Cambridge nonprofit wins MacArthur award - The Boston Globe

Cambridge nonprofit wins MacArthur award - The Boston Globe: "Cambridge nonprofit wins MacArthur award
Email|Print|Single Page| Text size – + By Clea Simon
Globe Correspondent / April 11, 2008

The Cambridge-based Public Radio Exchange will receive one of eight 2008 MacArthur Awards for Creative and Effective Institutions, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced yesterday. PRX, as the Cambridge nonprofit is called, serves as an Internet clearinghouse for radio producers and public radio stations. It provides access to new voices and makes it easier for producers and stations to connect and license one another's work using an online base that handles everything from sampling shows to licensing."

Tough times call for creative funding techniques - Long Island Business News

Tough times call for creative funding techniques - Long Island Business News: "Now is the low-tide time of year for nonprofit companies, between the high-water mark of the winter holidays and the growing swell of warm-weather events such as golf outings.

Add a struggling local economy and April could truly be the cruelest month for those who depend on the good will and charity of others.

Corporations – normally dependable donors to nonprofits – have slashed their donation budgets due to bad economic news, said Jim Rennert, president of the Long Island chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals."

Competition for check-box donations rises - UPI.com

Competition for check-box donations rises - UPI.com: "Competition for donations from new check boxes on tax forms for U.S. states means less money for an Iowa wildlife diversity fund, fund officials said.

The fund received a record low in donations from its check-box solicitations in 2007, when a checkoff box for a veterans group was added to the tax form, USA Today reported."

'Idol Gives Back' Raises $22 Million For Charity

'Idol Gives Back' Raises $22 Million For Charity: "ox's 'Idol Gives Back' charity telethon raised $22 million for charity last night (April 9), thanks to a combination of corporate sponsorship and donations from viewers who called in to the show and gave via AmericanIdol.com"

Hershey Trust CEO steps down | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008

Hershey Trust CEO steps down | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008: "Hershey Trust CEO steps down

By Bob Fernandez

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
In another high-level departure in Hershey, the chief executive of the Hershey Trust Co., Robert C. Vowler, today said he will retire from the company that oversees investing decisions for one of the world's largest educational endowments.

The Hershey Trust Co. manages $8 billion in assets owned by the Milton S. Hershey School for needy kids. Among the school's assets is stock that controls the Hershey Co., the chocolate bar maker and major Pennsylvania employer, and the Hershey amusement park."

San Luis Obispo County’s website | 04/10/2008 | Nonprofit Strategies: Stay focused in tight times

San Luis Obispo County’s website | 04/10/2008 | Nonprofit Strategies: Stay focused in tight times: "Last week Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke admitted that the “economy is in a difficult period” and a recession is possible. This is not news for local nonprofit organizations.

The cavalcade of dismal local, state and national economic news has made times challenging for them.

So how does a nonprofit organization navigate tough economic times?

I asked Israel Dominguez, director of the Cuesta College Small Business Development Center, for some strategies."

Nationwide Tour opens new fundraising avenue for nonprofit groups

Nationwide Tour opens new fundraising avenue for nonprofit groups: "Nonprofit organizations in Prince George’s County could rake in hundreds of dollars to help their causes by selling tickets for the Nationwide Tour’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open."

Watertown Middle School’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ drive sets new record - Watertown, MA - Watertown TAB & Press

Watertown Middle School’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ drive sets new record - Watertown, MA - Watertown TAB & Press: "WATERTOWN - For the fifth year, the Watertown Middle School participated in the Pennies for Patients Drive for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a three-week drive to raise funds for research and family assistance.

The school has chosen this particular charity because of the many ways these diseases have affected the Middle School staff and families. The drive is in honor of Tom Johnson, the health and physical education teacher, and in memory of two other WMS teachers, Pat Stayn, a former math teacher, and Peter Clough, global studies teacher and assistant principal."

Use of charitable funds is at heart of Princeton case | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008

Use of charitable funds is at heart of Princeton case | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008: "New Jersey judge has just set an Oct. 1 trial date in a billion-dollar lawsuit alleging that Princeton University misused tens of millions of dollars donated to a charitable fund. Fallout from the case is expected to reach far beyond the Ivy League campus, dramatically reshaping nonprofit fund-raising and administrative practices."

The Slumping Stock Market Cuts Into Giving - Philanthropy.com

The Slumping Stock Market Cuts Into Giving - Philanthropy.com: "The Slumping Stock Market Cuts Into Giving

The stock market’s slide has begun to affect a fast-growing type of giving.

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund — which raises more than all but three other charities in the country according to The Chronicle’s Philanthropy 400 rankings — says contributions dipped by 8 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the first quarter of 2007."

Big business lines up to back orchestra - Scotsman.com News

Big business lines up to back orchestra - Scotsman.com News: "THE Royal Scottish National Orchestra has claimed a record number of business backers for its new season, topped by the oil giant Total extending its corporate sponsorship for three years.
The theme for this year's concerts from the RSNO is the sea, through works by composers ranging from Wagner to Debussy and Britain's Frank Bridge. Top soloists include leading pianists, such as Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne and John Lill."

