Monday, December 31, 2007

pri NewsRoom

pri NewsRoom: "SANTA MONICA (2007-12-28) Aristotle said 'to give away money is an easy matter and in any man's power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, for what purpose and how, is neither in every man's power nor an easy matter.' Many Americans will be making those decisions in the final days of tax year 2007. 'To the Point' explores how we can target our charitable giving to be most effective."

Las Vegas SUN: Editorial: A drop in the bucket

Las Vegas SUN: Editorial: A drop in the bucket: "Charities are having a tough year. Fewer than half of the nation's charities are bringing in more money this holiday season than last, according to a survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The last three months of the year are crucial to many charities. Roughly 70 percent of the charities surveyed reported that at least 40 percent of their annual budget comes in during the holiday season."

For Modern Kids, 'Philanthropy' Is No Grown-Up Word - washingtonpost.com

For Modern Kids, 'Philanthropy' Is No Grown-Up Word - washingtonpost.com: "And in Club Penguin, a popular online game club for the elementary school set, more than 2.5 million kids gave their virtual earnings to charities in a contest this month. In response, the site's founders are giving $1 million to charities based on the children's preferences."

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Groups that help needy feeling pinch this season - USATODAY.com

Groups that help needy feeling pinch this season - USATODAY.com: "Charities across the country are experiencing the same problems, says Michael Nilsen of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 'The housing crisis and problems in the economy couldn't have hit at a worse time,' he says."

Uni funding must rise to match Oxford | The Australian

Uni funding must rise to match Oxford | The Australian: "AUSTRALIA will never have a world-class university such as Harvard or Oxford without dramatically increasing funding to the tertiary sector, the head of the nation's elite universities has warned.

Group of Eight universities chair Alan Robson said the country could not compete at the elite international level unless campuses were funded on a similar scale to Harvard - which benefits from a private endowment fund of more than $34.9 billion.

The University of Western Australia vice-chancellor also urged universities to diversify and called on the Rudd Government to set up a $20 million fund to reward 'high impact' research."

The Hindu News Update Service

The Hindu News Update Service: "In its first ever list of World's Top 50 Microfinance Institutions, the US business magazine has named Bangalore- based Bandhan at the second position."

Hilton to donate bulk of fortune to foundation - USATODAY.com

Hilton to donate bulk of fortune to foundation - USATODAY.com: "Barron Hilton, son of the international hotel chain's founder, said Wednesday that he will donate nearly all of his fortune to his family's philanthropic foundation that supports housing for the homeless, safe water in developing countries and other causes worldwide."

Groups that help needy feeling pinch this season - USATODAY.com

Groups that help needy feeling pinch this season - USATODAY.com: "Charities across the country are experiencing the same problems, says Michael Nilsen of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 'The housing crisis and problems in the economy couldn't have hit at a worse time,' he says."

Hawaii nonprofit funding unusual - The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii nonprofit funding unusual - The Honolulu Advertiser: "Hawai'i's controversial system for approving grants to nonprofits appears to be unique and far less open than what typically happens in other states, according to national nonprofit executives, fundraising professionals and budget experts.

National data on how states handle nonprofit funding is hard to come by, but the experts said they weren't aware of a system similar to Hawai'i's."

Friday, December 21, 2007

Steinhauser: Local nonprofits now bear a heavier burden

Steinhauser: Local nonprofits now bear a heavier burden: "Donors must understand that nonprofits need operational funding to keep the doors open and be flexible to meet community needs. The United Way was one of the last sources of unrestricted funds that kept nonprofits healthy and focused on their missions."

AFP > Research & Statistics | AFP research > Many Charities Behind on Their Fundraising This Holiday Season, but Still Optimistic

AFP > Research & Statistics | AFP research > Many Charities Behind on Their Fundraising This Holiday Season, but Still Optimistic: "Many Charities Behind on Their Fundraising This Holiday Season, but Still Optimistic

(Arlington, Va.) Less than half of charities across North America are raising more money during the 2007 holiday giving season (defined as October through December) than they did last year, according to a survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

AFP’s 2007 Holiday Giving Survey found that just 48.3 percent of charities are raising more money during the last quarter of 2007 (as of Dec. 10) compared to the same period in 2006. Approximately a quarter (25.4 percent) have raised about the same amount, and 26.3 percent have raised less."

TheStar.com | comment | Don't sweat seasonal generosity

TheStar.com | comment | Don't sweat seasonal generosity: "George Fierheller, former chair of the United Way of Greater Toronto, current chair of capital fundraising for the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, pillar of the corporate community and tireless volunteer, has some advice for those who get upset about the sudden outbreak of generosity at Christmas.

Don't sweat it.

'As long as the money is going to a useful cause, it's all to the good,' he says. 'There are many, many motivations for volunteering time or money. You can't expect everyone to do things for altruistic reasons. Nor does it really matter. The `why' is less important than the `what.''"

Many Charities Behind on Their Fundraising This Holiday Season, but Still Optimistic - Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Many Charities Behind on Their Fundraising This Holiday Season, but Still Optimistic - Press Release: "AFP's 2007 Holiday Giving Survey found that just 48.3 percent of charities are raising more money during the last quarter of 2007 (as of Dec. 10) compared to the same period in 2006. Approximately a quarter (25.4 percent) have raised about the same amount, and 26.3 percent have raised less."

Steven Pearlstein - Softening Economy Doesn't Harden Hearts - washingtonpost.com

Steven Pearlstein - Softening Economy Doesn't Harden Hearts - washingtonpost.com: "Softening Economy Doesn't Harden Hearts

By Steven Pearlstein
Friday, December 21, 2007; Page D01

There's a temptation to gauge the generosity of a community by the number of million-dollar donations made to the local symphony or university, or the number of fundraising records set by the annual cancer ball or school auction. And until recently, thanks to a booming economy and real estate market, the Washington region has done pretty well by that standard."

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Charitable mis-giving - Roanoke.com

Charitable mis-giving - Roanoke.com: "Editorial: Charitable mis-giving
Veterans charities that use donations to pay six-figure salaries don't deserve the public's generosity.

Americans have a soft spot for charitable causes. They give to hurricane relief funds and victims of wildfires or to whatever cause du jour tugs hardest at their hearts.

Like the war wounded.

Americans have given nearly $500 million to military charities they thought help wounded troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But surprisingly little of that money actually reaches veterans, the American Institute of Philanthropy says. Money instead is spent on slick ad campaigns, trinkets and outrageously inflated salaries for charity leaders."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Ho Ho Ho, Fundraising Climate Looks Jolly

The Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI) indicates good charitable giving prospects this holiday season, with a stable fundraising climate that's better than this time last year and six months ago. The latest index was released Tuesday by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

The PGI, similar to a Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for charitable giving, includes three indexes on a scale from 0 to 100, based on a semiannual national survey of more than 152 nonprofit fundraising professionals. The Present Situation Index gauges the current giving environment. The Expectations Index assesses the climate for the next six months, and the overall PGI is an average of the current and future indexes. Higher scores indicate more positive or optimistic attitudes about the climate of fundraising."

2 Young Hedge-Fund Veterans Stir Up the World of Philanthropy - New York Times

2 Young Hedge-Fund Veterans Stir Up the World of Philanthropy - New York Times: "Mr. Karnofsky and Mr. Hassenfeld, both 26, are the founders and sole employees of GiveWell, which studies charities in particular fields and ranks them on their effectiveness. GiveWell is supported by a charity they created, the Clear Fund, which makes grants to charities they recommend in their research.

Their efforts are shaking up the field of philanthropy, generating the kind of buzz more typically devoted to Bill Gates and Warren E. Buffett, as charities ponder what, if anything, their rigorous approach to evaluation means for the future."

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Are Rich People Generous Tippers? - City Room - Metro - New York Times Blog

Are Rich People Generous Tippers? - City Room - Metro - New York Times Blog: "What about philanthropy in general? Thomas H. Pollak, who directs the National Center for Charitable Statistics at the Urban Institute, a research organization in Washington, said wealthy Americans on average give a greater proportion of their incomes to charity than middle-class Americans. It is harder to say, however, whether the rich are relatively more generous than the poor, since low-income Americans are more likely to give cash to their churches or houses or worship and are less likely to claim charitable deductions in their tax filings."

Study: Charitable giving in MN surpasses $5B - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:

Study: Charitable giving in MN surpasses $5B - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:: "The Minneapolis-based group said that charitable giving by individuals, foundations and corporations rose to $5.1 billion in 2005, an increase of 4.9 percent between 2004 and 2005, which is the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available.

The report, titled Giving in Minnesota, also showed that individual Minnesotans gave $4.1 billion to charity in 2005, up from $3.8 billion in 2004."

Greed gets in the way of City giving - Telegraph

Greed gets in the way of City giving - Telegraph: "Published just as the first City bonuses have been unveiled and as Christmas approaches, the report shows that if City workers (about one million of the 37m strong workforce) gave 5pc of their salary, or £4bn a year, to charity, London would match New York in terms of philanthropy.

The report argues that while bonuses are expected to be 16pc lower this year at £7.4bn, due to the credit crunch, they remain 400pc above levels 10 years ago, allowing for a considerable amount to be devoted to charitable causes."

abc7chicago.com: Ginormous Generosity 12/18/07

abc7chicago.com: Ginormous Generosity 12/18/07: "It never ceases to amaze me. You think, is it just going to get larger and larger? And it does,' said Francine Friedman, Association of Fundraising Professionals."

WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | New bill provides tax exemption for Virginia Tech victims

WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | New bill provides tax exemption for Virginia Tech victims: "President Bush is signing into legislation on Wednesday a bill that will provide a tax exemption for Virginia Tech shooting victims and their families.

