Friday, September 24, 2010
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Important Precedent in the Social Innovation Fund's Disclosure Policy
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Important Precedent in the Social Innovation Fund's Disclosure Policy: "On Friday, September 17, the Social Innovation Fund released the names of all 63 reviewers of applications for SIF funding and the names of 43 of the 59 SIF applicants that applied for grants but did not win. These were disclosures that had been requested by NPQ and it was the second round of disclosures that came as a result of calls for further transparency at the Social Innovation Fund."
Gifts of Tangible Personal Property or How to Find Valuable Donations in Your Donor’s Attic and What to Do with Them | Planned Giving Design Center
Gifts of Tangible Personal Property or How to Find Valuable Donations in Your Donor’s Attic and What to Do with Them | Planned Giving Design Center: "Why would a donor offer such non-cash assets for charitable gifting? – Possibly:
* To be able to make a gift during a period of recession when income producing assets are scarce and, in the process, secure an income tax deduction while avoiding capital gains tax on sale of appreciated property;? or"
* To be able to make a gift during a period of recession when income producing assets are scarce and, in the process, secure an income tax deduction while avoiding capital gains tax on sale of appreciated property;? or"
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | What Do Donors Want?
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | What Do Donors Want?: "n short, many wondered: Do donors want more information about nonprofits and, if so, what kind? And if they have it, will it change their minds about what they support?
March to Metrics
There is little question that data, metrics, and measurement have become embedded into the philanthropic process in recent years—practices were initially met with deep skepticism by some but eventually gained considerable traction among a majority of nonprofits and philanthropic institutions. Today, in fact, few would argue against the need for more evidence-based measures of progress, outcomes, and impact. Foundations, in particular, have been focused on helping nonprofits beef up their data collection and evaluative capacities, due to a growing demand from their boards for evidence that their investments were having an impact. Also a factor is increased public and government scrutiny, and competition from private companies moving into markets in which nonprofits had traditionally dominated. Even among nonprofits that initially recoiled at collecting data on their outcomes, there is now a general understanding that “doing God’s work” may no longer be sufficient to justify their existence in a rapidly changing world"
March to Metrics
There is little question that data, metrics, and measurement have become embedded into the philanthropic process in recent years—practices were initially met with deep skepticism by some but eventually gained considerable traction among a majority of nonprofits and philanthropic institutions. Today, in fact, few would argue against the need for more evidence-based measures of progress, outcomes, and impact. Foundations, in particular, have been focused on helping nonprofits beef up their data collection and evaluative capacities, due to a growing demand from their boards for evidence that their investments were having an impact. Also a factor is increased public and government scrutiny, and competition from private companies moving into markets in which nonprofits had traditionally dominated. Even among nonprofits that initially recoiled at collecting data on their outcomes, there is now a general understanding that “doing God’s work” may no longer be sufficient to justify their existence in a rapidly changing world"
FT.com / Technology - Ebay founder to bridge digital chasm
FT.com / Technology - Ebay founder to bridge digital chasm: "Pierre Omidyar, the billionaire founder of Ebay, will spend $55m over the next three years to bolster government transparency and spur innovation in the developing world.
Through the Omidyar Network, his philanthropic investment firm, he has pledged $30m for transparency efforts enabled through technology, and $25m in support of mobile innovation benefiting people in emerging markets."
Through the Omidyar Network, his philanthropic investment firm, he has pledged $30m for transparency efforts enabled through technology, and $25m in support of mobile innovation benefiting people in emerging markets."
PND - News - Commitments Totaling $2.5 Billion Announced on Day One of Clinton Global Initiative
PND - News - Commitments Totaling $2.5 Billion Announced on Day One of Clinton Global Initiative: "Commitments Totaling $2.5 Billion Announced on Day One of Clinton Global Initiative
On the first day of the sixth annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting, former President Bill Clinton said he had collected 'commitments to action' totaling more than $2.5 billion, Bloomberg reports."
On the first day of the sixth annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting, former President Bill Clinton said he had collected 'commitments to action' totaling more than $2.5 billion, Bloomberg reports."
