AFP Blog: Recent News of Note

This blog contains assorted news and commentary on the fundraising profession and philanthropy gathered by the AFP Fundraising Resource Center. Other Sites of Interest Section Disclaimer: AFP provides the following listing of hyperlinks to other Internet pages as a privilege to the user. AFP does not necessarily endorse, support or attest to the accuracy of information posted on those Internet pages. Some links may require registration to view and/or may only be available for a limited time.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

PE.com | Inland Southern California | Corona-Norco-Giving away house not always easy

PE.com | Inland Southern California | Corona-Norco:
snip snip>>

"No one keeps statistics on home raffles, but national, state and local officials say such contests are becoming more prevalent.

It's part of a larger trend fueled by increasing competition for charitable dollars, said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the 27,000-member Association of Fundraising Professionals in Alexandria, Va. Nilsen said the number of nonprofit organizations has nearly tripled within the past 20 years."

voiceofsandiego.org: Economics... For Nonprofits, Leadership Deficit Looms

voiceofsandiego.org: Economics... For Nonprofits, Leadership Deficit Looms: "For Nonprofits, Leadership Deficit Looms
By VALENTINE MOOSSA Voice Staff Writer

Friday, Sept. 1, 2006 | Barbara Mannino, who runs the Vista Community Clinic, is currently training someone to do her job. The clinic experiences 185,000 patient visits a year and as the executive director and supervisor, Mannino's job impacts every staff member and every patient.

She started grooming longtime staff member Fernando Sanudo for her job a few years ago, when the clinic's board of directors decided to prepare the organization for a future transition. Sanudo has not been given the position yet."

Channelnewsasia.com-"Singapore Chinese Orchestra charity gala dinner raises record $1.5m

Channelnewsasia.com: "Singapore Chinese Orchestra charity gala dinner raises record $1.5m
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 September 2006 2009 hrs

A charity gala dinner on Saturday raised a record $1.5 million for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), twice its intended target.

The money raised, which goes towards defraying the orchestra's operating costs, was the highest in 10 years.
"

HOW TO DO GOOD

HOW TO DO GOOD: "HOW TO DO GOOD
Nonprofit groups find challenges, rewards
GENESEE COUNTY
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, September 03, 2006
By Chad Swiatecki
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
QUICK TAKE

Bob Mabbitt's dream scenario for his new nonprofit agency looks something like this: a building well-equipped with computers, video and other technology for public media classes, a paid staff and lots of partnerships with other local groups and agencies.

That's the vision. Getting there is the tough part, as Mabbitt and just about every other would-be do-gooder find when they start working for a cause outside the 9-to-5 world.

Since their operations normally don't generate money on their own, groups have to compete for grants and donations, which are hard for a start-up to find."

Northpinellas: 25-year-old is youngest CEO ever for group

Northpinellas: 25-year-old is youngest CEO ever for group: "When Religious Community Services announced that it needed a new chief executive officer, more than 60 people applied from as far away as Pennsylvania, New York and Colorado.

But the right man for the job was just down the hall.

The RCS board of directors has named M. Duggan Cooley III, the organization's development director for the past nine months, to the position effective Oct. 1.

At 25, he will be the youngest CEO in the organization's 38-year history, interim CEO William Trautwein said."

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County: "Donors to St. Louis Public Schools are thinking twice
By Steve Giegerich
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/02/2006

After the forced departure of former St. Louis schools Superintendent Creg Williams, philanthropies, business leaders and educational advocates across the region are re-evaluating commitments of money and service to a perpetually unstable school district.

'There is an overriding sentiment of deep disappointment by the business community and the community at large,' said Dick Fleming, president and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association. 'The disappointment is due to the loss of a sense of real progress in terms of direction and Creg Williams' stature to be superintendent. When you feel that sense of momentum and it's abruptly changed, it is human nature to pause.'"

