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, October 13, 2006

Report Says Nonprofits Sold Influence to Abramoff - washingtonpost.com

Report Says Nonprofits Sold Influence to Abramoff - washingtonpost.com: "Report Says Nonprofits Sold Influence to Abramoff

By James V. Grimaldi and Susan Schmidt
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, October 13, 2006; 1:32 AM

Five conservative nonprofit organizations, including one run by prominent Republican Grover Norquist, 'appear to have perpetrated a fraud' on taxpayers by selling their clout to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Senate investigators said in a report issued yesterday."

Nobel winner to use prize to help poor - CNN.com

Nobel winner to use prize to help poor - CNN.com: "DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) -- Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus on Friday called the award 'great news' for his homeland, where his microcredit finance programs have helped improve the lives of millions of poor people.

Yunus and the Grameen Bank he founded won the award for advancing economic and social opportunities for the poor, especially women, through their pioneering microcredit work."

j. - Jewish nonprofits must think big to attract mega-gifts

j. - Jewish nonprofits must think big to attract mega-gifts: "ewish nonprofits must think big to attract mega-gifts

by gary tobin

Roland Stanton’s recently announced $100 million gift to Yeshiva University is the largest ever to a U.S. Jewish institution. Yet, as Stanton himself said, “There are plenty of people who could do it.”

Our research shows he is right: Dozens of Jewish philanthropists, including some right here in the Bay Area, are capable of equaling Stanton’s gift."

Thursday, October 12, 2006

The News-Press: Fort Myers-Charities eye record season

The News-Press: Fort Myers: "October marks the beginning of the busiest time of year for charities, social-service groups and other nonprofits. This year, though, it’s unclear whether Floridians will have the extra cash to help the needy or whether increased insurance fees, gas prices and an economic slowdown will cut into holiday giving.

Social-service directors are hoping such factors haven’t pinched too many wallets.
“The holiday — the holiday is the time when I go and get that dollar,” Suarez told the elected leaders, business people and board members who had gathered for the launch."

African Adoptions Raise Big Question - washingtonpost.com

African Adoptions Raise Big Question - washingtonpost.com: "African Adoptions Raise Big Question

By CELEAN JACOBSON
The Associated Press
Wednesday, October 11, 2006; 5:12 PM

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Reports that Madonna may have adopted a Malawian child have focused attention on foreign adoptions in Africa _ and raised questions about whether it's in an African child's best interest to be spirited away to the wealthy West.

'Are celebrities doing it for the right reasons and not to make a statement?' asked Pam Wilson of the Johannesburg Child Welfare Society. Comments on talk radio across the region have been even more pointed, with callers accusing the pop-music star of going on a 'shopping expedition.'"

Article - Money - Are foundations on solid ground?

Article - Money - Are foundations on solid ground?: "Are foundations on solid ground?
Nonprofit hospital groups raise hundreds of millions for health care in Orange County. But some in the field wonder how efficient they really are.
By TERI SFORZA
The Orange County Register

Dick Van Dyke danced with hat and cane to help Children's Hospital of Orange County. Nancy Reagan and Ted Kennedy Jr. shared wit and wisdom at brunches for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Olympian Florence Griffith Joyner inspired a half-marathon for Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.

During a three-year period, generous Orange County residents opened their wallets and poured $163 million into the charitable foundations that support its nonprofit hospitals – hospitals some regard as literal lifelines."

onPhilanthropy: Passing on Philanthropy: Branding the Next Generation of Givers

onPhilanthropy: Passing on Philanthropy: Branding the Next Generation of Givers: "Passing on Philanthropy: Branding the Next Generation of Givers
By: Tom Watson, 10/11/06

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have each announced that what they want to pass along to their children will not be billions, but values. Whether they're leading a trend or joining it isn't clear, but America's wealthy moms and dads are right on the same page with Bill and Warren - and their kids are, too.

Affluent parents are teaching their children to value philanthropy, cultural experiences, and other personally enriching activities above material goods, according to the Third Annual American Express Platinum Luxury Survey."

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

globeandmail.com: Competitive philanthropy: ' Good is getting really sexy'

globeandmail.com: Competitive philanthropy: ' Good is getting really sexy': "Ben Goldhirsh, 26-year-old heir to his father Bernie Goldhirsh's magazine publishing fortune, wouldn't have raised any eyebrows by starting up his own vanity glossy about skateboarding or indie culture. So why did he launch a magazine about doing good?

Goldhirsh makes the analogy to Wired magazine, which documented technology's shift from nerdy to 'sexy as all hell.'

'Just the way the transformation of technology in the cultural landscape affects how much money, interest and human capital goes into it, the same thing with good,' he says from his West Hollywood office. 'Good is getting really sexy.'

No kidding. His timing is red hot, right on the heels of a spate of almost competitive acts of philanthropy by the likes of Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, with big donations being earmarked for African aid, global warming, global health and AIDS. Celebrity charity à la Angelina Jolie and Bono has never been hotter. Being good is the new citizenship, particularly in the corporate world: A group of Toronto CEOs led a 600-person brigade last week in building a new playground in the needy Lawrence Heights neighbourhood, for instance."

