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 12, 2006

DesMoinesRegister.com-Employee volunteerism is good business

DesMoinesRegister.com: "Employee volunteerism is good business
By SHANNON COFIELD and KIM AUSTEN
IOWA VIEW

September 12, 2006

Forward-thinking business leaders understand that community involvement is an important part of any company's success.

Research shows that a company's involvement in the community has become a business imperative. The Cone Corporate Citizenship Study reveals that 86 percent of consumers surveyed said they are likely to switch from one brand to another that is about the same in price and quality, if the other brand is associated with a cause."

Monday, September 11, 2006

Those Who Lost Loved Ones Sustain Memorial Charities

Those Who Lost Loved Ones Sustain Memorial Charities: "Those Who Lost Loved Ones Sustain Memorial Charities

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 11, 2006; Page A06

Five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the billions of dollars donated to the families of those killed have largely been spent, but the charity work hasn't stopped.

Now the families themselves have taken the stage. They have started scholarship funds and international relief efforts, raised money for memorials to honor the dead and launched organizations that have coalesced into multifaceted crusades for a variety of issues, including skyscraper safety, airline security and national security."

The Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kans. | Local News-Nonprofits caught in squeeze

The Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kans. | Local News: "Success in securing grants has exacted an unexpected price for several agencies focused on affordable housing in Hutchinson - less operating cash.

They're finding ways to manage, but several program directors say a philosophical change is needed - either allowing more grant money to be spent directly on operating or administrative costs or a designated government funding source specifically for that."

Bizwomen: -In-kind donations growing more popular

Bizwomen: Where women in business meet to network, connect, support, learn and grow.:
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"Such donations include everything from real estate to automobiles, and art to furniture, notes Walter Sczudlo, the executive vice-president and general counsel for the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

'These kinds of donations are very much an important resource for the charitable sector that have been going on ever since there have been charities,' continues Sczudlo, who adds that the earliest and most typical non-cash donations to charity, especially during the Great Depression, centered around food and clothing."

TheStar.com - The A-list charity cases

TheStar.com - The A-list charity cases: "But the festival draws more than movies and their stars these days. And Clinton's presence is a case in point showing how TIFF and its wealth of celebrity benefits charities of all scopes. There is a confluence of forces that only an event the magnitude of TIFF, with its magnetic pull on Hollywood's A-list, could produce: A broad opportunity for charities of all scopes to capitalize on the international attention focused here — and, of course, to benefit from the vast wealth that a critical mass of celebrity elite can help make flow.

Clinton's ease amid that same community is as apparent as his sway within it. Last night, in a de facto 60th birthday party for the former president, 500 guests, drawn from the city's corporate and political elite, spent as much as $200,000 per 10-person table to mix with visiting Hollywood A-listers like Billy Crystal and Kevin Spacey, the evening's MC.

After it all, the William J. Clinton Foundation — the former president's charitable organization devoted to causes such as fighting AIDS and poverty in Africa — was $2.5 million richer."

The Dell family foundation

The Dell family foundation: "The Dell family foundation
Seven years after its creation, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is making its mark around the world — and here in Central Texas

By Andrea Ball
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Sunday, September 10, 2006

The most powerful giving machine in Central Texas is in a nondescript shopping center near Westlake Hills.

There is no sign. The front door is locked. Visitors must ring a bell to enter.

This is the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the charitable arm of the world's 12th-richest man and his fashion designer wife. For charities across the world, this seven-year-old foundation — funded by an endowment that has grown to $1.2 billion this year — is a powerful financial ally against such social ills as poverty and illness."

Small charity started by socialite is built into a national model

Small charity started by socialite is built into a national model: "Small charity started by socialite is built into a national model
With hard work, celebrity support and organizational savvy, the foundation has grown faster that its peers
Saturday, September 09, 2006
ANDY DWORKIN

There were no pink ribbons at the first Susan G. Komen Foundation fundraiser. Called Toys for Boys, the 1982 event in Texas was a polo party/charity auction that gave out jumper cables as favors.

In 24 years, a mix of hard work, high-profile supporters and an effective nationwide structure has transformed Komen from a small charity founded by a Dallas socialite to one of the country's most notable disease-focused nonprofits. The group raised almost $200 million last year, about half through its signature Race for the Cure series, which should draw more than a million people nationwide this year."

His Bottom Line: Educating the World's Kids

His Bottom Line: Educating the World's Kids: "His Bottom Line: Educating the World's Kids
At Microsoft, John Wood Wasn't Interested in Money. All He Wanted Was Change.

By Bob Thompson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 9, 2006; Page C01

How to put this gently? John Wood is making the rest of us look bad.

