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 26, 2006

Seeing the Big Picture on Charities - Yahoo! News

Seeing the Big Picture on Charities - Yahoo! News: "Giving to charity has become more challenging for donors in recent years. The U.S. charity sector is much admired abroad, yet here at home it's subject to intense and sometimes painful scrutiny -- both from those within the philanthropic field and from the outside. So much is known about the liabilities and failings of various charities that donors sometimes wonder if it makes sense to give at all.

This is a distressing state of affairs for people who have spent much of their professional lives in the nonprofit sector, as I have. We're acutely aware of the problems, yet we also know how much good is accomplished by charities, and at what sacrifice."

KTVZ.com - Central Oregon's Local News - Oregon charitable giving tops $1 billion

KTVZ.com - Central Oregon's Local News - Oregon charitable giving tops $1 billion: "Oregon charitable giving tops $1 billion
Posted: 2:11 PM, May. 25, 2006

By KTVZ.com news sources

PORTLAND - A new report issued Thursday by the Giving in Oregon Council shows that charitable giving in Oregon steadily increased over the last decade and topped $1 billion for the first time in 2003, the most recent year tax data is available.

The council is a committee of The Oregon Community Foundation, and this is its 10th anniversary report.

Giving increased every year over the decade with the one exception of the recession in 2001-2002, when giving declined by 2.2%."

Thursday, May 25, 2006

guelphmercury.com | INSIDER | Charity website aims for world record in pixels sold

guelphmercury.com | INSIDER | Charity website aims for world record in pixels sold: "Charity website aims for world record in pixels sold

TORONTO (May 25, 2006)

They're no bigger than the size of the period at the end of this sentence.

Pixels, those tiny dot units that form video images, are being sold on a Toronto-based website for a project that's part art, part charity.

The concept works as follows: Anyone who visits MillionArtists.com can buy one pixel in any colour for a minimum of $1 US through a secure online credit card payment system.

The pixel is then randomly placed by a customized software program on the website's digital pixel picture while the donor chooses which medical charity he or she wants the money to go toward."

Commissioner Gaither Speaks as New U.S. Salvation Army Head | Christianpost.com- Christian News Online , Christian World News

Commissioner Gaither Speaks as New U.S. Salvation Army Head | Christianpost.com- Christian News Online , Christian World News: "Commissioner Gaither Speaks as New U.S. Salvation Army Head
Thursday, May. 25, 2006 Posted: 7:01:15AM EST

The Salvation Army, the global evangelical body, installed the first African American commander for the United States on May 12, 2006. Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, who was joined by his wife Eva, the new national president of women’s ministries, was gladly
Commissioner Gaither Speaks as New U.S. Salvation Army Head

Philanthropist sues hunger center director for naming rights - Boston.com

Philanthropist sues hunger center director for naming rights - Boston.com: "Philanthropist sues hunger center director for naming rights

May 24, 2006

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --A legal battle continues over the naming rights and funding for the Center on Hunger and Poverty at Brandeis University.

Rhode Island philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein filed a lawsuit in 2003 in the U.S. District Court alleging the center's director, J. Larry Brown, breached a contract by denying him the right to put his name on the center."

Philanthropy and the Black Church (Informational Paper)

Philanthropy and the Black Church (Informational Paper): "Philanthropy and the Black Church
By LaTasha Chaffin
Graduate Student, Grand Valley State University

Definition

Philanthropy is 'goodwill to fellow men; especially active effort to promote human welfare (Merriam-Webster 2003).'

Traditional definitions of philanthropy have focused on money but newer definitions have broadened this definition to 'include the giving of time, shelter or other material resources as philanthropic activities (Duran 2001, 2).'

Historically, the Black church has been a core institution for African-American philanthropy. The Black church does not only serve as a faith-based house of worship, but it facilitates organized philanthropic efforts including meeting spiritual, psychological, financial, educational and basic humanitarian such as food, housing, and shelter needs. Black churches are also involved in organizing and providing volunteers to the community and in civil and human rights activism."

Inside Bay Area - Developer gives Stanford $100 million

Inside Bay Area - NEW: Developer gives Stanford $100 million:
snip snip>>
"Stanford led all U.S. institutions with a record $603.6 million in donations received in its fiscal 2005, followed by Harvard University's $589.9 million. Although, recent years have proved good ones for university gifts."