Business Leader, Nonprofit Volunteer to Head the American Red Cross

Business Leader, Nonprofit Volunteer to Head the American Red Cross: "WASHINGTON, April 8, 2008, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Gail J. McGovern, a successful business executive and proven nonprofit fundraiser, was today named President and CEO of the American Red Cross. McGovern, who held top management positions at AT&T Corporation and Fidelity Investments, has experience running large organizations in competitive industries, and a track record for improving business performance and service delivery to the public. Currently, she teaches marketing at the Harvard Business School."

Maine's nonprofit firms lift economy

Maine's nonprofit firms lift economy: "Vital economic engines

A report released recently by the Maine Association of Nonprofits reveals that Maine is home to 5,560 charitable nonprofit organizations that together employ more than 70,000 people. And those are only the organizations with individual annual gross revenues of more than $5,000. Very small organizations, such as condominium associations and social clubs, are often registered as nonprofit organizations but were not included in the report."

Hospice nets record amount from rare Beatles disc - Milton Keynes Today

Hospice nets record amount from rare Beatles disc - Milton Keynes Today: "Some research found it was actually a rare copy in Mono with a gold Parlophone label and four of the songs mis-credited to the publishers Dick James Music rather than Northern Music as on later pressings.

It was also in very good condition considering it was 45 years old, so Linda put it on web auction site eBay.

'There was a lot of interest straight away with many people watching it,' she said.

'I turned down an initial offe
r of £400 from someone in Japan – which was definitely the right decision as the auction ended at £837!"

IRS Releases Instructions for Charity Tax Form - Philanthropy.com

From the Chronicle of Philanthropy

IRS Releases Instructions for Charity Tax Form - Philanthropy.com: "IRS Releases Instructions for Charity Tax Form

By Peter Panepento

Washington

The Internal Revenue Service has posted the draft instructions for the new Form 990, the primary document that charities file each year with the government."

Charity Hospital, on Brink, Gets a $200 Million Gift - New York Times

Charity Hospital, on Brink, Gets a $200 Million Gift - New York Times: "ATLANTA — Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the country’s largest charity hospitals, will receive $200 million from a private foundation with ties to Coca-Cola, hospital officials said Monday."

OPINION: The hurricane of coverage is no more, but New Orleans remains - Opinions

OPINION: The hurricane of coverage is no more, but New Orleans remains - Opinions: "Maybe it's because the average American has an attention span of eight seconds.

Whatever the reason, 'out of sight, out of mind' is probably a fair assessment of the state of New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina.

While media coverage and promises to rebuild were rampant in the first months following the storm, nearly three years later, those promises are still unfulfilled and we've all but forgotten - we being America at large."

Johns Hopkins Gazette | April 7, 2008

Johns Hopkins Gazette | April 7, 2008: "Supporting Johns Hopkins' Work From Within

By Greg Rienzi
The Gazette

It's been said that true greatness comes from within. The Office of Annual Giving couldn't agree more, and hopes employees feel the same.

On Thursday, the office will launch the 2008 faculty, staff and retiree annual giving campaign."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

From the Nonprofit Times

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Fewer Donors, Flat Or Declining Giving Marked 2007

Revenue for the 70 large nonprofit organizations tracked in the Index of National Fundraising Performance by Target Analysis grew a median 1.5% from calendar year 2006 to calendar year 2007, with 61% of the organizations in the index having positive revenue growth. Meanwhile, the number of actual donors dropped again.

The report comes after revenue growth of 2.8% the previous year and is below historical average rates of roughly 4% annual growth. When dollar amounts are adjusted for inflation, real index revenue declined a median -2.8% from 2006 to 2007, according to the Target Analysis index."

And the winner of the bid is -- St. Michael North Andover school hopes online auction will bring in more cash - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

And the winner of the bid is -- St. Michael North Andover school hopes online auction will bring in more cash - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA: "tion for St. Michael where her grandchildren go to school — books for the classroom, a school uniform for one of her grandchildren, maybe a fishing trip for her husband and son.

The catch?

Turk lives outside of Chicago and her grandchildren's school is in North Andover.

The school's Parent-Teacher Organization is making it easier for faraway relatives like the Turks to participate in fundraisers by moving their annual auction online. Anyone with a computer can bid on Red Sox tickets, autographed Bruins pictures and dining room furniture."

The Westmount Examiner > Sports > Kurling for Kids 10th Annual Tournament Sets Fundraising Record

The Westmount Examiner > Sports > Kurling for Kids 10th Annual Tournament Sets Fundraising Record: "Over 528 curlers and countless supporters of Kurling for Kids enjoyed a day of curling on March 29 - and all in the name of fundraising. Kurling for Kids held their annual fundraiser this past weekend and had a record-setting year as $132,000 was raised for the Montreal Children's and Sainte Justine's Hospital Foundations. The fundraiser has now raised over a ½ million dollars by holding an annual curling tournament in Montreal area curling clubs"

10 great jobs in nonprofits - CNN.com

10 great jobs in nonprofits - CNN.com: "If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, it might be time to reassess your career and find something a bit more fulfilling. A career in nonprofits might be your answer."