Learning the Art of Giving - TIME Asia Magazine, Sep. 11, 2006

Learning the Art of Giving - TIME Asia Magazine, Sep. 11, 2006: "Learning the Art of Giving
Asia's superrich are grappling with an enviable new challenge: how to give away their billions

By BRYAN WALSH | HONG KONG

Monday, Sep. 04, 2006
For Rohini Nilekani, making the money was the easy part. The Bangalore-based wife of Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani, Rohini owns 1.67% of the Indian outsourcing company, and her personal fortune soared to about $300 million along with the meteoric rise of its stock. She calls her windfall 'a quite frightening amount of money.' And as soon as it started rolling in, the social activist and journalist began to look for ways to give enormous sums away."

Online giving making up larger part of donations

Online giving making up larger part of donations: "Web nets more for charities
Online giving making up larger part of donations

By ALLAN TURNER
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
First came online shopping. Then came online giving.

After years of slowly growing in impact, online charitable donations reached the philanthropic stratosphere after Hurricane Katrina, accounting for about 50 cents of every dollar donated for hurricane relief, a new study reveals."

Friday, September 01, 2006

DenverPost.com - Donor reneges on CU promise

DenverPost.com - Donor reneges on CU promise: "Donor reneges on CU promise
Gasper Lazzara pledged $95.7 million to the dental school but was able to meet only one payment.
By Jennifer Brown
Denver Post Staff Writer

A Florida donor who promised $95.7 million over 30 years to the University of Colorado's dental school has reneged, jeopardizing tuition rates and the school's ability to pay for its new building.

Dr. Gasper Lazzara paid $3 million in 2003 so CU could build a new dental school named after him at the Fitzsimons campus in Aurora.

He also promised an annual $1.25 million to help the school make payments on the building, plus $500,000 to cover the costs for 12 students in the orthodontics-residency program."

PND News - Nonprofits Release Findings of Gulf Coast Listening Tour

PND News - Nonprofits Release Findings of Gulf Coast Listening Tour: "According to findings from a series of town hall-style meetings conducted in June, adequate housing, employment, child care, health care, and transportation remain top priorities for Gulf Coast residents whose lives were impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Commissioned by Leadership 18 — a group of national organizations that includes the United Way of America and the Salvation Army — and conducted by Los Angeles-based Kelton Research, the 2006 Gulf Coast Listening Initiative identified communication, housing, employment, child care, transportation, clothing and household items, health care, and specialized needs as priorities for Gulf Coast residents."

Corporate Month of Service to Mobilize 40,000 Volunteers

Corporate Month of Service to Mobilize 40,000 Volunteers: "Corporate Month of Service to Mobilize 40,000 Volunteers
Hands On Network, The Home Depot and KaBOOM! Along With 53 Companies and National Nonprofits Lead More Than 1,000 Service Projects During September

ATLANTA, Aug. 31, 2006 -- An alliance of major corporations and nonprofit organizations will mobilize more than 40,000 volunteers in 1,000 community service projects throughout the month of September to mark the second annual 'Corporate Month of Service.' The projects will address communities' most critical needs -- from hurricane recovery efforts to playground builds to school transformations. The month of service is a project of Hands On Network in partnership with KaBOOM!, numerous community organizations, and such corporations as The Home Depot(r), Jones New York, Masco Corporation and UnitedHealth Group."

Tecumseh Herald-Walkers to be well fed during Graze to Raise fundraiser

Tecumseh Herald: "Combine a good, healthy walk with a sampling of some of the area's best culinary offerings, and you have Lenawee County's first ever Graze to Raise to benefit the Hickman Cancer Center. On Saturday, Oct. 21, Promedica Health System, Bixby Medical Center and the Hickman Cancer Center will host the benefit, which includes a 5-kilometer charity walk with food stations interspersed throughout the route."

