Friday, December 30, 2005

Eager for Treasure, Not Trash

Eager for Treasure, Not Trash: "ager for Treasure, Not Trash
Charities Sort Through Piles of Donated Goods, Some of Which They Can't Use

By Michael Alison Chandler
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 30, 2005; Page B01

At the close of Christmas on Sunday night, the busiest giving season of the year began.

In homes across the country, Americans started cleaning their closets, shaking out toy chests and loading up shiny black bags with a yellow drawstring bow."

Gateses very worthy of Time's honor

Gateses very worthy of Time's honor: "Gateses very worthy of Time's honor

By KENNETH F. BUNTING
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Time magazine's selection of Bill and Melinda Gates to share its 'Persons of the Year' designation appears to be universally applauded here in Seattle.

Small wonder.

For anyone who has been paying attention in recent years, it would be hard to take issue. Only a heartless ogre could begrudge the effort or oppose the goal of eliminating deadly disease that has poverty as a root cause."

Argus Leader - Business-Dropoff seen in donated vehicles

Argus Leader - Business: "MEGAN MYERS
memyers@argusleader.com

Article Published: 12/30/05, 2:55 am
Nearly a year after the government changed tax laws for those who donate vehicles to charitable organizations, some charities are seeing a drop in donations.

But at least one charity that ramped up marketing campaigns and awareness of vehicle donations is busier than before the changes took effect.

“We make it very easy,” said Kathleen Sweere, executive director of the American Lung Association of South Dakota."

The Jakarta Post - Civil groups must count what counts

The Jakarta Post - Civil groups must count what counts: "Civil groups must count what counts

James Rose, Brisbane

By now we've all heard a lot about (and some of us have made a living commentating on) something called corporate responsibility (CR). CR is meant to be about generating greater levels of accountability and transparency from mainly, though not exclusively, for-profit organizations, especially big multinational corporations. It is hoped that through such improvements, governance, ethics and stakeholder relations can be bettered in the interests of all.

In Asia, the concept of CR is still largely misunderstood and loosely applied, but the corporate sector is, by and large, making some headway. It's often ponderous and perhaps cynical, but there are signs of life."

Houston Community Newspapers Online -State ruling brings charity poker runs to a halt

Houston Community Newspapers Online - The Courier - 12/29/2005 - State ruling brings charity poker runs to a halt: "Local motorcycle clubs and other groups who raise money by giving cash prizes in charity poker runs have had their bluff called by the Texas Attorney General.

In a ruling issued Tuesday, Attorney General Greg Abbott said such poker runs, which involve participants making a monetary donation to a nonprofit cause and then riding to a predetermined location and drawing a poker hand for cash, are a 'lottery' set up by the motorcycle club and constitute illegal gambling.
The Texas Penal Code defines a lottery as 'any scheme or procedure whereby one or more prizes are distributed by chance among persons who have paid or promised consideration for a chance to win anything of value, whether such scheme or procedure is called a pool, lottery, raffle, gift, gift enterprise, sale, policy game, or some other name.'
However, Abbott's ruling refers only to cash prizes awarded at the end of poker runs and notes that any nonprofit organization sponsoring a poker run where participants receive a five-card hand for each $10 donation they make to a charitable cause violates Chapter 47.03 of the Penal Code."

Rocky Mountain News: Speakout

Rocky Mountain News: Speakout: "Speakout: Where did the bedrock of charity go?
STORY TOOLS
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By Richard Male, Special to the News
December 30, 2005
For a brief moment last summer, Americans saw terrible poverty exposed on national television. As the floodwaters and high winds of Hurricane Katrina stripped away buildings, America's shame was broadcast around the world. Our shame that - in this land of plenty - one in five residents of Louisiana and Mississippi lived in poverty. And yet, terrible as the disaster was, many human-service nonprofits saw an opportunity. Surely, they reasoned, now that the entire world has seen how America treats its poor, there will be a change. Surely our government will be shamed into action.

In 1962, when Michael Harrington's seminal work, The Other America, was released, President Kennedy was shocked to read of the vast subculture of poverty and vowed to do something about it. Sadly, the War on Poverty has largely been ignored since the Reagan years. Indeed, the current administration could almost be said to be waging a war on poor people themselves. In 2004, 37 million people in the U.S. lived in poverty, up 1.1 million from 2003."

OpinionJournal - Taste-Finders Keepers?-'Antiquities Gotcha' threatens some of the world's best museums.

OpinionJournal - Taste: "DE GUSTIBUS

Finders Keepers?
'Antiquities Gotcha' threatens some of the world's best museums.

BY ERIC GIBSON
Friday, December 30, 2005 12:01 a.m. EST

The parlor game of the moment is 'Antiquities Gotcha.' The aim is to ask pointed questions that cast doubt on the collections of any number of elite institutions. For instance: 'Did the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and, say, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts really come about their holdings of antique vases and statuary in a lawful manner?' Or: 'Will former Getty curator Marion True, on trial in Rome for conspiring to traffic in looted art, go to jail?' Or, most momentously: 'Will the Met and other museums have to return items in their collections to a country of origin?'

These are hardly unimportant questions, to be sure. Museums stand for many things in our society, and one of the most fundamental is probity. In theory, no object enters their collections when its authenticity is in doubt. And museums are required to exercise due diligence when they receive a new object, checking its ownership history."

Thursday, December 29, 2005

TheStar.com - Spreading the wealth

TheStar.com - Spreading the wealth: "Canadians donated $6.9 billion last year, driving philanthropic giving to record levels. Here are a few of the business elite contributing to that amount
Dec. 28, 2005. 11:00 AM
SHARDA PRASHAD
BUSINESS REPORTER

For the founder of Shoppers Drug Mart, giving away his fortune is about filling a need.

Believing that students studying pharmacy need to have skills in business as well as science, Murray Koffler gave a substantial gift to start the University of Toronto's Koffler Institute of Pharmacy"

CBS News | Greens Also Feed At Public Trough | December 29, 2005 11:03:42

CBS News | Greens Also Feed At Public Trough | December 29, 2005 11:03:42: "AP) The same environmental groups that lobby and sue the government over protecting air, water and human health also are collecting federal grant money for research and technical work, documents show.

More than 2,200 nonprofit groups have received grants from the Environmental Protection Agency over the past decade, including some of the Bush administration's toughest critics on environmental policy. "

Channelnewsasia.com -NKF clarifies 90 cents of donated dollar went to reserves, health screening

Channelnewsasia.com: "NKF clarifies 90 cents of donated dollar went to reserves, health screening
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is now putting 38 cents out of every dollar donated into patients' needs.

This comes after a KPMG report last week that said that the old NKF had merely spent 10 cents of this donation dollar on patient subsidies.

Still the new NKF management has clarified that the remaining 90 cents had not gone to waste. "

Journal Gazette | 12/25/2005 | Scrutinized foundation is nowhere to be found

Journal Gazette | 12/25/2005 | Scrutinized foundation is nowhere to be found: "Scrutinized foundation is nowhere to be found
By Dan Stockman
The Journal Gazette

The $7 million foundation at the center of two state investigations into its spending has essentially disappeared, its president has given up his law practice and he has put his Roanoke estate up for sale.

The Olin B. and Desta Schwab Foundation had been a tenant in the law offices of Beckman Lawson LLP, where foundation president Richard H. Blaich was an attorney. But just weeks after The Journal Gazette reported that $1.5 million of foundation money had been used to buy a luxury resort home outside of Las Vegas, movers showed up and took the foundation’s furniture, files and equipment, said Craig Patterson, the law firm’s managing partner. Blaich had been let go from the firm the day after the Aug. 28 story was published."

Gift overload?

Gift overload?: "Gift overload?

Answer is to regift for charity

Thursday, December 29, 2005

What do you do with holiday gifts you really don't want and can't return?

Try regifting them for a charity.

It's a good solution for gift overload since there are no return lines, guilt or hassles.

According to a 2004 eBay survey, more than 64 percent of Americans have regifted.

Lutheran Services in America is seeking donated items, including regifts, for Trading Graces, its first online auction.

Proceeds will benefit Lutheran health and human service organizations nationwide. They serve all Americans regardless of religion, race or gender."

MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now-Essay: Picking and choosing - one donor's deliberations

MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now: "Essay: Picking and choosing - one donor's deliberations

December 29, 2005

By Julian Wise

Somewhere between the rash of direct-mail charity appeals before the holidays and the inevitable moral inventory prior to the coming of the new year, I realized with dismal clarity that I'd been uncharitable in 2005. Beliefnet.com's message board suggests that faith-based tithing of your annual salary ranges from two percent for Muslims to 10 percent for Jews and Christians (one pagan claims they tithe 13 percent). A rough calculation suggests I donated less than three tenths of a percent of my income in 2005.

I consider myself a reasonably upright person. I work with children, remove trash from the beach, tip well in restaurants, and obey the speed limit most of the time. Yet when it comes to charity, I'm a skinflint. When confronted with a solicitation, I develop a vague feeling in the pit of my stomach, convincing myself that I'll get around to donating later when I have more time to think about it. My desk often collects piles of appeal letters which, months later, I throw out during a clean up. Sometimes I tell myself I'd love to give, but decide that there's no point in donating unless I can pony up $25 or $50, which would take too big a bite out of my checkbook. These excuses work to keep my charitable giving at a subterranean level"

Tsunami Anniversary Spotlights the Lessons of Disaster

Tsunami Anniversary Spotlights the Lessons of Disaster: "Tsunami Anniversary Spotlights the Lessons of Disaster

U.N. Foundation report outlines better crisis plans for the future

The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 was a catastrophe of enormous proportions and the greatest natural disaster ever to challenge the United Nations' 60-year-old system of humanitarian assistance, according to a report issued December 22 by the U.N. Foundation marking the one-year anniversary of the disaster.