Governor Kaine will be there for the signing, along with Virginia Tech President Charles Steger."

Some charities get givers' goats, or bikes or ... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Some charities get givers' goats, or bikes or ... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Instead of asking for support in general, more nonprofit organizations have entered the merchandising game. If L.L. Bean can publish a Christmas catalog, so can Heifer International, a Little Rock, Ark.-based charity that's been sending cows, goats, geese and even water buffalo to needy families since 1944."

Kansas.com | 12/19/2007 | Nonprofits interest new Barton scholar

Kansas.com | 12/19/2007 | Nonprofits interest new Barton scholar: "'She just had a presence about her,' said Kontz, who added that Groene's interest in nonprofit organizations impressed the committee.

'Being in Wichita, she'll have many opportunities for internships with nonprofit groups.'

Groene said her time as an intern with Big Brothers Big Sisters helped kindle her interest in nonprofit work.

'Seeing the impact that (nonprofits) can have on people has totally influenced my view of them,' she said."

London Free Press - City & Region - Major staff campaigns boost total

London Free Press - City & Region - Major staff campaigns boost total: "The campaign surged to about 90 per cent of its $7.2-million goal on the strength of a $470,000 gift from employees of General Dynamics Land Systems Canada and a $145,000 contribution from London Health Sciences Centre staff."

Appleton Post-Crescent: Your Fox Cities News Source - Philanthropists unveil $175M college scholarship endowment

Appleton Post-Crescent: Your Fox Cities News Source - Philanthropists unveil $175M college scholarship endowment: "GREEN BAY — Philanthropist and former Wisconsin resident John Morgridge choked up Tuesday as he spoke about the older brother who helped pave his way to college.

He was a metaphorical genie, Morgridge said, granting his wish to attend school away from their Wauwatosa home.

Now Morgridge hopes to grant such wishes many times over with a $175 million scholarship endowment announced Tuesday."

The Coloradoan - www.coloradoan.com - Ft. Collins, CO.

The Coloradoan - www.coloradoan.com - Ft. Collins, CO.: "Whether it is because of a deteriorating economy, fear of a recession or just plain hard times, nonprofits in Larimer County are feeling the pinch in donations this year, officials said.

'We have had quite a lot of campaigns that didn't reach their goal this year,' said Theresa Gomez, vice president of marketing and communications for United Way of Larimer County. 'It's a down economy. There's not a lot of outgrowth out there.'"

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Board Café

Board Caf̩: "Now a holiday tradition, here we take a tip from the Twelve Days of Christmas and give you the Twelve Board Caf̩ Days of Christmas. This year let's be thankful both for what we have, and for the opportunities to give to others. РJan Masaoka, Chef/Editor

This month’s main course article
The Twelve Board Cafe Days of Christmas"

Charities special - airline passengers' spare change raises millions to help children

Charities special - airline passengers' spare change raises millions to help children: "Millions of passengers who have flown with airlines ranging from Aer Lingus to Qantas will be familiar with - and may have filled - Change for Good envelopes in the seat pocket. By asking passengers to hand in their unwanted foreign change, the initiative has since its launch 20 years ago raised over $70 million for United Nations childrens organisation Unicef, supporting projects in more than 150 countries."

Professional Fundraisers Call on Congress to Ban Percentage-Based Fundraising - Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Professional Fundraisers Call on Congress to Ban Percentage-Based Fundraising - Press Release: "ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of a recent Congressional hearing which found that many veterans' charities are spending excessive amounts on fundraising, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has reiterated its call to Congress to prohibit the unethical practice of percentage-based fundraising."

Dallas' anti-panhandling plan turning parking meters into charity drops | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth News | Dall

Dallas' anti-panhandling plan turning parking meters into charity drops | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth News | Dallas Morning News: "City government and civic leaders on Wednesday will call on people to quit giving money to downtown panhandlers and instead donate to charities that help homeless Dallasites.

Dallas City Hall, the DowntownDallas association and the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance are sponsoring the effort, dubbed 'Lend a Hand,' which will in part involve a public awareness campaign coupled with the conversion of old parking meters into donation recepticles, city officials say."

Some charities feel pinch more than others

Some charities feel pinch more than others: "A top philanthropy executive said Monday she has yet to see any philanthropic fallout from softening of the local economy or the subprime mortgage crisis. But some agencies report lean times."

Thinking More Globally, Giving Less Locally - washingtonpost.com

Thinking More Globally, Giving Less Locally - washingtonpost.com: "OL is scaling back its philanthropic contributions in the Washington region as it reinvents itself as a global Internet advertising firm.

This month, AOL cut funding to the Loudoun Foundation's annual summer music festival, an event it co-founded and to which it donated $60,000 to $80,000 each year. The company previously shuttered its AOL Aspires grant program, which funded activities for scores of local schools, and halted its annual pledge to Greater D.C. Cares. Loudoun Youth Inc. received what it regards as its last AOL check this year. And AOL has eliminated a community investment office through several rounds of layoffs."

Argus Leader Media - News-Donor to USD says program misnamed

Argus Leader Media - News: "The university announced that the business school, which is getting a new building on the Vermillion campus, would be renamed in honor of Miles Beacom, Sanford's longtime associate at Premier Bankcard.

But the widow of a USD alumnus - who previously gave $9.2 million to the school - says her family's donation already secured the naming rights. Lucy Buhler, wife of the late Walter Buhler, wants some of the money back.

The USD Foundation, which oversees these types of gifts for the university, declined.

Now the whole thing is up to a judge."

Monday, December 17, 2007

Fredericksburg.com - Toys for Tots not keeping up with requests WANT TO HELP?

Fredericksburg.com - Toys for Tots not keeping up with requests WANT TO HELP?: "This year's Toys for Tots wish list has grown.

Donations have not.

The requests for toys increase every year, said Staff Sgt. Rodrigo Guzman, and this year, the Marines who work to give toys to needy kids are seeing more than ever.

And while more groups have signed up to be sponsors--hosting drop-off sites and holding toy drives--the toys are trickling in slowly."

How America Gives | PARADE Magazine

How America Gives | PARADE Magazine: "Americans at all economic levels give generously: About 68% of U.S. households gave something to charity in 2006. At the top level, 21 people (up from 11 in 2005) wrote checks for at least $100 million. They included billionaires Warren Buffett, who pledged a staggering 85% (more than $40 billion) of his net worth, and Oprah Winfrey, whose $58 million in donations made her last year’s most generous celeb. These gifts grab headlines, but they’re only a small part of the story. According to the Giving U.S.A. Foundation, a whopping 65% of the contributions that help fund soup kitchens or free day care and such come from families earning less than $100,000—many of them, a lot less."

San Jose Mercury News - Donor gives $60 million to USC cancer center that healed friend

San Jose Mercury News - Donor gives $60 million to USC cancer center that healed friend: "—A University of Southern California cancer center received a surprise $60 million gift from a philanthropist because a doctor there saved her friend's life 15 years ago."

The Business of Nonprofits: You've decided to seek a grant, now what? | SavannahNow.com

The Business of Nonprofits: You've decided to seek a grant, now what? | SavannahNow.com: "You've determined that your nonprofit is properly positioned to seek a grant. In other words, you know that your organization has a specific program or project for which you will use the grant. It has a reasonable likelihood of obtaining a grant, being stable, with adequate financial controls in place. You have already identified all other existing resources in your community, town, county and, if appropriate, state that deal with the same issue, and investigated possible short- or long-term partnerships with these organizations for your particular program or project."

112 hours later, cyclists set record - Fosters

112 hours later, cyclists set record - Fosters: "After more than 111 hours of riding, John 'Blue Dog' Jurczynski and Mike 'Mad Dog' Gallagher are the new stationary cycling world record holders.

The cyclists ended more than four straight days of 'spinning' on stationary bikes at the Laconia Athletic and Swim Club Friday night."

Tough times mean people donate much less; Charities report gap in needs, resources

Tough times mean people donate much less; Charities report gap in needs, resources: "There is a growing concern about the effect of the housing slowdown on charitable donations, said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals"

Tony Blair talks big money as £1m speech maker - Times Online

Tony Blair talks big money as £1m speech maker - Times Online: "Last month it was reported that Blair received up to £240,000 for one 20-minute speech in China. Cherie Blair typically charges about £15,000 a speech.

If he manages to maintain his high profile, the Blairs should easily be able to service and pay off the mortgages of almost £4m on their properties in Connaught Square, in London, Bristol and Sedgefield, Co Durham.

The former premier is maintaining a relentless pace as he combines his roles as peace envoy with that of international speaker and philanthropist."

Art Museum Has Been Portrait Of Difficulty

Art Museum Has Been Portrait Of Difficulty: "AMPA - People complained from the start.

The new art museum was awfully small. The exhibit space was minimal. Workshop space was limited. The museum, located behind the Curtis Hixon Convention Center, was barely visible from the street.

Many of the problems cited almost 30 years ago persist today at the Tampa Museum of Art. The convention center was torn down and relocated to Garrison Channel, but art museum officials still list similar complaints about the existing building: too small, too hidden, too poorly planned.

At 5 p.m. today, the doors of the 1979 building will close to the public for good. By the end of January, everything will be moved out. Demolition work could begin as soon as Feb. 1."

Retirees to lend talents to Howard nonprofits - Examiner.com

Retirees to lend talents to Howard nonprofits - Examiner.com: "Enter the Legacy Leadership Institute, which taps into the experience and enthusiasm of baby boomer retirees to lend a hand to the county’s nonprofits.

