Friday, October 22, 2004

The Chronicle, 10/14/2004: When Gifts Get Personal Quotes from Walter

The Chronicle, 10/14/2004: When Gifts Get Personal

Bush Tax Bill Limits Deductions

Bush Tax Bill Limits Deductions: "Recent tax legislation passed in the House and Senate will limit the value of in-kind charitable donations, the Foundation Center reported Oct. 13.

If signed into law by President Bush, the bill will impose greater restrictions on the deductions that can be claimed from donated cars and others vehicles, in order to stymie what the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), called 'a real problem with some taxpayers vastly overestimating the value of their cars and taking charitable deductions they haven't earned.'"

Forward Newspaper Online

Forward Newspaper Online: "

Home > NewsNews
CAMPAIGN CONFIDENTIAL
By E.J. KESSLER
October 22, 2004

Leading Ladies: First lady Laura Bush and would-be first lady Teresa Heinz Kerry both spoke to United Jewish Communities' Lion of Judah conference this week, a gathering that brought 1,300 of the nation's top female Jewish philanthropists to the capital."

FT.com / Your money - Give more to charities and less to the taxman

FT.com / Your money - Give more to charities and less to the taxman: "Give more to charities and less to the taxman
By Sarah Ross
Published: October 22 2004 16:22 | Last updated: October 22 2004 16:22

As the first National Giving Week comes to an end today, research suggests that individual gifts to charity are falling even though people are getting wealthier. On average, households spend three times as much on tobacco, and 3� times as much on alcohol, as they spend on charitable donations, according to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)."

Tips for a good online Pressroom

Writing911.com: "What does a good online press room look like? Writing911 has visited scores of nonprofit organization websites, including those of the 25 largest nonprofits in the U.S., looking for the best examples of online press rooms. We�ve come up with some tips that all organizations should follow and have developed a list of more than 20 possible elements for your online press room, grouped into three categories: Must-Haves, Nice Additions, and Special Touches.
A Must-Have: Current Press Releases
Your current press releases should be on your press room home page. Rather than printing the entire release there, you can print the headline and the first paragraph or two, with a �more� button for the rest. This works especially well if you issue releases regularly and don�t want to fill up the whole page with just one release. The American Red Cross uses this approach. Go to www.redcross.org and click on �Press Room.�"

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Secretary Of State Releases Seventh Annual Mississippi Charity Report

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Secretary Of State Releases Seventh Annual Mississippi Charity Report: "Secretary of State Eric Clark says a new publication by his office gives Mississippians the information they need to be smart about charitable giving.
'We need to be generous, but we also need to be wise. We don't need to be ripped off,'' Clark said Thursday in releasing the seventh annual Mississippi charities report.
The report gives details about how much money charities spend for fund-raising and how much they spend to help people. "

Craigslist Foundation Presents First-Ever Series of Events to Bolster Nonprofit Community

Craigslist Foundation Presents First-Ever Series of Events to Bolster Nonprofit Community: "Craigslist Foundation Presents First-Ever Series of Events to Bolster Nonprofit Community

for Saturday (Oct. 23)

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2004--
Mayor Gavin Newsom Recognizes the Craigslist Foundation Mission: Proclaims Nonprofit Appreciation Day
Aimed at preserving and promoting a culture of philanthropy and community, Craigslist Foundation today announced it is providing a series of events to benefit the nonprofit community on October 23, 2004. In recognition of these events, as well as Craigslist Foundation's commitment to the nonprofit community, Mayor Gavin Newsom will officially proclaim Nonprofit Appreciation Day.

WHAT: Craigslist Foundation is hosting the first-ever Nonprofit
Boot Camp, VIP Reception and Community Bash on October 23,
2004 to converge emerging nonprofits with business
executives and potential donors and volunteers."

newsobserver.com | Business Fund leader changing sights

newsobserver.com | Business: "Fund leader changing sights
From capitalism to philanthropy
Brader-Araje is closing TruePilot to work in social arena.
By FRANK NORTON, Staff Writer

After eight years of building and hunting technology fortunes in the Triangle, Michael Brader-Araje is turning to the nonprofit sector.
The former teacher turned software developer and venture capitalist says he wants to apply his extensive private-sector knowledge to what he calls 'social entrepreneurship,' or the development of philanthropic initiatives in North Carolina."

