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, July 28, 2006

The Jewish Journal Of Greater Los Angeles-10 Ideas For Creating Meaningful Volunteer Assignments

The Jewish Journal Of Greater Los Angeles: "10 Ideas For Creating Meaningful Volunteer Assignments

by Susan J. Ellis
PHOTO

Any organization's program and operational decisions should stem from the philosophy, beliefs and vision that are its reasons for being in the first place. These basic values, however, are often assumed, yet rarely articulated.

It is a worthwhile exercise to identify the values about volunteering in your organization. This helps executives, frontline employees and volunteers themselves think about why volunteers are involved at all. It also helps to create meaningful volunteer assignments, providing a framework for staff and volunteers to work together."

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Are you here for the first time?

Are you here for the first time or just haven't had a chance to explore? AFP has a variety of topical blogs which are listed on the AFP Blog of Blogs . We also have begun tagging our posts by topic in Technorati (an example of a tag is NPFundraising) to assist you in finding material; as well as providing an email subscription option.(You can easily subscribe using the tool on the sidebar of most of our topical blogs) We also offer RSS feeds.

PE.com | Inland Southern California | "Group to change name, dropping word 'retarded'

PE.com | Inland Southern California | Desert: "Group to change name, dropping word 'retarded'

IDENTITY: A Palm Desert foundation that assists developmentally disabled people says it's insulting.

10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, July 26, 2006

By DAVID OLSON
The Press-Enterprise

The Foundation for the Retarded of the Desert plans to drop the word 'retarded' from its name because of arguments that the term is offensive and outdated.

The Palm Desert group is one of only a handful of organizations nationwide that has continued to use the word, which most people with developmental disabilities find insulting, said Shirley Dove, president of The Arc of California. The group serves the developmentally disabled across the state."

Dispatch Online -East London charities get 114000 nappies

Dispatch Online for the latest news Welcome to : "East London charities get 114000 nappies

By AVUYILE MNGXITAMA

SIXTEEN local charity organisations have received about 114000 disposable nappies from a Johannesburg-based manufacturer.

The nappies were part of the 2,4 million nappies donated by the manufacturer, Kimberly Clark, to Rotary Medical Equipment Exchange (Romex) for distribution throughout South Africa.

Romex gave the nappies to the East London-based Arcadia Rotary Club to distribute to charity organisations as the nappies could not be sold due to manufacturing-related problems when they were packaged in Johannesburg."

· DL-Online ·Record editorial: Nonprofits get ‘no respect’

· DL-Online ·: "Record editorial: Nonprofits get ‘no respect’
DL-Online
Published Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The nonprofit sector may be the Rodney Dangerfield of the economy — it doesn’t get as much respect as the corporate or government sectors — but that might be because people don’t realize just how big it’s become.

It now employs nearly one in 10 American workers and has annual revenue in the trillions of dollars, according to a report in the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’ Fedgazette.

It could even be the nation’s most productive sector, due to its heavy reliance on volunteer labor.

Don’t believe it? As the Fedgazette says, if you’ve ever been a Scout, belonged to a church, listened to a live orchestra, had a baby, if you’re a veteran, if you’ve volunteered, or been a member of the Chamber of Commerce — among, many, many other things — then you’ve participated in the “middle child” of the economy.

Much of the growth in the nonprofit sector is due to government spending. Instead of adding employees, government has been adding services and turning to the nonprofit sector — particularly in health care — to provide the services."

Democrat & Chronicle: Local News-"RPO sets fundraising record, raises $2.16M

Democrat & Chronicle: Local News: "RPO sets fundraising record, raises $2.16M

John Pitcher
Staff music critic

(July 26, 2006) — On Wednesday, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra reported that it had set a fundraising record for the second year in a row, bringing in gifts and donations of $2,160,000 from more than 7,076 individuals and corporations.

That beat the orchestra's 2005 record of $2,096.227. The RPO is making and setting the kinds of records that are becoming increasingly scarce in the classical music business."

