Friday, September 18, 2009

Where The Jobs Are: Development And Fundraising - Forbes.com

Where The Jobs Are: Development And Fundraising - Forbes.com: "As they struggle to survive the economic crisis, nonprofits are hungry for donations. Many are hiring fundraisers--and there are not enough applicants to fill the open slots.

Though the economic crisis hit the sector hard last year, organizations are staffing up, says Paulette Maehara, chief of the field's main trade group, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Arlington, Va."

Court Strikes Down Regulations Limiting Nonprofits' Campaign Funds - washingtonpost.com

Court Strikes Down Regulations Limiting Nonprofits' Campaign Funds - washingtonpost.com: "A federal appeals court has struck down regulations that strictly limited how nonprofit groups raise and spend money for political campaigns."

Muslim groups try to ease fears with accreditation

Muslim groups try to ease fears with accreditation: "DETROIT — As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan winds down, Rami Nashashibi sees a promising fundraising trend for the Chicago charity he runs.

Online donations ranging from $50 to $2,500 to his Inner-City Muslim Action Network have increased over the past weeks as part of an aggressive Ramadan Internet marketing push on the group's Web site and through social networking sites, he said."

Traverse City Record-Eagle - Article: Editorial: We can all be charitable

Traverse City Record-Eagle - Article: Editorial: We can all be charitable: "Editorial: We can all be charitable

These are the times the United Way was invented for.

Back in the day, charitable giving was usually the preserve of people who could afford more than a few pennies at a time. In the early 1900s, though, Community Chest organizations that jointly collected and allocated money -- the so-called 'federation' method -- sprang up around the country. Between 1919 and 1929 the number of Community Chest organizations jumped from 39 to 353."

The Herald-Sun - Arts nonprofits preserving mission

The Herald-Sun - Arts nonprofits preserving mission: "DURHAM -- The past fiscal year slammed a lot of local nonprofit arts organizations. Despite dire predictions for the year ahead, leaders say they are finding ways to preserve their mission."

Best Practice or Conventional Wisdom? . . . Editor Commentary 9.15.09 | Blue Avocado

Best Practice or Conventional Wisdom? . . . Editor Commentary 9.15.09 | Blue Avocado: "Because the term 'best practice' implies a technique or method that has been proven effective, the term also confers a kind of authority and implies near-universal acceptance (or at least by the cool kids). This is undoubtedly more appropriate when discussing handwashing as a best practice for restaurant workers than when discussing whether the executive director should be a voting member of the board."

New Airline Ticket Tax to Aid the Developing World - TIME

New Airline Ticket Tax to Aid the Developing World - TIME: "Starting next January, whenever you buy an airline ticket at a travel agency or online, there'll be a new question to answer before you hand over your credit card: Would you be willing to donate $2 to help fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa?"

Charities face new call to help each other - Times Online

Charities face new call to help each other - Times Online: "It is a path being encouraged by the Charity Commission. Andrew Hind, its chief executive, believes that every charity should regularly consider whether a merger might make it more effective. “All trustee boards have a responsibility to imaginatively look at ways they can make their powers go further for their beneficiaries,” he says."

onPhilanthropy: Articles: The View From the Recovery Room

onPhilanthropy: Articles: The View From the Recovery Room: "No one has actually seen the recovery room in person. But, the comings and goings that can be seen through the lens of the headlines appear to indicate that the worst is in the past and that, however, slowly, the economy will at some point be discharged and cleared to return to work.

What now? Should the nonprofit sector wait patiently at the hospital entrance for the economy to emerge, or should it dust off its development plans, oil the fundraising machinery, and greet the recovery with all gears turning?"

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Rutgers University receives record donations despite economic downturn - NJ.com

Rutgers University receives record donations despite economic downturn - NJ.com: "NEW BRUNSWICK -- Despite one of the worst economic climates in decades, Rutgers University received a record amount of donations from individuals and foundations for its fiscal year 2009 ending in June, school officials said."

Association Survey: Members Optimistic About Economy, Lackluster About Meetings

Association Survey: Members Optimistic About Economy, Lackluster About Meetings: "Association members are now more optimistic about the economy, according to the results of a new survey conducted this summer by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership, which also found that association members are planning to participate more often in online events and less often in face-to-face meetings."