Sowing The Seeds of Your Legacy - CFO Magazine - September Issue 2006 - CFO.com

Sowing The Seeds of Your Legacy - CFO Magazine - September Issue 2006 - CFO.com:
snip snip>>
"Executives interested in charitable giving can take a page from the Buffett playbook and do more than simply list a favored recipient or two in a will. There are new ways to manage one's legacy while still alive. Perhaps more to the point, that June announcement should serve as a wake-up call to the philanthropically minded regarding the value of planning."

Around the Fundraising Campfire - Stories of Dismal Failure, Near Misses, and Great Success

Around the Fundraising Campfire - Stories of Dismal Failure, Near Misses, and Great Success: "Around the Fundraising Campfire
Stories of Dismal Failure, Near Misses, and Great Success
by Cecilia Hogan | Director, University Relations Research, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington

Headline : Alumnus Gives $10 million to State College; First Visit to Campus in 20 Years

Readers pass by stories of war and political high jinks to savor tales of luck gone good. Filled with anecdotes of accidental meetings, impulsive decisions, and unbridled generosity, the stories behind the headlines seem almost too good to be true.

Headline : Movie Star Raises $5 million to Fight Hunger

In fact, the stories usually are too good to be true. The back story, the story rarely told, usually involves the strategic cultivation of a wealthy donor who has the capacity to give or facilitate a large gift to a nonprofit."

Lifestyle/Scene - Group hopes good deeds will mark 9/11 anniversary - sacbee.com

Lifestyle/Scene - Group hopes good deeds will mark 9/11 anniversary - sacbee.com: "Group hopes good deeds will mark 9/11 anniversary
By Melissa Dahl -- Bee Staff Writer

Published 12:01 am PDT Friday, September 1, 2006
Story appeared in Scene section, Page J1

What will you be doing on Sept. 11?

A bank CEO in Michigan will give all 2,000 employees time off for volunteer work. In San Diego, a group will clean a stretch of beach. And a woman in Miami will plant flowers at her daughter's elementary school.

The creator of MyGoodDeed.org wants, at least unofficially, to establish Sept. 11 as a day of service."

Thursday, August 31, 2006

ABC News: Cynics mock, charities defend stars aiding Africa

ABC News: Cynics mock, charities defend stars aiding Africa: "By Mike Collett-White and Mabvuto Banda

LONDON/MPHANDULA, Malawi (Reuters) - Madonna feels responsible for the children of the world and has found herself a 'big, big project' to help orphans in Malawi.

Gwyneth Paltrow declares 'I am African' in a new advertisement for a charity working in Africa.

The continent has long been a favorite destination for celebrity campaigners, going back to 1954 when Danny Kaye became UNICEF's goodwill ambassador."

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

newsarticle - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change

newsarticle - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change: "HIGH POINT, N.C.: -- On his first day as president of High Point University, Nido Qubein announced a plan to raise $10 million in 60 days, a claim that raised more than a few eyebrows.

Not only did he meet his goal, but he raised $20 million in only 29 days.

Now, Qubein is putting that money to work, transforming the small school into a state-of-the-art academic institution.

The university was bringing in about $3 million before his arrival, he says, but has raised $60 million since he started in January of 2005, all without a formal fundraising campaign.

And two in three of those contributors are first-time donors to the university, says Qubein."

Putting 'Special Skills' to (Volunteer) Work

Putting 'Special Skills' to (Volunteer) Work: "But on any given day, Fluid's employees might also be doing pro bono work to help a nonprofit organization. The company's pro bono projects have included producing post-9/11 public service announcements for the New York City mayor's office and working on ads for the Alzheimer's Foundation. 'Our skill set allows us to do all kinds of promotions, ads and things like that,' says co-founder David Shapiro, 55.

Fluid is just one company where employees -- either individually or as a team -- use their specific job skills to help a nonprofit entity. 'There's a lot of buzz around skills-based volunteers right now,' says Jason Willett, communications director for VolunteerMatch.org, an online nonprofit in San Francisco that connects nonprofit organizations with companies."

