Saturday, July 04, 2009

Paulette's Point of View: The President's Back and Forth on Nonprofits

Paulette's Point of View: The President's Back and Forth on Nonprofits: "I was pleased to see President Obama hold a special event at the White House to spotlight nonprofits engaged in innovative and effective programs. Earlier this year, the president created a White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation, which is now working with a $50 million Innovation Fund that will, in the president’s words, 'discover and evaluate the very best programs in our communities.'"

Despite bad economy, annual Damboree sees no cutbacks - Las Vegas Sun

Despite bad economy, annual Damboree sees no cutbacks - Las Vegas Sun: "Organizers of the Boulder City Damboree say the festival’s celebration coffers have remained strong, despite the dwindling economy.

“We didn’t make any cuts this year. We were very fortunate in that respect,” Damboree Committee Chairman Roger Hall said."

In a tough economic year, Jewish charity hits mark - baltimoresun.com

In a tough economic year, Jewish charity hits mark - baltimoresun.com: "While philanthropies everywhere struggle to pry dollars loose from communities reeling from the recession, Baltimore's Jewish federation is celebrating what in these times qualifies as an outstanding result: simply raising as much money as it did the year before."

Friday, July 03, 2009

TheStar.com | World | India's new charity begins at the doorstep

TheStar.com | World | India's new charity begins at the doorstep: "While most Canadians are well acquainted with door-to-door charity fundraisers, Powar's pitch is a relatively new phenomenon in India and underlines the huge new economic force India has become.

With the world's second-fastest-growing economy after China, India is full of companies battling to connect with its 300 million middle-class consumers."

Thursday, July 02, 2009

I avoid street canvassers for do-gooding organizations. Does that make me a jerk? - By Sandy Stonesifer - Slate Magazine

I avoid street canvassers for do-gooding organizations. Does that make me a jerk? - By Sandy Stonesifer - Slate Magazine: "Dear Sandy,

I regularly see chirpy, T-shirt-wearing representatives of social-service and environmental organizations soliciting donations on the street. They often approach me with lines such as, 'Do you have a moment for the environment?' or 'Can't you spare five seconds to help battered women?'"

President Obama Seeks the 'Most-Promising Nonprofits in America' - Philanthropy.com

President Obama Seeks the 'Most-Promising Nonprofits in America' - Philanthropy.com: "President Obama announced today that White House officials will travel across the country to find “the most promising nonprofits in America” as the administration decides how to spend a new $50-million fund to help charities expand innovative social projects."

You Can Give, Just Like The Philanthropist

You Can Give, Just Like The Philanthropist: "he new NBC show, The Philanthropist, appears to be a hit. Supposedly based on the actions of a real-life philanthropist, in the show businessman Teddy Rist has a life-shattering moment while on a trip, which leads him to discover helping others can bring him happiness. From that point his philanthropy begins."

It’s a whole new Independence Day - Kansas City Star

It’s a whole new Independence Day - Kansas City Star: "Earlier this year, city officials authorized the sale of approved fireworks by non-profit agencies.That’s what brought Sivils to the parking lot at 13500 E. U.S. 40 last week. Hillcrest got one of the 12 licenses issued.

“This is a first for us,” said Sivils. “We have modest expectations of the money we are going to raise. But this is an effort to broaden our funding base, and we are looking at more entrepreneurial revenue streams."

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Kennedy Center expands consulting effort to help struggling arts groups survive the recession

Kennedy Center expands consulting effort to help struggling arts groups survive the recession: "Kennedy Center offers help to strapped arts groups

WASHINGTON — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced plans Tuesday to expand its crisis consulting for arts organizations that are struggling to survive the recession, an effort championed by first lady Michelle Obama and congressional leaders."

Clayton M. Christensen: The White House Office on Social Innovation: A New Paradigm for Solving Social Problems

Clayton M. Christensen: The White House Office on Social Innovation: A New Paradigm for Solving Social Problems: "President Obama's new White House Office on Social Innovation and Civic Participation represents more than just another bureaucratic office. If leveraged effectively, this Office could transform how we solve our nation's most pressing domestic problems--and ultimately move the needle on critical challenges in education, health care, poverty, joblessness, the environment, and more. Here's how."

