IRS Releases Revised Pub. 526 - Charitable Contributions | Planned Giving Design Center

IRS Releases Revised Pub. 526 - Charitable Contributions | Planned Giving Design Center: "The IRS has released a revised version of Publication 526 - Charitable Contributions for use in helping taxpayers prepare 2010 tax returns."

Foundation vs. Donor-Advised Fund for Philanthropy - NYTimes.com

Foundation vs. Donor-Advised Fund for Philanthropy - NYTimes.com: "KEN NOPAR, who advises others about philanthropy, will face his own decision on charitable giving when his parents die. Should he and his brother keep their parents’ private foundation going or transfer the assets into a donor-advised fund, where they have less control over how the money is invested and given away?"

Israeli Philanthropy in 2011: Which Way Does the Wind Blow? | eJewish Philanthropy: Your Jewish Philanthropy Resource

Israeli Philanthropy in 2011: Which Way Does the Wind Blow? | eJewish Philanthropy: Your Jewish Philanthropy Resource: "The changing winds of Israeli philanthropy

Ahuva Yanai is not optimistic. The darkhaired woman who directs perhaps the most powerful entity in the country’s nonprofit sector shakes her head emphatically when asked whether this year will see some revitalization for the thousands of organizations dedicated to improving civil society.

“We are seeing a growth in Israel’s economy,” acknowledges Yanai, who has headed Matan – itself a nonprofit that advises corporations, individual donors and foundations where to invest their money in the third sector – since its inception 10 years ago. “However, at another glance we see that this progress is very"

Capturing The Crowd The NonProfit Times February1, 2011

Deferred Compensation Why is it taxable now? - The NonProfit Times February1, 2011: "Planning fundraising events can take months of preparation, and once the big day comes together it's only natural for everyone to breathe a collective sigh of relief. However, kicking back and enjoying the party instead of engaging attendees during and after the event can cost your organization time and money.

A panel of nonprofit executives shared their successful tips for 'Capturing the Crowd' at events and capitalizing on attendees, even if they are unfamiliar with your charity, during Fundraising Day in New York, sponsored by the Greater New York chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Super Bowl Week: Charities Ride the Hype - Dallas Restaurants and Dining - City of Ate

Super Bowl Week: Charities Ride the Hype - Dallas Restaurants and Dining - City of Ate: "Dallas is going to see more than an infestation of football fans this week. In honor of the big game, groups are putting their best philanthropy out there."

Spike Seen in Parent Giving - The Heights - News

Spike Seen in Parent Giving - The Heights - News: "For the academic year 2009-2010, parent gifts to Boston College totaled $34.8 million of the more than $125 million received by the University, according to the BC fact book. This represents a 346 percent increase over the $7.8 million received in parent gifts the previous year."

Google Finds It Hard to Reinvent Philanthropy - NYTimes.com

Google Finds It Hard to Reinvent Philanthropy - NYTimes.com: "Nearly five years later, however, the hyperbole looks more like hubris. DotOrg has narrowed to just one octave on the piano: engineering-related projects that often are the outgrowth of existing Google products. Dr. Brilliant was sidelined in early 2009 after his loose management style created much disenchantment in DotOrg’s ranks.

The company’s top executives rarely mention DotOrg, which is now run by Megan Smith, a business development executive who devotes only part of her time to the organizatio"

Warren Buffett and Bill Gates on Philanthropy visit to India | TopNews New Zealand

Warren Buffett and Bill Gates on Philanthropy visit to India | TopNews New Zealand: "The world’s richest people , Warren Buffet and software giant Bill Gates are all set to make a mark on their imminent philanthropy visit to India. In the wake of pulling more and more people to lend their helping hand to the needy community, the two renowned personalities are reportedly making their presence felt by joining 'Giving Pledge' campaign."

