IRS Watches for Potential Abuses as Charites Grapple With a Bad Economy, Agency Official Says - Philanthropy.com

IRS Watches for Potential Abuses as Charites Grapple With a Bad Economy, Agency Official Says - Philanthropy.com: "The Internal Revenue Service is working to help “protect the trust and confidence” in nonprofit organizations during the current economic crisis and will be watchful of possible abuse, says Lois G. Lerner, who oversees the IRS office that monitors charities and foundations"

AFP Conference Roundup: Six Best Practices for Balancing New and Traditional Media : By Abny Santicola : FundRaising Success

AFP Conference Roundup: Six Best Practices for Balancing New and Traditional Media : By Abny Santicola : FundRaising Success: "The first step to learning how to balance new and traditional media to better connect with donors is to accept that we're living in an interconnected age. So said Mitch Maxson, senior creative director, and Scott Henderson, vice president of marketing, for MediaSauce in their session the 46th AFP International Conference on Fundraising, which took place last week in New Orleans."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "April 7, 2009

Foundations Giving Up, But Probably Down

In the midst of a deepening economic crisis, the more than 75,000 U.S. grantmaking foundations nevertheless increased their giving 2.8 percent during 2008 to an estimated $45.6 billion, according to “Foundation Growth and Giving Estimates: Current Outlook” (2009 Edition), released by the Foundation Center."

Bill Clinton to attend AIDS charity gala in Cannes | Lifestyle | Reuters

Bill Clinton to attend AIDS charity gala in Cannes | Lifestyle | Reuters: "LONDON (Reuters Life!) - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will address the annual amfAR charity gala that raises money for AIDS research during the Cannes film festival on France's southern coast."

Church Executive Magazine :: Brought to you by Power Trade Media

Church Executive Magazine :: Brought to you by Power Trade Media: "WASHINGTON – Public policy and philanthropy experts are still wrestling with the implications of President Obama’s proposal to reduce tax deduction on charitable donations – a move that has sparked uproar in the nonprofit sector."

GuideStar Newsletter article: Who Are These People, and What Are They Saying About Us

GuideStar Newsletter article: Who Are These People, and What Are They Saying About Us: "Who Are These People, and What Are They Saying About Us? Charity Reviews Debut on GuideStar

April 2009

If you've looked at our new report pages, you may have noticed the 'Click here to read reviews' and 'Click here to write reviews' links to the left of the page. Click on the former, and you'll find reviews written by people who have firsthand experience with an organization. Click on the latter, and you'll be invited to write a review of your own."

Couple Dedicated To Relief - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register

Couple Dedicated To Relief - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register: "For seven years, the Bellaire couple has run the Salvation Army's Belmont County canteen - a disaster relief service that provides aid to those responding to emergencies.

'I got two pagers on my side,' Nelson Coulter pointed out, noting he and his wife are always on call."

Dana Point Times - Local News You Can Use

Dana Point Times - Local News You Can Use: "The challenge of meeting fundraising goals in a down economy is one being faced by non-profits nationally, according to Association of Fundraising Professionals spokesperson Michael Nilsen. “It’s definitely been a struggle,” he said. “Anecdotally, we’re hearing from members that this is probably the most difficult fundraising time they’ve faced in their careers.”

The AFP is tabulating a 2008 survey of fundraising dollars raised by national charities, and while the study isn’t finished, Nilsen is far from optimistic. “It doesn’t look good.”"

New oregon winery will donate all profits to charity

New oregon winery will donate all profits to charity: "Bodhichitta Winery, the first Oregon winery with a mission of service and philanthropy, is thrilled to announce the launch of its wines. Bodhichitta (pronounced 'bodda-cheetah') is a Sanskrit word meaning 'to give of oneself'. The winery produces a range of quality, handcrafted wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley and Contemplative Cabernet Sauvignon and Giggling Pinot Gris from Southern Oregon, as well as lavender aromatherapy products. The wines are available for sale on the winery's website, www.bodhichittawinery.com. One hundred percent of the profits from Bodhichitta sales are donated to charity."

BERNAMA - Companies Need To Effectively Communicate CSR Programmes

BERNAMA - Companies Need To Effectively Communicate CSR Programmes: "Companies Need To Effectively Communicate CSR Programmes

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- There are companies in Malaysia who undertake a lot of good corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes but do not communicate it effectively.

