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, May 05, 2006

Memorial Cost at Ground Zero Nears $1 Billion - New York Times

Memorial Cost at Ground Zero Nears $1 Billion - New York Times: "The projected cost of building the World Trade Center memorial complex at ground zero has soared to nearly $1 billion, according to the most authoritative estimate to date.

Rebuilding officials concede that the new price tag is breathtaking — 'beyond reason' in the words of one member of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation board — and it is sure to set off another battle over development at the 16-acre site, with calls to cut costs, scale back the design or even start over."

Generous Celebs - Forbes.com

Generous Celebs - Forbes.com: "Generous Celebs
Mmoma Ejiofor, 05.05.06, 12:30 AM ET

Behind every modern-day celebrity is a roster of important relationships. Every star needs to be connected with an agent, a manager, a personal trainer, a full-time assistant and a significant other, be it a celeb-level husband/wife or a girlfriend/boyfriend.

Then there is the crucial affiliation with a charity.

For your average citizen, charities offer a way to give back to society, feel connected to a common cause and even do some socializing--or, in some cases, social-climbing. For celebrities, philanthropy offers all of the above, plus the potential for major image and career enhancement."

Engraved bricks to memorialize Marines

Engraved bricks to memorialize Marines: "Engraved bricks to memorialize Marines

Cpl. Jennifer Brofer

The engraved bricks will be laid into the pathways of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
by Cpl. Jennifer Brofer
Combat Correspondent, Naval Media Center

Marines can now cement their place in Marine Corps History.

When the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va., opens in November, spectators will be able to walk through Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, which overlooks the museum's structure.

Within the park's winding pathways leading up to the rally points will lay thousands of bricks that will be engraved with the names of Marines and loved ones. According to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Web site, 'the rally points will be places to reflect upon the sacrifices past and present Marines make to protect our nation.'"

Nonprofits don't just aim for green in golf tourneys

Nonprofits don't just aim for green in golf tourneys: "Nonprofits don't just aim for green in golf tourneys
Friday, May 05, 2006
By Frank Brieaddy
Staff writer

There's a lot of money in charity golf tournaments, and a lot of competition for golfers, too.

Nonprofits in Central New York raised more than $2.5 million with golf tournaments last year according to figures supplied for The Post-Standard's annual listing of charity tournaments, appearing in today's paper, the 2006 Golf Guide."

The Post and Courier | Charleston.net | News | Charleston, SC-Aquarium in black in 2005

The Post and Courier | Charleston.net | News | Charleston, SC: "Aquarium in black in 2005
Grant, volunteers, bankers help attraction that suffered $1.1 million loss year before

BY KYLE STOCK
The Post and Courier

The South Carolina Aquarium got out of the red in 2005 for the first time in its history, thanks to a $500,000 donation, matching debt-forgiveness from its lenders and a cadre of volunteers who helped cut expenses.

'We're really talking about a huge turnaround,' said Chairman Jerry Zucker. 'It was a stellar year. ... We're pretty much home free from here if we just do the basic things well.'"

Tides to lift other boats - San Francisco Business Times:

Tides to lift other boats - San Francisco Business Times:: "Tides is shifting East.

The San Francisco nonprofit has purchased a 40,000-square-foot space in lower Manhattan where it plans to spread its gospel of nonprofit co-location.

The new project is Tides Shared Spaces' first attempt to replicate the success of the Presidio's 150,000-square-foot Thoreau Center for Sustainability. Tides developed that space in 1996, and today it houses nearly 50 tenants, most of them nonprofits that pay below-market rent. Nevertheless, the Thoreau Center is self-sustaining."

Metro & Regional News - New reality for nonprofits - sacbee.com

Metro & Regional News - New reality for nonprofits - sacbee.com: "Mergers and strategic alliances, well-established concepts in the corporate world, are migrating to a new realm: nonprofits.

Nonprofits in California and across the country are increasingly joining forces as they compete for shrinking resources and as funders demand greater efficiency.

'It's part of the maturation of the sector,' said David La Piana of La Piana Associates, a San Francisco consulting firm that has guided more than 100 nonprofits through mergers over the past decade. 'It's a phenomenon that's going to be with us for a while.'"

Survey of museums' fiscal health paints a stable picture - The Boston Globe

Survey of museums' fiscal health paints a stable picture - The Boston Globe: "Stability' was the term of choice last year for North American art museums, as they maintained or built on advances made over the prior two years, according to a survey.

