Friday, April 27, 2007

SWEAT FOR THE CURE: Improve your health and support local charities at this season's fitness-oriented fund-raisers

SWEAT FOR THE CURE: Improve your health and support local charities at this season's fitness-oriented fund-raisers: "Charities across the country are tapping into the increasing health-consciousness of their supporters by offering events with a tri-fold purpose: fun, fitness and, of course, fund-raising.

Such events benefit the organization and the participants, says Walter Sczudlo, executive vice president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, based in Arlington, Va. His group doesn't keep numbers on how many charities offer fitness fund-raisers"

PCToday - Students Create Public-Service Announcements for Area Nonprofits

PCToday - Students Create Public-Service Announcements for Area Nonprofits: "Mass media communication students at Pennsylvania College of Technology created public-service announcements for area nonprofit agencies that began airing locally on cable television in early April.

Comcast, the cable-service provider for the Williamsport area, has donated airtime to run the PSAs on its cable stations. The first PSA began airing this month; each will run for about three weeks."

City Room-What the Olympic Bid Means to Chicago Philanthropy

City Room: "What the Olympic Bid Means to Chicago Philanthropy

Members of Chicago's Olympic bid committee are in Beijing this week - hobnobbing and learning at an international sports convention there."

'Idol' charity donations top $60M

Coverage of American Idol from China Daily
'
Idol' charity donations top $60M: "An 'American Idol' charity special filled with wrenching pictures of impoverished children and celebrity appeals raised more than $60 million, Fox said Thursday.

The money from 'Idol Gives Back,' a two-night special that was combined with the regular talent contest, will go to organizations funding relief programs for America and Africa, the network said. Donations came from viewers and corporations."

Diversity the strength of U.S. giving

Diversity the strength of U.S. giving: "Diversity the strength of U.S. giving

By SUSAN V. BERRESFORD
GUEST COLUMNIST

The emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs-turned-philanthropists offering their fortunes to tackle pressing problems has prompted reports of a philanthropic divide -- a generation gap between established foundations and their young counterparts. Such phrases as 'venture philanthropy' and 'social entrepreneurship' are in vogue. New foundations are said to be ambitious, strategic, entrepreneurial, innovative and focused on measurable results. Established foundations are said to lack those qualities."

Zoo stretches out for support

Zoo stretches out for support: "Nearly a year after the Detroit Zoo parted ways with the city of Detroit -- leaving a big budget hole -- zoo officials still are looking for ways to stabilize their finances. One area they've zeroed in on for more support is Michigan's vast business community, which they hope to attract through a new corporate ambassador program."

Latino group grateful for help in community | ajc.com

Latino group grateful for help in community | ajc.com: "Manuel Chavez, founder of Parking Co. of America, received the association's first Lifetime Achievement Award. The 12th-generation Mexican-American was born in New Mexico and has focused his philanthropy on education and the arts. In Atlanta, he has supported the Latin American Association, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Mexican Center of Atlanta."

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Billionaires Start $60 Million Schools Effort - New York Times

Billionaires Start $60 Million Schools Effort - New York Times: "Eli Broad and Bill Gates, two of the most important philanthropists in American public education, have pumped more than $2 billion into improving schools. But now, dissatisfied with the pace of change, they are joining forces for a $60 million foray into politics in an effort to vault education high onto the agenda of the 2008 presidential race."

Faith-based fixes for Philly's future | Daily News | 04/26/2007

Faith-based fixes for Philly's future | Daily News | 04/26/2007: "ou can't put a price on compassion, but Cnaan's calculations show that the yearly 'replacement value' - what it would cost others to offer the social services that the congregations supply each year - is at least $250 million. That's without counting services supplied by faith-based groups that are not based at a house of worship.

Our informed guesstimate: All told, the city's faith-based sector delivers more than half a billion bucks a year in social services."

LA Daily News - Nobody voted off 'American Idol' as show turns to charity for a night

LA Daily News - Nobody voted off 'American Idol' as show turns to charity for a night: "fter a parade of pop stars, including Kelly Clarkson and Celine Dion, Ryan Seacrest announced the non-result: 'All your favorites are still in the competition. How could we let anyone go on a charity night?'

Seacrest said the more than 70 million calls and text messages counted this week will be added to next week's tallies. That means two contestants will be shown the door next Wednesday."

Waltons confirm intent, but reveal few details - Small Biz - USATODAY.com

Waltons confirm intent, but reveal few details - Small Biz - USATODAY.com: "n two short sentences, Wal-Mart's founding family late yesterday afternoon confirmed they intend to shake up philanthropy. The Waltons of Arkansas issued this statement through the giant retailer, reaffirming founder Sam Walton's long-ago pledge to donate to charity up to 20% of the family's now $80 billion in Wal-Mart stock. That's the stake Sam's widow, Helen (left), owned when she died last week at 87. When I wrote about that likely wealth transfer Monday, the Waltons had declined to comment.