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Charities Complain About Terror Rules

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Charities Complain About Terror Rules: "Charities Complain About Terror Rules "

Forbes.com: America's Most Generous Corporations

Forbes.com: America's Most Generous Corporations: "Donations
America's Most Generous Corporations
Ari Weinberg, 10.23.03, 12:00 PM ET

NEW YORK - Cash giving is the truest measure of corporate largess.

Sure, some of America's largest companies contribute millions in products--for example, Microsoft (nyse: MSFT - news - people ) donated $207 million in products last year. But, when product giving ranges from food to drugs to software, it's difficult to tell who's being the most generous.

To draw up our list of America's most philanthropic companies, we looked at the top Forbes 500s firms by sales and their cash donations for 2002. Data on cash contributions was provided by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. "

sacbee.com -- News -- Gathered to give

sacbee.com -- News -- Gathered to give: "Gathered to give
'Circles' seek informed, fun approach to philanthropy
By Will Evans -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Thursday, October 21, 2004
The women meet once a month to nibble crackers, sip wine and chat - and they all cut checks before leaving.
It's not a pyramid scheme. It's the philanthropic equivalent of a book club: the giving circle."

Rapid City Journal: Politics halts CARE Act

Rapid City Journal: Politics halts CARE Act: "Politics halts CARE Act
By The Journal Editorial Board
When George W. Bush came into office in January 2001, he wanted to change how government helped the poor and disadvantaged. Leaning on his own belief that religious organizations and government agencies can work together to better deliver help to those who need it the most, he created the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and called upon Congress to pass the CARE Act (Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment Act)."

Companies Can, Should, 'Make a Difference' Every Day in Their Communities

Companies Can, Should, 'Make a Difference' Every Day in Their Communities: "Press ReleaseSource: BrownFlynn

Companies Can, Should, 'Make a Difference' Every Day in Their Communities
Thursday October 21, 12:07 pm ET
CLEVELAND, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- While many local companies and organizations will pitch in and help their community during the 14th annual National Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 23, businesses should consider what they can do to have a positive impact on their communities and neighbors each and every day, according to a local community "

Buffalo News - Nonprofit entities urged to engage public

Buffalo News - Nonprofit entities urged to engage public: "CHARITIES
Nonprofit entities urged to engage public
By DALE ANDERSON
News Staff Reporter
10/21/2004
Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News

The man renowned for turning a Washington, D.C., food kitchen into a job training and social services center told Buffalo area non-profit agencies Wednesday evening that they need to relate better to the public and one another if they want to find success. "

Post-Crescent - Charitable giving picks up in Valley

Post-Crescent - Charitable giving picks up in Valley: "Charitable giving picks up in Valley
Foundation sees donations rise 38% in last year

The Post-Crescent
APPLETON � The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region experienced a strong return to charitable giving locally during the last fiscal year, board chairman Walter S. Rugland announced at Wednesday�s annual meeting.
Contributions to the public charity increased "

Mass. nonprofits dominate 'best reputation' ranks - 2004-10-20 - Boston Business Journal

Mass. nonprofits dominate 'best reputation' ranks - 2004-10-20 - Boston Business Journal: "Mass. nonprofits dominate 'best reputation' ranks
Boston Business Journal
Nonprofit organizations have the best reputations among Bay State business executives, according to a survey released Wednesday"

Oregon Daily Emerald - University of Oregon news and sports - The ABCs of underhanded 527s

Oregon Daily Emerald - University of Oregon news and sports - The ABCs of underhanded 527s: "The ABCs of underhanded 527s

Jennifer McBride
Columnist
October 20, 2004
You don't know who I am. You've never heard of me before. You don't know what my agenda is. Do you trust me?
Don't.
Oregon's position as a presidential swing state has left the public deluged with political commercials, not all of them produced by candidates. Establishments such as MoveOn.org and Swift Boat Veterans for Truth wield multi-million-dollar bludgeons in the war for the hearts and minds of voters.
Nicknamed '527s' after an Internal Revenue Service provision granting "

The Green Bay News-Chronicle Online - local news

The Green Bay News-Chronicle Online - local news: "Regional winners announced for Philanthropy Day awards

News-Chronicle
Don and Darlene Long, Irene 'Billie' Kress, and Ryan and Sarah Longwell will be among the regional philanthropists to be honored on National Philanthropy Day Nov. 9.
The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter Association of Fundraising Professionals will host an awards luncheon at the Butte des Morts Country Club in Appleton. Recipients will be honored in four award categories. This years' winners are: "

Hastings resident Morrison honored 10/21/04 - Grand Island Independent: News NPD MENTION