The Cavalier Daily-BOV not finished with CASE statement for Capital Campaign

The Cavalier Daily:
snip snip>>
"However, according to Michael Neilson of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the long term plan for a capital fundraising campaign is unlikely to dramatically evolve once a campaign has been launched.

'It will probably not change very much. The daily and monthly tactics might change because of both external and internal factors,' Nielson said.

Neilson commends the University on its extensive planning process for the campaign as a whole.

'The key for a capital campaign is that really much of the work is done before the campaign even begins,' he said. 'Typically, you'll see months, years of work before the capital campaign has begun. They obviously expect to make $3 billion. [Without planning] you wouldn't stand a chance of making it.'"

Rates hurting nonprofits: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Rates hurting nonprofits: South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
snip snip>>

"The insurance crunch has hit nonprofits, too. Advent Lutheran, which has been in Boca for 45 years, called on its congregation for larger donations to pay the higher premiums and finance its expansion. To save money, other nonprofits are cutting staff, vigorously raising funds and forming partnerships with other organizations.

In one year, United Way of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale saw its property insurance premiums swell 550 percent, from $12,000 to $66,000. United Way made up the extra costs by modifying employee health insurance options. "

Bright ideas pay off - The Boston Globe

Bright ideas pay off - The Boston Globe: "It has come to this. With fewer tax dollars and bigger budget cuts, local governments -- especially recreation departments -- are looking for alternatives such as contests, sponsorships, and grants to provide what they need, items that, in many cases, tax dollars once provided.

Funding opportunities such as the Granite City Electric contest -- or similar contests sponsored by companies such as General Mills and IBM -- can be a lifesaver for cash-strapped towns. So can grants of various sorts."

onPhilanthropy: Second Life Fundraising: Philanthropy Dips its Toe Into Virtual Worlds

onPhilanthropy: Second Life Fundraising: Philanthropy Dips its Toe Into Virtual Worlds: "Second Life Fundraising: Philanthropy Dips its Toe Into Virtual Worlds
By: Tom Watson, 07/26/06

Soaring mountains, shimmering seas, futuristic buildings, strange vehicles flying in the air. And throughout the fantastic landscape, three-dimensional avatars walk and fly and talk - and spend a new and very real form of currency. Welcome to Second Life, a fast-growing virtual reality community where users from around the world gather to live out their fantasies and assume personas they never could in the terrestrial world. The virtual world was created by a real-world company, Linden Labs, in 2003 and now numbers some 200,000 members who spend hundreds of thousands a day in 'Linden dollars,' the game's currency. They buy land and buildings (all virtual of course), clothing and accessories, movies, vehicles, and music."

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Fund-Raising Campaigns Come in Many Shapes, Sizes

Fund-Raising Campaigns Come in Many Shapes, Sizes: "Fund-Raising Campaigns Come in Many Shapes, Sizes
Posted 6/29/2006 06:00 AM

Contributions support new facilities, academic programs, technology and other needs of the institutions.

Story by Pam Kasey
They're going on around us all the time under inspiring names like Giving a Competitive Edge and Campaign for National Prominence.

Many of our state's best minds and biggest pocketbooks are involved in them. Several are under way at any one time, including three right now.

They're the capital campaigns conducted by our colleges and universities."

Butterflies are free, but zoos cost money

Butterflies are free, but zoos cost money: "Butterflies are free, but zoos cost money
By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Published: Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2006

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Zoological Society hopes new attractions that operate on donations will lead to more exhibits down the line.

This weekend, a train for children will start operating and collecting $2 apiece in suggested donations.

Bill MacQueen, executive director of the society, said the nonprofit zoological society wants to use subsequent donations and corporate sponsorships to fund more improvements to the zoo.

In a year's time, MacQueen said, he expects the ride to raise $100,000.

On June 29, officials cut the ribbon on an electric train capable of transporting 18 children on an eight-minute ride through the grounds, although the train won't start operating until this weekend."

