The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY: "Culture, museums serve people from all walks of life
Frank Robinson / Guest Column
In his op-ed essay, “Tax breaks may not encourage charitable giving” (Dec. 31), Daniel Grant maintains that the current system of tax deductions for gifts to cultural institutions does not benefit society in general or encourage further gifts, and “imposes the desires of the rich” on those institutions and on society."
Thursday, January 10, 2008
PNNOnline
PNNOnline: "As Anonymous Gifts Increase, Pressure to Reveal Donors Grows
Date Thursday, January 10 @ 05:25:51
Topic General Fundraising
Anonymous giving to U.S. charities by major donors is increasing while nonprofits find themselves under increased pressure to disclose benefactors' names, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Last year, there were thirty-seven gifts of at least $5 million by donors who refused to have their names publicly announced, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. That figure is up from twenty-seven anonymous gifts in 2006 and thirteen in 2004. Publicity-shy donors say they choose to donate anonymously to give back to their communities while avoiding the headaches of a high public profile, such as pushy fundraisers, jealous relatives with less charitable plans for the money, and even risks to their personal safety and that of their families. Some give without fanfare for religious reasons, regarding anonymous gifts as a more sincere or even higher form of giving."
Date Thursday, January 10 @ 05:25:51
Topic General Fundraising
Anonymous giving to U.S. charities by major donors is increasing while nonprofits find themselves under increased pressure to disclose benefactors' names, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Last year, there were thirty-seven gifts of at least $5 million by donors who refused to have their names publicly announced, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. That figure is up from twenty-seven anonymous gifts in 2006 and thirteen in 2004. Publicity-shy donors say they choose to donate anonymously to give back to their communities while avoiding the headaches of a high public profile, such as pushy fundraisers, jealous relatives with less charitable plans for the money, and even risks to their personal safety and that of their families. Some give without fanfare for religious reasons, regarding anonymous gifts as a more sincere or even higher form of giving."
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Amarillo.com | Opinion: Column - Roger Remling: Charities fighting uphill battle 01/09/08
Amarillo.com | Opinion: Column - Roger Remling: Charities fighting uphill battle 01/09/08: "Certainly our local United Way of Amarillo and Canyon is doing just that. The donors and volunteers should be commended for their efforts this year, as I expect reaching the $5 million mark was not an easy task. Still, the need is great as we can see, when organizations like the Maverick Club cut back on services that have been a part of their legacy for years.
One can certainly see the challenge for non-profits in light of the many forecasts for an economic slowdown. People are less likely to give when there is less financial certainty in their own lives.
Hopefully we won't see a drop in 2008 like charities saw in 2001 when aggregate donations dropped 4 percent across the board."
One can certainly see the challenge for non-profits in light of the many forecasts for an economic slowdown. People are less likely to give when there is less financial certainty in their own lives.
Hopefully we won't see a drop in 2008 like charities saw in 2001 when aggregate donations dropped 4 percent across the board."
Change helps nonprofits stay accountable, viable | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA
Change helps nonprofits stay accountable, viable | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "More significant change is that which has occurred in the nonprofit sector over the past 10 years or so. In my mother’s day, nonprofit board members (and she was one) gathered regularly, often in mid-mornings with coffee and cookies, to discuss the good works their organization was doing and to plan events or other fundraising activities.
Fast-forward to today, and board agendas are filled – or should be – with in-depth financial reports, strategic planning, assuring compliance with growing regulations, and, yes, working on fundraising.
The sheer numbers have something to do with this difference. Talk about change. In 1993 there were 13,002 nonprofits identified by the IRS as tax-exempt. In 2007 there were 24,007. That’s nearly double in just 14 years. In the past year, the Secretary of State’s Office reported recording new nonprofits in Washington at the rate of 13.2 a day."
Fast-forward to today, and board agendas are filled – or should be – with in-depth financial reports, strategic planning, assuring compliance with growing regulations, and, yes, working on fundraising.
