Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Seals and Mass Philanthropy - NYTimes.com
Christmas Seals and Mass Philanthropy - NYTimes.com: Just as important, they produced a revolution in philanthropy. At that time, the 1 percent of the late Gilded Age, men with names like Carnegie and Rockefeller, were creating major new philanthropic institutions. Christmas Seals, in a way, was the response from the other 99 percent: by marketing something as inexpensive as a stamp and using the proceeds to attack a major disease, the founders of the Christmas Seals program demonstrated the collective power of the American public.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Religion Gets Largest Share of Charity in US | Special English | Learning English
Religion Gets Largest Share of Charity in US | Special English | Learning English: Americans gave about two hundred ninety billion dollars to charity last year. That was ten billion dollars more than the amount of charitable giving in two thousand nine. The estimates are from the Giving USA Foundation and its research partner, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Lisa’s Direct Mail Watching Experiment, Part 3
Lisa’s Direct Mail Watching Experiment, Part 3: We are coming to a close on this in this year-long experiment on the types of direct mail solicitations received and I’m back again to share even more of my findings with you. I hope all of you enjoyed my first post about the importance of a personal, visual, heartfelt message and my second post with updates on all of the exciting, or not so exciting, direct mail that I have received.
Nonprofit Theater Companies Enjoying, Well, Profits - NYTimes.com
Nonprofit Theater Companies Enjoying, Well, Profits - NYTimes.com: While money is tight these days for nonprofit theaters nationwide — with Intiman Theater in Seattle becoming the latest to face closing, amid heavy debts — New York’s major nonprofits are financially stable by comparison, their leaders say. But they are becoming more aggressive about producing work that can sell tickets, as a hedge against the unpredictability of private donations and subscription renewals.
Bells ringing on for charity
http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20111223000806Early this month in Myeongdong, one of the most bustling spots in central Seoul, bell ringers found a 110 million won ($95,000) check, the largest amount put in a red kettle since the campaign started in 1928. The anonymous man believed to be in his 60s wrote a note along with the huge sum: “Meager as this amount may be, I hope it will be used to help the sick and lonely old people.”
Colorado Trust Awards Health Grants to Rural Philanthropy Days Participants | PNNOnline.org
Colorado Trust Awards Health Grants to Rural Philanthropy Days Participants | PNNOnline.org: The Colorado Trust today announced it has made $28,500 in grants to strengthen the work of five nonprofit organizations working to improve the health and well-being of rural Coloradans. The Colorado Trust, a grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding health coverage and improving health care for all Coloradans, made the grants after meeting with nonprofit organizations at Rural Philanthropy Days in Saguache, Colorado.
Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) connects funders with nonprofit organizations that serve rural Colorado. This three-day event, which takes place twice each year, was created in 1991 by the Community Resource Center (CRC) to strengthen nonprofit-funder relations and to address critical needs in rural communities across Colorado.
Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) connects funders with nonprofit organizations that serve rural Colorado. This three-day event, which takes place twice each year, was created in 1991 by the Community Resource Center (CRC) to strengthen nonprofit-funder relations and to address critical needs in rural communities across Colorado.
- The Washington Post
- The Washington Post: This season, Americans are spending $465 billion, according to the National Retail Federation, a staggering amount that is almost equivalent to the gross domestic product of Pakistan. A good portion of that is on gifts.
Sunday, of course, is the climactic day of giving, as everything from slippers to flat-screened TVs are balanced in festive piles under Christmas trees, and as Hanukkah clocks its sixth day.
Sunday, of course, is the climactic day of giving, as everything from slippers to flat-screened TVs are balanced in festive piles under Christmas trees, and as Hanukkah clocks its sixth day.
Anonymous giving in no short supply this holiday season - chicagotribune.com
Anonymous giving in no short supply this holiday season - chicagotribune.com: What compels people to donate anonymously?
Daniel Borochoff, president of CharityWatch — formerly the American Institute of Philanthropy — cited the Jewish scholar Maimonides, who said donating anonymously is a higher form of giving than doing so publicly.
Daniel Borochoff, president of CharityWatch — formerly the American Institute of Philanthropy — cited the Jewish scholar Maimonides, who said donating anonymously is a higher form of giving than doing so publicly.
Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake
Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake: ndian Americans are not only the most inspiring diasporas in the United States but their unmatched activism has made sure their political influence has grown tremendously, a senior Obama administration has said.
How to Turn Every Corporate Member into a Philanthropist - Forbes
How to Turn Every Corporate Member into a Philanthropist - Forbes: For years, corporate philanthropy, the commitment of corporations to the causes of humanity, was the province of corporate founders and business leaders. In recent years, some corporations have taken initiatives to get their employees involved in philanthropy. Under Corporate Philanthropy 1-1-1, Salesfoce.com (NYSE:CRM), for instance, contributes 1 percent of the company profits to the local community in the form of product donations; 1 percent of the company equity to community programs; and 1 percent of the employee working hours to community service. Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) have similar plans.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Cause Marketing - Trends | 2011 & 2012 Trends, Summaries, Predictions
Additional Cause Marketing stories
Cause Marketing - Trends | 2011 & 2012 Trends, Summaries, Predictions: ear-end roundups galore!
In the spirit of For Momentum’s twINFO feature – but far less witty, here’s a handy list/breakdown of cause marketing/social good summaries, trends and predictions (in no particular order)
Cause Marketing - Trends | 2011 & 2012 Trends, Summaries, Predictions: ear-end roundups galore!
In the spirit of For Momentum’s twINFO feature – but far less witty, here’s a handy list/breakdown of cause marketing/social good summaries, trends and predictions (in no particular order)
Bras collected to help charity (From Swindon Advertiser)
Bras collected to help charity (From Swindon Advertiser): Bras that are donated to the charity are also used to pad out the boxes of solar lights while in transit and are later donated to Gambian women.
Where Not To Die In 2012 - Forbes
Where Not To Die In 2012 - Forbes: As of Jan. 1, 2012, the federal estate tax exemption will be indexed for the first time, so that for 2012, up to $5.12 million of an estate will be exempt from the current 35% federal estate tax. That’s up from $5 million in 2011, meaning an individual could leave $120,000 more federal-estate-tax-free if he dies on Jan. 1, 2012, not Dec. 31, 2011. Meanwhile, separate state levies are still a big concern for families. And there are changes for 2012 on the state levies on dying—for better and for worse
Implementing Your Year-End Fundraising Campaign | Nonprofit Community
Implementing Your Year-End Fundraising Campaign | Nonprofit Community: If you haven’t formulated your end-of-year campaign strategy already, you already know that you’re tardy to the party. But you can still pull something together in time for those last crucial fundraising days of the year and here’s an excellent post with 12 Ways You Can Make Your Campaign Stronger on the Brandraising author Sarah Durham’s Duck Call, The Big Duck Blog, written by Ferra Trumpeter.
Fundraising Success Depends on A, B, C: alignment, balance and clarity : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success
Fundraising Success Depends on A, B, C: alignment, balance and clarity : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success: Whatever 2012 holds, we all need to prioritize our efforts. That’s always the challenge for nonprofit fundraising: Our budgets are limited, and our supporters expect us to invest the majority of their donated money in programs.
Fundraisers that succeed in 2012 will remember A, B, C: alignment, balance and clarity.
Fundraisers that succeed in 2012 will remember A, B, C: alignment, balance and clarity.
Oxfam America Spurs Holiday Gifts With 'Cheeky' Campaign - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Oxfam America Spurs Holiday Gifts With 'Cheeky' Campaign - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: In the video, Ms. Johansson is the voice of an animated female character who discourages viewers from giving lame holiday gifts—like a picture of a kitten or an ugly sweater. Instead, she suggests going to the group’s online portal, Oxfam America Unwrapped, and purchasing something more meaningful: chickens for a farmer, books for kids, or fruit trees for a village. “Now, these are really great gifts,” she says.
Seasonal bombardment still paying off for charity groups | Minnesota Public Radio News
Seasonal bombardment still paying off for charity groups | Minnesota Public Radio News: is the season for being bombarded by groups asking for money, and many of us aren't fond of the tradition. Indeed, well over half of the few dozen members of MPR's Public Insight Network who responded to an inquiry about holiday giving say the solicitations have gotten to be too much.
But here's the truth: For most of us, December is THE time to give, and charities know it. In fact, about a quarter of annual charitable giving happens between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to a recent report by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
For the Salvation Army, that means sending o
But here's the truth: For most of us, December is THE time to give, and charities know it. In fact, about a quarter of annual charitable giving happens between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to a recent report by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
For the Salvation Army, that means sending o
Kind hearts or a dead giveaway?
Kind hearts or a dead giveaway?: This rare story of giving may seem a world away from our lives in Australia, and it does leave me wondering: could we do more?
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That very question was posed to the billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates this week, during his stay in Australia. The answer was a resounding yes.
The Microsoft founder called on the federal government to delay next year's return to surplus and increase its overseas aid budget instead.
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That very question was posed to the billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates this week, during his stay in Australia. The answer was a resounding yes.
The Microsoft founder called on the federal government to delay next year's return to surplus and increase its overseas aid budget instead.
NAUGHTY OR NICE: Social Media Interns | matthewsm1th.com
NAUGHTY OR NICE: Social Media Interns | matthewsm1th.com: NAUGHTY OR NICE: Social Media Interns
Posted on December 21, 2011
Note: this week, I’ll be examining trends in social media and/or philanthropy and attributing a “naughty” or “nice” rating to them. This is the third of five reviews.
Posted on December 21, 2011
Note: this week, I’ll be examining trends in social media and/or philanthropy and attributing a “naughty” or “nice” rating to them. This is the third of five reviews.
Wealthy guardian angels step up to help charities | The Tennessean | tennessean.com
Wealthy guardian angels step up to help charities | The Tennessean | tennessean.com: On Monday, just as the supply of donated toys for struggling families was growing scarce at the 61st Avenue United Methodist Church’s “Last Minute Toy Store,” the pastor got an unexpected call.
A check for $15,000, courtesy of an anonymous donor, was on its way. It was an off-the-charts contribution for the 15-year-old volunteer charity effort that, until now, had relied on school and church groups to organize toy drives and on individual donations of $100 or less.
A check for $15,000, courtesy of an anonymous donor, was on its way. It was an off-the-charts contribution for the 15-year-old volunteer charity effort that, until now, had relied on school and church groups to organize toy drives and on individual donations of $100 or less.
Arizona Public Media | Business | AZ Philanthropy Takes Late-Year Dip
Arizona Public Media | Business | AZ Philanthropy Takes Late-Year Dip: Philanthropic giving in Arizona was strong for most of 2011, with a slight dip in the last part of the year as global markets became more volatile, says the head of the Arizona Community Foundation.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Philanthropy's Rescue of Calif. Parks Raises New Concerns - State Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Philanthropy's Rescue of Calif. Parks Raises New Concerns - State Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: As nonprofit groups and other nonstate entities step up to save California parks from the budget ax, some advocates are raising concerns over recreational facilities’ long-term financial needs and the potential for misuse when they are overseen by private hands, the San Francisco Chronicle writes.
