Charity Village� Research: Can Corporate Good be Better?

Charity Village� Research: Can Corporate Good be Better?: For the uninitiated, employer supported volunteer programs look very different depending on how you look at them. They can be as simple as employers allowing their staff to use their work email or the phone (during break times) to conduct volunteer activities. It could also be as involved as organizing a group (sometimes a large group) of employees to go out into the community to volunteer. I'm going to talk about the latter end of the spectrum.

What often happens in these programs is that someone in the corporation organizes a group of staff to do manual labour. At least, that's the common perception. The business will sometimes buy the supplies — paint, lumber, nails, etc. — and get to work fixing a fence or building a playground. I'm over-generalizing to make three points.

Kellogg’s employees show commitment to compassion - SunGazette.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Williamsport-Sun Gazette

Kellogg’s employees show commitment to compassion - SunGazette.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Williamsport-Sun Gazette: "I've never seen people so dedicated and caring as I have here," said plant Manager Tim Bair. "We are a 24/7 operation, but employees here make time to volunteer in the community whenever they can and continue to work hard here at the bakery. They constantly demonstrate a sincere commitment to their neighbors every day.

"United Way is a tool that helps us deliver part of our caring," Bair added. "In the third year of a recession, I'm very proud to share that our team continues to give more each year."

With Seattle visitor's center, Gates Foundation invites in the public - NorthJersey.com

With Seattle visitor's center, Gates Foundation invites in the public - NorthJersey.com: SEATTLE — People are already joking it's a good thing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation isn't charging admission for its new visitor center, which showcases Bill Gates' multibillion-dollar philanthropy, not his computers.

But most people don't know what to expect from the glass-clad public space in front of the new headquarters of the world's l

Are We Risk Averse or Risk Ignorant?

Are We Risk Averse or Risk Ignorant?: irst, I don’t think most people or their organizations really consider risk in their decision making. So they aren’t risk averse or risk prone. The decision makers may fear change or even have a knee-jerk reaction that something is “too risky” but I’m not sure risk analysis affects their decisions. A risk averse organization (meaning they want to avoid or minimize all risks) would have an extensive risk management program (few do), business continuity and disaster recovery plans, succession plans and include risk analysis as a part of their decision-making process. Similarly if people were risk averse they would all eat right, not smoke, wear seatbelts, not drink and drive, not drive while distracted and always have an umbrella.

UM nonprofit program to receive award of excellency - News - The Daily Helmsman

UM nonprofit program to receive award of excellency - News - The Daily Helmsman: Schmidt said that the NLA has been around for 60 years and the universities that normally receive the program excellence award typically have been established just as long, but The U of M’ s nonprofit program was created about 12 years ago. She attributes a large part of the success to the support of the program’s nonprofit partners.

“It’s a big honor,” Schmidt said. “Compared to others, our program is relatively young. This shows that we have established a really stable exemplary program in a short amount of time.”

New Source of Funds for “Three Cups of Tea” Author Greg Mortenson’s Charity - The Daily Beast

New Source of Funds for “Three Cups of Tea” Author Greg Mortenson’s Charity - The Daily Beast: Unexpected good news for the scandal-plagued charity affiliated with the disgraced “Three Cups of Tea” author: the federal government just opened the door to millions in new donations for his group. Philip Shenon reports.

Creating Big Impact in Small Cities - RE:Philanthropy

Creating Big Impact in Small Cities - RE:Philanthropy: Here in Massachusetts, attention is turning to the lack of philanthropic support for small cities with high poverty rates. The Boston Globe recently profiled Brockton Superintendent Matt Malone, who unsuccessfully attempted to attract private donors to a school system that is both high poverty and high performing. “I’ve had great conversations with all sorts of people,” said Malone. “It’s either you are not big enough or glamorous enough. Some of these folks, they kind of like the bright lights, big city appeal.”

Leading in a Hyperconnected World | Stanford Social Innovation Review

Leading in a Hyperconnected World | Stanford Social Innovation Review: With the rise of new digital media platforms and social networks, people are absorbing information at a greater velocity and from a wider set of channels than ever before; they are also using that information in new ways. Anyone with an Internet connection or cell phone can share their ideas, influence public opinion, or even spark a movement for change. Yet while technology and the Internet have evolved rapidly over the last decade, our understanding of what it means to be a leader in this new, networked society has not kept pace.

12NTC: Engaging Youth Using Social Media

12NTC: Engaging Youth Using Social Media: Shim shared a case study at the 2012 Nonprofit Technology Conference on how his organization uses social media to communicate with youth participants in the Pathways to Education program.