The New York-based Association of Art Museum Directors said Wednesday that 73 percent of the 129 museums responding to its survey reported steady or increased attendance in 2005. That compared with 70 percent seeing such results in 2004.

The survey also found that 84 percent of respondents said their total revenue had increased or was the same as in the previous year, up from 79 percent in 2004."

Portland charity to build homes for hurricane victims

Portland charity to build homes for hurricane victims: "Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland usually builds houses for local families. This week, however, the organization is helping needy families more than 1,500 miles away.

Today and tomorrow, volunteers will construct two homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina in a Portland parking lot. A Naples trucking company has volunteered to drive the homes to Hattiesburg, Miss. The trip is expected to begin on Monday."

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Movie Studio Donates to Flight 93 Fund

Movie Studio Donates to Flight 93 Fund: "Movie Studio Donates to Flight 93 Fund

By KIMBERLY HEFLING
The Associated Press
Tuesday, May 2, 2006; 6:07 PM

WASHINGTON -- Universal Pictures says it will donate $1.15 million this week toward a memorial to the passengers and crew who perished aboard United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001 _ addressing concerns of a lawmaker who has blocked legislation to buy land for the project.

The donation from Universal, which last week released 'United 93,' a film about the flight, brings to $9 million the private donations so far. Organizers hope to raise $30 million to build the memorial near Shanksville, Pa., where the plane crashed."

Investing: Big Risk on Campus

Investing: Big Risk on Campus: "Investing: Big Risk on Campus
Hot portfolios at Harvard and Yale have smaller colleges moving aggressively into hedge funds. They may be putting their endowments in jeopardy

When the multibillion dollar endowments at Harvard and Yale reported stellar returns during the bear market, endowment managers at other colleges took notice. Harvard and Yale didn't get there by investing in boring stock index funds. Instead they did it by putting sizable chunks of their portfolios into hedge funds, the pricey, lightly regulated, and highly secretive investment pools that cater to big institutions and wealthy individual investors. As of June 30, 2005, the most recent date for which data are available, Harvard and Yale had 12% and 25% of their respective endowments earmarked for these alternative investments."

Caller.com: Editorials-Americans come through

This link may require brief registration.
Caller.com: Editorials: "Yet, fundraising professionals say, Americans didn't forget their home charities. A survey by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals found that 76 percent reported they had raised as much or more in 2005 than the dollar amounts totaled in the previous year.

'It would appear that Americans once again came to bat for people suddenly in need while continuing to support the worthy causes they have always supported,' said Lyn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center."

Hispanic Business - Facing the Funding Challenge

Hispanic Business - Facing the Funding Challenge: "hat's what the nonprofits we feature in this issue try to do, day in and day out, and with some innovative spin to their operating strategies. Some of the nonprofits operate for-profit projects or programs while others charge fees for certain services.

But Hispanic nonprofits still have a way to go before their capabilities will enable them to compete for the 'big money' from large foundations. With this issue we show how major foundations are just beginning to invest in Hispanic nonprofit projects. To their credit, some foundations, such as the Ford Foundation, have a long history of investing in Hispanic projects, and their historic profile stands out. "

TimesDispatch.com | State Briefs-Lynchburg mayor quits after conviction

TimesDispatch.com | State Briefs: "Lynchburg mayor quits after conviction

LYNCHBURG -- Carl B. Hutcherson Jr. resigned as Lynchburg's mayor and as a member of City Council yesterday, one day after a federal jury in Roanoke convicted him of fraud."

The Chronicle, 5/3/2006: Tips to Help Board Members Better Understand Their Fiduciary Duties

The Chronicle, 5/3/2006: Tips to Help Board Members Better Understand Their Fiduciary Duties: "Tips to Help Board Members Better Understand Their Fiduciary Duties
By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

The executive who used to prepare the financial reports for Meet the Composer, a nonprofit arts organization in

New York, always crammed the documents with data. The avalanche of numbers, however, wasn't particularly helpful to the group's Board of Directors.

The executive was 'a complex financial thinker,' recalls Heather Hitchens, the charity's president. But, she adds, the reports' excessive detail was confusing to the board. 'They were very complex spreadsheets that didn't convey a message.'"