Many organizations and governments have released year-end summaries on what they have been able to achieve to help the region recover and rebuild in the ensuing year, but the U.N. Foundation – established by U.S. media entrepreneur Ted Turner – goes a step further with its summary, extracting lessons that might help the world respond more effectively to the next catastrophic event.

Its report underscores the importance of making emergency funding available within hours of an event and cites what it expects to become an improvement in the humanitarian emergency response -- the U.N. establishment of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)."

Columbian.com - Serving Clark County, Washington

Columbian.com - Serving Clark County, Washington: "But charities across the state are hoping car owners will be a little more generous if they know the cash will go to a charity they support.

The state Department of Licensing this year approved 19 new specialty license plates that cost a little extra, but show off a driver's devotion.

Vancouver resident Ann Labe is touting one specialty plate for animal lovers. It would fund a statewide pet spay and neuter program. Thanks to her hounding, state representatives passed the legislation allowing the plates the first year it was introduced."

TownOnline.com - Medfield Press - Business News

TownOnline.com - Medfield Press - Business News: "BBB Announces Check Out a Charity Campaign
Thursday, December 29, 2005

The Better Business Bureau, Inc, serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont announced today its Check out a Charity educational campaign. The campaign encourages consumers and companies to Give But Give Wisely (tm) by checking out a charity's report with the BBB before donating.
'The BBB encourages families to give with their heads as well as their hearts this holiday season to help ensure that their generosity is being used appropriately by charitable organizations,' said Kevin J. Sanders, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau, Inc. serving Eastern MA, ME & VT. 'We hope that the following tips will help donors give wisely and avoid being taken. We are also pleased to announce that the Bureau will be strengthening its charity reporting activities and launching a program that will evaluate charities in relation to a set of comprehensive accountability standards.'

"

The Cincinnati Post - Big donors bail out local charities

The Cincinnati Post - Big donors bail out local charities: "he state of charitable giving locally was summed up Tuesday in a cluttered room at Senior Services of Northern Kentucky in Covington, where boxes were stacked high in the afternoon sunlight.

Blankets. Pet food. Deodorant. Toothbrushes. Cans of soup.

The dozens of boxes, a recent gift from Fidelity Investments and its employees, helped Senior Services overcome a year's trend in which many individuals directed their contributions to other relief efforts.

In short, the big donors helped bail out the small donors locally."

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Information, not just good intentions, should guide giving

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Information, not just good intentions, should guide giving: "nformation, not just good intentions, should guide giving

By Phyllis Campbell

Special to The Times

WHILE hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis greeted our world with incomprehensible destruction this past year, that destruction inspired extraordinary American generosity — and illuminated a serious need to make our giving more effective.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina especially, we were reminded also of the critical role philanthropy plays in American life. We rely on nonprofits and foundations to use our donations effectively and efficiently, and to apply our giving as it was intended — for the benefit and well-being of our fellow citizens."

TownOnline.com - West Roxbury & Roslindale Transcript - Local News

TownOnline.com - West Roxbury & Roslindale Transcript - Local News: "Philanthropy - especially $28.8 billion worth of it - is always a nice gesture.
But when it comes from one of the wealthiest couples alive and goes to Boston Public Schools, it can be staggering.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, worth more than $28 billion, according to its Web site, recently awarded Boston Public Schools with a $9 million grant that will help keep select smaller schools, such as West Roxbury High School, small. The school was split up earlier this year into four separate schools. "

USATODAY.com - Rose follows Magic in helping Detroit youths get to college

USATODAY.com - Rose follows Magic in helping Detroit youths get to college: "Rose follows Magic in helping Detroit youths get to college
Jalen Rose of the Toronto Raptors is the only athlete listed among Black Enterprise magazine's top 15 black philanthropists. His charitable efforts include five annual $10,000 college scholarships to seniors in Detroit's public school system. Rose, who has 15 students in college at his expense, talked with USA TODAY NBA reporter Roscoe Nance about the 5-year-old program, which is funded through the Jalen Rose Foundation."

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

580 CFRA - News Talk Radio

580 CFRA - News Talk Radio: "Food Bank Says Donor Fatigue Has Not Hit Them
Gord McDougall
Tuesday, December 27, 2005 1:41 PM

It's been another successful Christmas campaign for Ottawa's Food Bank, but the relief agency is still hard at work even after Christmas Day.

The executive director of The Food Bank, Peter Tilley, says although there has been talk of 'donor fatigue' this holiday season, he hasn't seen any evidence of it. 'Not in a huge amount,' he says.

With last year's Boxing Day tsunami, the earthquake in Pakistan, the hurricane in New Orleans, people have been donating in record amounts in 2005, but Tilley says, 'This is a great community! They've looked after people internationally, but they also always remember to look after their own at home and look after their neighbours.'"

New Campaign Urges America’s 77 Million Baby Boomers to Volunteer

New Campaign Urges America’s 77 Million Baby Boomers to Volunteer: "New Campaign Urges America’s 77 Million Baby Boomers to Volunteer

'Get Involved' government campaign taps boomer’s idealism and talents

Dec. 27, 2005 - Public service announcements will begin running in January, when the first wave of baby boomers start to turn 60. Recognizing the extraordinary potential for social good among America’s 77 million baby boomers, the Corporation for National and Community Service begins a multi-year public service ad campaign that asks baby boomers to get involved in their communities."

Fraud Alleged at Red Cross Call Centers

Fraud Alleged at Red Cross Call Centers: "Fraud Alleged at Red Cross Call Centers
Contract Workers in Calif. Stole From Katrina Aid Program, Indictments Say

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 27, 2005; Page A02

Nearly 50 people have been indicted in connection with a scheme that bilked hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Red Cross program to put cash into the hands of Hurricane Katrina victims, according to federal authorities."

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!: "unday, December 25, 2005

By JILL SCHENSUL
TRAVEL EDITOR



'To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.'

- Aldous Huxley

Traditionally, we think of travel as a gift to ourselves, a few days or weeks away in which we can do something that makes us feel better.

But increasingly, we are finding that travel can provide a gift to others, to nature, to the world.

Call it voluntourism. Philanthropy tourism. Volunteer vacations. Ecotourism. The labels might be varied, but the idea is not: using vacation time to do good.

Travel that matters."

Centre Daily Times | 12/27/2005 | Pittsburgh schools ask for billions from donors

Centre Daily Times | 12/27/2005 | Pittsburgh schools ask for billions from donors: "Pittsburgh schools ask for billions from donors
Universities say funds will pay for buildings, help with recruiting
The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH -- The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are among 25 U.S. colleges and universities in the midst of campaigns to raise $1 billion or more.

Experts say that's not just good news for the schools, but for the economy of Pittsburgh and the surrounding region.

'Even if you use a fairly conservative multiplier effect of three or four times, assuming a lot of this is new dollars coming into Pittsburgh, it's a significant impact on a community and a tremendous source of pride to a community,' said John Lippencott, president of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The group represents fundraisers at 3,200 colleges and universities."

Buffalo News - Follow your heart picking a charity, but check out the group, too

Buffalo News - Follow your heart picking a charity, but check out the group, too:
snip snip>>

"Philanthropy experts say people should follow their hearts in giving. They also say that targeted giving like that of the Considines can help charitable groups because it provides a predictable stream of income so they can plan long-term projects.

'Unlike the stock market, you really shouldn't be diversifying your giving,' said Sandra Miniutti, spokeswoman for Charity Navigator, a nonprofit group based in Mahwah, N.J., that evaluates philanthropic groups. 'It's best if you stick with a charity over time, make a commitment for the long haul.'

Donors also should check out the charitable and nonprofit groups they want to support to make sure they're spending their money wisely, she added."

Baby Boomer Estates Will Bring "Golden Age" of Philanthropy | JoinTogether.org

Baby Boomer Estates Will Bring "Golden Age" of Philanthropy | JoinTogether.org: "Baby Boomer Estates Will Bring 'Golden Age' of Philanthropy
12/23/2005

In the coming decades, legacy gifts from a new generation of wealthy Americans will bring a sharp increase in donations to U.S. charities, according to a Harrison Group survey of 500 of the country's wealthiest families, Financial Times reported Dec. 14.

Survey respondents were predominantly white males, at an average age of 54 and with average net assets of $28 million.

These donors plan to bequeath 22 percent of their wealth to charities, or a total of $4.5 trillion among 750,000 households across the U.S. with similar assets, survey results indicated."

Poll work gets corporate twist: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Poll work gets corporate twist: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Poll work gets corporate twist

Sponsorship of precincts to help charities

By Buddy Nevins
Political Writer
Posted December 21 2005

Next year, Broward County voters may be casting ballots at the AutoNation precinct or the Publix polling place.

Corporate sponsorships, so far largely confined to sports stadiums and arenas, became part of the election process on Tuesday. "

News-Record.com - Greensboro, North Carolina: Opinion: Rosemary Roberts: Wine-and-cheese fan dismayed at Dome

News-Record.com - Greensboro, North Carolina: Opinion: Rosemary Roberts: Wine-and-cheese fan dismayed at Dome: "Rosemary Roberts: Wine-and-cheese fan dismayed at Dome
Print this Article Print this article Email this Article Email this Article

It is two days before Christmas, and I should dutifully write a cheery column with a Yuletide theme. Instead, I will veer from tradition and spout off about a North Carolina passion: basketball.

