Financial Fitness: Charitable giving: where head and heart meet

Financial Fitness: Charitable giving: where head and heart meet: "home : active lives : ACTIVE LIVES Saturday, March 14, 2009

Financial Fitness: Charitable giving: where head and heart meet

By JANET NIEMI For Active Lives

How can a person support organizations that help people in need? Some may choose to give their time and abilities through volunteer service, while still others provide financial support. Charitable giving provides an opportunity to engage both head and heart in making a difference. The following tips can help donors make the most of their charitable gifts."

Teen philanthropy on the rise | torres, recent, hours - Local News - Victorville Daily Press

Teen philanthropy on the rise | torres, recent, hours - Local News - Victorville Daily Press: "Megan Torres spent a recent weekend fasting for 30 hours and scavenging a Hesperia neighborhood for food donations with more than a dozen peers. Torres, 14, said she’s recently noticed a jump in teens her age signing up to volunteer."

The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA - Charity games build lasting legacy

The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA - Charity games build lasting legacy: "The contests raise money to support the national-based Make-A-Wish charity, which helps make the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions a reality. And the games have done far more than founder Heidi McKinney-Ingle would have ever imagined."

Volunteers swarm to help Seattle-area nonprofits - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

Volunteers swarm to help Seattle-area nonprofits - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):: "Volunteers are streaming into Seattle-area nonprofit groups, filling a variety of tasks from basic labor to pro bono professional work."

Philanthropy not just for the rich - Opinion

Philanthropy not just for the rich - Opinion: "One of the newest (and hippest) ways to become a philanthropist is through microfinance organizations like Kiva (kiva.org). This program lets viewers browse through projects set up by entrepreneurs in developing countries, which require small loans to get off the ground. Once users find a venture they like, they can lend a sum of money (large or small) to the entrepreneur until their desired loan amount is achieved. Eventually, the loan is paid back and the money is returned via PayPal. It can then be taken back or sent out to a new project."

$125 Million Is Pledged to Big Medical Center - NYTimes.com

$125 Million Is Pledged to Big Medical Center - NYTimes.com: "The gift is the first of $100 million or more since last fall, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Gifts of $1 million or more fell by 33 percent in the last half of 2008, a notable exception being the $300 million donation that David G. Booth, founder and chief executive of Dimensional Fund Advisors, gave to the University of Chicago business school in November."

Bill Clinton auctions off iPod for charity, complete with Elton John and Van Morrison

Bill Clinton auctions off iPod for charity, complete with Elton John and Van Morrison: "While the iPod autographed by the 42nd President pulled in more than $2,200, a player signed by talk show maven Ellen DeGeneres netted more than double that - $5,101 - in the auction run by the Web site Tonic."

Charities struggle to secure media coverage - Third Sector

Charities struggle to secure media coverage - Third Sector: "Focus on domestic news means fewer column inches for international development stories, say NGOs

International development charities are finding it increasingly difficult to secure media coverage of their work because of the recession."

The NonProfit Times -"Fundraisers Fighting For Jobs

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Fundraisers Fighting For Jobs

A 39-year-old fashion industry executive lost his job and explained his situation to Matthew Hale, chair of the Department of Public and Healthcare Administration at Seton Hall University.

“He rattled off how much money they made, and now apparently don’t, and he said ‘I’m looking to make a change. I’m looking to make a move. I’m interested in doing something maybe a little bit more meaningful,’” said Hale."

Madoff Jailed After Guilty Plea - washingtonpost.com

Madoff Jailed After Guilty Plea - washingtonpost.com: "An 'ashamed' Bernard L. Madoff pleaded guilty Thursday morning to bilking investors out of billions of dollars in savings in the biggest fraud in Wall Street history, and a judge ordered him jailed immediately to await a June 16 sentencing date."

Business Daily Africa - the international window into East African business opportunities - Is every day red nose day in Kenya?

Business Daily Africa - the international window into East African business opportunities - Is every day red nose day in Kenya?: "March 13, 2009: Today Friday, the 13th of March, is ‘Red Nose Day’ in the UK. People across the land, led by the nation’s favourite celebrities, will spot a plastic or foam ‘red nose’ (or even three noses, if they so wish)."

