Friday, September 14, 2007

IRS data proposal alarms hospitals

IRS data proposal alarms hospitals: "The Michigan Health & Hospital Association is voicing serious concerns about proposed Internal Revenue Service changes to the way nonprofits report their finances. The trade group is worried about changes to the agency's Form 990, a financial disclosure statement that nonprofits must file every year. New rules could require health systems to report detailed data about the community benefit they provide that justifies their tax-exempt status."

Houston philanthropists to be honored - Houston Business Journal:

Houston philanthropists to be honored - Houston Business Journal:: "The Greater Houston Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will recognize 10 outstanding philanthropists at a reception on Sept. 17."

A new model of giving: Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation | Local News | Idaho Statesman

A new model of giving: Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation | Local News | Idaho Statesman: "Homedale Elementary students have a new track to run on thanks to 218 women — the members of the Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation. When teacher Dan Moore founded the school's run/walk club six years ago, kids ran on mud and goat heads."

Thursday, September 13, 2007

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Hilton Symposium Celebrates Success, and Highlights Development Challenges

Coverage by Tom Watson of onPhilanthropy about the Hilton Symposium

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Hilton Symposium Celebrates Success, and Highlights Development Challenges: "Hilton Symposium Celebrates Success, and Highlights Development Challenges By Tom Watson, 9/13/07 United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon looked around the Starlight Roof at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel last night at the tables filled with philanthropists, foundation officers, nonprofit executives and social entrepreneurs and struck a hopeful note of collaboration in his remarks at the annual Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Symposium. “We cannot reach all around the world,” he said. “Only with people like you can the United Nations make a difference in helping people overcome abject poverty and diseases.”"

Channelnewsasia.com-SIA's A380 charity flight auction raises over S$1.9m

Channelnewsasia.com: "SIA's A380 charity flight auction raises over S$1.9m By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 September 2007 0037 hrs Photos 1 of 1 SIA's A380 aircraft SINGAPORE : Almost all seats on the Singapore Airlines A380 First Flight Charity Auction have been sold and more than US$1.32 million (or S$1.9 million) has been raised."

Local Nonprofits Come Together Tonight at Emerson | Business and the New Economy | New West Network

Local Nonprofits Come Together Tonight at Emerson | Business and the New Economy | New West Network: "There are 5,677 certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montana and nearly 500 in the Gallatin Valley alone. Next week NewWest.Net/Bozeman will begin profiling one non-profit each week. Groups will be randomly selected from our magic hat and subjected to a fixed set of grueling and not-so grueling questions about their organizations’ operations and missions. As Brian Magee, executive director of the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) explains, despite a wide array of groups and missions, there is much in common among community nonprofits."

N.M. museum drops claim for O'Keeffe pic - USATODAY.com

N.M. museum drops claim for O'Keeffe pic - USATODAY.com: "NASHVILLE (AP) — The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in New Mexico on Tuesday dropped its lawsuit to claim a 101-piece art collection from Fisk University in Nashville. The Santa Fe, museum moved to withdraw its lawsuit one day after a judge denied a settlement agreement that would have sent a prominent O'Keeffe painting to the museum for $7.5 million."

College switch a con on donors? - - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

College switch a con on donors? - - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "A Virginia Supreme Court panel recently heard oral arguments in a case that will help decide the future of Virginia's historic Randolph-Macon Woman's College. At issue is whether the college's students and donors have the legal right to question the school's trustees, who voted to make the college coeducational last year. Can the trustees decide on their own to 'repurpose' the school's accumulated assets, originally donated to support educating women in the liberal arts"

Thomas Hibbs on Higher Ed on National Review Online

Thomas Hibbs on Higher Ed on National Review Online: "In this, the summer of Republican discontent, as one conservative after another abandons President Bush, could it be that the seeds of a reinvigorated conservative vision are being sown in two of the places conservatives regularly malign, Cambridge, Mass., and Paris, France?"

You Are a Philanthropist | Reporter-Times.com

You Are a Philanthropist | Reporter-Times.com: "When I use the word 'philanthropist,' I'm not just talking about millionaires. As I define it, philanthropy is 'voluntary promotion of human welfare,' and many of us have a critical role in supporting our friends and neighbors."

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

(Augusta) The "new paper mills" in Maine? - Member Blogs - VillageSoup

(Augusta) The "new paper mills" in Maine? - Member Blogs - VillageSoup: "According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, from 2004-2005, the private sector LOST 1,300 jobs in Maine while government and non-profit jobs GREW by 1,400 positions. In 2005-2006, the private sector grew by 800 jobs while government and non-profit sectors gained 1,900 jobs, TWICE the number as the private sector."