I am a devoted Tar Heel fan, but until last week I had not been in the Dean Smith Center, otherwise known as the Dean Dome, in a couple of years. Why? Because I didn't have tickets.

Last Saturday night I got lucky. I had a terrific seat at the Dean Dome to watch my alma mater beat Santa Clara. But there was something different about the arena, and it troubled me.

The Dean Dome opened in 1986 and had remained unsullied by corporate sponsorship. No signs hawking products cluttered the courtside nor hung overhead."

Trends in giving

Trends in giving: "Trends in giving


(Original publication: December 25, 2005)

It has become traditional at this time of year to bemoan the materialism that greets both Christmas, the day that for Christians marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and, increasingly, Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration of lights. This year, the two happen to coincide, heightening attention to wasteful extravagance — witness the uptick in gift-giving of 'personal services,' such as face-lifts for friends and a day-in-the-country for canines.

But that's only one side of the story. 2005 should first be remembered as proof that giving unto others hasn't given up the ghost to Christmas Past.

Time magazine's 'Persons of the Year'' for 2005 are three people committed to public health and poverty relief in the world. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and wife Melinda Gates — whose foundation, with its $29 billion endowment, is the world's richest charity — were honored for giving astronomical amounts of money to fight AIDS and malaria in poor regions, especially in Africa.

The third in the honored trio is Bono, lead singer of the Irish band U2. In July, Bono persuaded world leaders at the G-8 summit to double aid to Africa to $50 billion a year by 2010 and erase the debt of"

The Post and Courier | Charleston.net | News | Charleston, SC

The Post and Courier | Charleston.net | News | Charleston, SC: "Blackbaud marks 14th year of Good Cheer with $25,000

The largest gift to the Good Cheer Fund this Christmas season has been given by the employees of Blackbaud. Their contribution of $25,000 represents donations from individual employees and a company match."

AP Wire | 12/25/2005 | Minnesota foundations increase giving, according to survey

AP Wire | 12/25/2005 | Minnesota foundations increase giving, according to survey: "Minnesota foundations increase giving, according to survey
Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota's top foundations and corporate giving programs increased giving in 2004, according to the Minnesota Council on Foundations 2005 survey.

The state's 25 largest grantmaking foundations and corporate programs increased giving 13.4 percent. More than half of the $710.3 million granted by those groups stayed in Minnesota.

Private foundations increased grant giving the most, paying 26.2 percent more than in 2003. Corporate foundations and giving programs increased gifts 13 percent, and grants from community foundations decreased 8 percent."

ABC 7 News - Virginia Government Workers Set a Record in Giving

ABC 7 News - Virginia Government Workers Set a Record in Giving: "Virginia Government Workers Set a Record in Giving
RSS Feeds From ABC 7 Monday December 26, 2005 11:04am
Richmond, Va. (AP) - State workers donated more than $4 million to charitable groups, a record for giving.

'By their generosity and volunteering to help others in their community and the commonwealth, our state work force leads by example,' Gov. Mark R. Warner said.

The tax-deductible donations are made through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, which assists 1,300 local, state, national and international charities. "

Channelnewsasia.com-"2005 a challenging year for Singapore's charities

Channelnewsasia.com: "2005 a challenging year for Singapore's charities
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia



SINGAPORE : By all accounts, 2005 has been a turbulent year for local charities, especially the National Kidney Foundation, as the sector got hit by one shockwave after another.

As Singaporeans donated generously to help victims of the Asian tsunami, money was also drained away from the local charity sector.

Smaller charities had barely recovered from the struggle to raise funds when the NKF controversy erupted.

A defamation suit initiated by the NKF's CEO TT Durai led to disclosures about his extravagant pay and perks. "

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 12/27/2005 | A stuffed mailbox

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 12/27/2005 | A stuffed mailbox: "Generosity's reward
A stuffed mailbox
Marty London of Grover Beach is enthusiastic about supporting charities but annoyed by the influx of junk mail that results; nonprofit organizations say spending money on mailers is necessary to help raise money for their missions
Nathan Welton
The Tribune

Grover Beach resident Marty London upended a large sack on his office table on a recent afternoon, spilling out hundreds of envelopes from national charities.

Some of the solicitations looked like official business correspondence, while others advertised free Christmas cards or mailing labels or wall calendars. One proudly displayed a personal note from a former president.

'I don't know why Jimmy Carter is writing to me,' London muttered.

Last January, he decided to answer one of those big mysteries: How much nonprofit junk mail really arrives in that mailbox?

So he started collecting. And collecting. And collecting. Now, after almost a year, he's gathered about 300 requests for money."

The Selma Times-Journal: Local-Library donation featured in APT program

The Selma Times-Journal: Local: "Library donation featured in APT program

By Julian Helms

Saturday, December 17, 2005 10:48 PM CST

The Selma Times-Journal

Alabamians are among the most generous people in the nation.

Giving Makes Change, a new half-hour documentary on Alabama Public Television, showcases the true, empowering stories of folks throughout the state who helped earn Alabama its place of honor on the latest annual ranking of charitable states produced by the Catalogue for Philanthropy."

Colleges call on mom, dad to send money - OrlandoSentinel.com: Orange County News

This link is no longer working.

Colleges call on mom, dad to send money - OrlandoSentinel.com: Orange County News: "Alumni with deep pockets are the gold standard for college and university fundraisers seeking money to add buildings or launch new programs.

These days, however, institutions say they are seeing a boom in donors whose connection to the campus isn't a diploma, but their child's tuition bill.

From large public universities to small liberal-arts colleges, more parents with resources are giving to campuses their children attend. Administrators view it as a perk of attracting students whose parents take an active part in their lives.
"

VWOs welcome tighter rules particularly on fund raising matters

VWOs welcome tighter rules particularly on fund raising matters: "VWOs welcome tighter rules particularly on fund raising matters
Organisations working in the charity sector say an overhaul of the regulatory system is long overdue.

They say the 30:70 rule on fund raising expenses is one of the key areas that needs addressing.

A charity show can raise millions of dollars in just one night, but they come with production costs that are taken from the donations.

The 30:70 rule limits the amount of fund raising expenses to 30 per cent of the donated money."

Blacks must nurture cultural centers - Yahoo! News

Blacks must nurture cultural centers - Yahoo! News: "Tis the season of giving, and when it comes to charitable contributions, no racial group gives more of their discretionary income than do African-Americans.
ADVERTISEMENT

Blacks donate 25% more of their discretionary income to charity than do whites, according to a Chronicle of Philanthropy study. And 90% of that giving is to churches or religious institutions. A study by the Coalition for New Philanthropy found that blacks contributed slightly more than Hispanic- and Asian-Americans in New York City do. But secular black cultural centers, such as museums, are often overlooked."

Community foundation puts struggles behind it | IndyStar.com

Community foundation puts struggles behind it | IndyStar.com: "ohn Ketzenberger
Community foundation puts struggles behind it

When Rebecca Kendall thinks about 2002 and her stint on the Central Indiana Community Foundation board, she thinks about how close the CICF came to disintegrating.

The fledgling product of a merger of the old-line Indianapolis Foundation and the Hamilton County Legacy Fund, CICF was in the throes of creating its strategic plan. It also was staring at a $1 million operational deficit.
How could President Brian Payne persuade a reticent board to buy into a strategic plan if he couldn't balance the budget?"

New York City-Based Philanthropies Donated 13% of All Private U.S. Giving for Relief and Rebuilding of Tsunami-Affected Areas: Financial News - Yahoo!

PRESS RELEASE

New York City-Based Philanthropies Donated 13% of All Private U.S. Giving for Relief and Rebuilding of Tsunami-Affected Areas: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "New York City-Based Philanthropies Donated 13% of All Private U.S. Giving for Relief and Rebuilding of Tsunami-Affected Areas
Tuesday December 27, 9:00 am ET
New York Regional Association of Grantmakers Releases Report On Contributions, Preferred Practices for Disaster Grantmaking

NEW YORK, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (NYRAG), which represents the world's largest concentration of philanthropic capital and some $3.5 billion in annual giving, today announced that its members have given more than $240 million, or 13 percent of all private U.S. donations, to help rebuild areas affected by the South Asia tsunami."

The Advocate - Local charities: Still meeting fundraising goals

The Advocate - Local charities: Still meeting fundraising goals: "Local charities: Still meeting fundraising goals

By Ryan Jockers
Staff Writer

Published December 27 2005

NORWALK -- The global natural disasters of the past year demanded more from philanthropic donors, but individuals and businesses dug deeper to support local organizations, several members of fundraising groups said.

Charities collected a tremendous amount in donations in response to events such as the Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the Pakistani earthquake, which collectively killed more than 308,000 people. Despite this overwhelming need internationally, local groups such as the United Way and YMCA are meeting fundraising goals."

DMA Nonprofit Federation Reviews NY Attorney Generals Report on Telemarketing

DMA Nonprofit Federation Reviews NY Attorney Generals Report on Telemarketing: "DMA Nonprofit Federation Reviews NY Attorney Generals Report on Telemarketing

December 23, 2005 – The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) on December 22 announced it was reviewing a just-released report from New York Attorney General Elliot Spitzer's office that attempts to measure nonprofit efficiency based on a sample of telemarketing campaigns in the state of New York. The DMANF said it was 'pleased to note that the report acknowledges there are legitimate instances where the financial efficiency of a specific campaign does not tell the full story.'

According to the report, in 2004, nonprofit organizations used telephone solicitations to collect $63.5 million for worthy causes in New York. Telephone remains a successful and efficient method for charities to raise funds and build awareness.

