Senate Finance Committee Releases White Paper on Tax-Exempt Organizations and Charitable Giving - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Senate Finance Committee Releases White Paper on Tax-Exempt Organizations and Charitable Giving - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: Bipartisanship and cooperation does happen on Capitol Hill. Last week, the Senate Finance Committee produced a concise and readable review of options available to change regulation of tax-exempt organizations and charitable giving. The 19-page report is replete with numbered lists, bullet points, and links to source documents where each possible idea is explained in more detail. The document’s introduction states that it is a “joint product of the majority and minority staffs of the Finance Committee with input from Committee members’ staffs.”

Oregon Sets 30% Program Spending Benchmark for Charities - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Oregon Sets 30% Program Spending Benchmark for Charities - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: NPQ has had a number of stories on overhead lately, including our blockbuster today where three prominent organizations are calling for an end to the overuse of overhead as a measure of grantworthiness but what about when nearly no money of what is raised goes to program? Oregon has now enacted the nation’s toughest law on spending by nonprofits. The law will pull eligibility for the state charitable tax deduction for donations from charities that do not spend at least 30 percent of their donations “to support their mission.” Charities that fall short of the 30 percent threshold are required to disclose that information or face a penalty of up to $25,000.

Given recent debates within the n

The Stubborn 2% Giving Rate - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

The Stubborn 2% Giving Rate - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: mericans gave $316.2-billion to charity last year, according to “Giving USA,” the annual survey of philanthropy that was released this week. And in a statistic that offers no surprises no one, that represented 2 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, the same as in 2011.

Local Millennials change the face of philanthropy

Local Millennials change the face of philanthropy: Capital Cause members are local Millennials, aged 18 to 35 years—most of whom are entry-level professionals who make less than $60,000 a year. Each member donates just $30 per year, which has funded over $20,000 in mini-grants to local organizations. Each member also commits time to a “cause” by pledging at least five service hours to local community projects.

Minn. philanthropy leaders hope to tap $48 billion transfer of wealth | StarTribune.com

Minn. philanthropy leaders hope to tap $48 billion transfer of wealth | StarTribune.com: Charity leaders see unprecedented opportunity in the largest transfer of wealth in our nation’s history as billions change hands from baby boomers to their kids over the next 40 years.

Charitable giving has slow, steady growth in 2012

Charitable giving has slow, steady growth in 2012: haritable giving was up 3.5% last year, mainly benefiting animals, the arts and the environment, according to the 2012 Giving USA report from the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Overall, Americans gave $316.23 billion to charity.

Minnesota Council on Foundations names Trista Harris as president | StarTribune.com

Minnesota Council on Foundations names Trista Harris as president | StarTribune.com: Harris is the executive director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice in Minneapolis, and is active nationally in philanthropic issues.

She is the chair of the national board of advisers of the Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, a national network that supports effective leadership development for the next generation of philanthropists.

'America's Worst Charities' List Criticized By The Association Of Fundraising Professionals

'America's Worst Charities' List Criticized By The Association Of Fundraising Professionals: But some charity experts are speaking out, saying these nonprofits are too far on the fringes. In a recent press release, Andrew Watt, the president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a nonprofit support organization, said the investigation should not have solely focused on cases of solicitors who receive a commission, a practice widely viewed as unethical.

Tips for Getting More Appointments with Potential Donors | Bloomerang

Tips for Getting More Appointments with Potential Donors | Bloomerang: Tips for Getting More Appointments with Potential Donors

On May 30th, Jay Love and Sandy Rees spent an hour answering questions live about donor communications and donor engagement. The webinar participants asked some intriguing questions, and we’d like to share some of Jay and Sandy’s answers with you.

One participant asked about donor engagement as it pertains to a fluctuation in donation amounts:

Ten key themes in charity mergers

Ten key themes in charity mergers: Ten key themes in charity mergers
Finance | Richard Gutch | 17 Jun 2013

Richard Gutch has interviewed a number of the chief executives involved in recent mergers. Ten key themes have kept emerging.

Giving in U.S. grows, still lags 2007 peak � Philanthropy North Carolina

Giving in U.S. grows, still lags 2007 peak � Philanthropy North Carolina: Powered by individual donors and corporate funders, charitable giving in the U.S. grew 3.5 percent to $316.23 billion in 2012, or an increase of 1.5 percent adjusted for inflation, a new report says.

