DON'T DROP THE BALL ON THE ANNUAL BALL - Association Bisnow - Washington

DON'T DROP THE BALL ON THE ANNUAL BALL - Association Bisnow - Washington: "Of course, there's an acronym for evaluating events: SMART. Gloria suggests first asking whether the event has a specific purpose, such as generating publicity, raising visibility, or bringing in new donors. Then, consider how you might define success and measure it. (Did media show up? Did donors increase their gifts?) Don't forget some sort of cost/benefit analysis to determine if those goals are achievable or realistic. 'You don't want to put yourself in hole,' Gloria says. Lastly, the timetable. Choosing the date is often one of the most difficult decisions,"

Survey: Some nonprofit organizations more able to deal with recession than others | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press Gazette

Survey: Some nonprofit organizations more able to deal with recession than others | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press Gazette: "A recent survey shows the recession affected many local nonprofits last year, though not necessarily in the same ways."

United Way's dropped nonprofits scramble to keep programs going - The Denver Post

United Way's dropped nonprofits scramble to keep programs going - The Denver Post: "Some of the 29 nonprofits that were dropped last week from Mile High United Way's direct investment program are struggling to find ways to backfill their budgets.

Some are going after individual donations, and others are signing up with other workplace-giving organizations.

Some programs may have to close down, while others say they expect to make administrative cutbacks.

They all face the big challenge of emergency fundraising in a tough economy."

Fundraising in the Downturn: Library Budgets 2010 - 1/15/2010 - Library Journal

Fundraising in the Downturn: Library Budgets 2010 - 1/15/2010 - Library Journal: "Where fundraising fits in

In the face of such an assault, some donors can be called upon to step up. According to Donna Bero, executive director of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, donors “don't want to see what they've already given get squandered.” However, by and large, the experts agreed that asking for money to fill a gap in public funding generally isn't the right approach. “People don't want to give to turn on the lights,” said Cooper. “They want to give to make a good library a great library.”"

TheGardenIsland.com > News > Kauai News > United Way goal-busting may come to an end

TheGardenIsland.com > News > Kauai News > United Way goal-busting may come to an end: "And while those checking out the thermometer at Kukui Grove Center showing the agency at 70 percent of its $615,000 campaign goal for 2009 might see that progress as good news in this down economy, it is not, said Scott Giarman, Kaua‘i United Way executive director.

“It’s stuck at 70 percent. No, it’s not enough,” said Giarman, adding that with how intense the demand is for services at KUW’s 26 member agencies, there is a real need to exceed this year’s goal."

Survey: 86 percent of nonprofits report fiscal stress | Alexandria Echo Press | Alexandria, Minnesota

Survey: 86 percent of nonprofits report fiscal stress | Alexandria Echo Press | Alexandria, Minnesota: "The survey of 280 Minnesota nonprofit and governmental organizations in late September found:

•Organizations experiencing widespread changes in volunteers’ interests. Forty-four percent of respondents reported increased numbers of inquiries from potential new volunteers. Fifty-two percent reported volunteers were more likely to have strong work skills and 54 percent said they were more likely to be unemployed."

In the Arts: Recession Cools Fever for Big-Ticket Buildings - Philanthropy.com

In the Arts: Recession Cools Fever for Big-Ticket Buildings - Philanthropy.com: "In the Arts: Recession Cools Fever for Big-Ticket Buildings

The recession has reined in ambitious expansion projects at major arts institutions across the country and, according to one prominent arts researcher, exposed “poor management and poor planning” by organizations that were caught up in the boom, according to The New York Times."

Americans still have giving holiday spirit: poll | Lifestyle | Reuters

Americans still have giving holiday spirit: poll | Lifestyle | Reuters: "The poll commissioned by the American Red Cross showed that nearly 70 percent of people believe it is more important to donate this year because of the state of the economy.

'People are still giving,' said Roger Lowe of the American Red Cross, 'but they're giving less.'"

Salvation Army kettles going high-tech

Salvation Army kettles going high-tech: "Short on cash to drop in the red kettles that seem to be everywhere this time of year? Don’t fret: The Salvation Army of Indiana soon will test a swipe-card option for curbside donations to its annual “Tree of Lights” fund-raising campaign."

Corporate giving campaigns adjust to economy, but show signs of recovery -- chicagotribune.com

Corporate giving campaigns adjust to economy, but show signs of recovery -- chicagotribune.com: "Now, as companies wrap up their annual workplace giving campaigns, organizations like Family Rescue are feeling a bit better. Family Rescue was able to rehire seven employees who were laid off this year and, because of an expected uptick in funding, is planning to add two positions.

'Right now things seem to be a little bit more on the upswing,' Scott said."

