Friday, May 15, 2009

Maine Salvation Army Starts New Marketing Campaign - Philanthropy.com

Maine Salvation Army Starts New Marketing Campaign - Philanthropy.com: "Maine Salvation Army Starts New Marketing Campaign

The Salvation Army of Northern New England has started a new advertising campaign focusing on the charity’s low overhead costs."

Charity report: Nonprofits turn to individuals to keep afloat - Salt Lake Tribune

Charity report: Nonprofits turn to individuals to keep afloat - Salt Lake Tribune: "People such as the Neills, who are adjusting their lifestyles so they can continue -- or increase -- support for community nonprofits, are now seen as the nonprofit world's salvation."

Alabama's Regions Charity Classic adjusts to recession - al.com

Alabama's Regions Charity Classic adjusts to recession - al.com: "n the midst of a recession, the Regions Charity Classic projects it will donate fewer dollars to charities this year than last year.

The Champions Tour golf tournament expects to give about $510,00 to charities in 2009, compared with $572,000 last year, said Gene Hallman, executive director of the Regions Charity Classic."

What Does Rise In Anonymous Gifts Mean for Philanthropy? - Philanthropy.com

What Does Rise In Anonymous Gifts Mean for Philanthropy? - Philanthropy.com: "What Does Rise In Anonymous Gifts Mean for Philanthropy?

While some may celebrate that more big donors are giving quietly, there are downsides to this new trend, writes Judith H. Dobrzynski on Forbes magazine’s Web site."

Jamie Inman: People tighten belts, loosen purse strings | GreenvilleOnline.com | The Greenville News

Jamie Inman: People tighten belts, loosen purse strings | GreenvilleOnline.com | The Greenville News: "Our results confirm a survey completed in January by the Chronicle of Philanthropy that reported that more than 52 percent of people who donated in 2008, would donate the same as they did in 2008 and only 17.5 percent said they would give less. Thirty percent were uncertain. What this means to all of us, is that most people continue to be caring and altruistic even when times are tough."

UTSA East Asia Institute receives $2 million gift > UTSA Today > University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA East Asia Institute receives $2 million gift > UTSA Today > University of Texas at San Antonio: "(May 14, 2009)--The University of Texas at San Antonio's commitment to prepare its students for a global workplace and offer them a wider view of the world and its people has been strengthened because of a $2 million gift for the UTSA East Asia Institute from international businessman Richard S. Liu."

Report: Foundation budgets decreasing - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:

Report: Foundation budgets decreasing - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:: "The economy has changed the state’s philanthropic landscape, a new State of Giving Report released Thursday by the Donors Forum of Wisconsin found."

Keeping Cause Marketers Honest | Green Business | Reuters

Keeping Cause Marketers Honest | Green Business | Reuters: "1. How do you define for-profit philanthropy?

I don't know if I have ever thought of the term 'for-profit philanthropy' before now. To me, corporations and non-profits are just a bunch of men and women working together. We're all people facing similar problems and having common interests. From that perspective, it's easy to see why a group of people who are good at providing certain goods and services could use the wealth they're creating to help charitable causes by donating money, products, and/or services."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Email Open Rates, Click-Throughs, Average Gifts All Drop

Online gift amounts declined by an average $15 for all organizations, but local and state-based organizations really took it on the chin, with online gifts dropping an average $51, according to a study released today.

The segment nearly doubled the average overall growth for number of gifts, but the precipitous drop in average gift is a “big concern,” according to Marc Ruben, co-author of and vice president at M+R Strategic Services, in Washington, D.C."

Barry VanderKelen: Nonprofits grew as baby boomers aged - Business - San Luis Obispo

Barry VanderKelen: Nonprofits grew as baby boomers aged - Business - San Luis Obispo: "People often ask me “Are there too many nonprofits?” In my opinion, this is an unanswerable question. What I may consider unnecessary someone else considers vital. Who would determine which nonprofits should be eliminated?

Instead of a reduction, it is likely that current demographic and economic forces will spark the creation of even more nonprofits in the next few years. So rather than asking if there are too many nonprofits, we should focus on managing the growth in the number of organizations."

