Volunteer Time Was Worth More Than $20 an Hour Last Year, Study Finds - Philanthropy.com

Volunteer Time Was Worth More Than $20 an Hour Last Year, Study Finds - Philanthropy.com: "Volunteer Time Was Worth More Than $20 an Hour Last Year, Study Finds

The average value of donated time by volunteers was $20.25 per hour in 2008, according to a new study by Independent Sector, in Washington, a coalition of major charities and foundations.

The study also broke down the average dollar value of volunteer hours by state, based on 2007 figures, the most recent available. Labor by volunteers in New York state was deemed the most financially valuable, at a worth of $28.04 per hour, followed by Connecticut volunteers, whose work was valued at $27.02 per hour."

Central Valley Business Times

Central Valley Business Times: "A $29,442,516 million cash gift has been made to the Fresno State College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology – the single largest cash gift ever received by the university or in the California State University system.

The gift is on behalf of the Jordan family: the late Hanabul “Bud” Jordan; his wife Dee; and his brother Lowell."

Terre Haute News, Terre Haute, Indiana- TribStar.com - Letter carriers hoping for record May food drive

Terre Haute News, Terre Haute, Indiana- TribStar.com - Letter carriers hoping for record May food drive: "Last year was our biggest ever,” he said, adding 2009 is the 17th annual food drive conducted by the National Letter Carriers Association.

About 73.1 million pounds of food was collected nationally last year, he said. If the group hits 92 million this year, the letter carriers will have collected 1 billion pounds of food since the program first launched."

Charity starts at work

Charity starts at work: "About 42 percent of nonprofits surveyed by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement said they expect giving to go down this year, adding that such support has already dropped 11 percent since December. The Washington center supports more than 13,000 nonprofits in the region."

Morris Daily Herald-"Hospital Ball raises $70,000 for excellence in health care

Morris Daily Herald: "Hospital Ball raises $70,000 for excellence in health care
Change in date seems to add atmosphere to auxiliary’s annual fundraiser

Thursday, April 23, 2009 11:49 AM CDT


Hundreds of community members and businesses showed their appreciation for Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers by supporting the Auxiliary’s 41st Annual Ball on Saturday, April 4 at Jennifer’s Garden.

Proceeds from the event resulted in $70,000 for continued excellence in local healthcare."

Anonymous donor makes $70M in gifts to women-run colleges and universities

Anonymous donor makes $70M in gifts to women-run colleges and universities: "It's a big-bucks mystery: Who's flooding some of the nation's universities with millions in anonymous gifts?

At least 13 schools have received gifts totaling nearly $70 million from an unknown deep-pockets philanthropist."

Eating From the Hand That Bites You - WSJ.com

Eating From the Hand That Bites You - WSJ.com: "This week, the president signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorizes a huge expansion of the Americorps program, potentially tripling the number of its government-paid 'volunteers.' The legislation -- which also promises federal funds for 'effective solutions developed by social entrepreneurs' -- was heralded as a victory for patriotism and public service. It was enough to draw Jimmy Carter to share the podium with Ted Kennedy -- both on hand for the signing ceremony at a charter school in a poor section of Washington, D.C. But is it truly good news? Those who cherish the independence of American philanthropy and the nonprofits it supports actually have reason for worry."

Despite losing three sponsors, Jazz Fest is still swinging - NOLA.com

Despite losing three sponsors, Jazz Fest is still swinging - NOLA.com: "IG is not alone, however, in cutting its ties to Jazz Fest this year. The global economic crisis is sinking sponsorships around the country as companies are forced to take a step back from the support they previously pledged to festivals, tournaments and other large public events."

Star Herald - Economic downturn puts demand on Catholic Charities, charitable giving

Star Herald - Economic downturn puts demand on Catholic Charities, charitable giving: "With the economic downturn, families are feeling the pain of loss of retirement income, job loss, and even home foreclosure. State budgets have been hit hard and shortfalls have worsened, jeopardizing programs relied on by children, the elderly and disabled.

A fall 2008 Associated Press survey of all 50 states, for example, found that significant numbers of poor children, the disabled and the elderly would lose health coverage, dental care, and name-brand prescription drugs through state budget cuts.