Hastings resident Morrison honored 10/21/04 - Grand Island Independent: News

ContraCostaTimes.com | 10/16/2004 | St. Mary's report finds carelessness

ContraCostaTimes.com | 10/16/2004 | St. Mary's report finds carelessness

Letter from Nicholas Moore, Chairman, Board of Trustees :: President's Messages :: Saint Mary's College of California

Letter from Nicholas Moore, Chairman, Board of Trustees :: President's Messages :: Saint Mary's College of California: "
President's Messages
Letter from Nicholas Moore, Chairman, Board of Trustees
15 October 2004
Dear Members of the Saint Mary's Community,
Yesterday, our Board of Trustees heard the results of the Special Trustees Committee inquiry undertaken to determine the facts related to the unrealized pledges. The independent investigator, Neal Stephens of Cooley Godward LLP, delivered a 77-page presentation of findings related to the pledges and the elaborate and sophisticated scheme of deception surrounding them; the financing and construction of J.C. Gatehouse Hall; a summary of relevant Board policies and practices; and a series of general findings and recommendations"

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Green Bay Press-Gazette - Gift allows students to become investors

Green Bay Press-Gazette - Gift allows students to become investors

The Capital City's Newspaper Online

The Capital City's Newspaper Online: "Big gifts make big difference
By The Helena IR - 10/19/04
It's always fun to open a national magazine and see a story about somebody from your home town. But most Helenans who read Newsweek's article last week about Bud and Dolly McMaster's sale of their 5,600-acre ranch near the Missouri River to the Conservation Fund didn't know at the time that the McMasters were doing a lot more than preserving open space.
It turns out the brother and sister also have donated millions of dollars to the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation.

For the past seven years the family has anonymously donated more than $5.2 million, including a $1 million gift to the Broadwater Health Center in Townsend.

Now, according to Bud McMaster, they've ended the secrecy in the hope that more people will follow their lead."

Kintera Expands to Europe Through Alliance With Whitewater Group

Kintera Expands to Europe Through Alliance With Whitewater Group

Convio's New, Free Guide Helps Nonprofits Launch or Step Up Online Fundraising Programs

Convio's New, Free Guide Helps Nonprofits Launch or Step Up Online Fundraising Programs

The Hoya | Cashing in on Naming Rights

The Hoya | Cashing in on Naming Rights: "Cashing in on Naming Rights


I live in a townhouse on R Street.
It�s a simple place with a purple door and a broken window pane. It�s the last Hilltop residence of five generally upstanding Georgetown dudes.
It doesn�t have a phone � or a phone number, as far as we can figure out � and lacks what some people would call style, and what others might call minimum standards for human occupation.
We like our landlord just fine, but have decided that, in order to defray the cost of rent, it is time that we seek corporate sponsorship.
Everybody�s doing it � and I do mean everybody."

Rowling's wee book in charity auction - Evening Times

Rowling's wee book in charity auction - Evening Times: "


Rowling's wee book in charity auction
Copyright � 2004 Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited. All Rights Reserved

NPR : Connie Rice: Top 10 Outrages of the Corporate Tax Bill

NPR : Connie Rice: Top 10 Outrages of the Corporate Tax Bill: "Connie Rice: Top 10 Outrages of the Corporate Tax Bill
Audio for this story will be available at approx. 1PM ET, 10AM PT
The Tavis Smiley Show, October 20, 2004 � Although many political observers are still questioning what was accomplished during the session of the 108th Congress, the Bush administration and other legislators are eagerly touting the passage of a 633-page tax bill called the 'American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.'
Commentator Connie Rice has her own name for this bill -- the 'Corporate Looting and Piracy Act.' She says the legislation will create few jobs, but billions in corporate welfare. Rice says there are so many absurd 'riders' in the bill that it was hard to pick out just 10 for her latest list: Top 10 Outrages of the 2004 Corporate Tax Bill:"

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Utah Charity, Two Execs Charged in Fraud

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Utah Charity, Two Execs Charged in Fraud: "Utah Charity, Two Execs Charged in Fraud

Wednesday October 20, 2004 5:46 AM
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Two executives of a Utah charity that supplied fitness equipment to schools were charged Tuesday with defrauding dozens of school districts and banks around the country, federal prosecutors said.
A federal grand jury also indicted the charity, the National Schools Fitness Foundation. "

NBC2 News Online - Local charity accused of discrimination

NBC2 News Online - Local charity accused of discrimination: "LEE COUNTY� One of Southwest Florida's most respected charities, the Nations Association, has been accused of discrimination against African Americans. The organization has been helping those in need for more than two decades. They rely on donations and money from the government to serve the needy. Because of the allegations of discrimination, the government is withholding $20,000 from the charity.
At the Nations Association, they pride themselves in serving people of all nations.
'We deal with everybody here,' said Reverend Israel Suarez of the Nations Association.
Suarez runs the charity. His 26 years of service in Lee County haven't gone unnoticed.
'My job is helping people,' said Suarez."

