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 19, 2006

EGasp puts ‘fun’ in fundraising - Business - The Barnstable Patriot - Cape Cod & Islands

EGasp puts ‘fun’ in fundraising - Business - The Barnstable Patriot - Cape Cod & Islands: "EGasp puts ‘fun’ in fundraising

Organization to take charity auctions on-line

By Kathleen Manwaring
kmanwaring@barnstablepatriot.com

Bill Murphy is a man with a plan. It began 15 years ago when he founded The Last Gasp Bike, Boat ‘n’ Bake fundraising event. In the wake of its success came eGasp, The Auction, aimed at further expanding local fundraising.

2006 marks the evolution of eGasp into the technological mainstream as Murphy takes the fundraising auction on-line.

Fifteen years ago Murphy created The Last Gasp in memory of his father, Henry L. Murphy. The goal was to raise money for local charities in an enjoyable manner. 'It started off as this fun thing,' he said."

The Ithaca Journal - Companies helping employees volunteer

The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY: "Companies helping employees volunteer
Workers share business skills with nonprofit groups

By Dana Knight
Gannett News Service

If Kim White needs to bolt a tad early at the end of her workday to do some strategic planning for another organization, her bosses smile and push her out the door.

Why? Because what White is doing — even if it has nothing to do with her job at FinishMaster — makes her employer look unbelievably good."

The Daily Telegraph | Baby's first act for charity

The Daily Telegraph | Baby's first act for charity: "ritain's Daily Mirror newspaper quoted a friend as saying: 'They've signed a 2.6 million pounds deal with a publication and the money will go to children's charity UNICEF.

'Angelina's very private but they figured they might as well use the opportunity of one child being born to help a lot of others.'"

Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/19/2006 | A nonprofit is as good as the members of its board

Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/19/2006 | A nonprofit is as good as the members of its board: "As hurricane season nears, the issue of preparedness again confronts us. And we're not talking about the government here. We're talking nonprofits.

Last year, the Red Cross' reputation suffered along with the Gulf Coast. It was condemned for its unresponsive culture, poor communications and cursory reactions to the issues that have been looming since 9/11. And with that came more head-shaking, cynicism and disenchantment from a betrayed public.

This disillusionment isn't limited to the American Red Cross, nor are the abuses. The former CEO of United Way of New York City was recently found to have misused organizational assets. And another United Way CEO resigned after accusations of theft. These are just a couple of the scandals to tarnish the good works of the nearly 1.5 million nonprofits in the country - and more than 20,000 in this region."

News@Concordia: Adopt A Student campaign update

News@Concordia: Adopt A Student campaign update: "The Adopt-A-Student program allows donors to help full-time students overcome the financial hurdles that may be blocking their road to graduation and future success.

Since its launch on September 30, 2005, the Leave a Legacy – Adopt a Student program has raised over $800,000 which will benefit close to 300 students with bursaries ranging from $500 to $2,500 per year. Our goal is to adopt 1000 students by year 2008.

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is thrilled to announce that our Adopt-A-Student program received a silver medal from CASE "

Eyewitness News - State officials urge charitable giving for flood victims

Eyewitness News - State officials urge charitable giving for flood victims: "State officials urge charitable giving for flood victims

BOSTON State officials urge people who want to help out victims from this week's flooding to do so wisely.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Christine McCombs says donated goods and volunteers that aren't specifically needed can actually hurt more than help.

Instead, McCombs suggests making financial contributions to disaster organizations with a known track record."

Thursday, May 18, 2006

The Reporter -- Communications teams find silver lining

The Reporter -- Communications teams find silver lining: "E-innovation, brochure garner CCAE praise

The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) has given the university's Communications unit two silvers in the annual award round up that recognizes achievements in alumni affairs, public affairs, development, student recruitment and overall institutional advancement. A colourful brochure underlining the importance of philanthropy and a technological gizmo that makes it easy for online donations earned McGill its awards."