These reductions, along with increased need, have resulted in a growing demand for services provided by private, religious and charitable organizations, including Catholic Charities."

New York Times says it won't go private | APP.com | Asbury Park Press

New York Times says it won't go private | APP.com | Asbury Park Press: "New York Times Company Foundation, the company’s philanthropy unit, will stop making new grants and matching employee donations, and reduce a college scholarship program, Vice Chairman Michael Golden said today in a memo to employees."

Mystery donor gives $10M check to MSU | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Mystery donor gives $10M check to MSU | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press: "The $10-million check was delivered in a FedEx envelope to Michigan State University. No personal note. Just a banker’s business letter."

allAfrica.com: Africa: How a Sports Writer Unleashed a New Wave of Philanthropy (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Africa: How a Sports Writer Unleashed a New Wave of Philanthropy (Page 1 of 1): "So we decided to start fundraising for the nets publicly and we were hoping to leverage that into bigger U.S. dollars and start building this constituency. It was going along okay, not great, but then we got a phone call from Rick Reilly, a writer for Sports Illustrated magazine, who has a huge following. He called and said, “I just saw this documentary on malaria and I am blown away by it. In sports we have nothing but nets – even a sports fan can figure it out.” So, we asked him to write a column about it."

18-hour Mich. coaster ride to benefit nonprofits -- chicagotribune.com

18-hour Mich. coaster ride to benefit nonprofits -- chicagotribune.com: "he self-named 'Wacky Stunt Guy' wants to raise as much as $25,000 while spending 18 hours aboard the Serpent roller coaster at Kokomo's Family Fun Center in Saginaw County's Kochville Township, about 88 miles northwest of Detroit."

Nonprofit leaders keep chins up despite economy - Triangle Business Journal:

Nonprofit leaders keep chins up despite economy - Triangle Business Journal:: "A new study finds that North Carolina’s nonprofit leaders are optimistic about the long-term stability of their organizations."

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Even in Tough Times, Some Athletes Find Ways To Give Back

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Even in Tough Times, Some Athletes Find Ways To Give Back: "Even in Tough Times, Some Athletes Find Ways To Give Back
Thursday, April 23, 2009
By: Ivan Blumberg

As the CEO of Athletes for Hope, I am in constant conversations with professional athletes who are anxious to make a lasting impact in their communities. In these turbulent times, when discretionary dollars are at an all-time premium, it's becoming increasingly important for athletes and their charitable partners to understand the many opportunities for sports philanthropy to make a difference."

Colleges Weigh 'Yes We Can' Approach to Fund Raising - Chronicle.com

Colleges Weigh 'Yes We Can' Approach to Fund Raising - Chronicle.com: "Rich Mintz thinks college fund raising needs serious help.

Bureaucracies are byzantine, messages leave alumni cold, and methods of delivering them are ineffective.

'Frankly,' says Mr. Mintz, a bushy-haired fund-raising consultant who once aspired to be a medieval scholar, 'I think that a lot of institutions have probably simply given up on getting anything valuable out of their alumni under 40.'"

Jacobs, UB rift jeopardizes $10M gift - Business First of Buffalo:

Jacobs, UB rift jeopardizes $10M gift - Business First of Buffalo:: "In the months since the gift announcement, development officials from the medical campus and others said the building would house the Jacobs Institute, a separate, nonprofit entity created by the $10 million gift. But UB confirmed this week that the facility will not have room for the institute – and that leaves in question the fate of the gift."

Tamara Real: Times are tough? Let's go nonprofit! - Ann Arbor Business – MLive.com

Tamara Real: Times are tough? Let's go nonprofit! - Ann Arbor Business – MLive.com: "I was startled the other day to hear someone say that since the economic downturn started, applications to acquire federal nonprofit status have climbed 30 percent."

Springs newsman perches outdoors for charity - The Denver Post

Springs newsman perches outdoors for charity - The Denver Post: "Colorado Springs radio newsman Dan Cochell knows a little more about the plight of the poor this week, after days in the sun and wind and nights in the cold along Interstate 25 to raise money for charity.

'Some people in our community are just a broken-down car, a lost job or a major medical bill away from being homeless,' said the KRDO NewsRadio anchor, reached by cell phone in a lift next to a billboard near Garden of the Gods Boulevard."

