Local Nonprofits are Gift Cards’ Unintended Recipients | Loudoun Independent

Local Nonprofits are Gift Cards’ Unintended Recipients | Loudoun Independent: "The department holds on to cards – many of which are also seized during criminal investigations -- for at least 60 days, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kraig Troxell. Over the time, if the rightful owners don’t claim them, the department then donates them to area charities.

“The state won’t take them so we give them away,” Troxell said.

This year the lucky recipients include the Salvation Army of Loudoun County, the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Loudoun Interfaith Relief, which provides free food and gift cards to Loudoun families in need."

K-State Student Foundation Selects New Members

K-State Student Foundation Selects New Members: "MANHATTAN, Kansas - Seventeen students from across Kansas were recently selected as the newest members of the Kansas State University Student Foundation.

Members of the K-State Student Foundation are ambassadors of philanthropy for K-State and focus on raising awareness among current and future alumni and students about the importance of giving back to K-State as well as cultivating philanthropy across the university."

WABE: Elimination of Arts Council Would Have Statewide Impact (2010-04-16)

WABE: Elimination of Arts Council Would Have Statewide Impact (2010-04-16): "ATLANTA (WABE) - A proposed state budget calls for millions of dollars of cuts. One that has caused a stir is the total elimination of the Georgia Council for the Arts, the state's only arts-funding agency. WABE's Jonathan Shapiro reports.

If the budget is passed in its current form, and the GCA is eliminated, hundreds of arts organizations across the state will be impacted."

Student loan change could boost aid work: Clinton

Student loan change could boost aid work: Clinton: "NEW YORK (Reuters) - More U.S. graduates are likely to work with aid groups and charities after an overhaul of the country's student loan program lessens their debt repayment burden, former U.S. President Bill Clinton said."

After Last Year’s Decline, Foundation Giving Expected to Remain Flat in 2010 - Foundations - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

After Last Year’s Decline, Foundation Giving Expected to Remain Flat in 2010 - Foundations - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Giving by the nation’s grant makers fell by more than 8 percent last year, according to a new report, marking the steepest drop ever tracked by the Foundation Center, the New York group that keeps data on American foundations. Grant dollars fell from $46.8-billion in 2008 to $42.9-billion in 2009.

Yet, according to the Foundation Center’s latest report, the decline in giving totaled less than half of the 17 percent loss in foundation assets recorded in 2008."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Nonprofit Publishes Pulitzer Prize Winner

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Nonprofit Publishes Pulitzer Prize Winner

Jewish Philanthropic Leader Calls for Using ‘The Other 95 Percent’ | onPhilanthropy

Jewish Philanthropic Leader Calls for Using ‘The Other 95 Percent’ | onPhilanthropy: "The president of the Jewish Funders Network has told a conference of prominent philanthropists to aim to put more than five percent of the funds in private foundations to work for worthy causes. According to Jacob Berkman of JTA, Mark Charendoff of the funders’ network (whose members give $25,000 per year or more) pushed the group to get more money off the sidelines, particularly as nonprofits are struggling:"

The NonProfit Times - Premiums Map Way To Donors For Doctors Without Borders

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Premiums Map Way To Donors For Doctors Without Borders

By Mark Hrywna

Rising expenses such as postage costs have put the squeeze on nonprofit mailers, but organizations are still sending premiums to entice donors to give. The premiums packages, however, might look and feel a little different to shave a few cents off the cost of the mailing and boost their return on investment (ROI)."

Obamas Donated 6% of Income to Charity - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Obamas Donated 6% of Income to Charity - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Obamas Donated 6% of Income to Charity

By Grant Williams

President Obama and his wife, Michelle, last year donated 6 percent of their income of $5.5-million to charity, according to figures released today by the White House.

Vice President Biden and his wife, Jill, donated 1.5 percent of their income of $333,182 to charity, in both cash and donated goods."

In Mexico, artists pay taxes with paintings | PRI.ORG

In Mexico, artists pay taxes with paintings | PRI.ORG: "But imagine if, instead of paying taxes in the form of money, you could give the government a piece of art. That's the arrangement in Mexico, where the government has been allowing artists to offer pieces of art instead of paying income tax since 1957. It's resulted in a masterful art collection housed and displayed in Mexico City."

A new generation of philanthropists dominates contest for nonprofit ventures | Newsroom | Washington University in St. Louis

A new generation of philanthropists dominates contest for nonprofit ventures | Newsroom | Washington University in St. Louis: "Creative solutions to improve life in St. Louis communities and beyond took center stage at the YouthBridge Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition awards April 13 at Washington University in St. Louis, where winning ventures shared a total of $155,000 in cash grants."

$1 million initiative to encourage older adults to volunteer - baltimoresun.com

$1 million initiative to encourage older adults to volunteer - baltimoresun.com: "Three foundations plan to tap the value of older adults to strengthen five city neighborhoods and one in Baltimore County through a $1 million initiative funded by nonprofit groups."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Derek Jeter: Role Model for All

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Derek Jeter: Role Model for All: "April 12, 2010; USA Today | Sports and celebrity charities receive plenty of criticism, but that has never applied to New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. He may winter in a gated community in Tampa, where he is building a mansion of, oh, 30,875 square-feet, but in Kalamazoo, Mich., his hometown, he is lauded for his charitable endeavors."