2Nonprofits | Bringing effective change agents to the social sector

2Nonprofits | Bringing effective change agents to the social sector: "2Nonprofits.org is a blog project of the Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University. It aims to help experienced business people make the transition to work in the nonprofit social sector.

At this time, this site serves two primary roles:

1. To provide a community for individuals interested in making a move to employment in the nonprofit sector.
2. To learn from individuals in order to best develop an executive education program that will provide both education and experience, helping individual participants to learn and live the history, culture, and practices of nonprofit organizations.

Business2Nonprofits Transition Program

Combining executive education with practical experience the Business2Nonprofits program will give participants knowledge of the field and hands-on exposure to the mission and practices of nonprofits. Participants attend monthly classes. At the same time they perform a staff fellowship for a nonprofit undertaking a professional project of use to the organization, and they serve as a board fellow for another organization, attending (as a nonvoting member) its board meetings."

statesman.com | Celebrate Central Texas Volunteers

statesman.com | Celebrate Central Texas Volunteers: "Who's On the Community Watch?
How, Where and How Much?

By Dr. Suzanne Morse
President of Pew Partnership for Civic Change

America's role in the world is clearly on the minds of the American people. But in most cities and hamlets around the nation, citizens are equally concerned about their ability to provide for their families. The call for citizens to be actively involved in their communities as volunteers begs three important questions: how, where, and how much?"

York High, CNU grad on mission to fight AIDS

York High, CNU grad on mission to fight AIDS: "ork High, CNU grad on mission to fight AIDS
Angela Hamilton helps produce a benefit for AIDS Walk New York.
BY KYM KLASS
SPECIAL TO THE DAILY PRESS
May 18, 2006
What started as a way to bring friends together has turned into a mission for one woman: to educate others about AIDS. People need to be reminded, she believes, that not only is the disease still out there, but that it's still claiming victims at an alarming rate.

Angela Hamilton, an alumna of York High School and Christopher Newport University, is helping produce a benefit this month for AIDS Walk New York, the largest single AIDS fundraiser worldwide.
"

Study Links Women's Leadership 'Power Skills' to Volunteerism :: PNNOnline ::

Study Links Women's Leadership 'Power Skills' to Volunteerism :: PNNOnline ::: "Study Links Women's Leadership 'Power Skills' to Volunteerism
Posted by: shannonleskin on Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Topic Human Services

Leadership, communications skills, and resource development - often termed 'power skills' in a business setting - are linked to early experiences for women in community service and non-profit volunteer activities. According to 'Power Skills - How Volunteerism Shapes Professional Success,' a study conducted for WOMENS WAY, the nation's oldest and largest women's funding organization, and sponsored by a grant from The Comcast Foundation, these and other critical business skills, like problem solving, coaching/mentoring, and public speaking are developed and improved through volunteerism.

The study was spearheaded by Markitects, Inc., an independent marketing service and research firm in Wayne, PA from June-August of 2005. The online survey and personal interviews focused on 90 professional women in a leadership capacity and sought to determine when, how and why they participate in non-profit and community-based endeavors."

Tensions Rise Over Grants to Community Groups

Tensions Rise Over Grants to Community Groups: "As the Montgomery County Council neared final approval of a $4 billion operating budget yesterday, some of the most heated debate was over how to spread the wealth among a wide variety of nonprofit organizations that say they depend on public dollars to fund their programs.

With a projected $300 million surplus, county officials lived up to their reputation for generosity. For the fiscal 2007 budget, the council appeared poised to more than double the $4.3 million in community grants it doled out last year."

Monterey County Herald | 05/18/2006 | NONPROFITS MEAN BUSINESS

Monterey County Herald | 05/18/2006 | NONPROFITS MEAN BUSINESS: "NONPROFITS MEAN BUSINESS
Class has new outlook on fundraising
By MARIE VASARI
Herald Staff Writer

Typical graduation it wasn't.

No 'Pomp and Circumstance.' Not a cap nor gown in sight, no bouquets, no grinning camera-toting parents.