Salt Lake Tribune - Utah nonprofits get free advice

Salt Lake Tribune - Utah nonprofits get free advice: "And Justice for All is among a half-dozen local charities to take part this year in an experimental course at the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business. Taught by associate management professor Harris Sondak, the course pairs MBA students with philanthropies looking to expand or improve. Students get real-world consulting experience, the U. spreads goodwill, and nonprofits earn free professional advice, its supporters say.
'An impact study like this would have cost us about $15,000. I couldn't spare that,' Wilson says. "

The Columbus Dispatch - Local/State-Columbus Foundation’s giving hit record last year

The Columbus Dispatch - Local/State: "The Columbus Foundation distributed a record $65.6 million last year to central Ohio groups.

That shows philanthropy flourishes even in uncertain times, a national expert said.

'This city and all of America is not just rich in the way you conduct your business,' said Claire Gaudiani, a professor at the George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University."

MercuryNews.com | 05/04/2006 | Pizarro: Foundations head for merger

MercuryNews.com | 05/04/2006 | Pizarro: Foundations head for merger: "Pizarro: Foundations head for merger
COMBINING TWO BAY PHILANTHROPY GROUPS SEEN AS A BOOST TO STRUGGLING CHARITIES
By Sal Pizarro
Mercury News

Two of the Bay Area's biggest philanthropy groups -- Community Foundation Silicon Valley and the Peninsula Community Foundation -- are on the road to a merger that would create one of the nation's biggest foundations of its kind, with $1.35 billion in assets."

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Students Seek Summer Funds - News

Students Seek Summer Funds - News: "This is the second of two articles examining how students cope with the financial aspect of unpaid summer internships.
snip snip>>

That is most - but not all - students. While Cornell staff members interviewed by The Sun felt that many internships paid adequately, they acknowledged that a smaller, but nevertheless sizeable, number of students would face difficulties gaining practical summer experience while meeting financial obligations.

'I think the hardest part is if you want to do an internship in a not-for-profit arena,' Keane conceded.
"

Nonprofit leadership faces transition - Bangornews.com Staff

Nonprofit leadership faces transition - Bangornews.com Staff: "Nonprofit leadership faces transition
Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - Bangor Daily News << Back

By Jeff Wahlstrom

As the Maine economy continues to shift to a service economy, we should not be surprised that charitable nonprofit organizations are increasingly becoming the largest employers in our communities.

While hospitals, colleges and a few familiar organizations capture our attention, the fact is that more than 70,000 people in Maine are employed by nonprofits - more people than all local governments combined and just about as many as the state's entire manufacturing sector. These organizations and their employees touch all of us in one way or another - providing our health care, educating our children, caring for our neighbors and improving our overall quality of life."

JS Online:Editorial: Virtue, an hour per week

JS Online:Editorial: Virtue, an hour per week: "Editorial: Virtue, an hour per week
From the Journal Sentinel
Posted: May 2, 2006

Toss a pebble into still waters, and watch the ripple effect. That's the idea behind a new community effort to involve more people in volunteerism and philanthropy in a community that needs both.
Advertisement

Whoa - those are big words. Aren't they the exclusive purview of the very rich, with lots of money to give and lots of time to spend doing good?

Not necessarily. Project Ripple Effect is designed to bring together average folks and projects in need, and its founders believe that spending as little as an hour a week helping a worthy cause will have a ripple effect in the community"

Grand Valley State Establishes Nation's First Endowed Family Foundation Chair

Grand Valley State Establishes Nation's First Endowed Family Foundation Chair: "Grand Valley State Establishes Nation's First Endowed Family Foundation Chair
Newswise - The tremendous power of some 32,000 charitable family foundations and their billions of grant dollars will begin to be harnessed more effectively thanks to the establishment of the nation's first endowed chair focusing on family philanthropy. The Frey Foundation is pledging $1.5 million to Grand Valley State University's Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership to establish this chair which will lead to a pioneering program of study on family foundations and how they are led and managed to help society.

'Few institutions in American life are so vitally important, and so poorly understood, as family foundations,' said Joel J. Orosz, interim executive director of the Johnson Center. 'The Frey Foundation's bold gift will allow the Johnson Center to identify their keys to success, and most importantly, to find ways to enhance their beneficial impact upon society.'"