“I know there are people out there who would rather do policies and procedures than coming in and doing mailings,” said Faye Conley, volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Howard County."

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Denver Post - Youth revival of giving caught in Net

The Denver Post - Youth revival of giving caught in Net: "WASHINGTON — The old thinking goes that to change the world, you have to give millions. But young tech-savvy philanthropists are trying to prove otherwise.

Leveraging new technologies and the growth of social networking websites, several online-giving pioneers have been trying to expand the pool of potential donors by democratizing philanthropy and making it more transparent."

No shortage of challenges for the non-profit sector in 2008 - Long Island Business News

No shortage of challenges for the non-profit sector in 2008 - Long Island Business News:

"Typically, donations by individuals account for 85 percent of contributions to non-profit organizations, foundations supply 10 percent and about 5 percent come from corporations, according to Jim Rennert, CFRE, province director of development, The Cenacle Sisters and president of the Long Island chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. “Many corporations and banks in particular, are being acquired by larger entities from other locations in and out of the U.S.,” Rennert said."

Fidelity program aims to nurture future philanthropists - The Boston Globe

Fidelity program aims to nurture future philanthropists - The Boston Globe: "Fidelity program encourages good will
BU among 5 colleges given $15,000 to seed philanthropy
By Sacha Pfeiffer
Globe Staff / December 14, 2007

In an effort to nurture a future generation of philanthropists, the charitable arm of Fidelity Investments is giving five colleges - including Boston University, the only school selected in Massachusetts - each a $15,000 fund students will decide how to distribute as grants.

The program, sponsored by the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, the country's fourth-largest public charity, will put the students in the role of real-life philanthropists. Just as trustees at private foundations and other grant-making organizations do, they will have a chance to form boards of directors, create donor guidelines, research prospective grant recipients, choose which nonprofits should get money and how much they should receive."

Thursday, December 13, 2007

100 million pennies displayed in NYC - Yahoo! News

100 million pennies displayed in NYC - Yahoo! News: "One hundred million pennies for your thoughts on the latest display in Rockefeller Center. New York first lady Silda Wall Spitzer joined hundreds of public school children on Monday to unveil a mass of $1 million in pennies collected for charity. The display, called the Penny Harvest Field, includes an estimated 100 million pennies — plus a few nickels, dimes and quarters that slipped in by mistake."

Traditions of Charity for the Holidays | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Traditions of Charity for the Holidays | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "NEW YORK — Christmas may be fast approaching, but Cynthia McKay isn't interested in receiving any presents _ unless they're cartons or cans of dog food or cat food. McKay, of Castle Rock, Colo., is among thousands of Americans who believe the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa is best expressed through charity. They aim to help struggling artists, educational programs, the environment, missionary work, needy families or, in McKay's case, unwanted dogs and cats. For many, charitable giving at the holidays has become a family tradition."

Large charitable gifts have little to do with calendar

Large charitable gifts have little to do with calendar:

"Is there a reason all of these major gifts came at the end of the year? There is, but it's not the income tax deduction that makes December charitable giving so popular for Joe Taxpayer. In the case of non profit foundations -- such as Mellon and Hillman -- they must give away at least 5 percent of their assets annually, a requirement from the Internal Revenue Service, in exchange for tax exempt status, said Reed Smith partner Carolyn Duronio, who works with public charities and private foundations. If a foundation falls short of the 5 percent requirement, it has 12 months to make it up. Failure to do so results in an excise tax."

Philanthropic shift - The Boston Globe

Philanthropic shift - The Boston Globe: "Now a Harvard Business School student, Belsky (who is the grandson of Stanley Kaplan, founder of test-prep giant Kaplan Inc.) and other young, affluent Jews like him are at the vanguard of a profound shift in Jewish philanthropy."

Nation & World | In new philanthropy, charity begins online | Seattle Times Newspaper

We post on Nonprofit Technology topics in our AFP Nonprofit Technology Blog here

Nation & World | In new philanthropy, charity begins online | Seattle Times Newspaper:

"In new philanthropy, charity begins online By Philip Rucker The Washington Post WASHINGTON —

The old thinking goes that to change the world, you have to give millions. But tech-savvy philanthropists are trying to prove otherwise. Leveraging new technologies and the growth of social-networking Web sites, several online-giving pioneers have been trying to expand the pool of potential donors by democratizing philanthropy and making it more transparent. America Online founder Steve Case's private foundation today is launching America's Giving Challenge, one of the nation's most ambitious efforts to draw the masses to philanthropy through the Internet (www.casefoundation.org/givingchallenge)."

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

VOA News - Charities Seek Useful Donations from Holiday Shoppers

VOA News - Charities Seek Useful Donations from Holiday Shoppers: "Goats, chickens, even a toilet -- they may not seem like ideal presents for the end of the year holidays, but many charities think they are. Some aid agencies are making unusual gifts their selling point and they want to capitalize on the holiday spirit of giving to help people in the world's poorest countries. But there are questions and doubts over just how donors' contributions are being used, as VOA's Mandy Clark reports from London."

Look Ahead | University fundraising on track - News

Look Ahead | University fundraising on track - News: "Michael Nilsen, Public Affairs Director of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, said the campaign is 'right on track,' especially because of a particularly successful quiet phase of fundraising, which began two years ago and brought in about $1.6 billion from big donors. The campaign began 'with a bang,' Nilsen said."

Find More Money for Charity

Find More Money for Charity: "This is the time of year when we tend to give more thought than usual to people in need. Americans will donate more than $100 billion to good causes between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to Charity Navigator. Imagine how much more we could give if we weren't financially strapped by gift-giving, holiday travel, and family feasts. While we're thinking of others, our stressed-out bank accounts eventually start thinking only of their own well-being."

Nonprofits Need Endowments To Survive

Nonprofits Need Endowments To Survive: "What needs to be done is what colleges and universities have known for decades. Endowment funds can be the sustaining monetary programs that provide steady income. Some nonprofits have endowment funds, but not nearly enough nor large enough. The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay has been helping local nonprofits build endowments for the last seven years. Here's how it works:"

The Review

The Review: "Friley and 17 other post members attended the national VFW convention in Kansas City, Mo. back in August. While they were there, the post offered a donation of $35,000 to Operation Uplink. “We thought this was an important program to get behind,” Friley said. “Larger donations have come from collections of VFW posts in a state or from corporations, but this is the single largest donation from a single VFW post.”"

Princeton Business Journal

Princeton Business Journal: "Philanthropy is a key part of a company's identity Tuesday, December 11, 2007 2:11 PM EST By Lauren Otis, Business Editor Is cultivating a philanthropic niche for your business important? Even in times of economic uncertainly, like the present ones? Yes."

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Philanthropy's Largest Gifts Go to Colleges and Universities

Philanthropy's Largest Gifts Go to Colleges and Universities

Young Isaac Launches Annual Philanthropy Program with $8 Blank Check - Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Young Isaac Launches Annual Philanthropy Program with $8 Blank Check - Press Release: "A list of nearly 500 Young Isaac clients and friends are mailed a check with the payee left blank. Each person is encouraged to earmark the $8 to a charity of their choice and perhaps send additional funds at the same time, which Young Isaac does not track."

Monday, December 10, 2007

400 Santas join annual charity run - icWales

400 Santas join annual charity run - icWales: "400 Santas join annual charity run Dec 10 2007 Western Mail HUNDREDS of Santas hot-footed it around a sleepy market town yesterday as part of an annual festive charity fund raiser. Organisers of the Santa Run in Newtown, Powys, praised the “spirit of Christmas” at the conclusion of the annual event."

AFP > About AFP | AFP news & press releases > AFP Leaders Lewis, Pierpont Earn Rosso Medal for Achievement in Ethical Fundraising

AFP > About AFP | AFP news & press releases > AFP Leaders Lewis, Pierpont Earn Rosso Medal for Achievement in Ethical Fundraising: "AFP Leaders Lewis, Pierpont Earn Rosso Medal for Achievement in Ethical Fundraising (Dec. 10, 2007)Patricia Lewis, ACFRE, who served previously as president and chief executive officer of AFP in the 1990s, and Robert Pierpont, CFRE, a long-time member of the association, were honored on Nov. 4 with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University’s Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fund Raising."

Cupboards Are Bare at Food Banks - washingtonpost.com

Cupboards Are Bare at Food Banks - washingtonpost.com: "Area food banks are experiencing a critical shortage of supplies as donations drop dramatically and as demand for free and discounted food continues to soar. The Capital Area Food Bank, the region's primary distribution center, reported that it had about 230,000 pounds of goods on its shelves this week, down from 570,000 pounds at this time last year, officials said."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "The fundraising profession in Canada: Past, present and future

Andy Levy-AjzenkopfBy Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
December 10, 2007
It’s the mark of any good career that there are institutions dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders. Whether it is lawyers, doctors, executive directors or machinists, if there’s a recognized school or program that takes students and churns out expert professionals, then that profession has made it. So it is with the Canadian fundraising professional, perhaps the voluntary sector’s most vital cog in the charitable machine."

Eva does it for charity-International Buzz-Entertainment-The Times of India

Eva does it for charity-International Buzz-Entertainment-The Times of India: "The actresses are among a host of celebrities who have come up with their own unique hand-painted creations for the popular sheep-skin boots which will go under the hammer for an Australian company’s art and sole sale."

