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.
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