Wanted: nonprofit leaders | csmonitor.com

Wanted: nonprofit leaders | csmonitor.com: "Beth Millas has a clear sense of direction, though she's been out of college only a year.

'I definitely aspire to be in senior leadership in a nonprofit organization,' says the young professional at Points of Light & Hands On Network in Washington. Her aim: to help build charities' capacity for 'effective societal change.'

Ms. Millas is well on her way thanks to nonprofit management training during her college years in Missouri. After internships at United Way, Harvester (the biggest food bank in Kansas City), and as a fundraiser for the YMCA, she took her first job in Washington in June 2006. Recently, she was promoted to director of corporate relations for the country's largest volunteer network."

Raising Money by Cellphone: The Next Big Thing - Philanthropy.com

From the Chronicle Prospecting Blog
Raising Money by Cellphone: The Next Big Thing - Philanthropy.com: "Raising Money by Cellphone: The Next Big Thing

Raising money with text messaging and cell phones will expand greatly in the United States soon, according to M. Sue Woodward, senior vice president of Virilion, a Washington consulting firm that helps charities use new technology to raise money."

Striving to Make a Difference in Darfur, the World - washingtonpost.com

Striving to Make a Difference in Darfur, the World - washingtonpost.com: "So Sebastian, Mazuk and their friend Hiral Padia, also a senior, formed Students for Change in Darfur, one of Northwest's first human-rights advocacy chapters, to raise awareness about the genocide.

The girls are not alone in their efforts to get involved in social issues. Across Montgomery County, high school students and some middle-schoolers are becoming social and political activists, promoting issues such as stopping genocide in Darfur, protecting the environment and saving energy, in addition to raising money for charitable causes."

Family set for charity wheat planting record attempt - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Family set for charity wheat planting record attempt - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "The Coggan family want to plant more than 680 hectares of wheat on their property in 24-hours to beat the existing record of about 650 hectares.

John Coggan says money raised from sponsors will go to the organ donation program at Brisbane's Prince Charles Hospital where he had a heart transplant two years ago."

The Wealth Report - WSJ.com : TV’s New “Secret Millionaire”

The Wealth Report - WSJ.com : TV’s New “Secret Millionaire”: "TV’s New “Secret Millionaire”

Television producers seem convinced that charity is the next big thing in entertainment.

According to several news reports, Fox is unveiling a new reality show called “The Secret Millionaire.” In the show, a rich guy goes undercover in a poor neighborhood in search of virtuous but needy souls. At the end of the show, the millionaire reveals his identity and gives away piles of cash to the winning locals. The show will rotate the millionaires for variety. (Obligatory note: Fox is owned by News Corp., which also owns Dow Jones, the publisher of the Journal.)"

United Way to Target Health, Education and Income - washingtonpost.com

United Way to Target Health, Education and Income - washingtonpost.com: "The United Way of America, alarmed at the nation's fraying safety net, will announce today that it will direct its giving toward ambitious 10-year goals that would cut in half the high school dropout rate and the number of working families struggling financially."

As times change, so do our methods of giving | Kansas.com

As times change, so do our methods of giving | Kansas.com: "As times change, so do our methods of giving

You can never go wrong doing right. This motto played an integral part in my upbringing. My parents lived and breathed this in all their personal and professional philanthropic efforts. I take immense pleasure in continuing my family's commitment to this philosophy, in my home life and at work. I feel impassioned that prioritizing service and community in everyday actions is something we, as leaders, should set as a standard."

Philanthropists want to see their money at work

Philanthropists want to see their money at work: "The difference between charity and philanthropy, she explains, is that charitable giving involves the donation of money for immediate relief to a cause while philanthropy is a long-term commitment that works to get to the root of a problem.

'A very simple example is you see somebody begging on the street, you give them $10, that's charity. The philanthropic approach to that situation would be to figure out why those people are homeless,' she said."