Volunteers reopen Old Economy Village after a five-month hiatus

Volunteers reopen Old Economy Village after a five-month hiatus: "The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission closed Old Economy in November due to a $15.7 million cut in the commission's budget in the wake of the state's budget crisis. At the time, the village was hosting 25,000 visitors a year, including 9,000 school students.

Under a new licensing agreement the friends group reached with the commission, the 300-member group of volunteers will take over conducting tours of the community's buildings, staff the six-acre site on weekends and answer visitors' questions."

Luminaries

Luminaries: "ecently honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with its highest philanthropic award, Dr. Singh’s latest donations help people who are in need of lifesaving prescription medications. And while he is uncomfortable with the attention his generosity has drawn, he does understand that hearing of his gifts sometimes prompts others to follow suit and do something for the community, as well."

In retirement, a new way of working - People - NewsObserver.com

In retirement, a new way of working - People - NewsObserver.com: "ow he's using the years once reserved for revving engines to help others as a volunteer adviser to nonprofit businesses and executives. As a consultant for Executive Service Corps of the Triangle, and a board member for several nonprofits, Colwell keeps a challenging schedule - about 35 hours a week - designed to support service-oriented organizations, reminding their leadership of the mission to 'serve more people in more effective ways.'"

Goodbye, Ballrooms: Campaign Kickoffs Go Online - Administration - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Goodbye, Ballrooms: Campaign Kickoffs Go Online - Administration - The Chronicle of Higher Education: "As economic pressures have squeezed college budgets, fund-raising offices have looked to the Internet to save money, using e-mail solicitations instead of pricier print materials or a thank-you video in place of a closing party. Now, colleges are experimenting with online campaign kickoffs.

Binghamton University plans to introduce its new campaign in cyberspace next Thursday night. Instead of throwing a traditional party with a sit-down meal and live music, the university, part of the State University of New York system, is inviting alumni and supporters to log on to a Web site for a virtual celebration."

Jewish Giving: Is the Glass Half-Full? | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

Jewish Giving: Is the Glass Half-Full? | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "Younger Leaders Seen Less Bound By Traditional Ties
Study presented at Jewish Funders Network finds little consensus on establishment values.

… The lively plenary was part of a three-day conference sponsored by the Jewish Funders Network, viewed as a yearly “summit” on Jewish philanthropy. About 250 people, representing more than 150 different philanthropists and foundations, from the well-known to the little-known, came together to meet, network, discuss possible collaboration and reflect on trends in giving."

How Charities Can Curb Turnover Among Fund Raisers - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

How Charities Can Curb Turnover Among Fund Raisers - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "How Charities Can Curb Turnover Among Fund Raisers

By Holly Hall

High turnover among fund raisers has slowed in the financial downturn, but will undoubtedly resume when the economy improves, Penelope Burk, a fund-raising consultant, told the annual meeting of the Association of Fundraising Professionals here"

Boomers driving makeover of American volunteering - 50 Plus: Life & Leisure | Centre Daily Times - State College, PA

Boomers driving makeover of American volunteering - 50 Plus: Life & Leisure | Centre Daily Times - State College, PA: "Baby boomers have been rewriting American culture for decades. Now, as the first wave of retiring boomers leaves the work force and the next wave is reaching the 55-plus mark, they are redefining yet another great American institution — volunteerism."

Tufts Daily - Experimental College course lets Jumbos fund nonprofits through a $10,000 grant

Tufts Daily - Experimental College course lets Jumbos fund nonprofits through a $10,000 grant: "What could people do if they were given $10,000 to donate to nonprofits of their choice? How would they decide to whom they would give this money? Students in Experimenting with Philanthropy, an Experimental College class currently being offered for the fourth year, are investigating the possible answers to these questions as they learn the ins and outs of the philanthropic field before deciding how to allocate the $10,000 grant and to which organizations."

U of M rejects massive donation of recordings - Winnipeg Free Press

U of M rejects massive donation of recordings - Winnipeg Free Press: "T all seemed so simple to Dr. Peter Charlebois -- he'd donate his family's collection of 56,500 recordings dating back to 1913 to the University of Manitoba's faculty of music.

All the 82-year-old retired Toronto doctor asked in return was a tax receipt, the cost of shipping and a memorial plaque honouring his parents."

Getting Board Members to Give - By June Bradham : FundRaising Success

Getting Board Members to Give - By June Bradham : FundRaising Success: "My perspective on boards is unique both in its optimism and its frustration. As a for-profit consultant helping nonprofits create a great experience for their board members, I see the tremendous opportunities if a few important pieces are brought into alignment. But as a nonprofit board member myself, I am often left unsatisfied by my experience, lose my passion and find my eyes wandering to another board on which I could do more good - and have more fun."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | More Valuable to Have One Volunteer in Washington D.C. than Three Volunteers in Puerto Rico

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | More Valuable to Have One Volunteer in Washington D.C. than Three Volunteers in Puerto Rico: "April 13, 2010; Independent Sector | People volunteering in Washington D.C. are worth more than twice as much per hour than people volunteering in Mississippi, according to a new study released by Washington D.C.-based Independent Sector."