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Manchester | Bogus Oasis shirts go to charity

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Manchester | Bogus Oasis shirts go to charity: "Hundreds of unofficial Oasis T-shirts which were sold outside the band's Manchester gigs are being donated to an international aid project.

Trading standards officers at the city council seized more than 1,300 counterfeit tops from illegal traders during the three gigs this month."

Davis County Clipper - U of U offers class help for nonprofits

Davis County Clipper - U of U offers class help for nonprofits: "DAVIS COUNTY — Local non-profits may be able to find a little assistance in the county next door.

To help make nonprofit organizations more successful, the University of Utah is offering the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence to focus on professional certificates that help nonprofits stay afloat in today’s economy."

Making Jewish charity work in a post-Madoff world | Op-Ed Contributors | Jerusalem Post

Making Jewish charity work in a post-Madoff world | Op-Ed Contributors | Jerusalem Post: "Pair that tragedy with the worldwide financial crisis and you can see why many Jewish funders, truly dedicated to a myriad causes, have become more cautious. In the face of corruption, lost fortunes and unemployment, funders who support Jewish organizations, and those who run them, have had to make tough decisions."

Ohio State professor donates $2 million to Department of Psychology : onCampus

Ohio State professor donates $2 million to Department of Psychology : onCampus: "Gifts on this scale by university professors are relatively rare. Weary hopes her gift will encourage other faculty and staff to invest in programs about which they are passionate. She gives credit to her parents for instilling in her the importance of philanthropy. “My parents valued higher education. Through their philanthropy, they put a number of people through college,” she said. ”They gave to many institutions, both public and private. But they always knew that public universities have the ability to reach more people.”"

Male Nonprofit Executives Earn 27% More Than Female Leaders, Study of Fla. Executives Finds - Philanthropy.com

Male Nonprofit Executives Earn 27% More Than Female Leaders, Study of Fla. Executives Finds - Philanthropy.com: "Male executives at charities in Central Florida earn nearly 30 percent more than their female counterparts, according to a new study.

The survey of 145 nonprofit groups in the region found that men who held the top job at a charity earned an average of $110,962, compared with $80,987 for women."

Steering Clear of Hedge Funds, Small Universities' Endowments Are Losing Less - Philanthropy.com

From the Chronicle

Steering Clear of Hedge Funds, Small Universities' Endowments Are Losing Less - Philanthropy.com: "Steering Clear of Hedge Funds, Small Universities' Endowments Are Losing Less

Small universities’ endowments did significantly better in the just-ended fiscal year than their larger, higher-profile peers, which plunged more deeply into alternative investments such as hedge funds, The Wall Street Journal reports."

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Obama praises nonprofit, including N.H. group - 2008 Presidential Campaign Blog - Political Intelligence - Boston.com

Obama praises nonprofit, including N.H. group - 2008 Presidential Campaign Blog - Political Intelligence - Boston.com: "President Obama this afternoon praised a New Hampshire nonprofit that helps poor people buy fuel-efficient reliable cars in a White House event designed to highlight innovative programs across the country."

White House to Spotlight Innovative Nonprofit Groups - Philanthropy.com

White House to Spotlight Innovative Nonprofit Groups - Philanthropy.com: "White House to Spotlight Innovative Nonprofit Groups

Four nonprofit groups will discuss the way they are tackling social problems at a White House event today that will include remarks by President Obama.

The president will discuss “the importance of searching outside Washington to find and expand successful community solutions, and challenge foundations and philanthropists to join in this effort,” the White House said in a statement."

Donations to Tiger fund set record : GoMemphisTigers : Your leading source for The University of Memphis Tigers

Donations to Tiger fund set record : GoMemphisTigers : Your leading source for The University of Memphis Tigers: "A bad economy and the departure of basketball coach John Calipari didn't slow down the University of Memphis' athletic fundraising efforts during the last fiscal year.

The Tiger Scholarship Fund announced Monday a record $7 million in donations, shattering last year's previous record of $6 million. Athletic director R.C. Johnson said he was elated with the 16.7 percent increase, which will help cover athletic scholarship costs estimated at $7.5 million for the 2009-10 academic year."

