Saturday, May 23, 2009

Jewish agencies forced to downsize - The Boston Globe

Jewish agencies forced to downsize - The Boston Globe: "Jewish organizations in Boston and beyond are going through a significant downsizing as a result of a combination of the down economy and the Madoff scandal."

State foundations report drop in assets - JSOnline

State foundations report drop in assets - JSOnline: "A comprehensive report on philanthropy in Wisconsin found that nearly 90% of the 100 foundations surveyed reported their assets had shrunk in the last 12 months and more than half predicted a decrease in grant funding in 2009."

Friday, May 22, 2009

Aging boomers expected to shake up philanthropy - Sacramento Business Journal:

Aging boomers expected to shake up philanthropy - Sacramento Business Journal:: "The huge population that is beginning to reach retirement age has the potential over the next couple of decades to shake up who leads, works for, volunteers and gives to charitable organizations. The boomers also will alter how and what type of services nonprofits deliver."

Real Time: A MaineCF Community Building Blog - Around the Decision-Making Table at MaineCF

Real Time: A MaineCF Community Building Blog - Around the Decision-Making Table at MaineCF: "Foundation staff members are always happy to talk with an organization about why their proposal was funded, or why it wasn’t. That said, we thought it might be helpful to explain what goes on around that decision-making table."

Moves Management or Relationship Management

Moves Management or Relationship Management: "ountless hours are wasted in nonprofit organizations discussing the next move to do with a donor. Sometimes more time is spent talking about the need to call a donor than actually spent in developing a relationship with the donor. Ten minutes in a personal conversation with a donor is more valuable than ten minutes planning a personal conversation (you should still spend time planning these conversations- the point is to spend more time in these conversations)."

Clinton calls for charity during economic chill | U.S. | Reuters

Clinton calls for charity during economic chill | U.S. | Reuters: "ANTIBES, France (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton called on guests at an amfAR AIDS research charity gala in France to give more to good causes during the recession."

Hundreds pitch in for nonprofits | Portland Press Herald

Hundreds pitch in for nonprofits | Portland Press Herald: "hey were among the 1,020 volunteers who showed up to plant gardens, sweep parking lots, widen hiking trails and do other jobs at dozens of nonprofit agencies across Greater Portland during the United Way of Greater Portland's 17th Day of Caring."

Madoff Losses Imperil Prestigious Program for Israeli Musicians - Philanthropy.com

Madoff Losses Imperil Prestigious Program for Israeli Musicians - Philanthropy.com: "Madoff Losses Imperil Prestigious Program for Israeli Musicians

An internationally influential scholarship program for young Israeli musicians is in danger of shutting down as a result of the Bernard Madoff fraud, The New York Times reports."

North Carolinians' Giving Exceeds $5.4 Billion in 2006 : published at CarolinaNewswire.com - Stay on top of the day's business & technology news

North Carolinians' Giving Exceeds $5.4 Billion in 2006 : published at CarolinaNewswire.com - Stay on top of the day's business & technology news:
North Carolinians' Giving Exceeds $5.4 Billion in 2006
05-22-2009

RALEIGH, NC - North Carolinians are giving to charity more than they did 10 years ago, shows a study released today by NCGives. In 2006 (the most recent year for which tax data are available), charitable deductions by North Carolina taxpayers totaled $5.4 billion."

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Dulles Greenway tolls go to charity Thursday - Washington Business Journal:

Dulles Greenway tolls go to charity Thursday - Washington Business Journal:: "All tolls collected on the Dulles Greenway on Thursday are being donated to local charities.

This is the fourth year for the Drive For Charity fundraiser."

What Obama's call to national service needs | csmonitor.com

What Obama's call to national service needs | csmonitor.com: "But nonprofits, hit hard by the global economic slump, in many cases are not equipped to handle the coming influx of well-intentioned helpers. Thousands of organizations must scale up quickly to translate this idealism into real service to struggling communities. Otherwise, the surge in volunteers may mean thousands of good intentions and billions of dollars that don't move the dial on tough social issues."

Quackers await migration in annual charity duck race - The Post and Courier

Quackers await migration in annual charity duck race - The Post and Courier: "Thousands of ducks have spent the past year for the most part resting in temperature- controlled storage.

Now and then, Rotarian Bill Stevens, Rotary Club of Daniel Island community service chair, takes the 15,000 plastic ducks from their rubber tubs and lets them waddle on the 'Duckmaster.'"