The NonProfit Times - Immerse Your Donors In You

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "September 17, 2009



Philanthropic training and immersion appears to be an effective way of encouraging donors to contribute more money and spend more time volunteering, according to a recent report published by The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at USC.

The findings stem from research examining donor socialization within Social Venture Partners International, an organization aimed at improving communities by enlisting donors to contribute their time as well as their money. The donors – called “partners” – join local “SVP” affiliates by giving $5,000 or more annually to a pooled fund. Partners also volunteer for the nonprofits they fund and participate in educational and collaborative decision-making activities."

Philanthropic World Laments Fiscal Woes | The Jewish Exponent

Philanthropic World Laments Fiscal Woes | The Jewish Exponent: "Cuts and Layoffs the Norm
In the Jewish nonprofit community, similar signs of the philanthropic recession have popped up. Even the strongest nonprofits have been hit hard.

The largest foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, lost 13 percent of its assets, or $300 million, in the past year. The foundation, with 60 percent of its money invested in the plunging stock market, dropped from $2.3 billion to $2 billion, and its allocations over the next two years will total about $40 million less than foundation officials had anticipated before the recession."

Children's Hospital celebrates its benefactors | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/17/2009

Children's Hospital celebrates its benefactors | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/17/2009: "Hospital chief executive officer Steven Altschuler said Children's had about another billion dollars worth of needs and likely will start another campaign next year. While demand for care at Children's is increasing, he said, the hospital is being cautious with spending. 'Obviously, the economy is still in a very fragile state,' he said.

Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, said he was hearing from members that 'this is probably the most difficult fund-raising environment they've experienced in their careers and these are 30- and 40-year veterans.'

The Giving USA Foundation, he said, found that total giving dropped from $314 billion in 2007 to $307 billion in 2008."

Barry VanderKelen: How nonprofits can use income - Business - San Luis Obispo

Barry VanderKelen: How nonprofits can use income - Business - San Luis Obispo: "Diversifying sources of revenue has been a long-held goal of all nonprofits. Having multiple sources of financial support helps protect the organization if income from any one source decreases.

Many nonprofits that rely too heavily on state or local government funding are feeling the pinch right now because of funding cutbacks."

North Texas teachers turn to outside donors to fund supplies, class projects | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | News: Education

North Texas teachers turn to outside donors to fund supplies, class projects | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | News: Education: "More and more teachers are turning to outside donors to provide everything for their classrooms from Manila paper to iPods, from books to scientific equipment and even rugs to keep students off the floor.

Money for the items comes from local school foundations or national nonprofit groups, such as DonorsChoose."

Stressing results, Boston Foundation revamps its grant-giving - The Boston Globe

Stressing results, Boston Foundation revamps its grant-giving - The Boston Globe: "The biggest public charity in New England is changing the way it hands out millions of dollars to a wide range of community groups, giving more money to those it considers to be the most effective and cutting funding to others."

UK charities struggle with Iceland losses - Forbes.com

UK charities struggle with Iceland losses - Forbes.com: "Naomi House is just one of scores of charities across Britain that lost a combined total of 120 million pounds ($200 million) held in Icelandic banks, according to Audit Office estimates.

The setback means scaling back plans for its new, 9.5 million pound ($16 million) residential hospice for teenagers and young adults, still a construction site a few hundred yards up the hill from the main house."

Income from Investments, Is it time for a Review? |

Income from Investments, Is it time for a Review? |: "Income from Investments, Is it time for a Review?
By James A. Donovan • September 16th, 2009

Nonprofit executives come to us because they need assistance in raising major gifts. We hear about the need for cash, either to sustain an existing program, provide for an unplanned need, begin a new program or to build a new facility. Rather than rush into a discussion of strategies for obtaining major gifts, we encourage the prospective client to obtain an immediate major gift for these purposes by first — reducing expenses. Keep in mind that a $25,000 cost cutting/savings is the equivalent of a major gift that comes from within the organization."

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Student Voice - Service fair prepares students for a career in philanthropy

Student Voice - Service fair prepares students for a career in philanthropy: "Moorpark College hosted a Service Fair held in the campus quad last Wednesday Sept. 9, with organizations from all around Ventura County attending to offer students volunteer opportunities."

