas-based Pier 1 Imports has been named the 2006 Outstanding Corporation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the largest association of charitable fundraisers in the world."

VolunTourism.org

VolunTourism.org: "VolunTourism Info

This section of the VolunTourism website is dedicated to explaining different aspects of VolunTourism and the VolunTourism Forum that does not appear in the FAQ section of the website. It includes the following information:

* An Overview of VolunTourism
* A Brief History of the VolunTourism Forum
* The Future of VolunTourism

As you read through the information below, you will no doubt have questions. Feel free to review the FAQ section of the website and if you cannot find the answer you seek, simply send us an email. We will follow up with an answer to your question, and, perhaps, add it to the FAQ's."

- toledoblade.com -The art of generosity

- toledoblade.com -: "
Collectors and philanthropists David and Georgia Welles work hard for the Toledo Museum of Art"

The Enquirer - Case Western chief submits resignation

The Enquirer - Case Western chief submits resignation: "Case Western chief submits resignation
After faculty 'no confidence' vote
BY JOE MILICIA | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CLEVELAND - Case Western Reserve University's president, who sought to heighten the institution's profile, is resigning after a 'no confidence' vote from faculty members over budget problems.
Edward M. Hundert submitted his resignation, effective Sept. 1, to the university's board of trustees Wednesday night."

courant.com | Corporate Well Gets Shallower

courant.com | Corporate Well Gets Shallower: "Corporate Well Gets Shallower
Museum Directors Say It's Harder To Find Business Support For Shows
March 19, 2006
By MATTHEW ERIKSON, Courant Staff Writer Ultimately, it all boils down to money.

Douglas Hyland, director of the New Britain Museum of American Art, isn't too surprised that the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art's $300,000 'gun show' was canceled March 8."