The recession tests corporate do-gooding | A stress test for good intentions | The Economist

The recession tests corporate do-gooding | A stress test for good intentions | The Economist: "As firms grapple with a brutal economic downturn, they are taking a long, hard look at the resources they devote to everything from supporting charities to making their activities carbon-neutral. That is hardly surprising: cutting back on CSR, or “sustainability” as it is sometimes known, would seem to be a quick and relatively painless way to save money. Cassandras who felt many CSR initiatives were little more than publicity stunts in the first place predicted that they would perish as soon as the economy fell off a cliff."

Hire More Fundraising Rain-Makers During Recession, New AHP Study Concludes

Press Release from AHP

Hire More Fundraising Rain-Makers During Recession, New AHP Study Concludes: "As the recession's grip tightened on nonprofit hospitals and health care systems in the U.S. and Canada, high performing philanthropic fundraisers in charge of major gifts and planned giving programs were often their most effective and efficient rain-makers, according to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).

These and other important findings come from the latest series of reports from the AHP Performance Benchmarking Service for fiscal year 2007, which takes in the early months of the current recession. The AHP's annual surveys examine the performance of organizations, such as hospital-affiliated foundations, that raise funds for nonprofit health care facilities."

Postal food drive donations dry up - Local - fresnobee.com

Postal food drive donations dry up - Local - fresnobee.com: "Donations to the annual letter-carrier food drive have plunged over the past two years, meaning less for Fresno County's needy, charity officials say.

Organizers blame a tight economy, as well as the loss of brown paper bags that for years served as familiar reminders for the annual campaign."

Non-profits must adapt, collaborate | corridor commentator

Non-profits must adapt, collaborate | corridor commentator: "Gazette Editorial

The June flood damaged the homes of 55 non-profit organizations in Cedar Rapids, making their efforts to assist flood victims even more challenging.
The record floodwaters forced many non-profits to curtail or revise operations. But the disaster also pushed to the surface an idea discussed for years: Create a human services campus where non-profit agencies, including those displaced by the flood, could share space and costs. Convenience for patrons and lower operating expenses would be goals."

Forget Tech for a Sec, How Will the Arts Help the Obama Administration? | PEEK | AlterNet

Forget Tech for a Sec, How Will the Arts Help the Obama Administration? | PEEK | AlterNet: "Yesterday, more than 60 artists and creative organizers engaged in civic participation, community development, education, social justice, activism, and philanthropy came together at the White House for a briefing on arts and social change. This meeting appears to have been setting the stage for the announcement today of Rocco Landesman as the Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts."

University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines

University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines: "FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Six staff members in the office of university development within the Division of University Advancement have taken on new roles in an effort to position the office effectively for the future at the University of Arkansas.

“As the needs of a university change and grow, we must adapt as well,” said Bruce Pontious, associate vice chancellor for university development. “We have a very talented, hard-working group of fundraising professionals who understand the importance of realigning our efforts from time to time. There was also an immediate need to fill vacancies, which provided a great opportunity to recognize individuals for their excellent work and commitment to our mission.”"

Thursday, May 14, 2009

PGA Tour donations to drop 10-14 percent in '09 - ESPN

PGA Tour donations to drop 10-14 percent in '09 - ESPN: "WASHINGTON -- The PGA Tour estimates its donations to charity will decline by as much as 14 percent this year, the result of an economic downturn that is affecting everything from sponsors to hospitality sales."

Foundation to prime the pump for Muskegon-area nonprofit groups - Muskegon News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com

Foundation to prime the pump for Muskegon-area nonprofit groups - Muskegon News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com: "MUSKEGON COUNTY -- Times are tough in the nonprofit world.

Foundation endowments are down with the stock market crash, donors are giving less in a recessionary economy and the operating needs of human service agencies are being strained as people are in much more need of services.

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County realizes the problem and has created 'Match Day' to help out."

Soros Helps New York Charity Raise Record With $50 Million Gift - Bloomberg.com

Soros Helps New York Charity Raise Record With $50 Million Gift - Bloomberg.com: "May 13 (Bloomberg) -- Billionaire hedge-fund manager George Soros pledged $50 million to the Robin Hood Foundation at its New York gala dinner, helping the charity raise a record sum last night to help the city’s poor."

