On the Pitfalls of Charity | Psychology Today

On the Pitfalls of Charity | Psychology Today: "So, charity, empathy, and cooperation are in our genes. And yet charitable action, as personal habit, has some dubious, counterproductive features. First, our charitable impulse tends to be reactive, not proactive. We are good at responding to the disaster that has happened, not at preparing for the one yet to happen. How many of those who donated recently to Haiti's victims would have contributed similarly to an effort to bring Haiti's buildings up to code some years before the quake?"

massnonprofit.org ::Nonprofit Finance Fund Says Philanthropic Equity Has Impact

massnonprofit.org ::: "Nonprofit Finance Fund Says Philanthropic Equity Has Impact

October 2, 2010 — A new report released by Nonprofit Finance Fund highlights says that philanthropic equity—typically significant, multi-year investments—can play a transformative role in supporting sustainable growth or change for nonprofits.

The Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) said that, based on its own experience, its philanthropic equity investments have, on average, more than tripled program delivery and doubled revenue for nonprofit organizations."

How to Hire a Great Accountant for Your Nonprofit | Blue Avocado

How to Hire a Great Accountant for Your Nonprofit | Blue Avocado: "For many executive directors, hiring an accountant is fraught with anxiety. How will we find the right person? How can I tell if someone really knows accounting? Will an accountant fit in with the rest of us? As difficult as it is to hire a good accountant, hiring an incompetent or incompatible person is even worse. Here are some FAQs on hiring accountants for nonprofits, including what to do if you're having an impossible time of it:

Where do we recruit applicants?"

The Pendulum - Campaign, student-led committee work to encourage seniors to give back to the university

The Pendulum - Campaign, student-led committee work to encourage seniors to give back to the university: "Campaign, student-led committee work to encourage seniors to give back to the university
by Caitlin O'Donnell, October 5, 2010

To Khirey Walker, he wouldn't be the person he is today without the four years he spent as a student at Elon University. The senior took to the stage Sept. 16 in Rhodes Stadium alongside President Leo Lambert and shared with about 300 members of the senior class the importance of giving back to the university that had invested so much in him."

Revocation of Exempt Status Looming In Just Days - The NonProfit Times Oct 5, 2010

Revocation of Exempt Status Looming In Just Days - The NonProfit Times Oct 5, 2010: "Revocation of Exempt Status Looming In Just Days

By Mark Hrywna

Nonprofits have little more than a week to make sure the appropriate tax forms are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – or risk losing their tax-exempt status.

Lois Lerner, director of the Exempt Organizations Division at the IRS, reminded a conference of state charity officials that the deadline for charities -- no matter their size -- to file the correct Form 990 is Oct. 15. Nonprofits that fail to file will have their exemptions revoked.

Dozens of charity regulators and nonprofits gathered in Silver Spring, Md., for the annual conference of the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)."

In the Arts: New York's Abolition of Rules on Museum Art Sales Draws Rebukes - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

In the Arts: New York's Abolition of Rules on Museum Art Sales Draws Rebukes - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "In the Arts: New York's Abolition of Rules on Museum Art Sales Draws Rebukes

Several New York State museum executives and legislators are criticizing a state board’s surprise decision last month to abandon regulations barring institutions from selling works to cover operating expenses, says The New York Times.

The New York State Board of Regents had been expected to make the two-year-old temporary ban on such sales permanent but instead voted to let the rule expire."

Tiny Scranton nonprofit chips in $100 in lieu of taxes - News - The Times-Tribune

Tiny Scranton nonprofit chips in $100 in lieu of taxes - News - The Times-Tribune: "Mulberry Poets & Writers Association's bank account balance peaks at about $3,000 in a year and it doesn't own property, but the 33-year-old tax-exempt organization recently made a $100 donation to the city of Scranton.

Association President Tom Blomain acknowledged the donation is small, but said it was 'more about the gesture than the money.'"