SCD Group: Best of the Week: 7 Valuable Articles for Association Management Professionals

Suggested by John Dawe
SCD Group: Best of the Week: 7 Valuable Articles for Association Management Professionals: Here are seven articles association management professionals will find of value. Again, for those that are about companies/businesses, remember to substitute "association" for
"company."

massnonprofit.org ::Huntington Theatre Raises $730K, Fetes Managing Director

massnonprofit.org ::: April 5, 2012 — The Huntington Theatre Company in Boston this week raised $730,000 to support its education and community programs at a gala held to honor its managing director, Michael Mazo, who has led the nonprofit’s administrative and financial operations for 30 years.

Four-hundred thirty people attended the Spotlight Spectacular gala this past Monday, hosted by Tony Award winning Broadway star Joanna Gleason, at Boston’s Park Plaza Hotel.

Linda Novick O'Keefe: Social Ethics: A Peek Into 2012

Linda Novick O'Keefe: Social Ethics: A Peek Into 2012: In an era of global connectivity and instant media, companies increasingly view philanthropic campaigns as an intrinsic component of a successful business strategy, rather than an external obligation. They now recognize that addressing social and environmental issues is an investment in future markets, and they are also acutely aware that new forms of social media instantly throw their actions under the gaze of globally conscious consumers. This new and radical connectivity reverses the traditional opposition between financial success and socially responsible behavior.

Charity feeds pets of struggling families

Charity feeds pets of struggling families
WEST PALM BEACH — Angelina Wilson was tired of seeing people being forced to surrender or abandon their animals.
Last April, she and her husband, Scott, started Kibblez of Love, a nonprofit to help struggling families feed their pets and to provide referrals for low-cost veterinary care in Palm Beach and Broward counties.

BBC News - Charity bike ride for Surrey teen saved by air ambulance

BBC News - Charity bike ride for Surrey teen saved by air ambulance: A teenage cyclist from Surrey whose life was saved by an air ambulance crew will compete in a charity bike ride to raise money for the service.

Wild Apricot Blog : Tips for Association and Non-profit Annual Reports

Wild Apricot Blog : Tips for Association and Non-profit Annual Reports: Are you producing an annual report this year? Whether you’re a staff member or volunteer, working at a non-profit or an association, producing an annual report can seem like an overwhelming task.

Get the Free AFP 2012 Conference e-Book Sampler! | Nonprofit Community

Get the Free AFP 2012 Conference e-Book Sampler! | Nonprofit Community: Whether you are new to the field of fundraising and need to get quickly up to speed or you’re a seasoned professional looking for fresh ideas on how to reach donors in a connected society, our experts can show you how. We’ve gathered together excerpts from six of our leading AFP Fund Development Series books to help you engage the next generation of fundraisers, get your board more active in raising money, build your nonprofit brand, better understand development and operations, and more

Community Foundation for Southern Arizona has ‘gift’ for philanthropy - Inside Tucson Business: News

Community Foundation for Southern Arizona has ‘gift’ for philanthropy - Inside Tucson Business: News: To insiders who live here, the Old Pueblo has a more meaningful reputation. Among its citizenry, Tucson is known as a caring, giving community.

This philanthropic legacy dates back to a time when five local business leaders wanted to expand the pool of charitable givers. By growing the base of donors, they knew there would be more money available to better the community.

Mormons and Civic Life - Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Mormons and Civic Life - Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life: Ram Cnaan, a renowned researcher on faith-based social services, presented the findings of a new survey he and his colleagues conducted on Mormons’ church-based volunteering and charitable giving. Greg Smith, lead researcher on a recently released Pew Forum study on Mormons in America, discussed the Penn survey findings in the context of Mormons’ religious beliefs and social attitudes. The University of Notre Dame’s David Campbell, an expert on religion and civic engagement and co-author of “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us,” compared Mormons’ attitudes on volunteering and tithing to those of other religious groups.

All-star cry is ‘three for three’ - The Jewish Standard

All-star cry is ‘three for three’ - The Jewish Standard: Three months. Three million dollars.

That is the time frame and the monetary target as the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ) seeks to wrap up its annual fund drive with an “all star community challenge.”

“We’re trying to create a sense of desire and urgency to contribute to the annual campaign over the next three months,

In Las Vegas, Jewish federations take a gamble on engaging young Jews | TJP

In Las Vegas, Jewish federations take a gamble on engaging young Jews | TJP: Marty Paz, the incoming campaign chairman of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, believes it will.