Oh, he doesn't mean to. The founder and CEO of a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization called Room to Read, who's just published a book called 'Leaving Microsoft to Change the World,' doesn't blame us for not quitting our nice, secure jobs pushing paper or marketing digital widgets, as he did seven years ago at age 35, and throwing ourselves into planet-enhancing philanthropy."

Friday, September 08, 2006

Community Foundations Earn National Standards Seal :: PNNOnline ::

Community Foundations Earn National Standards Seal :: PNNOnline ::: "Community Foundations Earn National Standards Seal
Posted by: laurakujawski on Friday, September 8, 2006
Topic General Fundraising

More than 260 community foundations across the country recently earned the National Standards Seal from the Council on Foundations for attaining the highest standards for grantmaking integrity and accountability.

The Council on Foundations and leaders of the community foundation field created The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations in 2000 to establish legal, ethical and effective operational practices and highlight transparency and financial responsibility.

“This is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,” said Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations. “This is critically important to the millions of people who give to and through community foundations. The National Standards confirmation says this house is in order, it’s financially secure, and it can be trusted to meet its commitments. Professional advisors and prospective donors will recognize the Seal as an indication of the integrity and demonstrated excellence of the community foundation.”

"

The Chronicle, 9/8/2006: Big Changes at the Rockefeller Foundation

The Chronicle, 9/8/2006: Big Changes at the Rockefeller Foundation: "Big Changes at the Rockefeller Foundation
The 93-year-old philanthropy stirs up criticism as it looks for new approaches

By Ian Wilhelm

As one of the world's most venerable grant makers tries to revitalize its efforts, the Rockefeller Foundation is making major personnel changes and overhauling its giving.

Since March 2005, when Judith Rodin joined the foundation as its president, roughly 25 percent of its employees have been replaced or their positions eliminated. At least one grant-making program in the arts has been cut and others may face the chopping block as part of an effort the foundation said will make it more effective at fighting social ills in America and abroad."

The legend of Robin Hood - September 18, 2006

The legend of Robin Hood - September 18, 2006: "The legend of Robin Hood
How the leaders of the hedge fund world have banded together to fight poverty - taking gobs of money from the rich, applying strict financial metrics in giving it away, and making philanthropy cool among the business elite.
FORTUNE Magazine
By Andy Serwer, Fortune senior editor-at-large
September 8 2006: 10:03 AM EDT

(Fortune Magazine) -- The idea behind one of the most innovative and influential philanthropic organizations of our time sprang from one of the more boneheaded macroeconomic calls ever made on Wall Street. Or as hedge fund maestro Paul Tudor Jones tells it, 'The biggest error I've ever made had the best possible outcome.'"

Freelanthropy Survey Finds 91 Percent of Americans Are Philanthropic at Heart

PRESS RELEASE

Freelanthropy Survey Finds 91 Percent of Americans Are Philanthropic at Heart: "Freelanthropy Survey Finds 91 Percent of Americans Are Philanthropic at Heart

Baby Boomers Lead Charge with Highest Percentile of Charitable Giving/ 96
Percent of Age Group 65+ Have Donated to a Charity

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Freelanthropy, LLC., (
http://www.freelanthropy.com ) a free online charitable search program, today announced the results of its second annual Charitable Giving survey revealing detailed statistics about how much Americans contribute to charities and the types of organizations to which they give.
'Some of the survey's findings were surprising and changed dramatically from the results reported last year,' said Dan Sheehy, founder and president of Freelanthropy.com. 'This updated information allows us to expose patterns of giving to help non-profit organizations get the most out of their fundraising efforts.'"

Donations overwhelm Irwin charity

Donations overwhelm Irwin charity: "Fans of Steve Irwin have this week pledged more than a half-a-million dollars towards a wildlife fund he set up.

The Crocodile Hunter died on Monday after a stingray barb went through his heart.

Supporters in the United States and Australia have made the most contributions, donating more than $400,000."

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 09/08/2006 | Biz Buzz: Study to show economic muscle of nonprofits

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 09/08/2006 | Biz Buzz: Study to show economic muscle of nonprofits: "Biz Buzz: Study to show economic muscle of nonprofits
The Tribune

San Luis Obispo County nonprofits, businesses and community groups are teaming up with the UCSB Economic Forecast Project to show just how much nonprofits contribute to the local economy.

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County in partnership with the Southern California Gas Co. and the county of San Luis Obispo are sponsoring 'The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Corporations in San Luis Obispo County.'