Convio Acquires Analytics and Data Firm StrategicOne- The NonProfit Times Jan 31, 2011

Convio Acquires Analytics and Data Firm StrategicOne- The NonProfit Times Jan 31, 2011: "Convio Acquires Analytics and Data Firm StrategicOne

Online fundraising firm Convio will spend at least $5 million to acquire StrategicOne, an analytics, predictive modeling and database marketing services company. StrategicOne touted itself in the new phrasing of business intelligence, which is basically the gathering, modeling and integration of fundraising and donor information."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Senator Grassley and the Televangelists

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Senator Grassley and the Televangelists: "When Senator Charles Grassley, then chair of the Senate Finance Committee, decided to examine issues in charitable accountability back in 2004, the entire nonprofit sector sat up and took notice. National nonprofit trade associations made strenuous efforts to make nice and cooperate, while behind the scenes they grumbled at the prospect that Grassley and his staff might look at scandals at the United Way, the Nature Conservancy, and elsewhere and generate corrective laws and regulations."

Sargent Shriver’s Legacy to the Nonprofit World - Pablo Eisenberg - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

From the Chronicle of Philanthropy
Sargent Shriver’s Legacy to the Nonprofit World - Pablo Eisenberg - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "For many of us who worked for him in the Peace Corps or the Office of Economic Opportunity during the 1960s, R. Sargent Shriver was an inspirational leader, a passionate promoter of social and economic justice, an ebullient enthusiast of public service, and a warm, compassionate human being."

massnonprofit.org ::

massnonprofit.org ::: "With grant dollars more difficult to secure, a compelling grant proposal alone is no longer enough. You need to know in advance how attractive your proposal will be to a prospective funder.

The following checklist will help you think through 20 key facets of your organization’s programs, personnel, board of directors, finances, and other key factors."

Chinese donation gets mixed reception - The China Post

Chinese donation gets mixed reception - The China Post: "A Chinese billionaire has made a public pledge to donate NT$500 million to Taiwan's disadvantaged minority and low-income families in an act of philanthropy to the island, although it has been met with cautious and mixed reactions by local governments."

Signs of a Fund-Raising Rebound - Annual Giving - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Signs of a Fund-Raising Rebound - Annual Giving - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Sixty-two percent of 245 nonprofit organizations surveyed by The Chronicle reported that they raised more in November and December 2010 than at the same time in 2009. But even as some groups are rebounding quickly from the recession, others continue to struggle. Twenty-four percent of organizations reported year-end gains of more than 20 percent, while 28 percent reported drops in giving. One in 10 said giving was flat during the holidays."

Bill Gates sees philanthropy bug spreading - The Globe and Mail

Bill Gates sees philanthropy bug spreading - The Globe and Mail: "Bill Gates, one of the world’s richest men and one of its best known philanthropists, said on Monday he hopes his passion for giving will soon start to take hold among the super-rich of China and India."

Nonprofit merger a fix for tight times | StarTribune.com

Nonprofit merger a fix for tight times | StarTribune.com: "One nonprofit is a 130-year-old institution in Minnesota, serving school-aged children and families. The other is a mere 40 years old, and widely known for helping some of the most at-risk preschoolers."

Creek Bridge coach goes barefoot for charity | SCNOW

Creek Bridge coach goes barefoot for charity | SCNOW: "Hudacko, along with several other coaches around the Palmetto State, coached the game barefoot to raise money and awareness for the charity Samaritan’s Feet, which provides shoes to needy children in more than 50 nations."

National Arts Index: New index measures arts, entertainment - latimes.com

National Arts Index: New index measures arts, entertainment - latimes.com: "Billed as 'the largest data set ever assembled describing arts and culture in America,' the National Arts Index released Monday by the advocacy group Americans for the Arts aims to capture in a single number how the arts and entertainment sector has been doing -- much as the Dow Jones and S&P indices do for stocks. The news is not good."

Wall Street philanthropy picks up, but not for all | Reuters

Wall Street philanthropy picks up, but not for all | Reuters: "At a charity live auction in December for babies born into poverty, Stephanie Astic noted a heavy Wall Street presence in the room -- the extent of which she had not seen since 2007.