NewsAdvance.com | Maier Museum complaint goes to court

NewsAdvance.com | Maier Museum complaint goes to court: "A group of 11 people associated with Randolph College's Maier Museum of Art filed legal action in Lynchburg Circuit Court on Tuesday to prevent the sale or sharing of the museum's artwork."

Acronym: Geeking out

Acronym: Geeking out: "Geeking out In his post yesterday, Jason Della Rocca said something that really resonated with me about “associations being the place where members can be geeks about what they love.” The term “geek” is one of those that can be used in a derogatory way, but it’s often used proudly within the various permutations of geeky communities."

The Fashion of Goodwill - Virtual Runway Show & Online Auction

The Fashion of Goodwill - Virtual Runway Show & Online Auction: "The Fashion of Goodwill Runway Show Goes Global and Partners with International Fashion Designer Tu-Anh!
Washington, DC – How’d you like to watch a fashion show featuring outfits YOU may have actually owned?!!

The Annual Fashion of Goodwill® Runway Show & Gala is going global via the world wide web! Who would have thought a local non-profit agency could have this kind of reach on the global fashion scene?!"

Latin stars raise funds for Peruvian quake victims - Los Angeles Times

Latin stars raise funds for Peruvian quake victims - Los Angeles Times: "Latin stars raise funds for Peruvian quake victims template_bas template_bas By Agustin Gurza, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer September 12, 2007 The world's top Latin music stars are raising funds for the victims of the massive earthquake that hit Peru last month. Shakira, Daddy Yankee and others are asking people throughout Latin America, Spain and the U.S. to donate directly to the Red Cross through phone links, bypassing intermediaries and reducing administrative costs and the chance for fraud, according to the Panama-based ALAS Foundation, a non-profit that organized the campaign called ALAS Por Peru (Wings for Peru)."

Judge Frees Islamic Charity Co-Founder - washingtonpost.com

Judge Frees Islamic Charity Co-Founder - washingtonpost.com: "udge Frees Islamic Charity Co-Founder By JEFF BARNARD The Associated Press Monday, September 10, 2007; 10:36 PM EUGENE, Ore. -- A federal judge said Monday that he would release the Iranian-American co-founder of a defunct Islamic charity while he awaits trial on conspiracy and tax fraud charges. Federal prosecutors quickly appealed U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas M. Coffin's decision to release Pirouz Sedaghaty, also known as Pete Seda. Another hearing is scheduled for Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Michael Hogan."

To survive, non-profits must manage governance -- themorningcall.com

To survive, non-profits must manage governance -- themorningcall.com:

"We could dwell on the rancor and recriminations that accompany this tragic loss, which will remain a painful wound for years to come. But, more productively, we can analyze this sad episode as a case study and identify lessons that can be applied in the future not only to other local arts organizations, some of which are clearly struggling with similar issues, but to any non-profit board, as well. Term limits, term limits, term limits. I cannot stress it enough. Even the most devoted, well-meaning board members get tired or run out of ideas. Reasonable term limits require the organization to find new board members with fresh ideas, people not tied to the ''same old-same old.'' No board member is indispensable. If he or she is, then the board is dysfunctional. If it can't attract new board members, then it had better go back and check whether the organization is viable."

The Cavalier Daily-SCPS offers new nonprofit certificate

The Cavalier Daily: "SCPS offers new nonprofit certificate School of Continuing and Professional Studies creates nonprofit management certification program Laura Hoffman, Cavalier Daily Senior Writer Nonprofit professionals and volunteers alike can earn a certificate in nonprofit management beginning this semester through the University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Although the school has offered courses in nonprofit management for the past two years, the nonprofit certification program is new this semester, according to SCPS Program Director Barbara Kessler."

The Disney Blog: Abagail Disney talks about philanthropy and giving till it hurts

The Disney Blog: Abagail Disney talks about philanthropy and giving till it hurts: "Abagail Disney talks about philanthropy and giving till it hurts Abagail Disney, who is the daughter of Roy E. Disney (Walt's Nephew), talks about philanthropy, her Disney connection, and what it means to 'give until it hurts.' “I feel very vulnerable to the accusation that I don’t give till it hurts because I live very well, and travel with my kids and have a nice house and the rest of it, so before I made that challenge, I felt I had to spend some time really thinking about that and really talking to my husband about it and so when I made the $1m challenge it definitely was one that hurt. There are a lot of things we are going to have to give up in order to get that done. I just didn’t feel right talking to those people in that room unless I was putting my money were my mouth was.”"

Money in a new shape aims to make a change, breaks records - News

Money in a new shape aims to make a change, breaks records - News: "Marcelo Bezos has taken the phrase 'penny pincher' to new heights. Literally. For the past two years Bezos, a University of Miami facilities administrator for the Miller School of Medicine, has spent more than 1,000 hours constructing a penny pyramid that is now three feet high and weighs more than a ton."

