Case Foundation-What are you spending on this Valentine's Day - chocolates or charity?

Case Foundation: "Last year, Elaine Gast wrote a great article for us entitled, “14 Charitable Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day.” From volunteering to buying gifts that give back, Elaine offers great suggestions on ways to do good and feel good on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for meaning and leaning towards charity instead of chocolates this year, check out Elaine’s suggestions. In addition, keep coming back throughout the week for more ideas from our staff on how to truly spread the love this February 14th."

JFN will give out up to $5 million in loans for nonprofits hurt by Madoff | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

JFN will give out up to $5 million in loans for nonprofits hurt by Madoff | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News: "The Jewish Funders Network has allocated $5 million to give out loans of between $100,000 and $300,000 to non-profits hurt by Bernard Madoff’s scandal.

Here is the info:
The Jewish Funders Network announced today the launch of a Crisis Loan Fund to assist nonprofits harmed by the Madoff Ponzi scheme. With an initial pool of $5 million, The Crisis Loan Fund will provide bridge financing and interest subsidies to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits facing budget shortfalls as a result of the scheme. The fund was created through a collaboration of JFN members. JFN has also launched a Pro Bono Resource Bank that offers consulting services to nonprofits who are struggling in this down economy."

AmeriCorps Expansion Should Consider Quality, Not Number of Participants - Philanthropy.com

From the Chronicle of Philanthropy

AmeriCorps Expansion Should Consider Quality, Not Number of Participants - Philanthropy.com: "AmeriCorps Expansion Should Consider Quality, Not Number of Participants

If Congress moves to expand AmeriCorps, the national-service program, it should focus more on improving its quality than on increasing the number of people who participate, a consultant who helped draft the legislation that created the program told a forum on national service today."

Associations Release Recommendations for Obama, Congress, to Strengthen Nonprofit Sector | OMB Watch

Associations Release Recommendations for Obama, Congress, to Strengthen Nonprofit Sector | OMB Watch: "Associations Release Recommendations for Obama, Congress, to Strengthen Nonprofit Sector


Two major nonprofit associations, Independent Sector and the National Council of Nonprofits, have released detailed recommendations on how the federal government can strengthen and serve communities through nonprofit organizations, including some proposals that can be included in the upcoming economic stimulus package."

The Voice of Agriculture - American Farm Bureau

The Voice of Agriculture - American Farm Bureau: "State Farm Bureaus Provide Record-Breaking Support to Food Banks

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 9, 2009 – Farm Bureau and its farm and ranch families last year raised more than $160,000 and donated more than 6.7 million pounds of food to hungry Americans through the organization’s “Harvest for All” program. Combined, the monetary and food donations provided the equivalent of 6.4 million meals through Feeding America-affiliated food banks across the country."

UnionLeader.com - New Hampshire news, business and sports - Nonprofits try to find ways to cope - Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009

UnionLeader.com - New Hampshire news, business and sports - Nonprofits try to find ways to cope - Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009: "This week, however, five of UpReach's 10 employees will lose their jobs as the organization cuts costs to sustain itself amid the recession. As a result, UpReach's service capacity will drop from 80 clients a week to 60, Executive Director Karen Kersting said.

As nonprofits across the state address the funding squeeze precipitated by the recession and financial crisis, organizations like UpReach that serve small populations or espouse missions deemed less urgent than those meeting basic human needs face particular challenges."

NATIONAL BRIEFING - washingtonpost.com

NATIONAL BRIEFING - washingtonpost.com: "The Securities and Exchange Commission announced an agreement with disgraced money manager Bernard L. Madoff that could eventually force him to pay a civil fine and return money raised from investors."

Vail too pricey for many nonprofits | VailDaily.com

Vail too pricey for many nonprofits | VailDaily.com: "VAIL, Colorado — Many so-called Vail nonprofit organizations don’t actually reside in Vail, and several have moved offices downvalley in the last few years, said Pam Brandmeyer, Vail assistant town manager.

The reason for the moves is that Vail real estate is just too expensive for these kinds of organizations, she said.

“Office space that is economical for (nonprofits’) use is just not available,” Brandmeyer said."

reportonbusiness.com: globeinvestor.com - Charities the overlooked victims in Madoff swindle

reportonbusiness.com: globeinvestor.com - Charities the overlooked victims in Madoff swindle: "Charities the overlooked victims in Madoff swindle
Philanthropic community reeling from firm's collapse as hundreds forced to curtail grants

SINCLAIR STEWART AND PAUL WALDIE

Monday, February 09, 2009

NEW YORK AND TORONTO — On a recent January afternoon, Phillip Shaw was walking the streets of St. Louis, confronting the biting cold and the long odds of landing a job in this wretched economy. His resumé was threadbare, his past troubled, and yet Mr. Shaw couldn't help but feel fortunate - particularly"

N.H. updates website list due to charitable solicitation scams - Fosters

N.H. updates website list due to charitable solicitation scams - Fosters: "N.H. updates website list due to charitable solicitation scams

Monday, February 9, 2009

The attorney general is receiving increased reports of charitable solicitation scams being conducted in New Hampshire, including requests for donations to nonprofit organizations which either do not exist or are not legitimate."