Results of the economic impact study, conducted by the UCSB Economic Forecast Project and United Way, will be presented Oct. 5 by Bill Watkins, project director. A panel of local experts will also discuss the results."

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Met to Broadcast Live Operas Into Movie Theaters - New York Times

Met to Broadcast Live Operas Into Movie Theaters - New York Times: "Met to Broadcast Live Operas Into Movie Theaters

By DANIEL J. WAKIN
Published: September 6, 2006

Coming soon to your multiplex in the mall: bel canto fireworks and bass-baritone rumbles, love duets and orchestral colors, divas, tenors and trills.

The Metropolitan Opera announced today that it would begin broadcasting live performances into movie theaters across the United States, Canada and Britain, rubbing shoulders with professional wrestling and rock concerts.

The broadcasts are part of a strategy by the Met’s new general manager, Peter Gelb, to widen the house’s appeal by branching out into new media. The house also said today that it was opening up its vast archive of historic radio broadcast performances for streaming and downloading."

DenverPost.com - Dental donor denies gift's size

DenverPost.com - Dental donor denies gift's size: "Dental donor denies gift's size
Dr. Gasper Lazzara says he promised less than half that amount and that students on his scholarships reneged on commitments to him. The university and dental students see things differently.
By Jennifer Brown
Denver Post Staff Writer

A Florida donor in a dispute with the University of Colorado over a $95.7 million commitment to the dental school and its students now says he never promised that much money.

'I'm not stroking a check for $95 million over 30 years,' Dr. Gasper Lazzara said Tuesday. 'They put that out as a press release without me knowing.'

CU announced three years ago that Lazzara's gift would jump-start an orthodontics program and pay for a high-tech dental school at the Fitzsimons campus in Aurora."

More than just the finish line: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

More than just the finish line: South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
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"Running for a greater cause has helped races, particularly marathons, swell to unprecedented numbers.

Running for charity, women and older runners make up the largest demographics in running today and have accounted for the largest growth in the sport nationally and locally. There are more than 4,000 sanctioned races per year in the United States from 5Ks (3.1 miles) to marathons (26.2 miles).
"

onPhilanthropy: Back to School to Save the World: A Guide to Degree Programs

onPhilanthropy: Back to School to Save the World: A Guide to Degree Programs: "Back to School to Save the World: A Guide to Degree Programs
By: Shannon Bond, 09/06/2006

So, you want to be a future leader in philanthropy? The director of a nonprofit? A fundraising executive? Do you have what it takes? One way to get noticed in the growing pool of up-and-coming do-gooders is to get a masters degree focused on public sector management. As nonprofits run themselves more and more like businesses, there is a growing need for young people whose business know-how is as apparent as their passion to make a difference."

Los Angeles Opera Is Given $6 Million for a ‘Ring’ Cycle - New York Times

Los Angeles Opera Is Given $6 Million for a ‘Ring’ Cycle - New York Times: "Los Angeles Opera Is Given $6 Million for a ‘Ring’ Cycle

Article Tools Sponsored By
By EDWARD WYATT
Published: September 7, 2006

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6 — Eli Broad, the financier, has donated $6 million to underwrite the Los Angeles Opera’s first production of Wagner’s “Ring” cycle, the opera company said on Wednesday. The initial production of the four operas is tentatively planned to stretch over two years, starting in about two years.
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The gift, by the Eli and Edythe L. Broad Foundation, will support the cost of what Plácido Domingo, the tenor and the company’s general director, called “a moderate” production of the “Ring.”"

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Charity for survivors of fallen officers gets $1 million donation | Chicago Tribune

Charity for survivors of fallen officers gets $1 million donation | Chicago Tribune: "Charity for survivors of fallen officers gets $1 million donation

By Mike Smith
Associated Press Writer
Published September 6, 2006, 1:36 PM CDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- A charity that sponsored a bike ride in which two police officers were killed last month received a $1 million donation Wednesday.

The Bloomington-based medical device maker Cook Group made the donation to the Indiana Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, a support group for the families of police officers killed in the line of duty."

Community Foundation back in its digs but needs tenants

Community Foundation back in its digs but needs tenants: "ommunity Foundation back in its digs but needs tenants

By Tim O'Meilia

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

WEST PALM BEACH — When Hurricane Wilma blew through Oct. 24, a single construction crane was within falling distance of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties' building on South Dixie Highway.

It fell, of course, all 260 feet of it, slicing through the Community Foundation roof and into the second-floor boardroom. But the worst damage was to the mechanical room housing electrical, water and natural-gas equipment."

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0-Area agencies welcome return of volunteering college students

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0: "The Women’s Clothes Closet is looking for some affordable elegance.