Shinerama hits record number of volunteers - News

Shinerama hits record number of volunteers - News: "Shinerama has become Canada's largest post-secondary school fundraiser, and currently there are approximately 60 universities and colleges that take part of this event each year in order to raise awareness and donations that will go towards the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF)."

Universities await ruling on Princeton dispute - Financial Times - MSNBC.com

Universities await ruling on Princeton dispute - Financial Times - MSNBC.com: "An upcoming ruling in a protracted legal battle between Princeton University and an alumnus who claims the school misused the funds his family left it nearly 50 years ago could have repercussions for the way US colleges and other charitable groups raise and spend money from donors."

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Capitalizing on the Impulse to Give - Chronicle.com

Capitalizing on the Impulse to Give - Chronicle.com: "Capitalizing on the Impulse to Give Nonprofit organizations started collecting donations online in earnest about six years ago, and the number of them reporting success has doubled since then, says a survey released today by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. E-mail solicitations to donors are also enticing more people to give, with the reported response rate growing from 15 percent to almost 28 percent since 2000."

TOM WALSH: Volunteerism is up at Ford even in tough times

TOM WALSH: Volunteerism is up at Ford even in tough times: "Volunteerism is up at Ford even in tough times September 11, 2007 BY TOM WALSH FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
When times are tough, money is tight and corporate head count is shrinking, philanthropy and volunteer time could be considered feel-good luxuries that businesses can no longer afford. If so, why are 8,700 Ford Motor Co. employees -- nearly quadruple the number a year ago -- participating in volunteer projects this week that range from building houses in Detroit to cleaning parks in California and delivering medicine and pulling teeth in the Philippines?"

News: Nonprofits mean big bucks to locals | arts, fullerton, million, mean, income - OCRegister.com

News: Nonprofits mean big bucks to locals | arts, fullerton, million, mean, income - OCRegister.com: "FULLERTON -Nonprofit arts and culture groups and their audiences pumped $69 million into the city’s economy in 2005, based on a report released Sunday. The findings are part of an Arts & Economic Prosperity study conducted by the Americans for the Arts in 156 cities and counties across the nation."

Monday, September 10, 2007

Surveying a generous community- mlive.com

Surveying a generous community- mlive.com: "A recent survey conducted by the Perspectives Consulting Group in Paw Paw said 51.5 percent of Kalamazoo area residents made cash charitable donations last year; the average for all of Michigan was 57.7 percent. In addition, 38 percent of those from the Kalamazoo area who were surveyed volunteered during the last year, compared to 43 percent statewide who said they volunteered. These findings were a bit of a surprise to us, since they run counter to just about everything we've ever experienced, heard or written about Kalamazoo. And we know we're not imagining things."

This exec empowers women through grants and leadership | ajc.com

This exec empowers women through grants and leadership | ajc.com: "This exec empowers women through grants and leadership By MICHAEL E. KANELL The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 09/09/07 For a year and a half, Atlanta native Deborah Richardson has been running the only public foundation in the state that is focused on women and girls. The Atlanta Women's Foundation has given out more than $9 million to 250 organizations throughout the area, but it doesn't have the high profile Richardson would like."

Cal gets biggest gift in its history to help keep professors

Cal gets biggest gift in its history to help keep professors: "The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation announced today that it is giving UC Berkeley a $113 million endowment - the largest private gift in the university's history - to help keep professors from bolting for higher-paying jobs at private universities."

Volunteer your way to experience on the way to a fund-raising career - The Boston Globe

Volunteer your way to experience on the way to a fund-raising career - The Boston Globe: "Volunteer your way to experience on the way to a fund-raising career By Roni F. Noland | September 9, 2007 Q.I am looking for suggestions on how to transition successfully from my current career in consultative sales to one in fund-raising. I have joined several associations and attended local conferences, but I am finding that even though there is a demand, most employers will not hire me without direct fund-raising experience. What else can I do?"

Nonprofits, food pantries feel impact of United Way fund cuts

Nonprofits, food pantries feel impact of United Way fund cuts: "LEBANON — — More Warren County residents are struggling to make ends meet and are seeking assistance from local pantries and other nonprofit agencies. But the organization that funds these agencies is having a hard time, too. The Warren County United Way has cut the amount of money it gives to the 31 agencies by an average of 5 percent after failing to reach its annual campaign goal for the second straight year."

NewsOK: Q&A with Ann Felton

NewsOK: Q&A with Ann Felton: "t's that no-fear attitude that landed Felton in her current position as chairman and chief executive officer of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. Building a home takes hammering, framing and other construction Felton knew nothing about, but she decided to join the board anyway in 1990."