New Unrest on Campus as Donors Rebel - WSJ.com

New Unrest on Campus as Donors Rebel - WSJ.com: "HARTFORD, Conn. -- Financially strapped colleges are angering their benefactors by selling school radio stations, auctioning Georgia O'Keeffe paintings and dipping into endowments for purposes their donors may not have intended.

In one previously undisclosed fight, Trinity College in Connecticut is facing government scrutiny for its plan to spend part of a $9 million endowment from Wall Street investing legend Shelby Cullom Davis."

When Charity Isn’t Charitable – Forward.com

When Charity Isn’t Charitable – Forward.com: "President Obama’s proposal to reduce the tax deductions enjoyed by wealthy individuals who give to charity has led to a predictable wave of protest from the philanthropic sector. I’ve just published a book arguing that people who are financially comfortable ought to increase their donations to help those in great need. So I too must be opposed to the proposed changes, right?"

Survey: Nonprofits see spike in demand for services amid recession - Wichita Business Journal:

Survey: Nonprofits see spike in demand for services amid recession - Wichita Business Journal:: "More than 75 percent of the nonprofit organizations in the Wichita metropolitan area have experienced an increase in demand in the past six months, according to survey results released Wednesday by the United Way of the Plains."

Serve America Act Creates New Opportunities for Students | Bryn Mawr Now

Serve America Act Creates New Opportunities for Students | Bryn Mawr Now: "Bryn Mawr students and graduating seniors interested in working for nonprofits dedicated to community service got some great news from the federal government yesterday with the passage of the Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act."

Radio Iowa: AmeriCorps volunteers in Iowa expected to triple

Radio Iowa: AmeriCorps volunteers in Iowa expected to triple: "Under federal legislation signed by President Obama Tuesday, the number of volunteers in Iowa's AmeriCorps program is expected to more than triple. Iowa currently has about 1,000 AmeriCorps volunteers.

They build homes, restore wildlife preserves and help with disaster recovery efforts, among other"

The Business of Giving | Charity retailers expand in a sagging economy | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog

The Business of Giving | Charity retailers expand in a sagging economy | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog: "One segment of the retail world bucking the trend of declining sales is thrift stores. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is opening its seventh thrift store in King County today to coincide with Earth Day. The 16,000-square-foot store in Kent replaces a former carpet business that sold the building in November."

Getting Microfinance Right - Forbes.com

Getting Microfinance Right - Forbes.com: "he optimism starts with the evolution of microfinance, which has proved not only that the poor are credit-worthy, but that banking institutions serving the poor are investment-worthy. In addition, microfinance is tapping into a technological revolution that enables areas with deficient land phone service to leapfrog ahead to cellphones and broadband. And, as this takes place, both philanthropy and capital markets are paying careful attention."

Utahns among the nation's leaders for giving - ABC 4.com

Utahns among the nation's leaders for giving - ABC 4.com: "When it comes to giving money or donating their time, Utahns are either among the nation's most charitable or sitting alone at number one in the country."

Dogs Get Small Bite of Helmsley Grants - WSJ.com

Dogs Get Small Bite of Helmsley Grants - WSJ.com: "NEW YORK -- Trustees for the estate of Leona Helmsley announced $136 million in charitable gifts Tuesday, using their court-sanctioned authority to override the wishes of the late real-estate tycoon, who wanted her money spent on behalf of dogs."

Seniors set to pass giving record - News

Seniors set to pass giving record - News: "Private donations to the University have dropped 23 percent so far in the recession, but the Class of 2009 seems to be bucking the downward trend. After the Senior Gift Committee sent a concerned e-mail April 18 to members of the class calling for more contributions, donations jumped 19 percent over four days, Committee Co-Chair Kendall Dabaghi said."

Clock Is ticking on Feinstein Challenge for Food Bank | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer

Clock Is ticking on Feinstein Challenge for Food Bank | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer: "Economic times being what they are, most people are on the lookout for a solid investment. The Feinstein Challenge offers such an opportunity, but there's only a few more weeks to take advantage of this golden way to stretch your charitable giving dollar."