DMANF said it agreed with NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer that it is incumbent upon nonprofit organizations to solicit bids in advance of contracting out with a professional fundraiser. 'However, the decision by a nonprofit to work with a professional fundraiser must be based on the specific goals and objectives, which may range from advocating, to raising funds, to building awareness, or educating the general public on important matters,' DMANF added."

NPR : Fundraising Lessons from a Year of Tragedy

NPR : Fundraising Lessons from a Year of Tragedy: "Fundraising Lessons from a Year of Tragedy

Listen to this story...

All Things Considered, December 26, 2005 · Robert Siegel talks with Gene Tempel, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, about what we have learned about fundraising after the tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquake in Pakistan."

Chicago Tribune | Food banks leaner as more in U.S. are hungry

Chicago Tribune | Food banks leaner as more in U.S. are hungry: "Food banks leaner as more in U.S. are hungry

By Michael Martinez, Tribune national correspondent. Tribune correspondent Tim Jones contributed to this report
Published December 26, 2005

LOS ANGELES -- In cities from coast to coast, food bank operators are reporting that food and cash donations are down and the need is up.

In New York, some food pantry shelves are bare, a situation never seen before by 15-year employees. Food donations are off about a million pounds in a city that normally deals with 67 million pounds a year, officials said."

Monday, December 26, 2005

Asia Tsunami Disaster Full Coverage on Yahoo! News

Asia Tsunami Disaster Full Coverage on Yahoo! News: "
AFPBritish girl, Thai boy join tsunami memorial as symbols of triumph
AFP - Sun Dec 25, 1:37 PM ET
PHUKET, Thailand - A young British girl who saved hundreds of lives by alerting people to last year's tsunami and a Thai boy who survived the waves will read poems at Monday's memorials as symbols of triumph over the disaster. Tilly Smith, who was 10 years old when the waves hit, will read a Thai poem entitled ' Tsunami', and Patiwat Komkla, then nine, will read another tsunami poem at a candle light vigil Monday evening. "

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Nonprofits Are Building Green; Kresge Foundation Awarded :: PNNOnline ::

Nonprofits Are Building Green; Kresge Foundation Awarded :: PNNOnline ::: "onprofits Are Building Green; Kresge Foundation Awarded
Posted by: michelleatwilliams on Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Topic Special Features


The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has selected The Kresge Foundation for its 2005 Leadership Award. The award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations providing “vision, leadership and commitment to the evolution of green building design and construction.”


“There is a growing enthusiasm among nonprofits of all types to build and operate in sustainable ways,” says Kresge Foundation Senior Vice President Elizabeth Sullivan. “We hope this award calls attention to their achievement and encourages others to consider green options.”


The award, given to The Kresge Foundation in the category of Community, acknowledges the Foundation’s green building leadership and program initiatives including a national program which provides educational materials and funding for nonprofit organizations to plan and design green buildings."

Help choose a charity for our Green Room book - - MSNBC.com

Help choose a charity for our Green Room book - - MSNBC.com: "Help choose a charity for our Green Room book
Know a charity you think is worthy? If so, read below and e-mail us your thoughts on the best charity to receive the proceeds from the 'Today' show's 2005 Green Room Book Charity Auction
Today

Updated: 7:21 a.m. ET Dec. 21, 2005

For the past seven years, 'Today' has asked notable visitors to our Green Rooms in New York and Washington, D.C., to sign our Green Room Book, which we have auctioned off annually on eBay for charity."

Salary hurts Goodwill, but it's an anomaly

Salary hurts Goodwill, but it's an anomaly: "Salary hurts Goodwill, but it's an anomaly
Nonprofits come in a jumble of shapes, but this compensation package is an anomaly
Wednesday, December 21, 2005

T he words 'good will' are sprinkled around as thickly as snowflakes this time of year, but in the accounting world, the term has a fairly precise definition. As Webster's relays, goodwill (often used as a single word) is an intangible asset, representing the value that patronage and reputation add to a business.

If anything diminishes this intangible asset, of course, the repercussions are tangible, indeed, which is why accountants bother to define it. And if good will is crucial to profit-making firms, many nonprofits simply melt without it. That's why we were glad to see Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette move swiftly to counteract the damage done by its president's total compensation package of $831,508."

Kansas City Star | 12/21/2005 | Charity in the round

Kansas City Star | 12/21/2005 | Charity in the round: "Charity in the round
Donors form giving circles to bring more power to their dollars
By ANN SPIVAK
The Kansas City Star

A few years ago Beth Zollars asked 20 guests to bring a new woman’s coat to a holiday charity luncheon. She ended up dragging about a dozen super-size trash bags filled with donations to her car.

“I knew right then, ‘I’m definitely onto something,’ ” Zollars said.

This year about 500 guests attended Zollars’ holiday celebration at her Leawood home and wrote checks totaling almost $40,000 for local charities that focus on women and children.

Giving circles like Zollars’ are one of the most popular trends in philanthropy in the last five years, according to New Ventures in Philanthropy, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that recently studied this type of shared giving."

The Resource Alliance 7TH INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON RESOURCE MOBILISATION

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group): " 7TH INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON RESOURCE MOBILISATION



The world's leading Workshop for the global South

The 7th International Workshop on Resource Mobilisation (IWRM) will be held at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on 5th - 7th May 2006.

The IWRM has evolved into becoming the leading international platform for discussion, debate and training on local resource mobilisation in the South. It is the second flagship event of the Resource Alliance and is growing in size each year - the 6th IWRM attracted 375 attendees from over 40 countries worldwide! "

Donor shortage halts plan for free 'Aida' - The Boston Globe

Donor shortage halts plan for free 'Aida' - The Boston Globe: "Donor shortage halts plan for free 'Aida'
Lyric Opera scraps Common showing

By Geoff Edgers, Globe Staff | December 20, 2005

Three years after Boston Lyric Opera staged a free production of ''Carmen' that drew a stunning 140,000 people to the Common, the company has reluctantly shelved plans for a follow-up event, concluding that it couldn't find enough local corporate support to underwrite the show."

SR.com: Survey finds region's nonprofits cutting back services

SR.com: Survey finds region's nonprofits cutting back services: "Survey finds region's nonprofits cutting back services

Benjamin Shors
Staff writer
December 20, 2005

Nearly 60 percent of nonprofits in Eastern Washington have decreased their services in the past two years because of financial struggles, according to a survey released this month.

“Despite positive fundraising trends, nonprofits across Washington are scaling back services,” said Aggie Sweeney, CEO of The Collins Group, a Seattle firm that conducted the survey. “Unfortunately, giving trends aren’t keeping up with the costs of delivering services.”

The percent of Eastern Washington nonprofits that had to decrease services was nearly double the statewide figure of nearly 33 percent. Sweeney said the study did not address why regional nonprofits may be faring worse than others in the state."

Channelnewsasia.com- Govt warns knee-jerk reaction may stifle post-NKF charity sector

Channelnewsasia.com: "he Singapore government is tightening coordination among its agencies, as well as checks and balances on charities to make sure the NKF (National Kidney Foundation) saga will not be repeated.

But Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan also warned against a knee-jerk reaction to over-regulate the charity sector.

The charity sector in Singapore has over 1,700 voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) of various sizes. "

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Supports AIFEP, Native Americans in Philanthropy (12/20/05)

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Supports AIFEP, Native Americans in Philanthropy (12/20/05): "W.K. Kellogg Foundation Supports AIFEP,
Native Americans in Philanthropy

The Grotto Foundation was awarded a $180,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP), while Native Americans in Philanthropy received a $140,000 from the Kellogg Foundation to support the enhancement of Native philanthropy.

AIFEP, which is administered by Grotto Foundation staff, will use the grant to advance American Indian leadership and participation within the Minnesota philanthropic and nonprofit sectors; create partnerships and networks among philanthropic, tribal, corporate and nonprofit communities and sectors; and support infrastructure improvements."

Philadelphia Daily News | 12/20/2005 | Giving can be a tough sell

Philadelphia Daily News | 12/20/2005 | Giving can be a tough sell: "Giving can be a tough sell
By MICHAEL HINKELMAN
hinkelm@phillynews.com
Eileen R. Heisman has been a prominent philanthropic fund-raiser in Philadelphia, and she now serves as chief executive officer of the National Philanthropic Trust.

But she says she has never spent much time trying to solicit money from corporations.

'I've always found corporations too difficult to deal with,' she said. 'You have to hit them with the right pitch, and it often has to be aligned with their corporate mission.'

Otherwise, they’re not interested, she said.

The trust is an independent public charity that manages more than $560 million in assets and has raised more than $1 billion in charitable contributions."

Nation: How corporate, how Catholic?

Nation: How corporate, how Catholic?: "How corporate, how Catholic?

Tax-exempt hospitals face questions over pay and uninsured care

By JOE FEUERHERD
Washington

Officials at the nonprofit Providence Health System, the largest hospital system in Oregon and the state’s second largest employer, knew they had, at a minimum, a public relations problem. Difficult questions were sure to be raised about the $6.6 million in wages and retirement benefits received by retired CEO Henry Walker and the high six-figure salaries paid to other top management.

In a Nov. 15 e-mail to his managers, Russ Danielson, who heads Providence’s Oregon operations, acknowledged as much. “I’m sending you this information,” Danielson told his staff, “because there are organizations whose work is intended to disrupt and divide.” Danielson noted that his 2004 compensation was $646,050 of which $97,366 was for deferred retirement. “It’s important that you know what is being reported in the event you are asked about it or hear about from the media,” wrote Danielson.