Guru of giving - 2004-10-18 - Orlando Business Journal

Guru of giving - 2004-10-18 - Orlando Business Journal

10 telemarketing no-nos

10 telemarketing no-nos

Symposium on Information Technology Adoption by Nonprofits

Untitled Document: " ADVISORY for Saturday, Oct. 23
Symposium on Information Technology Adoption by Nonprofits to Be Held in San Francisco, Oct. 23
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19 (AScribe Newswire) -- 'Geeks for Good: Technology Evangelism and the Role of Circuit Riders in Information Technology (IT) Adoption Among Nonprofits.' 'Is IT Socially Transformative?'
These and other topics about nonprofit use of technology will be discussed in San Francisco by a gathering of nonprofit sector researchers from across North America, representing institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton, and the University of Victoria, Canada. Several non-academic independent researchers will also present work.
'We are making a substantial contribution to building a new field of research,' said Tessie Guillermo, President and CEO of Community Technology Foundation of California. 'This is the first gathering of its kind.' "

JTA NEWS

JTA NEWS: "FOCUS ON ISSUES
Like Ruth, like Golda: Women donors
seek to balance devotion and strength
By Ron Kampeas

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (JTA) � Blessing a hall full of Jewish women, Susan Stern invoked a litany of matriarchs � Ruth for devotion, Naomi for dignity � and then threw out a less biblical name and concept: �Golda Meir for assertiveness.�
The 1,400 major Jewish women donors, packed Monday into the Washington Hilton for the United Jewish Communities �Lion of Judah� conference, had been silent in shared prayer until that moment, but they laughed in agreement."

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

U.S. Newswire : Releases : "CREW Files IRS Complaint Against Americans For..."

U.S. Newswire : Releases : "CREW Files IRS Complaint Against Americans For...": "WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Earlier today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service regarding four conservative political organizations, Americans for Job Security (AJS), Americans for Jobs and Growth (AJG), Citizens United (CU) and Let Freedom Ring (LFR), claiming that they illegally file as tax exempt organizations when, in fact, they are political organizations whose primary purpose is the reelection of President Bush.
Because the IRS does not afford tax-exempt status to organizations whose primary purpose is influencing elections, CREW argues that the four groups do not qualify for 501(c) status. In addition, because none of the entities sponsors a 527 organization in order to conduct political activities, they are avoiding the tax and disclosure requirements generally applicable to political organizations. Based on these violations, the complaint requests that the IRS withdraw the tax exempt status of each organization and assess back taxes, interest and penalties on each. "

NEWS.com.au | Charity cheat gets 5 years (October 20, 2004)

NEWS.com.au Charity cheat gets 5 years (October 20, 2004): "HOME > ACROSS AUSTRALIA > STORY
Charity cheat gets 5 years
By Christine Caulfield
October 20, 2004
A CHILDREN'S charity operator who ran bogus fund-raising raffles in a multi-million-dollar swindle was yesterday jailed for at least five years.
Jail term: Lawrence Shannon.
Kids At Sea director Lawrence Shannon, 50, was also ordered to pay more than $740,000 to the state as a pecuniary penalty for defrauding thousands of ticketholders in a six-year scam. "

The Kentucky Post NKU vetoes students' donation

The Kentucky Post: "NKU vetoes students' donation

Northern Kentucky University administrators have vetoed a student government decision to give $1,000 of university money to a pro-life group that urges pregnant women not to have abortions.
'Students made a decision with their heart in the right place, but may not have thought it through as much as needed,' said NKU President James Votruba.
The student senate voted 18-1 earlier this month to donate $1,000 of its university-provided $50,000 budget to New Hope Center to buy baby supplies for women taking parenting classes at the center. "

Teens From Across The U.S. Address Social Concerns At Mount Holyoke College�s �Take The Lead� Program

Teens From Across The U.S. Address Social Concerns At Mount Holyoke College�s �Take The Lead� Program