Lifting Response Can Cause Backaches - TheNonProfitTimes
From the Nonprofit Times
Lifting Response Can Cause Backaches - TheNonProfitTimes: I’m fortunate in that many a cheery charity solicitation finds its way to my mailbox. A recent favorite was the letter that began: “Dear High Value Donor,” thus proudly proclaiming to my friends and family that I had finally escaped the ranks of mere mortals and was now very firmly officer class material.
Lifting Response Can Cause Backaches - TheNonProfitTimes: I’m fortunate in that many a cheery charity solicitation finds its way to my mailbox. A recent favorite was the letter that began: “Dear High Value Donor,” thus proudly proclaiming to my friends and family that I had finally escaped the ranks of mere mortals and was now very firmly officer class material.
Which charities deserve your money? Online evaluators offer help - chicagotribune.com
Which charities deserve your money? Online evaluators offer help - chicagotribune.com: Few bell ringers, for instance, are ready to tell you how their charity characterizes the value of in-kind donations on its financial filings, how much its CEO makes each year in relation to heads of similar organizations or how effective the charity is at improving the lives of those it serves.
A growing number of resources are designed to help consumers find the answers to such questions. Still, knowing which service to use can be as hard as choosing a charity itself.
A growing number of resources are designed to help consumers find the answers to such questions. Still, knowing which service to use can be as hard as choosing a charity itself.
Kindness: Charity, Philanthropy, & Social Responsibility - USATODAY.com
Kindness: Charity, Philanthropy, & Social Responsibility - USATODAY.com: How to get the most bang for your charitable buck
By Christie Garton, USA TODAY
12/20/2011 1:54 PM
Bell ringers. Year-end donation requests. Newsletters that pull at your heartstrings.
It's that time of year again when non-profits both large and small are reaching out in hopes of finding support before curtain closes on another year.
And it makes good sense. A recent poll conducted by the American Red Cross found that 57% of Americans plan to donate to charity at some point during the holidays.
To ensure that you get the most bang for your charitable buck during the holidays and year-round, Dr. Michal Strahilevitz, Golden Gate University professor and charitable giving expert, provides five giving tips, exclusively for Kindness readers:
By Christie Garton, USA TODAY
12/20/2011 1:54 PM
Bell ringers. Year-end donation requests. Newsletters that pull at your heartstrings.
It's that time of year again when non-profits both large and small are reaching out in hopes of finding support before curtain closes on another year.
And it makes good sense. A recent poll conducted by the American Red Cross found that 57% of Americans plan to donate to charity at some point during the holidays.
To ensure that you get the most bang for your charitable buck during the holidays and year-round, Dr. Michal Strahilevitz, Golden Gate University professor and charitable giving expert, provides five giving tips, exclusively for Kindness readers:
Steve Harvey Interview With Phillip Bloch: The Comedian On Philanthropy And Manhood
Steve Harvey Interview With Phillip Bloch: The Comedian On Philanthropy And Manhood: In his latest interview, Bloch interviewed comedian and game show host Steve Harvey and his wife, Marjorie, about their foundation, The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation.
"My takeaway from this interview was that behind every great man, there is indeed an incredible woman -- and Marjorie Harvey is definitely that woman," Bloch said. "She has incredible poise, dignity and class, and I feel that she has really raised the bar for Steve and taken him into the next level, which in turn has propelled him to continue evolving into an improved person, father, entertainer and man."
"My takeaway from this interview was that behind every great man, there is indeed an incredible woman -- and Marjorie Harvey is definitely that woman," Bloch said. "She has incredible poise, dignity and class, and I feel that she has really raised the bar for Steve and taken him into the next level, which in turn has propelled him to continue evolving into an improved person, father, entertainer and man."
Celebrating the #spiritofgiving: Random Acts of Kindness Brighten the Twitterverse
Celebrating the #spiritofgiving: Random Acts of Kindness Brighten the Twitterverse: It's one of those stereotypes that holds true: the Canadian winter can be long and dark. What better way to brighten the darkest days of winter than by celebrating random acts of kindness? To honour the holidays and combat winter gloom, CharityVillage� is running a Twitter campaign designed to bring smiles to communities everywhere. Everyday in December, we're tweeting ideas for small gestures that can give a world of happiness to a friend, neighbour, or complete stranger. Each tweet is marked with the #spiritofgiving hashtag, making it easy for you to follow the conversation.
Boston University - Certificate in Professional Fundraising
One of many programs we've seen.
Boston University - Certificate in Professional Fundraising: Boston University’s online Certificate in Professional Fundraising will take you to the next level in your knowledgebase, your career, and your professional network. Whether you are a just starting in the field or have several years of experience, BU has specially designed this comprehensive course of study to survey all aspects of fundraising to boost your career and help the institution you serve.
Boston University - Certificate in Professional Fundraising: Boston University’s online Certificate in Professional Fundraising will take you to the next level in your knowledgebase, your career, and your professional network. Whether you are a just starting in the field or have several years of experience, BU has specially designed this comprehensive course of study to survey all aspects of fundraising to boost your career and help the institution you serve.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Some charitable donations worthy of consideration | Deseret News
Some charitable donations worthy of consideration | Deseret News: The end of 2011 is approaching, which means it's time to gather with loved ones, eat more than we should and break out the checkbooks for some charitable giving.
About 41 percent of charitable donations are made between Thanksgiving and New Years, according to a new survey from Charity Navigator. About 10 percent roll in during the last 24 hours of the year.
About 41 percent of charitable donations are made between Thanksgiving and New Years, according to a new survey from Charity Navigator. About 10 percent roll in during the last 24 hours of the year.
Friend-in-Deed, others benefit from record-setting bell ringer - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register: While Darrell Tureskis was ringing his bell for the Salvation Army for 60 straight hours the past few days, he was also raising money for Friend-in-Deed.
He said officials with The Salvation Army allowed him to raise money on his own while he competed in the bell-ringing contest. The 49-year-old owner of Nyilas Carpet Cleaning and Restoration set a world record for Salvation Army bell ringing, beating out 23 other competitors nationwide.
He said officials with The Salvation Army allowed him to raise money on his own while he competed in the bell-ringing contest. The 49-year-old owner of Nyilas Carpet Cleaning and Restoration set a world record for Salvation Army bell ringing, beating out 23 other competitors nationwide.
How Haiti's Earthquake Inspired LinkedIn's Skill-based Volunteer Marketplace | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation
How Haiti's Earthquake Inspired LinkedIn's Skill-based Volunteer Marketplace | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation: It’s not just for landing your next job anymore. In the event of a natural disaster, LinkedIn has a new service--LinkedIn For Good--that will connect people in need with people with the skills to help them. It’s all part of their desire to increase volunteerism, and create social change with human capital.
LPGA Toledo Classic presents $200,000 to charities - Toledo Blade
LPGA Toledo Classic presents $200,000 to charities - Toledo Blade: oledo Classic LPGA tournament presented $200,000 in checks to six local children’s charities at its annual charity luncheon at Owens Corning’s World Headquarters on Monday.
Neighbor to Neighbor: Infectious Layaway Philanthropy
NPQ covered this story about community-based philanthropy when it first began last week. In Nebraska, Montana, Ohio, Idaho, and elsewhere over this past week, the wave of people paying off the Christmas K-Mart layaway accounts of their neighbors continued.
Neighbor to Neighbor: Infectious Layaway Philanthropy
Neighbor to Neighbor: Infectious Layaway Philanthropy
Marty Zwilling: If You Think Making Money Is Hard, Try a Nonprofit
Marty Zwilling: If You Think Making Money Is Hard, Try a Nonprofit: A common misconception I often hear in the start-up world is that nonprofits are easy and safe, since they don't have to pay taxes, and they don't have to make a profit for their shareholders. In reality, from the feedback I get from nonprofit executives, exactly the opposite is true.
Pres Releases
Pres Releases: WASHINGTON, D.C.///December 19, 2011///The United States now ranks the highest in terms of charity in a massive global survey that put the nation in fifth place in 2010, according to CAFAmerica, a member organization of the United Kingdom based Charities Aid Foundation International Network of Offices, providing charitable financial services to individuals, global corporations, charities, and foundations.
The donor lifecycle map | Sarah Clifton | 101fundraising
The donor lifecycle map | Sarah Clifton | 101fundraising: A few months ago I posted a blog critical of the donor pyramid and asking why it is still so widely used in the Netherlands (and undoubtedly also some other countries). So now I’d like to propose an alternative. The problem with the pyramid is that it is only useful to show one metric – donor financial value.
Monday, December 19, 2011
National Zoo announces $4.5 million gift to support panda program - The Washington Post
National Zoo announces $4.5 million gift to support panda program - The Washington Post: The National Zoo announced Monday that philanthropist David M. Rubenstein is donating $4.5 million to its giant panda reproduction program, bolstering the zoo’s ability to maintain one of Washington’s most popular attractions at a time of economic strain.
The donation, which Rubenstein described as a holiday gift to the zoo and the city, will cover the tab for five years of giant panda reproduction efforts and for other panda research here and in China.
The donation, which Rubenstein described as a holiday gift to the zoo and the city, will cover the tab for five years of giant panda reproduction efforts and for other panda research here and in China.
Cornell Receives $350-Million Gift to Support Technology Campus - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Cornell Receives $350-Million Gift to Support Technology Campus - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Winning the right to create the campus is a big plum for universities: New York City promised to provide land and as much as $100-million to finance the campus. Cornell announced in October that it planned to join forces with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology to establish the new campus.
In addition to Cornell, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, and New York University remain in competition to build the new campus.
In addition to Cornell, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, and New York University remain in competition to build the new campus.
Gifts from the heart: LGBT groups hoping for year-end donations | VIDEO | San Diego Gay and Lesbian News
Gifts from the heart: LGBT groups hoping for year-end donations | VIDEO | San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: SAN DIEGO – As 2011 winds down, many people are finding their mail boxes – both e-mail and post mail – filled with well-meaning solicitations from local and national nonprofit organizations they support through holiday-giving campaigns.
In San Diego alone, groups like the San Diego Women’s Chorus, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Diversionary Theater and Mama’s Kitchen are among a slew of organizations hoping to raise some extra cash during the holiday season, a time when many people are more inclined to give.
In San Diego alone, groups like the San Diego Women’s Chorus, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Diversionary Theater and Mama’s Kitchen are among a slew of organizations hoping to raise some extra cash during the holiday season, a time when many people are more inclined to give.
Marcia G. Yerman: How Film and Philanthropy Work Together
Marcia G. Yerman: How Film and Philanthropy Work Together: The DOC NYC Festival featured a panel examining the intersection between documentary filmmaking and philanthropy. Participating were Naomi Levine from New York University, Dan Cogan of Impact Partners, Sandi DuBowski, Director, and moderator Mary Domowicz, Academic Director at NYU-SCPS.
"How Film and Philanthropy Work Together" focused on why there was a natural affinity between documentary filmmakers and philanthropists. Levine said
"How Film and Philanthropy Work Together" focused on why there was a natural affinity between documentary filmmakers and philanthropists. Levine said
Goodwill keeps growing in St. Louis area under charismatic leader
Goodwill keeps growing in St. Louis area under charismatic leader: ST. LOUIS • December is the busiest time of year for donations at MERS/Goodwill, and the king of thrift, Lewis Chartock, shouts for one of his secretaries.
