Bond Trader to Sell Rare Stamps for Charity - New York Times

Bond Trader to Sell Rare Stamps for Charity - New York Times: "Bill Gross, the billionaire bond trader who has also acquired a reputation as a shrewd trader of rare stamps, will auction the Scandinavian portion of his international collection May 16 to benefit charity."

The Daily Advertiser - www.theadvertiser.com - Lafayette, LA

The Daily Advertiser - www.theadvertiser.com - Lafayette, LA: "Representatives of several Acadiana-area nonprofit agencies put their heads together on Friday to discuss ways to be more effective.

The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) hosted the 'town hall' gathering at the Women's Foundation offices, addressing first the needs in the Acadianaa area and then hearing how best to relate those concerns to representatives on the state level."

Economic woes hurt nonprofits - The Daily Breeze

Economic woes hurt nonprofits - The Daily Breeze: "A sluggish economy is always a double-edged sword for social service organizations - the government is slashing funding at the same time the need for prevention of problems such as domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse and homelessness spikes.

Nonprofit groups throughout the South Bay are getting more creative as they compete for a limited amount of grants and donor dollars, a source of support that is becoming increasingly crucial to programs that in the past relied solely on public funding.

'Every year our job gets harder,' said Tahia Hayslet, executive director of Harbor Interfaith Services, a shelter and food bank in San Pedro. 'The clients' needs don't decrease, they actually increase during times like this.'"

Nonprofits hope economic impact study will bring respect - Roanoke.com

Nonprofits hope economic impact study will bring respect - Roanoke.com: "The Roanoke Valley nonprofit community isn’t getting the respect it deserves — and agency officials say they aren’t going to take it anymore.

Tired of their perception as “takers” who always have their hands out, officials from several area agencies gathered Monday morning to prove they are also “givers.”"

Nonprofits seeking $1.5 billion - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:

Nonprofits seeking $1.5 billion - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:: "Minnesota nonprofits are seeking to raise $1.5 billion in capital and endowment campaigns in the coming years, according to a report the Minnesota Council on Foundations plans to release today.

The report, which surveyed 122 nonprofits, concluded 65 percent of donation dollars in the state goes to education. Just this year, the state's education campaigns have brought in $620 million. Human services came in second, with $113 million. Health was third with $91 million."

Business: Easing nonprofits’ pursuit of grants | form, new, nonprofits : Gazette.com

Business: Easing nonprofits’ pursuit of grants | form, new, nonprofits : Gazette.com: "Nonprofit organizations applying for the more than $400 million in grants that Colorado-based foundations, corporations and other funders such as United Way disperse every year can use a new application form aimed at making the process less time-consuming.

A group of industry representatives has revised a standard form to encourage more use among nonprofits and funders, said Michelle Sturm, senior program officer with the Anschutz Family Foundation. T"

warwickonline.com

warwickonline.com: "“Volunteering is something I enjoy doing because I’m helping people and I do have the time to do it,” says Bob Skinkle, who volunteers on Monday mornings at the Westbay Marketplace in Buttonwoods, run by Westbay Community Action, sorting and handing out vegetables. “It keeps me active, that’s the big thing.”

Skinkle is 84 and he’s not planning on slowing down anytime soon.

“As long as I can do it, I work,” he said. “A lot of seniors can do a lot of good if they get out and do something rather than just sitting around.”"

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "That finding, in the National Board Governance Survey for Not-for-Profit Organizations conducted by the accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP, comes against a backdrop of more and more nonprofits reshaping board of directors practices and policies to fit the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Just as more public companies expect their directors own stock, nonprofits also expect an investment.

The survey, which drew 603 responses, found that 56 percent of all nonprofits require donations. Although this was the first year the question was asked, the survey noted that this reflected “a trend that could become increasingly expected in the near future.”"

Nonprofits need specialized volunteers

Nonprofits need specialized volunteers: "Minnesota's 40.4 percent volunteer rate -- the percentage of adults who give away their time -- ranks third-highest in the country; the national average is 26.7 percent. While nationally, about one in three volunteers drops out of projects before their completion, Minnesota's portion of adults who continue their volunteer service for more than a year leads all the states.

Volunteering is a 'win-win,' said Tony Dungy, the football coach and University of Minnesota alumnus who is a member of the President's Council."

Growth through helping Hands- NJ.com

Growth through helping Hands- NJ.com: "The People for People Foundation of Gloucester County is in the process of expanding with a new program called Hands Across the County a network of public and private charities, government agencies, food banks, businesses, service groups and others that will provide a single entry point for those in need."