Perry urges 'level playing field' for faith-based charity groups

Perry urges 'level playing field' for faith-based charity groups: "USTIN Governor Rick Perry says the government should end barriers to partnering with religious and community groups that want to help the needy.
Perry today told charity group representatives in Austin that Texas aims to be a national leader in 'leveling the playing field' for faith-based and community organizations."

Philanthropy weeds out the bad guys

Philanthropy weeds out the bad guys: "Philanthropy weeds out the bad guys

By STEVE GUNDERSON
GUEST COLUMNIST

I've been reading with great interest lately the intensifying questions following Warren Buffett's pledge to give the majority of his estate (a $30.6 billion gift) to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This scrutiny was inevitable and, in some ways, expected.

In the wake of Jack Abramoff's alleged abusive use of philanthropic organizations for political purposes, there is both a need and a public demand for new regulations on the sector. Individuals have recommended a wide array of next steps -- congressional hearings, additional disclosures for charities related to congressional members, to even prohibiting any foundation related to elected officials. Lately, many are asking, 'What are all philanthropic organizations doing to prevent such egregious use of their organizations and assets?'"

Massive peaches raise money for charity

We have additional International Philanthropy related News stories on the AFP International News Blog

Massive peaches raise money for charity: "Massive peaches raise money for charity
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-07-26 08:57

Two giant peaches, weighing in at 400 grams and 350 grams, were auctioned for 10,800 yuan (US$1,330) at a charity auction on Saturday."

The Sun Herald | 07/25/2006 | Red Cross chief named

The Sun Herald | 07/25/2006 | Red Cross chief named: "Red Cross chief named
Brent worked on Coast before
By QUINCY COLLINS SMITH
qcsmith@sunherald.com

BILOXI - Bill Brent, former executive director of the South Mississippi AIDS Task Force, has returned to the Coast to lead the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross as it balances recovery and normal chapter duties.

During the early 1990s, Brent came to the Coast as the regional director for the American Heart Association. He later headed the South Mississippi AIDS Task Force."

Lesson No. 1: Nonprofits Are Marketers

Lesson No. 1: Nonprofits Are Marketers: "oel Zimmerman, director of consulting services for Creative Direct Response, addressed a session this month at the Direct Marketing Association of Washington's annual Bridge conference on the basics of nonprofit marketing.

His point was simple: Nonprofits are, in fact, marketing agents."

Donor-advised funds take charity to new heights - MarketWatch

Donor-advised funds take charity to new heights - MarketWatch: "iving more than Buffett and Gates combined
Rise in donor-advised funds show others big on charity too

By Thomas Kostigen, MarketWatch
Last Update: 9:15 PM ET Jul 25, 2006

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (MarketWatch) - Donor-advised funds are on the rise, eclipsing the enormous giving efforts of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates -- combined.
Brokerages and mutual fund companies report more assets under management in these charitable giving programs. The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that some $12 billion flows annually into charities from donor-advised funds, which are designed to act like foundations but require far less time and money to start."

A meal can be a reason for giving

A meal can be a reason for giving: "Sarah Fritschner

There's a great new reason to gather at the dinner table.

You have heard the old ones -- kids raised with evening dinners are less likely to do drugs, abuse alcohol or have sex too early.

Now there's a phenomenon called 'giving circles,' where groups of people meet to raise money for organizations of their choosing. New Ventures in Philanthropy calls it 'collective philanthropy.'"

A Mammoth Wealth Transfer Awaits the Area, Study Predicts

A Mammoth Wealth Transfer Awaits the Area, Study Predicts: "A Mammoth Wealth Transfer Awaits the Area, Study Predicts

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 26, 2006; Page A01

Washington area residents are expected to bequeath $2.4 trillion over the next 50 years -- an amount to be divided among heirs, charities and estate taxes -- in what is believed to be the largest transfer of wealth in the region's history, according to a new study.