Our opinion: Recession hits United Way, other nonprofits» Times Record News

Our opinion: Recession hits United Way, other nonprofits» Times Record News: "Nonprofit organizations, especially those with “lifeline” missions, charities that provide basics such as food and shelter, face a double-edged sword during a recession.

The whole world realizes the critical need of their mission, and yet more of the world knocks on their doors during tough economic times than when finances aren’t so tight.

Their value is never more apparent, and their services never more necessary."

Charleston Regional Business Journal | ShareThis Email Print Blackbaud CEO gives advice to nonprofits on how to thrive during tight times

Charleston Regional Business Journal | Charleston, SC: "ShareThis

Blackbaud CEO gives advice to nonprofits on how to thrive during tight times

By Chelsea Hadaway
chadaway@scbiznews.com
Published Nov. 17, 2009

Blackbaud CEO Marc Chardon opened the company’s annual Conference for Nonprofits on Monday with a speech on how nonprofits are faring and ways to succeed amid lower spending levels."

University of Minnesota achieves second-best year on record for philanthropy : UMNews : University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota achieves second-best year on record for philanthropy : UMNews : University of Minnesota: "MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/12/2009) — More than 83,000 donors to the University of Minnesota gave $267 million in gifts and pledges in fiscal year 2009, which ended June 30, 2009. This follows the best year of giving to the university. The total given in FY 2008 was a historic $289 million."

The Cavalier Daily | Rebounding economy could benefit campaign

The Cavalier Daily | Rebounding economy could benefit campaign: "Six months ago, regular donors to the University were worried about even discussing philanthropy because of the serious recession. Now, though, as the nation’s economy begins to show signs of improvement, alumni are more willing to donate and more willing to discuss donations, said Bob Sweeney, senior vice president for development and public affairs.

“Nationwide, the economy made people stop and rethink their giving,” University spokesperson Carol Wood said. Though the current economy is far from perfect, recent indications that the end is in sight have been encouraging to some prominent donors."

Nonprofits and foundations gather to assess hard times | StarTribune.com

Nonprofits and foundations gather to assess hard times | StarTribune.com: "More than 1,700 leaders of Minnesota's nonprofit agencies and foundations are gathering in St. Paul to grapple with the challenges they face helping Minnesotans weather the economic downturn -- and other issues.

'This is the biggest meeting of nonprofits in the country, by a factor of two,'' said Jon Pratt, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits."

Charity galas in full-swing this fall season -

Charity galas in full-swing this fall season -: "Despite the recent downturn in the economy, Fall Fête 'exceeded expectations this year' says Guiter. With a sold-out crowd of 930, this 'D.C. tradition' raised $89,000 in profits thanks, in large part, to ticket sales. This year's profits from the gala event will benefit the Corcoran's ArtReach program, which has provided art education to D.C. inner-city's youth for the past 16 years."

County & State :: Lake Stevens Journal-New Grants Will Support Washingtonians Hit Hardest By the Recession

County & State :: Lake Stevens Journal: "Today, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced more than $4 million in new funding that will help 10 community foundations, the Washington State Library, and the Legal Aid for Washington Fund (LAW Fund) increase assistance for Washingtonians facing economic hardship. The grants will provide greater resources for residents as they look for work or seek support for basic needs, including food and family programs. Funds will also help to provide legal services for low-income families who face increasing economic hardship or unsafe living conditions."

onPhilanthropy: Articles: The View From the Recovery Room

onPhilanthropy: Articles: The View From the Recovery Room: "No one has actually seen the recovery room in person. But, the comings and goings that can be seen through the lens of the headlines appear to indicate that the worst is in the past and that, however, slowly, the economy will at some point be discharged and cleared to return to work.

What now? Should the nonprofit sector wait patiently at the hospital entrance for the economy to emerge, or should it dust off its development plans, oil the fundraising machinery, and greet the recovery with all gears turning?"

Children's Hospital celebrates its benefactors | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/17/2009

Children's Hospital celebrates its benefactors | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/17/2009: "Hospital chief executive officer Steven Altschuler said Children's had about another billion dollars worth of needs and likely will start another campaign next year. While demand for care at Children's is increasing, he said, the hospital is being cautious with spending. 'Obviously, the economy is still in a very fragile state,' he said.

Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, said he was hearing from members that 'this is probably the most difficult fund-raising environment they've experienced in their careers and these are 30- and 40-year veterans.'

The Giving USA Foundation, he said, found that total giving dropped from $314 billion in 2007 to $307 billion in 2008."

Thriving thrift stores come to the rescue of charities hit by economy | StarTribune.com

Thriving thrift stores come to the rescue of charities hit by economy | StarTribune.com: "Tuesday's event dramatizes the growing importance of the humble charity thrift store. With charities reeling from funding cuts from all corners -- the government, foundations and individuals -- resale shops have been a financial savior during this recession."