DailyProgress.com | Bikers and charity: Rough riders, generous hearts

DailyProgress.com | Bikers and charity: Rough riders, generous hearts: "Let Freedom Ride

Charity and philanthropy may not be the first words that come to mind when driving behind a long line of leather-clad motorcyclists, but bikers generate tens of millions of dollars every year to support causes from volunteer fire departments to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Tens of thousands of riding clubs across the country get involved in charity fundraising to some extent, industry officials say. According to figures released by Harley-Davidson Motor Co., corporate-sponsored events raised $5 million for muscular dystrophy research this year alone. In 26 years of supporting the MDA, Harley-Davidson has helped raise $60 million."

Philanthropy From the Heart of America - New York Times

Philanthropy From the Heart of America - New York Times: "Philanthropy From the Heart of America
Valley County Economic Development

By DAVID LEONHARDT
Published: October 11, 2006

Valley County, not far from the center of Nebraska, seemed to be one of those Great Plains communities that was dying. From World War II to 2000 it had lost almost half its population, and the decline was gathering speed at the end of the century. The I.G.A. and Jack & Jill grocery stores closed, as did most mom and pop gas stations and the local dairy processing plant.

In the last five years, though, something utterly unexpected has happened. The decline has stopped. More people are moving to Ord, the county seat, than leaving, and the county’s population is likely to show its first increase this decade since the 1920’s."

Nonprofits target younger donors

Nonprofits target younger donors: "onprofits target younger donors
More energetic marketing methods aim at professionals
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
LISA OSBURN
News staff writer

Laughter, margaritas and music filled the WorkPlay entertainment complex and night club, as they do most nights.

But on this recent night, it was different. The 20- and 30-somethings in attendance brought more than their desire to mingle and listen to the band Ugli Stick. Tucked away in their back pockets and trendy handbags, they brought their checkbooks."

DesMoinesRegister.com-Young professionals aim to fill philanthropy gap

DesMoinesRegister.com: "Young professionals aim to fill philanthropy gap
Members of one initiative pledge $1,000 a year to programs for at-risk youth.

By BONNIE HARRIS
REGISTER BUSINESS WRITER

October 11, 2006

The young, successful business professionals pulled together $500,000 in two years and now want to give it all away for the sake of children.

The 250 members of the Emerging Leaders Initiative are inspired by one insurance executive who has bluntly noted two things about Des Moines: Its longtime, most committed philanthropists are aging, and young leaders must be groomed now to fill in any giving gaps.
"

Colin Powell urges philanthropy, inspiring leadership | CNET News.com

Colin Powell urges philanthropy, inspiring leadership | CNET News.com: "SAN FRANCISCO--Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State, called on corporate America on Tuesday to dig deep and set up sustainable philanthropy programs.

Powell made his call to action during a keynote speech at Salesforce.com's user conference here. Marc Benioff, CEO of the hosted software company, noted in his introduction to the speech that Powell was an early inspiration for Salesforce's own philanthropy program."

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Companies looking for new ways to give - Newsday.com

Companies looking for new ways to give - Newsday.com: "Companies looking for new ways to give
BY DANIEL WAGNER
Newsday Staff Writer

October 7, 2006, 5:59 PM EDT

When Islandia-based CA Inc. promoted Anne Marie Agnelli to the newly created post of vice president for community and public affairs a little more than a year ago, the company had a traditional corporate giving program: grants to small nonprofits, scattered volunteer opportunities for employees, and sponsorship of local events.

The software company's employee volunteer programs were 'run locally in some offices,' she said. 'There were some team projects, but no consistency.'"

MaineToday.com | News Update: Closing chapel bestows gifts

MaineToday.com | News Update: Closing chapel bestows gifts: "Forced to close because of declining membership, members of the Good News Chapel of Lewiston made a group decision to give the profits from the sale of their building to people in need.

On Sunday, the chapel disbursed its financial good news. It gave away $105,000 to local nonprofits.

Dolly Poisson, a deaconess with the chapel, was sad about the closing of the church but said, 'It is so good to see these people receiving this gift because now they can go out and do more.'"

Online NewsHour: Report | Public Housing Tenants Evicted | October 5, 2006 | PBS

Online NewsHour: Report | Public Housing Tenants Evicted | October 5, 2006 | PBS: "MARLA BIG HORSE, Evictee: See, I need more boxes. Myrna? Or, Nicki, grab me just a couple little-bitty boxes.

LEE HOCHBERG, NewsHour Correspondent: They packed boxes to move, but Marla Big Horse, her 19-year-old son Adam, and 17-year-old daughter Myrna had no idea where they were going. The family has lived in this public housing unit in Denver for almost 20 years. They always paid their rent. But on the day we visited in August, Big Horse and her family had just been evicted.

MARLA BIG HORSE: I don't got no place to go. I don't got no family here. All I got's my kids. My circumstances, when it came down to it, is I'm homeless.

LEE HOCHBERG: They're one of the first low-income families in the country to lose their subsidized housing for violating a controversial federal law. It requires each family member perform 96 hours of unpaid volunteer service every year. The government said everyone in the Big Horse family fell short, so the family was kicked out."