The compensation information, part of a routine financial disclosure report to the IRS made by Providence last month, came at a particularly inopportune time for the $4 billion health care giant, a jewel in the $66 billion, 600-hospital Catholic health system. Among the disrupters and dividers alluded to by Danielson: the Internal Revenue Service, the Government Accountability Office, the Congressional Budget Office, numerous state attorneys general, local governments, health care watchdog groups, politically connected trial attorneys who have shifted their attention from tobacco companies to nonprofit hospitals, and the Service Employees International Union."

ThirdSector-Valuable charity brands ‘could bring in more income’

ThirdSector: "December 21 2005
Valuable charity brands ‘could bring in more income’
Charities are failing to exploit their “hugely valuable” brands, according to new research.

A survey by Intangible Business, an independent brand evaluation consultancy, has revealed that Cancer Research UK’s brand is worth £202.2m, making it the most valuable charity brand in the country. The National Trust was ranked second at £196m and Oxfam came third with £166.2m."

Channelnewsasia.com-New NKF working to rebuild public trust

Channelnewsasia.com: "ime is GMT 8 hours
Posted: 20 December 2005 2117 hrs

New NKF working to rebuild public trust
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia


SINGAPORE : Following the revelations on the National Kidney Foundation's old management practices, many donors have cancelled their donations to the charity.

Going forward, its new chairman Gerard Ee tells Channel NewsAsia NKF aims to get its priorities right by putting patients first and has no intention of holding any large scale fundraiser. "

Free Web Site Software for Nonprofits :: PNNOnline ::

Free Web Site Software for Nonprofits :: PNNOnline ::: "ree Web Site Software for Nonprofits
Posted by: ngs-christine on Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Topic Special Features


This holiday season, software company nGenuity Solutions launches an ongoing initiative to serve the global community by donating their flagship product, Easy Website Builder, to any qualified nonprofit organization.


“We wanted to find a gift that would extend beyond the holiday season,” says nGenuity Solutions president James O’Kelly. The offer for free website building software for charitable nonprofits will extend beyond the holidays and become a new division within the com"

Campaign for 9/11 Memorial Beset by Troubles, Experts Say

Campaign for 9/11 Memorial Beset by Troubles, Experts Say: "Campaign for 9/11 Memorial Beset by Troubles, Experts Say

By Amy Westfeldt
Associated Press
Tuesday, December 20, 2005; Page A20

NEW YORK -- With groundbreaking a few months away, the campaign to raise $500 million for a Sept. 11 museum and a memorial to the World Trade Center dead has been beset by vague cost estimates, battles over what to build, and, some say, poor planning.

The campaign by the nonprofit World Trade Center Memorial Foundation represents the most ambitious fund drive for a memorial in U.S. history."

Time Magazine Cover Reflects Importance of Philanthropy :: PNNOnline ::

Time Magazine Cover Reflects Importance of Philanthropy :: PNNOnline ::: "Time Magazine Cover Reflects Importance of Philanthropy
Posted by: laurakujawski on Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Topic Expert Opinion


Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, issued the following comment regarding Time Magazine's naming Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates Persons of the Year.


'The acknowledgment of Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates by Time Magazine reflects the growing importance of philanthropy in society,' said Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations. '"

The Jakarta Post - Tax incentives for non-profit organizations

The Jakarta Post - Tax incentives for non-profit organizations: "Tax incentives for non-profit organizations

Pahala Nainggolan, Jakarta

In the draft of new tax bill, the government introduced a long-awaited policy that allows taxpayers to record their donations as deductible expenses. Donations given for national catastrophes and for community and social development will be accounted for as expenses from a tax point of view. Thus the more donations that one gives will be that much less tax paid. Currently, donations for social activities are treated as non-tax deductible expenses. It means that for each donation, on top of it, 30 percent must be added for government as a tax payment. This discourages people's charity and social solidarity."

The Globe and Mail: Pressure mounts for disclosure

The Globe and Mail: Pressure mounts for disclosure: "Pressure mounts for disclosure

By PAUL WALDIE

Monday, December 19, 2005 Posted at 9:50 PM EST

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Faye Wightman is always eager to talk about the charity she runs and the fine work it does. But there's one thing Ms. Wightman is reluctant to discuss — how much she's paid.

“I guess there are mixed feelings about it,” said Ms. Wightman, who is chief executive officer of the Vancouver Foundation, one of Canada's largest charitable foundations with more than $600-million in assets. “The problem is if it's not put in perspective sometimes it can be taken out of context.”"

OregonLive.com: NewsFlash - Goodwill chief agrees to pay cut following audit

OregonLive.com: NewsFlash - Goodwill chief agrees to pay cut following audit: "Goodwill chief agrees to pay cut following audit
12/20/2005, 12:23 a.m. PT
The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The president of Portland's Goodwill made an 'unreasonable' amount of money in 2004, according to an audit by the Oregon attorney general's office.

Michael Miller earned more than $830,000 in pay and benefits last year, making him easily the highest-paid executive at Oregon's social service nonprofits, according to the audit obtained Monday by The Oregonian.

Miller also made more than executives at the other 172 Goodwill branches in North America."

USATODAY.com - Retailers ring up charitable giving with shoppers

USATODAY.com - Retailers ring up charitable giving with shoppers: "Retailers ring up charitable giving with shoppers
By Lorrie Grant, USA TODAY
Charity may start at home, but for many holiday shoppers, it continues at Wal-Mart, Target and Talbots.

After a year of natural catastrophes — from the tsunamis in South Asia to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina — many consumers are looking differently at possessions and are increasingly eager to connect gift-giving to worthy causes, retail trend analysts say.

Retailers often link with charities during the holidays, but many of the largest have stepped up those efforts this year. 'Holiday 2005 will be remembered as the year of giving to those in need,' says Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at NPD Group. 'Retailers want consumers to feel good about buying and helping others.'"

Philadelphia Daily News | 12/20/2005 | Charity varies among big city firms

Philadelphia Daily News | 12/20/2005 | Charity varies among big city firms: "Charity varies among big city firms
By MICHAEL HINKELMAN
hinkelm@phillynews.com

THEY ALL like to crow about their good works. In fact, when it comes to social responsibility, all of the big public companies headquartered in the city have the same mantra: We care.

Health insurer Cigna boasts of being 'a business of caring.' Visit cable giant Comcast's Web site and you will quickly discover that 'Comcast Cares.'

But does all that caring result in charitable donations? Particularly here, in their hometown?"

Monday, December 19, 2005

The Times-Tribune - News - 12/19/2005 - Compensation varies widely for nonprofit CEOs

The Times-Tribune - News - 12/19/2005 - Compensation varies widely for nonprofit CEOs:

snip snip>>
"However, those packages do not even represent a half a percentage point of each hospital’s annual budget.

“People don’t realize non-profit hospitals are competing with for-profit hospitals,” said Jack Voorhees, executive director of the Scranton Better Business Bureau. “The salaries have to be fairly competitive and usually are much less than a CEO would make at a for-profit hospital.”

Nationwide, charities pay an average of 3.4 percent of their total expenses to their top executive in salary and other compensation, said Thomas Pollak, assistant director of the Urban Institute’s National Center for Charitable Statistics. That average is based on a sampling of 4,257 charities. “Donors are very interested in how much charity leaders make,” said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Virginia nonprofit watchdog group, Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. “Is that the most important thing to a donor? Maybe. Maybe not. But they definitely want to know the information.”"

Charity isn't free; know how to make yours work best - - - December 18, 2005

Charity isn't free; know how to make yours work best - - - December 18, 2005: "Charity isn't free; know how to make yours work best

Whether your seasonal giving is based in the Jewish principle of Tzdakkah, a Christian or Muslim belief in charity, humanitarian philosophy, or response to colleagues' requests to donate to their favorite group, it is likely that most readers will join the 89 percent of all North Americans who contribute to nonprofit or faith-based organizations each year. Philanthropy means 'love of humanity.' We give because we recognize that we are responsible for each other and for the condition of our world. And — giving feels good.

Your mailbox is flooded with letters, appealing photos of children, animals and land that can only be saved with your contribution today. So how do you decide which groups to support? The big national organizations? The ones you know personally? The ones that pressure you?"

Hattiesburg American -Red Cross was overwhelmed by amount of aid needed

Hattiesburg American - www.hattiesburgamerican.com - Hattiesburg, Miss.: "Red Cross was overwhelmed by amount of aid needed
By Erin Hilsabeck

For decades, the American Red Cross has aided Mississippians in the aftermath of all kinds of natural disasters - providing hot meals, shelter, blankets, water and money.

But Hurricane Katrina threw the 124-year-old organization for a loop. Despite preparation, the Red Cross' relief efforts have received widespread criticism locally and nationally."

NBC's The Apprentice 4: And The Winner Is...

NBC's The Apprentice 4: And The Winner Is...: "


December 16, 2005

NBC's The Apprentice 4: And The Winner Is...
In the final showdown of NBC's The Apprentice 4, Randal and Rebecca squared off to raise funds for charitable organizations. Randal turned his attention to a celebrity auction with big names like Sugar Ray Leonard to raise money directly for Autism Speaks. Rebecca promoted a comedy event sponsored by Yahoo. Her approach to charity fund raising was more behind-the-scenes than Randal. Every gift bag for the comedy fest included a direct mail piece for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The final result was Randal raised over $11,000 while Rebecca's event didn't produce an immediate measurable outcome. In the end, each candidate faced a round of serious questions from Donald Trump who awarded the apprentice crown to Randal. "

Gift-Wrapped Guilt?