NCVO - Researching The Voluntary Sector

NCVO - Researching The Voluntary Sector: "UK Giving 2007 Results of the 2006/07 Individual Giving Survey on charitable giving with special reports on gender and causes - NCVO/CAF publication Sunday 9 December 2007"

Businessman set to walk length of Cape Cod for 9/11 charity fund - BostonHerald.com

Businessman set to walk length of Cape Cod for 9/11 charity fund - BostonHerald.com: "snowstorms and icy blasts won’t keep one big-hearted businessman from completing his “Winter Walk for Charity.” On Dec. 18 and 19, Jeffrey Liskov, 37, of Plymouth, a vice president at Fidelity Investments, will walk 100 miles, from Provincetown to Plymouth Rock, in hopes of raising at least $2,500 for the Feal Good Foundation - a nonprofit charity founded in 2005 to aid sick or injured 9/11 rescue workers. “I’m doing the charity walk to raise awareness of a situation that is happening to 9/11 first-responders,” Liskov said."

Mark Tomasik: Nonprofits aid economy : Columns : TCPalm

Mark Tomasik: Nonprofits aid economy : Columns : TCPalm: "At speaking engagements, I sometimes ask Treasure Coast residents to name the best qualities of their community. Inevitably, someone will mention philanthropy. Indeed, our region has a well-deserved reputation for generous giving and for volunteer work."

Nonprofits borrowing brand tactics for year-round relevance

Nonprofits borrowing brand tactics for year-round relevance: "However, this is a pattern that is changing. Nonprofits are increasingly borrowing strategies and tactics from brand marketers, and as a result, many are enjoying a higher profile."

Charity wristbands get Red Arrows' backing - Peterborough Today

Charity wristbands get Red Arrows' backing - Peterborough Today: "A CHARITY campaign which was set up by a teacher and a group of his pupils is being given support from all over the world.

Stamford’s Richard Brewster set up the Supporting Our Troops charity with pupils at Stamford School and fellow colleague Falklands veteran Marc Jackson, because of the school’s strong links with the armed forces. Since then he has been amazed at how much support the charity has gained.

The England cricket team agreed to wear the special wristbands and One Day International skipper Paul Collingwood has continued to wear the band since the Lord’s test series – including at the 20/20 World Cup in South Africa."

Friday, December 07, 2007

How Groups of the Rich Diverge in Philanthropy - washingtonpost.com

How Groups of the Rich Diverge in Philanthropy - washingtonpost.com: "We've long known that the rich are different from the rest of us; F. Scott Fitzgerald told us that. But a new study shows that the rich are different from one another, at least when it comes to charitable giving. Amid what some call the golden age of philanthropy, as high-tech entrepreneurs and financiers amass extraordinary wealth and emerge as philanthropic players, a study to be released today reveals specific behavioral patterns and motivations among the nation's"

How Groups of the Rich Diverge in Philanthropy - washingtonpost.com

How Groups of the Rich Diverge in Philanthropy - washingtonpost.com: "How Groups of the Rich Diverge in Philanthropy Study Uncovers Patterns in 12 Profiles By Philip Rucker Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, December 6, 2007; Page A12 We've long known that the rich are different from the rest of us; F. Scott Fitzgerald told us that. But a new study shows that the rich are different from one another, at least when it comes to charitable giving. Amid what some call the golden age of philanthropy, as high-tech entrepreneurs and financiers amass extraordinary wealth and emerge as philanthropic players, a study to be released today reveals specific behavioral patterns and motivations among the nation's wealthiest donors."

Key events set direction for philanthropy - UPI.com

Key events set direction for philanthropy - UPI.com: "- A study on philanthropy released Thursday shows that donations to charities in the United States are usually motivated by a major life event."

The State Journal - News for West Virginia's Leaders

The State Journal - News for West Virginia's Leaders: "A first-of-its-kind study is reinforcing some preconceived notions about philanthropy in West Virginia. A new study by the West Virginia Grantmakers Association shows the Mountain State ranks near the bottom when it comes to institutional giving. 'It validated what we had a gut feeling about and provided hard data to back up that gut feeling,' said Shannon Cunningham, president of the association."

JewishJournal.com

JewishJournal.com: "But at this point, the buzz surrounding viral philanthropy is greater than the substance, said Michael Nilsen, director of public affairs for the Association of Fundraising Professionals: 'It's one of those things that are being talked about a lot.' But Nilsen did suggest that a larger societal shift toward more philanthropic engagement was occurring. Online technology, allowing video testimonials and increased interaction, plays to those needs, according to Nilsen. Citing studies by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, he also challenged the idea that people under 50 were the sole audience for this style of interactive philanthropy."

E. A. Hanks: Is Micro Lending The Future Of Giving? - Living on The Huffington Post

E. A. Hanks: Is Micro Lending The Future Of Giving? - Living on The Huffington Post: " I met Emily Stenning while we were both studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. From the moment I met her, she was constantly working on something: a committee, a foundation, a charity. To me, she is the epitome of the youth movement that we here at Living admire and believe is the future of global activism and philanthropy. Emily recently moved to India (after founding the Timau Children's Foundation Africa) and is working with Intellecap, a social investment bank, and took the time to answer some of my questions about what she does and why, and the connection between philanthropy and finance."

Cattle Baron's Ball rakes in a record take for charity | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth News | Dallas Morning News

Cattle Baron's Ball rakes in a record take for charity | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth News | Dallas Morning News: "Cattle Baron's Ball rakes in a record take for charity 04:43 AM CST on Friday, December 7, 2007 By KIM HORNER / The Dallas Morning News The Cattle Baron's Ball, a glitzy gala benefiting the American Cancer Society, took in a record $5.5 million this year, officials said Thursday. It cost $1.5 million to throw the extravagant charity ball at Southfork Ranch on Sept. 29. So the event, the cancer organization's largest single-night fundraiser in the nation, netted a record $4.04 million for research and scholarships, according to Maria Clark, regional vice president for the North Texas region."

Charlotte Observer | 12/07/2007 | Banks say they
gave more in '06

Charlotte Observer | 12/07/2007 | Banks say they
gave more in '06
: "For the second consecutive year, Charlotte's big banks in 2006 saw their charitable giving rise more than their profits. Bank of America Corp. and Wachovia Corp., however, fell short of a philanthropy benchmark of 1 percent of their pre-tax profits, according to an Observer analysis of IRS filings recently released by the banks' foundations."

'Sector's Facebook' launched - Third Sector

'Sector's Facebook' launched - Third Sector: "Sector's Facebook' launched By Indira Das-Gupta, Third Sector Online, 7 December 2007 MyCharityPage, a new website billed as the sector's answer to Facebook, is being launched to enable charities to network with one another, engage supporters and fundraise more effectively. The website encourages users to build profile pages explaining their fundraising activities. Each user is given their own URL so that friends and supporters can visit their web page directly to make donations. As with Facebook, users can also write blogs, upload photos and videos, add friends to their profiles, send private messages to other members and create and join groups."

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Bloomberg.com: Europe-Generosity May Be Genetically Programmed, Israeli Study Says

Bloomberg.com: Europe: "Philanthropists may be genetically programmed to donate to charities, while misers may be wired to hold on to their wealth, Israeli researchers say."

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

'Tis the season when generosity visits an 'invisible world' | csmonitor.com

'Tis the season when generosity visits an 'invisible world' | csmonitor.com: "Some of the most heart-tugging stories every December can be found in the charitable appeals various newspapers make to collect money for needy families. Without such donations, the papers say, many children would have no gifts to open. The names of the funds hint at the need: In Boston, Globe Santa hopes to aid more than 20,000 impoverished families. Operation Jingle Bells, sponsored by the Elgin, Ill., Courier News, pays one major bill for families in need. The Hope Fund at the Albany Times Union in upstate New York helps poor children. At the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the Santa Fund gives toys and books to children in Massachusetts. And the Houston Chronicle's Goodfellows charity provides toys for those between ages 2 and 10."

Nashuatelegraph.com: Company skips party, gives $25k to Santa Fund

Nashuatelegraph.com: Company skips party, gives $25k to Santa Fund: "At eCopy Inc. in Nashua, the annual party has been no less spectacular. Last year, some employees walked away with iPods and airline tickets as gifts. But this year, employees voted to give all that up, instead donating the $25,000 the party would have cost to charity. That money went to The Telegraph's Santa Fund, becoming by far the single largest donation since the fund was created 45 years ago."

Bloomberg.com: Muse

Bloomberg.com: Muse: "Dec. 5 (Bloomberg) -- U2 singer Bono and Damien Hirst, the U.K.'s wealthiest artist, are backing a $40 million AIDS charity auction of art that previews today at Sotheby's in London before heading for New York."

Las Vegas Now - Charity Volunteers Work Overtime Sorting Donated To

ws, Weather, Traffic, Streaming Video, Classifieds, Blogs - Charity Volunteers Work Overtime SortLas Vegas Now - Breaking News, Local Neing Donated Toys For Lead: "The recalls of millions of Chinese-made toys this year are making more work for charity volunteers during the holidays. They're working overtime, making sure they don't pass along toys with lead to needy children."

AFP urges shoppers to remember Colorado charities > Fundraising > Stories > Golden > YourHub.com

AFP urges shoppers to remember Colorado charities > Fundraising > Stories > Golden > YourHub.com: "That figure will greatly increase as many charities receive 50 precentof their contributions in the last quarter of a calendar year and a whopping 40percent of that figure being in December alone. 'It will be interesting to see how 2007 wraps up for charitable giving. The last three years, we have seen significant increases each year in giving on a national level - record setting numbers,' said Sarah Harrison, President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Bloomberg’s Gifts to Charity Exceeded $165 Million in 2006 - New York Times

Bloomberg’s Gifts to Charity Exceeded $165 Million in 2006 - New York Times: "Bloomberg’s Gifts to Charity Exceeded $165 Million in 2006 * By DIANE CARDWELL Published: September 17, 2007 Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg gave away $165.3 million in 2006, about $22 million more than the year before, his sharpest increase in philanthropy since he was elected, the mayor’s office said yesterday."