Singer Diamond honoured for his philanthropic endeavours - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca

Singer Diamond honoured for his philanthropic endeavours - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca: "The music industry charity celebrated Diamond for his philanthropy, which included donating concert merchandise sales last fall to relief efforts for Texas areas ravaged by hurricane Ike.

Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Diamond listened as more than 50 years of what he called 'my little musical creations' were interpreted for 2,200 people at the Los Angeles Convention Center."

The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Fundraising Push Could Be Delayed Further

The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Fundraising Push Could Be Delayed Further: "Harvard’s plans to launch a long-delayed capital campaign are once again in limbo, even though alumni donations have held largely steady through the current financial crisis, the University’s chief fundraiser suggested in an interview Friday."

Madoff customers also donors to numerous Aspen nonprofits | Aspen Daily News Online

Madoff customers also donors to numerous Aspen nonprofits | Aspen Daily News Online: "A number of donors and supporters of Aspen nonprofit organizations are on a list of apparent investors and customers of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, which has been charged by federal officials in a multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme."

News : More people seeking help at shelters and food banks in Phoenix metro area : Sierra Vista, AZ

News : More people seeking help at shelters and food banks in Phoenix metro area : Sierra Vista, AZ: "PHOENIX (AP) — The grim economy has driven many residents in the Phoenix metro area to turn to shelters and food banks, and the charities are feeling the pinch.

Each night, more than 300 people sleep in the parking lot of one Phoenix homeless shelter for men because there’s no room left inside of the building. Central Arizona Shelter Services, the nonprofit that runs that shelter, lost $118,000 of the $839,000 it used to get annually from Phoenix."

The Standard | Online Edition :: Hugging for… a good cause

The Standard | Online Edition :: Hugging for… a good cause: "But the stingy accountant that he is, he has come up with an ingenious way to achieve his goal of philanthropy. He believes that he can hug people (read women) then charge them for the favour to help raise money for charity. Essentially, he is on a ‘hugs-for-sale’ campaign.

I have explained to him that not everyone can be hugged, leave alone getting to charge for it, but the poor soul is obstinate."

The NonProfit Times - TWriting Grant Proposals Funders Want To Read

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Writing Grant Proposals Funders Want To Read

By Waddy Thompson

Learning to write in a style that will engage a funder is perhaps the most difficult skill to acquire, but one that need not elude you if you’re intent on making a successful career in grant writing. When crafting a grant proposal, you just need to follow a few basic principles for success."

NZ PM's mishap is lucky break for charity - CNN.com

NZ PM's mishap is lucky break for charity - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- An Internet auction to sell off the plaster cast that New Zealand Prime Minister John Key wore when he broke his right arm has raised close to NZ$ 20,000 for charity."

A nonprofit in trying times -- baltimoresun.com

A nonprofit in trying times -- baltimoresun.com: "Before coming to Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc., Doran worked at Community Assistance Network in Baltimore County for 16 years, the past eight years as its executive director.

Typical day As executive director of BNI, a statewide nonprofit group focused on fair-housing issues, Doran said his daily tasks 'involve a little bit of everything.'"

It's time to beef up the board | ajc.com

It's time to beef up the board | ajc.com: "It’s time to beef up the board
Getting the right people helps nonprofits improve diversity, effectiveness.

By Laura Raines

For the Journal-Constitution

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Like most nonprofit organizations, Hands of Hope Clinic has its hands full these days. On the campus of the Henry Medical Center in Stockbridge, the clinic provides free medical and dental care to uninsured and underserved residents of Henry County.

“We know that the demand far outstrips the services we can offer,” said Tom Shanahan, chairman of the board. “We needed to grow, but wanted to do it in a sustainable way.”

Fortunately, the organization was able to secure a grant through the Georgia Free Clinic Network for management consulting services."

techPresident – Information Age Volunteerism - Open Sourced! Crowdsourced!

techPresident – Information Age Volunteerism - Open Sourced! Crowdsourced!: "Information Age Volunteerism - Open Sourced! Crowdsourced!

My mom friended me on Facebook last week - we've formally entered the Information Age. The transformation touches so many aspects of our lives, from family relationships to the seeds of our economy. But despite my mom's online habits (and the empirical evidence it may provide about living in the Information Age) and in the midst of great national excitement about community service, the field of volunteerism remains stolidly in the Industrial Era. It retains structured hierarchies, formal vetting phases, and long-term relationships. But the moment is ripe. We can look to Wikipedia, iStockPhoto, and other Information Age examples to inform, enliven and inspire volunteerism."

Opinion: Why Charity Leaders Should Pay Close Attention to Obama's Pay Guidelines - Philanthropy.com

Opinion: Why Charity Leaders Should Pay Close Attention to Obama's Pay Guidelines - Philanthropy.com: "Opinion: Why Charity Leaders Should Pay Close Attention to Obama's Pay Guidelines

By Ralph De Jong and Michael Peregrine

President Obama’s announcement this week that he plans to limit executive pay and perks at financial companies seeking federal bailout aid should send a message to nonprofit groups’ leaders and their board members."

Sponsorship plunges downhill for ski racers | Sports | Reuters

Sponsorship plunges downhill for ski racers | Sports | Reuters: "'In the current environment we look even more closely at every euro invested in ski sponsorships,' said a spokesman for German chocolate brand Milka, which has been one of the biggest supporters of skiing events for more than a decade and currently backs six racers.

Unlike Formula One drivers and tennis players, skiers belong to a non-profit organization, the International Ski Federation (FIS), which limits their sponsorships opportunities, often centered on sportsgear."

IU raises fundraising campaign goal: IU News Room: Indiana University

IU raises fundraising campaign goal: IU News Room: Indiana University: "BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University and its fundraising partner, the IU Foundation, today announced that they are raising the goal of the university's 'Matching the Promise' fundraising campaign for the Bloomington campus by $100 million, or 10 percent, to $1.1 billion."

Waukesha United Way takes record hit - JSOnline

Waukesha United Way takes record hit - JSOnline: "Waukesha - Projecting its largest-ever decrease in annual fund raising, the United Way in Waukesha County announced Thursday that it plans to make across-the-board funding cuts to programs, many of which are reporting increased demand for services.

'The need for services is growing while it appears funding to support programs is shrinking,' said Janet Schulz, chair of the United Way's board of directors."

Cleveland Jewish News > News > Local

Cleveland Jewish News > News > Local: "Nearly 80 doctors, all highly skilled amateur musicians, will have a shot at performing live at Severance Hall. They will take the stage in the “Benefit Concert of the World Doctors Orchestra (WDO)” at Severance Hall on Sun., Feb. 8 (See box)."

Nonprofits consider shared resources as funds diminish - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:

Nonprofits consider shared resources as funds diminish - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:: "She and others in the nonprofit field say charitable organizations have to take a hard look at which programs provide the most value and think creatively about how to deliver them.

Strategies might include aligning staff to focus more deeply on core services, looking at partnerships to lower administrative costs or perhaps considering a merger with a similar organization."

Melinda and Bill Gates on Making a Difference - BusinessWeek

Melinda and Bill Gates on Making a Difference - BusinessWeek: "MELINDA GATES

We're involved in three different areas: global health, global development, and the U.S. program, which is primarily focused on education. In global health, we're really focused on top diseases that affect the poor. Malaria, HIV-AIDS, and tuberculosis are the big ones, but also some things like maternal health and newborn death. So many newborns die in the first 28 days of life. In global development, we're really trying to see how you can help the poor lift themselves up in the developing world. So we work on agriculture and financial services."

Foundation Center Research Update

Foundation Center Research Update: "New York, NY — February 5, 2009. Foundation support for eight of the 10 major subject areas rose in 2007, despite the first signs of an economic downturn in the latter half of the year, according to Foundation Giving Trends (2009 Edition), released today by the Foundation Center. The environment and animals field posted the fastest rise in funding, up 28.5 percent from the prior year — more than double the 13.2 percent rise in overall grant dollars."

Inside Art - Altria Group Donates About 150 Works to Whitney Museum - NYTimes.com

Inside Art - Altria Group Donates About 150 Works to Whitney Museum - NYTimes.com: "Even in these grim economic times, institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art are able to continue building their collections. Some are gifts from donors unaffected by the financial markets; others are acquisitions in the works before things grew ugly; and then there is art that seemed out of reach before but is now available because of changing fortunes."

NorthJersey.com: Lautenberg's charity lost most of $15M in assets

NorthJersey.com: Lautenberg's charity lost most of $15M in assets: "The charitable foundation established by Sen. Frank Lautenberg lost nearly all its $15 million in assets by investing them with Bernard Madoff.

'Over 90 percent of the foundation's assets were invested with Madoff,' said Michael Griffinger, a Newark lawyer representing the senator and the Lautenberg Foundation."