An enormous flat-screen television bolted on the wall across from the chief executive's desk isn't working. It's supposed to update sales every 10 minutes from 39 retail stores, many that have sprung up like cash crops in Missouri and Southern Illinois under Chartock's charismatic leadership.
An enormous flat-screen television bolted on the wall across from the chief executive's desk isn't working. It's supposed to update sales every 10 minutes from 39 retail stores, many that have sprung up like cash crops in Missouri and Southern Illinois under Chartock's charismatic leadership.
Many say they'll cut charitable giving next year - NorthJersey.com
Many say they'll cut charitable giving next year - NorthJersey.com: This hasn't been a great year for charitable fund raising — and 2012 could follow suit.
A new report by a New York consulting firm found that a growing number of charitable donors say they'll be giving less next year than they did in the past 12 months.
More than one in six people said they plan to decrease their donations next year, according to the report conducted jointly by Fenton, a Manhattan public-relations group that works with non-profits, and Globescan, an international survey organization. When Fenton asked people the same question last year, one in nine said they planned to cut back on giving.
A new report by a New York consulting firm found that a growing number of charitable donors say they'll be giving less next year than they did in the past 12 months.
More than one in six people said they plan to decrease their donations next year, according to the report conducted jointly by Fenton, a Manhattan public-relations group that works with non-profits, and Globescan, an international survey organization. When Fenton asked people the same question last year, one in nine said they planned to cut back on giving.
Giving to charities surprisingly steady | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
Giving to charities surprisingly steady | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: The holiday season is critical to charitable organizations and the people they help, and this week before Christmas is especially important. Charities were not expecting significant increases in giving this year because of the struggling economy, but some representatives said Sunday they're thankful to be holding steady.
Nonprofit leaders compose wish lists for Santa Claus - From The Publisher - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports
Nonprofit leaders compose wish lists for Santa Claus - From The Publisher - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports: In that spirit, I asked the leaders of some nonprofit organizations what was on their Christmas wish list this year. Here’s what they told me:
How to be a strategic philanthropist - The Denver Post
How to be a strategic philanthropist - The Denver Post: This is the season when many people make charitable donations. This generosity is acutely needed and greatly appreciated. Next year, however, consider approaching your charitable giving as a strategic philanthropist, rather than as a donor.
The difference between a donor and a philanthropist does not depend on how much time or money one gives to charity, but, rather, on one's approach to giving.
The difference between a donor and a philanthropist does not depend on how much time or money one gives to charity, but, rather, on one's approach to giving.
First Night Morris sees donations rise, expects to break even this year | Daily Record | dailyrecord.com
First Night Morris sees donations rise, expects to break even this year | Daily Record | dailyrecord.com: After losing money the past three years, officials with First Night Morris County say they expect aggressive marketing and a boost in corporate donations, even as giving remains down almost everywhere else, to help them break even in the event’s 20th year.
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | May the Nonprofit Force Be With You! Star Wars Museum in Petaluma Goes Nonprofit
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | May the Nonprofit Force Be With You! Star Wars Museum in Petaluma Goes Nonprofit: Who are we to judge the “nonprofitness” of this nonprofit? The nonprofit sector is full of “expressive” as opposed to “instrumental” nonprofits. Most people think of nonprofits on the instrumental side of the continuum, serving and meeting some sort of instrumental community need or demand. Now at the University of Texas, formerly at the Hauser Center at Harvard, writer Peter Frumkin has written powerfully about the expressive functions of nonprofits—those organizations that exist simply to express a belief, value, or idea rather than having a utilitarian function of community benefit. The Rancho Obi-Wan, for example, created to pay homage to Star Wars memorabilia.
Morning Links: Raphael Christmas Stamp Edition | Gallerist NY
Morning Links: Raphael Christmas Stamp Edition | Gallerist NY: British Petroleum, perhaps working to cleanse its reputation with a bit of culture philanthropy, will give �10 million ($15.5 million) to the British Museum, Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Opera House in a five-year deal. [The Art Newspaper]
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Seven Predictions for Philanthropy in 2012
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Seven Predictions for Philanthropy in 2012: Neils Bohr and Casey Stengel both uttered the Yogi Berra-ish statement that predictions are especially difficult concerning the future. They were only addressing quantum mechanics and the prospects of the Mets’ pennant chances, not philanthropy, amidst a persistent economic free-fall.
But the quote is apropos here given the possible twists and turns for philanthropy writ large in 2012, drawing from big themes in play during 2011. Here are some:
But the quote is apropos here given the possible twists and turns for philanthropy writ large in 2012, drawing from big themes in play during 2011. Here are some:
Friday, December 16, 2011
The EO graduate student summer internship program
The EO graduate student summer internship program is an exciting opportunity to learn – on the inside – about the federal tax code and the projects and programs the IRS uses to promote education and enforce compliance among tax-exempt organizations nationwide.
eo_2012_summer_internship_factsheet.pdf (application/pdf Object)
eo_2012_summer_internship_factsheet.pdf (application/pdf Object)
IR-2011-120: Filing Deadline Extended to March 30 for Some Tax-Exempt Organizations
Filing Deadline Extended to March 30 for Some Tax-Exempt Organizations
WASHINGTON — Tax-exempt organizations with January and February filing due dates will have until March 30, 2012, to file their annual returns, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.
IR-2011-120: Filing Deadline Extended to March 30 for Some Tax-Exempt Organizations
IRS offers advice for holiday charitable giving | digitalBURG.com
IRS offers advice for holiday charitable giving | digitalBURG.com: ST. LOUIS — Any discussion on charitable giving during the holidays has to start with a warning. Watch out for scams!
“Scam artist are active year round,” said IRS spokesman Michael Devine. “Don’t let them take advantage of your good intentions. Research unfamiliar organizations, check with the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general’s office before making a donation.”
The IRS offers some reminders that individuals and businesses should keep in mind when making contributions to a charity.
“Scam artist are active year round,” said IRS spokesman Michael Devine. “Don’t let them take advantage of your good intentions. Research unfamiliar organizations, check with the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general’s office before making a donation.”
The IRS offers some reminders that individuals and businesses should keep in mind when making contributions to a charity.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Report Says Charity Giving Down In NC, But Up for Charities At Home | digtriad.com
Report Says Charity Giving Down In NC, But Up for Charities At Home | digtriad.com: The report also stated that people in North Carolina supported non-profits that got better returns from their fund-raisers than charities supported by donors in other states.
The 2010-2011 Secretary of State Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division Annual Report states that charities licensed by the NC collected $26,716,762.18 from North Carolinians during the 12 month period recorded.
The 2010-2011 Secretary of State Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division Annual Report states that charities licensed by the NC collected $26,716,762.18 from North Carolinians during the 12 month period recorded.
Fit Your Fundraising to Your Donor's Personal Giving Style
Fit Your Fundraising to Your Donor's Personal Giving Style: Do you ever worry that you will ask for a gift and get the Blank Stare? If you know how a donor thinks about giving, it will help you get a smile and a nod instead of the dreaded Blank Stare. All donors are unique. However, they tend to fall into one of three basic categories: Leaders, Followers, and Loners.
Charities snap up free video cameras from CTT in record time - Civil Society - IT - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits
Charities snap up free video cameras from CTT in record time - Civil Society - IT - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: ll 1,500 Flip Video cameras made available through the Charity Technology Trust’s CTXchange donation programme were snapped up within five hours of the offer being made yesterday.
CTT received a donation of 250 boxes each containing six cameras, from Cisco Consumer Products which bought Flip in 2009. It is now closing Flip Video down and making discontinued stock available to charities through the US-based Techsoup donation programme, of which CTT is the UK partner.
CTT received a donation of 250 boxes each containing six cameras, from Cisco Consumer Products which bought Flip in 2009. It is now closing Flip Video down and making discontinued stock available to charities through the US-based Techsoup donation programme, of which CTT is the UK partner.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Salvation Army lieutenant ringing for a cause — and a record | The Desert Sun | MyDesert.com: Beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, Kelsey will compete against 26 Salvation Army representatives around the nation to set a new record for most consecutive hours spent ringing a bell for the Red Kettle campaign
Don’t like the name of new art museum? Move on - Michael Putney - MiamiHerald.com
Don’t like the name of new art museum? Move on - Michael Putney - MiamiHerald.com: But I’ve reconsidered. After speaking to Perez and looking at how other arts institutions are funded here and across the country, I’ve concluded that Perez should be thanked, not condemned for his $35 million gift to MAM. If the price is for the museum to bear his name, hang his art and be his legacy, well, why not? He’s certainly not the first South Florida art patron to make a deal like this. The Arsht Center? Taxpayers kicked in about $440 million toward the PAC and Adrienne Arsht got her name on it for $30 million, supplanting Carnival Cruise Lines, which had given $20 million.
How Fund Raisers Can Use Seduction Techniques - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
How Fund Raisers Can Use Seduction Techniques - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Mr. Strauss, the author of The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists, spent years testing and perfecting the techniques men use to meet and attract women. One of the most effective techniques could also be useful to fund raisers, he said at the annual NextGen: Charity conference, in New York.
“The best way to sell yourself is to have somebody else selling themselves to you,” he says.
“The best way to sell yourself is to have somebody else selling themselves to you,” he says.
The New Measures for Improving Nonprofit Performance
The New Measures for Improving Nonprofit Performance — HBS Working Knowledge: How can nonprofit leaders address such conflicting demands? Harvard Business School Working Knowledge recently spoke with two leaders in the field of nonprofit performance management. Mario Morino is cofounder and chairman of Venture Philanthropy Partners, which strategically invests money and expertise to improve the lives of children and youth of low-income families in the Washington, D.C., region. Morino is the author of Leap of Reason: Managing to Outcomes in an Era of Scarcity.
12 Days of Giving
12 Days of Giving: Welcome to the 12 Days of Giving!
In the spirit of the season, the Community Foundation is celebrating the many ways the people of Lancaster give of themselves and help create extraordinary community. We know that it takes a wide range of efforts to make Lancaster thrive. Every day people are at work supporting families, feeding children, keeping us healthy, caring for our animals and cultivating a creative environment where we can continue to create new solutions to our everyday problems.
In the spirit of the season, the Community Foundation is celebrating the many ways the people of Lancaster give of themselves and help create extraordinary community. We know that it takes a wide range of efforts to make Lancaster thrive. Every day people are at work supporting families, feeding children, keeping us healthy, caring for our animals and cultivating a creative environment where we can continue to create new solutions to our everyday problems.
Corporate and Foundation Giving 2011 | Philanthropy Journal
Corporate and Foundation Giving 2011 | Philanthropy Journal: n this special report, PJ looks at trends in giving by corporations and foundations, and what they are looking for in forming partnerships with nonprofits.
Smaller Charities Under Fiscal Stress Likely to Cut Staff in 2012
Some coverage of the Nonprofit Research Collaborative Study
massnonprofit.org ::: December 8, 2011 — Smaller charities, those that spend less than $3 million annually, are more likely than larger organizations to cut staff in 2012, reflecting many signs of fiscal stress affecting smaller nonprofits, a new national survey has found.
According to the study, conducted by the Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC), smaller charities, which make up 90% of the nation's nonprofits, 29% of smaller organizations, compared with 20% of larger organizations, reported a greater likelihood of cutting staff in 2012.
massnonprofit.org ::: December 8, 2011 — Smaller charities, those that spend less than $3 million annually, are more likely than larger organizations to cut staff in 2012, reflecting many signs of fiscal stress affecting smaller nonprofits, a new national survey has found.
