Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Stuff A Truck Campaign: Food drive brings in record | Bemidji Pioneer | Bemidji, Minnesota

Stuff A Truck Campaign: Food drive brings in record | Bemidji Pioneer | Bemidji, Minnesota: "Rachel Willard of MarketPlace Foods, who is the Stuff A Truck coordinator, said the donations of 16,560 pounds of food exceeded the 2008 donations by 1,200 pounds. The community cash donations came to $2,851. This amount was more than doubled by a $2,114 donation from Enbridge Energy and $5,000 from U.S. Pipeline."

America's 200 Largest U.S. Charities - Forbes.com

America's 200 Largest U.S. Charities - Forbes.com: "We're clearly in an economic mess, and it's reflected in the new 2009 edition of America's 200 Largest Nonprofits."

Who Are The World's Most Powerful Philanthropists? - Philanthropy.com

Who Are The World's Most Powerful Philanthropists? - Philanthropy.com: "Who Are The World's Most Powerful Philanthropists?

Billionaire Eli Broad has chosen seven people who he says are the “most powerful philanthropists” in the world.

His list is part of a Forbes magazine effort to find out who the most powerful people are in politics, Hollywood, finance, and in other categories."

Lorraine Roe: The Six W's Of Charitable Giving This Season

Lorraine Roe: The Six W's Of Charitable Giving This Season: "It all started in my journalism training about writing a complete news story. We were taught to ask the five 'w's' which are: who, what, when, where and why. When you're about to give, make sure you answer the who first. Are they a tax-deductible organization? Being tax deductible has two advantages. The first is that, of course, you can deduct it on your income tax. The second is that the organization has their accounting on file in a public place. The document is the IRS Form 990. Checking this form can provide some delicious details when you're a reporter or a civilian giver. That's where you can often find out that the non-profit spent 85% on administration, with only 15% of their money going to actual people who are supposedly helped by the cause. Of course there are countless charities devoted to helping people that actually do that. But it's important to check their non-profit's 990, just to make sure. Many non-profits post their Form 990 on their websites. But, if they don't, you can often find those forms in the offices of the State Attorney General in many states across the country. And if you don't have the time you can visit a charity watchdog website, that does a lot of the checking for you."

An Appreciation: Sy Syms: An Educated Donor Is Our Best Philanthropist

An Appreciation: Sy Syms: An Educated Donor Is Our Best Philanthropist: "An outsider who became an insider at Yeshiva University, he was neither an alumus, parent, nor donor. My predecessor, David Zysman, introduced Sy to the institution after working together for many years on behalf of The Israel Bonds Organization. He was an out-of-the box match for YU, as Sy had no prior contact with the University. Yet, Sy became one of our most illustrious, loyal and passionate trustees, respected by all who knew him and beloved by our students."

Saul Garlick: Chase Giveaway Gets Hot & Facebook Becomes Charity Hub

Saul Garlick: Chase Giveaway Gets Hot & Facebook Becomes Charity Hub: "Chase Community Giving on Facebook is no joke. They are doling out $5 million -- but only to nonprofit organizations that operate on less than $10 million a year. They are doing it in some pretty interesting -- and compelling -- increments: $25,000 goes to every organization that is in the top 100 list for votes received from November 15 until December 11. Another $100,000 will go to the top 5 and $1 million to the organization with the most votes. And they are reserving an extra $1 million for yet another oft-voted charity."

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The Nonprofit Quarterly | United Ways 2009: A Confusing Mix of Missed and Missing Goals

The Nonprofit Quarterly | United Ways 2009: A Confusing Mix of Missed and Missing Goals: "n the Nonprofit Quarterly’s Nonprofits in the Age of Obama project, we have committed to following significant trends in and around nonprofits as our economic and political environment re-calibrates. This has led us to follow news reports of the traditional goal setting of the nation’s United Ways. We noticed some interesting trends and wanted to get your input on what you see happening in your locale."

Hawaii nonprofits bank on matching, challenge grants - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):

Hawaii nonprofits bank on matching, challenge grants - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):: "Hawaii nonprofits say matching and challenge grants are helping them attract money in a weakened economy."

Va. College Students To Give Out $10K - wjz.com

Va. College Students To Give Out $10K - wjz.com: "FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) ― Students at the University of Mary Washington aren't just learning about philanthropy — they're practicing it.

Students taking a course on the economics of philanthropy will present $10,000 to local charitable organizations on Dec. 1."

Filipino hikers finish charity trek in Hong Kong - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Filipino hikers finish charity trek in Hong Kong - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Michelle Singletary - The Color of Money: Money is tight; give wisely - washingtonpost.com

Michelle Singletary - The Color of Money: Money is tight; give wisely - washingtonpost.com: "Fifty-one percent of charitable organizations responding to a poll by the Association of Fundraising Professionals reported lower fundraising totals so far in 2009 compared with the same period last year."

Charitable Giving In Tough Times - Forbes.com

Charitable Giving In Tough Times - Forbes.com: "Today, wealth advisors often find themselves dealing with investors who maintain important charitable commitments, even in these difficult economic times. Some techniques that make sense in prosperous times can have unintended adverse consequences, and advisors need to make their clients aware of potential pitfalls and some opportunities."