A strong will or 'give while you live'?

A strong will or 'give while you live'?: "How much money should small business owners leave their children? All of it, half of it, or less? Should the kids get the cash in one hit or over a long period? Should there be conditions about how the family fortune is spent? Should grandkids be looked after?"

How a Work of Art Becomes a Place of Learning

How a Work of Art Becomes a Place of Learning: "Matheu is one of the dozen international artists who are painting ten huge canvas tents, each one of which will be able to seat about 30 children and serve as temporary classrooms in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The paint and the material for the tents are very specific in that they must withstand Haiti’s extreme weather; the curator and instigator of this project, called “Base Paint,” has made sure of that. He goes by the singular name of Antuan, and he too competes with another train when describing an undertaking that truly is incredible."

The Times Record > News > Ride evokes ‘Life is so precious’ theme

The Times Record > News > Ride evokes ‘Life is so precious’ theme: "Ride evokes ‘Life is so precious’ theme

Actor also visits Parkview Adventist in Brunswick
By Patrick Gabrion, Times Record Business Editor
Published:
Monday, October 4, 2010 2:12 PM EDT
LEWISTON — Most of us are well aware of what Patrick Dempsey does for a living. The Maine native has fashioned himself a rather noteworthy career as an actor, especially gaining notice with his starring role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy.”

But on Sunday, we had him all to ourselves as a cyclist. He had returned home to help lead the second annual Dempsey Challenge, a weekend full of events held to support the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing at Ce"

County & State :: Lake Stevens Journal

County & State :: Lake Stevens Journal: "SEATTLE - Nonprofit groups can have a tough time raising money in any economy, but a new report says they're worth every penny of the donation dollars they receive from charitable foundations for the causes they support.

The study of 20 nonprofits in the Northwest included seven in Washington, working on advocacy issues ranging from homelessness prevention to immigrants' rights. It tracked all the foundation money they received, and found the groups were able to leverage every dollar, about 150 to one."

Measuring the great impact arts, nonprofits have on Delaware | delawareonline.com | The News Journal

Measuring the great impact arts, nonprofits have on Delaware | delawareonline.com | The News Journal: "Forget about being nice and activities for rich people. Nonprofits and the arts are pivotal for the economic development of Delaware. Make no mistake in thinking that the sector is not extremely well-organized; groups understand the need to collaborate and support each other. The nonprofit/arts sector is well aware of its own importance."

Scott Harrison: How Birthdays are Changing the World

Scott Harrison: How Birthdays are Changing the World: "Four years ago, charity: water had a crazy idea. We asked people born in September to give up their birthdays and ask for donations instead of gifts -- to ask for their age in dollars. We used 100 percent of the $150,000 raised that month to fund water projects at clinics and schools throughout Kenya. Every September since, we launch a fundraising campaign to focus on one of the 17 countries where we work and really scale our work there. This year was our biggest September Campaign yet, one that took our team to the deep jungle of Central African Republic, where a forgotten tribe of people called the Bayaka live without access to safe drinking"

Connecticut schools raised $160,000 for Haiti - Norwich, CT - Norwich Bulletin

Connecticut schools raised $160,000 for Haiti - Norwich, CT - Norwich Bulletin: "Connecticut schools have raised nearly $160,000 to build a modern school in Haiti after January’s earthquake, state officials announced Saturday.

The deadline for fundraising is Oct. 30, when all proceeds will be sent to Haiti to help pay for the new facility.

Over the past nine months, schools around the state have raised $158,051 for the cause, Gov. M. Jodi Rell said in a statement.

The fundraiser is being organized through the Connecticut Association of Schools."

Social events draw more young professionals - RocNow.com

Social events draw more young professionals - RocNow.com: "Take Flower City Habitat for Humanity, which will host a guest bartending night later this month in hopes of raising up to $10,000 to help refurbish a city home.