Consultation on proposed policy on fundraising by Registered Charities

Consultation on proposed policy on fundraising by Registered Charities: "The material posted below relates to the proposed guidelines of the Charities Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) concerning the fundraising activities of registered charities. The posting includes:"

Hawaii charities feel squeeze | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii charities feel squeeze | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser: "An economic downturn is looming large over Hawai'i nonprofits, whose three major sources of funding — public donations, government appropriations and grants from foundations — are all expected to shrink this year even as the number of people who need help is predicted to grow."

montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser

montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser: "Some charitable groups are concerned that the eco­nomic slump hitting busi­nesses may create a similar slump for non-profit agen­cies."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > State -- Charities press for electronic-bingo fund influx

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > State -- Charities press for electronic-bingo fund influx: "SACRAMENTO – To counter withering competition from Indian casinos and elsewhere, the Catholic Church and other charitable groups want to revolutionize conventional bingo with interconnected games that could offer six-figure prizes."

Better to give than to receive?

Better to give than to receive?: "The question is whether that wealth will be shared across society, or if today's baby boomers and their children have mortgaged away the money with highly leveraged lifestyles that are characterized by lower savings and a higher debt load than those of their parents and grandparents."

Kane County Chronicle - Local News and Video for Kane County, Illinois - Donation Doldrums?

Kane County Chronicle - Local News and Video for Kane County, Illinois - Donation Doldrums?: "Judy Jacobson had no trouble throwing her gala party.

But Jacobson, development director of Mutual Ground, an Aurora shelter for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, said that finding enough people to invite to the next one could prove to be a little more difficult.

Last month, Mutual Ground recorded a take of more than $65,000 from its Little Bit O’Heaven gala fundraiser.

“It was our most successful event like it ever,” Jacobson said."

Heinz Endowments boss sets new tone

Heinz Endowments boss sets new tone: "The defining moment of Robert Vagt's first months at The Heinz Endowments came on a Friday evening in late February, during a going-away party for longtime Heinz employee Grant Oliphant. The new boss of Pittsburgh's second-largest philanthropy left the 30th-floor conference room, changed out of coat and tie, shed his shoes and slipped on a get-up of denim overalls and straw hat."

Your True Calling Could Suit a Nonprofit - New York Times

Your True Calling Could Suit a Nonprofit - New York Times: "Q. You’ve spent your career in a profit-making business but want your work to be more in line with your personal values. The idea of working for a nonprofit is appealing, but is this the right reason to make a switch?"

The Citizens Voice - The Citizens’ Voice launches ‘Pay It Forward’ campaign

The Citizens Voice - The Citizens’ Voice launches ‘Pay It Forward’ campaign: "The “Pay It Forward” campaign is just one of the ventures planned as part of the 30th anniversary of the newspaper.

The Citizens’ Voice is one of 69 newspapers in Pennsylvania participating in the contest, which offers cash awards to a person, group or organization that presents the best plan for taking the cash prize and “paying it forward” as an act of philanthropy.

Readers are encouraged to submit entries that detail how they intend to use the prize money to benefit another person, place, group or organization."

JFN announces plan to open Israel office - Israel Jewish Scene, Ynetnews

JFN announces plan to open Israel office - Israel Jewish Scene, Ynetnews: "JFN announces plan to open Israel office

Philanthropy Jewish Funders Network expands its location to Jerusalem following request made by Israel-based funders

Ynetnews
Published: 04.07.08, 07:27 / Israel Jewish Scene

The Jewish Funders Network (JFN) announced Sunday its plan to open an Israel branch of its office. The decision, made as a result of a request made by a group of Israel-based funders, will allow JFN to better meet the needs of its growing membership in Israel, the organization said in a statement."

The MONEY of sports: VAF contributions far outpace academic donations | Charlottesville Daily Progress

The MONEY of sports: VAF contributions far outpace academic donations | Charlottesville Daily Progress: "In the University of Virginia’s marathon race to raise $3 billion in private contributions, an indefatigable frontrunner is UVa’s athletics department.
The Virginia Athletics Foundation, the department’s fundraising arm, had collected $234.2 million by the end of February, representing more than 78 percent of its $300 million goal. UVa’s five-year campaign to raise $3 billion will conclude Dec. 31, 2011, and is just over halfway finished."

Most of Clintons' Charitable Donations Went to Family Foundation - washingtonpost.com

Most of Clintons' Charitable Donations Went to Family Foundation - washingtonpost.com: "The Clintons' giving as a percentage of their income was comparable to President Bush's in 2006; both gave away about 10 percent of what they earned. Hillary Clinton's rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), and his wife, Michelle, earned $991,296 that year and gave away $60,307, or about 6 percent. Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, has not released his tax returns."

The Buffalo News: City & Region: Charities feel the pinch when donors move away

The Buffalo News: City & Region: Charities feel the pinch when donors move away: "Kadow, 61, doesn’t hear much from the Buffalo groups he used to support, and even if he did, he doubts he would send money back North.

“You have an obligation to the community you live in,” said Kadow, a retired administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Besides, he added, “I think the need is much greater where I am.”"