Friday, January 17, 2014

Philanthropy as an Asset Class | Jeremy Balkin

Philanthropy as an Asset Class | Jeremy Balkin: In just a few days the most important annual gathering of world leaders, chief executives, philanthropists and Nobel laureates, will be taking place in a small skiing village in Switzerland. This gathering is for the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where this year's theme is appropriately "The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business."

NYC mayor's pizza technique is a big forking deal for charity – Eatocracy - CNN.com Blogs

NYC mayor's pizza technique is a big forking deal for charity – Eatocracy - CNN.com Blogs: Now, the act that sent the Internet into a frenzy with chatter about what most New Yorkers scorn as a serious food flub portends to deliver some dough - as in money - to charity.

Goodfella's Pizzeria co-owner Marc Cosentino says he will auction off the infamous fork that de Blasio used in a charity fundraiser.

Charitable Deduction Probably Safe for 2014, Say Experts - Tax Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Charitable Deduction Probably Safe for 2014, Say Experts - Tax Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Nonprofit experts are confident the charitable tax deduction will emerge unscathed from the current session of Congress, but they are less certain how lawmakers will deal with several tax breaks for charities that expired at the end of 2013.

Season of Sharing donations could hit record $2 million | HeraldTribune.com

Season of Sharing donations could hit record $2 million | HeraldTribune.com: The annual fundraising campaign, started by the Herald-Tribune Media Group and the Community Foundation in 2000 to help people under financial duress remain in their homes, has raised $1.6 million so far this year, already meeting a $500,000 matching grant from the Patterson Foundation.

But with a recent offer of an additional $150,000 from past supporters Chuck and Margie Barancik and a commitment from The Patterson Foundation to continue matching new and increased gifts, the total for the year could reach or surpass a record level of $2 million.

49ers join S.F., Seattle fans in fundraising effort - Al Saracevic

49ers join S.F., Seattle fans in fundraising effort - Al Saracevic: As SFGate’s Kevin Lynch reported last week (click HERE), a group of 49ers fans raised funds to put up a pro-S.F. billboard on the outskirts of Seattle. But, in an act of kindness, Lynch reported, “the 49ers fan group donated the leftover proceeds from their billboard fund to Seattle Children’s Hospital, a place where Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson volunteers on nearly a weekly basis. … Seahawks fans have, in kind, raised money for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco.”

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Epic snowmobile journey a fundraiser for Montana nonprofits - Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Outdoors

Epic snowmobile journey a fundraiser for Montana nonprofits - Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Outdoors: he Trans Montana Ride begins a snowball's throw from Canada near the scenic border town of Eureka. It traverses the length of Montana's Rocky Mountains — passing through Condon, Seeley Lake and Elliston — before arriving on the Idaho border at Raynolds Pass.

Along the way, the Trans Montana Ride crosses some of the most majestic scenery in the West, while raising money for Montana nonprofits.

Sanford gift creates education center at National U | UTSanDiego.com

Sanford gift creates education center at National U | UTSanDiego.com: National University has received $1 million from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford to help create a center focused on training

What Language Works Best in Crowdfunding Campaigns? - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

What Language Works Best in Crowdfunding Campaigns? - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: Kickstarter brought in an impressive amount of money from its crowdfunding campaigns in 2013, totaling on over $480 million pledged. A Georgia Tech study has gathered information from Kickstarter campaigns to determine what phrases work best to attract funders to crowdfunding campaigns. Although many other factors can affect the success of a crowdfunding campaign, such as social media influence, this study may help nonprofits looking to crowdfund with writing eye-catching pitches and weeding out those less desirable phrases.

Can The Gambling Industry Ever Become A Force For Good? - Forbes

Can The Gambling Industry Ever Become A Force For Good? - Forbes: After what appears to be a long-cycle swing towards greater permissiveness of gambling, both in the USA and in the rest of the world, it remains true that most Americans cannot legally bet on sports events, most Europeans have no access to modern style casinos and mainland Chinese can only play the lottery.

Charity Poker Compromise Splits the Pot in Michigan - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Charity Poker Compromise Splits the Pot in Michigan - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: Kathleen Gray at the Livingston Daily summarizes the transformation that necessitated the controls put into places, as relayed by representatives from the Gaming Control Board: “The charity poker boom has become a big business with too few controls…. It has grown from $7.9 million in revenue in 2004 to $197 million in revenue in 2011. The jump happened when the state lottery authorized poker and other casino-type games, like blackjack and roulette, at charity fund-raisers. The growing popularity of Texas Hold ’Em poker games also fueled the increase.”