In their statement, the Waltons didn't say which charity, and just barely gave a timetable -- over the next several years"

Philanthropy styles vary among the very wealthy | Chicago Tribune

Philanthropy styles vary among the very wealthy | Chicago Tribune: "Almost seven in 10 very rich Americans engage in some form of philanthropy, but their approaches tend to differ by their age and whether they come from new money or old, according to a U.S. Trust Co. survey.

The money-management firm caters to the very wealthy and periodically takes their pulse, asking who they are, where they invest, what concerns them and where and how they give. For its latest survey, released Tuesday, U.S. made its sample group more exclusive: It included only households with an investable net worth of more than $5 million, not including a primary residence (thus weeding out the mere house-rich)."

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 5 Num 1031

The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 5 Num 1031: "Speakers at two separate meetings in Rajshahi and Barisal stressed on the need for revival of the traditional practice of philanthropy for well-being of mankind.

Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF), Centre for Capacity Building of Voluntary Organisation (CCBVO) and Media Professionals Group (MPG) jointly organised the meetings to exchange opinion with journalists, social workers, lawyers, physicians and government officials.

Held at CCBVO auditorium in Rajshahi, the meeting was attended by Deputy commissioner Dr Aminul Islam as chief guest."

The Chronicle, 4/25/2007: 12 Athletes Start New Effort to Promote Philanthropy

From the Chronicle

The Chronicle, 4/25/2007: 12 Athletes Start New Effort to Promote Philanthropy: "The cyclist Lance Armstrong, the tennis player Andre Agassi, and 10 other sports stars announced


today that they have formed a new charity to educate professional athletes, sports fans, and others on the importance of philanthropy."

Employer-Based Volunteerism Lures Gen Y Workers

From SHRM ONLINE
Employer-Based Volunteerism Lures Gen Y Workers: "Employers looking to reel in Gen Y talent might want to make sure that they have a workplace that helps employees give back to the community."

CAMPUS SHOOTING -- The Norris behind Norris Hall - National News - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

CAMPUS SHOOTING -- The Norris behind Norris Hall - National News - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington: "Beyond the end of the school year, Norris Hall's future has not been determined, university spokesman Mark Owczarski said in a statement that was read over the telephone Tuesday. 'We have not decided what is going to happen to Norris in the near future. We don't know what's going to happen this fall.'

One group has an idea: Rename the building after Dr. Liviu Librescu, the Holocaust survivor and engineering professor who was killed while trying to block the doorway to his classroom to keep the gunman from his students. The group has collected almost 8,300 signatures so far."

Charities take center stage on 'Idol' - baltimoresun.com

Some continued coverage of American Idol Charity show

Charities take center stage on 'Idol' - baltimoresun.com: "ou might think of it as 'painless giving.' Or, perhaps -- a term coined by popular-culture pundits -- as 'philanthrotainment.'

Both phrases refer to the current slate of reality television shows that seek to attract viewers by benefiting good causes. Tonight, Fox's top-rated American Idol is throwing a huge, celebrity-studded concert featuring the likes of rock star Bono, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and Academy Award winner Helen Mirren. Proceeds will benefit poor children in Africa and the U.S."

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

News onPhilanthropy: Red Carpet Philanthropy: How Hollywood Threads Help Charity

From OnPhilanthropy's Blog "Buzz"

News onPhilanthropy: Red Carpet Philanthropy: How Hollywood Threads Help Charity: "Red Carpet Philanthropy: How Hollywood Threads Help Charity

You probably know Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman on The West Wing and Jane Kaczmarek as the mom on Malcolm in the Middle - but to their friends in Hollywood, they're the clothing people. As the founders of Clothes Off Our Back, Kaczmarek and Whitford (who are married) are deliberately trading the glitz and fame of the entertainment world for the rewards of charity fundraising."

The Chronicle, 4/24/2007: New Survey Shows Why the Wealthy Give to Charity

The Chronicle, 4/24/2007: New Survey Shows Why the Wealthy Give to Charity: "New Survey Shows Why the Wealthy Give to Charity

By Marty Michaels

Nearly 90 percent of the wealthiest Americans say the primary reason they give to charity is that they believe in specific causes and have a desire to 'give back' to society, according to a new survey.

Far fewer respondents — 33 percent — cited income-tax deductions as a reason for their charitable giving, and just 24 percent cited maintaining a family tradition of philanthropy."

U.S. Trust Releases Survey of Affluent Americans with New Focus on Higher Net Worth: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Trust Releases Survey of Affluent Americans with New Focus on Higher Net Worth: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Press Release Source: U.S. Trust

U.S. Trust Releases Survey of Affluent Americans with New Focus on Higher Net Worth
Tuesday April 24, 9:00 am ET
Findings Reveal Thoughts and Concerns of New Subset - Those with $25 Million in Total Assets

NEW YORK, April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Trust announced today the findings of the 2007 Survey of Affluent Americans which focuses this year on a higher net worth demographic. Unlike past years' surveys, in which primary residence and income were factors in respondent eligibility, the 2007 survey polled an even more elite sample both in terms of size and composition, consisting exclusively of Americans with more than $5 million in total investable assets (high net worth individuals). Also included in the survey is a new focus on Americans with more than $25 million in total assets (ultra high net worth individuals)."