Gift-Wrapped Guilt?: "Gift-Wrapped Guilt?
My Adventure With Ethical Shopping

By Frances Stead Sellers

Sunday, December 18, 2005; Page B01

Earlier this month, there was a three-day sale of imported Oriental rugs at the Mennonite church near my house in Baltimore. 'They are a little pricey,' one of my neighbors warned me wryly, 'because the workers are paid a living wage.' What a concept! The last time I bought an Oriental rug -- years ago in Kashmir -- I haggled over the price with little thought for the well-being of the rugmakers. I was pretty sure most of the profit would go to the store owner, anyway. But now my already stressful shopping season -- garlanded with aspirations to find creative presents -- had been complicated by the intrusion of altruism: I was meant to worry about the workers."

Philanthropy UK Quarterly E-letter

Philanthropy UK Quarterly E-letter: "the Philanthropy UK Newsletter emerged from the PhilanthropyUK Project directed by Theresa Lloyd, which ended in 2004. It is currently being overseen by a consortium of organisations, including the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF), Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), Community Foundation Network (CFN), Impetus Trust, Institute for Philanthropy, New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) and Pilotlight."

The Chronicle, 12/16/2005: Americans Don't Want Gifts Used for Purposes They Haven't Approved, New Poll Finds

The Chronicle, 12/16/2005: Americans Don't Want Gifts Used for Purposes They Haven't Approved, New Poll Finds: "Americans Don't Want Gifts Used for Purposes They Haven't Approved, New Poll Finds

By Harvy Lipman

Nearly 60 percent of Americans believe that a charity should return a donor's money if the organization intentionally ignores what the donor wanted done with the money.

Ninety-seven percent of Americans say that if charities spend donations on unauthorized projects that would be a 'serious' matter, according to the survey, which was conducted by the Zogby International polling firm.

Nearly 80 percent said they would stop giving to a charity that accepts contributions for one purpose and uses the money for something else. And 72 percent said the managers of such an organization should be held legally or criminally liable."

'Clock is Ticking' for Year-End Giving | Christianpost.com- Christian News Online , Christian World News

'Clock is Ticking' for Year-End Giving | Christianpost.com- Christian News Online , Christian World News:
snip snip>
"new survey revealed that six in ten consumers are unaware of the tax incentives despite efforts made to increase giving. The December 2005 survey from Kintera Inc., which supports nonprofit organizations in raising funds for such causes as hurricane relief, was conducted on more than 600 consumers.

Additional results showed that 53 percent of respondents will consider making additional charitable contributions or plan to consult their tax advisor about KETRA; 44 percent of consumers planning to give will donate online to meet the Dec. 31 deadline; 32 percent planning to donate will do so via mailed check; and 82 percent of consumers planning to give would consider donating up to $100 in light of KETRA."

The Globe and Mail: Charity finds a new address: Bay Street

The Globe and Mail: Charity finds a new address: Bay Street
SPECIAL REPORT: Tax reforms set in motion nearly 10 years ago have altered philanthropic behaviour in Canada by ushering in an era of ever-larger gifts. Donor-directed giving is not only revolutionizing how charities operate, but it's also opening new opportunities for financial institutions.

Nonprofits serving poor see decline in giving

Nonprofits serving poor see decline in giving: "Nonprofits serving poor see decline in giving
Even though charitable contributions are increasing, donations targeted to help the poor account for a smaller share."

USNews.com: Charity begins with homework (12/26/05)

USNews.com: Charity begins with homework (12/26/05): "Charity Begins With Homework

Yes, it does make you a better person to give to charity (even though you really wanted to treat yourself to that new flat-panel TV). But choosing a charity to support can be overwhelming, especially in a year like 2005, when the legacy of a tsunami and too many hurricanes may have left you feeling that the number of causes far outstrips the contents of your wallet."

Charity isn't free; know how to make yours work best - - - December 18, 2005

Charity isn't free; know how to make yours work best - - - December 18, 2005: "Charity isn't free; know how to make yours work best

Whether your seasonal giving is based in the Jewish principle of Tzdakkah, a Christian or Muslim belief in charity, humanitarian philosophy, or response to colleagues' requests to donate to their favorite group, it is likely that most readers will join the 89 percent of all North Americans who contribute to nonprofit or faith-based organizations each year. Philanthropy means 'love of humanity.' We give because we recognize that we are responsible for each other and for the condition of our world. And — giving feels good."

Katrina swells tax benefits of benevolence - 2005-12-19

Katrina swells tax benefits of benevolence - 2005-12-19: "ith the holiday spirit in the air and Dec. 31 just around the corner, many taxpayers are looking to make last-minute donations to their favorite charities, and Birmingham area fundraisers are working long hours to keep up.

'It's not eight-hour days, it's 12-hour days, and many of us work on Saturdays and Sundays as well,' says Diana Pool-Spencer, board president for the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Alabama chapter."

Friday, December 16, 2005

KGPE - CBS TV47 - Attorney General issues guidelines for giving wisely during the holidays

KGPE - CBS TV47 - Attorney General issues guidelines for giving wisely during the holidays: "Attorney General issues guidelines for giving wisely during the holidays
Posted: 12/16/2005 9:38:43 AM

Attorney General Bill Lockyer is urging Californians to show their holiday spirit by donating generously to the charitable programs that enhance the community and people's lives, but he also cautions donors to be vigilant and protect themselves against potential fraud."

NP Times /-Leaders Drucker, Kuhn and Svenson all die

NP Times / NPT Executive Of The Year: "November, A Bitter Month

Leaders Drucker, Kuhn and Svenson all die

By Craig Causer and Marla E. Nobles

The nonprofit management and fundraising worlds were rocked during November as three of the sector’s influential leaders died. Management guru Peter Drucker, fundraising legend Don Kuhn and database fundraiser pioneer Andrew E. Svenson all left their marks on the nonprofit and for-profit worlds."

Evergreen Newspapers, Inc.-Statewide report finds charitable giving up, money reaching charities down

Evergreen Newspapers, Inc.: "Statewide report finds charitable giving up, money reaching charities down

By Heath Urie
12/14/2005

With the holiday season rapidly gearing into full force, now is the time many charitable organizations appeal to the hearts and wallets of strangers to support their services — but who's really getting the money?

Last week, Colorado Secretary of State Gigi Dennis and Attorney General John Suthers announced the results of the third Annual Report on Charitable Solicitations. The report details how much money charities spend on paying collectors, compared with how much money goes to their stated causes."

Chron.com | Sept. 11 Memorial Fundraising Troubled

Chron.com | Sept. 11 Memorial Fundraising Troubled: "Dec. 16, 2005, 1:00PM
Sept. 11 Memorial Fundraising Troubled

By AMY WESTFELDT Associated Press Writer
� 2005 The Associated Press

NEW YORK — With groundbreaking a few months away, the campaign to raise $500 million for a Sept. 11 museum and a memorial to the World Trade Center dead has been beset by vague cost estimates, battles over what to build, and, some say, poor planning."

Present pressure

Present pressure: "Present pressure

By MATT WICKENHEISER, Portland Press Herald Writer

Copyright � 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

OF CHARITY ONE INCREASINGLY popular workplace gift is a donation to a charity, given in the recipient's name. Some charities, such as the Cancer Community Center in South Portland, sell physical gifts that can be given to co-workers or clients. The Cancer Center sells candles, for example.

THE MAINE Nonprofit Association has the 'Gifts that Give Twice' section on its Web site, www.nonprofitmaine.org. Forty nonprofits have posted items and services for sale as holiday fundraisers.

ANOTHER SITE for those seeking a charity-related gift is www.charitychecks.us. The organization allows a buyer to purchase a set amount, say $25, and give the 'Charity Check' to the gift recipient, who can then give that check to any of 800,000 IRS-qualified charities across the country.

Online NewsHour: Troubles at the American Red Cross -- December 14, 2005

Online NewsHour: Troubles at the American Red Cross -- December 14, 2005: "AMERICAN RED CROSS TROUBLES

December 14 , 2005


The chief executive of the American Red Cross resigned amid criticism of the charity's disaster relief efforts, including its response to Hurricane Katrina. After a background report, a public service professor discusses the problems facing the Red Cross.

realaudio

MARGARET WARNER: When disaster strikes, the Red Cross is the one private charity that U.S. officials from the president on down urge Americans to give to, just as they did after Hurricane Katrina hit this year.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: Right now if our fellow citizens want to help, they ought to give a cash donation to the Red Cross, which they can find at a phone number 1-800-HELP-NOW.

MARGARET WARNER: Americans responded. Of the $2.6 billion raised in private donations for hurricane relief, by far the largest amount, more than $1.8 billion, went to the Red Cross."

Newsday.com: Red Cross Umbrella Group Wants $333M

Newsday.com: Red Cross Umbrella Group Wants $333M: "Red Cross Umbrella Group Wants $333M


By Associated Press

December 15, 2005, 1:12 PM EST

GENEVA -- The umbrella group for Red Cross societies worldwide said Thursday it needs $333 million to fund its aid work, particularly in Africa and Asia, through 2007.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was breaking from its policy of issuing annual 12-month appeals to help facilitate better planning of its humanitarian operations and ward off the effects of donor fatigue in case of future disasters. "

The Nation Newspaper | Red Cross putting plans in place

The Nation Newspaper | Red Cross putting plans in place: "Red Cross putting plans in place
Published on: 12/16/05.

THE RED CROSS is determined to learn from past mistakes in order to be better prepared to handle disasters in the region.