Obama to Sign Landmark National-Service Measure on Tuesday - Philanthropy.com

Obama to Sign Landmark National-Service Measure on Tuesday - Philanthropy.com: "Obama to Sign Landmark National-Service Measure on Tuesday

By Suzanne Perry

The nonprofit world will take a break from its economic woes and celebrate a big political victory on Tuesday when President Obama signs landmark legislation that boosts national service, volunteerism, and innovative social projects."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Cooperating On Events Boosts Revenue

By Michele Donohue

It pays knowing some people. For City Harvest, it was more about the savings.

A co-chair for the New York City-based hunger relief organization was friendly with someone at another organization, Food Allergy Initiative Northwest. Both organizations were having events at the same location on the same day in April and decided to cut down their budgets by sharing décor and flower costs."

Watertown Daily Times | Still giving

Watertown Daily Times | Still giving: "Despite the recession, or maybe because of it, Americans are still giving generously to their churches and other charitable organizations, a USA Today/Gallup Poll indicates."

Politically Tainted Contributions Put to Good Use With Charities - WSJ.com

Politically Tainted Contributions Put to Good Use With Charities - WSJ.com: "WASHINGTON -- Most charities once refused cash carrying a whiff of scandal. Now they often are accepting -- and in some cases seeking -- campaign contributions from disgraced Wall Street firms and figures that have been unloaded by politicians eager to escape public outrage."

Niagara Gazette - COLUMN: Charity is no easy task

Niagara Gazette - COLUMN: Charity is no easy task: "COLUMN: Charity is no easy task
By Bob Confer
Niagara Gazette

We’ve heard time and time again that giving back to the community is such an easy task. It may be for some folks somewhere, but it’s definitely not that easy in New York state. My friend Todd Sheridan knows that too well."

Daily Vanguard - Defending volunteerism

Daily Vanguard - Defending volunteerism: "Earlier this month, in the April 7 issue of the Vanguard, an article appeared condemning the recently passed U.S. House Bill 1388—alternately known as the “Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act,” (or G.I.V.E.), aka the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act."

Reuters AlertNet - GLOBAL: Less money for more work – the NGO double whammy

Reuters AlertNet - GLOBAL: Less money for more work – the NGO double whammy: "'Clearly the impact of the financial downturn on charities is widening and deepening,' said Dame Suzi Leather, chair of the Charity Commission, the independent regulator for charitable activity in England and Wales. 'Some charities still face that double whammy of a drop in income as well as an increased demand for services.'"

Alumni giving down by 15% - News

Alumni giving down by 15% - News: "Gifts from alumni have dropped 15 percent from last financial year but have weathered the financial crisis better than the University's overall private donation total, which is down 23 percent so far, said Peter Vaughn, executive director of Alumni and Development Communications. The alumni participation level has fallen 7 percent this year, and the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development Communications has also received fewer major gifts from former students this year, he noted."

Room for Improvement | The Cornell Daily Sun

Room for Improvement | The Cornell Daily Sun: "Sixty percent of a sample of Cornellians does not engage in community service during a typical week, according to the recent PULSE survey of undergraduates. As the University reassesses its expenditures in light of the economic recession, we hope it will recognize the need to continue to provide students with meaningful opportunities for service."

May 7520 Rate 2.4% | Planned Giving Design Center

May 7520 Rate 2.4% | Planned Giving Design Center: "For purposes of determining the present value of an annuity, an interest for life or a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest, Revenue Ruling 2009-12 indicates the applicable federal rate under section 7520 for May 2009 is 2.4%; down 0.2% from the April rate of 2.6% and unchanged from the March rate of 2.4%."

Lord Sainsbury trumps Sir Tom Hunter with £1bn donation

Lord Sainsbury trumps Sir Tom Hunter with £1bn donation: "Lord Sainsbury trumps Sir Tom Hunter with £1bn donation

Lord Sainsbury, the former minister and supermarket tycoon has become the first Briton to donate £1bn to charity."

Relay posts record numbers : The Rebel Yell

Relay posts record numbers : The Rebel Yell: "Forget evildoers, from Friday night to Saturday morning only superheroes were afoot.

High expectations for UNLV’s superhero themed Relay For Life were not just met-they were doubled.