APNewsBreak: Habitat for Humanity gets $100M gift

APNewsBreak: Habitat for Humanity gets $100M gift: "ATLANTA -- The housing market may be sputtering, but Habitat for Humanity International is getting a $100 million jolt."

Teachers hope charity laces craze will catch on nationally

Teachers hope charity laces craze will catch on nationally: "TWO TEACHERS at Sevenoaks Prep School are hoping to be at the forefront of a new shoelace craze.

If plans by Robin Collings, 26, and Katherine Wolley, 25, come to fruition, soon every man, woman and child in the country will be wearing lime green laces."

The mechanics of philanthropy

The mechanics of philanthropy: "exington, KY - Welcome to Geared Giving, a new column on philanthropy. In this column, I will share information on trends in global and local giving, give tips on effective philanthropy, and report on local and national fundraising campaigns."

Runners raise £1m for charity - Scotsman.com News

Runners raise £1m for charity - Scotsman.com News: "THOUSANDS of women crossed the finishing line in Glasgow's Bellahouston Park yesterday, as they competed in the UK's largest women-only 10km race.
For more than an hour, runners of all ages sprinted, skipped and scrambled the final metres to collect their medal. Together, they raised more than £1 million for charity."

Charitable giving takes it on the chin | delawareonline | The News Journal

Charitable giving takes it on the chin | delawareonline | The News Journal: "It would be swell if charitable giving were completely altruistic. Development directors of non-profit organizations everywhere would see their coffers swell from the good will and cold hard cash. Grant writing would become a thing of the past freeing up a lot of time for more of the mission at hand. But that's not exactly human nature."

Dislodged executives migrate to nonprofits | ajc.com

Dislodged executives migrate to nonprofits | ajc.com: "A mix of layoffs and a growing desire by many for meaningful work is creating a surge of interest in working for nonprofits.

The economic pinch is affecting nonprofits’ ability to hire, too — for both better and worse."

Robin Hood Event Adjusts to Tough Times - NYTimes.com

Robin Hood Event Adjusts to Tough Times - NYTimes.com: "The Robin Hood Foundation’s spring fund-raising event has long set the pace for charity benefits, raising tens of millions of dollars from publicity-averse hedge fund moguls who engaged in raucous bidding wars to win, say, dinner for 10 with the celebrity chef Mario Batali or a trip to Australia that included lunch with Hugh Jackman."

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Donor's Descendant Sues Brandeis U. Over Planned Demolition - Philanthropy.com

Donor's Descendant Sues Brandeis U. Over Planned Demolition - Philanthropy.com: "Donor's Descendant Sues Brandeis U. Over Planned Demolition

The great nephew of a 1950s donor to Brandeis University has filed suit to prevent the school from razing a science building named for his great uncle, reports The Wall Street Journal."

The Pendulum - Ever Elon stays strong amidst weak economy

The Pendulum - Ever Elon stays strong amidst weak economy: "In what has been deemed the largest fundraising campaign in Elon University's history, Ever Elon is continuing to hold steady despite a weak economy."

Virtual Fund-Raising Conference Draws Global Audience - Philanthropy.com

Virtual Fund-Raising Conference Draws Global Audience - Philanthropy.com: "Virtual Fund-Raising Conference Draws Global Audience

Online fund-raising experts shared tips with more than 400 participants from around the world today in the first 24 hours of a three-day conference held entirely online.

The International Fundraising Conference, organized by Resource Alliance, a nonprofit fund-raising training organization in London, featured sessions on how to raise money with online advocacy and marketing, social-networking sites, e-mail appeals and online newsletters, video solicitations, and other methods."

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Audio: How to Donate to Charity for Free - Alpha Consumer (usnews.com)

Audio: How to Donate to Charity for Free - Alpha Consumer (usnews.com): "Over the weekend, I spoke with WTOP in Washington about how to give to charity during these tough times. When everyone's cutting their budget -- and charities need more help than ever -- how can we be generous? I"

Investors turning their attention to non-profits

Investors turning their attention to non-profits: "The Arizona group targets Maricopa County non-profit groups serving children and education. Partners do a businesslike 'due diligence' on potential investments, then pick a handful of 'investees' to receive money and expertise for up to five years.