That's because the graduates of the Business Ventures Institute just finished a different kind of school -- the 'for-profit' kind. Which is an interesting twist, because participants in the local training program were nonprofits."

Gates Foundation to help fund groundbreaking research by Center on Philanthropy at IU

Gates Foundation to help fund groundbreaking research by Center on Philanthropy at IU: "Gates Foundation to help fund groundbreaking research by Center on Philanthropy at IU
$750,000 matching grant will support national study aimed at increasing nonprofits' effectiveness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University a $750,000 matching grant to help fund data collection in 2007 and 2009 for its signature research project, the Center on Philanthropy Panel Study (COPPS).

COPPS is the largest and most accurate study of charitable giving by U.S. households over time ever conducted. A nationally representative panel study, it looks at giving and volunteering by the same households over time and across generations as families mature, face differing economic circumstances, are affected by public policy shifts, and encounter changes in their family size and health, among many other factors. Scholars and nonprofit professionals can access COPPS data and findings free of charge online in downloadable formats."

AP News from the Traverse City Record-Eagle-Not for a million bucks: Michigan officials reject Meijer gift

AP News from the Traverse City Record-Eagle: "Not for a million bucks: Michigan officials reject Meijer gift

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (AP) -- When retail magnate Fred Meijer recently pledged $1 million toward the completion of White Pine Trail State Park, Michigan officials turned him down.

Meijer's offer was rejected because it hinged on adding his name to the 92-mile hiking and bicycling trail built on a former rail bed."

fremonttribune.com, Philanthropy Group offers seminars to create awareness

fremonttribune.com, Fremont, Nebraska's Community Newspaper: "Gary Schmidt might argue that reading can motivate.

When the development officer for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Archbishop Bergan Catholic Schools in Fremont read in an article that some people who are preparing their wills and estates aren’t asked about giving to charities, he decided to do something about it — at least locally.

“That was alarming for me,” he said. “So I went to some people who I knew who were involved in planned giving and charities and asked if they had the same reaction that I had.”

When he found out that he wasn’t the only one to have a nerve struck by information in the article, he got about 10 people together to meet on a regular basis and develop seminars to train people who work in estate planning and planned giving."

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Bloomberg.com: Asia-ates Foundation Adds Viacom and Brookfield; Sells India Fund

Bloomberg.com: Asia: "Gates Foundation Adds Viacom and Brookfield; Sells India Fund

May 16 (Bloomberg) -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the charity funded by the founder of Microsoft Corp., added shares of Viacom Inc. and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. during the first quarter, according to a government filing.

The foundation's stock holdings were worth $3.83 billion as of March 31, according to today's filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission."

The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: Corrupt Charities

The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: Corrupt Charities: "Correction:
snip snip>>

The May 15, 2006 op-ed, “Corrupt Charities,” incorrectly stated the percentage of donations to several charities that goes towards the people and programs that the charities exist to serve. According to Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization that reviews charitable groups, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation spends 76.2 percent of money on its causes, not 13 percent. The Greenpeace Fund spends 78.8 percent on its causes, not 18 percent. The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation spends
75.1 percent, not 18 percent. Charity Navigator does, however, rate the efficiency of Greenpeace and March of Dimes as deserving only two stars, which signifies that it “needs improvement.” The Komen Foundation received a three-star “good” rating.

These significant mistakes occurred because the writer did not correctly read the information on the organizations listed on Charity Navigator’s website. Though Crimson policy is that all pieces must be fact-checked by an editor, the editor of this piece also misread the numbers.

The Crimson will investigate how the writer, the editor of the piece, and two proofers missed the factual inaccuracies, and will move to ensure that existing fact-checking policies are strictly followed so that similar errors will not happen in the future.

Foundation Center Creates New Institute for Civil Society and Philanthropy :: PNNOnline ::

Un update on this story on July 5.

