Friday, January 19, 2007

UConn Advance - January 22, 2007 - Ethics ruling hampers fund-raising efforts

UConn Advance - January 22, 2007 - Ethics ruling hampers fund-raising efforts: "Ethics ruling hampers fund-raising efforts
by Karen A. Grava - January 22, 2007

A ruling by the state Ethics Citizen's Advisory Board last spring has had a significant and detrimental impact on corporate giving to state entities, including UConn.

The ruling interferes with the ability of all state entities but most directly with the ability of UConn, the vocational technical schools, and the other public colleges to raise private funds, by prohibiting gifts from any vendor doing business with the state agency to which it plans to give funds or from any company that employs a lobbyist.

“The original ban on gifts applied only to individual state employees,” says Rachel Rubin, chief compliance officer."

St. Helena Star .::. CommentaryOpinion

St. Helena Star .::. CommentaryOpinion: "Hard-pressed nonprofits face increased demands

By Jay Greene
Thursday, January 18, 2007 9:02 AM PST

St. Helena and the Upper Valley are well served by a surprisingly large number of local nonprofit organizations, strengthening the community and enriching our cultural and recreational life.

And, in addition to the pressures of getting the job done and the need to compete for donor attention, they are faced with higher standards of accountability.

Over the past two months, the Star featured interviews, under the heading “Holiday season: Helping those in need', with residents volunteering their time on the local nonprofit scene."

SouthCoastToday.com - Philanthropy agency accredited - January 19, 2007

SouthCoastToday.com - Philanthropy agency accredited - January 19, 2007: "NEW BEDFORD — The Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts has been accredited as meeting the nation's highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability by the Council on Foundations, a national professional association based in Washington, D.C.
'This is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,' said Steve Gunderson, Council on Foundations president and chief executive officer."

Welcome to the IRS online training

Welcome to the IRS online training: "Welcome!

Obtaining and maintaining 501(c)(3) tax exempt status is crucial to the success of many organizations. This online training provides the tools and knowledge to help you keep your organization’s exempt status intact. It consists of five interactive courses, which you can take individually and in any order."

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Bacon turns 'Six Degrees' into a game of giving - USATODAY.com

Bacon turns 'Six Degrees' into a game of giving - USATODAY.com: "above being an annoying gimmick.

A year ago, he bought the domain name SixDegrees.org. And on Friday, the actor will be at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, to launch SixDegrees.org, an online charitable-giving site that is inspired by his namesake game and driven by today's obsession with celebrities."

Why the rich are heading back to school

Why the rich are heading back to school: "Why the rich are heading back to school

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
By Rachel Emma Silverman, The Wall Street Journal

The wealthy are flocking back to school to learn how to be rich.

As investing and estate planning grow ever more complex -- with labyrinthine trusts, derivatives, hedge funds, structured products, complex philanthropic options and ever-changing tax laws -- wealthy individuals increasingly want to get a better handle on what to do with their money."

The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Philanthropy creates economic hub in region

The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Philanthropy creates economic hub in region: "Philanthropy creates economic hub in region

By Kristi Heim

Seattle Times business reporter

A century after Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller started the first big wave of charitable giving in the U.S., philanthropy has become a booming business.

At the epicenter of this revolution, Seattle is on track to become as famous for the way it gives money away as for how it made it, speakers at an annual economic forecast said Wednesday."

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

The Dartmouth Online-New College program to let students invest $300k

The Dartmouth Online: "New College program to let students invest $300k
By Nick Swanson
Published on Wednesday, January 17, 2007


Investing $300,000 is usually an activity reserved for the comfortably wealthy. But beginning in February, a dozen Dartmouth students who join the newly formed Investment and Philanthropy Program can exercise control over that much money, without spending a dime of their own funds."

ContraCostaTimes.com | 01/15/2007 | New tax law stricter on church gifts

ContraCostaTimes.com | 01/15/2007 | New tax law stricter on church gifts: "New tax law stricter on church gifts
By Rebecca Rosen Lum
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

Placing a neatly folded bill or a clutch of coins into a collection plate as it passes along the pew calls up a Norman Rockwell image of American life.

But IRS rules taking effect this month may further change the way Americans contribute to houses of worship. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 prohibits donors from declaring contributions to churches or other charitable organizations unless they can produce records of the transactions.

Several Contra Costa clerics said they knew nothing about the change before a reporter called asking for comment."