The sheer numbers have something to do with this difference. Talk about change. In 1993 there were 13,002 nonprofits identified by the IRS as tax-exempt. In 2007 there were 24,007. That’s nearly double in just 14 years. In the past year, the Secretary of State’s Office reported recording new nonprofits in Washington at the rate of 13.2 a day."
San Jose Mercury News - Editorial: Gates' philanthropy deserves emulation
San Jose Mercury News - Editorial: Gates' philanthropy deserves emulation: "As Gates moves into Act Two of his career, he's carrying out his philanthropic calling with sweeping goals and steadfast determination. He serves as an inspiration to other individuals - and companies - with business fortunes that could be channeled into saving lives, improving health and education or other good works. Silicon Valley executives (take note, people in Cupertino, Mountain View and Redwood Shores) should follow Gates' example.
Gates' philanthropy already has made a difference on a scale that dwarfs Andrew Carnegie or John D. Rockefeller. The Gates foundation, with $37.6 billion in assets, has donated $14 billion since 2000. Its mission is ramping up even more, after investor Warren E. Buffett in 2006 pledged more than $30 billion of his wealth to the Gates' philanthropy. That means the foundation by 2009 will double its annual giving, to an awe-inspiring $3 billion-plus a year, comparable to last year's revenue for Adobe Systems."
Gates' philanthropy already has made a difference on a scale that dwarfs Andrew Carnegie or John D. Rockefeller. The Gates foundation, with $37.6 billion in assets, has donated $14 billion since 2000. Its mission is ramping up even more, after investor Warren E. Buffett in 2006 pledged more than $30 billion of his wealth to the Gates' philanthropy. That means the foundation by 2009 will double its annual giving, to an awe-inspiring $3 billion-plus a year, comparable to last year's revenue for Adobe Systems."
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Direct-Mail Appeals Suffer, New Survey Finds - Philanthropy.com
Direct-Mail Appeals Suffer, New Survey Finds - Philanthropy.com: "Direct-Mail Appeals Suffer, New Survey Finds
By Holly Hall
Charities’ direct-marketing appeals are not raising as much money as they have in years past, and charities are losing more donors and attracting fewer new supporters, according to a new survey.
The quarterly survey, conducted by Target Analysis Group, a Boston consulting company, is based on more than 70 million donations of less than $5,000 apiece made by 39 million donors, mostly in response to the direct-mail solicitations of large nonprofit organizations. The 72 organizations in the survey represent a range of causes, including animal welfare, environmental, health, social service, international relief, and advocacy groups."
By Holly Hall
Charities’ direct-marketing appeals are not raising as much money as they have in years past, and charities are losing more donors and attracting fewer new supporters, according to a new survey.
The quarterly survey, conducted by Target Analysis Group, a Boston consulting company, is based on more than 70 million donations of less than $5,000 apiece made by 39 million donors, mostly in response to the direct-mail solicitations of large nonprofit organizations. The 72 organizations in the survey represent a range of causes, including animal welfare, environmental, health, social service, international relief, and advocacy groups."
NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source
NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source: "When I come in in the morning, my biggest nightmare since I've been here has been Meals on Wheels,' Sherri Napier, Senior Center director, said.
Napier said Monday that the center runs nine daily routes. Volunteer drivers cover seven of the routes, which range from 10 to 37 meals each to be delivered. Two trucks, driven by employees, deliver about 90 meals a day.
'You've got to get in first thing in the morning and make sure all your volunteers are going to show up, and if they don't, you have to plan and plan and plan because the meals are going to start going out,' Napier said. 'You can't leave hungry people out there.'"
Napier said Monday that the center runs nine daily routes. Volunteer drivers cover seven of the routes, which range from 10 to 37 meals each to be delivered. Two trucks, driven by employees, deliver about 90 meals a day.
'You've got to get in first thing in the morning and make sure all your volunteers are going to show up, and if they don't, you have to plan and plan and plan because the meals are going to start going out,' Napier said. 'You can't leave hungry people out there.'"