OMB Watch - New Corporate Tax Bill Limits Charitable Deductions

OMB Watch - New Corporate Tax Bill Limits Charitable Deductions: "

New Corporate Tax Bill Limits Charitable Deductions
While conferees rejected last minute efforts to attach provisions of both the CARE Act and the Houses of Worship bill to the corporate tax bill, the legislation sent to the president does contain three provisions of particular interest to the nonprofit sector.
The final bill:
Limits charitable deductions for vehicle donations to the sale price obtained by the charity
Limits the value that taxpayers can claim on the donation of a patent or intellectual property to a charity
Requires increased reporting for non-cash charitable contributions such as property. "

Boston.com / News / Local / State to seize assets of illegal charity

Boston.com / News / Local / State to seize assets of illegal charity

Entertainment News Article | Reuters.com

Entertainment News Article | Reuters.com: "Reagan Daughter Sues Charity in Stem Cell Row

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Author Patti Davis, the daughter of the late President Ronald Reagan, has sued the Salvation Army for breach of contract, saying the religious group reneged on a $15,000 speaking engagement because she supports stem cell research"

Charity head jailed over fraud - National - www.theage.com.au

Charity head jailed over fraud - National - www.theage.com.au: "Charity head jailed over fraud
October 19, 2004 - 11:11AM
A Melbourne youth charity director who rigged 28 raffles in a scam worth $7 million was jailed today for seven-and-a-half years.
Lawrence Shannon, 50, of Park Orchards, was given a minimum sentence of five years after pleading guilty to 28 counts of obtaining property by deception in Kids at Sea raffles held between 1995 and 2001."

Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Bid to boost charity donations

Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Bid to boost charity donations

The World Today - Gemini Project: corporate philanthropy in practice

The World Today - Gemini Project: corporate philanthropy in practice: "Gemini Project: corporate philanthropy in practicePRINT FRIENDLYEMAIL STORY
The World Today - Tuesday, 19 October , 2004 12:30:00
Reporter: Eleanor Hall
ELEANOR HALL: After one of the most profligate election campaigns in our history, which social commentators say has confirmed that Australians are interested above all in making money and getting ahead, you might think the notion of philanthropy and social service would be far from the agenda, particularly of corporate Australia.
But Australia's first venture philanthropy organisation, Social Ventures Australia, is bucking the trend and trying to bring the corporate world and the not-for-profit world closer together.
This week the organisation is holding a conference with some high profile international guests. One of them is Norman Drummond, who has been described as one of the most talented Scots of his generation"

U.S. insurance inquiry widens

U.S. insurance inquiry widens: "U.S. insurance inquiry widens
By Joseph B. Treaster The New York Times Wednesday, October 20, 2004
NEW YORK An investigation into the insurance business is expanding as Eliot Spitzer, the New York State attorney general, increasingly turns his attention to whether U.S. corporations and their employees are paying more for life, disability and accident insurance than they should be.
.
In California, John Garamendi, the state insurance commissioner, said on Monday night that he, too, was concerned about extra costs to individuals for life, disability and accident insurance and that he was considering legal action against at least one broker and several insurance companies that sold employee benefits.
.
While the current focus of the New York investigation is on bid-rigging and price-fixing among commercial insurance brokers and insurance companies, investigators say Spitzer is also pursuing reports of payoffs that may increase coverage costs for tens of millions of people across the country.
.

Telegraph | Money | Watchdog reports US-style insurance kickbacks

Telegraph | Money | Watchdog reports US-style insurance kickbacks: " British insurance watchdog yesterday admitted that it had received complaints about brokers receiving kickbacks for placing business with insurers.


It follows the assault launched by New York attorney general Eliot Spitzer, who last week accused influential companies of corruption. However, the General Insurance Standards Council said it had not taken the matter further because no one had been willing to table a formal complaint.
Chris Woodburn, GISC "

Active Investor Toolkit | Reuters.com

Active Investor Toolkit | Reuters.com: "probe
Mon Oct 18, 2004 04:24 PM ET
(Recasts several paragraphs, adds details, closing prices)
By Aleksandrs Rozens and Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Marsh & McLennan Cos. (MMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) shares sank 12 percent on Monday, taking their three-day slide to nearly 45 percent, after the insurance broker canceled a conference call with investors to explain the impact of a bid-rigging probe by New York's attorney general.
Meanwhile, Ace Ltd. (ACE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , a Bermuda-based insurer implicated in a Thursday lawsuit against Marsh by the attorney general, Eliot Spitzer, said it will stop paying fees to brokers to steer business its way.
Ace adopted its new policy after American International Group Inc. (AIG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world's largest insurer by market value, on Friday said it might make a similar decision.
New York-based Marsh on Friday said it decided to stop accepting the fees. A day earlier, Spitzer sued it for allegedly steering unsuspecting clients to certain insurers and reaping huge fees."