Foundation Center Creates New Institute for Civil Society and Philanthropy :: PNNOnline ::: "The Foundation Center has announced the creation of its new Alexis Institute for Civil Society and Philanthropy, designed to serve as a major source of knowledge on the rapidly evolving world of philanthropy and civil society in the U.S. and around the world. Lester M. Salamon, Professor and Director of the Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University, has been named the founding director of this new institute. The Center’s Board and staff are committed to raising an initial $10 million for the institute as part of a broader campaign.

In making the announcement, Foundation Center President Sara L. Engelhardt said, 'Philanthropy is undergoing a sea change that is extending its boundaries and re-shaping its contours as we move into the twenty-first century. The field is growing more diverse, more entrepreneurial, more collaborative, and more global. The Foundation Center is committed to enabling all the players—within the larger civil society sector, as well as in the governmental sector and among the engaged public, domestically and around the world—to understand and connect to these new dynamics.' "

The Columbus Dispatch - Life / Arts-Collector’s trust continues to benefit art museum

The Columbus Dispatch - Life / Arts: "PHILANTHROPY
Collector’s trust continues to benefit art museum
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Bill Mayr
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Seven decades after the death of art collector Ferdinand Howald, his generosity lives on.

In the 1930s, Howald helped pay for construction of the Columbus Museum of Art at 480 E. Broad St. and donated artworks that formed the core of the museum’s collection.

A new donation, about $100,000, comes from a trust that Howald created to provide income to a youngster he took under his wing almost a century ago."

BostonHerald.com - Business News: Study: Hub wealth transfer immense

BostonHerald.com - Business News: Study: Hub wealth transfer immense: "Study: Hub wealth transfer immense
By Jay Fitzgerald
Boston Herald General Economics Reporter
Wednesday, May 17, 2006

An “unprecedented” amount of wealth will be transferred in coming decades in Greater Boston, possibly transforming philanthropy in the region, according to a new report.
The Boston Foundation, in a commissioned study to be released today, said as much as $1.25 trillion will pass from one generation to another generation over the next 50 years.
After heirs and the taxmen take their shares, an estimated $359 billion might be available for charities, according to the report, called “A Golden Age of Philanthropy? The Impact of the Great Wealth Transfer on Greater Boston,” prepared by two Boston College researchers. "

Center for Nonprofit Advancement-"Center Offers Emergency Succession Plan Template

Center for Nonprofit Advancement: "Center Offers Emergency Succession Plan Template

As the Center for Nonprofit Advancement reviewed recent studies on executive leadership, we noticed a pattern: while more organizations are grappling with the responsibilities of an anticipated change in leadership, few have planned for an emergency change in leadership—short-term or long-term. We felt this lack of action was our call for action.

No matter the age, health or happiness of the current leader, all organizations—small, large, new, or established—should be prepared for a sudden, unplanned change of executive directors. The Center has developed and is making available to our nonprofit community an Emergency Succession Plan Template. This template can be found on this web site as a downloadable Word document—at no cost."

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Getting Attention : Email & E-News Musts Outlined at Marketing Sherpa Summitt

Getting Attention : Email & E-News Musts Outlined at Marketing Sherpa Summitt: "Email & E-News Musts Outlined at Marketing Sherpa Summitt

Marketing Sherpa, as you already know, is one of my most-relied on sources for marketing insights, tips, research results and case studies. Although most of the content isn't nonprofit-specific, 99% of it is relevant to nonprofit organization and foundation communications.

I sent Getting Attention eyes and ears to the latest Marketing Sherpa conference and learned (or was reminded of) the following 'musts' for mass emails, including advocacy alerts and e-newsletters:"

The Art Newspaper -- News-Storm of criticism greets Levy donation

The Art Newspaper -- News: "Storm of criticism greets Levy donation
Academics are divided over $200m gift

By Martha Lufkin | Posted 16 May 2006

NEW YORK. A gift of $200m to New York University (NYU) to fund a new Institute for the Study of the Ancient World has resulted in a resignation and in criticism from archaeologists because of the source of the donation.