Corporate Social Responsibility in a Recession - BusinessWeek

Corporate Social Responsibility in a Recession - BusinessWeek: "n this enlightened day and age, whether times are good or bad, companies must be socially responsible. That's a given. But tough economic conditions underscore a blunt reality. A company's foremost responsibility is to do well. That may sound politically incorrect, but the reason is inexorable. Winning companies create jobs, pay taxes, and strengthen the economy. Winning companies, in other words, enable social responsibility, not the other way around. And so, right now—as always—companies should be putting profitability first. It's the necessity that makes every other necessity possible."

Philanthropists Set Spending Deadlines - WSJ.com

Philanthropists Set Spending Deadlines - WSJ.com: "A growing number of philanthropists are adopting spending deadlines and sunset provisions to ensure urgent global needs are addressed in a timely way.

By granting the entirety of funds within a certain period of time, these charitable efforts are looking to have a bigger immediate impact than traditional foundations, which are typically set up to last forever and pay out roughly 5% of assets a year."

One way to validate membership dues -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

One way to validate membership dues -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY: "Tom Bucci, a 44-year-old Latham resident who is a member at the Albany Country Club, plans to attack the Guinness World Record by playing 1,800 holes in one week. He will attempt the feat June 14-20 at his home course in an effort to raise money for the American Diabetes Association."

Rutter's Golf Outing Nets $90,000 for Children's Charities | CSP Daily News / Magazine | CSP Information Group, Inc.

Rutter's Golf Outing Nets $90,000 for Children's Charities | CSP Daily News / Magazine | CSP Information Group, Inc.: "YORK, Pa. -- With its 7th annual charity golf outing, the Rutter's companies raised $90,000 for children's charities. The specific charities that will benefit from this year's event will be announced in the coming weeks. The golf outing took place May 4-5 at Regents' Glen Golf Course near York. It drew 256 participants, including 236 representing Rutter's suppliers."

Suffolk News-Herald | Nonprofits prop up society

Suffolk News-Herald | Nonprofits prop up society: "“It has been a tough year for us from the fundraising perspective,” Ashley Greene, president of Suffolk60Care, said. “And everyone is feeling those cuts. We are just glad we can still contribute where we can in this economy. But this year, just as in past years, we are honored to be part of as many organizations as we can that are doing good.”"

ACGA and PPP Respond to WSJ Article Re: Gift Annuities | Planned Giving Design Center

ACGA and PPP Respond to WSJ Article Re: Gift Annuities | Planned Giving Design Center: "The Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and American Council on Gift Annuities have released statements taking strong issue with a May 12 article from the Wall Street Journal entitled “Donors Find Gift Annuities Can Stop Giving” as a 'distorted view of the role gift annuities play in philanthropy and is potentially damaging to Americans and the charities they support.'"

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The new-gen philanthropist

The new-gen philanthropist: "So the Vancouver entrepreneur and human rights activist has donated $1 million to fund a new international journalism program at the University of B.C.'s graduate school of journalism. The money, to be dispersed over 10 years, will finance overseas journalism on under-reported projects and involve UBC journalism faculty and students."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "5 Keys To Optimizing Your Fundraising Format

For some, it’s a blanket in a box. For others, it’s a sheet of name labels, or a personalized greeting card. And for many charities, it’s the old-fashioned letter in a closed face envelope."

Arnold Palmer honored by Byron Nelson Prize | Golf News | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News

Arnold Palmer honored by Byron Nelson Prize | Golf News | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News: "almer, 79, directed the $100,000 award to the charitable foundations he and his wife Winnie run in Florida for women and children."

America's poor are its most generous givers - Politics AP - MiamiHerald.com

America's poor are its most generous givers - Politics AP - MiamiHerald.com: "he generosity of poor people isn't so much rare as rarely noticed, however. In fact, America's poor donate more, in percentage terms, than higher-income groups do, surveys of charitable giving show. What's more, their generosity declines less in hard times than the generosity of richer givers does.

'The lowest-income fifth (of the population) always give at more than their capacity,' said Virginia Hodgkinson, former vice president for research at Independent Sector, a Washington-based association of major nonprofit agencies. 'The next two-fifths give at capacity, and those above that are capable of giving two or three times more than they give.'"

America's Top Philanthropists Hold Secret Meeting To Discuss Global Problems - Philanthropy.com

America's Top Philanthropists Hold Secret Meeting To Discuss Global Problems - Philanthropy.com: "America's Top Philanthropists Hold Secret Meeting To Discuss Global Problems

By Maria Di Mento and Ian Wilhelm

In a quiet meeting closed to the news media and the public, Bill Gates, David Rockefeller Sr., Oprah Winfrey, and other leading philanthropists met in New York this month to discuss ways to promote efforts to solve growing social problems in America and abroad."