Call for unity on volunteering - Third Sector

Call for unity on volunteering - Third Sector: "Charities should present one message to the public, says Media Trust chief

Charities should consider drawing up a coordinated strategy to attract more volunteers, key volunteering figures have been told."

The Green Rich List - Times Online

The Green Rich List - Times Online: "he global rich are going green as never before. This first Sunday Times Green Rich List shows that the enthusiasm among the world’s wealthiest for investments in areas as diverse as electric cars, solar power and geothermal energy is unaffected by the recession. Read the full article"

D.C. and N.Y. Charities Reveal Recession Jitters in New Surveys - Philanthropy.com

D.C. and N.Y. Charities Reveal Recession Jitters in New Surveys - Philanthropy.com: "D.C. and N.Y. Charities Reveal Recession Jitters in New Surveys

By Heather Joslyn

Among nonprofit organizations in the Washington and New York metropolitan areas, staff members who run programs are most likely to be laid off this year, while fund raisers at those charities are most likely to see their ranks increase, according to a pair of new surveys on nonprofit salaries."

AIDS Walk Reports Record-Breaking Sponsorship Levels | News | Advocate.com

AIDS Walk Reports Record-Breaking Sponsorship Levels | News | Advocate.com: "AIDS Walk Reports Record-Breaking Sponsorship Levels
Click the byline to view more stories by this author.
By Julie Bolcer

Organizers of AIDS Walk New York on Wednesday announced record-breaking corporate sponsorship levels for the event despite the current economic downturn. The event is the largest of four AIDS Walks that will take place in 2009 in cities across the United States, including San Francisco, Milwaukee and Los Angeles, to raise money to fight HIV/AIDS."

United Way breaks money raising record for the Treasure Valley | News Updates | Idaho Statesman

United Way breaks money raising record for the Treasure Valley | News Updates | Idaho Statesman: "imes are tough, but United Way set a new fundraising record anyway.

Surprising in a time of such grim economic news? No, just evidence of Idaho generosity, said Sally Zive, president and CEO of United Way of Treasure Valley."

Hoosiers trust nonprofit to do what is right, Indiana University survey finds: IU News Room: Indiana University

Hoosiers trust nonprofit to do what is right, Indiana University survey finds: IU News Room: Indiana University: "BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A large majority of Indiana residents trust nonprofit organizations and charities in their communities to do what is right most or just about all the time, according to a new Indiana University survey."

Madoff: What's the Right Penalty? - BusinessWeek

Madoff: What's the Right Penalty? - BusinessWeek: "t's the question of the moment for many: Is there any punishment severe enough to fit Bernard Madoff's crime? With the perpetrator of what may be the largest financial fraud in history due to plead guilty on Mar. 12 to 11 felonies in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, the issue of an appropriate penalty is about to move center stage. It's hardly surprising, given the magnitude of losses and number of lives shattered, that Madoff's victims have dreamed up all manner of punishments they would like visited upon him."

CPA company urges monthly donations to charities - recordonline.com - The Times Herald Record

CPA company urges monthly donations to charities - recordonline.com - The Times Herald Record: "For the duration of the recession, Goldstein has pledged that his CPA firm, Goldstein Lieberman & Co., will make a monthly donation to a local charity, and he is challenging other businesses to follow suit.

'Although the downturn is hurtful and damaging to the business community, it's almost devastating for those in the nonprofit arena,' Goldstein said. 'We want to step up and help.'"

Traveling for school donations - News

Traveling for school donations - News: "Eastern has more than 70,000 alumni, and Jill Nilsen expects development directors in the Office of Philanthropy to visit as many of them as they can.

To do this well, the development directors are expected to travel in preparation for Eastern's $40 million fund-raising campaign, which developed after President Bill Perry put emphasis on fundraising in his January 2008 letter to the university.

The campaign is the largest attempted at Eastern."

Surviving Madoff | Rob Eshman | Jewish Journal

Surviving Madoff | Rob Eshman | Jewish Journal: "On Tuesday came word that Bernard Madoff, accused of running the largest Ponzi scheme in history, would plead guilty to charges that would result in a life sentence.

