Obamas Donated 6% of Income to Charity - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Obamas Donated 6% of Income to Charity - Government & Politics Watch - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Obamas Donated 6% of Income to Charity

By Grant Williams

President Obama and his wife, Michelle, last year donated 6 percent of their income of $5.5-million to charity, according to figures released today by the White House.

Vice President Biden and his wife, Jill, donated 1.5 percent of their income of $333,182 to charity, in both cash and donated goods."

In Mexico, artists pay taxes with paintings | PRI.ORG

In Mexico, artists pay taxes with paintings | PRI.ORG: "But imagine if, instead of paying taxes in the form of money, you could give the government a piece of art. That's the arrangement in Mexico, where the government has been allowing artists to offer pieces of art instead of paying income tax since 1957. It's resulted in a masterful art collection housed and displayed in Mexico City."

A new generation of philanthropists dominates contest for nonprofit ventures | Newsroom | Washington University in St. Louis

A new generation of philanthropists dominates contest for nonprofit ventures | Newsroom | Washington University in St. Louis: "Creative solutions to improve life in St. Louis communities and beyond took center stage at the YouthBridge Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition awards April 13 at Washington University in St. Louis, where winning ventures shared a total of $155,000 in cash grants."

$1 million initiative to encourage older adults to volunteer - baltimoresun.com

$1 million initiative to encourage older adults to volunteer - baltimoresun.com: "Three foundations plan to tap the value of older adults to strengthen five city neighborhoods and one in Baltimore County through a $1 million initiative funded by nonprofit groups."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Derek Jeter: Role Model for All

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Derek Jeter: Role Model for All: "April 12, 2010; USA Today | Sports and celebrity charities receive plenty of criticism, but that has never applied to New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. He may winter in a gated community in Tampa, where he is building a mansion of, oh, 30,875 square-feet, but in Kalamazoo, Mich., his hometown, he is lauded for his charitable endeavors."

Volunteers reopen Old Economy Village after a five-month hiatus

Volunteers reopen Old Economy Village after a five-month hiatus: "The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission closed Old Economy in November due to a $15.7 million cut in the commission's budget in the wake of the state's budget crisis. At the time, the village was hosting 25,000 visitors a year, including 9,000 school students.

Under a new licensing agreement the friends group reached with the commission, the 300-member group of volunteers will take over conducting tours of the community's buildings, staff the six-acre site on weekends and answer visitors' questions."

Luminaries

Luminaries: "ecently honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with its highest philanthropic award, Dr. Singh’s latest donations help people who are in need of lifesaving prescription medications. And while he is uncomfortable with the attention his generosity has drawn, he does understand that hearing of his gifts sometimes prompts others to follow suit and do something for the community, as well."

In retirement, a new way of working - People - NewsObserver.com

In retirement, a new way of working - People - NewsObserver.com: "ow he's using the years once reserved for revving engines to help others as a volunteer adviser to nonprofit businesses and executives. As a consultant for Executive Service Corps of the Triangle, and a board member for several nonprofits, Colwell keeps a challenging schedule - about 35 hours a week - designed to support service-oriented organizations, reminding their leadership of the mission to 'serve more people in more effective ways.'"

Goodbye, Ballrooms: Campaign Kickoffs Go Online - Administration - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Goodbye, Ballrooms: Campaign Kickoffs Go Online - Administration - The Chronicle of Higher Education: "As economic pressures have squeezed college budgets, fund-raising offices have looked to the Internet to save money, using e-mail solicitations instead of pricier print materials or a thank-you video in place of a closing party. Now, colleges are experimenting with online campaign kickoffs.

Binghamton University plans to introduce its new campaign in cyberspace next Thursday night. Instead of throwing a traditional party with a sit-down meal and live music, the university, part of the State University of New York system, is inviting alumni and supporters to log on to a Web site for a virtual celebration."

Jewish Giving: Is the Glass Half-Full? | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

Jewish Giving: Is the Glass Half-Full? | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "Younger Leaders Seen Less Bound By Traditional Ties
Study presented at Jewish Funders Network finds little consensus on establishment values.

… The lively plenary was part of a three-day conference sponsored by the Jewish Funders Network, viewed as a yearly “summit” on Jewish philanthropy. About 250 people, representing more than 150 different philanthropists and foundations, from the well-known to the little-known, came together to meet, network, discuss possible collaboration and reflect on trends in giving."

How Charities Can Curb Turnover Among Fund Raisers - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

How Charities Can Curb Turnover Among Fund Raisers - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "How Charities Can Curb Turnover Among Fund Raisers

By Holly Hall

High turnover among fund raisers has slowed in the financial downturn, but will undoubtedly resume when the economy improves, Penelope Burk, a fund-raising consultant, told the annual meeting of the Association of Fundraising Professionals here"

Boomers driving makeover of American volunteering - 50 Plus: Life & Leisure | Centre Daily Times - State College, PA

Boomers driving makeover of American volunteering - 50 Plus: Life & Leisure | Centre Daily Times - State College, PA: "Baby boomers have been rewriting American culture for decades. Now, as the first wave of retiring boomers leaves the work force and the next wave is reaching the 55-plus mark, they are redefining yet another great American institution — volunteerism."