Paulette's Point of View

AFP's CEO Paulette Maehara has a new blog

Paulette's Point of View: "Tuesday, May 19, 2009
2009 and the Economy
It’s almost a cliché to say now that we are living in 'challenging' times and that the economy is affecting everyone. Except that clichés are based in truth, and the truth is, the economy IS affecting everyone, including the fundraising profession and the nonprofit sector."

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Women Take the Lead in Couples' Charitable-Giving Decisions - Philanthropy.com

Women Take the Lead in Couples' Charitable-Giving Decisions - Philanthropy.com: "Women Take the Lead in Couples' Charitable-Giving Decisions

By Paula Wasley

Women are taking an increasingly prominent role in determining their household’s charitable giving, with high-income women in particular more likely to seek financial advice and use sophisticated methods when making donations, according to a new study sponsored by Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Developments in Volunteerism: What's next?
Elisa Birnbaum By Elisa Birnbaum
May 19, 2009

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On May 1st, a book was launched by Volunteer Vancouver entitled, A People Lens: 101 Ways to Move Your Organization Forward! Filled with stories about today's 'new volunteer' and providing tips on how to effectively engage them, the book is a significant sign of the times, begging the questions: as the sector evolves, how are organizations faring in their approach to volunteers? Are they on the same page?"

New Orleans CityBusiness -- The Business Newspaper of Metropolitan New Orleans

New Orleans CityBusiness -- The Business Newspaper of Metropolitan New Orleans: "United Way sets another fundraising record
ADVERTISEMENT

United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area is celebrating its second straight record-breaking fundraising year after local and national donors brought in nearly $23 million during the 2008-09 fundraising drive.

A steady wave of donations exceeded this year’s $21.4 million goal and raised a record-breaking $22.6 million, which spokeswoman Mary Pendarvis said topped the previous record of $20.7 million, set during the 2007-08 drive."

Fidelity study examines women and philanthropy - Daily Business Update - The Boston Globe

Fidelity study examines women and philanthropy - Daily Business Update - The Boston Globe: "As they create their own wealth and continue to outlive men, women are shaping the future of philanthropy, concludes a new study from the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, which also found that high-income women are more likely than other donors to give publicly, rather than anonymously."

Rich Feel Guilty About Giving to Charity - The Wealth Report - WSJ

Rich Feel Guilty About Giving to Charity - The Wealth Report - WSJ: "New data compiled by the Chronicle of Philanthropy show a rising number of anonymous donors, perhaps out of a newfound desire to stay out of the wealth spotlight."

Kristi York Wooten: John Legend and Jeffrey Sachs: Philanthropy's New BFFs

Kristi York Wooten: John Legend and Jeffrey Sachs: Philanthropy's New BFFs: "To be fair, the association between Legend, 30, and Sachs seems genuine; in an email for this story, Sachs characterized their relationship as that of 'friends and colleagues (except he sings better than I do). John is exceptionally smart, talented, and committed.' One sings about making love, the other writes about making poverty history, and together, Legend and Sachs might be one of the most potent philanthropic pairings the celebrity world has seen in a few years. Why? Aside from the fact that they're both Ivy grads with prodigious talents who both achieved major success in their respective fields at a young age, neither one has an air of insolence about him. Their differences in age and (yes, even in the Obama era) skin color are welcome juxtapositions, and the fact that Legend approached Sachs because he was so moved by his 2005 New York Times bestseller, The End of Poverty, says something about the authenticity of their pairing. And, needless to say, from a marketing standpoint, putting an internationally-renowned economist with a platinum-selling soul singer is one combination that covers plenty of demographic territory."

Monday, May 18, 2009

Fannie, Freddie Slash Funding for Charities - washingtonpost.com

Fannie, Freddie Slash Funding for Charities - washingtonpost.com: "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reduced charitable giving by more than 40 percent from 2006 to 2008 and focused it more sharply on housing-related issues, leaving some local nonprofits without a major source of funding."

