Aaron Hurst: Are Nonprofit Boards a Good Idea?

Aaron Hurst: Are Nonprofit Boards a Good Idea?: On a trip to China last year, a leader in their nascent philanthropic community asked me if China should introduce the idea of boards to their social sector. It caught me by surprise. It had never occurred to me that a nonprofit sector could exist without them.

Are nonprofit boards a social innovation worthy of export or would you recommend other countries find a better model?

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Tax Incentives Lure New York Nonprofit to Indianapolis

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Tax Incentives Lure New York Nonprofit to Indianapolis: Here is an odd one. Project Lead the Way (PLTW), based in Clifton Park, New York, is moving to Indiana. PLTW provides curricula in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—the STEM subjects—for middle schools and high schools, addressing one of the acknowledged shortcomings in much of U.S. education.

First marathon at sea raises funds for 9/11 charity - USATODAY.com

First marathon at sea raises funds for 9/11 charity - USATODAY.com: While many cruisers enjoy a stroll around the promenade deck, passenger Steve Eaton took it to an extreme on Thursday, circling the Grand Princess 70 times to complete the world's first marathon at sea.

Eaton, who finished the 26.2 mile course in 5 hours, 16 minutes and 45 seconds, was raising money and attention for Help for Heroes, a charity providing support to those wounded, sick or injured in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001.

Abilene colleges report charitable giving is up � Abilene Reporter-News

Abilene colleges report charitable giving is up � Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene's four-year universities said that giving has generally trended up of late — in many cases soundly beating national trends, where growth was fairly small.

Donations to higher education as a whole rose 0.5 percent during the 2010 fiscal year, according to findings of the annual Voluntary Support of Education Survey

Defense.gov News Article: Lynn Asks Department to Unite for Charitable Giving

Defense.gov News Article: Lynn Asks Department to Unite for Charitable Giving: The department has a history of being out in front, of leading the pack for the federal government, and I’m confident this year will be no different,” Lynn, DOD’s vice chair for the campaign, told CFC leaders at a campaign kickoff event in the Pentagon.

Last year, contributors gave $110 million to the campaign, which serves more than 4,000 charities, Michael L. Rhodes, the CFC’s director for administration and management, said.

President John F. Kennedy created the campaign with an executive order in 1961, and it since has raised $7 billion for charities, Lynn said.

Bill Clinton gets 194 pledges to tackle world woes | Reuters

Bill Clinton gets 194 pledges to tackle world woes | Reuters: The number of pledges made at the September summit was a third less than last year's record, but when combined with those made at an inaugural summit organized by Bill Clinton in June to help create U.S. jobs and fuel a U.S. economic recovery -- there have been a record 299 commitments made so far in 2011.

A further 66 commitments are in development and expected to be finalized by the end of the year, organizers said, taking the 2011 total to 365.

Cecilia T. Capers: Is Philanthropy an Exclusionary Term in African-American Communities?

Cecilia T. Capers: Is Philanthropy an Exclusionary Term in African-American Communities?: For most people involved in the work of doing good, they have participated in various debates concerning the different viewpoints, as well as interpretations, of philanthropy and charity. The mere utterance of these two words in a sentence is sometimes met with the same level of passion as a debate on the floor of the House of Representative. In African-American communities, there are various interpretations of each word as well as the activities and individuals associated with charitable or philanthropic work. By taking a look at how the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the two words, it is evident that the debate is not unfounded:

Is Asian charity different than Western charity? | Mitchell Hinz | 101fundraising

Is Asian charity different than Western charity? | Mitchell Hinz | 101fundraising: he swing to the East is centered, of course, on Asia’s two biggest countries, China and India, but as countless Economist articles point out, many countries with LESS than a billion people (!) have a lot going on as well. For example, most people don’t know that Singapore, where I now live, boasts one of the world’s highest GDP-per-capitas: almost US$ 60,000 per person (one in six households has a net worth of MORE than US$ 1 million). However, Indonesia is still the region’s *largest* economy, despite having far higher poverty rates. The GDP-per-capita in Indonesia is only a bit over US$ 4,600 per person (almost 1,500% lower!). Conclusion: Singapore has LOTS of rich people. Indonesia has LOTS of poor people, but a fair number of RICH people, too.

So, if you were a fundraiser (which is a fair assumption, since you’re still reading) the question is — where should you be fundraising?