National Nonprofit Jumpstart Sets Guinness World Record: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE

National Nonprofit Jumpstart Sets Guinness World Record: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Press Release Source: Jumpstart

National Nonprofit Jumpstart Sets Guinness World Record
Wednesday August 30, 9:24 am ET
More than 100,000 children read same book on August 24 and draw visibility to America's school readiness crisis

BOSTON, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 24, Jumpstart and its partners -- American Eagle Outfitters, Pearson, and Starbucks -- hosted events across the country as part of Jumpstart's Read for the Record, a national campaign designed to engage adults and children in setting the world record for the largest shared reading experience ever. Although the official count is still being tallied, adults had pledged (prior to the event) to read with more than 150,000 children yesterday. As of August 27, 600 reports had come in providing documentation of 114,000 children, who read The Little Engine That Could with adults on Aug. 24. With more than 1,000 local events taking place last Thursday, Jumpstart expects this number will keep climbing as reports continue to be sent from locations across the country."

Katrina--What Happened to Our Donor Dollars?

Katrina--What Happened to Our Donor Dollars?: "Katrina--What Happened to Our Donor Dollars?
In the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, a year ago, there was, to say the least, a lot of confusion.

But we all wanted to help and we sent billions of dollars to nonprofit groups who were working on disaster relief, and then recovery efforts.

Americans gave some $4.2 billion but, while three quarters of that money went to established nonprofits such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, the rest went to small charities, some of which came into existence specifically because of the hurricanes."

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County-MU joins elite club with lofty goal: raising $1 billion

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County: "framed poster in a conference room of the University of Missouri's Development and Alumni Relations office reads '$Billion Club.'

The University of Missouri at Columbia is one of 13 public universities attempting to raise $1 billion or more, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. The University of Illinois system, already among 15 public institutions to reach the billion dollar mark, plans to announce its second big-money campaign next summer.

'We are seeing a growth of those campaigns with a 'B' at the beginning,' said Rae Goldsmith, vice president for communications at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in Washington. "

This rare charity tries to earn way as business - baltimoresun.com

This rare charity tries to earn way as business - baltimoresun.com:
snip snip>>

"Harbor City is unusual. Although technically nonprofit, it stands outside the sanctuary of donations and set-asides that society has created for groups performing 'charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary' and other nonprofit missions, to quote the Internal Revenue Service.

It tries to earn its way in the marketplace jungle, with only its income-tax exemption as a shield.

'Social enterprises,' these kinds of outfits are called."

D.C. Suburbs Top List Of Richest Counties

D.C. Suburbs Top List Of Richest Counties: "D.C. Suburbs Top List Of Richest Counties
Nationwide Data on Health Coverage Bleak

By Amy Goldstein and Dan Keating
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, August 30, 2006; Page A01

The three most prosperous large counties in the United States are in the Washington suburbs, according to census figures released yesterday, which show that the region has the second-highest income and the least poverty of any major metropolitan area in the country.

Rapidly growing Loudoun County has emerged as the wealthiest jurisdiction in the nation, with its households last year having a median income of more than $98,000. It is followed by Fairfax and Howard counties, with Montgomery County not far behind."

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Ritz workers don volunteer hats

Ritz workers don volunteer hats: "GOOD DEEDS
Ritz workers don volunteer hats

By DAVID ROGERS
Daily News Staff Writer

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Sharks rest at the edge of their tank as Paul Vannais, sommelier at The Ritz-Carlton, feeds them while volunteering at the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach. 'I'm enjoying what I'm doing,' Vannais said. 'I'm learning as much as I'm helping. So that makes it easy. And the people here are so great.'

More than 100 Ritz employees pitch in at a dozen-plus nonprofits in the Palm Beaches while resort undergoes $45 million expansion.

During a typical day, Paul Vannais, sommelier at The Ritz-Carlton in Manalapan, might review inventory or teach a member of the wait staff which wines go well with fish.

(A nice Mer Soleil chardonnay perhaps.)

But these days, Vannais is spending his time feeding fresh and saltwater fish, cleaning aquariums and giving the public a close-up look at starfish, sea cucumbers and spiny sea urchins at the South Florida Science Museum."