“I think our most successful events have been ones that are at a bar or a local social area,” said Bethany Cramer, 22, spokeswoman for Flower City Habitat. “The events that are more social, rather than structured, tend to be less intimidating to (young professionals).”"

'Jewish philanthropy must adapt to changes'

'Jewish philanthropy must adapt to changes': "The Jewish Federations system has to adapt to the changing patterns in Jewish generosity or risk becoming increasingly irrelevant, according to Jeffrey R. Solomon, an expert on Jewish giving and the president of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies."

Business philanthropy can be win-win - The Denver Post

Business philanthropy can be win-win - The Denver Post: "Companies of any size recognize the benefits of returning profits to their communities. Beyond company and brand positioning, cause-related marketing can intensify customer loyalty and serve as a reservoir against reputational attack. Further yet, engaging employees in philanthropic decision-making and volunteerism builds a platform of employee pride, increased job satisfaction and loyalty. Ultimately, working with nonprofits to solve societal problems can create opportunities for innovation and access to new markets."

Arts benefactor Barbara Jackson also generous with moral support - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee

Arts benefactor Barbara Jackson also generous with moral support - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee: "To most, her name means a set of gray letters displayed over the entrance to the 1,800-seat concert hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

But to others, longtime Davis resident Barbara Jackson is the patrjavascript:void(0)on saint of classical music and opera."

The Dempsey Challenge: He's really riders' Maine man | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

The Dempsey Challenge: He's really riders' Maine man | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: "LEWISTON — Patrick Dempsey didn't mind slowing down as he rode the 50-mile course in the Dempsey Challenge. He did so a few dozen times Sunday to listen to another story about a friend or family touched by cancer, or to hear a new goal for better health."

Las Vegas Weekly : "Barry Manilow to donate musical instruments to 15 Las Vegas schools" by Robin Leach: Luxe Life

Las Vegas Weekly : "Barry Manilow to donate musical instruments to 15 Las Vegas schools" by Robin Leach: Luxe Life: "It’s another extraordinary -- and mammoth -- act of generosity from superstar Strip entertainer Barry Manilow. Next week, the singer-songwriter will present five semi-trucks loaded with musical instruments to severely depleted school music programs. Students at no less than 15 schools in Las Vegas and Clark County will be recipients of the large gift valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars."

Donors Plan to Give the Same or Less This Year, a New Poll Suggests - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Donors Plan to Give the Same or Less This Year, a New Poll Suggests - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Donors are less sure than they were in June about their economic future and even less confident about their charitable giving, according to a new poll.

The Donor Confidence Index compiled by Campbell Rinker, a marketing-research company, fell 3.2 points in August to 86.5 out of a 100, a score that is lower than at any other point since December 2008."

Will China's billionaires share the wealth? - CNN.com

Will China's billionaires share the wealth? - CNN.com: "Beijing, China (CNN) -- At a recent Beijing dinner, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, the world's richest philanthropists, tried to convince some 50 of the 189 known Chinese billionaires (in US dollars) that 'it's good to give.'"

Milwaukee charities face steep financial challenges - BizTimes

Milwaukee charities face steep financial challenges - BizTimes: "The woes local nonprofit organizations faced in 2009 - less support and more individuals needing assistance - continued in 2010 with ongoing concerns about the state of philanthropy in metropolitan Milwaukee, according to a new and expanded survey of local agencies commissioned by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and conducted by the Public Policy Forum.
Sixty-six percent of the nonprofits surveyed for the 14th Annual Report Card on Charitable Giving say the economic downturn has caused a drop in giving. Forty-five percent of the agencies feel the state of philanthropy is getting worse. Of the organizations providing direct services to clients, 62 percent say demand for assistance is increasing."

Nonprofits sold on couple's skills || OnlineAthens.com

Nonprofits sold on couple's skills || OnlineAthens.com: "COMMERCE - Jefferson couple Rose and Vince Mercardante have spent years learning the best way to organize racks of children's clothing and the kindest way to tell people that no one wants their old couch."