According to the study, conducted by the Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC), smaller charities, which make up 90% of the nation's nonprofits, 29% of smaller organizations, compared with 20% of larger organizations, reported a greater likelihood of cutting staff in 2012.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
What happens now the money has run out – the challenge for trusts and foundations in the new economy | New Philanthropy Capital's Blog
What happens now the money has run out – the challenge for trusts and foundations in the new economy | New Philanthropy Capital's Blog: Most urgently, foundations will have to find new ways to sustain their impact. The dominant model in grant-making over the last decade has been to pay for start-up costs and then look to government to provide continuation funding. There’s a generation of professional grant-makers brought up to think that this is the way grants end. In a world of less generous government, it may no longer be a reliable exit strategy.
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Voice from Outside: Stakeholder Resistance in Nonprofit Organizations
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Voice from Outside: Stakeholder Resistance in Nonprofit Organizations: A board-approved merger between two nonprofits is quashed due to pressure from donors. Two Girl Scouts mobilize opposition to the use of palm oil in Girl Scout cookies and get the nonprofit to change the recipe. A recreation center on the verge of closure is prevented from doing so by the work of community members. A labor dispute between musicians and management in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra leads to the creation of an advocacy group that becomes a powerful voice in the negotiation process. These examples highlight an emerging phenomenon that is gaining momentum worldwide—that of what we are calling “stakeholder resistance,” but what some executive directors may experience as “stakeholder rebellion.”
Latest from Alliance | Latest from Alliance | News and comment on philanthropy and social investment around the world
Latest from Alliance | Latest from Alliance | News and comment on philanthropy and social investment around the world: Today, however, there is a lot of very promising activity by foundations in global basic education.
An important turning point was a Quality Education in Developing Countries Initiative, launched by the Hewlett Foundation with co-funding from the Gates Foundation. The initiative has made substantial grants to improve reading, maths and critical thinking skills among primary school students in India and sub-Saharan Africa.
An important turning point was a Quality Education in Developing Countries Initiative, launched by the Hewlett Foundation with co-funding from the Gates Foundation. The initiative has made substantial grants to improve reading, maths and critical thinking skills among primary school students in India and sub-Saharan Africa.
Coastal Bend Day of Giving provides nearly $690,000 to 22 area nonprofits � Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Coastal Bend Day of Giving provides nearly $690,000 to 22 area nonprofits � Corpus Christi Caller-Times: CORPUS CHRISTI — Thousands of small donations added up to a handful of large checks Monday for area nonprofits made possible by the third annual Coastal Bend Day of Giving.
R. Paul Herman: Give Money, Get Impact, Save Taxes: The Power of Social Entrepreneurs for Your Portfolio
R. Paul Herman: Give Money, Get Impact, Save Taxes: The Power of Social Entrepreneurs for Your Portfolio: To realize that goal requires "earned income," charging for services that also create high human, social and environmental impact. Many nonprofits do this already, from hospitals to schools to senior homes. The higher the rate of income to expenses, the fewer dollars the charity needs. When revenue exceeds expenses, you can have a "profitable" nonprofit, as well as delivering positive human impact.
Shakopee Valley News - Tribe makes 227 160 in charitable donations for holiday season
Shakopee Valley News - Tribe makes 227 160 in charitable donations for holiday season: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community awarded $227,160 in charitable donations for the 2011 holiday season. The donations, which went to 44 social service organizations mostly in the Twin Cities, are providing toys, clothing, food, activities and other gifts for families this holiday season. Some of the funds were also used to sponsor Thanksgiving dinners for needy families.
Delaware Community Foundation's 2012 Capital Grants now available to nonprofits - Dover, DE - Dover Post
Delaware Community Foundation's 2012 Capital Grants now available to nonprofits - Dover, DE - Dover Post: Capital grants enable nonprofit organizations to complete work that will benefit their communities for years to come," Delaware Community Foundation President and CEO Fred Sears II stated in a release.
Money awarded for capital grants ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 and may be used to fund construction, renovation or repair of buildings, and land purchases; however funding for the purchase of equipment is limited.
Money awarded for capital grants ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 and may be used to fund construction, renovation or repair of buildings, and land purchases; however funding for the purchase of equipment is limited.
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Public Schools—the “Feel Good Hobby” of the Rich?
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Public Schools—the “Feel Good Hobby” of the Rich?: December 9, 2011; Source: Time Magazine | This article from Time Magazine asserts that for the past ten years philanthropy and a small number of high-flying and well-connected nonprofits have been playing at school. That is, the rich have taken up the public schools as a kind of laboratory complete with human subjects. Judith Warner, the author, says that their promise appears to be that they may be able to remake poor children in their own images but—wait for it!—results have been “mixed at best.”
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Joys of Nonprofit Re-Gifting
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Joys of Nonprofit Re-Gifting: As part of an annual urban studies class at the University of Pennsylvania this semester, students not only got the chance to assume the role of philanthropists but they also got $100,000 to back up their choices. According to NewsWorks, this was the first year that an anonymous donor made a gift to the university in support of the program, which, along with many other smaller gifts, included $20,000 for a neighborhood-based nonprofit with an operating budget of $160,000.
The Link Story
The Link Story: Kateman elected chair of Partnership for Philanthropic Planning
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Michael Kateman, executive director of Development, Alumni & Public Relations for Columbia College, has been elected 2012 chair of the Board of Directors for the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (PPP). PPP is a national nonprofit whose individual and council members include more than 8,000 fundraisers and financial advisors involved in the process of helping donors plan and make major charitable gifts.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Michael Kateman, executive director of Development, Alumni & Public Relations for Columbia College, has been elected 2012 chair of the Board of Directors for the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (PPP). PPP is a national nonprofit whose individual and council members include more than 8,000 fundraisers and financial advisors involved in the process of helping donors plan and make major charitable gifts.
Why Simon Cowell does not have the 'great' factor | Education | The Guardian
Why Simon Cowell does not have the 'great' factor | Education | The Guardian: The reason that charity singles are worthy of academic study, she explains, is that they can tell us much about attitudes to society and to need. "I'm interested in the relationship between popular culture and politics. Charity singles are part of this story. At certain points in the last few decades, they've dominated the charts, often vying with each other for top positions. The singles serve as a way of gauging changing concerns more widely."
How saying No to a donor can end up in a legacy pledge | Elsbeth Takkenberg | 101fundraising
How saying No to a donor can end up in a legacy pledge | Elsbeth Takkenberg | 101fundraising: As a relationship manager special gifts, I speak to a lot of donors about including M�decins sans Fronti�res (MSF) in their last will. Not only do donors want to know what difference their gift will make in the lives of people that urgently need medical aid, victims of war and natural disasters. But donors also like to talk about their personal life, their personal situation, their values and beliefs.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Framingham State to offer philanthropy course - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News
Framingham State to offer philanthropy course - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News: Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Highland Street Foundation, next semester Silver will give 20 students a primer on the ins and outs of philanthropy, from introducing possible career paths in the non-profit industry to understanding the legal parameters of charitable giving.
The course will culminate in the students distributing the $5,000 award to local philanthropic organizations of their choice.
The course will culminate in the students distributing the $5,000 award to local philanthropic organizations of their choice.
Burnout: Signs and Strategies for Every Nonprofit Professional
Burnout: Signs and Strategies for Every Nonprofit Professional: Something of a sector buzzword, employee burnout remains a perplexing phenomenon. The 1970s-coined Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) defines it as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment.
Heavy workloads and stress put employees in all sectors at risk, yet ongoing research finds strong links between burnout and the social service and nonprofit sector.
Heavy workloads and stress put employees in all sectors at risk, yet ongoing research finds strong links between burnout and the social service and nonprofit sector.
Test Your Knowledge of Nonprofits - WSJ.com
Test Your Knowledge of Nonprofits - WSJ.com: And Americans certainly are generous. In 2010, they gave $290.89 billion, according to the Giving USA Foundation—and that's from all sources, including individuals, corporations, foundations and bequests.
But how much do you really know about the nonprofit world—about the finances, the institutions and the people who dominate it? Take our quiz and find out.
But how much do you really know about the nonprofit world—about the finances, the institutions and the people who dominate it? Take our quiz and find out.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Volunteers of America-Minnesota to Take Part in Cutting-Edge Project to Elevate Role of Strategy in Nonprofits - MarketWatch
PRESS Release
Volunteers of America-Minnesota to Take Part in Cutting-Edge Project to Elevate Role of Strategy in Nonprofits - MarketWatch: Volunteers of America-Minnesota (VOA-MN), a nonprofit human service organization headquartered in Edina, recently won a three-year, $215,748 grant from The Alliance for Children and Families to participate in an innovative project to learn how to elevate strategy in nonprofit human service agencies.
Volunteers of America-Minnesota to Take Part in Cutting-Edge Project to Elevate Role of Strategy in Nonprofits - MarketWatch: Volunteers of America-Minnesota (VOA-MN), a nonprofit human service organization headquartered in Edina, recently won a three-year, $215,748 grant from The Alliance for Children and Families to participate in an innovative project to learn how to elevate strategy in nonprofit human service agencies.
Holiday Drive Honors Good Deeds, With a Social-Media Twist - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Holiday Drive Honors Good Deeds, With a Social-Media Twist - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The Case Foundation is asking people who witness random acts of kindness this holiday season to capture those moments in photos and post them on their favorite social network. They may get a nice reward for that good deed: up to $500 for themselves and up to $5,000 for their favorite charity.
Unlikely friendship brings $10 million donation to Cleveland Clinic | cleveland.com
Unlikely friendship brings $10 million donation to Cleveland Clinic | cleveland.com: Cleveland Clinic Innovations Chairman Thomas Graham, a world-renowned hand surgeon and close friend of Justice's, said he is so inspired by Justice's gift that he is adding his own $1 million to fund patent applications. Graham will serve as the inaugural endowed innovation chair, though he won't receive any compensation from the Justice donation.
The story of how the combined $11 million gift came to be is one of serendipity and good fortune.
The story of how the combined $11 million gift came to be is one of serendipity and good fortune.
Charities Lobby Shoppers to Spend on Good Deeds - NYTimes.com
Charities Lobby Shoppers to Spend on Good Deeds - NYTimes.com: AS end-of-the year giving gets under way, some charities like the American Red Cross are skipping disaster pictures and switching to gentler imagery to urge people to forgo extraneous holiday gifts and, instead, give “something that means something.”
Fred, a claymation character, is intended to represent the quandary that consumers have in trying to give a meaningful gift during the holiday season.
To deliver its message, the American Red Cross has a new animated character in its multimedia campaign highlighting the sea
Fred, a claymation character, is intended to represent the quandary that consumers have in trying to give a meaningful gift during the holiday season.