Study Details How Much Households Donate to Charity - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick

Study Details How Much Households Donate to Charity - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick: "The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University is releasing survey results that show about six out of every 10 U.S. households routinely give to charities. The average total amount given by the households was just over $2,000 per year. The largest percentage of households gave to religion, donating an average of more than $1,800 to religious groups."

Travelers Will Merge Charitable Groups -- Courant.com

Travelers Will Merge Charitable Groups -- Courant.com: "There's another Travelers merger on tap, but this time it involves the company's two charitable foundations. The company confirmed Monday that it is planning to combine the Connecticut-only foundation with the one that donates money in other states, and promised the change won't hurt its level of charitable giving in Connecticut."

Favre Named Sportsman of the Year - AOL Sports

Favre Named Sportsman of the Year - AOL Sports: "The magazine also recognized Favre's history of philanthropy, including his Fourward Foundation that's donated more than $4 million to charities in Wisconsin and Mississippi and assisted Mississippi's Gulf Coast counties after Hurricane Katrina in 2005."

Women to take on more responsibility through philanthropy

Women to take on more responsibility through philanthropy: "Today, the odds are good that the majority of the people in the United States with altruistic intentions are women. Why are women becoming more prevalent in philanthropic ideals? Simply stated, there are 6 million more women than men in the country. Plus, more women hold an undergraduate degree or a higher diploma than their counterparts, and 57 percent of today's enrollment in institutions of higher education are female -- a trend that has been steadily climbing since 1979. This demographic has also realized it can have a significant economic impact on the country. In 2005, the Internal Revenue Service said 46.3 percent of the nation's wealthiest people were women. These 3.4 million women represent a 36 percent increase from the prior reporting period in 1998. With combined assets of $6.3 trillion, their wealth has increased 50 percent in seven years."

Corporate Charity Gets Sophisticated, Routine(The Korea Times)

Corporate Charity Gets Sophisticated, Routine(The Korea Times): "The season of giving has come around again. But with corporate giving now rooted as an annual order of business in itself for many firms here and overseas, it's no longer the matter of who does it or not, but how the act of goodwill is done. Many businesses worldwide testify that the deadly Hurricane Katrina and Pakistan earthquake tried their charity programs, its speedy reaction and flexibility, while, at the same time, reviving the waning global corporate philanthropy efforts. A recent survey of 136 large companies conducted by a New York-based nonprofit advocacy group, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, showed that most firms raised their giving level by about 5 percent last year."

The Daily Californian-Campus Corporate Funding on the Rise

The Daily Californian: "Campus funding from corporate sponsors has seen a substantial increase in the past few years, leading many faculty to question the effects of corporate involvement in their research. While most campus funds are derived from the federal and state government and individual donors, corporate sponsorship in the form of gifts and research contracts has increased, with such gifts making up 35.7 percent of all campus donations last year."

Monday, December 03, 2007

Holiday donations fading :: Beacon News :: News

Holiday donations fading :: Beacon News :: News: "Aurora Salvation Army officials point to the need for volunteers as the reason donations -- $64,000 through Friday -- were down compared to the same time last year and off pace for reaching the 2007 goal of $300,000."

GoErie.com: Zoo's closing underscores funding woes

GoErie.com: Zoo's closing underscores funding woes: "The Erie Zoo is closed for the winter. For the third consecutive year, Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott and City Council failed to come up with the funding necessary to allow the zoo to operate in December, January and February. So the zoo will save $85,000 by laying off 10 employees, turning off the heat in selected buildings, and letting sidewalks and parking lots remain full of snow. 'We don't like to do it, but we've gotten used to it,' said Scott Mitchell, the zoo's chief executive."

Charity squeeze -- baltimoresun.com

Charity squeeze -- baltimoresun.com: "Half of all the individual donations from Americans each year are made in the handful of weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, Charity Navigator says. Thank the combination of general good will toward man, holiday bonuses and the end-of-year deadline for tax deductions. Charities, squeezed by rising costs and greater competition for government grants, are more eager than ever to get your support. Don't be surprised if you get appeals by mail, on the telephone and at your door."

The News-Press, news-press.com, Business, Charity events need constant makeovers

The News-Press, news-press.com, Business, Charity events need constant makeovers: "Corporate philanthropy is the thread that binds my loosely woven fabric of business events together. Watch me sew this strand from the work of corporate citizens to business leaders receiving their just rewards to charitable organizations benefiting from corporations that strive to do everything a little better each year including their philanthropic efforts."

Nonprofits depend on public donations in both good and bad times | Home News Tribune Online

Nonprofits depend on public donations in both good and bad times | Home News Tribune Online: "In fact, as the economy continues to slump, possibly drifting toward a recession, the directors and staffs and volunteers for institutions like these worry about the availability of public and private funds in the coming year. Local groups are no different. For instance, there's the Visiting Nurses Association of Central Jersey, the Franklin Township Food Bank, Elijah's Promise and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey."

Friday, November 30, 2007

Considering his value to PSU, Paterno's salary seems too low - PennLive.com

Considering his value to PSU, Paterno's salary seems too low - PennLive.com: "But most significant for the university, Paterno has been an indefatigable leader in supporting its academic programs, both by personal example of philanthropy and as perhaps Penn State's foremost fund-raiser. He and his wife Sue have contributed more than $4 million for endowed faculty positions, scholarships and building projects, including the Paterno library. The coach's mere presence at a fundraising event brings out the big checkbooks."

San Jose Mercury News - Donations to same-sex schools show gender gap

San Jose Mercury News - Donations to same-sex schools show gender gap: "When an old classmate called Rob Matarangas and squeezed him for a significant donation to a Bellarmine College Prep scholarship fund, he was hard-pressed to say no. That meant he sent a bigger check to Bellarmine this year than his wife, Gigi, sent to her alma mater, Presentation High School. And that didn't include the money they sent to Bellarmine's annual fundraising fashion show at the Fairmont Hotel today - even though they can't attend."

The Enquirer - Boomer wealth may leave area

The Enquirer - Boomer wealth may leave area: "Local baby boomers will soon leave billions to their kids, and a local foundation is worried those funds will follow a generation of young people out of Greater Cincinnati. As much as $169 billion is expected to shift from parents and grandparents in Hamilton, Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties to younger relatives by 2055, according to a recent study on wealth transfer by the Rural Policy Research Institute's Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. That finding follows a national trend in which about $41 trillion is expected to change hands by 2052. That may be good news for a slacker kid waiting to get his hands on mommy's fortune, but not necessarily for this region, which is losing more 25-to-34-year-olds - a group that stands to inherit much of that cash - than it gains."

Toy donations slow as holidays approach

Toy donations slow as holidays approach: "As the holiday season gets under way, Austin-area toy donations have been slowed by bad weather, a sluggish economy and product recalls, according to nonprofit groups that specialize in helping needy families this time of year. Dogged by miserable weather Saturday, the city's largest one-day toy drive, the Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade, was a near-bust, drawing donations of about 2,400 toys. Last year's event drew about 42,000 toys, assistant parade director Brooke Cox said."

Thursday, November 29, 2007

The Local - Swedes love to hug

The Local - Swedes love to hug: "n a bid to remedy this, the Swedish Red Cross has just launched its 'Hugs for the Lonely' drive, which will run from December 1st to 21st. The campaign is going national this year after a local Red Cross chapter in Västerås, 100 kilometres west of Stockholm, made around 300,000 kronor selling embraces last year."

New trend in charity: giving winnings back :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Richard Roeper

New trend in charity: giving winnings back :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Richard Roeper: "You're far too kind You gotta love the story about the Lake Forest man who won a $30,000 raffle ticket, and then gave the winnings back to the organization that held the drawing. Marc Jacobson won the Northbrook Rotarians' raffle, but as Jacobson said in Robert Elfinger's story in the Pioneer Press, 'We don't take money from charities, we give to charities.'"

The Daily Beacon-"Charity lacks male support

The Daily Beacon: "Charity lacks male support Kevin Dalby - News Editor Thursday, November 29, 2007 issue Click here to print Dance Marathon may be one of the largest student-run philanthropy events at UT, but a chunk of the campus demographic has been noticeably absent in past years — men. As fundraising and registration for the 14-hour dance party draw near, those in charge want male students to step up their participation levels."

stamford times - Charitable donation targets switch for nation

stamford times - Charitable donation targets switch for nation: "The sixth annual GuideStar survey shows contributions to organizations that support national security, medical research, philanthropy, voluteerism and religion saw the greatest increases in contributions."

Press-Telegram - L.B. gains $1.8B from nonprofits

Press-Telegram - L.B. gains $1.8B from nonprofits: "L.B. gains $1.8B from nonprofits Panel at CSULB finds groups also spend most of their money on services in Long Beach. By Kristopher Hanson, Staff writer Article Launched: 11/28/2007 10:20:59 PM PST LONG BEACH - A new study shows that local nonprofits employ more than 13,000 people, inject close to $1.8 billion annually into the local economy and spend nearly 84 cents of every dollar generated on direct services in Long Beach.
But the report fails to include the total impact of churches, synagogues and other religious groups, instead focusing strictly on the social service arms of those organizations.
And in a finding that hardly comes as a surprise to people in the field, the study shows that nonprofit employees are generally paid less than their for-profit counterparts."