Heifer wins highest architecture honor
Heifer wins highest architecture honor: "Heifer International’s headquarters received the American Institute of Architects’ highest honor Monday for its ecologically minded design as the organization prepares to break ground for an expansion."
Monday, January 07, 2008
Seminary bequeathed $6.1 million, its largest gift - NJ.com
Seminary bequeathed $6.1 million, its largest gift - NJ.com: "BETHLEHEM | The estate of a man whose ancestors were the first Moravian settlers in the region has donated $6.1 million to Moravian Theological Seminary, the seminary announced Friday.
The donation from the late Charles D. Couch marks the largest single gift in the seminary's history and the second major contribution it has received in the past year."
The donation from the late Charles D. Couch marks the largest single gift in the seminary's history and the second major contribution it has received in the past year."
Hospitals report record fund-raising results
Hospitals report record fund-raising results: "Hospitals report record fund-raising results
January 5, 2008
By PATRICIA ANSTETT
FREE PRESS MEDICAL WRITER
Contributions from Michiganders and companies helped to make 2007 a record-breaking fund-raising year for many hospital systems despite the state's slumping economy.
In many cases, donations from grateful patients, board members, employees and civic leaders helped hospitals increase value by supporting costly new construction and technology or by converting semi-private rooms to private spaces."
January 5, 2008
By PATRICIA ANSTETT
FREE PRESS MEDICAL WRITER
Contributions from Michiganders and companies helped to make 2007 a record-breaking fund-raising year for many hospital systems despite the state's slumping economy.
In many cases, donations from grateful patients, board members, employees and civic leaders helped hospitals increase value by supporting costly new construction and technology or by converting semi-private rooms to private spaces."
Charity fears missing mail means lost donations -- dailypress.com
Charity fears missing mail means lost donations -- dailypress.com: "RICHMOND, Va. - A charity that helps children with hearing and speech difficulties fears that thousands of dollars in donations may have been lost because its mail was misplaced.
Workers at the Scottish Rite Childhood Learning Center put the mail on hold while they were out for the holidays and it disappeared from a Richmond post office. The U.S. Postal Service is investigating."
Workers at the Scottish Rite Childhood Learning Center put the mail on hold while they were out for the holidays and it disappeared from a Richmond post office. The U.S. Postal Service is investigating."
The Morning News: News : Taxing Charity
The Morning News: News : Taxing Charity: "FAYETTEVILLE -- Springdale's bingo balls may stop bouncing soon.
A weekly bingo game run by the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Springdale has lost about $1,500 a month since the state legalized charitable bingo in July.
State taxes are cutting away at the money once raised for local charities, said post quartermaster Randy George.
'Some people think it's not even worth having now,' he said about the long-standing bingo game that attracts about 100 people to the post each Wednesday."
A weekly bingo game run by the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Springdale has lost about $1,500 a month since the state legalized charitable bingo in July.
State taxes are cutting away at the money once raised for local charities, said post quartermaster Randy George.
'Some people think it's not even worth having now,' he said about the long-standing bingo game that attracts about 100 people to the post each Wednesday."
GoErie.com: Donor's identity of greater interest outside Erie
GoErie.com: Donor's identity of greater interest outside Erie: "When Yahoo included the $100 million anonymous gift to the Erie Community Foundation, which will benefit many social-service agencies, among its 10 most inspirational stories of 2007, the calls started again.
You might remember the deep interest reporters from across the globe took in this story in November. A representative from the British Broadcasting Corp. checked back last week to see if Erie was pleased to make the 'story of the year' category."
You might remember the deep interest reporters from across the globe took in this story in November. A representative from the British Broadcasting Corp. checked back last week to see if Erie was pleased to make the 'story of the year' category."
Hawaii contributors set Christmas fund record - The Honolulu Advertiser
Hawaii contributors set Christmas fund record - The Honolulu Advertiser: "Hawai'i's kindness and generosity reached new heights in 2007."