The donation from the Leon Levy Foundation was announced on 21 March by John Sexton, the university’s president, and Shelby White, a trustee of the foundation and the wife of the late Mr Levy. It is one of the largest donations the university has received, and will be used to create an academic institute for postgraduate research. "

Inside Higher Ed :: What Trustees Must Do, After A.U.

Inside Higher Ed :: What Trustees Must Do, After A.U.: "In the wake of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the 2002 federal law aimed at reforming the governance of public companies, corporate trustees have been on the hot seat to ensure greater transparency and accountability. While Sarbanes-Oxley does not apply to nonprofits yet, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee has been hard at work analyzing whether nonprofits merit more scrutiny and similar rules. The recent string of events at American University — involving a president who needed a strong board to protect him from himself – has, for better or for worse, drawn attention to the challenges of higher education trusteeship. And Congress’s continuing interest underscores the pressing need for college and university boards to get their house in order – before someone does it for them."

islandpacket.com | Grants help community organizations fund activities, resources for schools

islandpacket.com | Grants help community organizations fund activities, resources for schools: "Grants help community organizations fund activities, resources for schools
By MAUREEN SIMPSON
The Bluffton Packet
Published Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Bluffton High School is one of three schools in the nation that have been given the opportunity and funding by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to think outside the box.

'Through this funding, we want our students to understand the importance of giving back. ... To find true philanthropy that will make a difference,' said Principal Aretha Rhone-Bush.

In all, the foundation awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to the school and to eight organizations that will work with students at the school for the next three years, helping them make informed decisions on what they will do after graduation -- with an emphasis on continuing their education."

Monday, May 15, 2006

Digital Spy - Showbiz - Bono launches new "charity phone"

Digital Spy - Showbiz - Bono launches new "charity phone": "U2 singer Bono has launched a new mobile phone that will raise money for AIDS victims in Africa.

The handset is made by Motorola and will cost £149. For every phone sold, Motorola will donate £10 to the singer's Red Global Fund. On top of this, 5% of each user's phone bill will also be donated."

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County-Charity freeze money collected from raffle sales

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County: "Charity freeze money collected from raffle sales
By Bill Smith
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/15/2006

A St. Louis County charity that raises money for spinal cord injury research has agreed to freeze all money collected from the sale of tickets for a series of national raffles under a preliminary injunction filed today in St. Louis County Circuit Court."

New U.S. Salvation Army Head Installed | Christianpost.com- Christian News Online , Christian World News

New U.S. Salvation Army Head Installed | Christianpost.com- Christian News Online , Christian World News: "New U.S. Salvation Army Head Installed
Saturday, May. 13, 2006 Posted: 2:02:28PM EST

NEW YORK - Hundreds of U.S. Salvation Army officers welcomed home Israel L. Gaither as their new national commander Friday night, after his official installation as the first African American to lead the evangelical body in the United States. "

Metro & Regional News - Watchdog report: Good works, great pay - sacbee.com

Metro & Regional News - Watchdog report: Good works, great pay - sacbee.com: "Watchdog report: Good works, great pay
Compensation on rise for top execs at nonprofits
By Phillip Reese and Todd Milbourn -- Bee Staff Writers

Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, May 14, 2006
Story appeared on Page A1 of The Bee

Charity jobs often come with meager salaries, but a review of nonprofit agencies around the region shows that, increasingly, is not always the case for the top bosses.

More than 200 employees of nonprofits in the Sacramento region earn more than $100,000 in salary and benefits. Thirty of those receive more than $200,000 - triple the number from 1999. Six make more than $300,000."

The Sun Herald | 05/14/2006 | Money comes slowly to new nonprofits

The Sun Herald | 05/14/2006 | Money comes slowly to new nonprofits: "Money comes slowly to new nonprofits
Small charities must prove themselves
By SHELIA BYRD
- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BILOXI - Frances Burney's home smells like fresh paint. It is fully furnished, the white walls are immaculate and not a speck of dust dares to land on the hardwood floors.