'Some businesses do great work but don't talk about it, so it is a missed opportunity and I think this is an issue,' CSR Asia chairman Richard Welford said here today."

Israeli Nonprofits, Shaken by Madoff Scandal, Regroup - NYTimes.com

Israeli Nonprofits, Shaken by Madoff Scandal, Regroup - NYTimes.com: "JERUSALEM — The collapse of Bernard L. Madoff’s $65 billion Ponzi scheme, whose victims included many American Jewish organizations and philanthropists, has also hammered a number of Israeli social service groups and wiped out at least three foundations that supported Israeli causes."

Charitable Fundraising Hit New Low in 2008 - FOXBusiness.com

Charitable Fundraising Hit New Low in 2008 - FOXBusiness.com: "AFP's eighth annual State of Fundraising Survey asked charities to compare their fundraising totals in 2008 to their figures in 2007. Overall, just 46 percent of organizations raised more funds in 2008, a new low in the eight-year history of the survey. In a typical year, about 60 percent of respondents raise more money than compared to the previous year. The previous low was reported in 2002 when just 49 percent of organizations raised more money that year than compared to 2001."

Philanthropist Bill Greehey honored internationally for fundraising efforts - San Antonio Business Journal:

Philanthropist Bill Greehey honored internationally for fundraising efforts - San Antonio Business Journal:: "Greehey is the recipient of the 2009 Ketchum Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, which was presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)."

Hospital CEO pay: High but justified? - Fosters

Hospital CEO pay: High but justified? - Fosters: "Overall, her compensation package is less than the average total paid to the lead administrator of each of roughly 500 hospitals nationwide. The hospitals' compensation practices were examined in an IRS study that began in 2006.

The study found CEO compensation rose with hospital revenue and noted that while salaries 'may appear high to some, nearly all' of the 500 institutions reviewed adhered to IRS standards designed to ensure CEO pay is reasonable at nonprofit hospitals."

Yale gets $50M gift for global affairs center -- Newsday.com

Yale gets $50M gift for global affairs center -- Newsday.com: "HARTFORD, Conn. - Yale University will use a $50 million gift from a New Jersey couple to launch a new global affairs program designed to better prepare students for careers in diplomacy and other international jobs, school President Richard C. Levin said Friday.

The gift, among the largest given to the New Haven university, comes from 1967 Yale graduate John W. Jackson, his wife Susan and their charitable organization, the Liana Foundation."

Notre Dame sets charitable record - High River Times - Alberta, CA

Notre Dame sets charitable record - High River Times - Alberta, CA: "* Careerad.com

* Notre Dame sets charitable record

Notre Dame sets charitable record
‘Extraordinary’ effort yields $51,578.81
Posted By Alyssa Burnham TIMES REPORTER
Posted 29 mins ago


Notre Dame Collegiate students and staff have learned that individuals working

together can do great things.

The school raised a jaw-dropping $51,578.81 for a head-shaving fundraiser that took place on Wednesday.

In doing so, they smashed the previous Canadian record of $16,500 and became the highest leukemia fundraising school in all of North America."

Corporate Giving in a Recession

Corporate Giving in a Recession: "With a recession raging, nonprofit groups need money more than ever. But many individual donors are giving less, instead of more. Unfortunately, large corporations have begun to follow suit."

Paul Brest: Philanthropy by the Numbers

Paul Brest: Philanthropy by the Numbers: "In this final post on the National Committee on Responsive Philanthropy's Criteria for Philanthropy at its Best®, I will discuss its mandate that a foundation must provide 'at least 50 percent of its grant dollars to benefit lower-income communities, communities of color, and other marginalized groups, broadly defined.'"

Effort afoot to bring Easter baskets to flood-weary Red River Valley

Effort afoot to bring Easter baskets to flood-weary Red River Valley: "The Salvation Army in the Twin Cities is rallying to ensure that thousands of children in the flood-weary Red River Valley will have their sweet tooth satisfied this Easter season."

Several major nonprofits still without CEOs - Philadelphia Business Journal:

Several major nonprofits still without CEOs - Philadelphia Business Journal:: "The jobless rate may be rising, but a handful of arts-and-cultural organizations in Philadelphia are going through prolonged searches to fill their top positions."

Campus Times Online

Campus Times Online: "For the first time at the University of La Verne, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity teeter-tottered for 24 hours from March 26 through March 27 to raise money for their philanthropy."

