Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: Ready, Set, Haiku!

Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: Ready, Set, Haiku!: "April 16, 2009
Ready, Set, Haiku!

I guess it's the English major in me, or my fondness of whimsy, that makes this contest capture my imagination. If you've been feeling that organized philanthropy leaves little room for whimsy and humor, then the recently announced ZeroDivide Technology Haiku Contest is for you."

Tough times? YMCA offers family memberships for volunteer hours - The Sault Star - Ontario, CA

Tough times? YMCA offers family memberships for volunteer hours - The Sault Star - Ontario, CA: "Tough times? YMCA offers family memberships for volunteer hours
Posted By ELAINE DELLA-MATTIA, THE SAULT STAR
Posted 2 days ago


The Sault Family YMCA is launching a new program to help families cope with current challenging economic times.

The Strong Kids/Strong Families program will offer participants a chance to volunteer their time in exchange for a family membership."

Acronym: Association meetings and the economy

From ASAE Acronym Blog

Acronym: Association meetings and the economy: "Association meetings and the economy

No one doubts the economy is affecting association meetings, but if anybody doubted that we are just at the starting line of the meetings distress, all one needed to do was have a few conversations on the show floor."

Tulsa World: Senators shun shoes for charity

Tulsa World: Senators shun shoes for charity: "Going sans footwear definitely runs contrary to chamber protocol, but the rules were briefly suspended so several senators, including Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, could remove their shoes and socks to promote One Day Without Shoes, an initiative to provide shoes for poor children worldwide.

Sens. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, and Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, were the first to agree to take off their shoes."

Yale Daily News - Applications to nonprofits skyrocket

Yale Daily News - Applications to nonprofits skyrocket: "Applications to national post-graduation service programs such as Teach for America, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps have reached record proportions this year, driven by graduates seeking stable employment in a crumbling job market and looking to fulfill what some have termed the “call to service” of President Barack Obama."

'Civic generation' rolls up sleeves in record numbers - USATODAY.com

'Civic generation' rolls up sleeves in record numbers - USATODAY.com: "oung adults who grew up in the shadow of the 9/11 attacks and saw the wreckage of Hurricane Katrina are volunteering at home and abroad in record numbers. The generation that learned in school to serve as well as to read and write, the Millennials were the first global Internet explorers even as they pioneered social networking for favorite causes at home."

Sunday marathon through Marin canceled due to lack of interest - Marin Independent Journal

Sunday marathon through Marin canceled due to lack of interest - Marin Independent Journal: "Citing a lack of entries, Marin County Marathon race director Mark Liebert canceled this Sunday's scheduled 26.2-mile race earlier this week. The companion events - a half-marathon, a 10-kilometer race and the kids race - will go off as scheduled from the start/finish at McNears Beach in San Rafael.

'It was a combination of matters, but mainly we didn't have enough participants, only 60 entries,' said Liebert, who had advertised the event on banners and busses througout Marin. 'Everyone working on the race is a volunteer. We give all proceeds to charity. It was just too much.'"

Study: Religious donors don't plan to cut back - USATODAY.com

Study: Religious donors don't plan to cut back - USATODAY.com: "Cygnus Applied Research, a Chicago-based international research firm, completed a survey of more than 17,000 U.S. donors to charitable causes in February. It found that 57% of actively religious donors said they expected to give more or the same amount to charitable causes as they did in 2008."

White House Appoints Head of Office of Social Innovation - Philanthropy.com

White House Appoints Head of Office of Social Innovation - Philanthropy.com: "White House Appoints Head of Office of Social Innovation

It’s now official: Sonal Shah, former head of global development at Google.org, the search-engine company’s philanthropic arm, is head of the new White House Office of Social Innovation."

Michigan Lottery winner gives prize to charity - Forbes.com

Michigan Lottery winner gives prize to charity - Forbes.com: "A Kalamazoo-area man who won $10,000 in the Michigan Lottery's Club Keno game has donated his winnings to a charity."

Food Banks See Increase in Need

Food Banks See Increase in Need: "A few months ago, Michael had never had to rely on food donations. But the Burke resident, who did not want his last name used for privacy reasons, has been unemployed since July.

During the fall and winter, he struggled to pay his rent and buy groceries. When things didn’t improve, he called Fairfax County’s social services and was referred to Our Daily Bread, a City of Fairfax non-profit that provides food assistance."

Stimulus money gives a boost to small start-ups - USATODAY.com

Stimulus money gives a boost to small start-ups - USATODAY.com: "A little-known provision of the massive $787 billion stimulus law recently passed by Congress doubles federal funding for so-called Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) such as Community First Fund. That includes local thrifts, banks and non-profits that serve low-income neighborhoods often ignored by large institutions or exploited by high-cost predatory lenders. President Obama's 2010 budget includes more money for the financiers, to help distressed areas hit hardest by the recession."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "It’s Official -- 2008 Stunk

Here’s a surprise -- 2008 was a disappointing year in direct response fundraising for many national nonprofits. You’re not surprised? Really?