Triad Charities To Get Marketing At High Point Furniture Market | digtriad.com

Triad Charities To Get Marketing At High Point Furniture Market | digtriad.com: Each day of Market, which runs Oct. 22-27, a charity will be spotlighted at the home furnishings trade show, offering an opportunity for exhibitors and attendees to make a donation to that day's charity. Promotion of the charities will include signage, lapel pins, social media (#hpmkt6causes), press alerts, and more. Exhibitors who participate will receive showroom signs to highlight their participation in that day's cause during Market.

Changing the World

The AFP Blog: i’ve taught students at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota since 2007. This year was my last time teaching a course on the globalization of philanthropy in St. Mary’s Master’s program.
I listened to two compelling student presentations while I was there: one on the impact of hyper-philanthropy and the other on the inter-generational transfer of knowledge and experience in the women’s movement.

Text of Eric Kaler's inauguration speech as president of the University of Minnesota | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

Text of Eric Kaler's inauguration speech as president of the University of Minnesota | INFORUM | Fargo, ND: Philanthropy . . .

We cannot achieve our promise without philanthropy.

Private support is profoundly important, especially as we face public disinvestment in higher education and a resulting rise in tuition.

Philanthropy will not -- and should not -- replace public investment.

President's Community Enrichment Program showcases ASU | ASU News

President's Community Enrichment Program showcases ASU | ASU News: Women & Philanthropy is an inspiring example of the world-changing power of female philanthropy by providing an opportunity for women, through collaboration and the pooling of resources, to significantly impact the educational, research and public outreach missions of Arizona State University. Since its inception in 2002, Women & Philanthropy has provided more than $1.7 million in funding support to 56 ASU programs.

Lexington Clipper-Herald > News > Local > LCF to stage charitable day

Lexington Clipper-Herald > News > Local > LCF to stage charitable day: LEXINGTON – On Thursday, Nov. 17, the Lexington Community Foundation (LCF) will stage the first ever charitable day of giving in this area.

Give BIG Lexington is a new community-wide giving challenge designed to raise dollars for local nonprofit organizations.

Net giving still trails pre-recession levels | Philanthropy Journal

Net giving still trails pre-recession levels | Philanthropy Journal: So net giving in 2010 still trailed its levels from before the recession but improved significantly from 2009, says the 2011 Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Report, an initiative of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute.

Philippe Cousteau Jr. Is In It For Love And Money | Fast Company

Philippe Cousteau Jr. Is In It For Love And Money | Fast Company: In the wake of the recession, Cousteau began to wonder if the not-for-profit system itself was flawed. "I've been a grant seeker all my life," he says. "But when I apply for one and get it, that means someone else doesn't. I didn't want to be a part of that anymore. I wanted to contribute to that pool and make it bigger." So two years ago, he began considering other possibilities.

Soon enough, Cousteau settled on starting a socially responsible exchange-traded fund (ETF), similar in many ways to a traditional mutual fund, which is open to institutional and individual investors alike. (A main difference is that shares in an ETF can be traded on a stock exchange.)

My Name is Not Donor | Inspiring Generosity

My Name is Not Donor | Inspiring Generosity: My name is not donor, the mythical ghost in the machine you are targeting.

You don’t know my name. Why? Because it’s some random field in your house file. A random Bob, a misplaced Jane in a sea of Johns, Alices, Michaels and Jennifers.

Heifer Blog | The Official Blog of Heifer International: Heifer Makes Commitment at CGI Annual Meeting

Heifer Blog | The Official Blog of Heifer International: Heifer Makes Commitment at CGI Annual Meeting: We got some pretty exciting news today at Heifer. Our commitment to help rebuild rural communities and to improve economic opportunities in Haiti was chosen to be part of the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting. CEO Pierre Ferrari announced Heifer International’s commitment from the stage today.

The commitment will help 20,250 families increase their incomes by combining livestock and crop inputs for integrated farming, improved husbandry techniques, business training and community-building. The project —REACH, or Rural Entrepreneurs for Agricultural Cooperation in Haiti — will develop 150 breeding centers and provide training for 120 community health workers who, in turn, will train an average of 200 farmers each.

Capital Bikeshare: With 1 Million Rides, System May Consider Corporate Sponsorship

Capital Bikeshare: With 1 Million Rides, System May Consider Corporate Sponsorship: WASHINGTON -- Just as the city's pioneering bike-sharing program marked its one-year anniversary on Tuesday by recording its one-millionth trip, Capital Bikeshare is looking at ways to expand the system. And that may include corporate sponsorship.