Tufts Daily - Experimental College course lets Jumbos fund nonprofits through a $10,000 grant

Tufts Daily - Experimental College course lets Jumbos fund nonprofits through a $10,000 grant: "What could people do if they were given $10,000 to donate to nonprofits of their choice? How would they decide to whom they would give this money? Students in Experimenting with Philanthropy, an Experimental College class currently being offered for the fourth year, are investigating the possible answers to these questions as they learn the ins and outs of the philanthropic field before deciding how to allocate the $10,000 grant and to which organizations."

U of M rejects massive donation of recordings - Winnipeg Free Press

U of M rejects massive donation of recordings - Winnipeg Free Press: "T all seemed so simple to Dr. Peter Charlebois -- he'd donate his family's collection of 56,500 recordings dating back to 1913 to the University of Manitoba's faculty of music.

All the 82-year-old retired Toronto doctor asked in return was a tax receipt, the cost of shipping and a memorial plaque honouring his parents."

Getting Board Members to Give - By June Bradham : FundRaising Success

Getting Board Members to Give - By June Bradham : FundRaising Success: "My perspective on boards is unique both in its optimism and its frustration. As a for-profit consultant helping nonprofits create a great experience for their board members, I see the tremendous opportunities if a few important pieces are brought into alignment. But as a nonprofit board member myself, I am often left unsatisfied by my experience, lose my passion and find my eyes wandering to another board on which I could do more good - and have more fun."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | More Valuable to Have One Volunteer in Washington D.C. than Three Volunteers in Puerto Rico

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | More Valuable to Have One Volunteer in Washington D.C. than Three Volunteers in Puerto Rico: "April 13, 2010; Independent Sector | People volunteering in Washington D.C. are worth more than twice as much per hour than people volunteering in Mississippi, according to a new study released by Washington D.C.-based Independent Sector."

Chron.commons | Chron.com - The FYI on the ROI: when is a special event successful?

Chron.commons | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "It’s been a long time since I’ve updated this blog—my apologies. The reason for my lengthy absence was the planning and preparation of a major fundraiser. On March 20th, my organization celebrated its sixth annual gala, Apocalypto, with over 700 attendees reveling in honor of Spacetaker’s founder, David A. Brown. Once the Mad Max style Thunderdome had been carried away, the chains removed from the walls, and Winter Street Studios returned to normal, the Apocalypto gala had raised more funds for our organization than any before. All in all, we can chalk up the event to a major success… but any good nonprofit administrator should ask, at what cost? What is the return on investment? And aside from fundraising, why do nonprofits host these galas and special events?"

Fundraisers tweak their approach for tough times - USATODAY.com

Fundraisers tweak their approach for tough times - USATODAY.com: "cross the country, fundraisers are intensifying efforts to make solicitations more personal and fruitful.

Such a back-to-basics approach may help many charities navigate through uncertain economic times, says Michael Nilsen, a spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which represents more than 30,000 fundraisers.

'That means ensuring that donors who are the most loyal continue to give, because this generates the most revenue with the least cost,' he says."

J. Paul Getty Museum Announces Record Year for Photograph Donations

J. Paul Getty Museum Announces Record Year for Photograph Donations: "LOS ANGELES, CA.- The J. Paul Getty Museum announced today that calendar year 2009 yielded the largest number of donated works to the photographs collection in the Museum’s history. Last year, more than 1,000 photographs were donated to the Museum by 41 individuals, the largest number of donors in a single year to date. Many of these gifts were inspired by a special initiative commemorating the Department of Photographs 25th anniversary led by Dan Solomon, a member of the Getty Museum’s Photographs Council."

Vail Valley: Eagle home to be given away in charity raffle | VailDaily.com

Vail Valley: Eagle home to be given away in charity raffle | VailDaily.com: "Raffle will give away home in Eagle

A charity raffle will give away a home in Eagle and hopes to raise $1 million for charities in the Vail Valley and elsewhere.

The “Eagle Nest Raffle” started April 10 and runs through Dec. 15 of this year. Tickets are $100 each and no more than 10,000 tickets will be sold. The winner — to be picked Dec. 31 — will receive clear title to a home on a corner lot in the Bluffs neighborhood in Eagle."

What Nonprofits Should Do the Next Time There Is an Economic Crisis - Financial Crisis Lessons for Nonprofits

What Nonprofits Should Do the Next Time There Is an Economic Crisis - Financial Crisis Lessons for Nonprofits: "Now that there are signs that we may be pulling out of our economic slump, it pays to remember what we did right and what we need to remember to do next time, and more quickly.