This year’s event ending with a 12-hour long walk that generated more than $21,000 in funds for the American Cancer Society."

Children's Museum of Los Angeles Forced to Close Before It Even Opened - mediabistro.com: UnBeige

Children's Museum of Los Angeles Forced to Close Before It Even Opened - mediabistro.com: UnBeige: "We started seeing the flood of museum closures almost immediately upon the collapse of the economy and all of those were functioning museums who, no matter the time their doors had been open (some were remarkably short), at least had seen some visitors come through in their days. But now we come to organizations like the Children's Museum of Los Angeles, a $52 million dollar, almost 60,000 square foot project, which has officially come to an end even before they were ever able to open."

Baltimore Nonprofit Business Examiner: Can nonprofits survive the recession through collaboration?

Baltimore Nonprofit Business Examiner: Can nonprofits survive the recession through collaboration?: "Nonprofits can face the tough economic climate with creative solutions for working together. Many nonprofits share similar missions and are often serving the same communities. Partnerships may be the best key to survival for those competing for the same limited supporters and dollars."

Writing a résumé for nonprofits - Business Monday - MiamiHerald.com

Writing a résumé for nonprofits - Business Monday - MiamiHerald.com: "Writing a résumé for nonprofits

In searching for a job at a nonprofit, you do not have to squeeze your résumé down to one page as you do in most other professions, says Ann Brancato, president of the consulting and recruiting company Ann Brancato & Associates. People in not-for-profits are ``used to reading.''

Ageism is far less of an issue. Employers are fine with -- even seek out -- seasoning, she says, as long as you have energy and a proven record. Experienced professionals bring a certain ''gravitas,'' says Deborah Hudak of Oyster Bay, N.Y., a longtime volunteer who is seeking employment with a not-for-profit."

Nonprofits find new funding in tough economy - Fort Worth Business Press

Nonprofits find new funding in tough economy - Fort Worth Business Press: "ut tough economic times also have put the skids on donations of clothing, food and household items – as well as some other funding – and that has GRACE’s Executive Director Shonda Schaefer seeking relief.

“Resale is the most solid donation we have, and like other nonprofits we’re seeing a huge drop in donations,” Schaefer said. “We’ve seen a 40 percent drop in donations from last year in cash gifts and other donations of goods. We’ve put our resale program as our highest priority.”"

Children's Hospital launches "Game-a-thon" - Daily Business Update - The Boston Globe

Children's Hospital launches "Game-a-thon" - Daily Business Update - The Boston Globe: "Children's Hospital Boston said its Generation Cures initiative has launched a 'Game for Good' game-a-thon for tweens as part of its fund-raising efforts.

The two-month competition lets 'tweens use their gaming powers for good to fuel the discovery of cures and treatments for serious childhood diseases,' the hospital said in a press release that included the photo that accompanies this post."

Pillow Fight! - News

Pillow Fight! - News: "More than the 1,834 recorded people gathered on the Mall for what the university's Senior Council hoped would be the world's largest pillow fight. The attempt fell short of the Guinness Word record - a 3,706-strong melee held by the BBC in November 2008 - but few seemed to mind."

onPhilanthropy: Articles: How Best to Help Nonprofits Weather the Storm?

onPhilanthropy: Articles: How Best to Help Nonprofits Weather the Storm?: "How Best to Help Nonprofits Weather the Storm?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
By: Susan Dempsey

As we follow the relentless drumbeat of news about the markets and the local, regional and global impacts of the economic recession, how much can we tell about nonprofits and the downturn's repercussions for them? onPhilanthropy spoke with Clara Miller, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), which recently surveyed nearly a thousand nonprofit leaders on that question. NFF sought to identify the areas of most critical need occasioned by the economic downturn, both for the immediate and longer-term durability and effectiveness of the sector."

Budget woes test Peace Corps' mission - The Boston Globe

Budget woes test Peace Corps' mission - The Boston Globe: "Nearly a half century later, Kennedy's dream is still far from being realized. The Peace Corps, which reached a record 15,000 volunteers in 1966, now is barely half that size. Budget constraints are forcing the agency to cut another 400 volunteers, as post-9/11 security costs and the global drop in the value of the dollar strain the Peace Corps' resources."