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Memphis Daily News - Morgan Keegan Settles With Indiana Charity for Undisclosed Amount - 1/2/2008
Memphis Daily News - Morgan Keegan Settles With Indiana Charity for Undisclosed Amount - 1/2/2008: "Terms of the settlement between Morgan Keegan & Co. and the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, a group that grants wishes to children with terminal illnesses, include a payment by the firm to the charity. That payment, the amount of which remains private, was made a little more than a week ago.
The Indiana charity, which lost almost $50,000 investing in the Regions Morgan Keegan Select Intermediate Bond Fund, was one of the first investors in the group of bloodied RMK funds to file a claim or lawsuit recently saying the funds’ volatility had not been fully disclosed."
The Indiana charity, which lost almost $50,000 investing in the Regions Morgan Keegan Select Intermediate Bond Fund, was one of the first investors in the group of bloodied RMK funds to file a claim or lawsuit recently saying the funds’ volatility had not been fully disclosed."
Vermont Colleges Receive Influx of Donations - Chronicle.com
Vermont Colleges Receive Influx of Donations - Chronicle.com: "Vermont Colleges Receive Influx of Donations
Colleges in Vermont are on a fund-raising streak, receiving record donations and ending history-making campaigns, according to the Bennington Banner."
Colleges in Vermont are on a fund-raising streak, receiving record donations and ending history-making campaigns, according to the Bennington Banner."
Seacoastonline.com: Polar Plunge planned to aid nonprofits
Seacoastonline.com: Polar Plunge planned to aid nonprofits: "PORTSMOUTH — The temperature is in the teens and 20s, the snow is falling and January is upon us. Time to swim.
The Portsmouth Rotary Club will hold its fifth annual Polar Bear Swim on Jan. 12 at Great Island Common in New Castle. In four previous years, the swims have raised and contributed more than $40,000 to the club in support of various local groups and organizations."
The Portsmouth Rotary Club will hold its fifth annual Polar Bear Swim on Jan. 12 at Great Island Common in New Castle. In four previous years, the swims have raised and contributed more than $40,000 to the club in support of various local groups and organizations."
Maine bursting with nonprofits
Maine bursting with nonprofits: "While the issue for arts groups involves finding enough money, the driving factor for what some are calling a financial crisis in the arts is sheer volume.
Put simply, there are too many arts and cultural groups in Maine.
From 2000 to 2005, the number of Maine nonprofit organizations across all sectors grew by more than 500, from 1,805 to 2,333, according to the Maine Association for Nonprofits.
At 1.77 per 1,000 people, Maine has more nonprofit groups per capita than all but Vermont, Alaska and Montana, according to the association."
Put simply, there are too many arts and cultural groups in Maine.
From 2000 to 2005, the number of Maine nonprofit organizations across all sectors grew by more than 500, from 1,805 to 2,333, according to the Maine Association for Nonprofits.
At 1.77 per 1,000 people, Maine has more nonprofit groups per capita than all but Vermont, Alaska and Montana, according to the association."
Editorial: New leading voices for philanthropy
Editorial: New leading voices for philanthropy: "The result is the Leadership Emergence and Development Project, or LEAD for short. It's on a mission to find and prepare the next generation of major donors and governing board members for Twin Cities nonprofit organizations, so that they are ready to step into the leadership of those organizations as their parents' generation retires."
Oshkosh Northwestern - Red kettle donations set record, but still short of goal
Oshkosh Northwestern - Red kettle donations set record, but still short of goal: "Red kettle donations set a record this holiday season for the Oshkosh Salvation Army, but fell short of the agency's $150,000 goal."
Consider giving to groups that aid working poor | www.azstarnet.com ®
Consider giving to groups that aid working poor | www.azstarnet.com ®: "The Arizona tax code gives a tax credit to people who contribute to groups that assist the working poor. This tax credit can be claimed in addition to credits given for contributions to public schools or private-school tuition organizations.