Bloomberg.com: Top Worldwide

Bloomberg.com: Top Worldwide: "Marsh Payments Targeted by Spitzer Were $845 Million Last Year
Oct. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Marsh & McLennan Cos., the world's largest insurance brokerage, said the payments it will forgo because of a lawsuit by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer amounted to $845 million, or 7 percent of revenue last year.
New York-based Marsh collected $420 million in the fees in the first six months of this year, the company said in an e-mailed press release"

Briefly: Ace heeds Spitzer on fees

Briefly: Ace heeds Spitzer on fees: "Ace, a Bermuda-based insurer, will stop paying brokers for steering business its way, becoming the third company to make concessions in the five days since Eliot Spitzer, the attorney general of New York State, unveiled a probe of the insurance industry.
.
Spitzer has not sued Ace, though a suit against Marsh & McLennan cites the company. (Bloomberg)
."

USATODAY.com - Spitzer strikes again

USATODAY.com - Spitzer strikes again: "Spitzer strikes again
It didn't take long for New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer to hit pay dirt. Just one month after he sent subpoenas to insurance companies asking a simple question � Had they participated in any bid-rigging schemes? � Spitzer has uncovered rampant corruption in the way large policies are sold to companies and governments.
Last Thursday, Spitzer filed suit against Marsh & McLennan, the nation's largest broker of corporate policies. He has also implicated several major insurers that work with Marsh and obtained guilty pleas from three industry executives. The suit against Marsh alleges that the broker steered unsuspecting companies to insurers who had secretly paid Marsh lucrative kickbacks for the business. And it claims Marsh solicited fake bids from compliant insurance companies to give the false impression of competitive bidding. Each practice drives up prices for consumers."

"Jeremy Warner's Outlook: Spitzer strictures spell insurance shake-up"

News: "Jeremy Warner's Outlook: Spitzer strictures spell insurance shake-up"

Monday, October 18, 2004

Verizon Foundation Award-Winning Web Site Takes Philanthropic Pulse in Corporate Online Survey

Verizon Foundation Award-Winning Web Site Takes Philanthropic Pulse in Corporate Online Survey

NOTICIAS.INFO

NOTICIAS.INFO: "It is difficult to imagine a better return on investment than that, especially when you think about how those numbers translate into children succeeding in school and not ending up in trouble. Good, thoughtful philanthropy often produces returns like that. In my personal foundation we are designing programs that are helping keep prescription drug costs affordable for seniors and helping educate women about how cleaning up the environment also protects our health and the well-being of our children.

Those are real results that benefit us all. When we truly understand that we are all part "

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Launches New Online Forum

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Charity Launches New Online Forum: "Charity Launches New Online Forum

By Ben Pindar, Community Newswire

A voluntary organisation which supports training across the charity sector is today celebrating following the successful launch of a major new online discussion service.

The Voluntary Sector National Training Organisation (VSNTO) has officially opened a new website discussion board for the Charity Trainers� Network, a successful network run for those interested in training in the voluntary and community sector."

New Zealand News - NZ - Cullen says Charities Bill a bit more charitable now

New Zealand News - NZ - Cullen says Charities Bill a bit more charitable now: "Changes to the controversial Charities Bill agreed yesterday by the Cabinet will please community groups, says Acting Prime Minister Michael Cullen.
He said the intent of the controversial bill had been 'subverted' by 'bureaucratic complexity and regulatory demands'.
In August the Government indicated the bill was likely to be rewritten after it was slammed by a stream of submissions from charities.
The bill establishes a commission to register and monitor charities. Registration is voluntary but charities miss out on tax exemption if they don't sign. "

Groups give to politicians, get grants

Groups give to politicians, get grants: "The usual suspects for campaign contributions - wealthy business owners and unions - aren't the only players in this game. Small community groups on tight budgets are finding ways to impress and influence the politicians. Libraries, fire departments and youth sports leagues are among the charities that made campaign contributions to the politicians who landed grants for them.
The Post-Standard's investigation of the state's giveaways of borrowed money finds case after case of ethical questions. All across New York, it's clear that when Albany politicians hand out taxpayers' money they can often count on something in return. "