Colleges ask for less 'stuff,' more money - USATODAY.com

Colleges ask for less 'stuff,' more money - USATODAY.com: "A growing number of colleges are recasting the tradition of senior-class gifts by encouraging their graduating classes to focus more on giving — preferably money the college can spend as it sees fit."

Google Grants Blog: A beginner's guide

Google Grants Blog: A beginner's guide: "A beginner's guide
Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 3:22 PM
Posted by Jessica, Google Grants Team

When we discussed getting started with Google Grants back in February, we got a lot of great response from grant recipients looking for details about managing their Google Grants accounts.

With this feedback, we compiled information, tips and tools into a master guide, The Beginner's Guide, which you can use as a reference to make the most of your grant. Of course, if you've had a grant for a while and want a Google Grants handbook or an AdWords refresher, this guide can also help you."

Getty Trust to eliminate 114 jobs and cut programs - Examiner.com

Getty Trust to eliminate 114 jobs and cut programs - Examiner.com: "The J. Paul Getty Trust will eliminate 114 jobs and cut programs to boost funding for the organization's core arts mission, a spokesman said Tuesday."

MySA.com: Commentary

MySA.com: Commentary: "This is a good sign for the life expectancy of San Antonians whose instincts for caring and sharing were demonstrated once again in the aftermath of last week's fire that devastated historic Main Building on the Our Lady of the Lake University campus.

San Antonians from all walks of life instantly reached out to help.

This has lifted the spirits of the OLLU family and reinforced our resolve that we will not just survive, but will come back from the fire stronger than ever."

U.S. Religious Giving to Developing Countries at $8.8 Billion :: PNNOnline ::

U.S. Religious Giving to Developing Countries at $8.8 Billion :: PNNOnline ::: "U.S. Religious Giving to Developing Countries at $8.8 Billion
Posted by: philcrosby on Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Topic General Fundraising


The first national random sample survey of U.S. religious giving from congregations of all denominations to the developing world shows that congregations are giving record amounts in relief and development assistance to poor countries."

Many Nonprofit CEOs Dissatisfied With Board Performance, Report Finds :: PNNOnline ::

Many Nonprofit CEOs Dissatisfied With Board Performance, Report Finds :: PNNOnline ::: "A significant number of CEOs at midsize nonprofits are dissatisfied with the performance of their boards, particularly in regard to fundraising and the way boards monitor their own performance, a new report from the Urban Institute finds."

PARSA University: Involving Your Family in Philanthropy

PARSA University: Involving Your Family in Philanthropy: "Philanthropy is an important and increasingly popular way for families to come together around shared values, develop a strong sense of social responsibility while also supporting a community and providing tax benefits. Family involvement in philanthropy can take many forms, from volunteering together as a family all the way to leaving a legacy through a family foundation. Involving your family in philanthropy as early as possible can be done in many ways:"

REGIONAL BRIEFING - washingtonpost.com

REGIONAL BRIEFING - washingtonpost.com: "Acumen Solutions said yesterday that it will place 20 of its senior employees on boards of nonprofit groups by the end of the year. The organizations include Child and Family Network Centers, Heads Up, Hope Rising, the Greater Washington Sports Alliance and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic.

The initiative is supported by Venture Philanthropy Partners, a District-based charitable investment organization that helps nonprofit leaders build their organizations."

Yale students launch loan program - The Boston Globe

Yale students launch loan program - The Boston Globe: "Elmseed Enterprise Program, which provides small loans and intensive technical support primarily to low-income and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs, is the first microfinancing program in the country run by college students, organizers say. It sparked a similar initiative last year by Harvard University students, while Georgetown students are planning a program in Washington, D.C., Rutgers in New Jersey, and others such as the University of Rochester in New York are considering starting programs."

From the Field » Blog Archive » What is AmeriCorps, Anyway?