This came out from a media conference at the end of a five-day meeting on Strengthening Disaster Management Capacity In The Caribbean Region project.

Disaster Management Delegate for Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU), Thomas Doyle, is tasked with implementing the European Commission Humanitarian aid Office (ECHO) funded project within the Caribbean Region."

ABC News: Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity

ABC News: Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity: "Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity
Czech Tsunami Survivor and Model Petra Nemcova Focuses on Charity
(AP Photo/Shiho Fukada)
The Associated PressThe Associated Press

WASHINGTON Dec 15, 2005 — Petra Nemcova said Thursday she recently made a tearful return to her work as a supermodel but still devotes most of her time to the children's charity she established after recovering from injuries sustained in last year's tsunami."

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Fundraisers will be forced to reveal if they are paid

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Fundraisers will be forced to reveal if they are paid: "Fundraisers will be forced to reveal if they are paid
ANGUS HOWARTH

NEW rules to make charity fundraisers in Scotland disclose whether they are being paid to collect public donations were launched yesterday.

The regulations, which will come into effect next summer,

will require fundraisers to say who they are, whether they are being paid to collect donations and how much of the collected money goes to the charity."

News from Agape Press

News from Agape Press: "Proposed Amendment May Restore Associated Churches' Tax-Exempt Status

By Allie Martin
December 15, 2005

(AgapePress) - A U.S. senator from Arkansas has proposed a measure that would restore tax-exemption eligibility for a handful of churches across the United States. The amendment is designed to address a 2001 Internal Revenue Service ruling that disqualified 'associations of churches' from claiming tax-exempt status if they allow individual members to vote during organizational meetings."

Royal GazetteDonations reach $2m mark for Red Cross(Bermuda)

Royal Gazette: "Donations reach $2m mark for Red Cross

By Tricia Walters

Weather-related disasters in 2005 have led to donations from Islanders totalling more than $2 million.
According to a report by the United National Environment Programme (UNEP), 2005 saw the highest number of hurricanes or tropical storms since records began in 1850 – showing a growing trend which experts have linked with climate change.
The report quoted preliminary estimates presented by Munich Re Foundation.
This year’s trend shows that major tropical storms in the Atlantic and Pacific have increased in duration and intensity by 50 percent since the 1970s, the report said.
As for the victims of these natural disasters, which included not only hurricanes, but also earthquakes, droughts in West Africa and floods, charities in Bermuda did not shy away from raising money."

Catholic Explorer :: Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond

Catholic Explorer :: Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond: "Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond

By KATHRYNNE SKONICKI


Charitable giving fatigue is felt in diocese and beyond
A volunteer for the Salvation Army braves the snowy weather to ring her bell for donations.


ROMEOVILLE—The American public has used its checkbook to demonstrate compassion in 2005 and nonprofit organizations continue to express their gratitude. However, some nonprofits have conveyed concern over donor fatigue, especially as many organizations are in the midst of year-end appeals.

Catholic Relief Services is still carrying out a five-year $188 million relief effort in tsumani affected areas in Southeast Asia and is pleading with donors to help avert a second round of deaths after a Pakistan earthquake that affected more than 2.2 million children. Stateside, Catholic Charities USA documented the continued generosity of Americans as they donated more than $116 million to aid survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but Catholic Charities agencies across the country expressed concerns about bracing for high utility costs and a bleak financial future."

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Playing God on a budget

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Playing God on a budget: "Ellen Goodman / Syndicated columnist
Playing God on a budget

BOSTON — The kitchen table was set with the usual utensils for our annual family conference: A mug of coffee, a pot of tea, a stack of fundraising requests, a checkbook and a pen.

Our domestic scene was by no means unique. Americans donate around $250 billion a year. We give half of it between Thanksgiving and Christmas, driven by seasonal good will and (blush) an IRS deadline. This week alone, thousands of families will put billions of dollars into sealed envelopes all destined to do good.

Though we are not, to put it mildly, Melinda and Bill Gates, my husband and I perform this ritual with some generosity and good feeling. But this year, as we shuffled through the requests, with their check-off boxes and carefully honed appeals, something clicked."

Illinois Foundations, Individuals Donate $9.1 Billion to Charity :: PNNOnline ::

Illinois Foundations, Individuals Donate $9.1 Billion to Charity :: PNNOnline ::: "llinois Foundations, Individuals Donate $9.1 Billion to Charity
Posted by: jeleneb on Friday, December 16, 2005
Topic General Fundraising


Charitable giving in Illinois totaled $9.1 billion in 2003, an increase of 2 percent from 2001, according to a new report on foundation, corporate and individual giving trends in the state. Released by the Donors Forum of Chicago, Giving in Illinois 2005 found that this increase was fueled by a rise in individual giving, while foundation and corporate giving dropped for the first time in six years.


Giving in Illinois 2005 offers detailed analysis on grantmaking by region, subject area and support type using 2003 data, the most current data available for Illinois foundations.


After steadily increasing since 1997, grantmaking by foundations and corporations fell for the first time in 2003. Giving by foundations and corporations totaled $1.49 billion, a decrease of 9 percent from 2001. Meanwhile, giving by individuals in Illinois rose to $7.6 billion in 2003, an increase of 5.8 percent compared with 2001."

ABC News: Corporate 'Peace Corps': Companies Now Lend Employees

ABC News: Corporate 'Peace Corps': Companies Now Lend Employees: "Corporate 'Peace Corps': Companies Now Lend Employees
Businesses Expand Philanthropy By Giving More than Cash and Products
Global Health

Solveig Haupt in her new job in southwestern India as a Pfizer corporate fellow. (Solveig Haupt)
By CHARLOTTE SECTOR

Dec. 16, 2005 — Solveig Haupt's work environment changed dramatically three months ago.

She left the confines of her New York City office for a crowded hospital in southern India to volunteer her marketing and management skills as a Pfizer fellow."

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Canadians less charitable?

Canadians less charitable?: "Canadians less charitable?
Far less generous than Americans: study

Eric Beauchesne, CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, December 15, 2005

OTTAWA -- Canadians are far less generous with their charity giving than Americans, a report from the Fraser Institute says.

The organization calculates that if Canadians were as generous as Americans, then Canadian charities would have $8-billion a year more to help the needy.

That Canadians have come to rely on a more generous social safety net, and as a result also pay higher taxes, may explain in part why they give less to charity than Americans, said one of the authors of the annual report by the Fraser Institute."

Wisconsin State Journal

Wisconsin State Journal: "Charity, religion and public schools
00:00 am 12/15/05

The red Salvation Army kettle is a ubiquitous part of the holidays, but should public schools send students on bell-ringing field trips for the religious-affiliated organization?
The red Salvation Army kettle is a ubiquitous part of the holidays, but should public schools send students on bell-ringing field trips for the religious-affiliated organization?
(DARREN HAUCK -- Associated Press file photo)

Today's issue: Should public-school students help to raise funds for the Salvation Army?

Background: Last week, Chavez Elementary School in Madison canceled a third-grade field trip to help raise money for the Salvation Army after a parent objected to having public-school students help the religious-based charitable organization. Assistant Superintendent Sue Abplanalp said Chavez staff chose the organization due to its charity work with the poor and homeless rather than for its Christian basis.

Viewpoints: Most writers say the Salvation Army helps, not harms, people.One writer applauds the parent who protested against the trip."

Scottish Charities go Online

content: "Scottish charities go online

07/12/05

The first ever list of the 18,000 Scottish charities, plus a profile of their activities, has been published by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

The list includes details of each organisation’s charitable purposes, income, beneficiaries and geographical location while the profile, called Scottish Charities 2005, gives various statistics reflecting the state of the Scottish charitable sector."

Queen Noor Of Jordan To Keynote Portland, Oregon's Premier Philanthropic Event - (Medford Article)

Queen Noor Of Jordan To Keynote Portland, Oregon's Premier Philanthropic Event - (Medford Article): "Queen Noor Of Jordan To Keynote Portland, Oregon's Premier Philanthropic Event

Portland, Oregon - Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan will be the featured speaker at Portland State University's annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner on March 1, 2006, honoring philanthropists Gary and Barbara Ames and Ken and Marta Thrasher. In its seventh year, the Simon Benson Awards dinner is Portland's premiere philanthropic event, celebrating Pacific Northwest residents who are advocates for philanthropy. Named after one of Oregon's philanthropic pioneers, the award recognizes individuals who are visionaries and have generously given time and/or money to support the lives of generations of Oregonians."

Make the most of your last-minute donations - Countdown to Christmas - MSNBC.com

Make the most of your last-minute donations - Countdown to Christmas - MSNBC.com: "Make the most of your last-minute donations
By Jean Chatzky
“Today” financial editor
Updated: 11:32 a.m. ET Dec. 14, 2005


Are you in the giving mood this holiday season? If so, your donations must be made by Dec. 31 in order to get a 2005 tax credit. “Today” financial editor Jean Chatzky shares advice on how to make the most of your charitable contributions."

U.S. charitable donations could set record this year | IndyStar.com

U.S. charitable donations could set record this year | IndyStar.com: "U.S. charitable donations could set record this year
Groups report that requests for aid have not left donors tired of making contributions

Powered by Topix.net
By David Crary
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Donor fatigue? Not this year.

Even after the outpouring of donations for the Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, holiday giving is robust this season, and 2005 could well set an overall record, U.S. charity officials are reporting.
'It seems to be a phenomenal year,' said Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. 'Donor fatigue is something not many charities are seeing.'"

