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, March 16, 2007

Oprah Opens Second South African School - washingtonpost.com

Oprah Opens Second South African School - washingtonpost.com: "Oprah Opens Second South African School

By CELEAN JACOBSON
The Associated Press
Friday, March 16, 2007; 11:32 AM

SHAYAMOYA, South Africa -- Oprah Winfrey opened her second school for poor South African youth Friday, an innovative, environmentally friendly institution she hopes will be a model for public education.

The Seven Fountains Primary School was funded by Oprah's Angel Network, a public charity that supports organizations and projects focused on education and literacy."

Women and Philanthropy

Women and Philanthropy: "Women and Philanthropy = Women in Leadership
Group Was Started Two Years Ago to Tap Achievers to Support Women, CSUF

March 12, 2007
By Russ Hudson

Patricia Boggs, senior director of development in University Advancement, helped start the Women and Philanthropy group two years ago because she thought the time was right: Nearly 60 percent of students on campus, as in universities across the United States, are women, and more and more women are starting businesses, heading organizations and leading corporations, as well as becoming prominent in the arts, not only as artists, but as managers, agents and promoters."

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Corporate News-Many Americans want to volunteer but don´t

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Corporate News: "MINNEAPOLIS (March 8, 2007) – The good news? Nearly two in three American adults performed some type of volunteer service in 2006. The bad news? Many more wanted to volunteer but didn’t.

A new survey of 1,000 American adults by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans revealed 64 percent of American adults said they had performed some type of volunteer activity in 2006, but 86 percent said they would be willing to volunteer – a gap of 22 percent. The survey found even larger gaps between volunteer intent and action among common volunteer activities:"

Does Shopping for a Good Cause Really Help? - Newsweek Business - MSNBC.com

Does Shopping for a Good Cause Really Help? - Newsweek Business - MSNBC.com: "WEB EXCLUSIVE
By Jessica Bennett
Newsweek
Updated: 3:29 p.m. ET March 14, 2007

March 14, 2007 - When Ben Davis created buylesscrap.org, a quirky parody of Bono’s (Red) campaign, he thought he’d get a few laughs out of his San Francisco designer friends. But since it launched two weeks ago, the site has received thousands of hits, hundreds of blog mentions—and has raised some very real questions about the spending practices and intentions of “cause marketing”"

San Jose Mercury News - Kiva spreading Silicon Valley's wealth globally

San Jose Mercury News - Kiva spreading Silicon Valley's wealth globally: "Kiva spreading Silicon Valley's wealth globally
KIVA CONNECTS LENDERS WITH ENTREPRENEURS
By Constance Loizos
Mercury News
Article Launched: 03/16/2007 01:41:18 AM PDT

If you haven't yet heard of Kiva.org, a San Francisco non-profit that at just 18 months old is already the leading online microcredit site, you're about to. Its friends in Silicon Valley will make sure of that.

Here's how Kiva, 'unity' in Swahili, works: Lenders visit Kiva's Web site to find entrepreneurs from developing countries looking for a small loan. Kiva posts the entrepreneurs' funding needs and pictures online with the help of 38 local microfinance institutions around the world."

Give and Take: Philanthropy's Newest Buzzword

Give and Take is a New Blog from The Chronicle of Philanthropy
We also read Lucy's Blog regularly.

Give and Take: Philanthropy's Newest Buzzword: "Philanthropy's Newest Buzzword

Microfranchising is the latest buzzword to take over the world of philanthropy, writes Lucy Bernholz in her blog Philanthropy 21"

JS Online: Veterans charity rated inefficient

JS Online: Veterans charity rated inefficient: "Veterans charity rated inefficient
86 cents of every $1 raised went to telemarketer
By ERICA PEREZ
eperez@journalsentinel.com
Posted: March 15, 2007

For every dollar Wisconsin residents gave to telemarketers on behalf of Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America in 2005, the charity got just 14 cents, earning the non-profit the lowest possible ranking from a charity watchdog group."