Spending Google's money on conscientious causes | Tech News on ZDNet

Spending Google's money on conscientious causes | Tech News on ZDNet: "On Monday, Google said it would spend hundreds of millions of dollars funding companies developing clean energy and investing directly in technologies like solar thermal power, wind power, and geothermal systems. The goal is to find a way to make renewable energy cheaper than coal and thus reduce greenhouse emissions that threaten the future of the planet. CNET News.com talked about Google's philanthropic actions and philosophies with Dr. Larry Brilliant, the executive director of non-profit Google.org."

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Ted Leonsis: 'It's the Greatest Time to Be an Entrepreneur' - Knowledge@Wharton

Ted Leonsis: 'It's the Greatest Time to Be an Entrepreneur' - Knowledge@Wharton: "online businesses can cultivate people's desire to volunteer and give back. 'It's all about getting out of the I, I and I, and really seeing where you want to fit into the bigger world.' The Internet has led to a whole new type of charitable giving -- online philanthropy, where 'micro-donations' by many donors can add up to a sizeable contribution."

R.I. ranks last, Mass. 27th in annual giving index - Providence Business News

Please note we received a comment and correction on this Headline. Click on Comments below to read. Also Note that the Headline is from the original article.

R.I. ranks last, Mass. 27th in annual giving index - Providence Business News: "WATERTOWN, Mass. – Wyoming residents with incomes of $200,000 or more per year gave the most to charity in 2005, followed by residents of Oklahoma, South Dakota, Arkansas and Utah, the nonprofit Catalogue for Philanthropy said in its 11th annual report. Their peers in Rhode Island gave the least, followed by New Jersey, Alsaka, Hawaii and West Virginia."

NGOs urged to play larger role -- china.org.cn

NGOs urged to play larger role -- china.org.cn: "The country has reiterated its support for local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and urged them to build capacity for a larger role in a harmonious society, even as the number of groups here continues to rise. Li Yong, deputy director of the State Administration of NGOs, said at a seminar on Monday that in line with the country's rapid economic growth the number of Chinese NGOs had been growing by up to 15 percent a year. Last year, the country had 354,000 registered NGOs."

David Caprara and Robert L. Mallett - Corporate Philanthropy 2.0 - washingtonpost.com

David Caprara and Robert L. Mallett - Corporate Philanthropy 2.0 - washingtonpost.com: "Corporate Philanthropy 2.0 By David Caprara and Robert L. Mallett Special to washingtonpost.com's Think Tank Town Wednesday, November 28, 2007; 12:00 AM

A volunteer scientist working to improve patient care in northern Kenya and an accountant building a financial reporting system for a small NGO in Capetown. A doctor assessing training for medical colleagues in Russia and a pharmacist working at a border clinic helping Burmese refugees. An MBA in Rwanda procuring potentially life-saving medicines.

To paraphrase, these are not your grandfather's or your father's volunteers. Instead, they are the faces of a revolution in corporate citizenship -- from highly trained and skilled professionals volunteering for company-sponsored and specialized assignments around the world to more localized volunteering programs engaging employees and local volunteers in country."

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Las Cruces Sun-News - 2007 "Tough Enough to Wear Pink' campaign shatters fundraising records (4:51 p.m.)

Las Cruces Sun-News - 2007 "Tough Enough to Wear Pink' campaign shatters fundraising records (4:51 p.m.): "2007 'Tough Enough to Wear Pink' campaign shatters fundraising records (4:51 p.m.) By Jason Gibbs/Sun-News reporter Article Launched: 11/26/2007 04:52:40 PM MST LAS CRUCES - The Aggies were 'Tough Enough to Wear Pink' and the community was willing to cowboy up to help find a cure for cancer. Their combined efforts led to a record-setting $450,000 raised locally in cash and in-kind donations, all earmarked for cancer research. The 25th annual Cowboys for Cancer Research event in October, combined with the 'NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink' fundraiser, netted more than $350,000 in cash and another $100,000 of in-kind donations for cancer research, organizers said."

Nonprofit Careers (California Job Journal)

Nonprofit Careers (California Job Journal):

"For people interested in doing fundraising, Green suggests a visit to AFPnet.org. The Association of Fundraising Professionals is a national organization with chapters throughout California. 'I would advise those interested in the nonprofit field to discover their own concerns and interests, and then purse them.'"

Members of aquarium board set sail -

Members of aquarium board set sail -: "It appears that the aquarium will get to keep its collection. Attendance is level and the nonprofit expects 2007 to be its third straight year in the black, thanks mostly to its latest deal in which its lenders agreed to match some of its payments dollar-for-dollar. For the first nine months of this year, the aquarium was $203,383 in the red, a deficit it expects to cover easily in the last quarter, when many donors stroke year-end checks."

Monday, November 26, 2007

Press Release:

Press Release:: "Students fan the torch of philanthropy at Queen’s Monday November 26, 2007 Bright red, yellow and blue tags attached to equipment, furniture and buildings across campus today celebrate alumni gifts to Queen’s. By drawing attention to the many ways in which former students support their alma maters, the University is able to highlight philanthropic giving and its impact on the every-day life of the campus.

“The sheer number of items labeled will make these gifts highly visible and I think most people will be inclined to read the information on the tags to find out what this is all about,” says annual giving officer Ruth Wannnemacher."

JewishJournal.com-Can nonprofits rake it in with raffles?

JewishJournal.com: "This December, some lucky soul out there will win a million-dollar home in West Hills, and Kadima Hebrew Academy will pocket $1 million to benefit the school.
Maybe.
Actually, probably not. The more likely scenario is that the grand prize winner of Kadima's first stab at a mega-raffle will take home a six-figure prize, and Kadima will net the same, depending on how many more of its 18,000 available tickets it sells.

Here are some weblinks that discuss raffles. Please understand that nothing we provide should be considered or should substitute for legal advice. Other Sites of Interest Disclaimer

From Idealist.org

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,307794,00.html

http://www.nonprofitmailers.org/tools/csr-307.htm

From the USPS

Charity drive targets women- MassLive.com

Charity drive targets women- MassLive.com: "Charity drive targets women Friday, November 23, 2007 By PATRICK JOHNSON pjohnson@repub.com EASTHAMPTON - The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts is taking part in a recently launched national philanthropic campaign to raise $150 million for non-profit organizations that aid women and young girls. Carla M. Oleska, executive director of the Women's Fund, said the Easthampton-based organization will be a part of the 'Women Moving Millions' philanthropic campaign, which was launched last week."

Tight economic times mean smart charitable giving more important than ever -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Tight economic times mean smart charitable giving more important than ever -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "Tight economic times mean smart charitable giving more important than ever South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board November 25, 2007Holiday season inspires generosity. There's something about the holidays that brings out the do-gooder in people. Volunteering hits its peak between Thanksgiving and New Year's, when many charities also raise a third, even half, of their revenue for the entire year, as the spirit of generosity takes hold and donors race to beat the Dec. 31 tax deduction deadline."

Giving thanks for charitable generosity - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

Giving thanks for charitable generosity - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA: "A few days before Thanksgiving, I started to compile a list of things for which the city could be grateful, when a headline gave me one answer. The headline was on a news story about Ernie DiBurro giving $100,000 to Haverhill High to add to the scholarship money being made available to students. It made me think of how grateful a city like Haverhill should be to have people like Ernie who have been generous with their donations to help others. Over the years, people have made contributions that moved the city forward, helping others and making life a little better for everyone."

The Daily Advertiser -LANO is thankful for work of nonprofits

The Daily Advertiser - www.theadvertiser.com - Lafayette, LA: "LANO is thankful for work of nonprofits During this season of giving and gratitude, the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations is thankful for the ethical, responsible and productive nonprofits that daily serve our citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.

We applaud Gov.-elect Jindal's efforts to pass ethics reforms. We believe that all businesses, both those for profit and those not-for-profit, as well as government agencies, should be transparent, ethical and accountable."

Nonprofit Roundtable Home Page

Nonprofit Roundtable Home Page: "BEYOND CHARITY: RECOGNIZING RETURN ON INVESTMENT How the Nonprofit Community Impacts Greater Washington, the groundbreaking result of a yearlong effort to answer, 'What difference do nonprofits make?' was released, in collaboration with the World Bank Group, on November 26, 2007."

djournal.com-EDITORIAL: The reason for charity

djournal.com: "EDITORIAL: The reason for charity 11/26/2007 6:13:38 AM Daily Journal An Associated Press report in Friday's Daily Journal described continuing need among various food banks in the coastal communities recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Similar needs are found in all communities, including the towns and cities across Northeast Mississippi. The year-end holiday season is critical for most charitable entities as donors take advantage of tax deductions and a generous spirit moves people to contribute."

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

IRA Rollovers: A Win-Win Situation for Donors, Federation | The Jewish Exponent

IRA Rollovers: A Win-Win Situation for Donors, Federation | The Jewish Exponent: "IRA Rollovers: A Win-Win Situation for Donors, Federation November 22, 2007 Thanksgiving is a traditional time to count our blessings and share our bounty with others. Rachel Gross, director of Planned Giving and Endowments for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, believes that this holiday also provides an ideal forum for family discussion of how the IRA rollover legislation can help maximize philanthropic giving while minimizing tax liabilities."

The Electric New Paper, Singapore - The Electric New Paper News

The Electric New Paper, Singapore - The Electric New Paper News: "More than 1,000 spectators gathered to watch as 64 teams, decked out in outrageous costumes, ran, danced, and sang songs to raise money for over 100 charities, reported The Standard. This year's green-themed race saw many teams dressing up in nature-inspired costumes."

