What can schools sell instead of candy? Trash bags - Houston Chronicle

What can schools sell instead of candy? Trash bags - Houston Chronicle: Some schools have done away with catalog sales altogether, instead asking parents to make direct donations. Alison Oleson, former president of the Sleepy Hollow PTA in Falls Church, Va., said with both parents working in so many families, people just don't have time "to go out and get their kids to sell things. And schools can't get the volunteers to sit there and sort the wrapping paper and candy when it comes in."

Another reason to drop catalog sales is that schools only keep a portion of what they sell — 42 percent on average, according to the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers. A letter to Sleepy Hollow parents explaining the switch noted that "the exciting part of this fundraising program is that 100 percent of your donation goes to support PTA programs (not 50 percent, as before) and it is tax deductible!"

The AFP Blog: Giving USA: More of the Same

The AFP Blog: Giving USA: More of the Same: Giving USA: More of the Same
It’s more of the same for giving, which isn’t a bad thing.

Giving USA 2013, which covers giving levels for 2012, was released today, and the results are what you’d probably expect: a small increase in giving—about 3.5 percent before inflation, and 1.5 percent when calculated with current inflation.

'America's Worst Charities' List Criticized By The Association Of Fundraising Professionals

'America's Worst Charities' List Criticized By The Association Of Fundraising Professionals: But some charity experts are speaking out, saying these nonprofits are too far on the fringes. In a recent press release, Andrew Watt, the president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a nonprofit support organization, said the investigation should not have solely focused on cases of solicitors who receive a commission, a practice widely viewed as unethical.

Tampa Bay Times, CNN List of “Worst Charities” Cites Extreme Cases, Misses Key Points - Press - AFP

Tampa Bay Times, CNN List of “Worst Charities” Cites Extreme Cases, Misses Key Points - Press - AFP: "– In response to the recent release of the “50 Worst Charities” by the Tampa Bay Times and CNN, the president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Andrew Watt, released the following statement:

Fundraising is an honorable and inspirational profession that makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of people across the U.S. Without the work of fundraisers, charities would be unable to provide their critical programs that feed the hungry, heal the sick, shelter the homeless, protect our environment and countless other missions that we take for granted every day. The fundraising profession is populated by thousands of individuals who practice best standards and abide by ethical standards in all of their work."

'via Blog this'

Fundraising Chief Watt Calls on Congress to Preserve Charitable Deduction, Look at New Ways to Invest in Communities - Press - AFP

Fundraising Chief Watt Calls on Congress to Preserve Charitable Deduction, Look at New Ways to Invest in Communities - Press - AFP: Fundraising Chief Watt Calls on Congress to Preserve Charitable Deduction, Look at New Ways to Invest in Communities

Komen breast-cancer charity fights to keep support - NorthJersey.com

Komen breast-cancer charity fights to keep support - NorthJersey.com: But critics say the drop-off in donations shows how hard it’s going to be for the organization to redeem its image and win back the support of the thousands who abandoned it.

“Any non-profit has just one incredibly valuable asset: trust,” said Andrew Watt, chief executive of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Arlington, Va. “Once you destroy that trust, it takes a lot longer to restore it.”

Charity trekkers pick up steam | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri

Charity trekkers pick up steam | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri: "In recent years, these kinds of cross-country fundraising treks have become more popular, but they are still relatively rare, said Michael Nilsen, vice president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Nilsen said smaller mass events such as marathons and three-day walks, runs or cycle races have increased significantly in popularity, though."

Stories And Premiums Ruled During The Holidays- The NonProfit Times march 15, 2011

From the Nonprofit Times

Stories And Premiums Ruled During The Holidays- The NonProfit Times march 15, 2011: "The holiday season provides ample opportunity to proposition potential donors and renew supporters' contributions. According to Michael Nilsen, senior director of public affairs for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), approximately half of all charities get between 30 percent and 60 percent of their contributions during the last quarter of the year. Roughly 20 percent of AFP member organizations noted that in December alone, they received 50 percent of their annual contributions noted Nilsen."

Funds development staff members ease financial pressure for nonprofits -- GazetteXtra

Funds development staff members ease financial pressure for nonprofits -- GazetteXtra: "U.S. News and World Reports recently identified fundraising as one of this country's top 30 professions for the future.

'Fundraising knowledge and know-how is in huge demand in this challenging economy when giving is at a premium,' said Paulette V. Maehara, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Local nonprofits agree."

Recession saps budget critics' lobbying power

Recession saps budget critics' lobbying power: "• Charities that could suffer if Obama reduces the tax break on itemized deductions enjoyed by families with incomes above $250,000 are joining forces, but they don't plan an ad campaign. Says Paulette Maehara, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals: 'We don't have resources to do that.'"

Charities hit hard as Madoff losses mount

Charities hit hard as Madoff losses mount: "Sometimes we have seen this wrongdoing happen, and it cuts into endowment funds. But I have been working here for 10 years and I haven't seen a situation where organizations simply disappeared,' said Michael Nilsen, a senior director at the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Smaller events could replace Hawaii fundraising galas - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):

Smaller events could replace Hawaii fundraising galas - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):: "“This is a time when nonprofits are looking to individuals, people who have been loyal donors over the years,” said Travis Gray, incoming president for the Aloha chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and director of central operations and services for the University of Hawaii Foundation."

Filling the need :: PostStar.com

Filling the need :: PostStar.com: "National projections point to a minimal increase in fundraising this year because of worsened economic conditions, said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

During uncertain economic times, there's a fairly dramatic change in need, with many more people looking for help, Nilsen said.

'Unfortunately, what also happens, this economic decline and recession, people are hesitant to give,' Nilsen said.

It's a 'one-two whammy,' he said."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ronald McDonald House betting big

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ronald McDonald House betting big: "Most fundraising professionals recommend charities have at least a third of the funds they need before starting construction on any major improvement.

“Typically you want to have up to 50 percent, at least 33 percent,” said Michael Nilsen of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, an industry trade group. Even “at the halfway point in this fundraising environment, it will be very difficult.”"

SentinelSource.com | An Online Edition of The Keene Sentinel > Archives > News > Local > Nonprofit groups surviving

SentinelSource.com | An Online Edition of The Keene Sentinel > Archives > News > Local > Nonprofit groups surviving: "Philanthropy usually increases during periods of economic decline, she said, citing an article in this month’s edition of Advancing Philanthropy magazine, a publication of the Virginia-based Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Fall is busy season for nonprofits - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Fall is busy season for nonprofits - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "The number of nonprofits has tripled in the past 20 years, says Michael Nilsen, director of communications for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, from 375,000 in 1986 to 1.1 million nationwide."

The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA

The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA: "Soliciting major contributions is difficult, but most large gifts are wrapped up before a campaign goes public, said Michael Nilsen, public affairs director for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which represents about 3,500 fundraisers in Canada and 28,000 across North America.

That can create excitement among other donors to give to a project, he said. However, major gifts don't happen overnight, Nilsen said, and the arena is close to opening."