To deliver its message, the American Red Cross has a new animated character in its multimedia campaign highlighting the sea
A Nobel Victory for No-Strings-Attached Grants - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
A Nobel Victory for No-Strings-Attached Grants - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: This week’s awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize is a notable victory for three courageous women who have worked to overturn repression in the Arab and African worlds. But what won’t get any headlines is another victory: The prizes demonstrate why it’s so important to give general operating support to outstanding nonprofit leaders and not to tie their hands with too many strings.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Deadline extended for Colorado Gives after nonprofit donors overload computer | The Republic
Deadline extended for Colorado Gives after nonprofit donors overload computer | The Republic: Colorado Gives Day began Tuesday beginning at 12 a.m. Organizers decided to extend the one-day promotion because high demand on the website led to delays and computer problems.
The charitable face of data use | Data Strategy | Marketing Week
The charitable face of data use | Data Strategy | Marketing Week: But it is not just the UN that is relying on data processing and telecoms companies to help make a difference. Innovative information systems are revolutionising how many non-profit organisations, from Refugees United to Kenyan disaster-response system Ushahidi, are operating and marketing themselves.
With as much as 90% of the world’s population within the coverage of wireless technology, according to an International Telecommunication Union report, more people than ever can benefit from data fuelled by telecoms brands.
With as much as 90% of the world’s population within the coverage of wireless technology, according to an International Telecommunication Union report, more people than ever can benefit from data fuelled by telecoms brands.
Parking Violators Pay Fines With Toys for Charity Drive - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Parking Violators Pay Fines With Toys for Charity Drive - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Pay a parking ticket or give a toy?
This week, the city of Boston is excusing parking violators from cash fines if they donate a toy of equal or greater value to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
As it has done for 18 holiday seaso
This week, the city of Boston is excusing parking violators from cash fines if they donate a toy of equal or greater value to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
As it has done for 18 holiday seaso
It's Never Too Early to Think About Next Year's Holiday Giving Campaign : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success
It's Never Too Early to Think About Next Year's Holiday Giving Campaign : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success: This year there seems to be more digital holiday fundraising programs than ever. It’s no secret that December is a great month for giving. Traditional increased giving around the holidays combined with greater access to digital, mobile and social fundraising tools have allowed nonprofit organizations to develop creative online holiday campaigns and programs centered around holiday giving.
Many U.S. Charities Facing Increased Demand, Signs of Fiscal Stress - Press - AFP
Many U.S. Charities Facing Increased Demand, Signs of Fiscal Stress - Press - AFP: Many U.S. Charities Facing Increased Demand, Signs of Fiscal Stress
Organizations below $3 million in expenditures experiencing greatest challenges
(Dec. 5, 2011) Sixty-five percent of charities surveyed report increased demand for their services in 2011, but just 41 percent saw increased fundraising results in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period a year ago, according to the Late Fall 2011 Nonprofit Fundraising Study, conducted by the Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC).
Organizations below $3 million in expenditures experiencing greatest challenges
(Dec. 5, 2011) Sixty-five percent of charities surveyed report increased demand for their services in 2011, but just 41 percent saw increased fundraising results in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period a year ago, according to the Late Fall 2011 Nonprofit Fundraising Study, conducted by the Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC).
New York State News on the Net!
New York State News on the Net!: Program to link needy nonprofits with volunteer legal counsel
NEW YORK –A joint initiative to match volunteer attorneys with nonprofit organizations in need of legal counsel was announced Thursday by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and New York State Bar Association President Vincent E. Doyle III. The innovative partnership called “Charity Corps” will help improve governance and legal compliance by assisting nonprofits that cannot afford legal counsel.
NEW YORK –A joint initiative to match volunteer attorneys with nonprofit organizations in need of legal counsel was announced Thursday by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and New York State Bar Association President Vincent E. Doyle III. The innovative partnership called “Charity Corps” will help improve governance and legal compliance by assisting nonprofits that cannot afford legal counsel.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Reading to Kids in Need – First Book Blog
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Reading to Kids in Need – First Book Blog: If you’re like many of us, you grew up in a home filled with books, and so you understand how important it is for children to get excited about books and become enthusiastic, capable readers.
More Canadians giving – and giving more – to charity: Statscan � Nonprofit Newswire from Imagine Canada
More Canadians giving – and giving more – to charity: Statscan � Nonprofit Newswire from Imagine Canada: December 5 2011 – Canadians gave more to charity in 2010, showing signs that philanthropic giving is rebounding after the last two years of recession.
Statistics Canada data released Monday show that tax filers claimed just under $8.3-billion in 2010, up 6.5 per cent from 2009. At the same time, the number of donors increased 2.2 per cent to just over 5.7 million Canadians. (read more from the Globe & Mail)
Statistics Canada data released Monday show that tax filers claimed just under $8.3-billion in 2010, up 6.5 per cent from 2009. At the same time, the number of donors increased 2.2 per cent to just over 5.7 million Canadians. (read more from the Globe & Mail)
Colorado Gives Day an intersection of charity, competition - The Denver Post
Colorado Gives Day an intersection of charity, competition - The Denver Post: Tuesday's Colorado Gives Day might be considered the blitzkrieg of do-good, online giving.
Designed to make philanthropy competitive and to make charitable donations skyrocket, the event harnesses grassroots efforts, a sense of urgency and social-media marketing.
Beginning at midnight tonight, people are encouraged visit GivingFirst .org and donate money to Colorado nonprofits before the clock strikes midnight Tuesday.
Designed to make philanthropy competitive and to make charitable donations skyrocket, the event harnesses grassroots efforts, a sense of urgency and social-media marketing.
Beginning at midnight tonight, people are encouraged visit GivingFirst .org and donate money to Colorado nonprofits before the clock strikes midnight Tuesday.
US and UK donors 'plan to give the same or less' to charities in 2012
US and UK donors 'plan to give the same or less' to charities in 2012 | UK Fundraising: Most donors in the USA and UK plan to give at the same level or to give less in 2012 compared to 2011, according to research in both countries by US communications agency Fenton and public opinion research organisation GlobeScan.
ACGA Releases Suggested Charitable Gift Annuity Rates Effective January 1, 2012 | Planned Giving Design Center
ACGA Releases Suggested Charitable Gift Annuity Rates Effective January 1, 2012 | Planned Giving Design Center: The American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) board of directors held its semi-annual meeting on November 7, 2011. As part of a continual monitoring process, the board reviewed the current assumptions that underlie the rates schedules. Given the significant changes in the economic environment, the board approved a new schedule of suggested maximum gift annuity rates which will become effective January 1, 2012. At ages older than 60, when the majority of gift annuities are issued, one-life rates will decline by 0.5% to 0.8%.
UPMIFA and Real Life: A Case Example | Planned Giving Design Center
UPMIFA and Real Life: A Case Example | Planned Giving Design Center: The Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), now enacted in all but two states, has created a new landscape for the administration of charitable endowments. In this article North Carolina CPA Dennis Walsh discusses how planned giving professionals and those advising them should be familiar with UPMIFA provisions and consider its implications when designing new gift agreements.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Hospitals turning to foundation system for raising funds - Post-Tribune
Hospitals turning to foundation system for raising funds - Post-Tribune: Northwest Indiana not-for-profit hospitals are changing their approach to fundraising, forming philanthropic foundations to focus their charitable giving efforts.
Ms. Cheap: Winners exemplify values of season | The Daily News Journal | dnj.com
Ms. Cheap: Winners exemplify values of season | The Daily News Journal | dnj.com: n a way, I wish I had never conjured up this little contest where I asked people what they would do if someone gave them $500 for the holidays.
The stories that came to me were beyond sad, each one more poignant than the one before. If I had hundreds of $500 prizes, it would not be enough to help all of these folks with situations I cannot even imagine.
The stories that came to me were beyond sad, each one more poignant than the one before. If I had hundreds of $500 prizes, it would not be enough to help all of these folks with situations I cannot even imagine.
Rockland nonprofits gather to offer information, recruit volunteers and donors | The Journal News | LoHud.com | LoHud.com
Rockland nonprofits gather to offer information, recruit volunteers and donors | The Journal News | LoHud.com | LoHud.com: All Marc Silverstein wants to do Tuesday afternoon is unite a Rockland nonprofit organization with a single donor or volunteer.
Of course, he'd be happy to bring about many such marriages when he orchestrates JCC Cares, a showcase for a broad selection of the organizations that make such a difference in the quality of life in Rockland.
Of course, he'd be happy to bring about many such marriages when he orchestrates JCC Cares, a showcase for a broad selection of the organizations that make such a difference in the quality of life in Rockland.
Financially Speaking: Wise charitable giving tips | SeacoastOnline.com
Financially Speaking: Wise charitable giving tips | SeacoastOnline.com: Despite the economic downturn, charitable giving has remained strong in the United States. The Nonprofit Research Collaborative reported earlier this year that two-thirds of respondents to a nonprofit fund-raising survey reported steady or improved donations in 2010 compared with 2009.
Dozens take the plunge for Westborough charity - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News
Dozens take the plunge for Westborough charity - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News: WESTBOROUGH —
Batman, Robin and a college kid wearing a Charlie Sheen T-shirt were among the brave souls who jumped into the chilly waters of Lake Chauncy yesterday for In Your Shoes' third annual Polar Plunge.
Batman, Robin and a college kid wearing a Charlie Sheen T-shirt were among the brave souls who jumped into the chilly waters of Lake Chauncy yesterday for In Your Shoes' third annual Polar Plunge.
M.B.A.s Choosing Nonprofits Over For-Profits - WSJ.com
M.B.A.s Choosing Nonprofits Over For-Profits - WSJ.com: At first blush, it looks as though M.B.A.s aren't doing much "good" upon graduation.
Despite the fact that students sign up en masse for social-entrepreneurship classes, intern at nonprofits and participate in charitable extracurricular activities, fewer than 5% of graduates from many top business schools take jobs in nonprofit organizations right out of school, with some institutions placing just 1% or 2% in the field. Even the Yale School of Management, which has built a reputation for creating nonprofit managers, sent just 9% of its class into that sector this year.
Despite the fact that students sign up en masse for social-entrepreneurship classes, intern at nonprofits and participate in charitable extracurricular activities, fewer than 5% of graduates from many top business schools take jobs in nonprofit organizations right out of school, with some institutions placing just 1% or 2% in the field. Even the Yale School of Management, which has built a reputation for creating nonprofit managers, sent just 9% of its class into that sector this year.
College Students, Graduates Giving More Hours to Volunteer Work | PND | Foundation Center
College Students, Graduates Giving More Hours to Volunteer Work | PND | Foundation Center: College Students, Graduates Giving More Hours to Volunteer Work
Although the number of college students who volunteered fell between 2009 and 2010, the overall number of volunteer-hours contributed by that demographic rose, as college-age volunteers on average spent more time volunteering, USA Today reports.
Although the number of college students who volunteered fell between 2009 and 2010, the overall number of volunteer-hours contributed by that demographic rose, as college-age volunteers on average spent more time volunteering, USA Today reports.
Katya's Non-Profit Marketing Blog
Katya's Non-Profit Marketing Blog: This week, Hope Consulting and GuideStar released the second part of the Money for Good research.
In their research, they have identified six common types of donor motivation:
In their research, they have identified six common types of donor motivation:
Friday, December 02, 2011
Wyclef Jean Defends His Haiti Charity Against Claims It Squandered Funds | NewsFeed | TIME.com
Wyclef Jean Defends His Haiti Charity Against Claims It Squandered Funds | NewsFeed | TIME.com: You know all that money you donated to Wyclef Jean’s charity after the Haiti earthquake? It might not have gone to actually helping the quake victims. The hip-hop star and one-time candidate for president of Haiti is under fire for allegedly squandering millions in donations to his Yele Haiti charity fund.