Corporate boards lacking minorities, women; nonprofits faring better - 2004-10-18 - The Business Journal of Phoenix

Corporate boards lacking minorities, women; nonprofits faring better - 2004-10-18 - The Business Journal of Phoenix: "Corporate boards lacking minorities, women; nonprofits faring better
Jeanne Winograd
Contributing Writer
The words 'welcome to the board' are heard more often by white males than minorities and women when it comes to for-profit boards of directors in the Valley. "

Family foundations come under official scrutiny - 2004-10-18 - San Francisco Business Times

Family foundations come under official scrutiny - 2004-10-18 - San Francisco Business Times: "Family foundations come under official scrutiny
Some have been used as sinecure by their patrons
Sarah Duxbury
The IRS has done it, and now Congress wants to do it, too: In response to well-chronicled abuses, new restrictions could be coming to family foundations.

Recent years have seen no shortage of accusations that some family foundation"

Charities may face more rules

Charities may face more rules: "LANSING -- Leaders of several mid-Michigan nonprofit groups fear the introduction of additional regulations will hamper services to those seeking help.
Rocked by news of unscrupulous charities and investigations by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, nonprofit organizations are arguing that allowing them to police themselves is better than loading them up with new rules and paperwork.
Media reports of scandals and 'the bad practices of a few people' have undermined the nonprofits' legacy, said Diana Aviv, president and CEO of The Independent Sector, a Washington-based advocacy group for nonprofit organizations, foundations and corporate philanthropy. "

blackenterprise.com

blackenterprise.com: "A Matter of Trust
Source: Des Moines Business Record
Publication date: 2004-09-20
Arrival time: 2004-10-18


Jim Sandager, a fee-only investment adviser based in West Des Moines, says he's had more people with a net worth of at least $10 million step through his firm's door in the past two years than in its previous seven-year history.
'That tells me that people that have these more complex situations are looking for independent, objective wealth coaches that can serve as their advocate and their fiduciary in advising them,' said Sandager, a principal with Syverson, Strege, Sandager & Co.
As reported recently in The Wall Street journal, some of the country's largest financial institutions, including Citigroup Inc., Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. are creating separate tiers of service to differentiate their super-wealthy clients, who may have $100 million or more in investable assets, from those who may have a more modest $10 million portfolio. Others are catering to the growing ranks of the 'mass affluent' who may have from $100,000 up to $1 million to invest. "

Telegraph | Money | What's Paradise for a plutocrat?

Telegraph | Money | What's Paradise for a plutocrat?: "What's Paradise for a plutocrat?
By Luke Johnson (Filed: 17/10/2004)

I'm told there is a disease called Paradise Syndrome. The symptoms consist of a feeling of dissatisfaction - despite the patient having achieved all their dreams. Presumably those suffering from this terrible complaint think they cannot find any new challenges. They have ascended Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs but there are no more mountains to conquer. For some, it seems, even paradise is not enough."

The Capital City's Newspaper Online

The Capital City's Newspaper Online: "For the past seven years, a local ranching family has anonymously donated money to the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, with the gifts totaling more than $5.2 million. After their most recent $2 million offering � which included $1 million gift to the Broadwater Health Center in Townsend � the donors decided to shed their cloak of secrecy.
Brother and sister Bud and Dolly McMaster hope that by doing so, they'll encourage more people to think about charitable giving.

'I'm hoping that maybe some other folks might start thinking about doing the same,' Bud said. 'Rather than using their money for a bigger tombstone, they can do something to help other people.'"

DenverPost.com - LOCAL NEWS

DenverPost.com - LOCAL NEWS: " charity usually has no practical use for a donated shopping mall, but such an asset isn't something it would turn away.
Enter Betsy Mangone, who transforms multimillion-dollar assets into something a charity can use - cash.
Mangone is an expert in connecting donors "

NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source

NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source: "
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest Edition Benton County Daily Record Northwest Arkansas Times WholeHogSports Siloam Springs Herald Leader Rogers Hometown News Bella Vista Weekly Vista Monday, October 18, 2004 | Current Weather for XNA: M/CLOUDY 73 F (more conditions and forecast)QUICKLINKS: Classifieds | Jobs | Coupons | Business Directory | Weather | Subscribe | NEWCOMERS GUIDESearch stories for Browse by date Mon, Oct 18, 2004Sun, Oct 17, 2004Sat, Oct 16, 2004Fri, Oct 15, 2004Thu, Oct 14, 2004Wed, Oct 13, 2004Tue, Oct 12, 2004Mon, Oct 11, 2004 in Choose...ADG-NWBCDRBCDR RogersNWATHL
ActivePaper Edition