The success of Capital Bikeshare, which has 1,100 red bikes and 114 docking stations in the District of Columbia and Arlington County, Va., is clear from the numbers. According to District Department of Transportation (DDOT) statistics current as of last week, the service has racked up roughly 16,000 annual members, 2,000 monthly members and 70,000 casual users -- mostly one-tim

The First 30 Seconds Of An Ask - TheNonProfitTimes

The First 30 Seconds Of An Ask - TheNonProfitTimes: The First 30 Seconds Of An Ask - 09/20/2011
By Rick Christ


Telephone calls to lapsed donors can bring them back. Calls to new donors, especially online donors, can turn a drive-by donor into a second-time giver, or even a monthly donor.

In fact, it’s more profitable to call new online donors and ask for a monthly gift, than it is to send them another email. And, while the first 30 seconds are key to the success of the call, the typical telemarketer wins or loses in the first five seconds.

Universities Seeking Out Students of Means - NYTimes.com

Universities Seeking Out Students of Means - NYTimes.com: More than half of the admissions officers at public research universities, and more than a third at four-year colleges said that they had been working harder in the past year to recruit students who need no financial aid and can pay full price, according to the survey of 462 admissions directors and enrollment managers conducted in August and early September.

Say “Bon Voyage” to Summer at Massey on the River | Richmond BizSense

Say “Bon Voyage” to Summer at Massey on the River | Richmond BizSense: Massey on the River is a signature event of the Massey Alliance, Massey’s junior board of young professionals who share a passion for supporting cancer research at Richmond’s only NCI-designated cancer center. Since 2002, the Massey Alliance has donated more than $332,000 to research at Massey Cancer Center, and is working to raise another $300,000 by 2014. The volunteer group also provides a unique opportunity for the next generation of philanthropists to learn about Massey’s mission of saving lives through innovative research and compassionate care.

National Philanthropy Day� Official Website - AFP

National Philanthropy Day� Official Website - AFP: National Philanthropy Day� Official Website

Back to NPD Official Website Homepage
The Current Giving Environment

In 2011, charities around the world face an extremely difficult charitable giving environment due to the global recession. While giving in the United States went up slightly in 2010 (see below), it was not enough to make up for the significant increases that had occurred over the previous two years. In addition, because of the recession, demand for charitable services continues to remain very high

John Bridgeland: A Call to Peace

John Bridgeland: A Call to Peace: In this anniversary year, we enlisted Hart Research to survey more than 11,000 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, representing the 200,000 who have served in 139 countries since the first volunteers left for Ghana and Tanganyika in 1961. We wanted to understand what inspired them to join; how they advanced the three Peace Corps goals; how their service transformed their lives; and what ideas they had to improve the Peace Corps.

Art market analysis: Who benefits from charity auctions? | The Art Newspaper

Art market analysis: Who benefits from charity auctions? | The Art Newspaper: Art market analysis: Who benefits from charity auctions?
A common refrain is that there are too many of these events, with too much low-value art

Net giving still trails pre-recession levels | Philanthropy Journal

Net giving still trails pre-recession levels | Philanthropy Journal: Nonprofits in the U.S. did a better job in 2010 acquiring and keeping donors but continued to lose money because they still lost donors and secured gifts that were smaller than in 2009, a new report says.

Sherborn resident’s nonprofit work brings grad students and funding ‘Kuska’ - Dover, MA - Dover-Sherborn Press

Sherborn resident’s nonprofit work brings grad students and funding ‘Kuska’ - Dover, MA - Dover-Sherborn Press: he Sherborn native and medical student at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine went to the small city of Iquitos, Peru, to conduct research on malaria in pregnancies. Faldetta and fellow colleague Eva Clark discovered that although they were unable to figure out the cause of malaria in pregnancies, they realized another problem in Iquitos: students struggled financially to obtain a master’s degree.

Faldetta, along with Clark, developed the idea of Kuska, a nonprofit organization that provides students in Peru with money sponsored by a donor so they can attend graduate school.

The Changemakers: 10 Celebrity Black Philanthropists | The Atlanta Post

The Changemakers: 10 Celebrity Black Philanthropists | The Atlanta Post: As the late, great civil rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune once said, “As I give, I get.” We must remember that it is always better to give than to receive. Charity begins at home and by home I mean the black community. Don’t feel as though you must give a large amount of money; your time is just as valuable. This featured group of entertainers, business moguls and innovators know just that. So let’s take inspiration from the following notable figures and their philanthropy.

