Two Bills Introduced In 112th Congress Would Repeal Federal Estate Tax: H.R. 86 & H.R. 99 - Hani Sarji - Estate of Confusion - Forbes

Two Bills Introduced In 112th Congress Would Repeal Federal Estate Tax: H.R. 86 & H.R. 99 - Hani Sarji - Estate of Confusion - Forbes: "Two Bills Introduced In 112th Congress Would Repeal Federal Estate Tax: H.R. 86 & H.R. 99"

Prince Harry hopes to join North Pole trek

Prince Harry hopes to join North Pole trek: "The team is due to begin a four-week, 200 mile (320 kilometer) trek from Siberia across the polar ice cap in March in aid of the charity Walking with the Wounded.

Harry is patron of the charity, which helps servicemen and women who have been seriously hurt or lost limbs."

Pablo Eisenberg: Unintended Consequences of Giving Pledge’s Good Intentions | onPhilanthropy

Pablo Eisenberg: Unintended Consequences of Giving Pledge’s Good Intentions | onPhilanthropy: "Surveys and research have indicated that very wealthy donors, those giving over $1 million a year, donate almost all their money to universities and colleges, hospitals and medical schools, and museums and art institutions. Only a tiny fraction of their money is channeled to low-income oriented nonprofits, grassroots organizations, local social service groups or advocacy and activist organizations."

Panera to Open Third Charity Cafe; Says Most Patrons Paying in Full - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Panera to Open Third Charity Cafe; Says Most Patrons Paying in Full - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Panera to Open Third Charity Cafe; Says Most Patrons Paying in Full

January 13, 2011, 9:37 am

A Portland, Ore., Panera Bread outlet is set to become the restaurant chain’s third nonprofit “pay-as-you-can” cafe featuring charity donation bins rather than cash registers, The Oregonian writes."

Penobscot East Resource Center Gets a New Year’s Gift

Penobscot East Resource Center Gets a New Year’s Gift: "Penobscot East’s announcement of the gift came just days after it reported that it was transferring financial management of its endowment funds to the Maine Community Foundation (MCF). Penobscot East was successful in meeting the foundation’s 25/25 Endowment Challenge, which began in 2008.

“The Maine Community Foundation has an excellent track record of managing nonprofit endowments,” Walter Reed, chairman of Penobscot East’s board, said in a statement. “This service allows us to focus on our mission and strengths, working with eastern Maine fishing communities.”"

Managing a nonprofit boom | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/11/2011

Managing a nonprofit boom | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/11/2011: "As the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University enters its 30th year of service to the Delaware Valley, the linchpin of the nonprofit sector remains what it was three decades ago: passion. The millions of Americans who serve nonprofits do so out of fervent belief in a mission.

Beyond that constant, however, we are struck by the magnitude of change over the past 30 years. The number of human services, arts and culture, community, health, philanthropic, and civic nonprofits has nearly doubled to close to two million, with much of that growth happening in the last 15 years. This has fostered a richer nonprofit sector serving a much more diverse range of populations and missions. For example, instead of a mere handful of local arts and culture opportunities, Philadelphians can choose from a tapestry of hundreds today."

Charity Reinvented: Disruptive approach to philanthropy - The Economic Times

Charity Reinvented: Disruptive approach to philanthropy - The Economic Times: "Thiel, in December 2010, invited some of the wealthiest in the US and presented to them some of the world’s brightest minds and innovative nonprofit initiatives. The meet was titled: ‘Breakthrough Philanthropy: Giant leaps for Humankind.’

Issues from artificial intelligence, biotech, medicine, and new markets were debated. Patri, on the occasion, pitched his ‘country’ as perhaps the world’s first trillion dollar business. “Traditional philanthropy tends to deliver well-established solutions to more people, but the world also needs philanthropy that looks to the future, creating radical innovations,” says Thiel."

Philly.com : Managing a nonprofit boom

Philly.com : Managing a nonprofit boom: "he American nonprofit sector's growth has made it equivalent to the fifth-largest economy in the world, employing almost 10 percent of the nation's workforce and 25 percent of the region's. These jobs increasingly come with livable wages and medical benefits, partly because of a growing understanding that passion does not pay the rent, put children through college, and buy health care. As the sector has expanded and become an economic engine, there has been a welcome recognition that although nonprofits are often started by people fired up by a cause, they must run like businesses if they are to be sustainable over the long haul."

Lodestar Center releases Nonprofit Compensation, Benefits Report | ASU News

Lodestar Center releases Nonprofit Compensation, Benefits Report | ASU News: "The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation released its 2010 Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Report for Maricopa County and Pima County nonprofit organizations today. The 73-page report contains compensation data across 58 different nonprofit job categories, as well as findings on employee retirement, insurance, and paid days off. It also details salary and demographic information on nonprofit executive directors."