Cleveland Museum of Art Scrambles for Financing for Phase II Renovations - WSJ.com

Cleveland Museum of Art Scrambles for Financing for Phase II Renovations - WSJ.com: "The art museums hit hardest in the financial crisis have been those in the building game. Some have been relatively lucky. New York's Museum of Arts and Design completed a move into renovated quarters last October with only a fraction of its $90 million cost left to raise. The St. Louis Art Museum had time to pull back from the brink, announcing last November that it would postpone the late-2008 groundbreaking for its $80 million expansion."

Clef Notes: Struggling Charlotte Symphony gets boost from two $1 million gifts - The Baltimore Sun’s classical music critic Tim Smith blogs about the sonic art, local and beyond - baltimoresun.com

Clef Notes: Struggling Charlotte Symphony gets boost from two $1 million gifts - The Baltimore Sun’s classical music critic Tim Smith blogs about the sonic art, local and beyond - baltimoresun.com: "wo donors gave $1 million each to the Charlotte Symphony in North Carolina, an unprecedented act of philanthropy to the orchestra, reports my colleague Steve Brown.

The ensemble has been hampered by deficits for the past seven years and is not exactly out of the woods yet, but seeing such a generous response in these tough times has to be giving everyone a big lift down there."

Thriving thrift stores come to the rescue of charities hit by economy | StarTribune.com

Thriving thrift stores come to the rescue of charities hit by economy | StarTribune.com: "Tuesday's event dramatizes the growing importance of the humble charity thrift store. With charities reeling from funding cuts from all corners -- the government, foundations and individuals -- resale shops have been a financial savior during this recession."

Generosity numbers in the billions | style, generosity, 10pt - Debate - Gaston Gazette

Generosity numbers in the billions | style, generosity, 10pt - Debate - Gaston Gazette: "As we mentioned earlier, research indicates that charitable giving has seen a general rise over the past 50 years. By some estimates, the country has experienced as many as seven economic recessions in that same time period. So the evidence suggests that although Americans’ wallets contract from time to time, overall their sense of generosity doesn’t shrink.

In fact, AEI reports that:"

$150 Million Gift From Abu Dhabi to Transform National Children's Hospital - washingtonpost.com

$150 Million Gift From Abu Dhabi to Transform National Children's Hospital - washingtonpost.com: "n one of the largest philanthropic donations ever made to a U.S. pediatric hospital, Children's National Medical Center will receive $150 million from the government of Abu Dhabi -- a gift that the hospital hopes to use to dramatically change pediatric surgery."

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The NonProfit Times - "Healthcare Fundraising

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

Grateful Patients Build
Capital campaigns supported by those who know its worth

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston has one year left on its ambitious $1 billion Mission Possible capital campaign, the largest effort the organization has undertaken in its 63-year history.

And instead of waiting for the last year to solicit employees, the organization approached senior faculty before the campaign's 2007 public launch. The development professionals explained the campaign's significance and four key funding areas, including the Jimmy Fund and the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care."

The NonProfit Times - Religious Fundraising

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

Major Donors
Fundraising is a journey in loving your donors

Many development officers and chief executive officers (CEOs) approach major donors with angst. Perhaps they feel inadequate, fear alienating an important donor, or even secretly resent people who are 'filthy rich.' Understandably, such conflicted people struggle to acquire the money that their organizations need."

It's simple: Workplace arts donations lead to record RACC grants - Portland Arts Watch

It's simple: Workplace arts donations lead to record RACC grants - Portland Arts Watch: "he agency's Work for Art campaign generated $665,863 this year, a 19 percent increase from the previous year, a startling rise given the Big Recession that is guttering fundraising efforts for non-profits, almost across the board. The program encourages local businesses to make it possible for their employees to donate to RACC, which then matches the donations with public matching funds."

Assessing the Impact of the Social Innovation Fund | OMB Watch

Assessing the Impact of the Social Innovation Fund | OMB Watch: "Assessing the Impact of the Social Innovation Fund
Posted on September 15, 2009


The Social Innovation Fund (SIF) is the Obama administration’s major philanthropic effort, with the White House requesting $50 million for the program earlier in 2009. While it is clear that the administration is interested in innovation within the nonprofit sector, organizations are uncertain about how the program will impact their work."