Helena Independent Record

Helena Independent Record: "Nonprofits impact state’s economy
By JOHN HARRINGTON - IR Business Editor - 01/17/07
The Capitol Rotunda, which during each Legislative session is taken up daily with displays and ceremonies from advocacy groups across the state, on Tuesday was the scene of the first Montana Nonprofit Day, hosted by the Montana Nonprofit Association.

The Helena-based association used the occasion to release its 2007 report on the nonprofit sector, highlighting the role of nonprofits in the Montana economy."

Panel on the Nonprofit Sector Invites Your Comments :: PNNOnline ::

Panel on the Nonprofit Sector Invites Your Comments :: PNNOnline ::: "Panel on the Nonprofit Sector Invites Your Comments
Posted by: laurakujawski on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Topic Public Works and Advocacy


The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector invites the nonprofit community to comment on draft principles on self-regulation through a public comment period.


The principles were developed by the Panel’s Advisory Committee on Self-Regulation of the Charitable Sector, comprised of 34 leaders from charities, foundations, and academic institutions, and chaired by Joel L. Fleishman, director of the Samuel & Ronnie Heyman Center for Ethics, Public Policy, and the Professions at Duke University, and Rebecca W. Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts.


The Advisory Committee examined the standards and principles established by over 50 self-regulation and accreditation systems that monitor different types of charitable organizations to develop a set of 29 principles of effective practice for charitable organizations. The Committee recommends that all charitable organizations aspire to follow these principles and that all major organizations (public charities with at least $1 million in annual revenues and private foundations with at least $25 million in assets) should implement these practices.


Available for review and comment through the Panel’s web site, the principles are arranged in four categories:"

University philanthropy gets a new face - News

University philanthropy gets a new face - News: "University philanthropy gets a new face
Michael Westfall sets out to help Eastern procure more donations from alumni and other sources
Tessa Schilter, Senior Reporter
Issue date: 1/17/07 Section: News

Page 1 of 1

Michael Westfall, the new vice president of university advancement, just moved his family from Virginia to Spokane. While movers took care of the heavy stuff, Westfall was responsible for moving his wife and his two young sons across the country, a journey which seemed to take longer than the actual five days due to the fact that they were accompanied by two dogs.

Of his position, which has been vacant at Eastern for a year and half, Westfall said, 'I think there's great opportunity for growth and the culture of philanthropy.'"

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The Herald : News: HEADLINE NEWS-Lecturers condemn charitable status review

Additional International Charity related news is posted on the AFP International News Blog

The Herald : News: HEADLINE NEWS: "An investigation into whether Scotland's universities should lose their charitable status was yesterday attacked by lecturers.

Scotland's new charities watchdog is currently examining whether universities should retain charitable status alongside a raft of other organisations including independent schools, private hospitals, museums and social clubs."

ABC News: Celebs and Charity: Trendiness or Benevolence?

ABC News: Celebs and Charity: Trendiness or Benevolence?: "Jan. 14, 2007 — Bono, Madonna, Oprah, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie — they're all part of a parade of celebrity activists turning their attention to Africa.

But some are asking what these celebrities are really achieving? And what are their motivations?

This week in Hollywood, ABC News visited the latest example of Hollywood's largesse toward Africa — the star-studded premiere of a small, documentary that would never have seen the light of day were it not for celebrities."

Where Money’s No Object, Space Is No Problem - New York Times

Where Money’s No Object, Space Is No Problem - New York Times: "As the Wrights and the Shirleys acquired substantial holdings in outdoor sculpture, they lamented the lack of a site where they might be displayed if bequeathed to the city. In 1996 they met with Mimi Gardner Gates, the director of the Seattle Art Museum, to raise the possibility of a sculpture park. (Ms. Gates, formerly the director of the Yale University Art Gallery, has led the museum since 1994 and is married to William H. Gates Sr., father of Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft.)"

Net searches make cents for nonprofits - Tribune-Review

Net searches make cents for nonprofits - Tribune-Review: "Net searches make cents for nonprofits

By Liz Zemba
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, January 15, 2007

By searching the Internet, patrons of Scottdale Public Library are helping to raise money -- a penny at a time -- for a new, $1.3 million library.

Others are doing the same for various programs offered by the Greensburg YMCA, the YWCA of Westmoreland County and Westmoreland County Community College."

Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/15/2007 | Editorial | No gift is too small

Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/15/2007 | Editorial | No gift is too small: "Editorial | No gift is too small

Across America, the holiday celebrated today in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has become a national day of service in which individuals join hands to do good deeds for their neighbors.

Nowhere has this way of celebrating Dr. King's life become as big as it is in Philadelphia, where 600 service projects will be carried out today. Congratulations are due Todd Bernstein, executive director of the local King Day of Service, for the program's growth the past 12 years."