Corrections: For the Record - New York Times

Corrections: For the Record - New York Times: "An article on Sunday about a study by the Association of Fundraising Professionals showing that hurricane relief efforts had not cut into other charitable giving misattributed a more comprehensive study, Giving USA, which is to come out in June. It is published by the Giving USA Foundation, not the Association of Fundraising Professionals. (Go to Article)"

NP Times /-Deciding When Not To Accept A Big Gift

NP Times / Special Report: 2006 Salary Survey: "Deciding When Not To Accept A Big Gift
Ethical dilemmas can be planned for avoidance

By Mark Hrywna

Most of the things Mike Patterson sees in his position as associate vice president of planned giving for the Arthritis Foundation and living in San Antonio, Texas, are pretty straightforward. Any ethical dilemmas he encounters might only be hypothetical.
“That’s not to say that the planned giving community doesn’t occasionally run into these issues,” Patterson said.
For example, one hypothetical situation might be: should you accept a planned gift from someone who you know received or raised the money illegally?
Educating potential donors about what they can or cannot do in terms of a gift is important. “Obviously, with everything we do in planned giving, that’s our job,” he said."

EDITORIAL: Spirit of giving

EDITORIAL: Spirit of giving: "A survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals found that more than three-fourths of the 506 charities it surveyed have raised as much money in 2005 as in the year before. Those that indicated a drop in giving blamed the change on general competition from other charities -- and not donor fatigue."

OMB Watch - New Election Year Resources for Nonprofits

OMB Watch - New Election Year Resources for Nonprofits: "ew Election Year Resources for Nonprofits

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has released a report to members of Congress that explains the restrictions on advocacy and election activity by different types of nonprofits, along with the reporting and disclosure requirements that apply to each type. CRS is the policy research arm of Congress that works 'exclusively and directly for Members of Congress, their Committees and staff on a confidential, nonpartisan basis."

Most Americans Gave To Hurricane Relief and Their Other Charities as Well

Most Americans Gave To Hurricane Relief and Their Other Charities as Well: "Most Americans Gave To Hurricane Relief and Their Other Charities as Well

Apr. 17, 2006

Most Americans who gave money to help victims of the Katrina and Rita hurricanes also contributed to all of their normal charities as well, according to a nationwide survey released today by The Conference Board. (Fears were expressed that giving to help victims of the Louisiana and Mississippi disasters would reduce giving to other charities)."

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Sen. Clinton highlights nonprofit activity in Rockland

Sen. Clinton highlights nonprofit activity in Rockland:
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"Clinton, scoring two standing ovations for her speech at the inaugural Non-Profit Leadership Summit, said federal nonprofit dollars typically went to urban or rural areas.

'I think it's important that we get as smart as we possibly can to use every single dollar that comes your way,' she said, going on to outline her proposed legislation that would provide economic and tax incentives for the suburbs.

The Holiday Inn hosted 270 nonprofit leaders for a day of seminars and speakers on topics such as staff responsibilities and marketing. The sold-out event was presented by the Institute for Non-Profits, an educational program administered by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland."

Chron.com | Park Service Keeps Ban on Most Ads

Chron.com | Park Service Keeps Ban on Most Ads: "Park Service Keeps Ban on Most Ads

By JOHN HEILPRIN Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Strict prohibitions on allowing advertising and marketing in the national parks in return for donations will remain, spelling an end to a Park Service proposal that called for looser restrictions.

The Park Service proposed last year letting some employees solicit donations, accepting alcohol and tobacco company donations for the first time and giving donors the right to put their names on rooms, benches and bricks. All were dropped in new guidelines issued Monday by Park Service Director Fran Mainella."

The Free Press -- Independent News Media - Dr. Manning Marable

The Free Press -- Independent News Media - Dr. Manning Marable: "nheritance, wealth and race
May 2, 2006

In America, the overwhelming majority of Americans, regardless of their incomes and educational levels, describe themselves as “middle class.” That’s because nearly 75 percent of all Americans own their own homes, representing a substantial equity asset. Most also anticipate a windfall inheritance when their parents and/or elderly relatives die.

According to the federal government’s statistics compiled by Mark Zandi of “Moody’s Economy.com”, back in 1985, the average inheritance was $39,000. In subsequent years, the overall amount of total annual inheritance has more than doubled, reaching nearly $200 billion. Researchers at Boston College’s Center for Wealth and Philanthropy estimate that by 2050, approximately $25 trillion will be passed from the old to their offspring.” That’s an impressive amount of money, even for Bill Gates.
"

CEG boss offers charity aid - baltimoresun.com

CEG boss offers charity aid - baltimoresun.com: "CEG boss offers charity aid
Shattuck pledges $5 million-$10 million if FPL merger approved
By Paul Adams
Sun reporter
Originally published May 2, 2006
Constellation Energy Group's chief executive, who critics charge is getting rich at the expense of Maryland power customers, has pledged to give millions of dollars in merger-related compensation to a charitable foundation if the company's marriage to a Florida utility owner wins approval, regulatory documents filed yesterday show.