How bad was it? They sky didn’t fall but the median decline was 3.3 percent.

For its Index of National Fundraising Performance, Target Analytics evaluated transactions from 75 organizations, which included more than 36 million donors and more than 68 million gifts totaling over $2 billion ending in the fourth quarter of 2008."

Monthly Donors Cancel Gifts as Recession Deepens - Philanthropy.com

Monthly Donors Cancel Gifts as Recession Deepens - Philanthropy.com: "Monthly Donors Cancel Gifts as Recession Deepens

Some charities have done a much better in garnering donations during the recession than other types of charities.

Among them are animal-welfare groups. In the past few years, many of those organizations recruited donors to take a certain sum from their checking or credit-card account once a month. Monthly donors tend to give more money, and to keep giving for longer periods, than people who give less frequently, charity experts say."

The Associated Press: 'Slumdog' filmmakers give Mumbai charity $747,000

The Associated Press: 'Slumdog' filmmakers give Mumbai charity $747,000: "Slumdog' filmmakers give Mumbai charity $747,000

By ERIKA KINETZ – 3 hours ago

MUMBAI, India (AP) — The makers of the hit movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' have donated $747,500 to a charity devoted to improving the lives of street children in Mumbai, the filmmakers said Thursday.

The money will be given to Plan, an international children's charity that has been working in India since 1979."

In tough times, 'U' pushes forward with fundraising efforts | The Michigan Daily

In tough times, 'U' pushes forward with fundraising efforts | The Michigan Daily: "Facing an economy filled with tight wallets and the word recession in the air, many colleges across the country are cutting back on their fundraising and development staffs. But in an interview yesterday, Vice President for Development Jerry May said the University isn’t following the trend.

May said although the current economic picture has made it more difficult for fundraisers, the University continues to make fund development, which raises money for the University’s endowment and special projects."

SIDE STREETS: Benefit walks, runs start blossoming in spring | walk, autism, events - Top Stories - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

SIDE STREETS: Benefit walks, runs start blossoming in spring | walk, autism, events - Top Stories - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO: "Fundraising walks and races are a growing trend - the events generated $1.76 billion for charities last year, according to the New York-based Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council.

They range from nationally coordinated events that raise millions, like the Walk to Defeat ALS, to small, Springs-only fundraisers for area nonprofits."

Pohlad Foundation to give $20M to those hit by recession - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:

Pohlad Foundation to give $20M to those hit by recession - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:: "The Pohlad Family Foundation has pledged $20 million for services helping small businesses, neighborhoods and nonprofits hit hard by the economic downturn, the foundation announced Wednesday."

No Surprises In Obama's Tax Returns | Political Hotsheet - CBS News

No Surprises In Obama's Tax Returns | Political Hotsheet - CBS News: "nother glaring comparison can be made between the couples’ charitable giving. The Obamas donated $172,050 in 2008 to charities including Care and United Negro College Fund, among others. The Bidens donated $1,885 to charity and the official release explains, “The charitable donations claimed by the Bidens on their tax returns are not the sum of their annual contributions to charity. They donate to their church, and they contribute to their favorite causes with their time, as well as their checkbooks.”"

In Appeals to Donors, Colleges Cite Increased Requests for Financial Aid - NYTimes.com

In Appeals to Donors, Colleges Cite Increased Requests for Financial Aid - NYTimes.com: "Faced with one of the most challenging fund-raising environments anyone can remember, colleges and universities are appealing to donors to help meet the swelling demand for financial aid.

Using such demand “as a fund-raising tool totally makes sense in this environment,” said Richard J. Krasney, a wealth manager and philanthropy adviser. “More than ever, people want to know that their money is being used to address current needs.”"

Warren County pilot back at Morristown Airport after breaking world flight record - NJ.com

Warren County pilot back at Morristown Airport after breaking world flight record - NJ.com: "Isaacman, a self-made multimillionaire, had used the world-record attempt to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, matching all donations made to the organization, up to $20,000. He also pledged to donate $5,000 for every hour he beat the world record."

The NonProfit Times - Where are all the jobs?

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Where are all the jobs?
If you generate income or are funded, you're in

By Tom Pope

Patrick Shields was scrambling to help jobseekers for Global Recruitment Specialists (GRS) in Norwalk, Conn. As executive director, he lost three clients from natural resources or environmental groups that pulled contracts. GRS handles human resource services for non-governmental organizations with international operations."