A different sort of holiday cheer - washingtonpost.com

A different sort of holiday cheer - washingtonpost.com: "At employers large and small, the holiday party has disappeared or become a shadow of its former self. In its place, bosses are planning help-the-hungry or cheer-the-children campaigns."

Have Non-Profits Forgotten to Say “Thank You”? | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

Have Non-Profits Forgotten to Say “Thank You”? | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "Donors at all levels and from all walks of life want to feel appreciated and be assured that their contributions are making an impact. While some may think that the time-worn mandate to express appreciation is almost “old news,” we are regularly shocked to learn about how many non-profits forget, or do not see the value, to say “thank you” when receiving charitable support from all sources… individuals, foundations, corporations . . . in fact, from all sources."

Minnesota Online Fundraising Campaign Amazes - Tonic

Minnesota Online Fundraising Campaign Amazes - Tonic

Guilt and Purpose Drive Young Heirs to Focus on Philanthropy - Philanthropy.com

Guilt and Purpose Drive Young Heirs to Focus on Philanthropy - Philanthropy.com: "Guilt and Purpose Drive Young Heirs to Focus on Philanthropy

Children of privilege who inherit fortunes at a young age often struggle to find a moral balance between using their riches for personal benefit and meeting the social responsibilities they believe wealth confers, The Washington Post reports."

Monday, November 23, 2009

Salvation Army kettles going high-tech

Salvation Army kettles going high-tech: "Short on cash to drop in the red kettles that seem to be everywhere this time of year? Don’t fret: The Salvation Army of Indiana soon will test a swipe-card option for curbside donations to its annual “Tree of Lights” fund-raising campaign."

Charity Turns To Technology To Increase Donations - Louisville News Story - WLKY Louisville

Charity Turns To Technology To Increase Donations - Louisville News Story - WLKY Louisville: "LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Louisville's Salvation Army kettle ringers will now accept credit cards as a way to help increase donations."

Fundraising in recession tests area's private colleges | The Columbus Dispatch

Fundraising in recession tests area's private colleges | The Columbus Dispatch: "Kenyon College has raised more than two-thirds of its $230 million goal at a time when many other schools are scrambling to make up for pledges that have fallen through because of the lousy economy.

'Everyone was worried about the economy,' President S. Georgia Nugent said, 'but I don't think we had a single prospective donor say, 'No, I can't make a gift' or 'It will take me a little longer.' '"

Corporate giving campaigns adjust to economy, but show signs of recovery -- chicagotribune.com

Corporate giving campaigns adjust to economy, but show signs of recovery -- chicagotribune.com: "Now, as companies wrap up their annual workplace giving campaigns, organizations like Family Rescue are feeling a bit better. Family Rescue was able to rehire seven employees who were laid off this year and, because of an expected uptick in funding, is planning to add two positions.

'Right now things seem to be a little bit more on the upswing,' Scott said."

60,000-pound firetruck no match for charity | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

60,000-pound firetruck no match for charity | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "Tyler Card Huffman joined the crowd outside Seville Quarter on Saturday morning to cheer for his mom and 19 other Boeing Co. employees as they pulled a 61,000-pound fire truck."

Expert calls for nonprofits to unite to flex their economic and social muscle - KansasCity.com

Expert calls for nonprofits to unite to flex their economic and social muscle - KansasCity.com: "t’s time for that to change, starting with strong lobbying efforts in city halls, statehouses and the U.S. Capitol, says Robert Egger, director of the V3 Campaign and an expert in nonprofit management.

Egger’s address Thursday at the Philanthropy Midwest Conference in Overland Park was a call to move the nonprofit sector beyond practicing charity to make its economic and social power known."

Our opinion: Recession hits United Way, other nonprofits» Times Record News

Our opinion: Recession hits United Way, other nonprofits» Times Record News: "Nonprofit organizations, especially those with “lifeline” missions, charities that provide basics such as food and shelter, face a double-edged sword during a recession.

The whole world realizes the critical need of their mission, and yet more of the world knocks on their doors during tough economic times than when finances aren’t so tight.

Their value is never more apparent, and their services never more necessary."

Bellingham, Whatcom County Local News | Bellingham Herald

Bellingham, Whatcom County Local News | Bellingham Herald: "The award, in its first year, will give $10,000 to two public charities, one supported by a public figure and the other a 'hometown hero' featured on the 'NBC Nightly News' series, 'Making a Difference.' Giving Anonymously was featured in August and September, and those segments were so popular the charity garnered a nomination.

The charity enables donors to give money to friends, family or strangers anonymously, so recipients don't feel indebted for the donation.

'American people are already very generous,' Thompson said. 'What they're excited about is that we're facilitating something that is already in their hearts.'"

Editorial: Return the regatta | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/20/2009

Editorial: Return the regatta | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/20/2009: "Editorial: Return the regatta

The 75-year-old Dad Vail Regatta hasn't always been held in Philadelphia, but since 1953, the Schuylkill has been its home, and that's where it belongs.

Unfortunately, next May the Dad Vail crews will be rowing their boats down the Navesink in North Jersey. That's where the tony town of Rumson outbid Philadelphia to host the races. Except the event wasn't actually put up for bids. Rumson instead waved $250,000 under the noses of the Dad Vail's organizers and they grabbed it. Philadelphia officials say they didn't hear about the deal until it was done."