Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Foundations Create Community Stability Through Shared Nonprofit Workspaces | News Room | Tides Shared Spaces

From Tides Shared Spaces

Foundations Create Community Stability Through Shared Nonprofit Workspaces | News Room | Tides Shared Spaces: "SAN FRANCISCO, CA; DECEMBER 3, 2008; The NonprofitCenters Network and Tides Shared Spaces released the first in a series of guidebooks today on the economic, environmental and community benefits of shared workspace and services. Planting a Seed: Foundations Build Communities with Shared Nonprofit Workspace illuminates the benefits and challenges foundations experience in creating mission-focused office facilities for themselves and other nonprofit organizations. The free guidebook showcases foundations that have succeeded and provides concrete examples of the resulting benefits to the nonprofits, communities, and the foundations themselves."

'Tis the season ... for giving | csmonitor.com

'Tis the season ... for giving | csmonitor.com: "Americans are cheerful givers. They donate more money per person than anywhere else in the world. Most households keep on giving even during rough stretches – though some give less and some stop altogether. In these tough times, charities are counting on that giving spirit.

Many of them won't know exactly how they fared in this recession year until they tally up receipts in January, including the generosity inspired by the holidays. Typically, total charitable giving – from foundations, corporations, and households – declines by an annual average of only 1 percent in recession years, according to the Giving USA Foundation."

NWAnews.com :: An unusual donation : Urn was left at Helping Hands

NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source: "We are just hoping someone would come in and say, ' Hey, we have made a mistake, ''Crawford said. 'This is somebody's loved one, and we just hope that this was done unintentionally.'

The urn is adorned with an oriental theme - hand-painted cherry blossoms, vases, mockingbirds and cherry trees.

If no one claims the urn, Crawford will have to secure a court order to bury the ashes and find a cemetery willing to donate a plot for the ashes."

Charitable Giving: Generous Gen-Xers at SmartMoney.com

Charitable Giving: Generous Gen-Xers at SmartMoney.com: "Charitable Giving: Generous Gen-Xers

Barrons

THE STORY IN PHILANTHROPY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON is becoming all too familiar. Individuals, foundations and corporations are all scaling back their giving, often leaving nonprofit beneficiaries in the lurch. Just last week, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world's largest philanthropic concern, said it would slow its donations next year because of the hobbled economy and turbulent financial markets.

Behind the headlines, however, a surprisingly encouraging trend is taking hold: A new generation of donors is moving into place -- an energetic and highly creative crowd that eventually could reshape philanthropy."

The Associated Press: Clinton urges Asians to give more

The Associated Press: Clinton urges Asians to give more: "Clinton urges Asians to give more

By MIN LEE – 1 hour ago

HONG KONG (AP) — Asia is less likely to be hit hard by the global economic downturn because governments in the region took action to correct their financial systems in response to the crippling 1997-98 crisis, former President Bill Clinton said Wednesday at a meeting to promote his charitable foundation."

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Girl turns $20 into $500 for flood recovery | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City

We also have a Blog on Youth in Philanthropy
Girl turns $20 into $500 for flood recovery | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: "CEDAR RAPIDS - Six-year-old Jacqueline Juett used a rather direct approach as she turned $20 into a donation of more than $500 for flood recovery.

'Gimme 20 bucks,' the blonde-haired girl from Mount Vernon would say.

Her tactic worked, and on Monday she gave a check for $516.46 to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation."

Private Philanthropy in the Public Sphere | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

From ejP blog

Private Philanthropy in the Public Sphere | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "Some interesting facts and figures…

Donor advised funds at Federation community foundations (the level of formal affiliation varies):

assets: $3.4b.

annual growth: 12.8%

Supporting organizations at Federation community foundations:

assets: $4.2b

annual growth 13.8%"

Two Charity Heads Among Leaders Advising Obama on Innovation - Philanthropy.com

Two Charity Heads Among Leaders Advising Obama on Innovation - Philanthropy.com: "Two Charity Heads Among Leaders Advising Obama on Innovation

Two charity leaders have been appointed to a group of more than 30 people that has been asked to help the incoming Obama administration devise an “innovation agenda.”

They are: Cheryl Dorsey, president of Echoing Green, in New York, which provides fellowships to entrepreneurial nonprofit leaders; and Paul Schmitz, president of Public Allies, in Milwaukee, which trains young people for nonprofit and public-service careers."

Monday, December 01, 2008

AFP > Resource Center | Fundraising news > Preparing for a Fundraising Job Interivew

AFP > Resource Center | Fundraising news > Preparing for a Fundraising Job Interivew: "Preparing for a Fundraising Job Interivew

(Nov. 24, 2008) In her book, Careers in Development, Lilya Wagner, Ed.D., CFRE, recommends that fundraisers learn as much as they can about the organization’s interests and needs prior to the interview. She lists the following questions that can be asked or researched beforehand to paint a more vivid picture of how the organization operates."