Giving by foundations also grew, while giving by bequest fell, according to Giving USA, an annual report on giving in the U.S. from the Giving USA Foundation and its research partner, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Komen breast cancer charity names new CEO

Komen breast cancer charity names new CEO: DALLAS (AP) — Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced Monday that it has a new CEO.

The breast cancer charity named Judith A. Salerno to replace founder Nancy Brinker, whose promise to her dying sister begat a fundraising powerhouse that invested hundreds of millions of dollars in cancer research.

Why Strong Leaders Need Strong Cultures: Associations Now

Why Strong Leaders Need Strong Cultures: Associations Now: ntentionally or unwittingly, leaders model the culture of their organizations. Sending the wrong message can make that culture one of distrust—and have a real impact on your success.

Open Society Announces Fund to Support New Nonprofit Leaders - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Open Society Announces Fund to Support New Nonprofit Leaders - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Open Society Foundations has established a $2-million fund to help new nonprofit chief executives put their ideas to work quickly.

The New Executives Fund will provide financial assistance to nonprofits around the world that are working on the causes supported by Open Society, the foundation created by George Soros. Those include public health, education, and promoting social change.

The Overhead Myth Campaign - A GuideStar Initiative to Improve Donor Choice

More on Overhead Costs

In a historic move, the leaders of the country’s three leading sources of information on nonprofits – GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance – penned an open letter to the donors of America denouncing the “overhead ratio” as a valid indicator of nonprofit performance.  
The Overhead Myth Campaign - A GuideStar Initiative to Improve Donor Choice

The Rich are Irrelevant…and Other Thoughts about the Donor Pyramid - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

The Rich are Irrelevant…and Other Thoughts about the Donor Pyramid - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: The rich are irrelevant,” said Tom the other day. And so started a very interesting conversation.

Tom is my life partner and a donor communications expert. We often talk about our shared experience in philanthropy and fund development. Our respective work takes us down similar paths that often diverge and then reconnect. This philanthropy thing is our life’s work—each of us alone and both of us together.

“The rich are irrelevant,” Tom repeated. “You and I are not interested in the rich people. We aren’t interested in the money and the transaction.”

Launching a campaign to end the Overhead Myth | GuideStar Blog

Launching a campaign to end the Overhead Myth | GuideStar Blog: My nonprofit friends, it’s time we changed the conversation about “the overhead ratio”: the percentage of your organization’s expenses that go to administrative and fundraising costs.

For too long, we’ve let a few bad apples—the rare cases of outright fundraising fraud—confuse donors about what matters when judging a nonprofit.

Tampa Bay Times, CNN List of “Worst Charities” Cites Extreme Cases, Misses Key Points - Press - AFP

Tampa Bay Times, CNN List of “Worst Charities” Cites Extreme Cases, Misses Key Points - Press - AFP: "– In response to the recent release of the “50 Worst Charities” by the Tampa Bay Times and CNN, the president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Andrew Watt, released the following statement:

Fundraising is an honorable and inspirational profession that makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of people across the U.S. Without the work of fundraisers, charities would be unable to provide their critical programs that feed the hungry, heal the sick, shelter the homeless, protect our environment and countless other missions that we take for granted every day. The fundraising profession is populated by thousands of individuals who practice best standards and abide by ethical standards in all of their work."

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Senate Finance Panel Outlines Ideas for Changing Charity Rules - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Senate Finance Panel Outlines Ideas for Changing Charity Rules - Government - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The Senate Finance Committee released a report Thursday outlining options for overhauling laws governing the activities of tax-exempt organizations and the value of charitable deductions.

Diana Leon-Taylor to take over as Nonprofit Roundtable chief - Washington Business Journal

Diana Leon-Taylor to take over as Nonprofit Roundtable chief - Washington Business Journal: The Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington has a new chief. Diana Leon-Taylor was named president and CEO about seven months after past President Chuck Bean left to head the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Caterpillar Inc. no longer giving money to Boy Scouts, cites ban on gay leaders - The Washington Post

Caterpillar Inc. no longer giving money to Boy Scouts, cites ban on gay leaders - The Washington Post: CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Caterpillar Inc. is no longer giving money to the Boy Scouts because the organization discriminates against homosexuals, a spokeswoman for the Illinois-based heavy equipment manufacturer confirmed Thursday.