That settles much, and settles nothing."

Foundation Group Opposes Charitable-Deduction Cap and Supports Estate Tax - Philanthropy.com

Foundation Group Opposes Charitable-Deduction Cap and Supports Estate Tax - Philanthropy.com: "Foundation Group Opposes Charitable-Deduction Cap and Supports Estate Tax

The Council on Foundations has decided to oppose President Obama’s proposal to limit the tax break wealthy Americans get for charitable deductions, fearing that it would dampen giving, Steve Gunderson, the group’s president, said today.

The council, which represents more than 2,000 grant makers, also for the first time has decided to weigh in on the estate tax, formally backing President Obama’s plan to keep it at current levels, Mr. Gunderson said in an interview."

The World's Billionaires - Forbes.com

The World's Billionaires - Forbes.com: "The richest people in the world have gotten poorer, just like the rest of us. This year the world's billionaires have an average net worth of $3 billion, down 23% in 12 months. The world now has 793 billionaires, down from 1,125 a year ago."

Madoff’s Future: Where the Case Is Likely to Go - DealBook Blog - NYTimes.com

Madoff’s Future: Where the Case Is Likely to Go - DealBook Blog - NYTimes.com: "Bernard L. Madoff is prepared to plead guilty to charges arising from his vast Ponzi scheme, which cost investors tens of billions of dollars. At a hearing on Tuesday to consider his waiver of conflicts of interest with his lawyer, Mr. Madoff’s counsel indicated that his client would enter a guilty plea, and prosecutors filed an 11-count criminal information."

VOA News - College Enrollment Up in a Down Economy

VOA News - College Enrollment Up in a Down Economy: "All the various participants in the system are subject to the same economic cycle. The states are having a hard time. Endowments are having a hard time. Philanthropy is having a hard time. It is not just families who are having a hard time.'

The good news, according to Nassirian, is that in spite of the economic downturn, most students will be able to find the money they need to go - or stay - in school. Funding is tighter, but scholarships, grants and loans are still available."

The recession and US museums - The Art Newspaper

The recession and US museums - The Art Newspaper: "The impact of world recession on museums will be more subtle, but no less profound. The conspicuous consumption that has fuelled the art market is umbilically linked to the conspicuous philanthropy that has fuelled much of the growth in contemporary art museums throughout the US, the Middle East, South East Asia and Europe. These institutions have been significant beneficiaries of the growing and, to many, morally indefensible disparities of wealth throughout the world. It has left them heavily reliant on, and overly attuned and attentive to, a narrow constituency whose long-term appetite or capacity for support is highly questionable. The sector has come to rely disproportionately on the very wealthy, and on the role that museums can play as mechanisms for the translation of wealth into status, and status into power."

Karen Heller: Especially now, a time for charity | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/10/2009

Karen Heller: Especially now, a time for charity | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/10/2009: "Charity begins at home, though Princeton ethicist Peter Singer argues it should travel much farther afield. When Americans give, we tend to follow our personal connections, funding academic, religious, and cultural institutions where we've formed attachments."

CEO invested in YWCA mission - El Paso Times

CEO invested in YWCA mission - El Paso Times: "Dr. Sandra E. Braham has a lot to say about the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region.

And it's not just because she serves as its chief executive officer. Nor is it because she can recite the contents of the annual report from memory. It's not even because she is inspired by the many success stories. Though all of these things are true, Braham's passion for the agency stems from its mission. She truly believes in the potential of women and she knows, from personal experience, the value of a hand up. She has a unique perspective that one does not glean from volunteerism or philanthropy alone. Her story is one of perseverance and hard work. It is a journey that inspires every woman who is down on her luck and every child who has a dream."

Washington Times - Gallucci tapped to head charity

Washington Times - Gallucci tapped to head charity: "Robert L. Gallucci, dean of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, will be named president of one of the nation's largest philanthropic organizations Tuesday."