Habitat Says Lending Regulations Hinder Housing Nonprofits – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Habitat Says Lending Regulations Hinder Housing Nonprofits – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Frank Spencer, president of Habitat’s Charlotte, N.C., chapter, detailed the impact on his group of holding nonprofits to the “qualified mortgage” rule adopted under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, which aims to prevent some of the risky lending practices that contributed to the economic meltdown.

Minn. Orchestra Players Take Pay Cut as Long Lockout Ends – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Minn. Orchestra Players Take Pay Cut as Long Lockout Ends – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: A bitter contract standoff that cost the Minnesota Orchestra a full season and its conductor ended Tuesday as musicians approved a three-year deal that will reduce their wages and benefits by roughly 15 percent, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Questions I'm Most Often Asked about Direct Mail Fundraising

Questions I'm Most Often Asked about Direct Mail Fundraising: Is the Internet the death knell for direct mail?

Not even close. Direct mail is a long way from death. It's still the most effective fundraising medium (after the church offering basket) and it's many times more effective than email.

But the way it works is changing. One important change is the way direct mail and the Web are becoming intertwined. Donors are moved by the warmth and personal touch of direct mail, then going online to give. It's the best of both worlds when they do that: The higher average gifts we get from online donors, combined with the higher frequency and retention we see with direct-mail donors. This is on its way to becoming the typical way giving happens.

Philanthropic donations top $1.2B for second year - The Shorthorn : News

Philanthropic donations top $1.2B for second year - The Shorthorn : News

Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum Announce Arizona Gives Day 2014

Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum Announce Arizona Gives Day 2014: Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum Announce Arizona Gives Day 2014

Your annual report should be an offer no one can refuse � Philanthropy North Carolina

Your annual report should be an offer no one can refuse � Philanthropy North Carolina: n showcasing who you are, what you do and how you improve lives, your annual report can inspire people to support and be part of your work.

Yet instead of highlighting the crucial difference they make, nonprofits too often use their annual report simply to stroke themselves and their supporters.

In accentuating the positive, annual reports also tend to skirt or soft-pedal the often grim reality facing the people and places they serve.

Survey Shows Donor Retention Still Undervalued by Nonprofits

Survey Shows Donor Retention Still Undervalued by Nonprofits: It was a disappointment to read in Kivi Leroux Miller's 2014 Nonprofit Communications Trends Report that donor retention is still not highly valued by many people working at nonprofits.

The Report states:

"Donor retention continues to be a hot topic . . . But are nonprofits doing more than talking about it? In our 2013 report, acquisition beat retention as a goal by nearly 2 to 1. In 2014, the number of nonprofits selecting retention as a top three goal held steady at 30%, while acquisition as a top three goal fell from 57% to 53%."

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

It’s Legal. You’re Honest. But Are You Ethical?: Associations Now

It’s Legal. You’re Honest. But Are You Ethical?: Associations Now: Abiding by the law and being honest are two core principles of ethical conduct. But being a truly ethical professional demands more.

Streamline Now! Figuring Out Feedback | Project Streamline Blog

Streamline Now! Figuring Out Feedback | Project Streamline Blog: By this time, there can be no doubt that Project Streamline advocates seeking feedback from your grantees and grantseekers. Believe it or not, this blog post will contain no rants on this topic (if you crave some rants, you’ll find them in the following posts: Go on, ask! , Better than a Bad Lunch, Feedback Matters – Part 1, and Feedback Matters – Part 2).

In fact, Dr. Streamline wants to give you the gift of a sample grantee feedback survey!

The Right Annual Report for Your Audience- Part Two | Third Sector Today

The Right Annual Report for Your Audience- Part Two | Third Sector Today: he Right Annual Report for Your Audience – Part Two

So, you know you need an annual report, right? Now that you have read Part One of our post about planning your nonprofit report asked a half a dozen questions helpful for determining the “whys” of your project. Now explore some options on how to execute this project in a way that suits both your purpose and resources. Match the type of project to your needs.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Atlas of Giving Estimates U.S. Charity Jumped 13% in 2013 – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Atlas of Giving Estimates U.S. Charity Jumped 13% in 2013 – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Preliminary numbers from philanthropy tracker Atlas of Giving indicate Americans gave away $416.5-billion last year, a 12.9-percent increase from 2012, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Richmond’s Landmark Theater: A surprise in the making - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Economic News

Richmond’s Landmark Theater: A surprise in the making - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Economic News: Richmond’s renowned Landmark Theater is closing in on the completion of a $60 million, top-to-bottom renovation.

Though the grand performing arts center is being used for productions — the hit musical “Jersey Boys” is playing now — the shows are being scheduled around the work.