GuideStar - News - Articles - Fundraising's Four Magic Questions: Answer These and the Gift Is Yours

GuideStar - News - Articles - Fundraising's Four Magic Questions: Answer These and the Gift Is Yours: "Fundraising's Four Magic Questions: Answer These and the Gift Is Yours

If I must say so myself, I thought I'd made quite a good presentation. Perhaps short of dazzling—but not bad at all.

I had listened carefully, probed when necessary, searched for areas of interest, and maintained intent eye contact. We had come to that charged moment—frightening and awesome, when the air crackles with hope and expectation. The time had come ... I was about to ask Dick for his gift.

I had rehearsed well. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, and put his admonition into fundraising terms: There is nothing as effective and successful as a very well rehearsed, carefully scripted, spontaneous ask!"

When considering an annuity don't forget tax implications for heirs - The Boston Globe

When considering an annuity don't forget tax implications for heirs - The Boston Globe: "When considering an annuity don't forget tax implications for heirs

By Arden Dale | March 16, 2007

Most investors don't realize the potential tax implications of inheriting an annuity until faced with an unexpected bill.

A boom in annuities -- more than $1.7 trillion is now backing these investments in the United States -- has occurred as more people plan for retirement.

A substantial tax hit can be an unexpected effect as more children and even grandchildren receive an annuity windfall. Other problems may include getting stuck with an annuity geared to the needs of a retiree, or one that is highly illiquid."

Bend Weekly News for Bend Oregon-State employees' gifts to charities top $1 million

Bend Weekly News for Bend Oregon: "State workers give more than $1 million to nonprofit charities in Oregon, exceeding last year’s campaign by more than $41,000

Salem –The final tabulation shows state employees' charitable giving topped $1 million in the 2006 State of Oregon Employees' Charitable Fund Drive, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services announced Monday."

News-Leader.com | Updates - News

Another group called FLIP

News-Leader.com | Updates - News: "United Way's FLIP pledges to support 'Food for Thought' in Springfield schools

Linda Leicht
© 2007, Springfield News-Leader

Click Here
Female Leaders In Philanthropy, an organization of the United Way of the Ozarks, has pledged to support a program that will feed needy children in all the Springfield public schools."

Thursday, March 15, 2007

The Integrator

NEW BLOG FROM DMA

Sample Posting
The Integrator: "Does your newsletter (and/or website) contain any of the following?

* News about back-office staff
* A photo of a well-heeled donor presenting a giant check to your organization
* Photos of people standing around (possibly holding wine glasses) at your fundraising event
* Articles with the sole purpose of educating donors"

Business Review: Nonprofits losing major supporters

Business Review: Nonprofits losing major supporters: "Nonprofits losing major supporters

Thursday, March 15, 2007

BY JAMES BRIGGS
jbriggs@mbizreview.com
Organizations focused on the region's cultural health are among the most worried about Comerica Inc.'s plans to move its headquarters from Detroit to Dallas.

As major corporate headquarters such as that of Comerica - a major supporter of local arts - leave Michigan or cut back on donations, local cash-strapped nonprofits fear they will lose crucial funding."

U.S. Donors Contribute $117 Million To 2006 Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Donors Contribute $117 Million To 2006 Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Campaign: "U.S. Donors Contribute $117 Million To 2006 Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas Campaign

Record Level of Giving to Help Those in Need in Local Communities
Nationwide

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans
contributed $117 million to this year's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign,
which will benefit those in need in more than 5,000 local communities
across the country. This year's total marks a 5.4% increase over last
year's record campaign total of $111 million. The Army attributed the
115-year-old campaign's continued success to the support of retailers who
invited the Red Kettle bell ringers to their front doors, volunteers who
generously gave their time and the overall generosity of the American
people."

Elsie Viles honored as ‘first lady of Augusta and Maine’ - Maine Coast NOW - A Courier Publications Information Source

Elsie Viles honored as ‘first lady of Augusta and Maine’ - Maine Coast NOW - A Courier Publications Information Source: "Gov. John Baldacci proclaimed noted Augusta philanthropist Elsie Pike Viles “the first lady of Augusta and the state of Maine” Monday during a ceremony in which Viles also earned the 2007 Distinguished Service to Philanthropy Award from the New England Association for Healthcare Philanthropy."