The High Line’s Newest Big Benefactor Raises Her Philanthropic Profile - NYTimes.com

The High Line’s Newest Big Benefactor Raises Her Philanthropic Profile - NYTimes.com: "This unscripted, somewhat messy moment may go down in the annals of cultural philanthropy as the debut of a major new donor on the New York scene. Although the Falcones have given money before to the High Line and other organizations, they have usually done it less conspicuously. But little by little Ms. Falcone — along with her husband, No. 296 on the Forbes list of the world’s billionaires — is stepping into the spotlight, beginning the transition from one wealthy patron among many to the kind of highly visible player sought after by the city’s leading arts organizations."

Survey: Nonprofits combating financial stress - Baltimore Business Journal:

Survey: Nonprofits combating financial stress - Baltimore Business Journal:: "Nonprofits are facing financial anxiety — but battling through it, according to a new survey released Monday by Johns Hopkins University."

Monday, June 29, 2009

Microfinance advocates forge alliance | The Philippine Star >> Business Features >> Banking

Microfinance advocates forge alliance | The Philippine Star >> Business Features >> Banking: "ANILA, Philippines – Three of the biggest advocates of microfinance got together to craft a code for the protection of microentrepreneurs.

The Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP), Microfinance Council of the Philippines Inc. (MCPI) and ACCION International signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently to work together in protecting the rights and welfare of financial institutions’ microfinance clients."

Struggling cities cancel Fourth of July fireworks - Los Angeles Times

Struggling cities cancel Fourth of July fireworks - Los Angeles Times: "Struggling cities cancel Fourth of July fireworks
Nearly 50 cash-strapped cities nationwide are forgoing fireworks festivities, choosing instead to retain jobs or, in the case of Montebello, Calif., give the money to food banks."

Vermont's oldest nonprofits to be recognized | burlingtonfreepress.com | The Burlington Free Press

Vermont's oldest nonprofits to be recognized | burlingtonfreepress.com | The Burlington Free Press: "MONTPELIER -- Vermont Secretary of State Deb Markowitz is seeking applicants for the 2009 Vermont Centennial Nonprofit Awards program. The program honors nonprofits that have operated in Vermont for at least 100 years."

Madoff Sentenced to Maximum 150 Years in Prison - washingtonpost.com

Madoff Sentenced to Maximum 150 Years in Prison - washingtonpost.com: "NEW YORK -- Bernard Madoff was sentenced this morning to 150 years for conducting Wall Street's biggest Ponzi scheme."

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Metro/Region

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Metro/Region: "When Lyons, Neb., celebrates its 125th year this Independence Day, the recession isn't going to get in the way.

The town of about 1,000 in Burt County is spending twice as much as usual on its fireworks display, said Denise Johnson, chairwoman of the Fourth of July committee.

About four years of fundraising efforts have gone into the fireworks show and a weekend-long bluegrass festival."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Nonprofits Employ Tougher Measures as Downturn Deepens

The negative effects of the economy on nonprofits has accelerated during the past six months, according to responses from nearly 100 nonprofit leaders participating in a Bridgespan study initiated in November 2008 and updated this past May."

Aaron Dorfman: Madoff Scandal Proves That Foundations Need Stronger Leadership

Aaron Dorfman: Madoff Scandal Proves That Foundations Need Stronger Leadership: "There were more than 100 charitable foundations that lost a combined total of more than $2 billion to Bernie Madoff and his Ponzi scheme. These are funds that were intended to serve the public good and cannot be replaced."

Taking time to volunteer while on tour

Taking time to volunteer while on tour: "MEET a new breed of traveller called the voluntourist.

Charity organisations here are seeing more and more of the likes of Ms Goh Siang Hwee, a 25-year-old financial adviser who takes part in community improvement projects while visiting a country."

The largest philanthropic organization in the world often goes unnoticed

The largest philanthropic organization in the world often goes unnoticed: "The Philanthropy Project, an endeavor by America Online (AOL) to connect willing and helping hands with opportunities to help, has a great mission statement."