'They were bidding things up,' said Astic, who produces fundraising events for 'Room To Grow' and other non-profits at posh Manhattan venues such as Christie's and Gotham Hall.

'I thought, they're finally feeling more confident, bonus time is coming,' she said."

Arts Post - Arts Groups Lost Considerable Ground in the Recession

Arts Post - Arts Groups Lost Considerable Ground in the Recession: "A review of the country's arts industry shows the recession took away many of the financial gains the organizations enjoyed in the last decade.

In 2009, according to data released Monday by the Americans for the Arts, 41 percent of nonprofit arts groups failed to reach a balanced buget. That percentage, based on reporting to the IRS, rose from 36 percent in 2008, the year when the financial downturn began to take its toll on all businesses.

The findings indicate the health of the arts sector is at a 12-year low, said Americans for the Arts."

Nonprofit groups unite to fight hunger in Maine | The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME

Nonprofit groups unite to fight hunger in Maine | The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME: "Six nonprofits are teaming up to expand food supplies to hungry Mainers and reverse the rise in the rate of people struggling to feed their families.

Leaders of the coalition, called the Maine Hunger Initiative, hope to generate more funding and food donations for pantries, which facing increasing demand. They also plan to push for statewide policies and legislation to reduce hunger and the poverty that causes it."

Kids in need: Bruce and Cynthia Sherman chair 2011 Naples charity wine festival � Naples Daily News

Kids in need: Bruce and Cynthia Sherman chair 2011 Naples charity wine festival � Naples Daily News: "The festival, held annually, gets under way this week to raise money for children’s charities in Collier County. In its 11th year, the festival has raised $82.5 million for charity so far through its glitzy vintner dinners and auction.

In organizing this year’s festival, the Shermans split the duties. She focused on the event itself, choosing the theme, designing the invitations, creating the auction catalog and planning the overall feel of the festival. He took on the auction lots, which she insists was the hardest job of all."

Are You Ready for a Nonprofit Board: Ten Questions to Consider | Fast Company

Are You Ready for a Nonprofit Board: Ten Questions to Consider | Fast Company: "Are You Ready for a Nonprofit Board: Ten Questions to Consider
BY FC Expert Blogger Alice KorngoldSun Jan 23, 2011
This blog is written by a member of our expert blogging community and expresses that expert's views alone.

I’m an activist when it comes to recruiting talented people to serve on nonprofit boards. My friends know that when I leave a party, a few people might be on a new path that will lead to their joining nonprofit boards. Only because I so often meet amazing people who are interested in boards but don’t quite know what a board does, what will be expected of them, or how to find the right board that fits their interests and where they can add value."

Big names help put nonprofits on map - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Big names help put nonprofits on map - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "roy Polamalu, a game changer on the football field, could transform a nonprofit group that helps veterans, military members and their families.

The Pittsburgh Steelers safety is the headlining celebrity for an auction Jan. 29-Feb. 5 on Twitter that will benefit Operation Once in a Lifetime in Dallas. Among the 300 celebrities participating are fellow Steelers Ike Taylor, William Gay, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley."

IRS Workshops

Upcoming Events from the IRS

Workshops for Small and Mid-Size 501(c)(3) Organizations

IRS Exempt Organizations is offering a one-day workshop for small and mid-size section 501(c)(3) exempt organizations. Each workshop, presented by experienced Exempt Organizations specialists, will explain what 501(c)(3) organizations must do to keep their tax-exempt status and comply with tax obligations. This introductory workshop is designed for administrators or volunteers who are responsible for an organization's tax compliance. Pre-registration is required."

A Good Omen for 2011 Fund Raising - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

A Good Omen for 2011 Fund Raising - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "In a sign that donors are feeling better about the economy, the number of American adults who said they plan to increase their contributions to charity this year increased to 18 percent, according to an annual survey.