October 7520 Rate Drops to 2.0%; Ties Lowest Rate in History | Planned Giving Design Center
October 7520 Rate Drops to 2.0%; Ties Lowest Rate in History | 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 2010-24 indicates the applicable federal rate under section 7520 for October 2010 is 2.0%; down 0.4% from the September rate of 2.4% and down 0.6% from the August rate of 2.6%."
Charities see investment assets decline - Third Sector
Charities see investment assets decline - Third Sector: "The investment assets of the 1,000 charities with the largest portfolios were valued at about �64.9bn, down from �66.9bn in the previous year, according to data collated from the most recent reports, which mostly had a financial year-end in the month of December 2009."
Philanthropy Faces Obstacles in China, as Shown by One Foundation | China | Epoch Times
Philanthropy Faces Obstacles in China, as Shown by One Foundation | China | Epoch Times: "C
omments made by Jet Li about the status of his One Foundation in China earlier this month have become a cause for reflection on the state of philanthropy in China.
In a Sept. 12 interview with Face to Face, produced by CCTV, Li said: “[One Foundation] was born without a certificate… this kid is now turning three and cannot go to school.”"
omments made by Jet Li about the status of his One Foundation in China earlier this month have become a cause for reflection on the state of philanthropy in China.
In a Sept. 12 interview with Face to Face, produced by CCTV, Li said: “[One Foundation] was born without a certificate… this kid is now turning three and cannot go to school.”"
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ethical Dilemmas Relatively Rare in Fund Raising, Says New Poll - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Ethical Dilemmas Relatively Rare in Fund Raising, Says New Poll - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Ethical Dilemmas Relatively Rare in Fund Raising, Says New Poll
By Nicole Wallace
The lion's share of fund raisers — 82 percent — face ethical dilemmas once a month or less, according to a new poll.
The informal online survey, conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on its Web site from from late July to late August, garnered 493 responses. Fifty-eight percent of participants said that they encountered ethical challenges less than one a month, while 24 percent said once a month."
By Nicole Wallace
The lion's share of fund raisers — 82 percent — face ethical dilemmas once a month or less, according to a new poll.
The informal online survey, conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on its Web site from from late July to late August, garnered 493 responses. Fifty-eight percent of participants said that they encountered ethical challenges less than one a month, while 24 percent said once a month."
Do Jewish households give more to poverty causes than those from other faiths? | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News
Do Jewish households give more to poverty causes than those from other faiths? | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News: "Do Jewish households give more to poverty causes than those from other faiths?
By Jacob Berkman � September 21, 2010
Jewish households are more likely than households of other faith backgrounds to give money to the poor and needy, according to a new study economist Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm, just published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion."
By Jacob Berkman � September 21, 2010
Jewish households are more likely than households of other faith backgrounds to give money to the poor and needy, according to a new study economist Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm, just published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion."
Back to front: a new twist on the sponsored run | UK Fundraising
Back to front: a new twist on the sponsored run | UK Fundraising: "So I was pleased to see the different approach to fundraising taken by Irish athlete Sonia O’Sullivan’s at at this Sunday’s Bupa Great North Run.
She chose to be the very last competitor to start the half-marathon, and asked people to donate money to her chosen charities for every runner she overtook during the 13.1-mile race. By the time she had finished, she had overtaken 25,313 runners!"
She chose to be the very last competitor to start the half-marathon, and asked people to donate money to her chosen charities for every runner she overtook during the 13.1-mile race. By the time she had finished, she had overtaken 25,313 runners!"
Editorial: United Way shifts with the times : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis
Editorial: United Way shifts with the times : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis: "As the world changed around it, so did United Way of Greater Greensboro.
Good thing, too. The economy remains uncertain. Corporate giving isn’t what it used to be. So United Way is expanding appeals to small businesses and largely untapped young donors. The idea: If more people give even a little, the campaign can close the gap that a few corporate captains once filled with well-placed checks."
Good thing, too. The economy remains uncertain. Corporate giving isn’t what it used to be. So United Way is expanding appeals to small businesses and largely untapped young donors. The idea: If more people give even a little, the campaign can close the gap that a few corporate captains once filled with well-placed checks."