Kansas City Star | 05/25/2006 | Nonprofits, heed this expert advice

Kansas City Star | 05/25/2006 | Nonprofits, heed this expert advice: "Nonprofits, heed this expert advice
By DIANE STAFFORD
Columnist

One currently popular line of thought is that the social sector — nonprofit education and social service institutions — should run “more like a business” to succeed.

Not so, says Jim Collins.

Collins, one of the nation’s most revered management thinkers, says that aiming to be like most businesses is aiming for mediocrity."

Policing the CEO is board's first duty - The Boston Globe

Policing the CEO is board's first duty - The Boston Globe: "Policing the CEO is board's first duty

By Robert Weisman, Globe Staff | May 25, 2006

At businesses and nonprofit organizations, hiring and policing the chief executive has become the number one priority for boards of directors, and charges of sexual harassment should jump to the top of a board's agenda, governance specialists say."

Let future board members in on whole truth | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Let future board members in on whole truth | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Let future board members in on whole truth

LIZ HEATH
Published: May 24th, 2006 01:00 AM
Not a week goes by without someone asking me about nonprofit board membership. Sometimes it’s a person who is thinking of joining a board. More often it’s someone trying to recruit volunteers to serve on their board.

It is a real challenge to find people who are willing to be board members. Because of this, many nonprofit leaders tend to soft-pedal the requirements: “You don’t really have to do fundraising,” “It won’t take much time.”

This is a serious mistake. Nonprofit governance – the work done by the board – is important work, and it takes time. And fundraising is almost always part of the job."

Inside Higher Ed :: Show Them the Money

Inside Higher Ed :: Show Them the Money: "Show Them the Money

Colleges will try just about any possible pitch to get alumni to open checkbooks. There’s the plea to solve problems, the capital campaign announcement, the rankings push, pride in alma mater, even altruism.

Juniata College, in Pennsylvania, is trying a new approach: give every penny raised in the annual fund to students in need. And it seems to be working."

The Chronicle, 5/24/2006: An Emphasis on Communications Skills Can Help Charities Survive a Public-Image Crisis

The Chronicle, 5/24/2006: An Emphasis on Communications Skills Can Help Charities Survive a Public-Image Crisis: "N THE TRENCHES
An Emphasis on Communications Skills Can Help Charities Survive a Public-Image Crisis
By Kimberlee Roth

The United Way in East Lansing, Mich., broke some bad news in 2003, news that quickly had the rumor mill churning some 45 miles away — in Washtenaw County, where one of the charity's former staff members owned a horse farm.

The East Lansing group reported that the employee, a former vice president of finance for the organization, appeared to have taken nearly $2-million from the charity — a crime to which the worker eventually pleaded guilty.

'On television, you'd hear, 'United Way scandal here in Washtenaw County,'' recalls Charlotte Luttrell, senior director of marketing at the Washtenaw United Way, in Ann Arbor, Mich. 'Or you'd hear 'United Way scandal hits home' — things like that. It was confusing to people, even though the scandal had nothing to do with the Washtenaw United Way. It was a difficult time for us.'"

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

A passion for art and philanthropy - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change

A passion for art and philanthropy - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change: "A passion for art and philanthropy

Vogelsteins give $10 million to Vassar to support arts, honor president.
05.24.2006 -
By Krista Bremer
Last fall, the president of Vassar College and the chair of the school's development committee identified a top priority: Find a major donor for the new drama and film center before the president's retirement in June 2006.

Barbara Manfrey Vogelstein, committee chair, 1976 alumna and current trustee of the college, discussed the initiative with her husband, and they reached an unexpected conclusion – to make the gift themselves.

Their $10 million gift is one of the largest single contributions to Vassar in its history."

U-M seeks alumni in China

The AFP resource center also maintains a blog with a specific focus on International News

U-M seeks alumni in China: "U-M seeks alumni in China
Association delegation hopes to broaden global base of support
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
BY DAVE GERSHMAN
News Staff Reporter

China has again beckoned for top University of Michigan officials - and this time a delegation from the alumni association is making the trip to host receptions in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong for Chinese alumni this week.

The visit comes nearly one year after U-M President Mary Sue Coleman led an 11-person delegation last June to sign agreements on academic and research efforts with four Chinese universities.

This time, alumni officials are leading the trip to China, hoping to re-establish ties to alumni there who can support the university's ambitions."

DailyProgress.com | Growing arts enliven city

DailyProgress.com | Growing arts enliven city:
snip snip>>

"Somewhat quietly, UVa has gone about expanding its arts precinct in big ways around and beyond the expanding homes of major university athletics.