Jazz festival scaled back due to budget cuts | Chandler Arizona News - Chandler News - Chandler, AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com

Jazz festival scaled back due to budget cuts | Chandler Arizona News - Chandler News - Chandler, AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com: "This weekend’s Chandler Jazz Festival is being scaled back because of city budget cuts, despite record attendance last year, and officials say without increased corporate sponsorship, next year’s event could be in jeopardy."

Pro-bono nonprofit work, $120 per hour - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):

Pro-bono nonprofit work, $120 per hour - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):: "The average value of pro-bono services provided by corporations to nonprofits is $120 an hour, according to a national study that analyzed billing rates in multiple professional service firms."

The Great Debate » Debate Archive » Keep the charitable tax deduction | The Great Debate |

The Great Debate » Debate Archive » Keep the charitable tax deduction | The Great Debate |: "Research has shown that charitable contributions are price sensitive, and the gifts of higher-income taxpayers are more sensitive to price than are the gifts of those lower on the income scale, according to George Washington University economics Professor Joseph Cordes. So reducing tax savings will shrink giving, hurting recipients."

People Over 50 Flocking to Volunteer Programs - NYTimes.com

People Over 50 Flocking to Volunteer Programs - NYTimes.com: "WITHIN two days of President Obama’s Inaugural Address, online applications to the Peace Corps spiked, as many Americans responded to the call to serve."

Museums brace for storm as donors shy away | Reuters

Museums brace for storm as donors shy away | Reuters: "Museums and other cultural institutions globally are being pinched, scaling back exhibitions and cutting staff to cope with shrunken endowments, thriftier benefactors and cuts in state funding. Some are closing."

Charity to host canceled bike ride: Biking in Southcentral | adn.com

Charity to host canceled bike ride: Biking in Southcentral | adn.com: "A local charity has stepped in with a Plan B for the hundreds of cyclists who won't be able to ride in Alaska's popular Clean Air Challenge fundraiser due to its cancellation this year. The Special Olympics Alaska Chapter said it stepped into the gap this year to host The Bike Ride, a two-day, 118-mile ride between Houston and Talkeetna. The May 16-17 event duplicates the route, schedule and fundraising requirements of the Clean Air Challenge."

Relay for Life recruits record number of teams

Relay for Life recruits record number of teams: "Thursday, April 02, 2009

The Relay for Life has signed up a record number of teams for this year's event, but organizers are hoping to expand the field even further.

'We have 65 teams so far, which is a terrific increase from the 55 we had last year,' said marketing chairwoman Angela Dean. 'However, financial donations are down, and we'll continue to accept registrations until the day of the race.'"

Spin-a-thon in Stoughton to raise money for charity - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

Spin-a-thon in Stoughton to raise money for charity - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise: "TOUGHTON —

More than 400 people will spin their wheels for many good causes during the third annual Gold’s Gym Spin-A-Thon on Friday."

Microfinance: a small step for mankind

Microfinance: a small step for mankind: "Wealthy philanthropists striving to boost the fortunes of the poor may have inadvertently provided a template for rebuilding the banking sector."

Winnowing of 7,093 S.F. nonprofits needed?

Winnowing of 7,093 S.F. nonprofits needed?: "A new study released this week by the University of San Francisco's Institute for Nonprofit Organizational Management confirms those premises, but adds a troubling conclusion: A steep decline in revenue from donations and foundations has put some of the biggest nonprofits at risk."

Rock Paper Scissors raises $400 - NEWS

Rock Paper Scissors raises $400 - NEWS: "The first Rock Paper Scissors contest wrapped up the third day of Ball State University's Greek Week and raised money and canned goods for Muncie Mission Ministries Inc."

BBC NEWS | England | Somerset | Town to turn yellow for charity

BBC NEWS | England | Somerset | Town to turn yellow for charity: "Schools and businesses in Glastonbury, Somerset, are to take part in a 'Yellow Day' to raise funds for local charity Martha Care.

Yellow-themed events will be held on 3 April and yellow ribbons will be draped from all premises taking part."

State workers collect record amount of food | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

State workers collect record amount of food | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "State workers collected a record amount of food for hungry Oregonians during this year's food drive, officials announced at an awards ceremony Wednesday."