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Changing the World, One Luxury Vacation at a Time

See related material below

Changing the World, One Luxury Vacation at a Time: "Do-good travel doesn't have to be a gritty exercise in banging nails into the side of a house or digging ditches. That's textbook 'voluntourism,' where travel is coupled with hard labor in support of a humanitarian cause."

Companies learn that increasing corporate giving increases revenue - Local Columnists - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

Companies learn that increasing corporate giving increases revenue - Local Columnists - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington: "Companies learn that increasing corporate giving increases revenue

I write from 34,000 feet, traveling with local business leaders as a sponsored delegate to China. My goal is to develop relationships with business leaders interested in investing in Thurston County and help them learn about and participate in our philanthropic culture. Studying about Chinese corporate giving motivated me to look at current U.S. trends, which are compelling."

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

'Atlernative Spring Break' a Growing Trend with Christians, Non-Christians | Christianpost.com

You can read a related story on “Voluntourism” on the Rise via the AFP Website.

Atlernative Spring Break' a Growing Trend with Christians, Non-Christians | Christianpost.com: "A growing trend among spring breakers ditching kegs for something more impacting now has its own label - Alternative Spring Break. Even MTV is noticing.

'I think it's a definite trend that the secular mainstream community is noticing and there's a strong desire on the parts of many in university administration and in culture, like MTV, that are wanting to promote an alternative,' said Campus Crusade for Christ spokesman Tony Arnold."

State of Oregon Employees` Top $1 Million in Charitable Donations - Salem-News.Com

State of Oregon Employees` Top $1 Million in Charitable Donations - Salem-News.Com: "State of Oregon Employees` Top $1 Million in Charitable Donations
Salem-News.com

The Military Department reported the largest percentage increase of all state agencies, 446 percent.

Photo: Tim King

(SALEM) - The final tabulation shows state employees' charitable giving topped $1 million in the 2006 State of Oregon Employees' Charitable Fund Drive, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services announced Monday.

The total donations, which will go to nonprofit charitable groups around the state, exceeded the previous year's campaign by more than $41,000."

Firms reach out in service to others - Roanoke.com

Firms reach out in service to others - Roanoke.com: "Firms reach out in service to others
Corporate philanthropy, including cash and in-kind giving, is on the rise, one journal said.

By Jeff Sturgeon
981-3251

Corporate takeovers can deprive a community of charitable energy when executive control shifts to an out-of-town buyer. But one Roanoke Valley company is showing that there are exceptions."

. . . And Library Donors, Too - washingtonpost.com

. . . And Library Donors, Too - washingtonpost.com: "President Bush, and his successors, should be required to say who's footing the bill.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007; Page A16

IMAGINE THAT a sitting president solicits millions of dollars in contributions for a pet project. The money, in six- and seven-figure checks, can come from companies that may be seeking government contracts or trying to loosen regulations, from foreign governments that may be trying to curry favor with the president, from wealthy individuals who may want ambassadorial appointments or other government action. Or the donations may be motivated by unselfish support for the president -- there is no way to tell, because the money can be collected in secret, with no limits on amounts or sources, and no requirement for public disclosure."

Monday, March 12, 2007

Stephen Barr - OPM's Ruling On Charity Drive Draws Protest - washingtonpost.com

Stephen Barr - OPM's Ruling On Charity Drive Draws Protest - washingtonpost.com: "OPM's Ruling On Charity Drive Draws Protest

By Stephen Barr
Monday, March 12, 2007; Page D01

The nation's largest workplace charity drive -- the Combined Federal Campaign conducted in government offices -- has tossed out a key rule, and that has prompted protests and appeals to members of Congress from nonprofit groups.

The controversy involves a decision by the Office of Personnel Management, which administers the charity drive, to drop a requirement that charities spend no more than 25 percent of their revenue on fundraising and other overhead expenses. Charities that exceeded the cap were required to give the OPM a reason and come up with a plan to reduce overhead to stay in the campaign."

metro

metro: "Nonprofit groups fret over passing the torch

by amy zimmer / metro new york

> email this to a friend

MAR 12, 2007

MANHATTAN. The hot topic at this weekend’s Young Nonprofit Professionals Network conference was the looming leadership gap. Seventy percent of nonprofit executive directors in the New York region are expected to leave their jobs by 2010, according to a survey by the Support Center for Nonprofit Management."