November Nonprofit Blog Carnival | How are you creating lifetime donors? | Pamela Grow
November Nonprofit Blog Carnival | How are you creating lifetime donors? | Pamela Grow: November’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival | The quintessential guide to giving thanks
November 30, 2011
Welcome to the Nonprofit Blog Carnival round-up for November! This month we asked bloggers to offer up knock-your-socks-off ideas that they’ve used to thank donors. The entries poured in – and why not?!
November 30, 2011
Welcome to the Nonprofit Blog Carnival round-up for November! This month we asked bloggers to offer up knock-your-socks-off ideas that they’ve used to thank donors. The entries poured in – and why not?!
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Thoughts On Philanthropy - Forbes
Thoughts On Philanthropy - Forbes: With the upcoming issue of Forbes featuring a list of the 200 biggest U.S. charitable organizations, as well as profiles of social entrepreneurs who are tackling a variety of the world’s problems, philanthropy is the no-brainer theme for the latest quotes page.
5 Steps For Starting and Funding a Social Good Enterprise: Each year, non-profits raise $300 billion, 13% of which is donated online. And yet, fundraising is one of the most challenging aspects of launching a non-profit.
But with a savvy social media strategy, a passionate and innovative team, a business-inspired financial model and long nights with a laptop, your fundraising efforts can really take off. Here are some tips and advice for starting and f
But with a savvy social media strategy, a passionate and innovative team, a business-inspired financial model and long nights with a laptop, your fundraising efforts can really take off. Here are some tips and advice for starting and f
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Video: Pierre Omidyar on Philanthropy and Other Topics
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Video: Pierre Omidyar on Philanthropy and Other Topics: Yesterday, Pierre Omidyar, philanthropist and founder of eBay, gave a keynote and was then interviewed by Kelvin Taketa of the Hawaii Community Foundation at a summit sponsored by the Conference of Nonprofit Communities of Hawaii. The result is an interesting and far-reaching conversation with Taketa and the audience that is well worth watching.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Charitable Giving to Religious Groups Outpacing Giving to Secular Charities
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Charitable Giving to Religious Groups Outpacing Giving to Secular Charities: The ECFA report found that cash charitable giving to ECFA members rose from $8.87 billion in 2009 to $9.38 billion in 2010, a 5.8 percent increase during a time when charitable giving—in terms of cash giving—was supposed to have been relatively stagnant. ECFA’s religious constituency showed a pattern that we have described here at NPQ, that the bigger organizations fared better than the smaller ones: ECFA members with more than $10 million in annual revenues saw giving increase 6.7 percent compared to only 1.6 percent for organizations with less than $10 million. Similarly, last year’s ECFA report, comparing giving in 2009 to 2007, found the larger groups had a 1.4 percent increase in total revenue while the groups with less than $10 million in total revenues saw their cash and non-cash giving decline 6.9 percent.
More Big Foundations Are Investing in For-Profits - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
More Big Foundations Are Investing in For-Profits - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: More Big Foundations Are Investing in For-Profits
November 29, 2011, 9:54 am
Major foundations are increasingly relying on program-related investing to achieve their goals, putting money into for-profit firms whose work meshes with the donors’ causes, according to The New York Times.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has increased its pool for such investments, known as PRI’s, from $400-million to $1-billion since 2009, and earlier this year it bought a $10-million stake in Liquidia Technologies, a commercial firm working on vaccine delivery. The Omidyar Network, the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, and other funding entities have also stepped up PRI’s.
November 29, 2011, 9:54 am
Major foundations are increasingly relying on program-related investing to achieve their goals, putting money into for-profit firms whose work meshes with the donors’ causes, according to The New York Times.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has increased its pool for such investments, known as PRI’s, from $400-million to $1-billion since 2009, and earlier this year it bought a $10-million stake in Liquidia Technologies, a commercial firm working on vaccine delivery. The Omidyar Network, the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, and other funding entities have also stepped up PRI’s.
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Lessons to be Learned from Sandusky’s Second Mile Charity: Issues in Nonprofit Governance
The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Lessons to be Learned from Sandusky’s Second Mile Charity: Issues in Nonprofit Governance: Michael Wyland is one half of the Sumption &Wyland consulting firm, and, fortunately for NPQ, a regular reader and commenter on NPQ newswires. Lately, he has posted comments on our coverage of the child abuse scandal swirling around former assistant football coach at Penn State University Jerry Sandusky and the youth charity he founded, Second Mile. Wyland has posted a very useful inventory of some of the governance problems of the Second Mile, which lead to “lessons . . . that other nonprofit organizations can learn from.” He cites 12 issues that he characterizes as “departures from what is generally considered ‘best practice’ in nonprofit governance and management”:
Avoiding Trouble: What Nonprofits Can Learn From Sex-Abuse Scandal - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Avoiding Trouble: What Nonprofits Can Learn From Sex-Abuse Scandal - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The child sex-abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky, a former assistant football coach at Penn State, and the Second Mile charity he founded has devastated the nation.
While organizations that work with children are probably paying especially close attention to what has become public in recent weeks, every nonprofit’s leadership should focus on the lessons from this unfolding controversy, which has been filled with conflicting statements and rumors of a vast coverup. Among the key ideas to keep in mind:
While organizations that work with children are probably paying especially close attention to what has become public in recent weeks, every nonprofit’s leadership should focus on the lessons from this unfolding controversy, which has been filled with conflicting statements and rumors of a vast coverup. Among the key ideas to keep in mind:
Greenwich Powerball Winners To Give to Charity | The Daily Stamford
Greenwich Powerball Winners To Give to Charity | The Daily Stamford: We haven’t really thought about what the use of the money is going to be,” attorney Jason Kurland said in a video shot during Monday’s news conference in Rocky Hill by The Associated Press and placed on The Washington Post's website. “One thing we do know is a significant amount will be going to Connecticut charities.” The men will all continue to work in wealth management, he said.
Fraternities double philanthropy hours from three years ago - News - The Diamondback - University of Maryland
Fraternities double philanthropy hours from three years ago - News - The Diamondback - University of Maryland: Members of the Interfraternity Council have reportedly doubled their philanthropy hours from three years ago, and members said the increase reflects a cultural shift in the way chapters give back to the community.
"Chapters are wanting to do more and actually taking philanthropy and community service more seriously than they have in the past," said Alex Marsh, IFC executive board vice president of internal affairs.
"Chapters are wanting to do more and actually taking philanthropy and community service more seriously than they have in the past," said Alex Marsh, IFC executive board vice president of internal affairs.
Donations inch back up after recession decline – USATODAY.com
Donations inch back up after recession decline – USATODAY.com: Giving totaled $291 billion in 2010, according to the 2011 annual report by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. That's up 3.8% from 2009 and follows two consecutive years of declines.
Red Cross overhaul, job cuts aim to bolster work
Red Cross overhaul, job cuts aim to bolster work: or the American Red Cross it has been a doubly challenging year.
While coping with a relentless series of natural disasters, the organization has carried out a nationwide overhaul that slashed more than 1,500 jobs, pared down many local offices and left former loyalists in western Nebraska with badly bruised feelings.
President Gail McGovern said the 130-year-old Red Cross had little choice but to restructure in order to ward off a projected deficit. It has merged and consolidated many chapters to reduce duplication, and given the national office control over local fundraising so all funds can be spent as strategically as possible.
While coping with a relentless series of natural disasters, the organization has carried out a nationwide overhaul that slashed more than 1,500 jobs, pared down many local offices and left former loyalists in western Nebraska with badly bruised feelings.
President Gail McGovern said the 130-year-old Red Cross had little choice but to restructure in order to ward off a projected deficit. It has merged and consolidated many chapters to reduce duplication, and given the national office control over local fundraising so all funds can be spent as strategically as possible.
Kindness: Charity, Philanthropy, & Social Responsibility - USATODAY.com
Kindness: Charity, Philanthropy, & Social Responsibility - USATODAY.com: Companies are beginning to view the season as a core opportunity to combine these two traditions - giving and getting," says Alison DaSilva, executive vice president at communications firm Cone Inc. "By aligning with a cause during this critical commercial time of the year, DaSilva said, retailers are able to "capture the consumers' attention, differentiate themselves from competitors and drive sales."
According to DaSilva, the best campaigns are the ones that are tied to a company's giving efforts throughout the year, especially ones that are integrated into the whole customer experience, are clear about where the money is going and involve credible non-profit partners.
According to DaSilva, the best campaigns are the ones that are tied to a company's giving efforts throughout the year, especially ones that are integrated into the whole customer experience, are clear about where the money is going and involve credible non-profit partners.
Linda's Legacy: A Homeless Drive Like No Other - Severna Park, MD Patch
Linda's Legacy: A Homeless Drive Like No Other - Severna Park, MD Patch: Christmas Eve took on a new meaning more than 30 years ago when a philanthropist named Linda Greenberg, formerly of Annapolis, gave her hat to a homeless person.
From that act of generosity, decades of giving began along with a burgeoning volunteer network each holiday season, including one she founded called Giving Back Inc. now with the added moniker "Linda's Legacy" since she stepped down in 2005.
From that act of generosity, decades of giving began along with a burgeoning volunteer network each holiday season, including one she founded called Giving Back Inc. now with the added moniker "Linda's Legacy" since she stepped down in 2005.
Pig Snouts and Sweet Potatoes: Timing Makes Difference for Two Holiday Appeals
Pig Snouts and Sweet Potatoes: Timing Makes Difference for Two Holiday Appeals: I am grateful for all the nonprofit people who probably worked overtime to make these charitable appeals that appeared in my inbox just at the right moment.
On the day after Thanksgiving I got this email from Million MOMS Challenge with the subject line of "Hidden value in your leftovers":
On the day after Thanksgiving I got this email from Million MOMS Challenge with the subject line of "Hidden value in your leftovers":
Good Omen For Year-End Fundraising? | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits
Good Omen For Year-End Fundraising? | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits: Good Omen For Year-End Fundraising?
By tbelford | November 29, 2011
comScore has just released its estimate for 2011 year-end online retail shopping.
For the first 20 days of the November – December 2011 holiday season, $9.7 billion has been spent online, marking a 14% increase versus the corresponding days last year. comScore projects a 15% increase by the end of December.
By tbelford | November 29, 2011
comScore has just released its estimate for 2011 year-end online retail shopping.
For the first 20 days of the November – December 2011 holiday season, $9.7 billion has been spent online, marking a 14% increase versus the corresponding days last year. comScore projects a 15% increase by the end of December.
Monday, November 28, 2011
This Week in Honolulu: Second Annual Conference of Nonprofit Communities of Hawaii | Rosetta Thurman
This Week in Honolulu: Second Annual Conference of Nonprofit Communities of Hawaii | Rosetta Thurman: Aloha! Once again, I’m writing you from the airport – this time, en route to Hawaii where Trista and I will be speaking at the second annual Conference of Nonprofit Communities of Hawai`i November 29-30. I’m beyond excited to return to Oahu and meet more of the island’s amazing nonprofit leaders pushing for social change in the state!