MCFpr2011Outlook.pdf (application/pdf Object)

MCFpr2011Outlook.pdf (application/pdf Object)
MINNEAPOLIS (January 11, 2011) – The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF), a regional
association of grantmakers, today reported that foundation giving is expected to stabilize in 2011
following two years in which grantmakers anticipated declines. According to MCF’s 2011 Outlook Report
survey, indicators also signal that Minnesota grantmakers are more optimistic about their giving in 2011
than they were at this time last year.
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Charity rollover tucked in tax law | StarTribune.com

Charity rollover tucked in tax law | StarTribune.com: "Cowles said the rollover makes sense for older folks who are financially secure and simply don't need all or part of their IRA income.

'There are a lot of Minnesotans who are philanthropic and fall into that category,'' he said.

The provision was first enacted by Congress in 2006, but expired at the end of 2009. It raised millions of dollars for charities during that period, according to the National Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The association is lobbying to reduce the age threshold to 591/2"

Wharf to Wharf Donations Set Record - Santa Cruz, CA Patch

Wharf to Wharf Donations Set Record - Santa Cruz, CA Patch: "The financial arm of the Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf Race gave away $304,657 in 2010 to organizations around Santa Cruz County, the most donated in one year in the race's history. The largest amount, $78,000, went to Santa Cruz High School to help pay for its new track facility."

The Microfinance Backlash : Planet Money : NPR

The Microfinance Backlash : Planet Money : NPR: "Categories: Developing Economies

03:09 pm

January 10, 2011





by Jacob Goldstein
An official from a microfinance company talks with a borrower in Vadod, India.
Sam Panthaky/Getty Images

Microfinance in action in Vadod, India.

These are tough times for microfinance.

Politicians in some developing countries are encouraging borrowers not to repay their loans. And a few studies have cast doubt on the benefits of lending small amounts of money to very poor people — a practice that has long been held up as one of the most promising ways to help people work their way out of profound poverty."

Nonprofit chiefs give tips for success - Local - Modbee.com

Nonprofit chiefs give tips for success - Local - Modbee.com: "Good intentions and a desire to help people are not enough to run a nonprofit, especially in this economy.

A prime example is Community Housing and Shelter Services, a Modesto nonprofit that works to keep parents and their children in homes and off the streets.

It closed for about two weeks over the holidays and laid off most of its staff as it regroups from financial missteps. CHSS board members say they will not repeat their mistakes and are working to regain the public's trust."

Thrifty fashion rules at Silver Spring charity event

Thrifty fashion rules at Silver Spring charity event: "More than 20 models regaled an audience of 100 as they exhibited outfits from the collection of Unique Thrift Store in Silver Spring, part of the enterprise's ambitious giving campaign for 2010 that culminated in a donation of $10,000 in gift certificates to Montgomery County public schools and nonprofit groups."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | County Reconsidering Need for Audits

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | County Reconsidering Need for Audits: "anuary 9, 2011; Source:Star News | Nonprofits receiving a small amount of money from Brunswick County, N.C. may find themselves relieved of the burden of producing full-blown audits soon. The county is reviewing the practice of demanding an audit that could cost between $4,000 and $7,000 from small organizations receiving grants that are sometimes smaller than that cost."

Tax-Exempt Ministries Avoid New Regulation - NYTimes.com

Tax-Exempt Ministries Avoid New Regulation - NYTimes.com: "A three-year investigation into financial improprieties at six Christian ministries whose television preaching bankrolled leaders’ lavish lifestyles has concluded with the formation of an independent commission to look into the lack of accountability by tax-exempt religious groups."

Sean Penn vs. George Clooney: The Battle of Celebrity Philanthropy | Death and Taxes

Sean Penn vs. George Clooney: The Battle of Celebrity Philanthropy | Death and Taxes: "Philanthropy is one of the most popular hobbies for rich Hollywood celebrities. It’s a nice way to save face, write a check, get some tax relief and get their pictures in tabloids and newspapers as “one of the good guys.” Plenty of celebrities give money to charities and good causes, but most never prove that they actually care.

However, Sean Penn and George Clooney—two of the greatest actors of our generation—care deeply. Over the past couple days Death And Taxes has documented Penn’s selfless commitment to the devastated people of Haiti and Clooney’s peace keeping efforts during an election weekend in genocide stricken Sudan."

What Will 2011 Represent for Philanthropy? - RE:Philanthropy

What Will 2011 Represent for Philanthropy? - RE:Philanthropy: "During a meeting with philanthropic leaders at Philanthropy Northwest’s offices in Seattle right after the mid-term elections, one colleague asked me what impact I thought the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives would have on our sector."