Mostly through private philanthropy, the university will be raising the curtain on new performance spaces and facilities in the next several years."

Whittier Daily News - Red Cross begins healing process(Pasedena)

Whittier Daily News - Red Cross begins healing process: "Red Cross begins healing process

THE San Gabriel Pomona Valley chapter of the American Red Cross has for a long time now been in need of a spot of good news.

By appointing Jack French as the new interim CEO this week, its board of directors made that good news happen.

French had an excellent track record on the job from 1976 to 1981.

And for 19 years as CEO of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, he worked with the TofR's 900-plus volunteers in a magnificently successful period of keeping the complicated floats - and horses and bands - running on time."

Canadian Jewish News-"Lilith founder addresses endowment fund luncheon

Canadian Jewish News: "Lilith founder addresses endowment fund luncheon

By MYRON LOVE
Prairies Correspondent

WINNIPEG — Just five percent of charitable giving in North America goes to support programs for the betterment of women and girls, says Susan Weidman Schneider.

“That’s why an organization such as the Women’s Endowment Fund of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba is so important,” the founder and longtime editor of Lilith, North America’s leading Jewish feminist magazine, told the fund’s sixth annual luncheon on May 11.

The former Winnipegger was the keynote speaker at this year’s luncheon. Her topic was philanthropy and how women approach the subject differently than men do. (Weidman Schneider also spoke at the fund’s launch in 1994.)"

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Fundraising's New Synergy: Success Lies in Striking a Balance Between Old and New | Convio

Fundraising's New Synergy: Success Lies in Striking a Balance Between Old and New | Convio: "Fundraising’s New Synergy: Success Lies in Striking a Balance Between Old and New
by Vinay Bhagat, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Convio

Vinay Bhagat, Chief Strategy Officer, Convio

For the most part, fundraisers no longer believe that online marketing is competitive with offline marketing. Most understand that you need to incorporate both into your marketing strategy and they should be coordinated in order to realize synergies. Many fundraisers, however, struggle with determining how much to focus on and invest in online marketing and how to drive the coordination between online and offline channels.

With the exception of a few specific segments of nonprofit organizations like disaster relief groups, public radio stations and heavy users of gift catalogs or volunteer-led special events, a majority of direct response fundraising-driven organizations still raise less than 10 percent of funds online (although this figure is escalating rapidly). This low percentage mistakenly leads many direct marketers to focus less on their online marketing efforts relative to traditional channels. To determine the appropriate investment allocation, fundraisers need to think through some new 'integrated math.' Consider the following example."

La. Holding Hurricane Evacuation Drill - Yahoo! News

We have several blogs which address aspects of Disaster Relief.
AFP Resource Center Disaster Relief Blog
AFP Blog on Tsunami Relief
AFP Blog Member Katrina Discussion

La. Holding Hurricane Evacuation Drill - Yahoo! News: "For the next two days, the city will test new evacuation plans and emergency response strategies meant to prevent the widespread confusion, especially among the poor, that accompanied the approach of Hurricane Katrina last year."

Lay alma mater rebuffs endowment request - Boston.com

Lay alma mater rebuffs endowment request - Boston.com: "By Alan Scher Zagier, Associated Press Writer | May 22, 2006

COLUMBIA, Mo. --Seven years after donating $1.1 million in Enron stock to his alma mater and with little to show for the gift, company founder Kenneth Lay asked the University of Missouri to steer the unspent money to Hurricane Katrina relief.

The school rejected the request, according to records obtained Monday by The Associated Press. By February, a Lay attorney was asking the school to return the money so Lay could pay legal bills stemming from the fraud and conspiracy case against him. The school again turned him down."

Orchestra, Philly Pops to merge administrative operations - Philadelphia Business Journal:

Orchestra, Philly Pops to merge administrative operations - Philadelphia Business Journal:: "Orchestra, Philly Pops to merge administrative operations
Philadelphia Business Journal - August 24, 2005

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops said Wednesday they have agreed to consolidate administrative operations.

The agreement, between the Philadelphia Orchestra Association and Pops presenter Encore Series Inc., 'allows both organizations to streamline administrative operations and enhance and diversify orchestral offerings for the Philadelphia region,' the organizations said."

48 states raking in gambling proceeds

48 states raking in gambling proceeds: "48 states raking in gambling proceeds
By Kavan Peterson, Stateline.org Staff Writer

States are more addicted to gambling revenue than ever as the lure of easy new money for schools, tax relief and public services has led to an explosion of state-sanctioned casinos, slot machines at racetracks and lottery games.