Seth's Blog: The problem with non

From Seth's Blog

Seth's Blog: The problem with non: "The problem with non

Non as in non-profit.

The first issue is the way you describe yourself. I know what you’re not but what are you?"

Just what is the ‘Rotary Club,’ anyway? - Winchester, MA - The Winchester Star

Just what is the ‘Rotary Club,’ anyway? - Winchester, MA - The Winchester Star: "Then I was exposed, for the first time really, to international philanthropy. Another nearby Rotary Club (there’s one in almost every town – maybe 32,000 clubs around the world, in 165 countries) was working to equip a school in Honduras, one of the world’s financially depressed countries. The Town of Winchester had closed a school and was storing student desks. One of our Rotarians, then-President Shirley Potts (now deceased), had retired from the School Department and knew about the desks. With the Club’s backing, she went to work to get Winchester desks into a Honduran classroom."

Struggling charities shove the fancy galas aside - TwinCities.com

Struggling charities shove the fancy galas aside - TwinCities.com: "Charities everywhere are scrambling. Giving nationwide dropped from $314 billion in 2007 to $307 billion in 2008, even as demand for services increased, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Of 124 special fundraising events held by local organizations in the first quarter of this year, 40 percent suffered a drop in revenue, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits reported."

Monday, September 14, 2009

Pittsburgh Foundation revises grantmaking policy as part of new strategic plan - Pittsburgh Business Times:

Pittsburgh Foundation revises grantmaking policy as part of new strategic plan - Pittsburgh Business Times:: "The Pittsburgh Foundation said Monday it has finalized a new strategic plan that revises its policy governing unrestricted grant making.

The community foundation has created three funding categories designed to capture all of the Pittsburgh area’s charitable programming needs. For the past seven years, it focused on five target areas."

Nonprofits partner up to fight recession | thestarpress.com | The Star Press

Nonprofits partner up to fight recession | thestarpress.com | The Star Press: "Nonprofits, specifically those that serve children, are looking for more creative ways to cut costs without reducing services. Partnerships help nonprofits stay true to their mission while avoiding duplication."

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Metro/Region - Walk draws record number

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Metro/Region - Walk draws record number: "The 5K walk at Miller’s Landing raised $8,200 to aid local and national suicide prevention awareness programs. The walk, attended by a record 1,245 people, was one of more than 100 taking place across the country."

Hang 20: Dogs hit the surf for charity tournament

Hang 20: Dogs hit the surf for charity tournament: "DEL MAR ---- Wet dogs, surfers in crazy costumes and a whole lot of people are on the bill Sept. 13 for the fourth annual SurfDog Surf-a-Thon at North Beach."

Performance under pressure | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal

Performance under pressure | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal: "Today, there's some evidence (at least on a national level) that the recession is beginning to diminish. Yet, there also is a consensus among Louisville arts leaders that contributed income — which, along with ticket sales, provides the physical lifeblood of any organization — tends to lag behind other indicators of economic recovery."

Charity's fans hope for surge : Local News : Memphis Commercial Appeal

Charity's fans hope for surge : Local News : Memphis Commercial Appeal: "'What I've seen of the trends this year, we're in a positive place,' said Sherrie Rinehart, branch manager for the foundation's West Tennessee chapter. 'Our walk struggled a little a year ago, and two years ago we were very successful.'"

Raffle for Marin 'Dream House' benefits charity

Raffle for Marin 'Dream House' benefits charity: "Two years ago, the organization started raffling off houses to raise funds for its programs. Since then, the idea has become a popular way to raise money for charitable organizations. Last year, the house raffle netted $1.2 million, said Gail Theller, the group's executive director. The year before that it was $1.6 million.

The house this year was donated by Tom Monahan of Monahan Pacific, a Bay Area commercial and residential development firm headquartered in San Rafael. A longtime supporter of CAM, Monahan told the group to take its pick of the dozen or so new homes in Drake's Cove, his gated, upscale subdivision on a hill near the edge of the bay."

The NonProfit Times - Service And Remembrance Get Their Day

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Service And Remembrance Get Their Day

By Paul Clolery

Events around the nation marked the first annual National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11, an element of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, passed with strong bipartisan support and signed into law by President Obama this past April."