“I think everyone in this room can give $18 a year,” Paz said, describing how TribeFest could be a vehicle to cultivate a “habit of giving” among participants. A small request now for a cause that people care for, he said, “could later on, as they reach professional success, turn into hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

One Teddy Bear Leads to a Million-Dollar Gift - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

One Teddy Bear Leads to a Million-Dollar Gift - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Fundraisers were treated to a little Tina Turner at the beginning of “The Power of Love in Major Gifts Development,” a session at the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference, in Vancouver, that focused on the emotional issues in giving.

It turns out a little bit of love does make a difference—and can even land a $1-million gift.

Why Fundraisers Need to Understand Tax Forms - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Why Fundraisers Need to Understand Tax Forms - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Fundraisers may not have to fill out their charity’s informational tax return for the Internal Revenue Service, but they need to know what’s in it, said a speaker at the Association of Fundraising Professionals meeting in Vancouver this week.

Audrey Kintzi, senior development director at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, told fundraisers it’s no long acceptable to say they don’t have anything to do with the informational returns, known as Form 990s.

Unconventional Charity: Water aims to raise $2 billion for clean water - CSMonitor.com

Unconventional Charity: Water aims to raise $2 billion for clean water - CSMonitor.com: Scott Harrison, who founded Charity: Water, has been seeking a director of development for two years. But every applicant fails to meet his ambitious plans, he told the Association of Fundraising Professionals annual meeting on Sunday [April 1].

Why Every Monday Matters | Fast Company

Why Every Monday Matters | Fast Company: She then prescribed a heavy dose of volunteering. Every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Matt would go out and pick up litter, paint over graffiti, feed the homeless, etc. At first, he didn’t understand it, but one day it clicked. Saturday mornings were his favorite time of the week. They provided an opportunity to go out and serve others and it was “not about him.” It was the best he felt every week.

Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The Chronicle’s Reports From Fundraising Meeting

By Raymund Flandez

See all the the articles Chronicle reporters wrote while the covered the annual meeting of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, held in Vancouver.

Madonna Is "Like a Virgin" in Philanthropy with Malawi Education Project - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active an engaged democracy.

Madonna Is "Like a Virgin" in Philanthropy with Malawi Education Project - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active an engaged democracy.: The NPQ Newswire has previously written about Madonna’s on-again, off-again commitment to build a school for girls in Malawi, which was followed by an IRS investigation of the Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles that was the singer’s partner in the event.

BikePortland.org � Blog Archive � The next frontier for cargo bikes: Disaster response

BikePortland.org � Blog Archive � The next frontier for cargo bikes: Disaster response: From the citizen-led Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET), to an embrace of bikes as disaster response vehicles by City of Portland officials, there's a growing effort in Portland to ensure that bikes play a key role in the response effort when a major earthquake or other disaster strikes. There's even a cargo bike/disaster-themed Pedalpalooza ride in the works

When the donor becomes the decider | The Daily Texan

When the donor becomes the decider | The Daily Texan: The past two decades have seen this attitude morph into something different. Foundations have become increasingly like venture capitalists. They have turned to a strategic decision making process — with respect to grants — with an emphasis on the effectiveness of the end results. Recipients of grant money must deliver tangible results in the short term rather than field-changing breakthroughs over the long term.

Big Fish, Little Fish: In the Foundation-Nonprofit Relationship, Does Size Matter? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active an engaged democracy.

Big Fish, Little Fish: In the Foundation-Nonprofit Relationship, Does Size Matter? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active an engaged democracy.: n the nonprofit ocean, there are big fish and little fish. The biggest fish are typically well-capitalized foundations. The little fish are small-budget nonprofits. There is a vast social asymmetry between most private foundations and public charities. According to information drawn from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File (available through the “NCCS All Registered Nonprofits Table Wizard” of the Urban Institute), public charities are predominantly very small. Two-thirds of public charities that filed 990s have assets of less than $100,000; three-fourths have assets below $250,000. Similar proportions of public charities have total revenues below $100,000 and below $250,000.

Silverberg: The benefits of 'time philanthropy' | HeraldTribune.com

Silverberg: The benefits of 'time philanthropy' | HeraldTribune.com: uckily, there are efforts afoot in this area to achieve those goals and many others. The Patterson Foundation, in cooperation with the community engagement organization SCOPE (which I serve as a board member) and the University of South Florida, conducted the Aging with Dignity and Independence study. SCOPE has also been instrumental in establishing the Institute for the Ages, planned as a comprehensive approach to retooling society in keeping with the changing demographics.