Chron.commons | Chron.com - The FYI on the ROI: when is a special event successful?

Chron.commons | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "It’s been a long time since I’ve updated this blog—my apologies. The reason for my lengthy absence was the planning and preparation of a major fundraiser. On March 20th, my organization celebrated its sixth annual gala, Apocalypto, with over 700 attendees reveling in honor of Spacetaker’s founder, David A. Brown. Once the Mad Max style Thunderdome had been carried away, the chains removed from the walls, and Winter Street Studios returned to normal, the Apocalypto gala had raised more funds for our organization than any before. All in all, we can chalk up the event to a major success… but any good nonprofit administrator should ask, at what cost? What is the return on investment? And aside from fundraising, why do nonprofits host these galas and special events?"

Fundraisers tweak their approach for tough times - USATODAY.com

Fundraisers tweak their approach for tough times - USATODAY.com: "cross the country, fundraisers are intensifying efforts to make solicitations more personal and fruitful.

Such a back-to-basics approach may help many charities navigate through uncertain economic times, says Michael Nilsen, a spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which represents more than 30,000 fundraisers.

'That means ensuring that donors who are the most loyal continue to give, because this generates the most revenue with the least cost,' he says."

J. Paul Getty Museum Announces Record Year for Photograph Donations

J. Paul Getty Museum Announces Record Year for Photograph Donations: "LOS ANGELES, CA.- The J. Paul Getty Museum announced today that calendar year 2009 yielded the largest number of donated works to the photographs collection in the Museum’s history. Last year, more than 1,000 photographs were donated to the Museum by 41 individuals, the largest number of donors in a single year to date. Many of these gifts were inspired by a special initiative commemorating the Department of Photographs 25th anniversary led by Dan Solomon, a member of the Getty Museum’s Photographs Council."

Vail Valley: Eagle home to be given away in charity raffle | VailDaily.com

Vail Valley: Eagle home to be given away in charity raffle | VailDaily.com: "Raffle will give away home in Eagle

A charity raffle will give away a home in Eagle and hopes to raise $1 million for charities in the Vail Valley and elsewhere.

The “Eagle Nest Raffle” started April 10 and runs through Dec. 15 of this year. Tickets are $100 each and no more than 10,000 tickets will be sold. The winner — to be picked Dec. 31 — will receive clear title to a home on a corner lot in the Bluffs neighborhood in Eagle."

What Nonprofits Should Do the Next Time There Is an Economic Crisis - Financial Crisis Lessons for Nonprofits

What Nonprofits Should Do the Next Time There Is an Economic Crisis - Financial Crisis Lessons for Nonprofits: "Now that there are signs that we may be pulling out of our economic slump, it pays to remember what we did right and what we need to remember to do next time, and more quickly.

Susan U. Raymond, in her wonderful book, Nonprofit Finance for Hard Times, Wiley 2010, offers the following steps toward avoiding crisis the next time the financial markets swoon:

* React Fast"

AFP 2009 State of Fundraising Survey: Charitable Fundraising Takes Another Hit - Press - AFP

AFP 2009 State of Fundraising Survey: Charitable Fundraising Takes Another Hit - Press - AFP: "AFP 2009 State of Fundraising Survey: Charitable Fundraising Takes Another Hit

(Baltimore, Md.) Just 43 percent of charities raised more money in 2009 than in 2008, marking it the worst year for charitable fundraising in a decade, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 2009 State of Fundraising Survey, released at AFP's 47th International Conference on Fundraising in Baltimore, Md."

Tips for training your short-term volunteers

Tips for training your short-term volunteers: "Tips for training your short-term volunteers
Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf By Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
April 12, 2010

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So you need volunteers badly for your next big campaign or event. And as volunteer manager - or executive director, or whatever position in your organization manages your volunteers - you want to make sure it's an experience the volunteers remember, cherish, and work at effectively without ruining your reputation.

Some of the best ways to maximize the effectiveness of your volunteers are all about how you present your mission to them."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | On the Job Training for Tomorrow's Givers

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | On the Job Training for Tomorrow's Givers: "According to the Wall Street Journal, setting up mini foundations for their children, like the one Rafferty is running, is one way the next generation is being groomed to someday head their family's philanthropies. Other ways children are learning the ropes of their family's philanthropy include forming special boards of directors or foundations committees that give them responsibility for specific duties, such as developing a Web site."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | USC Cancels Bids on Building—Gives Control of Design to Donor

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | USC Cancels Bids on Building—Gives Control of Design to Donor: "April 11, 2010; The State | In a situation that has been called “unprecedented” Darla Moore, a financier who has given about $60 million—two-thirds of what it will cost University of South Carolina to build a new business school—has been granted control over choosing the architect for the $90 million building despite the fact that bids were already in. The four firms who bid were estimated to spend months and upwards of $100,000 each to prepare the bids."