Not long ago the house was a waterlogged heap, a grim remnant of Hurricane Katrina. But volunteers from the East Biloxi Coordination and Relief Center cleared out the muck and rebuilt the interior. Without them, the 92-year-old woman would probably still be sleeping on a nursing home bed.

Burney's home was one of thousands all along the Coast either splintered by the hurricane or left in soggy ruins.

City Councilman Bill Stallworth is proud of his relief center's work, but he's frustrated that limited funds restrict the number of houses his center can refurbish. His home is one of those awaiting repair.

University fundraisers consider how to pitch to iPod generation, distance learners - Albuquerque - MSNBC.com

University fundraisers consider how to pitch to iPod generation, distance learners - Albuquerque - MSNBC.com: "University fundraisers consider how to pitch to iPod generation, distance learners

By Haley Wachdorf
New Mexico Business Weekly
Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET May 14, 2006

When Rebecca Dukes walks the campus of New Mexico State University, she notices an awful lot of students playing with some kind of electronic device -- iPods that play music or videos, and cell phones, seemingly glued to ears when not being used as conduits for lightning-fast text messages.

In Dukes' job as vice president of university advancement and executive director of the NMSU Foundation -- the top fundraising position for the school -- all those gadgets look like red flags.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement

'Today, we have so many students plugged into iPods and cell phones, and their relationships are to media things, not to people,' she says. 'Fundraising is really about relationships, so how do we establish that relationship with these students?'

Meanwhile, the proliferation of online learning courses and degree options that allow students to take entire course loads for a degree without once setting foot on a university campus presents"

onPhilanthropy - Internet Imitates Life

onPhilanthropy - Internet Imitates Life: "Internet Imitates Life
By: Sara Lee, 05/12/06

What are Americans doing online? The simple answer is everything. Checking the weather. Researching a product or service. Getting the news. Paying bills. Posting classified ads. Sending email. Meeting new friends. Buying groceries. And the list goes on.

For the most part, the online world mirrors the offline world. People bring to the Internet the activities, interests, and behaviors that preoccupied them before the Web existed. It is more than mere convenience that draws 73% of American adults online. In the digital age, more information and better information is more easily and quickly accessible. This changes the way we make decisions.

And it isn't just the small tasks that have Internet consumers online. It is the major life decisions too. According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, nearly half of U.S. users went online for help with decisions such as finding a college for their child or looking for a new place to live. The survey reported that some 45 percent of Internet users - an estimated 60 million Americans - said the Internet helped them make big decisions or negotiate a major life moment during the previous two years."

Phillies pitchers colorblind to Reds bats all weekend

Phillies pitchers colorblind to Reds bats all weekend:

By Hal McCoy

Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — White bats, black bats, pink bats — it didn't matter this weekend for the Cincinnati Reds against the Philadelphia Phillies. No color bat worked w
On Sunday, four Reds used pink bats with their mothers' names etched into them as part of Major League Baseball's breast cancer awareness program. The bats will be auctioned on eBay for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation."

Democrat & Chronicle: Gary Fallesen-Reaching for the summit, be it financial or physical

Democrat & Chronicle: Gary Fallesen:
snip snip>>
"Anderson will use his tales of adventure to both entertain and enlighten audiences such as the one attending the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Genesee Valley Chapter's Great Lakes Regional Conference. He'll also draw analogies between his ascents and reaching fundraising summits.

There are at least three similarities, he says. They are: perseverance, approach and team."

Jewish Federation tests fund-raising plan

Jewish Federation tests fund-raising plan: "Jewish Federation tests fund-raising plan

By Susan R. Miller

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Five years ago, when William Bernstein was executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, he decided to break with tradition and come up with new ways to raise money.

Although the federation's annual unrestricted fund-raising drive had been consistently lucrative, Bernstein believed that a new generation of donors — Baby Boomers — were being overlooked. Sure, they were giving to the federation just as their parents and grandparents before them, but more and more they were expressing interest in being able to follow their dollars, rather than just sending money to an umbrella fund and allowing the federation to decide where it should best be spent."