Our Voice: Loss of charitable giving tax credits doesn't need to mean drop in donations | MLive.com
Our Voice: Loss of charitable giving tax credits doesn't need to mean drop in donations | MLive.com: t isn’t the end to charitable giving in Michigan, but some nonprofits in the state are wondering what effect they’ll feel after tax credits for donations expire at the end of this year.
Here’s hoping the impact on nonprofits will be small.
Michiganders always have been a giving bunch. We would not expect that to change when the income tax credits are no longer available in 2012.
Here’s hoping the impact on nonprofits will be small.
Michiganders always have been a giving bunch. We would not expect that to change when the income tax credits are no longer available in 2012.
4 things you can still do to make year-end-fundraising count : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success
4 things you can still do to make year-end-fundraising count : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success: In about a month, we'll be hearing "Auld Lang SyneOpens in a new window" and hanging up new calendars from our favorite charities. If we did our jobs all year long, our donations-processing team will be working overtime to process the last-minute donations people sent via the mail, clicked online to give or even dropped off in person.
The Weekly Fanfare of Philanthropy - RE:Philanthropy
The Weekly Fanfare of Philanthropy - RE:Philanthropy: Last week was a quiet one at the Maine Community Foundation — not! Between debriefing about the annual Inspiring Philanthropy evening and preparing for the upcoming Feed a Family campaign, we barely had time to celebrate Community Foundation Week.
Reply Devices Account For At Least $400M In First Class Postage - TheNonProfitTimes
Reply Devices Account For At Least $400M In First Class Postage - TheNonProfitTimes: Mail sent by only a handful of some of the largest charities generates almost $400 million in First Class postage revenue for the United States Postal Service (USPS), according to a survey by the Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF).
In response to federal legislation that would phase out nonprofit postal discounts, DMANF surveyed members on the impact that nonprofit mail has on First Class mail volume. The 18 respondents to the survey sent 325 million pieces of nonprofit mail, which in turn generates 8.7 million pieces of First Class reply pieces that provide approximately $390 million in First Class postage to USPS.
In response to federal legislation that would phase out nonprofit postal discounts, DMANF surveyed members on the impact that nonprofit mail has on First Class mail volume. The 18 respondents to the survey sent 325 million pieces of nonprofit mail, which in turn generates 8.7 million pieces of First Class reply pieces that provide approximately $390 million in First Class postage to USPS.
Spreading the Word: 8 Ways to Get Media Attention for your Nonprofit's Positive News
Spreading the Word: 8 Ways to Get Media Attention for your Nonprofit's Positive News: When you read the papers or turn on the news, it sometimes seems like all you hear about is negative stories. Car crashes, robberies, injuries, fires, political scandals, economic struggles — if it bleeds, it leads, the old adage goes.
But what do you do if you're a nonprofit that's creating positive change in your community? How do you grab attention for good news in a media environment that tends to focus on the pessimistic?
CharityVillage� spoke with several public relations experts to find out how.
But what do you do if you're a nonprofit that's creating positive change in your community? How do you grab attention for good news in a media environment that tends to focus on the pessimistic?
CharityVillage� spoke with several public relations experts to find out how.
CharityVillage� Research: Game On: Charities Toy with New Ideas for Online Engagement
CharityVillage� Research: Game On: Charities Toy with New Ideas for Online Engagement: You’ve may have noticed that the concept of "Gamification” is a hot topic in the technology community. What is it really, and what does it mean for charities and nonprofits?
Gamified experiences use game-playing techniques to engage users and encourage specific activities. A typical example of gamification might involve gathering reward points, achieving increasingly higher levels, or solving puzzles to unlock new challenges. One well-known example is the geo-location application Foursquare, where users earn badges and virtual rewards for "check-ins” online. Some charities have joined the trend by partnering with a corporate sponsor to co-brand a web or mobile game, or by building their own. Advocacy, raising awareness, and membership-building are only a few of the possible social good objectives for games like these.
Gamified experiences use game-playing techniques to engage users and encourage specific activities. A typical example of gamification might involve gathering reward points, achieving increasingly higher levels, or solving puzzles to unlock new challenges. One well-known example is the geo-location application Foursquare, where users earn badges and virtual rewards for "check-ins” online. Some charities have joined the trend by partnering with a corporate sponsor to co-brand a web or mobile game, or by building their own. Advocacy, raising awareness, and membership-building are only a few of the possible social good objectives for games like these.
The 'Third Rail' of Nonprofits: Overhead - WSJ.com
The 'Third Rail' of Nonprofits: Overhead - WSJ.com: Overhead is a touchy subject for many nonprofits. Donors who want most or all of their contributions to support an organization's cause may be overly critical of administrative costs and other overhead. Nonprofits, in turn, often feel pressured to keep overhead down and so may misrepresent those costs, reinforcing donors' unrealistic expectations.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Hong Kong but not forgotten (From Stroud News and Journal)
Hong Kong but not forgotten (From Stroud News and Journal): ENVIRONMENTAL science graduate Micheil Gordon has arrived back in Stroud after completing a gruelling 9,780-mile charity bicycle ride from the UK to Hong Kong.
The 25-year-old cycling enthusiast undertook the nine-month journey with the aim of raising �30,000 for WaterAid,
The 25-year-old cycling enthusiast undertook the nine-month journey with the aim of raising �30,000 for WaterAid,
Karen Delaney, Be the Difference: Charitable giving at the holidays plays important role in the community - Santa Cruz Sentinel
Karen Delaney, Be the Difference: Charitable giving at the holidays plays important role in the community - Santa Cruz Sentinel: Charity has always been a big part of holiday traditions in all faiths, and 20 percent of all giving and volunteering in the U.S. happens over the holidays.
It's true that high unemployment, rising poverty and the recession mean that more members of our community are challenged simply to meet their family's basic needs; celebrations, feasts and gifts are well beyond their reach.
It's true that high unemployment, rising poverty and the recession mean that more members of our community are challenged simply to meet their family's basic needs; celebrations, feasts and gifts are well beyond their reach.
When giving a little becomes a lot: Jarvis DeBerry | NOLA.com
When giving a little becomes a lot: Jarvis DeBerry | NOLA.com: In New Orleans, a group of women inspired by McCarty's philanthropy decided to get into the giving business themselves. They started a giving circle and called it, Zawadi, a Swahili word for gift.
Aalfs Auditorium’s new fees for student use - News - The Volante - University of South Dakota
Aalfs Auditorium’s new fees for student use - News - The Volante - University of South Dakota: Organizations like Strollers are taking notice to the new regulations. Strollers is USD's largest philanthropy event and has been held annually since 1924. Although the university will require organizations to pay more for facility use, Strollers President Drake Bachmeier is confident the event will still succeed.
"It's going to be tough, but we will fight through it," Bachmeier said.
"It's going to be tough, but we will fight through it," Bachmeier said.
How can charities adapt to difficult economic conditions? | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional
How can charities adapt to difficult economic conditions? | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: t's not often a chief executive is brave enough to seriously spring-clean their organisation. It takes a lot of courage for a team to face up to problems and deal with them, rather than burying their heads further into fast-shifting sand.
Three years ago ask, a Wiltshire-based charity that supports parents and carers, was a content, jogging-along organisation with a single local authority funder. Then everything changed: funding was drastically reduced and suddenly it was time to decide whether to throw up their hands and give up, or stay and fight to survive. Linda Cantillon-Guyatt, ask's resourceful chief executive, decided that her personal optimism was critical to drive the team to redesign themselves.
Three years ago ask, a Wiltshire-based charity that supports parents and carers, was a content, jogging-along organisation with a single local authority funder. Then everything changed: funding was drastically reduced and suddenly it was time to decide whether to throw up their hands and give up, or stay and fight to survive. Linda Cantillon-Guyatt, ask's resourceful chief executive, decided that her personal optimism was critical to drive the team to redesign themselves.
Struggling Saint Paul's College gets two major gifts | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Struggling Saint Paul's College gets two major gifts | Richmond Times-Dispatch: With the gift of a $500,000 challenge grant, Saint Paul's College has launched an effort to raise $5 million by the end of June to ensure the survival of the historically black school in Lawrenceville.
Without the grant from philanthropist Jane Batten, "we probably wouldn't have a chance" of meeting the requirements necessary to retain accreditation, the college's new interim president, Eddie N. Moore Jr., said Monday after a luncheon in Richmond honoring Batten.
Without the grant from philanthropist Jane Batten, "we probably wouldn't have a chance" of meeting the requirements necessary to retain accreditation, the college's new interim president, Eddie N. Moore Jr., said Monday after a luncheon in Richmond honoring Batten.
Ronald McDonald House Charities awards $90k to Maine nonprofits | Sun Journal
Ronald McDonald House Charities awards $90k to Maine nonprofits | Sun Journal: LEWISTON — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine has awarded grant funding totaling $90,149 to eight Maine nonprofit organizations.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Inside Philanthropy: Philanthropy without borders emerging
Inside Philanthropy: Philanthropy without borders emerging: he players are shifting and the lines are blurring in the “social economy,” creating big challenges and opportunities for people who care about social change.
At stake is the way private assets will be used for public good, whether through charitable giving, “impact investing” in the capital markets, or political advocacy and policy work.
At stake is the way private assets will be used for public good, whether through charitable giving, “impact investing” in the capital markets, or political advocacy and policy work.
News from Cambridge UK
News from Cambridge UK: Pioneering Cambridge campaign reaches record US$2 billion
The University of Cambridge has raised more than US$2.0 billion (�1.17 billion) during its 800th Anniversary Campaign,The University of Cambridge announced it has raised more than US$2.0 billion (�1.17 billion) during the course of its 800th Anniversary Campaign, the largest fundraising total ever announced by a European university. This total places Cambridge in the top rank of fundraising institutions worldwide.
The University of Cambridge has raised more than US$2.0 billion (�1.17 billion) during its 800th Anniversary Campaign,The University of Cambridge announced it has raised more than US$2.0 billion (�1.17 billion) during the course of its 800th Anniversary Campaign, the largest fundraising total ever announced by a European university. This total places Cambridge in the top rank of fundraising institutions worldwide.
SOI Tax Stats - SOI Bulletin: Fall 2011
SOI Tax Stats - SOI Bulletin: Fall 2011: Charities, Fraternal Beneficiary Societies, and Other Tax-Exempt Organizations, 2008
by Paul Arnsberger and Mike Graham
For 2008, nonprofit charitable organizations (excluding private foundations) tax exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) reported $2.5 trillion in total assets and $1.4 trillion in revenue, both decreases from 2007. The number of returns filed by these organizations was 315,184, including 148,821 Forms 990 and 166,363 Forms 990-EZ. There were major changes in both the content of Form 990 and the filing threshold between Tax Years 2007 and 2008. Excel Tables:
Related Link:
by Paul Arnsberger and Mike Graham
For 2008, nonprofit charitable organizations (excluding private foundations) tax exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) reported $2.5 trillion in total assets and $1.4 trillion in revenue, both decreases from 2007. The number of returns filed by these organizations was 315,184, including 148,821 Forms 990 and 166,363 Forms 990-EZ. There were major changes in both the content of Form 990 and the filing threshold between Tax Years 2007 and 2008. Excel Tables:
Related Link:
UC Merced fraternity breaks records with food donations by the ton - UC Merced - MercedSun-Star.com
UC Merced fraternity breaks records with food donations by the ton - UC Merced - MercedSun-Star.com: But this year the program, put on by the UC Merced chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, broke the record for most food donated to the food bank by a single local group.