Nonprofit and community groups meet for south O.C. summit | county, community, orange, foundation, need - News - OCRegister.com

Nonprofit and community groups meet for south O.C. summit | county, community, orange, foundation, need - News - OCRegister.com: "RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Non-profit groups serving South Orange County are laying the foundation for a network that will help them work more closely together to serve the needy and raise funds."

Professional Fundraising | Celebrity sells – how charities are using celebrities to fundraise

Professional Fundraising | Celebrity sells – how charities are using celebrities to fundraise: "Whether you are a slave to it, cynic of it, or simply indifferent, the fact remains that celebrity sells. And though once it might have been seen as an added bonus, the use of celebrities by charities is now serious business, as Lucy Harvey reports.

As you tuck into this month’s issue of PF interviews will be taking place at GirlGuiding UK for a new post dedicated to finding celebrity support."

Nonprofits working harder : editorials : Journal-Advocate Sterling, CO

Nonprofits working harder : editorials : Journal-Advocate Sterling, CO: "Those are the people who, due to extenuating circumstances, depend on the services provided by nonprofit organizations. And now, nonprofit organizations have had their funding affected by recent financial events in this country, causing even more concern by those committed to providing these services."

$25,000 raised on Ride of Fire - Local News - News - General - Macleay Argus

$25,000 raised on Ride of Fire - Local News - News - General - Macleay Argus: "THE ‘Ride of Fire’ from Cairns to Albury passed through Kempsey on Sunday afternoon during the Ballina to Port Macquarie leg of the journey.

The fundraising appeal for bushfire and flood victims was organised by Harley Davidson enthusiast and graphic designer Boyd Jackson."

Students Start Charity Library Program After Studying Abroad in Maua, Kenya [The Daily Cardinal] « International Studies at UW-Madison

Students Start Charity Library Program After Studying Abroad in Maua, Kenya [The Daily Cardinal] « International Studies at UW-Madison: "After months of living in wooden structures and small clay houses in the third-world country, five students came together to form a charity-based organization directed toward assisting the Kenya School Libraries Program."

University of Kentucky News -- news.uky.edu

University of Kentucky News -- news.uky.edu: "Students Raise $600,888 for Pediatric Oncology
Media Contact: Jenny Wells, (859) 257-3303, x254
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 9, 2009) − After 24 hours of non-stop dancing, approximately 600 University of Kentucky students and dozens of young cancer patients and their families discovered that they have once again broke last year's total by raising an astonishing $600,888.82 for pediatric oncology care at the university."

Foundations can help stabilize cities, Kresge Foundation’s Rapson says - Detroit Business News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business

Foundations can help stabilize cities, Kresge Foundation’s Rapson says - Detroit Business News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business: "Rapson spoke at “Best Practices from the Best-managed Nonprofits: Surviving the Economic Tsunami, a half-day event sponsored by Crain’s Detroit Business, DTE Energy Foundation and Lawrence Technological University and presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Detroit Chapter, Detroit Executive Service Corp. and the LTU College of Management Center for Nonprofit Management."

Centre for philanthropy studies opens doors » The Journal

Centre for philanthropy studies opens doors » The Journal: "The UK's first research centre for charitable giving and philanthropy launched in mid-February and is funded through a partnership of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Office of the Third Sector (OTS) in the Cabinet Office, the Carnegie UK Trust and the Scottish Government."

Ethical Corporation: Special Reports - Private wealth – Netting rich returns

Ethical Corporation: Special Reports - Private wealth – Netting rich returns: "UN PRI executive director James Gifford says: “High net worth individuals constitute a significant part of the market and one that is sometimes overlooked by the responsible investment sector. Historically there has been a tendency to equate wealthy individuals with philanthropy, but this is increasingly a misconception.”"

No matter the source, Brandeis needs the cash - Op-Ed

No matter the source, Brandeis needs the cash - Op-Ed: "It might be time for Brandeis University to look into corporate sponsorship, however despicable it may sound. Brandeis prides itself on delivering Ivy League-quality education and preparing its students for the top graduate schools. Since the University is on the brink of becoming flat broke, the administration has had to re-evaluate its mission and make its operations more cost-effective."