News - Yorkshire Post Today: -Blair hails 'fantastic' Jane's charity cycle

News - Yorkshire Post Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More: "Blair hails 'fantastic' Jane's charity cycle
Letter to America: PM writes to cancer fundraiser on last leg of ride

Inspirational fundraiser and terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson was praised by Tony Blair as she entered the final week of her 4,200-mile Ride Across America.
The mother of three received the Prime Minister's thanks and best wishes in a hand-written letter delivered to her in Washington during the latest stage of her journey from San Francisco to New York.
Mrs Tomlinson, who has so far raised around £1.25m through a series of challenges for charities, said she was now beginning to relax as she felt the end was in sight and she would be back with her family in Rothwell, Leeds, next week.
In his letter, the Prime Minister wrote: 'Dear Jane. Well done on all your fundraising efforts. It's a fantastic achievement. Good luck, Tony Blair.'"

Of the private donations, half went to Red Cross

Of the private donations, half went to Red Cross: "Of the private donations, half went to Red Cross
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
BY JEFF DIAMANT
Star-Ledger Staff

A year ago today, Americans signed checks and clicked on Web sites to raise an estimated $4.2 billion in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the most they have ever donated in response to a natural disaster, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

The worst U.S. natural disaster in the Internet age offered a model for how donors might respond to future catastrophes: increasingly online and to the largest, most established charities."

The President and His Critics Mark Anniversary Along Coast

The President and His Critics Mark Anniversary Along Coast: "The President and His Critics Mark Anniversary Along Coast

By Michael Abramowitz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 29, 2006; Page A01

BILOXI, Miss., Aug. 28 -- A year after Hurricane Katrina devastated Mississippi and Louisiana, President Bush and Democratic leaders are converging on the Gulf Coast this week to commemorate the losses while continuing the political argument over the federal response to the country's largest natural disaster.

Arriving Monday in this seaside city for the first stop of a two-day visit that later took him to New Orleans, Bush paid homage to the grit of ordinary Mississippians in their efforts to rebuild their communities and promised that his administration will not neglect them as memories of the storm fade."

Monday, August 28, 2006

Present Scholars, Future Leaders

Present Scholars, Future Leaders:
snip snip>>
"Saul Garlick, one of this year's scholars, is working toward a master's degree in American foreign policy and international economics at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University in the District. At 22, he has already founded a nonprofit organization, the Student Movement for Real Change, which has raised money for schools in South Africa and for a water pipeline in Kenya. It was the kind of initiative that got him noticed by the foundation. As a scholar, he was given funding for graduate school and placed in an internship that he just completed in the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs."

AFP > Resource Center | Fundraising news > Help Wanted: Director of Development

AFP > Resource Center | Fundraising news > Help Wanted: Director of Development: "Help Wanted: Director of Development

(Aug. 28, 2006) When should a nonprofit organizations hire its first development director? The short answer is sooner rather than later! If a nonprofit organization is beginning to ask whether it needs a professional development director, it probably should have hired one months—even years—ago.

The biggest mistake nonprofits make in hiring their first development director is waiting until the board, executive director and other key personnel have arrived at a consensus that one is needed NOW. An organization that waits until it is necessary to hire a development director has waited too long."

Advertising Agencies Across North America Provide Pro Bono Services to New Orleans Nonprofits: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE

We occasionally post press releases on our topical blogs. For more Press Releases see AFP Blog:Press Releases.

Advertising Agencies Across North America Provide Pro Bono Services to New Orleans Nonprofits: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Press Release Source: RIGGS

Advertising Agencies Across North America Provide Pro Bono Services to New Orleans Nonprofits
Monday August 28, 9:00 am ET

COLUMBIA, S.C., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Advertising agencies throughout North America will assist 15 New Orleans nonprofit organizations as beneficiaries during National CreateAthon® Week, scheduled for September 10-14, 2006."