Susan U. Raymond, in her wonderful book, Nonprofit Finance for Hard Times, Wiley 2010, offers the following steps toward avoiding crisis the next time the financial markets swoon:

* React Fast"

AFP 2009 State of Fundraising Survey: Charitable Fundraising Takes Another Hit - Press - AFP

AFP 2009 State of Fundraising Survey: Charitable Fundraising Takes Another Hit - Press - AFP: "AFP 2009 State of Fundraising Survey: Charitable Fundraising Takes Another Hit

(Baltimore, Md.) Just 43 percent of charities raised more money in 2009 than in 2008, marking it the worst year for charitable fundraising in a decade, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 2009 State of Fundraising Survey, released at AFP's 47th International Conference on Fundraising in Baltimore, Md."

Tips for training your short-term volunteers

Tips for training your short-term volunteers: "Tips for training your short-term volunteers
Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf By Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
April 12, 2010

Bookmark and Share

So you need volunteers badly for your next big campaign or event. And as volunteer manager - or executive director, or whatever position in your organization manages your volunteers - you want to make sure it's an experience the volunteers remember, cherish, and work at effectively without ruining your reputation.

Some of the best ways to maximize the effectiveness of your volunteers are all about how you present your mission to them."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | On the Job Training for Tomorrow's Givers

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | On the Job Training for Tomorrow's Givers: "According to the Wall Street Journal, setting up mini foundations for their children, like the one Rafferty is running, is one way the next generation is being groomed to someday head their family's philanthropies. Other ways children are learning the ropes of their family's philanthropy include forming special boards of directors or foundations committees that give them responsibility for specific duties, such as developing a Web site."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | USC Cancels Bids on Building—Gives Control of Design to Donor

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | USC Cancels Bids on Building—Gives Control of Design to Donor: "April 11, 2010; The State | In a situation that has been called “unprecedented” Darla Moore, a financier who has given about $60 million—two-thirds of what it will cost University of South Carolina to build a new business school—has been granted control over choosing the architect for the $90 million building despite the fact that bids were already in. The four firms who bid were estimated to spend months and upwards of $100,000 each to prepare the bids."

North Texans 'Unlace" & A Go Day Without Shoes - cbs11tv.com

North Texans 'Unlace" & A Go Day Without Shoes - cbs11tv.com: "Today is One Day Without Shoes Day and barefoot events around the world, from Dallas to Dubai, are taking place. The annual event is meant to inform people that one pair of shoes can have a huge impact on a child's life"

Cutten parents resurrect fundraising foundation - SGVTribune.com

Cutten parents resurrect fundraising foundation - SGVTribune.com: "A parent-based foundation that once supported Cutten School District was recently resurrected as that campus faces another year of budget cuts.

The Cutten Ridgewood Student Foundation currently involves about 50 parents along with some school staff, and was released from its 15-year dormancy a few weeks ago to help fill the district's budget gap of $150,000. Consistent state budget cuts and the recent downturn in the economy has left schools across the state scrambling to rearrange their finances and make cuts."

New Research Says: 1 in 3 DC Area Nonprofit Managers is Black | Black Philanthropic Alliance

New Research Says: 1 in 3 DC Area Nonprofit Managers is Black | Black Philanthropic Alliance: "New Research Says: 1 in 3 DC Area Nonprofit Managers is Black
Written on April 8, 2010 by BPA in Diversity, Research
1 Comment - Leave a comment!

Last week, 100 local nonprofit leaders met in Columbia, Maryland to hear the exclusive findings of the first major study of nonprofit leadership diversity in the Baltimore-Washington region. Hosted by the Racial Diversity Collaborative, speakers at the event revealed data on the challenges and opportunities as seen by nonprofit leaders. Keynote speaker Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and a panel of nonprofit executives shared their reflections, inspirations and ideas for action. Carol DeVita of the Urban Institute presented the highlights of the study. The study found that:"

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Unraveling Development: What Gets Measured Gets Done

The Nonprofit Quarterly | Unraveling Development: What Gets Measured Gets Done: "Unraveling Development: What Gets Measured Gets Done
E-mail Print PDF

Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE, Joyaux Associates

So many things to measure, so little time.

Pick the right stuff, the important stuff.

Collect the information. Then analyze the information so you can talk about the trends and implications. Information is useless until we can answer the “so what?” question. What are the trends in this information? Why does this information matter? What are the short- and long-term implications for our organization?"

Tighter budgets: Nonprofits are scaling back their fundraising events | statesmanjournal.com | Statesman Journal

Tighter budgets: Nonprofits are scaling back their fundraising events | statesmanjournal.com | Statesman Journal: "In trim economic times, the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is not the only Mid-Valley nonprofit organization scaling back or adjusting event-planning. The local Red Cross chapter stepped down its black-tie gala to a murder-mystery dinner. Instead of hiring for services, more nonprofit volunteers are adding 'sweat equity,' contributing anything from bartending credentials to photography skills."