JS Online: Art foundation defends properties

JS Online: Art foundation defends properties: "Art foundation defends properties
Is this Fox Point mansion a multimillion-dollar house or a museum? Some neighbors want it on the tax rolls.
By MARIE ROHDE
mrohde@journalsentinel.com
Posted: April 23, 2007

Fox Point - When is a museum a museum and not just a tax dodge? That's the question raised by residents who want two Fox Point mansions worth at least $3 million restored to the tax rolls."

9 Important Lessons about Nonprofit Branding :: PNNOnline ::

From PNN

9 Important Lessons about Nonprofit Branding :: PNNOnline ::: "9 Important Lessons about Nonprofit Branding
Posted by: Michael DiFrisco on Monday, April 23, 2007
Topic Expert Opinion


Michael DiFrisco is offering more advice to PNNOnline readers wanting to know more about how to brand their nonprofit.


When my daughter became a teenager, she proclaimed, “I want the freedom to make my own mistakes.”


“Well,” my wife and I offered, “if we could show you—from our years of life experiences—how to avoid mistakes, wouldn’t that be helpful?” Being a teenager, this didn’t quite sink in, but in my experience helping nonprofit organizations develop brand strategies, maybe I can impart some lessons that I’ve learned and help you avoid some common pitfalls."

Monday, April 23, 2007

My Web Times-Donations for Easter Seals hit record

My Web Times: "Easter Seals garnered its highest contribution to date Saturday, raising $185,264 at the 27th annual Easter Seals Telethon of La Salle and Bureau counties.

'It was a great weekend,' said Pamela Beckett, president and chief executive officer of Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau counties. 'We're delighted with the volunteers, the board, the staff and our hosts.'"

BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | North East/N Isles | Giving boxes 'to replace' begging

BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | North East/N Isles | Giving boxes 'to replace' begging: "Giving boxes 'to replace' begging
Beggar in street
There are an estimated 25 beggars a day on Aberdeen's streets
Collection or 'giving' boxes have been installed in Aberdeen city centre in a move designed to reduce the number of beggars on the city's streets.

Aberdonians are being encouraged to donate money to the homeless through the boxes instead of handing over cash directly to those who beg.

The funds will then be divided among charities and agencies who help the city's homeless."

Daniel Radcliffe Heads Star-Studded American Idol Charity Special - Entertainment News, Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise

Daniel Radcliffe Heads Star-Studded American Idol Charity Special - Entertainment News, Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise: "Hugh Grant, Daniel Radcliffe and Keira Knightley are heading a star-studded charity special of American Idol.

The British trio will be joined by Desperate Housewife Teri Hatcher, Best Actor Oscar winner Forrest Whitaker and their country-woman Helena Bonham Carter over two shows on 24 and 25 April.

However, the actors may have their work cut out to win it – they’ll be up against consummate pros Gwen Stefani and Pink too."

Donations Grow Slow, but Hopes High | theledger.com

Donations Grow Slow, but Hopes High | theledger.com: "A robust economy is being credited for huge gains in charitable giving, and United Way remains the nation's No. 1 recipient of that largesse.

That should be good news for Terry Worthington, president of United Way of Central Florida, which serves Polk, Highland and Hardee counties"

Walk raises $80,000 for vision impaired - Orlando Sentinel : Business

This story is no longer available online.

Walk raises $80,000 for vision impaired - Orlando Sentinel : Business: "Walk raises $80,000 for vision impaired

Laura Brost | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 23, 2007
PHOTOS
Sight & Sole Walk
Sight & Sole Walk (KAREN LESLIE PELCZAR)
Apr 18, 2007


The 450 people taking a walk in the park on March 31 weren't there for the exercise. They had 80,000 other people in mind as they made their way around the lake."

News - StatesmanJournal.com-Barbara Bush touts generosity

News - StatesmanJournal.com: "Barbara Bush touts generosity

Annual MedAssist fundraiser hosts former first lady

THELMA GUERRERO
Statesman Journal

April 22, 2007

Former first lady Barbara Bush encouraged attendees at a charity event in Salem on Saturday evening to keep helping others.

'You don't have to be a president or first lady to give others a helping hand,' said Bush, the keynote speaker at the Medical Foundation of Marion & Polk Counties' third annual MedAssist fundraiser.

'Helping others is the essence of our society.' Bush said. 'No act of kindness or caring is too small.'"

Helena Independent Record-Philanthropy on a shoestring

Helena Independent Record: "Philanthropy on a shoestring
By Clay Scott - 04/22/07
I met an interesting man the other day. His name is Marc Gold, and he travels around the world giving money away. He’s carried out his one-man mission in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, The Philippines, and elsewhere.

Mr. Gold is not wealthy, as far as I know. Most of the money he distributes is donated by friends and acquaintances. And the sums he gives away are fairly modest $20 here, $100 there. Still, there is something profound about his brand of under-the-radar, freelance philanthropy."