Bloomberg.com: Muse

Bloomberg.com: Muse: "Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- The Smithsonian Institution will re- evaluate its procedures for vetting donations in the wake of a public dispute that prompted the oil and gas industry to pull out of a planned $5 million sponsorship. The Smithsonian's governing board of regents, at a meeting today in Washington, agreed to seek quicker notification from staff members about proposed major donations to its museums, galleries and research facilities."

How Companies Dig Deep

How Companies Dig Deep: "Many corporations talk about the importance of being a good corporate citizen and supporting causes employees care about. To find out which companies were the most generous givers for fiscal year 2006, for both cash and 'in-kind' donations such as drugs and software, BusinessWeek surveyed companies in the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index."

TheStar.com | GTA | Sears sues over Ryerson sign

TheStar.com | GTA | Sears sues over Ryerson sign: "Store chain says $10M donation was supposed to get name on a building, not a pillar Nov 21, 2007 04:30 AM Daniel Girard Education Reporter As Ryerson University celebrates a new lecture theatre named for clothier Harry Rosen, Sears is wondering where its building is. The department store giant is claiming that instead of getting the promised top billing on a building on the downtown campus in exchange for $10 million in donations, it's left with a lousy little plaque in the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, named for a guy who forked over half that much."

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Using New Media in Virtual Meeting Spaces | NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network

Using New Media in Virtual Meeting Spaces | NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network: "The National Community Tax Coalition (NCTC), which leads the movement connecting working families with tax credits and economic opportunities, is a national coalition of 600 plus organizations providing free tax preparation for low-income families. The NCTC is a project of the Chicago-based Center for Economic Progress.
We have a Steering Committee of 25 people, dispersed nationally, that meets by phone monthly. One of the group wanted to improve our meeting process, so he suggested:"

The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA

The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA: "Soliciting major contributions is difficult, but most large gifts are wrapped up before a campaign goes public, said Michael Nilsen, public affairs director for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which represents about 3,500 fundraisers in Canada and 28,000 across North America.

That can create excitement among other donors to give to a project, he said. However, major gifts don't happen overnight, Nilsen said, and the arena is close to opening."

SW Iowa News - Bell ringer rings up donations for Salvation Army

SW Iowa News - Bell ringer rings up donations for Salvation Army: "ometimes Al Brock's hands swell; some days he can barely make a fist. While his face almost always shows a smile, ringing a bell all day can take its toll. But, this Salvation Army bell ringer isn't complaining. 'All those years I walked by and didn't put anything in,' Brock said. 'But then I needed their help one time. I figured, what better way to pay it back?'"

UCSD Guardian Online

UCSD Guardian Online: "Private financial support for UC system’s 10 campuses reached nearly $1.3 billion over the past year, making it the seventh consecutive year that contributions from individual alumni, charitable foundations, corporate sponsors and other friends of the university topped the billion-dollar threshold, according to Nov. 15 report from UC officials."

Smithsonian Is Planning a Big Fund-Raising Push

Published: November 20, 2007
The Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents voted Monday to undertake the first large-scale private fund-raising effort in the organization’s history.

Donor-advised funds gaining - InvestmentNews

Donor-advised funds gaining - InvestmentNews: "The use of donor-advised funds is on the rise. Assets in the popular charitable-giving vehicle increased 23.4% to $21.6 billion last year, according to the National Philanthropic Trust, a Jenkintown, Pa.-based independent public charity that promotes philanthropy. The number of new accounts, meanwhile, jumped 7% to 107,250, the company said."

Deseret Morning News | Utahns helping — and need help

Deseret Morning News | Utahns helping — and need help: "The need is being mirrored nationwide. Emergency shelters, food assistance programs and charitable organizations of all types are expecting holiday giving to be lower than expected. Plus, fund-raising arms for charities are worried that the wave of transitioning families will deepen as the full effects of the subprime mortgage market collapse become reality. 'There is some growing concern' about the effect of the housing slowdown on charitable donations, said Michael Nilsen, a spokesman for the Association of Fund-raising Professionals."

Study: Nonprofit employment growing faster than private sector - Examiner.com

Study: Nonprofit employment growing faster than private sector - Examiner.com: "BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Employment at Maryland’s nonprofit organizations grew more than twice as fast as private sector employment between 1995 and 2005, according to a Johns Hopkins University study released Monday. During that decade, nonprofit employment statewide grew by 36 percent, compared with a 15.3 percent increase in the for-profit sector, according to the study, conducted by Johns Hopkins’ Center for Civil Society Studies."

Monday, November 19, 2007

Leslie Walker - On a Laptop Mission for Kids - washingtonpost.com

Leslie Walker - On a Laptop Mission for Kids - washingtonpost.com: "On a Laptop Mission for Kids A Buy One, Give One Campaign Seeks to Send Tech Abroad By Leslie Walker Special to The Washington Post Sunday, November 18, 2007; Page F06
For two weeks this month, Americans are being invited to join a global marathon -- the uphill effort to take 21st-century computing to poor children around the world.
The invitation comes from One Laptop Per Child, a nonprofit group founded in 2005 by academics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab. The MIT gang is trying to jump-start unexpectedly slow laptop computer sales abroad by appealing to charitable impulses at home."

Lewis earns Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fund Raising | ASU News

Lewis earns Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fund Raising | ASU News: "The ASU Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management is pleased to announce that Senior Professional-in-Residence, Patricia Lewis, has been honored with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University’s Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fund Raising, the Center’s most prestigious award, at a ceremony Nov. 4th in Indianapolis. Robert Pierpont, an independent fund raising consultant and Ed Schumacher, founder and president of Third Sector Consulting, were also named honorees."

The Greatest Givers

The Greatest Givers: "Many of this year's top U.S. philanthropists are keeping their money close to home

>> Whittling down a lifetime of earnings—a prospect most of us would like to avoid—is the goal of many of the billionaires and multimillionaires in BusinessWeek's (MHP ) annual ranking of Most Generous Givers. If their megagifts to causes ranging from cancer research to civil rights to the prevention of meth addiction are any indication, they're making good progress. Sixteen of the 50 U.S. philanthropists on our list gave north of $100 million this year, nine donated $200 million or more, and one towered above them all with $723 million in gifts."

Salt Lake Tribune - Odd donations: Aquariums for Utah's homeless

Salt Lake Tribune - Odd donations: Aquariums for Utah's homeless: "Odd donations: Aquariums for Utah's homeless Charities want usuable donations -- not your rock collection By Kirsten Stewart ]
The Salt Lake Tribune Article Last Updated: 11/16/2007 02:51:31 PM MST Posted: 2:35 PM-
So the sweater is moth-bitten, and the canned peas are nearing their expiration date.
Surely someone can put them to good use. Why not brighten someone else's life, while clearing yours of clutter?
It's easy to rationalize off-loading your junk onto charities, especially during the holidays.
But at the risk of appearing ungrateful, Utah charities ask this season that you keep the moldy food, bullets and rock collections to yourself. They just have to pay to get rid of them, wasting precious dollars that could be used to feed, clothe and comfort the needy."

Smithsonian Project Loses Oil Sponsor - washingtonpost.com

Smithsonian Project Loses Oil Sponsor - washingtonpost.com: "The American Petroleum Institute yesterday rescinded its offer to give the Smithsonian $5 million for a major exhibit hall and Web site on the world's oceans, ending a controversy destined for the institution's Board of Regents meeting on Monday. The decision is a setback for Cristi¿n Samper, the acting secretary of the Smithsonian, who has said the ocean exhibition is 'very close to my heart.' Samper approved the contribution in his current role and helped develop the Ocean Hall when he was director of the National Museum of Natural History."

Canadians' generosity has transcended riches

Canadians' generosity has transcended riches: "'Canadians contribute with the resources they have and that includes money and talent and energy,' says Michael Hall, vice-president of research at Imagine Canada, a national charity that conducts research on the non-profit sector, and author of the study. Mr. Hall says the history of Canadian philanthropy is full of examples of ordinary people making small donations and inspiring others to do the same. For example, a $1,000 donation in 1944 by secretary Alice MacKay, who was interested in helping homeless women, was the beginning of the Vancouver Foundation, a community foundation that today distributes $40-million to projects in British Columbia."

Why nonprofits?

Why nonprofits?: "Long hours, mediocre pay, frustrating challenges: No one said working for social service agencies was easy. But many of the people working to help Austin's needy say they couldn't imagine doing anything else with their lives."

News-Leader.com | Jeanne Duffey

News-Leader.com | Jeanne Duffey: "If you work for one of the couple hundred nonprofits in the community that depend on funding for their programs, you're probably aware of the Springfield-Greene County Library's Funding Information Center. Located near the reference desk at the Library Center, the Funding Information Center is the place to go when you have a question similar to this one: 'Where can I find information about foundations that fund programs to help children with health problems in Missouri?"

Lansing State Journal: The gift of giving: Nonprofits hope goodwill trumps bad economy

Lansing State Journal: The gift of giving: Nonprofits hope goodwill trumps bad economy: "An electrical engineer going into his second year working for Spartan Chassis Inc. in Charlotte, Manly said he benefited from some of the community programs that were available when he was younger. Now, the 30-year-old, who grew up in Detroit, is returning the favor by donating to the local United Way campaign."

Fundraising fatigue: Schools tap new ways to get money

Fundraising fatigue: Schools tap new ways to get money: "Want to buy some cookie dough? How about wrapping paper? Interested in a magazine subscription? A growing number of parents are saying no, even to their own kids, tired of the incessant stream of order forms, catalogs and discount coupon books coming home in backpacks from school. Their freezers are crammed with cookie dough from last year's sale, their spare drawers filled with wrapping paper and their mailboxes overflowing with magazines. Parents are burned out, and as a result some cash-strapped schools are changing their fundraising ways."