Terry Fox Run draws record crowd | Local News | Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC
Terry Fox Run draws record crowd | Local News | Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC: "Grey skies and rain didn’t deter the people of Squamish from coming out to take part in the 30th annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday (Sept. 19).
The run attracted 110 participants, which Terry Fox run co-ordinator and Squamish firefighter Jordan Lawrence said was the highest total he can remember."
The run attracted 110 participants, which Terry Fox run co-ordinator and Squamish firefighter Jordan Lawrence said was the highest total he can remember."
Margot Pritzker: "Y" Volunteer? The Benefits of Volunteering for Young Professionals
Margot Pritzker: "Y" Volunteer? The Benefits of Volunteering for Young Professionals: "consider myself a life-long volunteer. I've always been committed to giving of myself where and how I can. Through my own experiences with volunteering I've noticed that now, more than ever, there is a growing number of young professionals -- Generation Y and beyond -- taking time to volunteer as well.
The benefits of volunteering obviously are not age-discriminative. However, speaking from experience, there are a number of reasons that it's important to make commitments to nonprofits and volunteer as a young professional."
The benefits of volunteering obviously are not age-discriminative. However, speaking from experience, there are a number of reasons that it's important to make commitments to nonprofits and volunteer as a young professional."
Cause Marketing Speaks Loudest to Moms and Millennials
Cause Marketing Speaks Loudest to Moms and Millennials: "The latest Cone Cause Evolution Study reveals that moms are the demographic most open to cause marketing...they practically demand the opportunity to shop with a cause in mind."
Monday, September 20, 2010
Why Development Projects Fail: One Size Does Not Fit All | Special English | Learning English
Why Development Projects Fail: One Size Does Not Fit All | Special English | Learning English: "Last week we told you about FAILFaire, an event where people talk about international development projects that failed.
Many of these projects started as good ideas. Others had some level of success, but not enough to have a measurable effect on the lives of people in developing countries.
A nonprofit group in New York called MobileActive held the first FAILFaire earlier this year. MobileActive is made up of people and organizations that use technology to try to improve the lives of the poor."
Many of these projects started as good ideas. Others had some level of success, but not enough to have a measurable effect on the lives of people in developing countries.
A nonprofit group in New York called MobileActive held the first FAILFaire earlier this year. MobileActive is made up of people and organizations that use technology to try to improve the lives of the poor."
Jonathan Lewis: Five Rules for Personal Philanthropy
Jonathan Lewis: Five Rules for Personal Philanthropy: "Among a torrent of tragedies on the African continent, none is more heartbreaking than children born with AIDs. Can you imagine a more undeserved punishment for the misdeed of being birthed in the wrong womb?
What can you do? What is worth doing? What works?
With grateful thanks to Kerry Olson, Founder/President of the Firelight Foundation (I am its treasurer), here are five giving rules worth knowing:"
What can you do? What is worth doing? What works?
With grateful thanks to Kerry Olson, Founder/President of the Firelight Foundation (I am its treasurer), here are five giving rules worth knowing:"
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Hey Buddy, Can You Spare A Million?
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Hey Buddy, Can You Spare A Million?: "September 17, 2010; Source: Daily Tell | These days when the very wealthy are being asked to sign pledges to give at least half what they own to charity, who could fault a Colorado-based community foundation for hoping to raise $1 million in 24 hours from philanthropists statewide? Community First Foundation's Colorado Gives Day aims to raise that impressive sum on December 8 to benefit some 350 nonprofits that are profiled on the organization's givingfirst.org website."
From Clinton Global Initiative to the U.N. Summit, philanthropy goes into overdrive this week -
From Clinton Global Initiative to the U.N. Summit, philanthropy goes into overdrive this week -: "Looking ahead at this week's events focused on philanthropy and social innovation along with the political heavyweights that are set to gather, I can only think of one way to describe it -- philanthropy in overdrive."
Do you know where most of your donation goes?
Do you know where most of your donation goes?: "The Association of Fundraising Professionals in Arlington, Va., isn't convinced that percentage-based fundraising is ethical.
'The firm sort of has the charity at its mercy,' said Michael Nilsen, a spokesman for the association.