Deseret News | Hard times underscore the need for voluntarism

Deseret News | Hard times underscore the need for voluntarism: "Our nation and our people are facing tough times, not unlike the depression of the 1930s. We have growing unemployment, longer food lines, home foreclosures, lack of affordable health care, and those public and nonprofit institutions that help people in need are unable to meet the growing demands. Utahns have been proud of the values our forefathers and pioneers fostered, especially that of reaching out, helping each other, and of voluntarism"

Making faith work - Bennington Banner

Making faith work - Bennington Banner: "New President Barack Obama, also by executive order, replaced the Bush office with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Mr. Obama's office includes an all-new policy advisory council made up of experts and activists from both religious and social service circles."

Quiltmaker's work raises thousands for charity -- Newsday.com

Quiltmaker's work raises thousands for charity -- Newsday.com: "FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Cecily Zerega can't write out a check for $1,000 to help area charities like the Mercy Learning Center or Operation Hope. What she can do, however, is create beautiful quilts, many of them highly detailed, for community groups to raffle or auction off to raise money for their missions.

And boy, has she been quilting."

March 08: Feedback from newspaper readers -- dailypress.com

March 08: Feedback from newspaper readers -- dailypress.com: "Generous Holiday Fund donations help add $214,000 to charities
In our current economic uncertainty, it's understandable why folks might choose to cut back on their charitable contributions — or perhaps forgo them entirely — for fear of spending money that they might need later for their families.

The fact that so many of our friends and neighbors resisted that tendency and gave so generously — and in record numbers — to our recently concluded Daily Press Holiday Fund is a reassuring testimony to your thoughtfulness and compassion."

Political donors show no signs of recession | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser

Political donors show no signs of recession | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser: "f Montgomerians are struggling through this recession, you wouldn't know it by looking at the list of contributors in the special mayoral election."

News: Local | "Smaller nonprofits still struggle to find enough help" | The Register-Guard

News: Local | "Smaller nonprofits still struggle to find enough help" | The Register-Guard: "While larger organizations such as Greenhill Humane Society are seeing an outpouring of out-of-work people ready and willing to volunteer their cuddle time, a number of smaller nonprofits say they haven’t seen their ranks grow at all."

Foundations should show they can police themselves | Philanthropy Journal

Foundations should show they can police themselves | Philanthropy Journal: "Foundations typically reject any effort to add new regulations, and suggest they can regulate themselves.

Rarely has action followed the rhetoric.

Now may be the time for foundations to overcome their inertia."

Tampa Bay area nonprofits see surge in demand, drop in donations - St. Petersburg Times

Tampa Bay area nonprofits see surge in demand, drop in donations - St. Petersburg Times: "In recent days, I've heard the lamentations of both Rich Engwall, an executive at the nonprofit Pinellas Education Foundation, and United Way of Tampa Bay spokesman Doug Arnold. They cite the bad economy's double whammy. It's squeezing their nonprofits' abilities to attract donations just as their groups face rising demands for help from the local community for their services."

Nonprofit groups must go lean to make best use of money | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle

Nonprofit groups must go lean to make best use of money | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle: "Donors increasingly tell me they feel there are too many nonprofits and too much duplication and inefficiency in the service delivery system.

Non-profit staff and volunteers may take offense and argue the point, but it's an ever growing perception, and perception defines reality."

Madoff may be near a plea deal with prosecutors | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Madoff may be near a plea deal with prosecutors | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "NEW YORK — Disgraced New York financier Bernard Madoff may be nearing a deal to plead guilty to one of the most egregious financial crimes in history."

Aid group doesn't break stride | ajc.com

Aid group doesn't break stride | ajc.com: "The seventh annual Spring Chicken Run is on for March 28 at Macland Presbyterian Church in Powder Springs. In today’s economic climate, run co-director Carla Pierce feared they might have to cancel the “race against hunger” this year.

“We expected that corporate sponsorship was going to be down, because so many businesses are struggling and wouldn’t be able to contribute as they have in the past,” Pierce said. Runner-registration fees cover event expenses, but corporate giving has made the run more successful every year."