From the Field » Blog Archive » What is AmeriCorps, Anyway?: "Since we’re celebrating AmeriCorps Week on the Volunteer Maine Blog today let’s have a better look into what this program is all about.

First, since our focus has turned towards outcomes based measurements, let’s run some number"

globeandmail.com: Doing good, on company time

globeandmail.com: Doing good, on company time: "The messages all echoed a similar tone: How are we getting involved? What are we doing? 'They'll start asking for time off to go to Myanmar pretty soon,' said Mr. Thompson. 'We see this all the time with disasters of this scale.'

Mr. Thompson doesn't work for a charity or an NGO. He's the director of community affairs at Microsoft Canada, one of dozens of Canadian firms that have begun offering employees paid leave to volunteer in troubled regions around the world. And that's above and beyond their vacation time."

University takes steps to fortify alumni network - Commencement Guide

University takes steps to fortify alumni network - Commencement Guide: "Knapp said he hopes his hands-on approach to alumni relations will help build a more continuous relationship between GW and its graduates.

'The traditional pattern with alumni is you graduate from college, you go out working for a few years, maybe start a family, who knows what - and then after 20 years out, you starting thinking, 'Maybe I will send them a contribution or maybe I will go to a reunion or something like that,'' Knapp said. 'But often there is a kind of a loss of connection when people first leave, and I think we are not alone in that.'"

Soros sees 'reflexivity' theory of economics as life's work - USATODAY.com

Soros sees 'reflexivity' theory of economics as life's work - USATODAY.com: "Soros retired from full-time investing in 2000 and concentrated on philanthropy through a network of non-profit organizations he had established in the 1980s and his Open Society Institute. Together, the groups distribute $400 million to $500 million each year to 'civil society' projects in more than 50 countries, such as election monitoring in Tajikistan and a network of community libraries in Haiti. Soros also has emerged as a major financial contributor to the Democratic Party and harsh critic of President Bush and the 'war on terror.'"

Gates Foundation again finds CEO at Microsoft

Gates Foundation again finds CEO at Microsoft: "With Stonesifer stepping down, the much more experienced, sophisticated and incredibly influential Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now the world's largest philanthropy, has named as its new chief executive another long-time leading company insider, Jeffrey Raikes, 49, head of the Microsoft Business Division.

'Bill and I considered many extraordinary candidates from around the world to head the foundation,' said Melinda Gates, speaking in a teleconference Monday. 'Jeff shares our passion for these issues and has respect for the culture we have cultivated at the foundation."

Bill and Melinda Gates Name New Foundation Head : NPR

Bill and Melinda Gates Name New Foundation Head : NPR: "Bill and Melinda Gates announced Monday that Microsoft executive Jeff Raikes will take the helm of their $37 billion foundation — the world's largest such philanthropy — in September."

Myanmar relief work 'unacceptably slow': UN chief-USA-World-The Times of India

Myanmar relief work 'unacceptably slow': UN chief-USA-World-The Times of India: "UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon called on Myanmar's ruling junta to accelerate relief aid distribution for those affected by the devastating cyclone Nargis, calling its response 'unacceptably slow.'"

AFP > U.S. public policy issues | U.S. regulatory issues > Nonprofit Postage Rates Increasing May 12

AFP > U.S. public policy issues | U.S. regulatory issues > Nonprofit Postage Rates Increasing May 12: "Nonprofit Postage Rates Increasing May 12

(May 8, 2008) Nonprofit mail rates will increase by an average of 0.7 percent starting on May 12.

The rate case, filed by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in February and approved by the U.S. Postage Commission, includes changes to all types of mail, including first-class mail, standard mail, periodicals, package services and special services."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Late last year, Imagine Canada, one of the nation’s prominent voluntary sector think tanks, released the following document -- Leadership Perspectives: Interviews with leaders of Canada’s charities and nonprofit organizations.