Kevin Bacon hikes for charity; Gokey promotes Milwaukee

Kevin Bacon hikes for charity; Gokey promotes Milwaukee: "Actor Kevin Baconhiked 14,110-foot Pikes Peak on Saturday to play a concert at the top as part of an event to raise money for a cancer charity."

PND - News - National Initiative Launched to Mobilize African Americans Against HIV/AIDS

PND - News - National Initiative Launched to Mobilize African Americans Against HIV/AIDS: "National Initiative Launched to Mobilize African Americans Against HIV/AIDS

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has announced the launch of a national effort designed to mobilize African Americans and promote calls to action to prevent and reduce the further spread of HIV/AIDS."

The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA - Bucket brigade fundraiser sets sight on record

The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA - Bucket brigade fundraiser sets sight on record: "Not even heavy rain could dampen the spirits of the crowd of participants hoping to break the Guinness record for the World’s longest bucket brigade June 20 in Millheim, Centre County. The event was held as a fund-raiser for the Millheim Fire Company in commemoration of its 100th anniversary."

I Live Here, I Give Here - an update

I Live Here, I Give Here - an update: "Almost two years ago, philanthropy supporters launched 'I Live Here, I Give Here,' a campaign to increase charitable giving in Central Texas.

So what's been going on since then? This week we find out more about the effort — which is funded by local businesses and nonprofit groups — in an interview with the campaign's director, Patsy Woods Martin."

Forced Marriage | Hartford Business

Forced Marriage | Hartford Business: "Connecticut’s professional nonprofits, squeezed by falling donations at a time when demand for their services is rising, are feeling greater pressure to merge to survive."

Fundraising Dips In First Quarter Of 2009 - frogloop Home~Care2's blog for nonprofits - frogloop

Fundraising Dips In First Quarter Of 2009 - frogloop Home~Care2's blog for nonprofits - frogloop: "The struggling economy hit nonprofits hard in the first quarter of 2009. According to the latest Target Analytics Index of National Fundraising Performance, the number of new donors dropped by almost 13%, as compared to 2008. The study analyzed 79 nonprofit organizations and their fundraising campaigns via direct mail, online fundraising, telemarketing, and canvassing."

Ride for Roswell breaks fundraising record : Home: The Buffalo News

Ride for Roswell breaks fundraising record : Home: The Buffalo News: "About 6,500 cyclists set the single-year fundraising record at today's annual Ride for Roswell, despite a recession that has dragged down charities already facing tough times"

Postbulletin.com: Rochester, MN-Wagon train combines fun, charity

Postbulletin.com: Rochester, MN: "The ride, which started near Caledonia in Houston County, concludes today in Austin at the Mower County Fairgrounds. The ride raises money for Camp Winnebago, a nonprofit organization that serves the recreational needs of adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Last year they raised more than $30,000. As of Friday they had raised a little more than $20,000."

Buffett Lunch Auction Nets $1.68M For Charity - CBS News

Buffett Lunch Auction Nets $1.68M For Charity - CBS News: "The winner of this year's charity auction to dine with billionaire Warren Buffett gets a slight discount over last year, but will still plunk down more than $1.68 million dollars for lunch."

Time to take a hard look at funding nonprofits

Time to take a hard look at funding nonprofits: "San Francisco's system of nonprofit service providers is well-intentioned, deeply committed and funded to a tune of $500 million a year. But it is a mess."

Tyler Paper - Tyler Morning Telegraph

Tyler Paper - Tyler Morning Telegraph: "The shirts were the uniform of Day of Caring volunteers for United Way, and hundreds of volunteers were dispatched throughout town to help nonprofit organizations with day-to-day tasks."

Local News | Microsoft veterans aim to make philanthropy more personal | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Microsoft veterans aim to make philanthropy more personal | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Microsoft veterans are launching two Seattle nonprofits aimed at encouraging a new generation of philanthropists by using mobile phones, social networking and online connections between donors and people in need."

Sunday, June 28, 2009

'Philanthropist's' James Purefoy digs good-guy gig on NBC

'Philanthropist's' James Purefoy digs good-guy gig on NBC: "James Purefoy, the latest British actor to land a lead role in a U.S. network show, stars as bad-boy do-gooder Teddy Rist in 'The Philanthropist' on NBC."