IRS Rejects Return of Retirement Payouts to Get Charity Tax Break - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

IRS Rejects Return of Retirement Payouts to Get Charity Tax Break - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Lawmakers made the extension of the tax break retroactive and gave taxpayers until January 31 to make such donations and have them count for the 2010 tax year. But the IRS said Wednesday that the legislation contains no provision for those who have already taken the distribution to return it to their retirement account and give it to charity."

HAPPILY EVER CHAPTER - Association Bisnow - Washington

HAPPILY EVER CHAPTER - Association Bisnow - Washington: "Mariner Management consultants Peggy Hoffman and Peter Houstle work with associations on improving the relationship between the national staff and chapter volunteers. Peggy says such relationships are often like three-year-olds in a sandbox: They're all playing, but not really playing with each other. When they get a little bit older and do start to play together, whoever is strongest tends to dictate the rules."

Modesto nonprofit reopens; CEO quits - Local - Modbee.com

Modesto nonprofit reopens; CEO quits - Local - Modbee.com: "A Modesto nonprofit that closed over the holidays and laid off most of its staff has reopened, but will go forward without its executive director as it continues to untangle its finances.

Community Housing and Shelter Serv- ices Executive Director Karen Cosner resigned Wednesday, said Kim Martinez, president of the nonprofit's board. Board Vic"

12 Tips to Improve Hospital Fundraising Efforts | Hospital Financial and Business News

12 Tips to Improve Hospital Fundraising Efforts | Hospital Financial and Business News: "William C. McGinly, president and CEO of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, provides 12 tips for hospital fundraising efforts, based on AHP surveys and other input."

Pepsi Contest Faces More Charges of Cheating - NYTimes.com

Pepsi Contest Faces More Charges of Cheating - NYTimes.com: "Pepsi Refresh, the online fund-raising contest with a $20 million giveaway for charitable causes and nonprofit groups, is again receiving complaints that its results are being manipulated."

Career in Fundraising Offers Many Avenues - Memphis Daily News - Business, Government, Politics, News, Public Records, Public Notices, Crime Report, Neighborhood Report, Marketing Lists, Research

Career in Fundraising Offers Many Avenues - Memphis Daily News - Business, Government, Politics, News, Public Records, Public Notices, Crime Report, Neighborhood Report, Marketing Lists, Research: "People in fund development and fundraising help influence service delivery, public policy, education, research, advocacy, and more. Success in fund development can bring you to the decision-making table. It’s also excellent preparation for serving as an executive director."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | New Estate Tax Law Could Hurt Charity

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | New Estate Tax Law Could Hurt Charity: "December 28, 2011; Source:Forbes | A tax lawyer writing for Forbes suggests that the new tax bill's reinstatement of the estate tax isn't going to be much of an incentive for lifetime charitable giving or charitable bequests. Had the Bush tax cuts expired, the estate tax would have been reinstated with an exemption of $1 million per person and a tax rate of 55 percent. The compromise tax bill set the exemption from the federal estate tax at $5 million per person and the estate tax rate at 35 percent."

IRA Holders Can Still Make 2010 Charitable Distributions

Via Guidestar

IRA Holders Can Still Make 2010 Charitable Distributions: "Note: The following discussion is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice. For specific information about provisions of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 affecting charitable contributions, consult your tax adviser or attorney.

Persons aged 70� or older can again enjoy tax savings by making charitable gifts directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), thanks to a provision of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which was signed into law December 17, 2010. The act also allows charitable distributions made from an IRA in January 2011 to be declared as 2010 gifts, should the IRA holder wish to do so."

Summary_Nonprofit_Operating_Reserve_Ratio.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Here's some material on Operating Reserves via the Urban Institute

Summary_Nonprofit_Operating_Reserve_Ratio.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Donation Box Becomes a Fixture of Some Holiday Light Displays � Kitsap Sun

Donation Box Becomes a Fixture of Some Holiday Light Displays � Kitsap Sun: "PORT ORCHARD — On a rainy evening this month, Susan Baker pulled up to her home, decked with Christmas lights, and glanced at the plastic tub on the driveway.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” she said. “There were three boxes of food inside.”

It was the first year Baker had thought of placing a donation bin outside her home on Harrison Street in Port Orchard for visitors enjoying her holiday decorations, something she’s invested in over the past six years."

Donor-Advised Funds Surged In 2010- The NonProfit Times Jan 5, 2011

Hi folks we're back on a more normal schedule. Thanks for sticking with us through the holidays.
Reed

From the Nonprofit Times
Donor-Advised Funds Surged In 2010- The NonProfit Times Jan 5, 2011: "Donor-Advised Funds Surged In 2010

Donor-advised funds, where donors get an immediate tax break for depositing money that eventually will go to charity, are reporting increased contributions and payouts as investor portfolios rebounded with the stock market during past 18 months."