Al Roker lends a hand in Rupert | Eyepiece | Idaho Statesman

Al Roker lends a hand in Rupert | Eyepiece | Idaho Statesman: "Ho, ho, ho — it’s Christmas in April. Don’t believe it? It snowed Wednesday. And Monday, the “Today” show’s Al Roker comes to Idaho bearing gifts. Not on a sleigh, but driving a truckload of supplies — household goods, sporting goods, clothing, camping gear, equipment sheds, food and more — right to the front door of the Idaho Youth Ranch in Rupert — at 5:30 a.m.

Idaho is the host state for the kickoff of Roker’s annual Lend a Hand Today program, where he visits five cities in five days to help five different charities. The other four destinations are:"

Check Off For Charity - Fort Collins Local News |Fort Collins Now, Colorado

Check Off For Charity - Fort Collins Local News |Fort Collins Now, Colorado: "n hard financial times, many people may see charitable giving as an extra—something to skip in favor of more pressing expenses like rent and fuel costs.

But at tax time, Coloradans can easily give away some of what they’re getting back from Uncle Sam, before they even get it."

Hard times good time to give - 04/14/2008 - MiamiHerald.com

Hard times good time to give - 04/14/2008 - MiamiHerald.com: "For the most vulnerable in our community, social-service agencies are often a final safety net. Unfortunately, this net will likely widen, and we will likely see a higher demand for social services from people who have never sought help before. According to a report released this month by the Department of Labor, 80,000 jobs were cut in March, marking the third straight month that jobs have fallen and the longest period of decline since early 2003.

In tough economic times, charitable giving becomes all the more important."

14 WFIE, The Tri-State's News Leader: Teeter-totter-a-thon underway this weekend

14 WFIE, The Tri-State's News Leader: Teeter-totter-a-thon underway this weekend: "New Media Producer: Melissa Greathouse

Up and down...up and down...the teeter-totter-a-thon is underway.

The men of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity are raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

They kicked off the weekend event at Hooters restaurant Friday and will move the event to their chapter house Saturday at the University of Evansville campus."

Cambridge nonprofit wins MacArthur award - The Boston Globe

Cambridge nonprofit wins MacArthur award - The Boston Globe: "Cambridge nonprofit wins MacArthur award
Email|Print|Single Page| Text size – + By Clea Simon
Globe Correspondent / April 11, 2008

The Cambridge-based Public Radio Exchange will receive one of eight 2008 MacArthur Awards for Creative and Effective Institutions, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced yesterday. PRX, as the Cambridge nonprofit is called, serves as an Internet clearinghouse for radio producers and public radio stations. It provides access to new voices and makes it easier for producers and stations to connect and license one another's work using an online base that handles everything from sampling shows to licensing."

Tough times call for creative funding techniques - Long Island Business News

Tough times call for creative funding techniques - Long Island Business News: "Now is the low-tide time of year for nonprofit companies, between the high-water mark of the winter holidays and the growing swell of warm-weather events such as golf outings.

Add a struggling local economy and April could truly be the cruelest month for those who depend on the good will and charity of others.

Corporations – normally dependable donors to nonprofits – have slashed their donation budgets due to bad economic news, said Jim Rennert, president of the Long Island chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals."

Competition for check-box donations rises - UPI.com

Competition for check-box donations rises - UPI.com: "Competition for donations from new check boxes on tax forms for U.S. states means less money for an Iowa wildlife diversity fund, fund officials said.

The fund received a record low in donations from its check-box solicitations in 2007, when a checkoff box for a veterans group was added to the tax form, USA Today reported."

'Idol Gives Back' Raises $22 Million For Charity

'Idol Gives Back' Raises $22 Million For Charity: "ox's 'Idol Gives Back' charity telethon raised $22 million for charity last night (April 9), thanks to a combination of corporate sponsorship and donations from viewers who called in to the show and gave via AmericanIdol.com"

Hershey Trust CEO steps down | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008

Hershey Trust CEO steps down | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008: "Hershey Trust CEO steps down

By Bob Fernandez

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
In another high-level departure in Hershey, the chief executive of the Hershey Trust Co., Robert C. Vowler, today said he will retire from the company that oversees investing decisions for one of the world's largest educational endowments.

The Hershey Trust Co. manages $8 billion in assets owned by the Milton S. Hershey School for needy kids. Among the school's assets is stock that controls the Hershey Co., the chocolate bar maker and major Pennsylvania employer, and the Hershey amusement park."

San Luis Obispo County’s website | 04/10/2008 | Nonprofit Strategies: Stay focused in tight times

San Luis Obispo County’s website | 04/10/2008 | Nonprofit Strategies: Stay focused in tight times: "Last week Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke admitted that the “economy is in a difficult period” and a recession is possible. This is not news for local nonprofit organizations.