Last year, about 350 women benefited from the closet, which provides professional clothing to low-income women. But the people who run the nonprofit on the third floor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church would prefer a more appealing look than white, bare walls.

And their wish is being granted: Students from the interior design program at Western Technical College are providing a facelift as part of a service-learning project.

Clothes Closet volunteer Deb Daehn Zellmer said regular volunteers could give the rooms a makeover but were looking for guidance on how to make it look good."

Museum's president, CEO still finds work fun the second time around

Museum's president, CEO still finds work fun the second time around: "Museum's president, CEO still finds work fun the second time around

By Nicole Janok

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Wellington resident Bob Callahan just can't seem to retire. He's tried - four times, in fact.

But each time, something calls him back to a world he just can't get enough of - science.

'I've succeeded in everything, except from retirement,' he said.

That's why Callahan, 65, came out of his last retirement in February to become the president and chief executive officer of the South Florida Science Museum. As the vice president and deputy director of the museum two years ago, Callahan said he couldn't resist the opportunity to come back to oversee the museum's quest to expand into a 100,000-square-foot, $54.8 million building."

Irwin website safe, says charity | | The Australian

Irwin website safe, says charity | | The Australian: "rwin website safe, says charity
September 06, 2006
A CHARITY taking donations for Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's conservation efforts says it is completely safe, contrary to a media report money had been stolen via the web."

JS Online:Foundations face big chance

JS Online:Foundations face big chance: "Foundations and charities in Wisconsin have the potential to tap into unprecedented wealth - more than $687 billion - that will be passed from one generation to the next in this half-century, according to projections to be released today.

In this decade alone, foundations could build endowments worth $5.3 billion and generate $263 million in charitable donations by tapping into just 5% of the wealth expected to be transferred.

Those tempting numbers are laid out in the report that the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship in Lincoln, Neb., prepared. It follows the work of Boston College researchers in their study 'Millionaires and the Millennium' and projects the philanthropic pot at the state level."

COF - Council on Foundations - Council - Council Announces New Critical Impact Award for Grantmakers

COF - Council on Foundations - Council - Council Announces New Critical Impact Award for Grantmakers: "Council Announces New Critical Impact Award for Grantmakers

Date: September 6, 2006
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The Council on Foundations is seeking nominations for its new Critical Impact Award to recognize grant-funded projects that have had a demonstrated impact on the common good and can serve as models for others in philanthropy. Awards will be given to foundations and their grantees.

The Council requests submissions from programs funded by family, independent, operating, public or community foundations, or by international or corporate grantmakers (either individually or in collaboration with others); have been underway long enough to document having had an enduring positive impact and have provided real philanthropic leadership by establishing philanthropy as the innovators or architects of social change. Special consideration will be given to programs that address poverty, public health, environment and disaster preparedness."

Corporate Philanthropy in Boston (from the WBUR Newsroom)

Corporate Philanthropy in Boston (from the WBUR Newsroom): "Corporate Philanthropy in Boston
By Bob Oakes

Listen to story (Real Audio)

BOSTON, Mass. - September 06, 2006 - Just how generous...or not...are Boston's companies? A new survey tallies corporate philanthropy in the Hub. The findings will be released at a summit on Wednesday morning,"

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

A new charity, United States Artists, will give $50,000 grants to 50 artists. - New York Times

A new charity, United States Artists, will give $50,000 grants to 50 artists. - New York Times: "New Charity to Start Plan for $50,000 Artists’ Grants

By STEPHANIE STROM
Published: September 5, 2006

A new charity, United States Artists, will announce today an ambitious plan to provide support to working artists, starting with a grant program that will be one of the most generous in existence."

Local nonprofits in haiku contest

Local nonprofits in haiku contest: "Local nonprofits in haiku contest
Paying by the syllable: $5,000 grant awaits winning poets.

By Andrea Ball
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Community TechKnowledge is high on haikus.

So high, in fact, that the Austin-based software company is hosting a haiku contest among local nonprofits. The prize: $5,000.

'People have to jump through a million hoops to get any money,' said Kathryn Engelhardt-Cronk, CEO of Community TechKnowledge Inc., which makes software for nonprofits. 'I thought: Let's do it so it's simple, straightforward and fun.'"

No Chief, no donations?

No Chief, no donations?: "No Chief, no donations?

September 4, 2006

BY DAVE NEWBART Staff Reporter

When Knox College in western Illinois got rid of its nickname 13 years ago, the school heard from plenty of angry alumni vowing never to donate to the school again.

But in the years since, the school said, donations have increased steadily, and even some of the angriest alumni have come back to strongly support the schoo"