The tax credit allows gifts to the many charitable organizations that have certified they qualify to receive donations because they're exempt from federal income tax — 501(c)(3) organizations — or because they're designated community action agencies that receives federal community block grant"
The tax credit allows gifts to the many charitable organizations that have certified they qualify to receive donations because they're exempt from federal income tax — 501(c)(3) organizations — or because they're designated community action agencies that receives federal community block grant"
Aspen Times News for Aspen Colorado - News
Aspen Times News for Aspen Colorado - News: "ASPEN — Boasting hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Pitkin County can put another feather in its philanthropic hat.
A study released earlier this month showed residents of Pitkin County to be the most generous in Colorado, giving an average of $12,978 to charities. Averaging $8,477 in charitable gifts per donor, Eagle County was second in the survey."
A study released earlier this month showed residents of Pitkin County to be the most generous in Colorado, giving an average of $12,978 to charities. Averaging $8,477 in charitable gifts per donor, Eagle County was second in the survey."
Three generations cycling and giving across NZ - Local News - The Southland Times
Three generations cycling and giving across NZ - Local News - The Southland Times: "The cycling party from the Pye family included grandad and grandmother, four sons and daughters, a 2-year-old toddler who rode on the back of her father's bike, two partners of the Pyes and a family friend.
Having started from the cape on December 7, they rode into Bluff on Saturday having completed 2400km, about 120km a day.
The family, in various combinations, have completed numerous cycle tours together around the world since 2000. Each time they pay their own expenses before raising money at home for different charity organisations in the country they are touring. Grandmother Jenny Pye said she did not like the feeling of 'just' being a tourist."
Having started from the cape on December 7, they rode into Bluff on Saturday having completed 2400km, about 120km a day.
The family, in various combinations, have completed numerous cycle tours together around the world since 2000. Each time they pay their own expenses before raising money at home for different charity organisations in the country they are touring. Grandmother Jenny Pye said she did not like the feeling of 'just' being a tourist."
Winston-Salem Journal | Goodwill Comes Up Short: Slow economy may be reducing charitable giving, some suspect
Winston-Salem Journal | Goodwill Comes Up Short: Slow economy may be reducing charitable giving, some suspect: "On a day when all hands were on deck at Goodwill Industries on Westover Drive to handle the usual last-day-of-the-year crowd, Mark Stegall seemed uneasy.
“Usually there are trailer loads and pickup loads here,” said Stegall, Goodwill’s executive director, motioning to a relatively empty parking lot. “We’re usually swamped. This is kind of scary.”"
“Usually there are trailer loads and pickup loads here,” said Stegall, Goodwill’s executive director, motioning to a relatively empty parking lot. “We’re usually swamped. This is kind of scary.”"
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Lutheran Group Pledges $125 Million for Habitat Homes | Christianpost.com
Lutheran Group Pledges $125 Million for Habitat Homes | Christianpost.com: "A Lutheran financial organization committed tens of millions of dollars to build 322 Habitat for Humanity houses in 2008.
The homes will be built in 42 states through the partnership of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - a nonprofit group offering financial products and services to Lutheran members – and Habitat for Humanity. The homes are funded by a four-year commitment of $125 million by Thrivent."
The homes will be built in 42 states through the partnership of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - a nonprofit group offering financial products and services to Lutheran members – and Habitat for Humanity. The homes are funded by a four-year commitment of $125 million by Thrivent."
2007 a profitable year for nonprofits - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
2007 a profitable year for nonprofits - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Several Pittsburgh attractions had a record number of visitors in 2007. Others boast membership increases of more than 50 percent. Retailers may have reported a sluggish Christmas shopping season, but Pittsburgh's educational attractions expect the high attendance to carry over into the new year."
Charitable groups fight over ‘Big Sisters’ - Name change prompts lawsuit between two nonprofit groups
Charitable groups fight over ‘Big Sisters’ - Name change prompts lawsuit between two nonprofit groups: "Charitable groups fight over ‘Big Sisters’ - Name change prompts lawsuit between two nonprofit groups
By JON CHESTO
The Patriot Ledger
BOSTON - The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay’s CEO says his mentoring organization will continue to work on collaborative efforts with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston despite a legal battle between the two nonprofit groups.