AFP > About AFP | AFP news & press releases > AFP Offices to Move in Late January 2007

AFP > About AFP | AFP news & press releases > AFP Offices to Move in Late January 2007: "AFP Offices to Move in Late January 2007

The offices of AFP International and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy will be closed for two days in late January as they move to a new address.

The new address, effective Jan. 29, 2007, will be:

4300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203-4168"

He's spent 50 years giving to the arts - The Boston Globe

He's spent 50 years giving to the arts - The Boston Globe: "He's spent 50 years giving to the arts

By Julie Hatfield, Globe Correspondent | January 14, 2007

For 50 years Julian Cohen has made money in real estate, and for almost that long, Cohen, one of the most generous philanthropists in Boston, has given his money away to cultural institutions."

Philanthropy Today: Chief Executive of Gates Foundation Clarifies Its Stance on Social Investing

Philanthropy Today: Chief Executive of Gates Foundation Clarifies Its Stance on Social Investing: "Chief Executive of Gates Foundation Clarifies Its Stance on Social Investing

The chief executive of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said in a letter to the editor of the Los Angeles Times that the philanthropy does not plan to make changes in its investment policies."

The Blog | Larry Arnstein: Whiplash at the Gates Foundation | The Huffington Post

The Blog | Larry Arnstein: Whiplash at the Gates Foundation | The Huffington Post: "Larry Arnstein Larry Arnstein
Bio
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01.15.2007
Whiplash at the Gates Foundation (9 comments )

Two days after The Los Angeles Times ran a lengthy exposé of them, the Gates Foundation did the right thing. Then four days after that they issued a big, fat never mind.

Apparently, the Gates Foundation (Does Anybody Have Change for a $66 Billion-Dollar Bill?) has a problem with their right hand not knowing what their left hand is doing."

Park Service seeks outside aid - Metropolitan - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Park Service seeks outside aid - Metropolitan - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "Park Service seeks outside aid

By Mary Clare Jalonick
ASSOCIATED PRESS
January 16, 2007

The National Park Service's new director said the agency will increasingly look to outside sources for money to help maintain parks."

The Columbus Dispatch - Local/State-"Donations not new to suburban districts

The Columbus Dispatch - Local/State: "Donations not new to suburban districts
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Simone Sebastian
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

They’ve built school theaters, equipped classrooms and paid for college educations.

Since the first public-school endowment was created in Franklin County in 1983, the increasingly popular funding sources have sent millions of dollars to local classrooms."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story-Nonprofits mean business: Social ventures flourishing in for-profit world

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Nonprofits mean business: Social ventures flourishing in for-profit world
Elisa Birnbaum By Elisa Birnbaum
January 15, 2007

Nonprofit organizations play an integral role in our lives and infuse our world with a conscience. But their impact on our well-being notwithstanding, they also comprise a significant economic force, providing services and products, and achieving success on the same playing field as those in the private sector. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, economic activity in the nonprofit sector, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), outpaced that of the economy as a whole between 1997 and 2003. But with limited resources, staff and finances, can nonprofits really compete? Or will their respective challenges impede their ability to swing their bats with the big leagues, relegating them to the sidelines?"

Monday, January 15, 2007

MercuryNews.com | 01/15/2007 | Getting tips on better fundraising

MercuryNews.com | 01/15/2007 | Getting tips on better fundraising: "Getting tips on better fundraising
By Lisa Fernandez
Mercury News
Live Oak Adult Day Services client Sal Gonzales dances with program specialist Jessica Flores during daily activity time at the Willow Glen non-profit community service agency, which provides activities for 'less independent' adult seniors. A fundraising academy, called Milpitas Compaspoint, is trying to help minority-led nonprofits, such as Live Oak, raise more money through grants.
Susanna Frohman - Mercury News
Live Oak Adult Day Services client Sal Gonzales dances with program specialist Jessica Flores during daily activity time at the Willow Glen non-profit community service agency, which provides activities for 'less independent' adult seniors. A fundraising academy, called Milpitas Compaspoint, is trying to help minority-led nonprofits, such as Live Oak, raise more money through grants.
More photos

MINORITY NON-PROFIT LEADERS FIND HELPING HAND

Colleen Hudgen grew up in a tightly knit Southern Baptist black church. When her pastor asked for money, the congregation gave.

But the African-American senior center executive director finds it hard to ask members of her community, church friends and clients for donations to support her work and passion: San Jose's Live Oak Adult Day Services, where nearly 400 poor, elderly people eat, exercise"