Their beneficiaries will inherit about half of those assets, charities will get close to $460 billion and estate fees and taxes will eat up the rest, according to the study by Boston College's Center on Wealth and Philanthropy, to be released this week."

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

For Top Law Students, a Sidebar With the Arts - New York Times

For Top Law Students, a Sidebar With the Arts - New York Times: "DOWNSTAIRS at the Pratt Mansion on a Friday night last month, representatives of nine of the city’s leading cultural institutions — the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Guggenheim and the New York City Ballet, among them — sat behind small tables covered with white cloths, like a ring of eager co-eds waiting to be asked to dance. They had their eyes on a pack of young summer associates from six of the city’s top law firms, a small army of patrons-to-be who they hoped might grow up to be the junior committee leaders, season subscribers, donors, board members and art buyers of the future."

An urgent cause for philanthropy - The Boston Globe

An urgent cause for philanthropy - The Boston Globe: "An urgent cause for philanthropy

By Ralph Kaplan and Harvey Silverglate | July 23, 2006

AMERICAN PHILANTHROPY, in the news lately due to huge donations to wealthy foundations devoted to worthy causes, is nonetheless missing a critical opportunity to turn the private sector's attention to the most urgent threat to human life. As the pace of scientific and technological developments continues to accelerate, the potential for enormous benefits is coupled with the potential for far more severe -- indeed, lethal -- costs."

United Way disputes high overhead costs

United Way disputes high overhead costs: "United Way disputes high overhead costs
print | email this story

United Way of Santa Fe
By Wendy Brown | The New Mexican
July 23, 2006

Local group says it's investing in its own projec"

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide-"Non-Cash Gifts to Charity Reach $37 Bln, First IRS Study Shows

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "Non-Cash Gifts to Charity Reach $37 Bln, First IRS Study Shows

July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Six million Americans claimed $37 billion in tax deductions for non-cash charitable donations in 2003, including 2,179 households that wrote-off $1.5 billion for simply agreeing not to alter household facades or landscapes, new Internal Revenue Service data show.

The tax collection agency, in its first detailed study of the loosely regulated area, said 4 million households filed tax returns claiming an average of $1,440 in deductions for donated clothing and 2.4 million taxpayers claimed an average of $1,356 for donated household goods in 2003, the most recent year for which data were available."

$60.6 million, a record, donated to UMB last year - baltimoresun.com

$60.6 million, a record, donated to UMB last year - baltimoresun.com: "$60.6 million, a record, donated to UMB last year
Originally published July 25, 2006
The University of Maryland, Baltimore plans to announce today that it received a record $60.6 million in donations over the past year, exceeding the downtown campus' fundraising goal by 5 percent.

'We are especially pleased that the number of seven-figure gifts has increased by 50 percent over the previous fiscal year,' said Mary Campion, associate vice president for development, in an e-mailed statement."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "AFP's 2005 State of Fundraising Survey Results
Andy Levy-AjzenkopfBy Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
July 24, 2006

On July 10, 2006, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) published the results of their yearly State of Fundraising Survey. Now in its fifth year, this AFP-sponsored study uses e-mail to solicit its member organizations in the U.S. and Canada to look back on their fundraising goals for the preceding year and determine whether they performed better or worse than before. We'll leave the U.S. results aside (they had a poorer showing than Canada anyway). The good news is the 2005 report heaps praise upon Canadian fundraisers. The bad news is that the future may not be so rosy for Canadian charities seeking funds in the future."

Sunday, July 23, 2006

HHS Secretary Defends Family Charity

HHS Secretary Defends Family Charity: "HHS Secretary Defends Family Charity
By KEVIN FREKING
The Associated Press
Friday, July 21, 2006; 7:10 PM
WASHINGTON -- Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt on Friday defended his family's charitable giving, as two senators called for tighter regulation of private foundations.
The Washington Post reported Friday that Leavitt and his relatives have claimed million of dollars in tax deductions through a charitable foundation that until recently paid out little in actual charity."