The group favors non-profits just a few years old with annual budgets of less than $3 million. That's where SVP Arizona, whose grants average $30,000 a year, can make the biggest impact, executive director Terri Wogan said."

Donors Find Gift Annuities Can Stop Giving - WSJ.com

Donors Find Gift Annuities Can Stop Giving - WSJ.com: "It sounds good on paper: You make a donation to a worthy cause and, in return, receive regular lifetime payments. But so-called charitable gift annuities don't always deliver what they promise -- a risk that could intensify if the recession persists."

Underwear for Charity|ABC 13

Underwear for Charity|ABC 13: "Lynchburg, VA - They wanted to show they care- with underwear. You may have heard of canned food, or clothing drives, but at E.C. Glass, the charitable good is underpants."

In an economic downturn, even Stanford University's fundraisers have to cut back - San Jose Mercury News

In an economic downturn, even Stanford University's fundraisers have to cut back - San Jose Mercury News: "Faced with the need to make significant cutbacks, Stanford University hasn't quite killed the goose that lays its golden eggs.

But the precious creature — the university's fundraising office, the most successful collegiate moneymaker in the nation — is suffering through painful surgery. Stanford's Office of Development has cut the equivalent of nearly 20 percent of its staff. It is also scaling back on events, reducing travel and shifting publications from print to online."

10 Things You Can Learn From Real-World Donor Thank-You Letters : By Lisa Sargent : FundRaising Success

10 Things You Can Learn From Real-World Donor Thank-You Letters : By Lisa Sargent : FundRaising Success: "Saying thank you. Recession or no recession, it’s one of the most important things you can do to keep more donors.

Of course, you might already know “the basics” — things like thanking your donors promptly, segmenting by giving level or personalizing your letters.

But there’s lots more to effective, engaging thank-you letters. And with the help of nonprofits from Toronto to Tasmania, you’re about to find out how much more."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Nonprofits Buying Into Franchises

The Evergreen Commons Senior Center, in Holland, Mich., never worked with a franchise before inking a deal four years ago with American Ramp Systems in South Boston, Mass.

The operation differs from the public health club the nonprofit purchased nine years ago. “Part of the decision to have the franchise comes from the uniqueness of the product,” said Larry Erlandson, president of Evergreen. “We determined that the product was very good and they offered services like a call center and marketing for support.”"

Monday, May 11, 2009

VOA News - Diana Campoamor: Using Philanthropy as Catalyst for Social Change

VOA News - Diana Campoamor: Using Philanthropy as Catalyst for Social Change: "Trained as a journalist, Campoamor primarily wrote features and editorials on issues relating to Hispanic communities in the United States. She became increasingly aware that projects serving the needs of Latino immigrants were receiving very little financial support. So in the early 1980s, she joined forces with 13 other Latinos who were familiar with charitable foundations and getting grant money from them.

In 19javascript:void(0)83, they launched Hispanics in Philanthropy. Campoamor became its president in 1990."

Re-Thinking Charity - Dan Pallotta - HarvardBusiness.org

Re-Thinking Charity - Dan Pallotta - HarvardBusiness.org: "But the sad reality is that, with a few minor exceptions, business has not yet come to charity. It is not the fault of charity. For well over a decade it has been popular to preach to charities that they should act more like businesses, but the truth is, society won't permit it. And it's not likely to do so without a serious re-visiting of our fundamental canons about charity. What we mean by 'act more like business' is really, 'focus more on lowering overhead' — the opposite of what it takes to grow a successful business."

Corporations say they’ll cut charitable giving more than 10% - Investment News

Corporations say they’ll cut charitable giving more than 10% - Investment News: "Corporate giving is expected to decline this year, according to a survey released today by The Foundation Center, a New York-based nonprofit service research organization that focuses on philanthropy."

Obama Continues to Promote Limits on Charitable Deductions - Philanthropy.com

Obama Continues to Promote Limits on Charitable Deductions - Philanthropy.com: "Obama Continues to Promote Limits on Charitable Deductions

President Obama is sticking to his proposal to cap the federal tax breaks wealthy people can get for itemized deductions, including charitable donations, in his final budget plans released today."