Annual charity bash for kids raises $25k - Features

Annual charity bash for kids raises $25k - Features: "If you want to support local children's charities in the Sacramento area, all you need to do is go to the biggest warehouse party in town. The Active 20/30 Club is a Sacramento-area club composed of men between the ages of 20 and 40. The organization's objective is to assist local children's charities by raising money for them and hosting their own charitable events with children."

Asian American Giving: Diversity focused funds: what makes them successful?

Asian American Giving: Diversity focused funds: what makes them successful?: "The Diversity in Philanthropy Project recently released a study called, Social Catalysts: A Case Study of Fifteen Successful Diversity Focused Funds. The purpose was to put forth information about these funds so that more collaboration between these funds and mainstream foundations could take place. There are only a handful of ethnic based - community funds in the U.S., and these are naturally the places where individuals start from when looking to give in their own ethnic community. One would also assume that since these funds are closer to their community they can address problems that directly affect them with that much more impact and in a culturally appropriate way."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Fundraising

A Handshake And A Smile
Building circles of support the old-fashioned way

According to Merriam-Webster, 'credibility' is the quality or power of inspiring belief. The next part is to ask what inspires belief more than anything else? The answer is trust.

Trust is built from shared experiences and honest conversations, in good and bad times. It's fostered by doing what you say you'll do, when you say you'll do it. Trust is strengthened by coming to the aid of others when help is needed. But, what does trust have to do with building circles of support? Everything."

Glendale's Bead Museum faces closure

Glendale's Bead Museum faces closure: "Like many non-profits across the Valley, downtown Glendale's Bead Museum has been slammed hard by falling donations. And, because the venue had little 2009 grant money lined up to cushion its fall during the recession, it now faces closure at the end of May.

'The only money that we had was what was coming through the door,' said the museum's executive director, Kelly Norton, who replaced Katie Anderson in January."

Hugh Jackman makes $100,00 charity pledge on Twitter - Telegraph

Hugh Jackman makes $100,00 charity pledge on Twitter - Telegraph: "Australian actor Hugh Jackman has asked fans on microblogging site Twitter to help him choose a charity worthy of a US$100,000 donation."

SIMON: Philanthropy threatened - Washington Times

SIMON: Philanthropy threatened - Washington Times: "ncredibly, in this time of economic crisis, the underpinnings of our charitable sector are under assault by Washington lawmakers and certain special-interest groups. They want to regulate donors in ways that would have at least three dangerous consequences:"

paidContent.org - Industry Moves: Former Philanthropy Chief Brilliant Leaves Google - washingtonpost.com

paidContent.org - Industry Moves: Former Philanthropy Chief Brilliant Leaves Google - washingtonpost.com: "Two months ago, Larry Brilliant was bumped up into the role of chief philanthropic evangelist at Google (NSDQ: GOOG). Now, he's leaving the search giant for a new job. Brilliant will head up a new $100 million grant-making fund at the Skoll Foundation, which is led by former eBay president Jeff Skoll."

Harvard studies Youth Villages as model for nonprofit success : Business News : Memphis Commercial Appeal

Harvard studies Youth Villages as model for nonprofit success : Business News : Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Harvard Business School is looking to Memphis-based Youth Villages as the gold standard for a successful nonprofit group.

The social services program, which serves more than 12,000 children and families in 10 states, is being studied in a new Harvard course called 'Leading and Governing Highly Effective Nonprofit Organizations.'"

More nonprofits merging for survival - The Boston Globe

More nonprofits merging for survival - The Boston Globe: "Those involved in the nonprofit sector say such deals have increased in the last decade, but are accelerating now as organizations face a drop in donations and cuts in funding due to the recession. While many groups are still operating with funds from last year, they anticipate feeling the full brunt of the economic downturn over the next six to 18 months."

:Mass. Nonprofit Network to Help Nonprofits Seeking Stimulus Aid

massnonprofit.org ::: "Mass. Nonprofit Network to Help Nonprofits Seeking Stimulus Aid

April 9, 2009 — The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, the state trade association, recently received a $25,000 grant from The Boston Foundation to help ensure that the nonprofit sector “is appropriately considered” with regard to disbursements from the recently funded federal stimulus package."

Continuing To Give — And Teaching Their Children To Give

Continuing To Give — And Teaching Their Children To Give: "When Eric Tanner turned 13, his first act of manhood was to ask family and friends to contribute to his donor-advised fund at the Jewish Communal Fund in lieu of giving bar mitzvah gifts. Eric, now 19, has since drawn from the account to send money to Open Arms, a men’s shelter and soup kitchen in White Plains, where he and his family volunteer each Thanksgiving Day. He has also given a sizable grant to the Challenger Program, which provides sports activities for children with special needs.
Eric’s 18-year-old brother, Mark, loves pandas. So when it came time to set up his bar mitzvah fund at JCF, he sent a grant to the World Wildlife Fund. He also earmarked some of the charity money"

New Leader Overhauls Ford Foundation - NYTimes.com

New Leader Overhauls Ford Foundation - NYTimes.com: "The Ford Foundation, the nation’s second-largest philanthropic institution, has begun unveiling the results of a two-year overhaul undertaken by its new leader, Luis A. Ubiñas."