Twenty-five years ago, gambling was legal in only three states. Now every state except Utah and Hawaii rely on gambling to generate revenues to help avoid raising taxes.

Pennsylvania will be the 11th state to offer slot machines at racetracks and other venues when it finishes awarding contracts to operate 61,000 slot machines – more than any state but Nevada -- to raise money for property tax relief. North Carolina in March became the 42nd state to launch a lottery and expects to raise $425 million in its first year, mostly for education."

IOL: Mills to donate settlement cash to landmine charity: Spokesperson

IOL: Mills to donate settlement cash to landmine charity: Spokesperson: "Mills to donate settlement cash to landmine charity: Spokesperson

23/05/2006 - 08:36:17 A representative of Heather Mills (pictured) has said most of any money she wins in a divorce settlement from estranged husband Paul McCartney will be donated to her landmine charity.

A representative of Heather Mills has said most of any money she wins in a divorce settlement from estranged husband Paul McCartney will be donated to her landmine charity.

The former model is expected to win between $72m (€56m) and $360m (€280m) should she and McCartney make their split permanent."

Charity thrilled with GM promo - 05/23/06 - The Detroit News

Charity thrilled with GM promo - 05/23/06 - The Detroit News: "A small mid-Michigan charity is in for a windfall, thanks to fluky good fortune brought about by General Motors Corp., the upcoming Memorial Day holiday and Google.

The shock has yet to lift at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, about 20 miles south of Lansing. News came last month that the home had been picked by Buick-Pontiac-GMC to be the center of a patriotic-themed national promotion."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story-"Nonprofit/For-Profit Partnerships: Moving beyond simple philanthropy

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Nonprofit/For-Profit Partnerships: Moving beyond simple philanthropy
Andy Levy-AjzenkopfMay 23, 2006
By Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf

Traditionally, when nonprofits and for-profits partner-up on an issue, it is usually because the former needs funding from the latter. In exchange for the cash infusion, the for-profit gets to laud a good deed and enhance its public image as a responsible corporate citizen. This paradigm still holds true today, but as the singer said, the times they are a-changin'.

Where corporate-voluntary sector 'partnerships' once meant strictly providing monetary support for less affluent, nonprofit organizations, deeper collaborations between the two sectors are beginning to spring up in surprisingly creative, and more importantly, mutually enriching ways."

Monday, May 22, 2006

New York Daily News - City News - No sweet charity for WTC memorial fund

New York Daily News - City News - No sweet charity for WTC memorial fund: "No sweet charity for WTC memorial fund

BY DON SINGLETON
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

More than 9.5 million New Yorkers had the chance to donate to the proposed 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero on their tax returns this year - but fewer than 15,000 did.

Of seven charitable organizations to which tax filers could direct contributions on their 2005 returns, the World Trade Center Memorial fund came in sixth. Only the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center received less in checkoff pledges.

In all, 14,707 filers checked off the 9/11 memorial, state tax returns indicate, bringing in a measly $150,085, reported the Department of Taxation and Finance. Charities benefiting breast cancer, wildlife and exploited children all received more money from more people."

Star-Telegram | 05/22/2006 | Bulk mail is bouncing back

Star-Telegram | 05/22/2006 | Bulk mail is bouncing back: "Bulk mail is bouncing back
By J.G. DOMKE
SPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM

The no-call list, spam blockers and other regulations that limit unsolicited solicitations, such as blast faxes, may be giving junk snail mail new life.

The U.S. Postal Service and the bulk-mail industry are using new technology to lower costs and improve responses to mailed solicitations for sales, memberships, sales coupons and surveys.

Instead of fading away like the horse-drawn carriage, 'snail mail' is growing. And it has advantages that those in the industry are quick to point out.

'You open it when you want to read it,' said Kathy Hinton, a sales representative at Ridgway Mailing. That gives direct mail a longer 'lifetime value' than e-mail."

Bloomberg.com: Japan-Hedge Fund, Alternative Asset Managers to Start Charity in Asia

Bloomberg.com: Japan: "Hedge Fund, Alternative Asset Managers to Start Charity in Asia

May 22 (Bloomberg) -- Hedge fund managers in Asia are showing their soft side by setting up a charity, the first of its kind in the region.

Returns Invested in Children and Education, or RICE, will also raise money for minors in developing nations from private equity funds, investment banks, prime brokers and family offices.