Hard times reduce giving : DeSoto : Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hard times reduce giving : DeSoto : Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Hard times reduce giving
Donations dip as pleas for assistance increase

By Emily Wagster Pettus
Associated Press
Saturday, November 29, 2008

JACKSON -- The tight national economy is squeezing some charities in Mississippi, a state that has long struggled with low-wage jobs and generations of families living in poverty.

From the northeastern hill country to the Gulf Coast, leaders of several religious and community-service groups say donations are down even as requests for help are up."

Davis County Clipper -Nonprofits: more needed, losing staff

Davis County Clipper - News, Classifieds, Events and Businesses in Davis County, Utah: "KAYSVILLE — Even as the need for nonprofit organizations continues to grow, the number of experienced leaders is dropping.

That’s because directors and CEOs often come from the baby boomer generation. And, like the rest of society, those people are starting to retire.

“”There are 77 million baby boomers who make up half of the workforce,” said Ann O’Brien, director of professional education for the University of Utah. “There are only 38 million Generation Xers.”"

New Hampshire Magazine >Wrap Up the Year With Gifts From the Heart

New Hampshire Magazine > The essential guide to living in the Granite State: "he Granite State is famously (even proudly) parsimonious. Granted, frugality can be a virtue, but when it comes to charitable giving, New Hampshire’s annual donations rank at the bottom of the national charts. With hard economic times in the news, retailers are braced for a lackluster sales year, but couldn’t those same hard times be the impetus we need to get Granite Staters to open their hearts and their wallets to some very good causes?"

Evening News 24 - Go Elephants! Cheque handed over

Evening News 24 - Go Elephants! Cheque handed over: "The 53 life-sized baby elephant models, which added a splash of colour to the city's streets over the summer, as part of the popular public art project were sold at auction at The Forum in September, raising £203,000."

Next-gen philanthropy emerges, even in Tampa

Next-gen philanthropy emerges, even in Tampa: "December 01, 2008
Next-gen philanthropy emerges, even in Tampa

Wake up and good morning. Despite the shock delivered to fortunes by the declining stock market and economy, philanthropy is showing signs of resilience.... in the next generation. So suggests today's cover story in Barron's magazine. As the story begins:"

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Filling the need :: PostStar.com

Filling the need :: PostStar.com: "National projections point to a minimal increase in fundraising this year because of worsened economic conditions, said Michael Nilsen, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

During uncertain economic times, there's a fairly dramatic change in need, with many more people looking for help, Nilsen said.

'Unfortunately, what also happens, this economic decline and recession, people are hesitant to give,' Nilsen said.

It's a 'one-two whammy,' he said."

Friday, November 28, 2008

Philanthropy Day Honors Generosity - washingtonpost.com

Philanthropy Day Honors Generosity - washingtonpost.com: "Just imagine what we could do if we modeled ourselves on our awardees,' said Nancy Withbroe, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Washington chapter, which organized lunch for 500 to mark its seventh annual National Capital Philanthropy Day."

Business Edge News Magazine - businessedge.ca - Ontario Edition - Corporate charity to be tested by slowdown

Business Edge News Magazine - businessedge.ca - Ontario Edition - Corporate charity to be tested by slowdown: "Steve Baker, president of the board of directors of the Edmonton chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), agrees it may be well into 2009 before any new trend is noticed. 'By that, I mean whether or not there are going to be some companies that make a dramatic change,' he adds."

Fundraising pros in demand - Denver Business Journal:

Fundraising pros in demand - Denver Business Journal:: "“If people coming from the for-profit world are looking for something meaningful in their lives, the development profession can meet those needs,” said Aleah Horstman, president of the Colorado chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

“It’s one of the most amazing, rewarding professions,” said Horstman, a veteran fundraiser who’s about to move from Planned Parenthood to Thornton-based Arapahoe House, a substance-abuse and behavioral-health services program. “You meet some great people and work for phenomenal organizations that do great work.”"

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Global economic crisis puts Aspire, Annual Giving at risk - The Daily Princetonian

Global economic crisis puts Aspire, Annual Giving at risk - The Daily Princetonian: "Global economic crisis puts Aspire, Annual Giving at risk
By Josh Oppenheimer
Staff Writer
Print article Email article Respond to article
Published: Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
The University is at risk of missing its Annual Giving (AG) and Aspire capital campaign goals because of the economic downturn, Vice President for Development Brian McDonald ’83 said on Tuesday.

He noted, however, that the University has not yet revised either target, adding that he remains optimistic in spite of challenges."

Gifts of Hope puts turkeys on the table – and you can help - Cambridge, MA - Cambridge Chronicle & Cambridge TAB

Gifts of Hope puts turkeys on the table – and you can help - Cambridge, MA - Cambridge Chronicle & Cambridge TAB: "Last year, this renowned nonprofit agency helped, as it has for almost two decades, more than 1,000 residents of Cambridge and Somerville enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at home. A loyal cadre of volunteers and staff delivered turkey dinners with all the trimmings to families who otherwise would have only bleak memories of a day that is one of our country’s most celebrated holidays."