New Video: How Professional Advisors Can Energize Your Planned Giving Program | Planned Giving Design Center

From Planned Giving Design Center

New Video: How Professional Advisors Can Energize Your Planned Giving Program | Planned Giving Design Center: Summary

As one of over 30,000 planned giving professionals who use the PGDC, we wanted you to be the first to see a 26 minute video we just finished. Who should watch it? Anyone who works with nonprofits on planned gifts, and wants to help catapult their planned giving department to the next level!

Inside this video, you'll discover who potential donors are asking most for planned giving advice this year, the 17 steps to building fruitful relationships with those influencers to maximize your fundraising success, and how to do it all faster and with less work than you ever imagined!

Nonprofits encouraged to take part in impact study | Nonprofit Strategies | SanLuisObispo.com

Nonprofits encouraged to take part in impact study | Nonprofit Strategies | SanLuisObispo.com: An economic impact study of nonprofits in San Luis Obispo County will get underway later this month to better understand their diverse and sustainable effects locally.

Beacon Economics, a research and consulting firm, has been retained to conduct the study by the Central Coast Economic Forecast.

Conducting such a study is challenging because there is no central data bank of information on nonprofits.

Quartet of nonprofits come together for auction - Eastern Arizona Courier: News

Quartet of nonprofits come together for auction - Eastern Arizona Courier: News: SAFFORD — The leadership for four nonprofit groups agreed that battling for donations doesn’t make nearly as much sense as joining forces.

At the urging of Lori Knight of Graham County 4-H, the Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley, Graham County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and Catholic Sisters Divine Cuisine joined with 4-H for the inaugural To Make the Best Better 2013 Benefit Auction this

Presentation For Local Non-Profits - KULR-8 Television, Billings, MT

Presentation For Local Non-Profits - KULR-8 Television, Billings, MT: The presentation, titled "Beyond The Economy: Social Impact And The Quiet Revolution", took place at the Yellowstone Art Museum in Downtown Billings Wednesday evening. Andrew Watt, President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, was there to present the series.

International nonprofit leader offers insight on state, future of philanthropy

International nonprofit leader offers insight on state, future of philanthropy: "Nonprofits need a wake-up call, says Andrew Watt, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, an international organization for philanthropy groups with more than 30,000 members around the world.

“I think one of the things that nonprofits are particularly bad at is actually standing up and telling people what they do, communicating the benefit of what they do,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “We tend to be quite, sort of, bashful about it.”"

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Successful Mergers: Two CEOs Talk Shop - Meyer Foundation

Successful Mergers: Two CEOs Talk Shop - Meyer Foundation: Successful Mergers: Two CEOs Talk Shop

For many years, and especially since the economic downturn reduced their grantmaking budgets, funders have been urging nonprofits to merge. Proponents of merger often cite duplication of effort among grantees and the presumed economic efficiencies that can be gained from having larger organizations. Neither assertion is well supported by evidence, and for those and other reasons mergers continue to be discussed far more than frequently than they are implemented.

Record number of donated 'undies' destined for needy across the U.S. | jacksonville.com

Record number of donated 'undies' destined for needy across the U.S. | jacksonville.com: ignity U Wear's 2013 Undie Campaign collected a record 170,000 undergarments, an increase of 50,000 pieces over the 2012 campaign.

Collected garments include underwear, bras, sock and undershirts, which will help the Jacksonville-based nonprofit's inventory needs for the entire year. Ultimately, the clothing will be donated to school children, homeless and wounded veterans and women in crisis through the Dignity U Wear's network of more than 300 social service agencies throughout country, according to the news release.

Oprah's $12 Million Smithsonian Gift Largest In History Of National Museum of African American History

Oprah's $12 Million Smithsonian Gift Largest In History Of National Museum of African American History: WASHINGTON -- Oprah Winfrey has donated $12 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, the museum announced Tuesday.

Brooklyn Museum: Community: bloggers@brooklynmuseum » Moving Toward a Conversation

Brooklyn Museum: Community: bloggers@brooklynmuseum » Moving Toward a Conversation: "For the most part these worked to serve the purpose and we didn’t think much about changing them, but this year we started to wonder if there would be value in upping the game a bit. As they stood, they were the electronic version of a one way comment drop box.  Should they become a more personal experience and one that leans toward a two way dialog? Could we elevate the discussion from a simple “leave us your thoughts” to more directed questions that might provoke deeper engagement?  Could that same format help give visitors access to someone—a curator, an educator, an artist, a conservator—to help get their questions answered?

"