In the past, the share of people who expected to increase donations was smaller. In 2009 and 2010, 14 percent planned to step up giving, and in 2008 just 8 percent forecast an increase."

Convio Ranks Most Generous Online Cities for Charitable Giving in�2010 | Business Wire

PRESS RELEASE

Convio Ranks Most Generous Online Cities for Charitable Giving in�2010 | Business Wire: "Convio, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNVO) announced today the release of its third annual ranking of Most Generous Online Cities. Alexandria, VA, Cambridge, MA and Arlington, VA, topped the list for the second year in a row as the nation’s most generous large cities based on online giving in 2010. The biggest movers in the top ten are San Francisco, moving up 5 places to number seven; Minneapolis, falling five places to number ten; and Seattle, moving up two places to number four."

How to Develop a Brand for Your Nonprofit

How to Develop a Brand for Your Nonprofit

January 2011

So you're starting a nonprofit organization or have one and want to know how to build or strengthen your brand. Well, what is a brand? Is it advertising, your spokesperson, a logo? We have heard of the Red Cross, Oprah, McDonald's. These are all brands. And while there may be positive or negative perceptions about each of these, you'll notice their missions are easy to define—providing disaster relief when needed, inspiring people to live better lives, and providing a cheap, convenient meal. They are all based on making a clear promise to their audience. Essentially, your brand is the reputation you have for delivering on your promise.

What does this mean for a nonprofit? A strong brand will help the organization stand out from the masses of solicitations, distinguish its cause from other organizations doing similar work, and inspire others to support them. The best brands elicit positive emotional responses because people understand and identify with each one's mission and know that the organization is consistently true to it. When carefully developed and nurtured, the brand becomes the fabric of an organization's culture.

IRS Free Webinar

Internal Revenue Service Webinar

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Date: Feb. 2, 2011

This FREE webinar is for:

• Tax professionals

• Attorneys

• Payroll professionals

• Small businesses

Learn about:

• Amount of Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

• Who qualifies

• Eligibility rules

• How to claim the credit

• Calculating the credit

• Resources available

Earn Continuing Professional Education credit:

• Enrolled agents receive one CPE credit for participating for a minimum of 50 minutes from the start of the webinar. Other tax professionals may receive credit if the webinar meets your organization’s or state’s CPE requirements.

• To receive credit, you must attend the event offered on Feb. 2, 2011. You must also register for the webinar using your e-mail address, and use the same e-mail address to log in to attend. This will confirm your attendance and generate your Certificate of Completion. Groups will not receive individual certificates as attendance can not be verified.

• *Only Feb.2, 2011 participants will receive certificates. If you do not need a certificate to obtain CPE credit, you may choose to view the archived version of the webinar after
Feb. 23, 2011.

• Look for your Certificate of Completion by e-mail approximately one week after the webinar. If you have met all requirements, you will receive your certificate automatically.

Register on-line at:

REGISTER & ATTEND (Click on the link to register and attend the session)	EASTERN	CENTRAL	MOUNTAIN	PACIFIC
http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=75575	2 p.m.	1 p.m.	Noon	11 a.m.

Note: Time zones shown are standard time.

General information:

• Visit www.irs.gov and search Webinars for information on other programs available.

• If you experience difficulty viewing the event, please use the e-mail option on the event page or call 866-956-4770.

• The event will be archived for later viewing, approximately three weeks after the date of the event, on the new IRS Video Portal.

Sponsored by: IRS Small Business/Self Employed & Tax Exempt Government Entities Divisions

Five ways you can still help in Haiti - CNN.com

Five ways you can still help in Haiti - CNN.com: "But the devastation didn't end with the natural disaster. Now, Haitians are dealing with a cholera epidemic that has killed more than 2,000 people and political unrest over a disputed presidential election, all while displaced survivors are living in tents and under tarpaulins.

Here are five ways you can still help alleviate some of the Haitian people's suffering:"