Charity still going strong as 60 th anniversary nears
BY ANDREW DEMILLO
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004
Email this story | Printer-friendly version
Sixty years have passed since Heifer International first shipped off cows to needy families overseas, and the Arkansasbased charity shows little sign of slowing down as it celebrates that anniversary this week.
A $13.9 million environmentally friendly headquarte"

Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change - newsarticle

Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change - newsarticle: "Community impact
United Way playing catalytic role in mobilizing partners to address local needs.
10.11.2004 -
By Craig Chancellor
United Way is changing its ways � for the better.
The old thermometer is gone and the organization is transforming itself into one focused on strengthening communities and improving lives.
The United Way system is undergoing"

Inspire Your World, Edited by Angela Harrington, Nominated for Eddie Award

Inspire Your World, Edited by Angela Harrington, Nominated for Eddie Award: "SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspire Your World, the first consumer magazine on volunteering and philanthropy, has been nominated for an Eddie Award, the prestigious award for magazine editorial excellence. IYW is one of three publications being considered for best regional consumer publication with a circulation under 250,000."

Charities fear vehicle donations may stall - Saturday, 10/16/04

Charities fear vehicle donations may stall - Saturday, 10/16/04: "Proposed law change means people giving cars to charities no longer can report Blue Book value or own estimate on taxes.
Generosity will pay a little less under the American Jobs Creation Act passed by the Senate and House recently and awaiting the president's signature.
People who donate vehicles worth more than $500 to charity will have to report the sales price the charity received on their federal taxes rather than using the Blue Book value or the taxpayer's own estimate of how much a vehicle is worth.
Employees who run charitable "

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > State -- New state law places nonprofits under increased financial scrutiny

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > State -- New state law places nonprofits under increased financial scrutiny

Required checks surprise nonprofits

Required checks surprise nonprofits: "Nonprofit organizations wanting donations from government employees must prove they aren't hiring terrorists.

But officials for several local groups were surprised to hear this week that doing that means checking their employees' names against three terrorism-related lists. The requirement is a component of the USA Patriot Act."

Nonprofits not immune to cutbacks for workers

Nonprofits not immune to cutbacks for workers: "Nonprofits not immune to cutbacks for workers
Robert Franklin, Star Tribune
October 16, 2004 NONPROFIT1016


Nonprofit organizations continued hiring while private employers and government agencies cut back last year. The result: Nearly 10 percent of employed Minnesotans do nonprofit work.
But it's not all good news, according to a report issued Friday by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
About 90 percent of the 5,920 new jobs -- and two-thirds of all workers at nonprofits -- are in health care, including hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. But the most numerous nonprofits are social service agencies, and some have hit tough times, the report said.
Ask Tom Reynolds, whose small south Minneapolis nonprofit has laid off people, frozen salaries and lowered its budget.
Reynolds is executive director of Whittier Community Development Corp., which boasts of helping 300 small businesses in its neighborhood and 1,200 along Lake Street in the past 15 years."

MediaDailyNews 10-18-04

MediaDailyNews 10-18-04: "FCC Puts New Restrictions On Wireless Spam
By Wendy Davis
Monday, October 18, 2004
Tough new Federal Communications Commission rules designed to take on the nascent problem of wireless spam go into effect today.
The new provisions, which flesh out the Can-Spam Act, ban unsolicited commercial text messages to consumers, unless they have opted to receive such messages, or already have a relationship with the sender. The rules prohibit marketers from sending text-messages through the Internet to wireless devices, such as cell phones and PDAs. They don't apply to ads sent to e-mail addresses that are then forwarded to wireless devices such as BlackBerrys"

IS IT LEGAL?

IS IT LEGAL?

The UW Daily Online

The UW Daily Online: "Bill Gates, Mark Emmert tout UW achievements, contributions to community

By Pamela Hardy
October 18, 2004

Hundreds of people were turned away from 'Campaign UW: Creating Futures -- Come Together Washington' a celebration of philanthropy last Friday.

Due to a capacity limit, some people in attendance at the event were not able to hear or see the speeches made by such people as Bill Gates and UW President Mark Emmert."