Proposed DIA deal an important step for Detroit's future | The Detroit News

Proposed DIA deal an important step for Detroit's future | The Detroit News: As philanthropies with deep ties to the region, we share that commitment for Detroit’s future. That is why we have come together as part of a plan proposed by Chief Judge Gerald Rosen and his bankruptcy mediation team, to help Detroit honor its commitment to retirees and protect the remarkable DIA collection in perpetuity. We view this proposal as a productive step towards revitalizing Detroit, and a valuable contribution to a balanced overall settlement of the bankruptcy case.

Content Marketing Can be King For Donors | The NonProfit Times

Content Marketing Can be King For Donors | The NonProfit Times: More than nine out of 10 nonprofit marketers, or 92 percent, use content marketing, but only 26 percent consider themselves effective at it. One-quarter has a documented content strategy. Those are some of the results of a survey released by the Content Marketing Institute of Cleveland, Ohio, and Charleston, S.C. tech firm Blackbaud.

Ford puts philanthropy on display at Detroit auto show | United Way for Southeastern Michigan | Live United

Ford puts philanthropy on display at Detroit auto show | United Way for Southeastern Michigan | Live United: estled among ambulances and other vehicles Ford provides to help enable public service is a Transit Connect painted with the Gleaners Community Food Bank for Southeastern Michigan logo.

It is one of 13 Transit Connects that Ford and its dealers have donated since 2009 for use by local nonprofits and one of 34 it has deployed to bolster nonprofit efforts nationally.

Napa Valley CanDo thanks those involved with Give!Guide

Napa Valley CanDo thanks those involved with Give!Guide: How do you thank an entire community? We are the CanDo volunteers who created the Napa Valley Give!Guide, and we’re writing to thank our generous communities for their support in helping the 2013 Give!Guide raise $95,649.64 in November and December.

With a vision, a catalog and an online presence, we were able to bring attention to 40 very worthy local nonprofit organizations that work hard each and every day to better the lives of those who call the Napa Valley home.

Foundations Aim to Save Pensions in Detroit Crisis - NYTimes.com

Foundations Aim to Save Pensions in Detroit Crisis - NYTimes.com: National and local philanthropic foundations have committed $330 million toward a deal to avoid cuts to Detroit retirees’ pensions and to save the Detroit Institute of Arts’ renowned collection, federal mediators involved in the city’s bankruptcy proceedings announced on Monday

State Registration Requirements For Nonprofit Fundraising - Corporate/Commercial Law - United States

State Registration Requirements For Nonprofit Fundraising - Corporate/Commercial Law - United States: The following discussion is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. For advice on how state fundraising registration requirements apply to your organization, consult your attorney.

Question: Fundraising in all 50 states via (1) the Internet and (2) mailed solicitations. What do we need to know? Do we need solicitation permits in each state? What are the current laws regarding this type of fundraising?

How to Pick the Best Crowdfunding Platform

How to Pick the Best Crowdfunding Platform: Variations of this phenomenon are flooding the internet, with new platforms being created and launched every day. As crowdfunding platforms become more prevalent, more niches are being defined. Whether you are a tech-savvy entrepreneur or a food connoisseur, there is a perfect crowdfunding website to gather support and fuel your new business.

Below are six online crowdfunding platforms, each targeting different users in specific industries.

Nonprofit Raised $41k on Twitter | Social Media Today

Nonprofit Raised $41k on Twitter | Social Media Today: Knowing a lot of snow was on the way, he took to Twitter and sent out a simple challenge:

I'm donating $100 per inch of snow tomorrow (airport measure) to @WheelerMission. Who will join me? Any $$ per inch would be great.
— Peter Dunn (@PeteThePlanner) January 4, 2014

Within minutes, the tweet went viral and the pledges started pouring in from businesses and individuals:

Monday, January 13, 2014

The Challenges of Crowdfunding for a Research Community - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

The Challenges of Crowdfunding for a Research Community - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

7 Top Crowdfunding Sites for Nonprofits and Higher-Ed Institutions

7 Top Crowdfunding Sites for Nonprofits and Higher-Ed Institutions: There are several hundred crowdfunding platforms currently available to choose from with a variety of different features, focus, and pricing. If you’re looking to get started with crowdfunding for your fall event season, end of year giving, or year round campaigns, we’ve broken down 7 crowdfunding sites for your nonprofit or higher-ed institution that you can consider.

PPP Blog: The Perpetual Campaign

From the PPP Blog

PPP Blog: The Perpetual Campaign: The Perpetual Campaign
We’ve been talking to PPP members around the country about how their organizations treat planned gifts during capital campaigns. One gift planner working for a university in the final year of a five-year, $1 billion campaign said he expects to transition immediately into the silent phase of the next campaign. It’s a high energy, high stress, production-oriented atmosphere for everyone in the development operation, and especially for gift planners, whose “production” doesn’t easily fit in a time-limited box. Is the perpetual campaign good or bad for planned giving?