Ninety Percent of Consumers want Companies to Support Causes� - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media - frogloop

Ninety Percent of Consumers want Companies to Support Causes� - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media - frogloop: "While nonprofit campaigners like to debate the merits of cause related marketing, according to the 2010 Cone Cause Evolution Study, American consumers are huge supporters of cause marketing campaigns. In fact, these types of campaigns even inspire a new group of supporters. According to the study, high-touch engagement, such as volunteerism is up 11%, advocacy is up 8% and philanthropy is up 9% since Cone’s last study in 2008. Check out the comparison chart below."

Outreach Toolkit for Partner Use - Revocation of Small Tax-Exempt Organizations That Failed to File for Three Consecutive Years

Outreach Toolkit for Partner Use - Revocation of Small Tax-Exempt Organizations That Failed to File for Three Consecutive Years: "Outreach Toolkit for Partner Use - Revocation of Small Tax-Exempt Organizations That Failed to File for Three Consecutive Years


IRS Exempt Organizations provides the following materials for use by stakeholder groups and others interested in helping small tax-exempt organizations qualify for one-time filing relief and retain their tax-exempt status. We encourage you to take advantage of these educational materials, and other materials that can be found on IRS.gov under Charities & Non-Profits, at www.irs.gov/thelist."

Gates, Buffett encouraged by Chinese response to philanthropy calls - CNN.com

Gates, Buffett encouraged by Chinese response to philanthropy calls - CNN.com: "Beijing, China (CNN) -- In the end, few Chinese tycoons could resist the rare opportunity to dine with Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in a chateau-style resort on the outskirts of the capital.

Local media had earlier been abuzz over the story of more than half of the invited guests declining to join the American pair out of fear of being pressured to make huge donation commitments."

Charitable Giving for U.S. Health Care Plunged 11 Percent in 2009, While Canadian Charitable Giving Rose 5.2 Percent - FierceHealthcare

Charitable Giving for U.S. Health Care Plunged 11 Percent in 2009, While Canadian Charitable Giving Rose 5.2 Percent - FierceHealthcare: "WASHINGTON, D.C., (September 27, 2010) - Snapshots of charitable support in 2009 have produced two very different pictures for nonprofit health care institutions in the United States and Canada, according to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP). The association's annual Report on Giving indicated donations dropped $944 million in the U.S. last year from 2008 levels, while rising $56 million in Canada.

Members of AHP direct fundraising programs on behalf of more than 2,000 nonprofit health care facilities. In FY 2009 their efforts yielded $7.644 billion in the U.S. and $1.124 billion in Canada, compared to $8.588 billion and $1.068 billion the previous year."

Philadelphians Set the Pace for National Leadership | The Jewish Exponent

Philadelphians Set the Pace for National Leadership | The Jewish Exponent: "Steven Scheck, chairperson of the Jewish Federations of North America's National Young Leadership Cabinet along with Alice Viroslav, says that the 200 men and women who attended the Cabinet's August retreat in Scottsdale, Ariz., represent 'the very future of our Jewish community.'

Judging from the participants' high level of philanthropy, and the energy and creativity they exuded in workshops and discussions, Scheck predicts that 'the future appears quite bright.'"

Affluent Blacks Differ in Giving Patterns From Whites, Study Finds - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Affluent Blacks Differ in Giving Patterns From Whites, Study Finds - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Wealthy Blacks Give Most Donations to Education and Religious Groups, Study Finds

By Maria Di Mento

Wealthy black Americans are more likely to donate to educational institutions, religious organizations, and human-services groups than other affluent people, according to a new study.

Black donors who make at least $250,000 or who have $1-million in assets also tend to give anonymously and to nonprofits they know well, says Marguerite Griffin, national director of philanthropic services at Northern Trust Corporation, a financial-services firm in Chicago, which conducted the survey."