The goods weighed more than a ton -- 2,296 pounds with an estimated value of $2,218.62
The goods weighed more than a ton -- 2,296 pounds with an estimated value of $2,218.62
Supporting Partnership - RE:Philanthropy
Supporting Partnership - RE:Philanthropy: By helping food pantries deepen their partnerships, we thought we just might be able to create stronger emergency food delivery in specific communities. With help from two generous donor partners, we were able to invest in three collaborative groups of food pantries and support 18 month-long projects. Each member of each collaborative had one thing in common: a focus on the needs of their community-just like community foundations.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tech climbs ladder in fundraising | Lubbock Online | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Tech climbs ladder in fundraising | Lubbock Online | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: In a recent ranking of the most successful nonprofit fundraisers, the Texas Tech System recorded the largest increase of all universities in the Big 12 Conference.
Year-End Fund Raising: What You Need to Know - Fund-Raising Fundamentals - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas
Year-End Fund Raising: What You Need to Know - Fund-Raising Fundamentals - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: In a new episode of Fund-Raising Fundamentals, Daniel Watson, executive director of Restoration House of East Tennessee, and Sandy Rees, a fund-raising consultant, answer such questions and offer other advice on how to handle year-end appeals.
Listen to the podcast by clicking on the icon at the top or subscribe using iTunes.
Listen to the podcast by clicking on the icon at the top or subscribe using iTunes.
4 E-mail Fundraising Campaign Best Practices : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success
4 E-mail Fundraising Campaign Best Practices : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success: One organization that found tremendous e-mail response in the past year was amfAR, The Foundation for AIDs ResearchOpens in a new window. Earlier this year, amfAR took home the E-mail Renewal Package of the YearOpens in a new window awarded by the Direct Marketing Fundraisers AssociationOpens in a new window for its holiday/year-end renewal e-mail.
The e-mail, which we’ll break down next week in Today in Fundraising, was created with the help of online nonprofit marketing agency SankyNetOpens in a new window. Here Paul Habig, executive vice president of SankyNet, shares some best practices for a successful fundraising e-mail campaign.
The e-mail, which we’ll break down next week in Today in Fundraising, was created with the help of online nonprofit marketing agency SankyNetOpens in a new window. Here Paul Habig, executive vice president of SankyNet, shares some best practices for a successful fundraising e-mail campaign.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
‘Invisible’ giving yields results | The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, Entertainment
‘Invisible’ giving yields results | The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, Entertainment: In the old days the churches really were the primary channel for charity. However, today giving to churches and houses of worship has fallen to less than 50 percent of all charitable contributions. Said differently, that means that for every church steeple there is another, invisible steeple, made up of charitable organizations and volunteer efforts in our community. There are thousands of charitable organizations in the greater Charleston area, some of which are almost invisible. It’s those invisible charities along with houses of worship that hold this community together.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
What Matters: The power of yellow
What Matters: The power of yellow: It was a novel and generous idea. Yet it met with skepticism, particularly on the part of our eponymous founder. “What are we going to do,” Lance asked, “with the 4.9 million wristbands we don’t sell?” The Foundation’s president, Mitch Stoller, saw the potential and found support from board member, Mike Sherwin, who immediately grasped the power of the idea. “We’re going to need more than five million,” he predicted.
Celebrating true spirit of National Philanthropy Day | philanthropy, day, gates - Jacksonville Illinois News and Information Jacksonville Journal Courier
Celebrating true spirit of National Philanthropy Day | philanthropy, day, gates - Jacksonville Illinois News and Information Jacksonville Journal Courier: Today marks the 25th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day. While most of us may never reach the status of Carnegie or Gates, we all have the opportunity to be philanthropists.
The word philanthropy is derived from the Greek word “philos” which means “loving” and “anthropos” meaning “man.” Simply put, to be a philanthropist is to love mankind. Philanthropy manifests in the form of financial giving, voluntary action and associations that are built among individuals. Last year, it is estimated that a half trillion dollars were donated by Americans through financial giving and volunteer support to the over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations that are registered with the Internal Revenue Service.
The word philanthropy is derived from the Greek word “philos” which means “loving” and “anthropos” meaning “man.” Simply put, to be a philanthropist is to love mankind. Philanthropy manifests in the form of financial giving, voluntary action and associations that are built among individuals. Last year, it is estimated that a half trillion dollars were donated by Americans through financial giving and volunteer support to the over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations that are registered with the Internal Revenue Service.
MAINE COMPASS: Charitable giving is a tradition for state employees | The Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME
MAINE COMPASS: Charitable giving is a tradition for state employees | The Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME: State employees perform remarkable work throughout the year. They connect Maine people with needed services. They provide guidance and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
In countless ways, they help families, strengthen the economy, improve communities and make Maine a more productive and inviting place to live.
In countless ways, they help families, strengthen the economy, improve communities and make Maine a more productive and inviting place to live.
Couple delivers hot food, company | The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, Entertainment
Couple delivers hot food, company | The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, Entertainment: Couple delivers hot food, company
Philanthropy Week time to give
Philanthropy Week time to give
Forum spotlights new thinking for nonprofits - The York Daily Record
Forum spotlights new thinking for nonprofits - The York Daily Record: The aptly named "Ah-Ha Initiative" seeks to reshape the local humanitarian discourse by introducing unconventional, paradigm-altering ideas to local nonprofit and business leaders. Its kickoff featured a presentation by wave-stirring author and social entrepreneur Dan Pallotta, whose book, "Uncharitable," critiques the traditional nonprofit business model as ineffective and unjustly constrained.
Mission Plus Good Logistics Create a Model Cause Marketing Campaign: Developing a great cause-marketing campaign is part art, part business, part negotiation, and a whole lot of heart.
Twitter donors worth the most on social media - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits
Twitter donors worth the most on social media - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: People who make donations on JustGiving pages after being prompted on Twitter are nearly twice as generous as those who are inspired to give by a Facebook prompt, according to new figures.
In a study on the average gift value of donors directed to JustGiving pages via social media, Twitter prompts came out on top, with an average gift from someone coming from a Twitter link worth �30.26, compared with just �18.33 on Facebook. Facebook, however, remains the vastly more popular social network for JustGiving donors, accounting for 97 per cent of all visits directed through a social media source - in contrast Twitter facilitates a tiny 1 per cent of all visits from social media sources.
In a study on the average gift value of donors directed to JustGiving pages via social media, Twitter prompts came out on top, with an average gift from someone coming from a Twitter link worth �30.26, compared with just �18.33 on Facebook. Facebook, however, remains the vastly more popular social network for JustGiving donors, accounting for 97 per cent of all visits directed through a social media source - in contrast Twitter facilitates a tiny 1 per cent of all visits from social media sources.
Monday, November 14, 2011
National Philanthropy Day® Official Website - AFP
National Philanthropy Day® Official Website - AFP: - Sent using Google Toolbar
Emmett Carson: Community foundation model 'broken,' at risk - San Francisco Business Times
Emmett Carson: Community foundation model 'broken,' at risk - San Francisco Business Times: “In five or 10 years, I fear that many of the institutions in this room won’t be here,” Emmett told the gathering of some 1,400 community foundation leaders. “Revenues aren’t meeting expenses. Other people offer what we perceive as our core product at a cheaper price — zero. As for raising costs: Talk to Netflix. In this environment, that doesn’t work.”
Staff Retreats on a Shoestring: For the typically cash-strapped nonprofit, a staff retreat can seem like a luxury, reserved for private companies with revenue to spare. But organizing a staff retreat on a budget is not only feasible, some executive directors argue it's a necessary and integral component of long-term strategic planning. Dave Kranenburg, executive director of Toronto-based Meal Exchange and Ben Peterson, co-founder and executive director of Journalists for Human Rights, maintain that nonprofit retreats o
Workplace donations make a difference | Statesman Journal | statesmanjournal.com
Workplace donations make a difference | Statesman Journal | statesmanjournal.com: Nowhere is generosity more prevalent than among corporations and organizations in the tri-county region as they host workplace campaigns and provide an opportunity for their employees to engage with the community through giving, volunteering and advocacy. Workplace campaign contributions comprise nearly 75 percent of the total funds raised by the local United Way each year.
Tribe's giving falls off; rank stays high | StarTribune.com
Tribe's giving falls off; rank stays high | StarTribune.com: After years of extraordinary growth, charitable giving by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has fallen off considerably, according to a new statewide analysis from the Minnesota Council on Foundations.
Rock Your Year-End�Fundraising - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media -
Rock Your Year-End�Fundraising - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media -: Year-end fundraising is here. This is the time of year that your organization should be raising up to 40% of its donations online. Yes, that’s right - up to 40% of donations come in at the end of the year for many nonprofits that have a solid year-end fundraising plan in place and an engaged list of supporters.
Society Notebook: It's a gift | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
Society Notebook: It's a gift | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: n order to do so, he told us that we must realize that "money does not matter as much as influence and time" and that giving to "fewer things in a bigger way for a longer period of time" is a proven way to get better results. He also pointed out that a nonprofit organization's overhead and administrative costs shouldn't be judged solely based on its percentage of total costs, because staffing is a crucial area when it comes to an organization's effectiveness.
Metrics Can Be a Grant Writer’s Nightmare | Fundraising Non-Profit Fund-raising Resource – Tony Poderis
Metrics Can Be a Grant Writer’s Nightmare | Fundraising Non-Profit Fund-raising Resource – Tony Poderis: I don’t think there could be three more dismaying demands. Using any of these too common absolutist metrics to evaluate a grant seeker’s performance is more than formidable. Depending on how the fill-in-the-blank numbers are determined, it can be flat out damning.
Such demands, more often than not, lack a footing in reality. They are unlikely to show even a rudimentary understanding of which grant-making organizations are awarding grants to what initiatives, projects, and organizations.
Such demands, more often than not, lack a footing in reality. They are unlikely to show even a rudimentary understanding of which grant-making organizations are awarding grants to what initiatives, projects, and organizations.
Local nonprofits hope ‘Give’ day helps fundraising | St. Cloud TIMES | sctimes.com
Local nonprofits hope ‘Give’ day helps fundraising | St. Cloud TIMES | sctimes.com: Local nonprofit organizations are hoping a statewide online initiative will help raise much-needed funds.
GiveMN.org, will host its Give to the Max Day on Wednesday. GiveMN.org offers nonprofits an online presence for donors.
GiveMN.org, will host its Give to the Max Day on Wednesday. GiveMN.org offers nonprofits an online presence for donors.
Friday, November 11, 2011
On Giving - Reporting and discussion about philanthropy and social entrepreneurship.
New section of the Washington Post
On Giving becomes the newest addition to The Post's popular On Topics channels, which include On Leadership, On Faith, on Innovation and On Small Business.
On Giving - Reporting and discussion about philanthropy and social entrepreneurship.
On Giving becomes the newest addition to The Post's popular On Topics channels, which include On Leadership, On Faith, on Innovation and On Small Business.
On Giving - Reporting and discussion about philanthropy and social entrepreneurship.
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