Wichita charities see rise in need | Local | Wichita Eagle

Wichita charities see rise in need | Local | Wichita Eagle: "WICHITA - As the recession grows stronger, the people who help the poor are bracing for a peak in the wave of new poor people. At the Catholic Charities St. Anthony Family Shelter, homeless clients looking for jobs are telling staff that there is more competition for jobs at the lower end of the income scale, as people with higher incomes lose their jobs and look for work at the lower end."

Russian philanthropists make another big grant | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

Russian philanthropists make another big grant | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News: "Russian philanthropists make another big grant

By Jacob Berkman · April 1, 2009

The Genesis Philanthropy Group, which was started by four Jewish Russian billionaires, has given yet another big grant to help the Russian speaking North American community.

The group has given $2.7 million to the Wexner Foundation to create two Wexner Heritage classes with the UJA Federation of New York that would be comprised of Russian speaking Jews in New York and to create two fellowships through Wexner's existing fellowship program that would pay for graduate school for two Russian speaking Jews who were committed to becoming Jewish communal professionals."

AFP International Conference provides inspiration and education - Service to Others

AFP International Conference provides inspiration and education - Service to Others: "AFP International Conference provides inspiration and education
Posted: Apr 01, 2009 by Rachel Hutchisson | with no comments
Filed under: philanthropy, giving, service, education, AFP International

I've just returned from the AFP International Conference in New Orleans, and what a conference it was. More than 3,000 people gathered this year to celebrate and to advance the profession through continuing education.

I have to admit that I expected it to be a down year, and although it was a somewhat smaller crowd than previous years, the fact that several thousand fundraisers made the trip says something really positive about our industry and where it stands. We are continuing to invest in our people and our future."

Williams Stuffs Students Into Dorms as Economy Pares Endowments - Bloomberg.com

Williams Stuffs Students Into Dorms as Economy Pares Endowments - Bloomberg.com: "April 1 (Bloomberg) -- Wesleyan University plans to add 120 students to help shore up finances after its endowment fell 22 percent, an indication the recession is forcing doors to open a bit wider at top-rated U.S. colleges."

Marc Morial says mistrust slows New Orleans recovery - Breaking News from New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

Marc Morial says mistrust slows New Orleans recovery - Breaking News from New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "In an interview after he addressed a fundraisers convention, Morial said that among New Orleanians before the 2005 storm, 'There was a multiracial effort ... to come together around big things, despite some pushing and shoving along the way. Katrina changed that.'"

Area nonprofits, businesses vie for stimulus funds | newarkadvocate.com | The Newark Advocate

Area nonprofits, businesses vie for stimulus funds | newarkadvocate.com | The Newark Advocate: "With building-related projects already planned out, but funding not identified, The Robbins Hunter Museum-Avery Downer House and Denison University couldn't help but jump when federal stimulus money became available."

Report: Nonprofits have huge impact on economy - Detroit Business News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business

Report: Nonprofits have huge impact on economy - Detroit Business News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business: "Michigan nonprofits now employ about 10 percent of the state’s employees and pay about $4 billion each quarter in wages, according to a newly released report gauging the industry’s economic impact."

In recession, black-tie events tighten belts | ajc.com

In recession, black-tie events tighten belts | ajc.com: "The April 22 Flavors of Atlanta gala for the Georgia chapter of the American Liver Foundation should net about $90,000 — $30,000 less than last year and well below the original goal of $175,000. And the May 2 Wings of Mercy ball for the St. Joseph’s Mercy Foundation is likely to net around $200,000, some $70,000 less than last year."

40% of Foundations Expect Giving to Drop in 2009, Chronicle Study Finds - Philanthropy.com

40% of Foundations Expect Giving to Drop in 2009, Chronicle Study Finds - Philanthropy.com: "40% of Foundations Expect Giving to Drop in 2009, Chronicle Study Finds

By Noelle Barton

Assets at the nation’s largest private foundations fell by a median of 28 percent from 2007 to 2008, and 40 percent of grant makers who participated in a new Chronicle survey say they expect giving to decline in 2009."

56 National Organizations Oppose More Tax Cuts for Millionaires | OMB Watch

56 National Organizations Oppose More Tax Cuts for Millionaires | OMB Watch: "The House and Senate are debating the FY 2010 budget resolution on the floor this week and in anticipation of regressive amendments that would expand the cut to the estate tax enacted under the Bush administration, OMB Watch joined 55 other national nonprofit organizations have sent a letter to each senator urging them to oppose any amendment that further erodes the estate tax."