33,000 race for a cure to breast cancer in Oakland

33,000 race for a cure to breast cancer in Oakland: "The Pittsburgh race, which has grown in recent years to one of the 10 biggest in the nation, has raised more than $20 million, including $2.2 million last year, according to Kathy Purcell, executive director of the Komen organization's Pittsburgh Affiliate."

ASU students leave goods to charity, not dumpster

ASU students leave goods to charity, not dumpster: "Ditch the Dumpster encourages students to donate gently used dorm goods, clothing and shoes rather than throw them in the trash at the end of the term. It is holding its second and final turn-in day on the Tempe campus today until 10 p.m. (Other campuses run through Friday; see the box on D6."

Tufts’ Experiment in Philanthropy helps housing development, CAAS - Somerville, Massachusetts 02144 - Somerville Journal

Tufts’ Experiment in Philanthropy helps housing development, CAAS - Somerville, Massachusetts 02144 - Somerville Journal: "The grant was funded by the Learning by Giving program of the Sunshine Lady Foundation founded by Doris Buffett. This innovative program which began in 2003 provides college students the opportunity to make funding decisions for $10,000 to local nonprofits as part of their study of philanthropy and nonprofits. Tufts University is one of eight colleges nationwide offering philanthropy courses funded by the Foundation."

chapelhillnews.com | Nonprofits see new lows nowadays

chapelhillnews.com | Nonprofits see new lows nowadays: "CARRBORO - Until one day a month or two ago, The ArtsCenter was weathering the economic downturn fairly well."

PhilanTopic: Can You Solve 34 Across...?

PhilanTopic: Can You Solve 34 Across...?: "Can You Solve 34 Across...?

'Christian of the Dark Knight'?

Okay, okay, that's an easy one. How about 80 Down, 'Foul-smelling'?

Don't have a clue what I'm talking about? Then you need to check out the Philanthropy Annual: 2008 Review crossword puzzle, now available as a single-page, downloadable PDF here."

$40M sought to rehabilitate Symphony Hall - Newark, New Jersey Local News | Newark Live - NJ.com

$40M sought to rehabilitate Symphony Hall - Newark, New Jersey Local News | Newark Live - NJ.com: "To rebuild Symphony Hall, its nonprofit operators will launch a $40 million capital campaign by next spring to generate public and private philanthropy for the needed renovations, which include new stage lighting; sound, heating and air-conditioning expansions; and other infrastructure improvements."

Recession Fails to Halt Spring Charity Benefits - NYTimes.com

Recession Fails to Halt Spring Charity Benefits - NYTimes.com: "Despite hard times, many nonprofit groups are proceeding with the charity benefits that are an annual rite of spring. But they are looking for new ways to save money, like scheduling events in donors’ homes and joining forces to cut costs."

Analysis of Gates Foundation grants shows reach of the world’s largest philanthropy fund

Analysis of Gates Foundation grants shows reach of the world’s largest philanthropy fund: "SEATTLE — A new study of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation illustrates its global reach with spending on health issues, but notes a need for accountability on whether the money is being spent in the most effective way."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Conflicting Interests: What To Do And How To Do It

By Catherine Oetgen and Sarah Siegel

Charities are facing heightened scrutiny today from both regulators and the general public in situations where their directors, officers, and other insiders derive (or appear to derive) personal benefits from the organization.

Although conflicts of interest have traditionally fallen within the purview of state regulators, conflicts are now even more important with the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) recent introduction of the revised Form 990."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "May 8, 2009

New Postal Rates Kick In Monday

By Mark Hrywna

New postal rates scheduled to take effect Monday will increase by an average of almost 4 percent but spike much higher for nonprofits mailing parcels and Non-Flat Machinables (NFM)."

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Technician or Professional? Which Track?

From onPhilanthropy
onPhilanthropy: Articles: Technician or Professional? Which Track?: "Technician or Professional? Which Track?
Friday, May 8, 2009

Karen was a seasoned, highly successful major gifts fundraiser working as a Senior Director of Development for a public university. Serving the university's largest unit, its College of Arts and Sciences, she was tasked with raising funds for the College as a whole as well as for its 20+ diverse departments and programs."