MAKING MONEY MATTER: Nonprofits must embrace changing economy : Columnists : Boulder Daily Camera

MAKING MONEY MATTER: Nonprofits must embrace changing economy : Columnists : Boulder Daily Camera: "BOULDER, Colo. — The buzz in business circles these days is about doing business differently. We are now in the 'new era of responsibility,' but it is also a new 'age of uncertainty.' There's talk of 'the new normal' and that you can't build on 'the sands of the past.' So just what does the future look like for nonprofits? How will doing business change? How can nonprofit leaders recalibrate the norm?"

Cause Marketing Meets Social Media

Cause Marketing Meets Social Media: "Last week, it brought the two together by kicking off 'Bullseye Gives,' a campaign that invites users to choose from a list of 10 charities to which Target will donate $3 million. The social twist: After voting for a charity, users are invited to broadcast their selection to their Facebook friends via their news feeds, the running summary of updates that is central to the Facebook experience. In less than a week, Target tallied 40,000 votes, which translated into tens of thousands of peer-to-peer impressions."
"When a recession forces charities to strip out services or shut down altogether, the devastation may be less obvious, initially. But it is no less a public emergency.

That's the point of stories you'll see today and Monday. A public emergency is at our doorstep. Unaddressed, it will invade this community in a slow and unmerciful march. No one should be caught surprised."

Growing golf charity mixes tradition, fun, generosity | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Growing golf charity mixes tradition, fun, generosity | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press: "hey established an Ann Arbor charity golf tournament two years ago and have expanded it into today's event, the Griese/Hutchinson Champions for Children's Hearts Celebrity Golf Tournament.

'The core people involved are always Michigan guys,' Hutchinson said last week. 'When Bo's tournament ended, Charles (Woodson) and Jim (Harbaugh) took it over. When that ended, there was no organized thing getting guys back to Ann Arbor in the (football) off-season in a reunion setting. So that's part of Brian and my motivation also.'"

Walking for Charity Across the Islands | KGMB9 News Hawaii | (KGMB9)

Walking for Charity Across the Islands | KGMB9 News Hawaii | (KGMB9): "Thousands laced up their sneakers on Saturday for visitor industry charity walks across the state. Walks were held simultaneously on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island."

Thousands Volunteer During 'Go Cincinnati' - Cincinnati News Story - WLWT Cincinnati

Thousands Volunteer During 'Go Cincinnati' - Cincinnati News Story - WLWT Cincinnati: "Thousands of volunteers turned out for the Go Cincinnati philanthropy day where more than 300 areas were cleaned up."

Habitat for Humanity hit by drop in donations - KXLY.com: News, Weather and Sports for Spokane, WA and Coeur d'Alene, ID |

Habitat for Humanity hit by drop in donations - KXLY.com: News, Weather and Sports for Spokane, WA and Coeur d'Alene, ID |: "SPOKANE -- Spokane's Habitat for Humanity store is still getting customers but the bad economy has translated into donations being down 30-percent, making it hard to do business."

Stanford Charity Fashion Show a top draw

Stanford Charity Fashion Show a top draw: "This year, the show handily raised $5,000 for Doctors Without Borders, Hwang said, and continued to promote inclusiveness, which on the runway meant shape as well as skin tone. As director of designer promotions and undeclared freshman Lee Axelrod noted, 'Not all of our models are sticks; body-type diversity is really important. And some of the clothes wouldn't fit tall girls, so it worked well having different body types.'"

Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Bicycle Retailer and Industry News: "BOULDER, CO—The industry’s biggest nonprofit organizations—Bikes Belong, IMBA and Adventure Cycling—deliver good value for the contributions and dues they receive, an analysis of their financial records show.

Their executive directors also earn smaller salaries than their counterparts in related industries."

Penn State Live - Trustees approve merging Renaissance Fund

Penn State Live - Trustees approve merging Renaissance Fund: "University Park, Pa. — For nearly 40 years the Renaissance Fund, through private support, has provided scholarships to Penn State students who showed academic promise and had great financial need.

The University’s Board of Trustees Friday (May 15) approved a plan to merge the Renaissance Fund, created as a nonprofit entity in 1969, with Penn State.

Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Rodney P. Kirsch explained that the change was being made because a separate entity was no longer necessary from a legal or fiduciary standpoint."

Donors in 'Giving Circles' Donate More Than Other People, Study Finds - Philanthropy.com

Donors in 'Giving Circles' Donate More Than Other People, Study Finds - Philanthropy.com: "Donors in 'Giving Circles' Donate More Than Other People, Study Finds

Donors who participate in giving circles — in which individuals pool their money and decide collectively how to distribute it — give more than other donors, give more strategically, and give to a greater number of organizations, according to results of a study released this week."