The funds that will be donated - estimated at between $5 million and $10 million - amount to a small part of the millions in stock compensation that Mayo A. Shattuck III has received over several years as Constellation's top executive. He also stands to gain potentially tens of millions of dollars in stock and other compensation if the merger goes through.
"

Monday, May 01, 2006

USATODAY.com - YWCA votes to allow male leaders

USATODAY.com - YWCA votes to allow male leaders: "YWCA votes to allow male leaders
Updated 4/29/2006 8:48 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this
WASHINGTON (AP) — The YWCA voted overwhelmingly Saturday to allow men to help direct its operations for the first time in its 148-year history, creating exceptions to a policy that allowed only women to serve as leaders of its nearly 300 local affiliates.

Passed by 70% of its voting members, the decision marks a big change for the organization but comes as a compromise just five years after an unofficial vote to keep men out of leadership roles.

The new measure, passed at the organization's annual meeting, allows each chapter to decide whether to accept men through a proposal to the national board, which will develop a new policy later this year. Local chapters will petition the board to allow men to serve, and the board will decide each case.

Men had previously been allowed as volunteers or staff or associate members but could not serve as voting members or directors."

Oshkosh Northwestern - A summer of giving

Oshkosh Northwestern - A summer of giving: "

Posted April 30, 2006

A summer of giving

Gifts opening gates for the community

By Alex Hummel
of The Northwestern

John Schroeder's got his calendar marked for more than one opening this spring where Oshkosh will enjoy the fruits of a burst of philanthropy not seen in decades in the community.

Huge gifts are opening gates, breaking ground and augmenting projects for the entire community in the months ahead.

'It's a wonderful thing that people think enough of the city to do what they do,' said Schroeder of Oshkosh, who played with his 1-year-old grandson, Nolan, at Menominee Park's 'Little Oshkosh' playground during a sunny lunch hour last week."

Johns Hopkins Gazette | May 1, 2006-Study Finds Nonprofits Face Obstacles to Accessing Investment Capital

Johns Hopkins Gazette | May 1, 2006: "Study Finds Nonprofits Face Obstacles to Accessing Investment Capital

By Mimi Bilzor
Institute for Policy Studies

Nonprofits are facing pressing needs for investment capital but report widespread obstacles to accessing that capital, according to a new report from Johns Hopkins' Listening Post Project.

'We have long been accustomed to thinking of nonprofits as labor-intensive institutions. But their need for investment capital to finance technology, facilities and program development has grown massively in recent years. Unfortunately, however, we know very little about the challenges nonprofits face in generating this investment capital,' said Lester Salamon, director of the Center for Civil Society Studies at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, which oversees the Listening Post Project."

MiamiHerald.com | 05/01/2006 | Internships are being nabbed, so get cracking!

MiamiHerald.com | 05/01/2006 | Internships are being nabbed, so get cracking!: "Internships are being nabbed, so get cracking!
Formal internships draw fierce competition, so it's a good idea to look into informal gigs with local companies and nonprofits.
By MARSHALL LOEB
MarketWatch

Summer is straight ahead and high school students across the country have lined up plum jobs that should teach them a thing or two and put some money in their pockets.

Wait, your kid hasn't even gotten started? Anything he or she can do?

While many teens still find work in those summer mainstays -- life-guarding, manual labor, retail -- more and more are looking for formal internships that require applications and draw fierce competition like those at the college level."

Charity retailer moves to Austin - Austin - MSNBC.com

Charity retailer moves to Austin - Austin - MSNBC.com: "harity retailer moves to Austin

By Giselle Greenwood
Austin Business Journal
Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET April 30, 2006

Austin -- a town known for its social conscience -- has become the new home of Giveline Inc., an online retailer that donates part of its proceeds to charity."

Six Sites Selected To Receive Salvation Army Kroc Centers - Share of Mrs. Kroc’s $1.5 Billion+ Gift Will Fund Construction and Endowment

Six Sites Selected To Receive Salvation Army Kroc Centers - Share of Mrs. Kroc’s $1.5 Billion+ Gift Will Fund Construction and Endowment: "Six Sites Selected To Receive Salvation Army Kroc Centers - Share of Mrs. Kroc’s $1.5 Billion+ Gift Will Fund Construction and Endowment

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory announced today that proposals for six KROC Centers have been approved and will receive funds to build and endow Salvation Army Ray and Joan KROC Corps Community Centers. The Western Territory, headquartered in Long Beach, California, oversees operations in the 13 Western states. The Territory received a $250 million share of Joan Kroc’s $1.5 billion-plus gift to The Salvation Army, enabling six centers to begin the construction process soon. The following sites were selected to begin development: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Honolulu, Hawaii; Long Beach, California; Phoenix - South Mountain, Arizona; Salem, Oregon; and San Francisco - Tenderloin, California.

Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) May 1, 2006 -- The Salvation Army USA Western Territory announced today that six proposals for KROC Centers have been approved and will receive funds to build and endow Salvation Army Ray and Joan KROC Corps Community Centers."

Disaster News Network: Volunteer skills untapped

Disaster News Network: Volunteer skills untapped: "Nonprofit organizations tend to approach the corporate world for money while ignoring a viable resource of skilled volunteers, new research shows. "

AP Wire | 04/30/2006 | Nonprofits worried about funding without Knight Ridder

AP Wire | 04/30/2006 | Nonprofits worried about funding without Knight Ridder: "SAN JOSE, Calif. - Silicon Valley nonprofits and arts groups are worried about how they'll meet their funding needs after Knight Ridder Inc., one of their biggest corporate donors, is acquired this summer.

Nonprofit groups are spreading the word that they will need new donors after the San Jose-based newspaper company, which owns the San Jose Mercury News and donates about $2 million each year, is bought by Denver-based MediaNews Group Inc.

Since Knight Ridder moved its headquarters from Miami to Knight Ridder in 1998, it has given Opera San Jose $25,000 to $50,000 a year, said Irene Dalis, the opera's founder and executive director."

NWAnews.com :: Student projects serve nonprofits

NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source: "SILOAM SPRINGS — The research projects of several John Brown University students stand to have more of an impact than the seniors’ grade-point averages. The work also will help guide the futures of 23 social service agencies, nonprofit organizations and churches."

Red Cross Quietly Settles Case of a $120,000 Theft - New York Times

Red Cross Quietly Settles Case of a $120,000 Theft - New York Times: "Officials of the American Red Cross say they try to recover 'every last dollar' lost to theft or fraud, but a Connecticut case involving the theft of $120,000 has raised questions about that commitment when it carries the risk of bad publicity."

Grandparents Getting the Call As City School Tuitions Go Up - May 1, 2006 - The New York Sun - NY News

Grandparents Getting the Call As City School Tuitions Go Up - May 1, 2006 - The New York Sun - NY News:
snip snip>>
"We have seen an upswing in the incidence of grandparents paying tuition, and also of schools reaching out to grandparents to get them involved - both volunteering in the classroom and contributing to the school's bottom line,' a spokeswoman for the National Association of Independent Schools, Myra McGovern, said."

Many Dismissing 'Donor Fatigue' as Myth - New York Times

Many Dismissing 'Donor Fatigue' as Myth - New York Times: "But concern about so-called donor fatigue was largely unfounded, according to a new survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Some 76 percent of the 506 respondents said they had raised as much or more in 2005 than they had in 2004. And among the nearly one-fourth of those organizations that said their fund-raising had fallen below their 2005 goals, most cited stiff competition for donor dollars from other charities, rather than donor fatigue caused by last year's natural disasters.

The survey is regarded as a harbinger of the more comprehensive study of annual giving also sponsored by the association, Giving USA, which comes out in June.

'The statistics are pretty clear,' said Paulette V. Maehara, the association's president and chief executive. 'The impact of Katrina and the tsunami on giving last year was minimal.'"

Npadvisors.com - Helping nonprofits Succeed Online: Tips on Internet Marketing, Email Communications, Fundraising, Donor Retention.

Npadvisors.com - Helping nonprofits Succeed Online: Tips on Internet Marketing, Email Communications, Fundraising, Donor Retention.: "Email Fundraising Success Story

Recently we explained how sometimes you can raise more money by NOT asking for it initially. Getting supporters to take another action first, like signing a petition, can produce more donors than a straight ask.

Sometimes, however, a simple, direct fundraising appeal can work extremely well. Consider this email that was sent recently by the Washington (DC) Animal Rescue League. Their email list is small, and many of the names on that list were spontaneous online donors after Hurricane Katrina last September. They sent 1300 emails asking for contributions toward a new piece of dental equipment for their animal hospital. Their goal was $4,200, as it was very clearly stated in the email. They received over $9000 in gifts directly from this appeal, an average of $7 for every email sent!"