The call lists used to solicit donations often stay with the fundraising firm, and that keeps charities from developing relationships with donors, Nilsen said.
'It's the exact same type of charities that this seems to happen to a lot,' he said. 'The names kind of pull at your heart strings, in terms of badges or veterans. The people don't stop to question how the money is being used.'"
'The firm sort of has the charity at its mercy,' said Michael Nilsen, a spokesman for the association.
The call lists used to solicit donations often stay with the fundraising firm, and that keeps charities from developing relationships with donors, Nilsen said.
'It's the exact same type of charities that this seems to happen to a lot,' he said. 'The names kind of pull at your heart strings, in terms of badges or veterans. The people don't stop to question how the money is being used.'"
Florida Couple Giving $30M To University Of SC - cbs4.com
Florida Couple Giving $30M To University Of SC - cbs4.com: "COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) ― A Florida couple is giving $30 million to the University of South Carolina's pharmacy program, money the school hopes will provide pharmacy students with business skills."
Ohio State looks to polish its national image | The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State looks to polish its national image | The Columbus Dispatch: "'As we get more people engaged with the university, we know philanthropy will follow,' said G. Gilbert Cloyd, a former chairman of the board and current charter trustee member.
As a research university, Ohio State is uniquely poised to help solve major global challenges in such areas as energy, environment, health, food, poverty, security and water. But many people don't know about OSU's role in these areas, said Peter Weiler, OSU's outgoing senior vice president of development and president of the OSU Foundation."
As a research university, Ohio State is uniquely poised to help solve major global challenges in such areas as energy, environment, health, food, poverty, security and water. But many people don't know about OSU's role in these areas, said Peter Weiler, OSU's outgoing senior vice president of development and president of the OSU Foundation."
Kiva Lets You Fund a Student's Education, $25 at a Time | Fast Company
Kiva Lets You Fund a Student's Education, $25 at a Time | Fast Company: "Global micro-lending site, Kiva.org just got smarter.
It already allows people from all over the world to donate small micro-loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries. Today the forward-thinking non-profit has announced it's making available higher education loans for individuals in Lebanon, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The move opens up the micro-lending process from a focus on small enterprises to empowering individuals in developing countries to attend college. The basic Kiva model will continue, allowing people all over the world to make loans as small as $25. After a yearlong pilot program in the three countries, Kiva plans to expand to at least 15 countries."
It already allows people from all over the world to donate small micro-loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries. Today the forward-thinking non-profit has announced it's making available higher education loans for individuals in Lebanon, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The move opens up the micro-lending process from a focus on small enterprises to empowering individuals in developing countries to attend college. The basic Kiva model will continue, allowing people all over the world to make loans as small as $25. After a yearlong pilot program in the three countries, Kiva plans to expand to at least 15 countries."
Lauragene Swenson: Local girls speak for AAUW - Pasadena Star-News
Lauragene Swenson: Local girls speak for AAUW - Pasadena Star-News: "The opening meeting of the Arcadia Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) presented 10 local middle-school girls who spoke of their experiences at Tech Trek Science/Math Camp on the Whittier College campus.
The Arcadia AAUW has sponsored middle-school girls at the Camp since the state AAUW began this special project in 1998 on college campuses throughout California to encourage girls to go into careers in science, math, technology and engineering."
The Arcadia AAUW has sponsored middle-school girls at the Camp since the state AAUW began this special project in 1998 on college campuses throughout California to encourage girls to go into careers in science, math, technology and engineering."
Saint Louis Art Museum Receives Major Gift from Danforth Family
Saint Louis Art Museum Receives Major Gift from Danforth Family: "ST. LOUIS, MO.- The Saint Louis Art Museum announced that Carolyn Danforth has initiated a series of donations that will bring the extraordinary collection of American Indian artworks assembled by her late husband, Donald Danforth Jr., to the Museum. In addition to Mrs. Danforth’s gift, the Danforth Foundation has pledged $2 million to name the Donald Danforth Jr. Gallery of Native American Art to house the collection. In the Saint Louis Art Museum’s 131-year history, a handful of generous patrons stand out for their transformational gifts of significant collections."
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