Bloomberg.com: Muse Arts

Bloomberg.com: Muse Arts: "Arts Advocates Ask for 40 Percent Government Funding Increase

By Laurence Arnold

March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Increase government spending for the arts.

Advocates for the arts will make that request tomorrow, when they ask Democratic leaders in Congress for an almost 40 percent boost in funding to the National Endowment for the Arts. A funding increase would reverse a cut made by Republicans after they took over in 1995."

Aspen Times News for Aspen Colorado - Columnists

Aspen Times News for Aspen Colorado - Columnists: "Nonprofits making it happen

By Kim Sharkey, Tracie Fletcher and Allison Pease
Aspen, CO Colorado
March 11, 2007

Most of us would agree that communities full of richness and brimming with health are those whose members enjoy a vital life. But how do we achieve such vitality, and who makes it happen?

Economic indicators, educational standards and intricate land-use plans are the stuff that statisticians and politicians often use to describe the health of our communities, but these can miss other, more human, contributions. Beyond the charts and graphs are organizations dedicated to expressing values, delivering services and improving our quality of life in human terms - our nonprofits."

Lexington Herald-Leader | 03/11/2007 | City as a stage

Lexington Herald-Leader | 03/11/2007 | City as a stage:
snip snip>>>

"On philanthropic support

Discussing midsize cities with active arts scenes, such as Asheville, N.C., and Madison, Wis., brought the chat to the topic of community support.

Gray: What's common to all these places is an active philanthropy of community. I think that's really, perhaps, the biggest struggle, biggest challenge, to really engage the capital that's represented through philanthropy in a meaningful way. ...

The established wealth migrates. It's migratory in and out of Lexington, but rarely invests in a meaningful way, in a substantive way, in the community."

Lunch over IP: TED2007: On doing big and bigger things for love

Lunch over IP: TED2007: On doing big and bigger things for love: "Katherine Fulton, president of the strategy consultancy Monitor Institute, talks about 'the new philanthropy'. Philanthropy is being taken over by a new spirit of creativity and passion. The current philanthropic system is fragmented, frustrating for givers and recipients alike, and no longer attuned to the challenges of the present time. Philanthropy needs to become open, big, fast, connected and geared for the long term.
This is a moment in history when the average person has more power than ever. Five categories of experiences that challenge the traditional assumptions of philanthropy."

AsianWeek.com

AsianWeek.com: "On March 3, philanthropy and art intertwined as Citizens for the World launched its first campaign, The BARE Campaign. The benefit fashion show’s goal was to promote awareness about poverty issues affecting Asia. With over 1,500 attendees at the Westin St. Frances Hotel, a venue donated by Steve Chen from Element LLC, the event was a huge success."

Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/11/2007 | Selling art, reaping resentment

Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/11/2007 | Selling art, reaping resentment: "Selling art, reaping resentment
The Eakins affair shows risks of 'deaccessioning.'
By Stephan Salisbury
Inquirer Culture Writer

For Thomas Jefferson University, the issue boiled down to raising a ton of money in one fell swoop.

Solution? Sell Thomas Eakins' masterpiece, The Gross Clinic, in a sizzling art market.

For the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, co-purchaser of Jefferson's asset, the issue amounted to the same thing.

Solution? Sell Thomas Eakins' fine portrait, The Cello Player, and escape onerous long-term debt."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Future forward: Fostering a new generation of NPO leaders
Andy Levy-AjzenkopfBy Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
March 12, 2007

There’s a gap emerging in the voluntary sector that has many wondering how to fill it. It’s all about generations and leadership. As a whole generation of nonprofit leaders readies itself for retirement, their replacements appear to be overwhelmingly unprepared or unaware of what it will take to fill the giant shoes left to them. And it’s not for a lack of wanting. Rather, it may be a systemic issue that is due for a major overhaul.

According to the experts below, there are ways for the sector to address the issue, but it appears there is still a lot of work to be done."