John Pearson, CEO of the Boston-based Big Brothers group, said he has instructed his staff to continue to assist Big Sister even though Big Sister filed a service-mark infringement suit against his organization on Friday."
By JON CHESTO
The Patriot Ledger
BOSTON - The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay’s CEO says his mentoring organization will continue to work on collaborative efforts with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston despite a legal battle between the two nonprofit groups.
John Pearson, CEO of the Boston-based Big Brothers group, said he has instructed his staff to continue to assist Big Sister even though Big Sister filed a service-mark infringement suit against his organization on Friday."
3 Years After Tsunami, Bay Area Residents Still Helping
3 Years After Tsunami, Bay Area Residents Still Helping: "Dubbed Project Hope, the complex includes an orphanage and school for more than 450 children. There also are homes for more than 200 widowed, poor and abandoned women who learn about computers, sewing and other skills in a vocational training center.
In less than a year, the Patel Foundation for Global Understanding helped raise $400,000, with much of it coming from prominent donors in the Tampa Bay area. But dollars also came from school children at the Academy at the Lakes in Land 'O Lakes, which collected $2,700; and restaurant workers in Tampa who started Waiting for Relief, an effort that raised more than $20,000.
In October, a group of 16 people representing the foundation traveled to Cuddlore. One of them was former University of South Florida president Betty Castor, who now is executive director for the think-tank USF Patel Center For Global Solutions."
In less than a year, the Patel Foundation for Global Understanding helped raise $400,000, with much of it coming from prominent donors in the Tampa Bay area. But dollars also came from school children at the Academy at the Lakes in Land 'O Lakes, which collected $2,700; and restaurant workers in Tampa who started Waiting for Relief, an effort that raised more than $20,000.
In October, a group of 16 people representing the foundation traveled to Cuddlore. One of them was former University of South Florida president Betty Castor, who now is executive director for the think-tank USF Patel Center For Global Solutions."
Here are some examples, in no particular order, of people who made a difference in the Mahoning
Here are some examples, in no particular order, of people who made a difference in the Mahoning: "ublished:Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Here are some examples, in no particular order, of people who made a difference in the Mahoning Valley in 2007:"
Here are some examples, in no particular order, of people who made a difference in the Mahoning Valley in 2007:"
Internal Revenue Bulletin - December 10, 2007 - Rev. Proc. 2007-70
Internal Revenue Bulletin - December 10, 2007 - Rev. Proc. 2007-70: "SECTION 2. SUMMARY OF STANDARD MILEAGE RATES
.01 Standard mileage rates
(1) Business (section 5 below) 50.5 cents per mile
(2) Charitable contribution (section 7 below) 14 cents per mile
(3) Medical and moving (section 7 below) 19 cents per mile
.02 Determination of standard mileage rates. The business and medical and moving standard mileage rates reflected in this revenue procedure are based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile conducted on behalf of the Service by an independent contractor. The charitable contribution standard mileage rate is provided in § 170(i) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SECTION 3. BACKGROUND AND CHANGES
.01 Section 162(a) allows a deduction for all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business. Under that provision, an employee or self-employed individual may deduct the cost of operating an automobile to the extent that it is used in a trade or business. However, under § 262, no portion of the cost of operating an automobile that is attributable to personal use is deductible."
.01 Standard mileage rates
(1) Business (section 5 below) 50.5 cents per mile
(2) Charitable contribution (section 7 below) 14 cents per mile
(3) Medical and moving (section 7 below) 19 cents per mile
.02 Determination of standard mileage rates. The business and medical and moving standard mileage rates reflected in this revenue procedure are based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile conducted on behalf of the Service by an independent contractor. The charitable contribution standard mileage rate is provided in § 170(i) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SECTION 3. BACKGROUND AND CHANGES
.01 Section 162(a) allows a deduction for all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business. Under that provision, an employee or self-employed individual may deduct the cost of operating an automobile to the extent that it is used in a trade or business. However, under § 262, no portion of the cost of operating an automobile that is attributable to personal use is deductible."
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