The Spectrum - www.thespectrum.com -

The Spectrum - www.thespectrum.com -: "Philanthropy is described as voluntary giving for the public good. If ever there is a place on earth where that phenomena thrives, it is here in Dixie. Everywhere we turn, there is evidence of time, talent and treasure shared in the name of community goodwill - from the arts to education to services for domestic violence and certainly in health and hospital services. For 26 years, the Jubilee of Trees has inspired charitable giving to advance extraordinary health care at our non-profit hospital - Dixie Regional Medical Center. What you see when you attend is the largest showcase of custom designed Christmas Trees, wreaths and décor between the Wasatch Front and Las Vegas."

Where are all the charitable bequests? | csmonitor.com

Where are all the charitable bequests? | csmonitor.com:

"Only 8 percent of Americans have named a charity in their wills, according to a survey released earlier this year from Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy. That's in spite of the fact that Americans are a generous lot: Two out of every 3 have given to charity in recent years, according to the same survey.

Charitable bequests are also becoming more rare. From 1998 to 2006, the estimated yearly number of people who left money to charity has dropped from 17,587 to 9,522, according to Internal Revenue Service data. Over that period, fewer estates became subject to federal tax as the threshold for taxable estates rose from $625,000 in 1998 to $2 million in 2006."

Charities get a generous return from 'freemiums' | csmonitor.com

Charities get a generous return from 'freemiums' | csmonitor.com: "These gifts, known as front-end premiums or 'freemiums,' get mixed reviews from fundraising experts and the public alike. While freemiums typically bring in more money than they cost, the feelings of guilt and cynicism they can inspire may hurt nonprofits in the long run. '[Charities] wouldn't use this strategy unless it worked and brought in a good return on their investment,' says Tom Pollack, director of the National Center for Charitable Statistics."

AsianWeek » Playing Catch-up: Philanthropy and the API Community

AsianWeek » Playing Catch-up: Philanthropy and the API Community: "One of the more damaging assumptions that stems from the “model minority” myth is that Asian Americans don’t need anyone’s help — they’re too busy quietly succeeding. Perhaps this is contributing to the stagnant rate of philanthropic giving to the AAPI community. According to a recent report by Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, only 0.4 percent of foundation dollars have gone to AAPI communities, although AAPIs now make up 4.5 percent of the country’s population. Giving to AAPIs has increased by just 0.2 percent during the past two decades. Funding towards the AAPI community is not keeping up with the growing population, according to Dr. Albert Yee, program director at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “A lot of not-for-profit organizations work on very lean budgets,” Yee said. “It’s much more difficult for them to carry out their mission, which is to help people.”"

Technology a blessing and curse in feeding needy

Technology a blessing and curse in feeding needy: "FAIRFIELD — Technology has been a blessing and a curse for area nonprofit agencies who receive donated food that is later distributed to the needy. While new technology has enabled Shared Harvest Foodbank in Faifield to better track food from wholesalers, the advancement has created less amounts to distribute."

Friday, November 16, 2007

ARTICLE: We're giving less to local charities (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com)

ARTICLE: We're giving less to local charities (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com): "Charitable giving took a tumble locally last year, dropping nearly 20 percent for a sampling of nonprofit organizations, says a new study from The Norfolk Foundation. Contributions fell from $170.1 million in 2005 to $137.7 million in 2006, the report said. But that total still exceeds the 2004 results, the foundation's top executive said, and preliminary reports indicate a bounceback for 2007. 'There seems to be general optimism that, in fact, funding will show some increases,' said Angelica Light, the foundation's president."

Faster grants set for charities -- baltimoresun.com

Faster grants set for charities -- baltimoresun.com: "A major local foundation is launching a grants program that aims to quickly give up to $100,000 apiece to nonprofits across Maryland. The $2.3 billion Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the country's biggest private foundations, will announce the new Maryland Small Grants Program at an event today. Nonprofit advocates are calling it an unusual and welcome twist on grant-making because it simplifies the application process and reduces the wait for a response."

County nonprofits can benefit from wealth transfer - Ann Arbor Business Review - MLive.com

County nonprofits can benefit from wealth transfer - Ann Arbor Business Review - MLive.com: "A new study about the county's wealth and its potential impact for nonprofits as the Baby Boomer generation ages gives hope to the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation for increased endowments. Washtenaw County residents will pass $5.25 billion onto their heirs from 2005 to 2015, according to the study commissioned by community foundations in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. That number of local dollars changing hands grows to $41 billion through 2055, showing the scope of the potential for nonprofits to capture some of the transition."

Holocaust Museum honors Houston couple, raises $600,000 at luncheon | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Holocaust Museum honors Houston couple, raises $600,000 at luncheon | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "With Sue and Lester Smith accepting the Guardian of the Human Spirit Award, Holocaust Museum Houston raised record luncheon funds last week at the Westin Galleria Hotel. Proceeds topped $600,000 at the benefit,"

The Enquirer - Zoo touts economic impact

The Enquirer - Zoo touts economic impact: "Four months before voters will decide on a levy, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on Thursday released an economic-impact study showing that it pumped almost $125 million into the economy during 2006. That's almost as much as the area's 18 fine-arts organizations combined (in 2005) and about 3½ times more than the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, according to previous studies by the same group."

Volunteers erect zoo playground in one day | ajc.com

Volunteers erect zoo playground in one day | ajc.com: "More than 300 volunteers from Home Depot, Zoo Atlanta and the Grant Park community showed up at Zoo Atlanta on Thursday for a one-day playground miracle. It is part of a $25 million program by Home Depot and KaBoom, a national nonprofit, to build 1,000 community playgrounds in 1,000 days across the United States."

Back-to-School Philanthropy Goes Chic - November 16, 2007 - The New York Sun

Back-to-School Philanthropy Goes Chic - November 16, 2007 - The New York Sun: "The occasion was the 50th anniversary of the nonprofit Learning Leaders, which trains and places volunteers in New York City public schools. With 14,000 volunteers working in 960 schools, the program is a hub for parents' engagement in their childrens' education."

Bradenton.com | 11/16/2007 | Gas prices sap Manatee nonprofits

Bradenton.com | 11/16/2007 | Gas prices sap Manatee nonprofits: "MANATEE -- Soaring gas prices that hit $3.20 a gallon locally Thursday are taking a toll on local nonprofits."

Stanford delivers $1.76M to St. Jude from golf tourney - Memphis Business Journal:

Stanford delivers $1.76M to St. Jude from golf tourney - Memphis Business Journal:: "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital received a $1.76 million check Thursday from the inaugural Stanford St. Jude Championship."

The Most Elite Club in the World

The Most Elite Club in the World: "t's one of the most exclusive clubs anywhere, which is why you've probably never heard of it. Members come from 68 of the wealthiest families in 22 countries. Many are connected to business dynasties around the world. The point of the club: to give away money so that it has the greatest long-term impact on pressing global issues. 'Most philanthropists, even experienced ones, say that it's harder to give money away effectively than it is to make it,' says Beth Cohen, director of the Global Philanthropists Circle (GPC)."

Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Morning News: News : Rogers Proposal To Hire Athletics Fundraiser Rare For School Districts

The Morning News: News : Rogers Proposal To Hire Athletics Fundraiser Rare For School Districts:
"'Obviously, we have seen this in colleges and universities for years. The trend of having a fundraiser for high schools is growing more and more. I'd say it is still uncommon,' said Michael Nilsen, public affairs director of the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The NonProfit Times -Economist: Change Favors The Prepared Mind

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management:
"Raymond, senior managing director for research, evaluation, and strategic planning at Changing Our World Inc., a consulting firm working with nonprofits and private and corporate philanthropists, spoke about change and its implications at the recent conference of the New Jersey chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The session, 'Leading the Nonprofit World of 2015,' revolved around a new spin on an old adage: Change -- rather than chance -- favors the prepared mind."

Responsibility Pays - Forbes.com

Responsibility Pays - Forbes.com: "Ultimately, in exercising corporate social responsibility (CSR), these and other companies will reap the financial reward even though it may be costing them now. Sandra Taylor, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Starbucks, said spending money to grow the business and social responsibility go hand in hand for the global coffee house chain. “Corporate social responsibility guides our strategic approach to everyday business. We strive to produce social, environmental and economic benefits for our communities and company stakeholders,” Taylor said. “As a result, when we budget for programs and resources that are vital to the growth of our business, we’re--in effect--also budgeting for CSR.”"

Tallahassee Democrat - www.tallahassee.com - Philanthropy Day honors those who give

You can read additional stories on National Philanthropy Day on the AFP National Philanthropy Blog


Tallahassee Democrat - www.tallahassee.com - Tallahassee, FL.: "

The press packet I received last week from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) said that Tuesday an estimated 50,000 people gathered in 135 cities across the country to honor those who give so freely of themselves, their time and their riches to benefit others. And, of course, chief among those who got together was a group who had lunch together at the University Center Club yesterday for Tallahassee's version. When you total up all the dollars and time given, the numbers are staggering"

Argus Leader Media - News-Avera gift might be SDSU record

Argus Leader Media - News: "Avera's board of directors today is to approve a multimillion dollar donation to the university that might be the largest in the school's history. Avera officials declined to say the donation amount or comment publicly on the project itself until today's announcement. But the gift and resulting partnership will move forward the $48 million planned construction of a health sciences building and the renovation of Shepard Hall, said David Chicoine, SDSU's president."