Donors' money woes put non-profits in jeopardy - USATODAY.com

Donors' money woes put non-profits in jeopardy - USATODAY.com: "I am hearing fundraisers say this is the most challenging time they have seen in their lifetimes, which includes the early 1980s and the period after the 9/11 terrorist attacks,' said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 'And almost all of it is due to the economy.'"

Weill uses $170 million Cornell gift to tell other philanthropists to put up | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

Weill uses $170 million Cornell gift to tell other philanthropists to put up | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News: "But last year, the president of the University, which has seen its endowment of $5.39 billion last June lose more than a third of its value and which has an 8 percent deficit on its $2.9 billion budget, according to the Times, asked Weill if he would consider giving a chunk of the money now so that Cornell could move ahead with plans to finish construction on a new building by 2013.

The ex-banker forked over the $170 million – this, despite that he had seen his personal wealth plummet."

Nonprofits use stimulus funds to expand services - New Mexico Business Weekly:

Nonprofits use stimulus funds to expand services - New Mexico Business Weekly:: "Seven Community Action Agencies will receive a total of $5.6 million in federal stimulus funds through Community Services Block Grants.

The Community Action Agencies contract with the Human Services Department for the block grant funds. The agencies must now submit plans on how the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will used to best serve their communities."

Independent Sector | Research -- The Value of Volunteer Time

Independent Sector | Research -- The Value of Volunteer Time: "Just updated:
The estimated dollar value of volunteer time is $20.25 per hour for 2008.

The estimate helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Charitable organizations can use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide."

Walkers Raise $56,974 For Thirteen Fort Bend Charities At Telfair Life Event | FortBendNow.com

Walkers Raise $56,974 For Thirteen Fort Bend Charities At Telfair Life Event | FortBendNow.com: "Thirteen Fort Bend nonprofit groups received donations of more than $50,000 from the second annual TelfairLife Charity of Your Choice Walk, held recently at the Telfair community in Sugar Land."

Solano nonprofits banding together - The Reporter

Solano nonprofits banding together - The Reporter: "Reaching out to nonprofit groups, Solano Community Foundation hopes a program it is launching will enhance the organizations' visibility and network them with each other.

Members of the newly developed Nonprofit Partnership Program on Wednesday will attend the first in a series of workshops geared toward promoting links among community leaders, decision makers, donors, the business sector and local nonprofits.

The program will work gradually on a city-by-city basis, starting in Vallejo."

The Daily Courier - Firefighters plan charity horseshoe event for the community

The Daily Courier - Firefighters plan charity horseshoe event for the community: "Prescott Firefighters Charities plans a daylong horseshoe tournament at Watson Lake Park, 3101 N. Highway 89, on Sunday, May 24 that it hopes will become an annual day of fun for the whole community."

Asia Sentinel - China's Philanthropist

Asia Sentinel - China's Philanthropist: "Yu, according to a publication called th Hurun Report, is the most generous philanthropist in China, with 2007 donations totaling US$420 million, more than double the US$158 million given by Zhu Mengyi, a real estate developer, in second place. Yu has given HK$20-30 billion to charity, including schools, universities, hospitals, disaster relief and a program that has provided free cataract operations to 138,000 poor people."

| city, dream, dreamcity2020 - Top Stories - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

| city, dream, dreamcity2020 - Top Stories - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO: "In the late 1980s, the City Council, Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp. were trying to turn around a city that had gained a reputation as the foreclosure capital of the country. With the threat of military base closures looming, city leaders set out to attract strong businesses, with emphasis on luring nonprofit headquarters."

A Time for Giving - WSJ.com

A Time for Giving - WSJ.com: "t may be tough expanding your wealth in an economy that is teetering, but giving it away to heirs is getting a whole lot easier, thanks to rock-bottom interest rates.

Some estate-planning professionals are urging clients to take advantage of the situation by setting up grantor-retained annuity trusts, vehicles designed to minimize or eliminate gift taxes on wealth transferred out of an investor's estate during his or her lifetime."

At UVU, Sen. Hatch pitches volunteer bill - Daily Herald / Utah Valley Local News

At UVU, Sen. Hatch pitches volunteer bill - Daily Herald / Utah Valley Local News: "Hatch pitches new volunteer bill at UVU

OREM -- U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch visited Utah Valley University on Friday morning and encouraged students and the public to get involved and provide more service to their communities, churches, schools and charitable organizations."