The document surveyed 32 sector leaders across numerous sub-sectors on a wide range of issues. Perhaps the most striking revelation to emerge was the belief that there is a dearth of new leadership to take over as stewards of the sector when the current crop retires or moves on."

Day of Caring touches nonprofits, residents | ShreveportTimes | The Times

Day of Caring touches nonprofits, residents | ShreveportTimes | The Times: "'It's the notion that she does so much and what goes around comes around,' Amy Cordaro, a GAP Broadcasting employee, said as she brushed a fresh coat of white paint onto Myles' floorboards.

Hosted by the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, the daylong event is meant to connect volunteer groups from local businesses with nonprofit agencies needing help."

A business approach to social change - The Boston Globe

A business approach to social change - The Boston Globe: "Andrew Wolk is founder, president, and chief executive of Root Cause, a Cambridge nonprofit that creates partnerships between the nonprofit and private sectors. He recently authored 'Business Planning for Enduring Social Impact,' a how-to guide for socially entrepreneurial organizations. He spoke with Globe reporter Sacha Pfeiffer."

Downturn hits Vt. nonprofits: Times Argus Online

Downturn hits Vt. nonprofits: Times Argus Online: "I don't think there's a nonprofit that's not affected,' said Mary Helen Hawthorne, that United Way's executive director. 'Nationwide, at every level, the downturn in the economy combined with rising fuel costs is affecting everyone. It's unbelievable. Who would have ever thought you would be paying $4 a gallon for gasoline? And the people who feel the pinch first are the poor.'

Rising gas prices have sent many people to charities and nonprofits for assistance."

Youths shave their locks, raise $15,000 for charity - The Boston Globe

Youths shave their locks, raise $15,000 for charity - The Boston Globe: "Several students at Lawrence Academy in Groton, including a 15-year-old female, will be going to their prom bald in a few weeks after shedding their locks for charity yesterday.
more stories like this

The dozen or so students, at least two members of the academy staff, and 12 members of a local Little League team shaved their heads for the charity St. Baldrick's, raising almost $15,000 for children's cancer research."

HeraldTribune.com - Thomas Tryon - Thomas Tryon - HeraldTribune.com

HeraldTribune.com - Thomas Tryon - Thomas Tryon - HeraldTribune.com: "ince then, focus groups have been conducted, telephone surveys performed, numbers crunched and conclusions reached. A report -- funded by a $100,000 anonymous donation and focused on Sarasota County -- has been written, printed and released.

So, according to the report prepared by Profile Marketing Research, what's the answer?

'There is generosity when it comes to charitable giving among Sarasota County residents ...'"

First Ph.D. in Philanthropy Is Awarded - Philanthropy.com

From the Chronicle Prospecting Blog.

First Ph.D. in Philanthropy Is Awarded - Philanthropy.com: "The United States may lead the world in charitable fund raising and philanthropy, but the country’s first Doctor of Philanthropic Studies, who graduated today in Indianapolis, is Chinese."

Private philanthropy's global reach | csmonitor.com

Private philanthropy's global reach | csmonitor.com: "Global philanthropy sports a multitude of faces. Bill Gates stands out, of course. But there's also the college student clicking a small online donation, the church contributing to microloans in Africa, and the Italian soccer team bringing 'the beautiful game' and educational programs to kids living in the rubble of war.

The changing nature of private giving and its emergence as a worldwide phenomenon are spotlighted in a report to be released Monday by the Hudson Institute – The Index of Global Philanthropy 2008. The Index is the only comprehensive source on the scope and magnitude of private giving to the developing world."

Uncertain times -- Some companies reduce their budgets for donations - Top Stories- msnbc.com

This story is no longer available
Uncertain times -- Some companies reduce their budgets for donations - Top Stories- msnbc.com: "Nonprofit groups fear that companies forced to tighten their budgets will start by reducing or eliminating their philanthropic programs. While corporate giving constitutes only about 5 percent of all donations nationwide, any cuts could have significant impact on programs and organizations."