``We see a need for the hedge fund industry, which in some respects makes an outlandish profit, to give some of that back into charity and back into the society,'' said Michael Nock, who oversees about $500 million at Doric Capital Corp. in Hong Kong."

With $4 Billion, Columbia Raises Fund-Drive Ante - New York Times

With $4 Billion, Columbia Raises Fund-Drive Ante - New York Times: "With $4 Billion, Columbia Raises Fund-Drive Ante

By JONATHAN D. GLATER
Published: May 21, 2006

The University of Virginia will announce a $3 billion fund-raising drive in the fall. New York University is in the middle of a $2.5 billion campaign. And officials at Columbia University say they are moving ahead with plans for the largest university campaign so far, a push to raise $4 billion over seven years."

Foundation offers fund for donors' descendants - Kansas City Business Journal:

Foundation offers fund for donors' descendants - Kansas City Business Journal:: "Foundation offers fund for donors' descendants
Kansas City Business Journal - May 19, 2006

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation has unveiled a new philanthropic investment vehicle -- one that puts donors' descendants in the driver's seat.

The Next Generation Fund enables donors to set up an account with a minimum investment of $10,000 that their children or grandchildren can advise, the foundation said in a release Thursday."

MiamiHerald.com | 05/22/2006 | When 'please give' sounds like `hand it over!'

MiamiHerald.com | 05/22/2006 | When 'please give' sounds like `hand it over!': "When 'please give' sounds like `hand it over!'
Be sure to mind your etiquette when asking co-workers to contribute to a birthday gift for the boss, buy Girl Scout cookies or make a contribution to your favorite charity.
BY DIANE STAFFORD
Knight Ridder News Service

Asking co-workers for money -- whether to help pay for a colleague's birthday cake, buy Girl Scout cookies or contribute to a charity -- can be a workplace minefield.

If you don't want well-meaning appeals to cause a blowup, here are some things to consider.

When the boss is the beggar, no matter how worthy the cause, most workers will feel extra compulsion to give.

Some employees will pony up reluctantly. Some will, right or wrong, think their contributions affect how the boss perceives them overall."

Sweet Charity: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Sweet Charity: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Kiplinger Magazine
Sweet Charity
Friday May 19, 9:07 pm ET

* D'Alelio: Gifts from partners at Putnam are turning a hospital wing into a home for teen mothers. DONNA DE CESARE

Compensation packages for senior executives keep getting more lucrative, especially at technology companies. But one hot new fringe can benefit others, too.

'Newly wealthy people often have no experience with charitable giving,' says Peter Karoff, founder of The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI), a nonprofit organization that advises individuals and foundations on charitable giving. TPI provides employer-paid or -subsidized one-on-one philanthropic counseling for employees at such companies as AOL and Putnam Investments. TPI helps individuals sort out what topics interest them and how they can make a difference."

Philanthropy Made Easy: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Philanthropy Made Easy: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Kiplinger Magazine
Philanthropy Made Easy
Friday May 19, 7:55 pm ET
By Brian P. Knestout

In high school, Glen Shipway assumed there was little chance of a college education for him and his classmates, who also came from modest means. After graduation, most of them went directly to work, taking up a trade or cutting timber in the mountains of western Maryland, where Shipway grew up. 'Out of a graduating class of 300 students, maybe ten went to college,' he remembers.

But Shipway was a good student and a good athlete. He became one of the college-bound few when he received a scholarship to Washington College, in Chestertown, Md. It was a break he has never forgotten. That scholarship set him on a path that eventually led to his becoming chief executive of a software company. After years of hard work, he can now give substantial sums to charity--especially to his alma mater and other colleges. 'Someone gave me a chance by giving me a scholarship,' says Shipway, 59, 'and I want to do the same.'"

KTLA The WB | Where Los Angeles Lives | Bake Sales Go Strictly Black Tie

KTLA The WB | Where Los Angeles Lives | Bake Sales Go Strictly Black Tie: "Bake Sales Go Strictly Black Tie

Elite academies have elevated fundraising to high art in order to tap well-heeled parents.

By Carla Rivera, Times Staff Writer

May 21, 2006

How much would you ante up for a private poetry reading by the stars of the television hit 'Desperate Housewives,' a walk-on role in a Will Ferrell movie or tickets to the 'American Idol' finale, offered by Idol judge Randy Jackson?

These were some of the items up for auction recently at fundraisers held by a few of Los Angeles' most elite private schools, where one-of-a-kind gifts elicit furious bidding wars among parents already paying sky-high tuition."