A profitable experience - NYPOST.com

A profitable experience - NYPOST.com: Recognizing the need for students to become more involved in their communities, Adelphi University founded its Community Fellows Program three years ago. Sponsored by Adelphi alumni and external companies and foundations, through the program, a select group of students are placed in area nonprofit internships and paid $10 an hour for approximately 300 hours of the 10-week long program. Travel expenses aren’t included, although some organizations cover these costs for their interns.

Nonprofits are Optimistic about Hiring. Are You Ready to Make the Switch? - Forbes

Nonprofits are Optimistic about Hiring. Are You Ready to Make the Switch? - Forbes: Looking for a nonprofit job? The outlook is somewhat promising. The other day I received an upbeat e-mail from David Garvey, director of Encore!Hartford, a job-retraining program that specializes in helping unemployed midcareer and traditional retirement-aged corporate professionals find nonprofit jobs.

Clinton to Press Job Creation at Philanthropic Summit - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Clinton to Press Job Creation at Philanthropic Summit - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Clinton to Press Job Creation at Philanthropic Summit

September 19, 2011, 10:25 am

Corporate and nonprofit leaders at this week’s Clinton Global Initiative will hear a call from former president Bill Clinton to do more to kick-start stalled labor markets in the United States and abroad, Reuters reports.

In an interview with the news service, Mr. Clinton said job creation would be the key theme at his foundation’s seventh annual philanthropic summit, along with efforts to promote conservation and aid women and girls.

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Indiana Nonprofit Responds to Rise in Poverty with New Programs

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Indiana Nonprofit Responds to Rise in Poverty with New Programs: As an example of CANI’s new offerings, the organization has implemented a microfinance program with microlending and credit-building components. Explaining the rationale of the program, Steve Hoffman told the Journal Gazette, “What we’re trying to do in lending is fill a gap. We’re not trying to compete with banks; we’re trying to help people become bankable.”

Broadway charity flea market, auction turns 25, offering unique items such as backstage tours - The Washington Post

Broadway charity flea market, auction turns 25, offering unique items such as backstage tours - The Washington Post: The auction and market, which cost about $60,000 to produce, plus three other Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS events — the Easter Bonnet Competition, Gypsy of the Year and Broadway Bares — helped the group last year award some $10 million in grants to The Actors Fund and to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations

Nonprofit News - Careers: The University Of Texas At Austin Launches New Online Nonprofit Management Certificate Program

Nonprofit News - Careers: The University Of Texas At Austin Launches New Online Nonprofit Management Certificate Program: The Professional Development Center (PDC), a component of Continuing and Innovative Education (CIE) at The University of Texas at Austin, is proud to unveil the new Online Nonprofit Management Certificate Program, its first online certificate training program

32 U.S. Foundations Join Campaign... - National Committee For Responsive Philanthropy

32 U.S. Foundations Join Campaign... - National Committee For Responsive Philanthropy: Washington, D.C. (09/19/2011) – Thirty-two more foundations from across the country have committed to dedicate a majority of their grants to benefit underserved communities and to provide substantial support for strategies that seek solutions to social problems.

The Big Donation Day

The Big Donation Day: The Big Donation Day
What's the next gadget to help your association? Hear top ideas at our Association Technology Summit. Tues, Sept. 27 at the Capital Hilton. Sign up today!

Washington area non-profits are gearing up for one mega day of online giving. Give to the Max Day on Nov. 9 aims to raise at least $3 million and bring in a new generation of donors for local organizations.

Tradition of giving back leads Roosevelt's granddaughter to Goodwill | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Tradition of giving back leads Roosevelt's granddaughter to Goodwill | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: "My favorite thing to remember was how she listened," Roosevelt said. "Here's a person who was incredibly busy, but she still conveyed to (kids) that what they had to say was important."

Roosevelt, 63, was recently named the new CEO of Portland-based Goodwill Industries of Northern New England.

She brings to the job family lessons, years of corporate and political experience, and a desire to return to community work.

Nonprofits must confront funding for sustainability | savannahnow.com

Nonprofits must confront funding for sustainability | savannahnow.com: Sustainability is not only a nonprofit sector buzzword today, it’s an imperative. Identifying likely funding sources is a major cornerstone in any nonprofit leader’s plan for long-term sustainability.