The cavalcade of dismal local, state and national economic news has made times challenging for them.

So how does a nonprofit organization navigate tough economic times?

I asked Israel Dominguez, director of the Cuesta College Small Business Development Center, for some strategies."

Nationwide Tour opens new fundraising avenue for nonprofit groups

Nationwide Tour opens new fundraising avenue for nonprofit groups: "Nonprofit organizations in Prince George’s County could rake in hundreds of dollars to help their causes by selling tickets for the Nationwide Tour’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open."

Watertown Middle School’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ drive sets new record - Watertown, MA - Watertown TAB & Press

Watertown Middle School’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ drive sets new record - Watertown, MA - Watertown TAB & Press: "WATERTOWN - For the fifth year, the Watertown Middle School participated in the Pennies for Patients Drive for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a three-week drive to raise funds for research and family assistance.

The school has chosen this particular charity because of the many ways these diseases have affected the Middle School staff and families. The drive is in honor of Tom Johnson, the health and physical education teacher, and in memory of two other WMS teachers, Pat Stayn, a former math teacher, and Peter Clough, global studies teacher and assistant principal."

Use of charitable funds is at heart of Princeton case | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008

Use of charitable funds is at heart of Princeton case | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/09/2008: "New Jersey judge has just set an Oct. 1 trial date in a billion-dollar lawsuit alleging that Princeton University misused tens of millions of dollars donated to a charitable fund. Fallout from the case is expected to reach far beyond the Ivy League campus, dramatically reshaping nonprofit fund-raising and administrative practices."

The Slumping Stock Market Cuts Into Giving - Philanthropy.com

The Slumping Stock Market Cuts Into Giving - Philanthropy.com: "The Slumping Stock Market Cuts Into Giving

The stock market’s slide has begun to affect a fast-growing type of giving.

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund — which raises more than all but three other charities in the country according to The Chronicle’s Philanthropy 400 rankings — says contributions dipped by 8 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the first quarter of 2007."

Big business lines up to back orchestra - Scotsman.com News

Big business lines up to back orchestra - Scotsman.com News: "THE Royal Scottish National Orchestra has claimed a record number of business backers for its new season, topped by the oil giant Total extending its corporate sponsorship for three years.
The theme for this year's concerts from the RSNO is the sea, through works by composers ranging from Wagner to Debussy and Britain's Frank Bridge. Top soloists include leading pianists, such as Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne and John Lill."

Business Leader, Nonprofit Volunteer to Head the American Red Cross

Business Leader, Nonprofit Volunteer to Head the American Red Cross: "WASHINGTON, April 8, 2008, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Gail J. McGovern, a successful business executive and proven nonprofit fundraiser, was today named President and CEO of the American Red Cross. McGovern, who held top management positions at AT&T Corporation and Fidelity Investments, has experience running large organizations in competitive industries, and a track record for improving business performance and service delivery to the public. Currently, she teaches marketing at the Harvard Business School."

Maine's nonprofit firms lift economy

Maine's nonprofit firms lift economy: "Vital economic engines

A report released recently by the Maine Association of Nonprofits reveals that Maine is home to 5,560 charitable nonprofit organizations that together employ more than 70,000 people. And those are only the organizations with individual annual gross revenues of more than $5,000. Very small organizations, such as condominium associations and social clubs, are often registered as nonprofit organizations but were not included in the report."

Hospice nets record amount from rare Beatles disc - Milton Keynes Today

Hospice nets record amount from rare Beatles disc - Milton Keynes Today: "Some research found it was actually a rare copy in Mono with a gold Parlophone label and four of the songs mis-credited to the publishers Dick James Music rather than Northern Music as on later pressings.

It was also in very good condition considering it was 45 years old, so Linda put it on web auction site eBay.

'There was a lot of interest straight away with many people watching it,' she said.

'I turned down an initial offe
r of £400 from someone in Japan – which was definitely the right decision as the auction ended at £837!"

IRS Releases Instructions for Charity Tax Form - Philanthropy.com

From the Chronicle of Philanthropy

IRS Releases Instructions for Charity Tax Form - Philanthropy.com: "IRS Releases Instructions for Charity Tax Form

By Peter Panepento

Washington

The Internal Revenue Service has posted the draft instructions for the new Form 990, the primary document that charities file each year with the government."

Charity Hospital, on Brink, Gets a $200 Million Gift - New York Times

Charity Hospital, on Brink, Gets a $200 Million Gift - New York Times: "ATLANTA — Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the country’s largest charity hospitals, will receive $200 million from a private foundation with ties to Coca-Cola, hospital officials said Monday."