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Local News | Gates Foundation to slow growth in grants in 2009 | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Gates Foundation to slow growth in grants in 2009 | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Gates Foundation to slow growth in grants in 2009

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plans to slow the planned growth in its grant making in 2009 in response to the troubled economy.
SEATTLE —

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plans to slow the planned growth in its grant making in 2009 in response to the troubled economy.

In a letter posted on the foundation's Web site, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Raikes said payouts will grow by about 10 percent in 2009, a smaller growth than previously planned.

The foundation projects it will make about $2.8 billion in grants in 2008, The Seattle Times reports."

Cost-cutting pays off for 2 Indy nonprofits | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Cost-cutting pays off for 2 Indy nonprofits | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star: "This first-ever prize encourages collaboration among nonprofits in order to eliminate duplication and create efficiency – a goal more important than ever given current economic challenges.

The two nonprofits decided to co-locate and merge their respective experiential learning programs for youngsters."

Food drives run by student volunteers help nonprofits fill empty bellies - Carly Rothman - Helping Hands on NJ.com

Food drives run by student volunteers help nonprofits fill empty bellies - Carly Rothman - Helping Hands on NJ.com: "The bird brigade started in Montville, where volunteers bundled 60 turkeys into baskets to be distributed to local families who could use a little kindness this year. Next, they traveled to the Morristown area and unloaded almost 700 birds at the Interfaith Food Pantry and Market Street Mission before heading to Paterson and dropping off 500 frozen turkeys at the Father English Community Center."

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Wealth Report - WSJ.com : Why the Rich Give to Charity

The Wealth Report - WSJ.com : Why the Rich Give to Charity: "Why the Rich Give to Charity

Ask a wealthy donor why they give to charity, and they’ll give one of two answers: making the world a better place or giving back to the community.

But there’s another reason the rich give back to charity: It makes them feel better about themselves."

The Truth About Celebrity Giving - Forbes.com

The Truth About Celebrity Giving - Forbes.com: "Not much about the world of celebrity philanthropy surprises Stephanie Sandler anymore. For the past nine years, Sandler, senior vice president at the Giving Back Fund, a philanthropic consulting and management firm in Los Angeles, has helped celebrities set up their own foundations. Along the way, she's had first-hand experience in the not-always-truthful world of celebrity giving."

Your Career: The spirit of giving at work - Careers- msnbc.com

Your Career: The spirit of giving at work - Careers- msnbc.com: "As charities struggle to keep up with demand, there’s a growing desire among workers thankful to still have jobs to help those who may not be as fortunate. Many are turning to their colleagues for help with their charitable efforts.

While it’s a noble idea to bring the spirit of giving to your workplace, employees walk a fine line when initiating such volunteer and fundraising efforts, experts say."

Record Number Of People Seek Food Bank's Help - Cincinnati News Story - WLWT Cincinnati

Record Number Of People Seek Food Bank's Help - Cincinnati News Story - WLWT Cincinnati: "CINCINNATI -- Monday was a record-setting day at the Freestore Foodbank as 7,661 people stood in the rain and cold to receive emergency food boxes. That’s an increase of 19 percent over the first day of last year’s Thanksgiving food distribution.

This year, the Freestore Foodbank is seeing a lot of new faces, many people who’ve never needed assistance before."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Hosting a ‘giving circle’: Finding new donors and new dollars
Louise Chatterton LuchukBy Louise Chatterton Luchuk
November 24, 2008

My $500 donation is important, but when it gets pooled with the $500 donations of several other people, the total impact of our giving grows. When we commit to making this level of donation over a few years, the impact is even greater. Now factor in that we want to know as much as we can about the project we’re investing in and track the difference our philanthropy makes to the cause. Well, the value of that $500 donation just grew exponentially."

IRS Issues Fall 2008 Statistics Of Income Bulletin

IRS Issues Fall 2008 Statistics Of Income Bulletin: "#
Information returns filed by tax-exempt organizations: Nonprofit charitable organizations exempt from income tax filed more than 286,000 information returns for tax year 2005, an increase of 4 percent from tax year 2004. These organizations held more than $2.2 trillion in assets, an increase of 9 percent from the previous tax year. Information returns for tax year 2005 were filed with the IRS in calendar years 2006 and 2007.
#
U.S. personal wealth in 2004: In 2004, an estimated 2.7 million adults with gross assets of $1.5 million or more owned nearly $11.1 trillion in assets. With a combined net worth of more than $10.2 trillion, where net worth is defined as gross asset value less debts and mortgages, these top wealth holders made up only about 1.2 percent of the total U.S. adult population, although they held 20.3 percent of the total U.S. net worth in 2004."

IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rates

IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rates: "RS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rates


IR-2008-131, Nov. 24, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2009 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) will be:

*
55 cents per mile for business miles driven
*
24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
*
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations"