New Law Encourages Cash Donations for Midwest Disaster Relief

New Law Encourages Cash Donations for Midwest Disaster Relief: "New Law Encourages Cash Donations for Midwest Disaster Relief


IR-2008-133, Nov. 25, 2008

WASHINGTON –– Taxpayers who make qualifying cash contributions for disaster relief efforts in the Midwest could benefit from a recently passed law that suspends the percentage-of-income limits that would normally apply when taxpayers deduct the contributions on their 2008 federal tax returns."

Survey finds Rockland nonprofits have $1 billion economic impact | lohud.com | The Journal News

Survey finds Rockland nonprofits have $1 billion economic impact | lohud.com | The Journal News: "STONY POINT - The economic impact of Rockland not-for-profit agencies that deliver social services, enrich the local arts and cultural landscape, and protect the environment was more than $1 billion in 2006, a new survey finds.

The Rockland County Institute for Non-Profits, which advocates for the agencies, used 2006 data to determine the direct and indirect economic impact of local not-for-profit organizations in the county."

Our view: Good news, America: We keep giving | thetowntalk.com | The Town Talk

Our view: Good news, America: We keep giving | thetowntalk.com | The Town Talk: "Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, for that is truly worth celebrating. It means that even when times get ugly -- and they're pretty ugly right now -- most Americans keep digging deep to help people who have less or perhaps nothing at all. This is uplifting, and fitting to note with the season of giving upon us.

Contributions to American charities have increased during 39 of the past 40 years in today's dollars, a researcher with the center told The Associated Press. The one off-year, back in 1987, was caused by a change in the tax laws, not an economic crisis."

Charity groups to increase aid - The Boston Globe

Charity groups to increase aid - The Boston Globe: "With a triple threat of increased fuel and food costs and the mortgage crisis in full play this winter, four philanthropic foundations are giving a combined $1.1 million to food banks, fuel assistance programs, and other nonprofit organizations, helping to bridge the gap in shrinking donations this holiday season."

Charities keep fingers crossed | press-citizen.com | Iowa City Press Citizen

Charities keep fingers crossed | press-citizen.com | Iowa City Press Citizen: "Tough economic times are causing families to tighten wallets and to think twice before handing out dollars to charities.

It's worrisome news for local nonprofits like the Salvation Army, which are seeing needs increase."

Fannie Mae Walks Its Talk - washingtonpost.com

Fannie Mae Walks Its Talk - washingtonpost.com: "the chill on Saturday. The chief executive of District-based Fannie Mae looked out at tens of thousands of people who had gathered on the National Mall and declared, 'This is a great day, great cause, great crowd.'

He was speaking at Fannie's 'Help the Homeless' walkathon."

What Are Your Favorite Fund-Raising Blogs? - Philanthropy.com

Great to see this blog (AFP Blog: Recent News of Note) mentioned as one of the favorites in this top ten Fundraising Blog list. Thanks to Roger and to Peter.


What Are Your Favorite Fund-Raising Blogs? - Philanthropy.com: "What Are Your Favorite Fund-Raising Blogs?

Roger Carr, the founder of the Web site Everyday Giving, recently created his top 10 list of favorite fund-raising blogs for the site Blogs.com."

Values under siege | Nashville City Paper

Values under siege | Nashville City Paper: "Expecting scarcity

Most of Nashville's foundations operate quietly, but their economic impact is immense. In 2006, the last year for which complete data is available, Middle Tennessee foundations had aggregate assets approaching $3 billion and made more than $200 million in grants, according to the publicly available annual reports they are required to file with the Internal Revenue Service."

Asian American Giving: Just released! Asian American giving circles survey

Asian American Giving: Just released! Asian American giving circles survey: "The paper, Asian American Giving Circles: Building Bridges Between Philanthropy and Our Communities was presented at the 37th Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) Conference this November in Philadelphia by Andrew T. Ho, of Council on Foundations.

The research paper shows that these Asian American giving circles enjoyed enthusiastic responses from community organizations"

5 Tips for Raising Funds Through Social Mobilization : FundRaising Success

The AFP Resource Center also has a blog on Nonprofit Technology

5 Tips for Raising Funds Through Social Mobilization : FundRaising Success: "The troubled economic times that our nation now faces are forcing many to curb their level of charitable donations — donations that nonprofits and cause-driven organizations rely on to survive. Typically, nonprofits rely on more traditional methods of growing support — volunteer word-of-mouth, mass mailings or telephone outreach. While effective, these methods are time-consuming and cost-prohibitive."

Daffodilians seek ideas to keep festival going | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Daffodilians seek ideas to keep festival going | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA: "Daffodilians seek ideas to keep festival going
MELISSA SANTOS; melissa.santos@thenewstribune.com
Published: November 23rd, 2008 12:05 AM
There will not be a 2010 Daffodil Festival without a huge influx of financial support, organizers of the 75-year-old event say. But they worry people aren’t getting that message.

About two dozen community members gathered Saturday at Puyallup City Hall to discuss how best to market the event and keep it relevant.

Should the festival have a MySpace page? A YouTube campaign?"

Bequests, Celebrities, Foundations, and the Economy: a Conference Notebook From National Research Meeting - Philanthropy.com

Bequests, Celebrities, Foundations, and the Economy: a Conference Notebook From National Research Meeting - Philanthropy.com: "Bequests, Celebrities, Foundations, and the Economy: a Conference Notebook From National Research Meeting

By Debra E. Blum

Philadelphia

Too many nonprofit scholars are boosters — ignoring the serious problems that mar the nonprofit world, and the organizations that are involved in activities that harm society, says a prominent philanthropy researcher.

David Horton Smith, founder of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action, took the opportunity of the group’s annual meeting here this week to chastise its members for ignoring what he called “the dark side of the nonprofit sector.”"

Indian Philanthropy Flourishes in Boston - Philanthropy.com

Indian Philanthropy Flourishes in Boston - Philanthropy.com: "Indian Philanthropy Flourishes in Boston

A large number of nonprofit groups with connections to India or Indian-related causes have sprung up in the Boston metropolitan area, as Indian professionals seek a way to do good with wealth they have earned, reports The Boston Globe."

WTTE FOX 28 - National News

This link no longer works.

WTTE FOX 28 - National News: "SEATTLE (AP) -- Food banks and charities are confident that donations will stay up despite the gloomy economy.

In fact, a national survey released by World Vision indicates that this Christmas could be better than usual for charitable organizations."

Putting Board Members Under a Fund-Raising Contract - Philanthropy.com

Putting Board Members Under a Fund-Raising Contract - Philanthropy.com: "Many, if not most, charities want their boards to be more engaged in fund raising.

To persuade her trustees to take the idea seriously, Alexi Miller, development director of Acterra, an environmental group in Palo Alto, Calif., asked them to sign a contract stating that they agreed to be active fund raisers. Ms. Miller recently discussed her charity’s contract for trustees on a listserv maintained by the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Each generation gives differently | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY

Each generation gives differently | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY: "Mark Brewer, president and chief executive officer of the Orlando-based foundation, which holds almost 400 named charitable funds with assets of more than $50 million, spoke before the Space Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Charity leaders offer tips for tough economy, holiday season - CNN.com

Charity leaders offer tips for tough economy, holiday season - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- Recession questions, housing bailouts, stock market tumbles, growing job losses -- faced with troubling economic news at seemingly every turn, many Americans' first thoughts may be of their own finances before charitable giving."

U of L receives largest donation in its history | courier-journal | The Courier-Journal

U of L receives largest donation in its history | courier-journal | The Courier-Journal: "The University of Louisville has received the largest gift in its history -- a $20 million donation that will be used to further the school's cancer research in a state with the nation's highest cancer death rate."

WBNS 10TV : Gee Takes Off Bow Tie To Help Charity - WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio's News Leader

WBNS 10TV : Gee Takes Off Bow Tie To Help Charity - WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio's News Leader: "President Gordon Gee kicked off the 'Lose the Blue' campaign by taking off a maize-and-blue bow tie and tossing it into a donation box during a press conference on Monday, 10TV News reported.

'I hate to give away a bow tie, but consider yourself lucky that my trademark is a bow tie and not knickers,' Gee said."

Publicity Examiner: Corporate social responsibility: Tips for professional fundraisers

Publicity Examiner: Corporate social responsibility: Tips for professional fundraisers: "In the previous Publicity Examiner post, we learned about the who, what and the why on corporate giving and the reasons corporate social responsibility has become critical for strengthening the corporate image. Generosity by corporations through community relations, foundation support, and non-profit sponsorships will establish and build brand equity through goodwill efforts with meaning."

The Columbus Dispatch : Retire Smart: Need a job? Try a nonprofit

The Columbus Dispatch : Retire Smart: Need a job? Try a nonprofit: "Hey, all you laid-off, middle-aged bankers, accountants, programmers, marketers and other well-trained corporate types out there: Ever thought about working at a nonprofit organization?"

Charities hit hard by economic downturn as demand rises, donations fall | Riverside County | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

Charities hit hard by economic downturn as demand rises, donations fall | Riverside County | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California: "Larger and more established charities generally will be more successful in raising money during the economic downturn, because they are more likely to have the reputation, fundraising expertise and long donor list to weather the crisis, said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Virginia-based Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Q-C fundraisers cautiously optimistic - Quad Cities Online

Q-C fundraisers cautiously optimistic - Quad Cities Online: "Though the current economy poses a challenge to fundraising professionals, the Quad-Cities often steps up in tough times, a local leader says.

“Right now, we don't have a level of concern,” said Margaret Lewis, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Quad-Cities chapter (AFP-QC)."

IU Dance Marathon beats record, raising $1.3 million for Riley: IU News Room: Indiana University

PRESS RELEASE
IU Dance Marathon beats record, raising $1.3 million for Riley: IU News Room: Indiana University: "BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Despite a struggling economy, Indiana University students showed their generous spirit at IU's 18th annual dance marathon over the weekend.

The 36-hour event, which began Nov. 14 and ended at 8 a.m. Nov. 15, raised a record $1.37 million for the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center at Riley Hospital for Children, beating last-year's record of just over $1 million."

Nonprofit Groups Press Congress for Continued Giving by Mortgage Giants - Philanthropy.com

Nonprofit Groups Press Congress for Continued Giving by Mortgage Giants - Philanthropy.com: "Nonprofit Groups Press Congress for Continued Giving by Mortgage Giants

Nonprofit organizations in Washington are continuing their efforts to make sure that lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can sustain their levels of charitable giving."

Business Day - News Worth Knowing

Business Day - News Worth Knowing: "There is little doubt that Obama will make use of the new brand of US philanthropy. Private foundations, although also hit by the economic crisis, still have resources that can be leveraged. Africa will get a rhetorical nod in the short term, but it will get its due down the line."

Investment Executive : Demand for advice on charitable giving set to soar, advisors told

Investment Executive : Demand for advice on charitable giving set to soar, advisors told: "Philanthropic giving is beginning to play a growing role in financial planning in Canada, and advisors should be prepared to discuss the topic with their clients, experts told financial advisors at a conference in Oakville, Ont. on Thursday.

In fact, charitable donations are expected to double in the next decade, and more Canadians are discussing their giving practices with their financial advisors, according to Brad Offman, vice-president of strategic philanthropy for Mackenzie Financial Corp.

“It’s very important in the overall context of an advisor’s professional practice,” he said, adding that a vast majority of charitable donors expect financial advisors to have the knowledge and capabilities to facilitate charitable giving."

Paul Brest: Strategic Philanthropy

Paul Brest: Strategic Philanthropy: "This is a post about strategic philanthropy, expanding on Hal Harvey's and my recent book, Money Well Spent: A Strategic Plan for Smart Philanthropy. The idea of strategic philanthropy may seem so obvious that there's nothing to write about."

keeping a close eye...: Regulation is Good for Philanthropy

keeping a close eye...: Regulation is Good for Philanthropy: "Thursday, November 13, 2008
Regulation is Good for Philanthropy

By Aaron Dorfman

According to an article published on October 23, 2008 in the New York Times, former chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan “admitted on Thursday that he ‘made a mistake’ in trusting that free markets could regulate themselves without government oversight.”

If there is a silver lining to the current economic crisis, it is the new consensus emerging that government regulation, in proper proportions, is absolutely necessary. The lesson is applicable to all sectors, not just in the country’s financial industry."

Asian American Nonprofits are Struck Hardest - NAM

Asian American Nonprofits are Struck Hardest - NAM: "Asian American Nonprofits are Struck Hardest

Pacific Citizen, News report, Lynda Lin, Assistant Editor, Posted: Nov 13, 2008 Review it on NewsTrust

With less funding coming in, the most vulnerable victims are the communities these vital organizations serve.


Forget the clichés about Wall Street and Main Street. What about Girard Street in Washington, D.C.?"