10NBC / WHEC TV-10-Former President Clinton visits Rochester, tours RIT with Golisano

10NBC / WHEC TV-10: "President Clinton visits Rochester

Former President Bill Clinton visited Rochester Wednesday afternoon at the invitation of Paychex founder Tom Golisano. They toured the RIT campus and spoke to students and staff. During his speech the 42nd president praised Golisano for his philanthropy and for making a difference in the world. "

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

ABC News: America's Charities Impressed by Donors

ABC News: America's Charities Impressed by Donors: "America's Charities Impressed by Donors
America's Charities End a Challenging Year Impressed by Their Donors' Zeal

People line up for food provided by the American Red Cross in the Lakeshore neighborhood of New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005. Some charities feared their holiday season fundraising would suffer as donors decided they had given enough. Thus far, however, end-of-year giving is generally reported strong, although some local charities remain worried because they have more needy people to serve. (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki, File)
By DAVID CRARY AP National Writer
The Associated PressThe Associated Press

NEW YORK Dec 14, 2005 — Donor fatigue? Not this year. Even after the outpouring of donations for the Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, holiday giving is robust this season and 2005 could well set an overall record, U.S. charity officials are reporting.

'It seems to be a phenomenal year,' said Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. 'Donor fatigue is something not many charities are seeing.'"

New Models Emerge for Workplace Giving Campaigns: Broader Employee Interests and Technology Drive Change

PRESS RELEASE


New Models Emerge for Workplace Giving Campaigns: Broader Employee Interests and Technology Drive Change: "Press release from: Global Impact

New Models Emerge for Workplace Giving Campaigns: Broader Employee Interests and Technology Drive Change


(CSRwire) Alexandria, Virginia - A study of 22 U.S. corporations reveals that the traditional workplace giving campaign is evolving into a new model. The study found that more corporations are providing their employees charitable choices beyond local charities and also integrating technology as a core campaign component. With more than $3.8 billion generated annually for charity, workplace giving campaigns are an integral aspect of individual philanthropy in the U.S.

'The changes in workplace giving campaigns that we are seeing today are being driven by donors who are more diverse and sophisticated in their charitable giving interests.' said Ren�e Acosta, president and CEO of Global Impact. 'Moreover, the availability of technology solutions facilitates campaigns providing greater workplace giving choices to their employees.' "

News from The Roanoke Times -Bald is bountiful

News from The Roanoke Times -Bald is bountiful: "spokeswoman at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University said this year's hurricanes and the South Asian tsunami have had an effect on charities.

'The results are pretty mixed results across the board on how Hurricane Katrina giving has affected other charities,' said Adriene Davis. 'We do know that human services organizations ... often feel the pinch when there is a pinch at all in giving. That is often because there is an increase in the need for their services at the same time that there is a decrease in giving.''

The Rescue Mission's plight is similar to other human service agencies across the country.

Public backs donors' say in fund use - Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Public backs donors' say in fund use - Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "ublic backs donors' say in fund use

By Jennifer Harper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
December 14, 2005

The public does not take kindly to nonprofit organizations, charities and educational institutions that ignore the wishes of donors and misuse donated money, according to a Zogby poll released today. "

NewsOK.com | Powered by The Oklahoman and NEWS 9

NewsOK.com | Powered by The Oklahoman and NEWS 9: "End of the year is smart time to give to charity

Today's Q&A is with the vice president of membership, Association of Fundraising Professionals -- Oklahoma Chapter.

Q: With so many nonprofits in Oklahoma and beyond, how do we decide which are legitimate organizations that deserve our support?

A: Great giving decisions start with great information. And in this information age, the data you need to make a sound and reasoned giving decision is easily available. At www.guidestar.org, you can find detailed information on almost every IRS-registered charity in the United States. This information includes the charity's mission, its programs, its leadership and its finances. You can also check with friends and colleagues who might have insight into a certain local charity's programs and whether or not its programs are achieving the desired results. Additionally, you can call the nonprofit directly and ask for their annual report and/or an audited financial statement."

Times Leader | 12/14/2005 | Cds Creative, inc., CreateAThon benefits regional nonprofits

Times Leader | 12/14/2005 | Cds Creative, inc., CreateAThon benefits regional nonprofits: "Cds Creative, inc., CreateAThon benefits regional nonprofits

Cds Creative, inc., a six person advertising, marketing, public relations and event management agency, held its CreateAThon, a 24-hour work-around-the-clock effort,"

Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/14/2005 | A double standard in charity

Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/14/2005 | A double standard in charity: "A double standard in charity
Giving to the poor lags this year despite a rise in donations to hospitals and religious groups.
By Toni Callas
Inquirer Staff Writer

The clang of the tiny, gold bell drew Maple Shade's Marlene Currier to the Salvation Army's familiar red kettle outside Strawbridge's at the Cherry Hill Mall.

She put in a few dollars and was on her way. It didn't matter that she had already given to a New Orleans family devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

'My husband and I live by the saying, 'To whom much is given, much is expected,' ' Currier said. 'We are very blessed and want to give when we can.'

Apparently many Americans feel the same. Despite reports that donor fatigue is affecting Christmas giving, those who keep track say agencies and groups will see an overall increase from the $250 billion raised for charity last year."

HollywoodPoker.com Announces Charity Poker Gone MADD Winner: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE

HollywoodPoker.com Announces Charity Poker Gone MADD Winner: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "HollywoodPoker.com Announces Charity Poker Gone MADD Winner
Wednesday December 14, 6:00 am ET

BELL GARDENS, Calif., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- HollywoodPoker.com ( http://www.hollywoodpoker.com ), where the stars come to play, was happy to lend a helping hand on Saturday, December 3, 2005 for the first installment of the 'Charity Poker Gone MADD Tournament Series,' organized by Exit 131 Productions and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at the Bicycle Casino. More than 170 players participated in the first installment of the series, generating a prize pool of $69,000."

The Fraser Institute: Media Release-Once Again Manitoba Tops the Fraser Institute's Generosity Index; Americans Donate Twice as Much as Canadians

The Fraser Institute: Media Release-Once Again Manitoba Tops the Fraser Institute's Generosity Index; Americans Donate Twice as Much as Canadians: "The Fraser Institute: Media Release-Once Again Manitoba Tops the Fraser Institute's Generosity Index; Americans Donate Twice as Much as Canadians

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - Dec. 14, 2005) - Manitoba is once again Canada's most generous province, according to Charitable Giving in Canada and the US: The 2005 Generosity Index, released today by The Fraser Institute.

'The charitable sector depends on the generosity of Canadians to finance the provision of goods and services that might not otherwise be available to some of society's neediest citizens,' said Sylvia LeRoy, policy analyst at The Fraser Institute. 'Our Generosity Index measures private charitable giving across the Canadian provinces and US states.'

Generosity in Canada

Manitoba ranks first in Canada for having the highest percentage of tax-filers donating to charity (28.3 percent), followed by Ontario (27.0 percent) and Saskatchewan (26.7 percent)."

Chicago Tribune | $2.9 billion given after storm

Chicago Tribune | $2.9 billion given after storm: "$2.9 billion given after storm

By Charles Storch
Published December 14, 2005

Charitable giving by Americans to help victims of this year's major Gulf Coast hurricanes has exceeded $2.96 billion in fewer than four months, topping the estimated $2.8 billion donated over several years in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to a report released Tuesday.

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University also found that U.S. disaster giving totaled around $4.83 billion when it included the nearly $1.8 billion and more than $83 million so far donated, respectively, to assist South Asian victims of last December's tsunami and October's earthquake."

Red Cross Top Official Steps Down

Red Cross Top Official Steps Down: "Red Cross Top Official Steps Down
Charity Says Departure Is Unrelated to Katrina

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 14, 2005; Page A01

The American Red Cross, facing criticism for its Hurricane Katrina relief effort, said yesterday that its chief executive, Marsha J. Evans, has resigned -- the latest in a string of leaders who have struggled to guide the giant, often troubled charity."

ABC News: Red Cross President Resigns; Questions Remain

ABC News: Red Cross President Resigns; Questions Remain: "Dec. 13, 2005 — Today's resignation by American Red Cross President Marsha Evans makes her the third in the last four presidents of the organization to end their tenure after a major national disaster.

Evans' resignation came as a surprise just hours before a congressional committee heard detailed testimony of Red Cross shortcomings and failures in the wake of Hurricane Katrina"

BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How to give away �51m

BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How to give away �51m: "How to give away �51m
By Jonathan Duffy
BBC News Magazine

Body Shop founder Anita Roddick says she plans to give away her entire �51m fortune to good causes. But there's nothing straightforward about philanthropy these days."

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group)

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group): "Global Connections
The electronic newsletter of the Resource Alliance

Welcome to Issue 20 of 'Global Connections', the Resource Alliance’s electronic newsletter. Please pass along this newsletter to anyone you feel might find it of interest. "

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

New Orleans CityBusiness -- Boggs to serve as nonprofit ambassador

New Orleans CityBusiness -- New Orleans CityBusiness: "Boggs to serve as nonprofit ambassador
By April Capochino

2005-12-12 1:24 PM CST

NEW ORLEANS — Former Congresswoman Lindy Boggs will serve as the official ambassador of the Unified Nonprofits of Greater New Orleans, a post-Katrina collaboration of nonprofits.

Boggs was the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, served as a U.S. ambassador to the Vatican and is the mother of news analyst Cokie Roberts.

Early today, she spoke to a room of about 30 nonprofit leaders at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City.

'We were trying to think of someone who could represent what the nonprofit sector does and someone suggested her name, which made complete sense,' said Lisa Kaichen, who heads the group."