Palo Alto Online : Successful nonprofits have wider vision

Palo Alto Online : Successful nonprofits have wider vision:
"Their research results were 'a bit of surprise,' they wrote. They said high-impact nonprofits do more than build a great organization. 'Rather, high-impact nonprofits work with and through organizations and individuals outside themselves to create more impact than they ever could have alone,' the authors wrote. 'They build social movements and fields … they change the world around them.' The most successful nonprofits also inspire their supporters. 'These nonprofits create emotional experiences that help connect the supporters to the group's mission and core values,' they wrote. 'These experiences convert outsiders to evangelists, who in turn recruit others in viral marketing at its finest.' The article can be found on the Web site of the Stanford Social Innovation Review at www.ssireview.org ."

CJOnline - Record crowd flocks to duck race

More Duck Races.

CJOnline - Record crowd flocks to duck race: "Record crowd flocks to duck race By Julie K. Buzbee Special to The Capital-Journal Published Sunday, September 09, 2007 Topeka's three Sertoma Clubs had all their ducks in a row as the 12th Annual Sertoma Great Topeka Duck Race pulled in its biggest crowds ever at Lake Shawnee on Saturday. 'This is the biggest crowd we've ever had consistently, all day long,' said Julie Hejtmanek, who with her husband, Dan, have been in charge of Duck Central for the event."

Seacoastonline.com: Sand sculptor rebuilds

An update on a previous story.

Seacoastonline.com: Sand sculptor rebuilds: "KITTERY, Maine — Undaunted by the near destruction of his 15-foot sand castle by vandals last week, Guinness World Records holder Ed Jarrett of Casco, Maine, returned to the Kittery Trading Post on Friday to create a new one. 'This is a really good feeling for me to take something negative and turn it into something positive. We are pleading for them (the vandals) to turn themselves in and do community service to get the feeling for what they did,' said Jarrett, standing at the base of the new sand castle he is constructing at KTP."

Channelnewsasia.com-Great Singapore Duck Race raises more than S$850,000

Channelnewsasia.com: "Great Singapore Duck Race raises more than S$850,000 By Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 09 September 2007 1929 hrs Photos 1 of 2 SINGAPORE: This year's Great Singapore Duck Race has raised more than S$850,000 which will go into helping the work of seven beneficiaries. The Duck Race held its final run down the Singapore River on Sunday."

Nancy Knowles Gives Record-Breaking Bequest to Lyric Opera

Nancy Knowles Gives Record-Breaking Bequest to Lyric Opera: "Updated: 9/7/2007 Lyric Opera of Chicago has received a $10-million bequest from Nancy W. Knowles, General Director William Mason announced today. The bequest is the largest gift in the company's 53-year history. 'It is especially noteworthy that a gift of this magnitude comes from one extraordinary woman who is a consummate professional and an outstanding philanthropist,' Mason said."

uwnews.org | UW honors The Foster Foundation's philanthropy with new name for Business School | University of Washington News and Information

uwnews.org | UW honors The Foster Foundation's philanthropy with new name for Business School | University of Washington News and Information: "UW honors The Foster Foundation's philanthropy with new name for Business School Nancy Gardner nancylou@u.washington.edu
University of Washington president Mark A. Emmert announced today that the UW Business School is being renamed in recognition of gifts from The Foster Foundation totaling $50 million with $46.5 million made during Campaign UW: Creating Futures. The school will be called the Michael G. Foster School of Business, subject to approval by the UW Board of Regents at its regularly scheduled meeting Sept. 20."

Editorial: United Way: If you care you will help

Editorial: United Way: If you care you will help: "Editorial: United Way: If you care you will help The United Way is much more than an agency that simply promotes philanthropy and service. It’s a movement that dates back nationally 120 years. Its self-proscribed mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. The residents of Delta County on Tuesday will once again combine that caring power with a plain, old-fashioned fun time when the local United Way kicks off its 2007 fund-raising campaign."

Who’s the Most Charitable of Us All? Celebrities Don’t Always Make the Cut - New York Times

Who’s the Most Charitable of Us All? Celebrities Don’t Always Make the Cut - New York Times: "When a portion of a celebrity’s paycheck or time — say, that of Angelina Jolie or Bono — goes to a pet cause, the effort is inevitably lauded by celebrity news blogs and tabloids worldwide. But to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the sober voice of the philanthropy industry, the yardstick is much higher. As celebrity involvement in charitable causes has reached new levels, the trade paper, which tracks charities, nonprofit organizations and grant seekers, has had to set ground rules for when a star’s altruism rises to the level of news."