Friday, February 26, 2016

Dunham+Company Survey Indicates Charitable Giving Won’t Be Affected By Presidential Election Year | Dunham+Company | fundraising research

Dunham+Company Survey Indicates Charitable Giving Won’t Be Affected By Presidential Election Year | Dunham+Company | fundraising research:



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OPINION: The ideological attack on fundraising, Part 2 – are you a Voluntarist or a Professionalist? | Critical Fundraising

OPINION: The ideological attack on fundraising, Part 2 – are you a Voluntarist or a Professionalist? | Critical Fundraising: "In Part 1 of this blog, I made the case that the repeated recent attacks on charities by the state and media – particularly attacks on fundraising – were ideological in nature and outlined some concepts of what an ideology is and does to see if these claims would stack up.

In this second part, I’m going to outline what I think are two competing ideologies that compete for organising public attitudes, not only about what charities ought to do, but how they ought to go about doing it: the Voluntarist Charity Ideology (or ‘Voluntarism’) and the Professionalist Charity Ideology (or ‘Professionalism’)."



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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Silicon Valley nonprofit leaders wary of possible United Way merger - San Jose Mercury News

Silicon Valley nonprofit leaders wary of possible United Way merger - San Jose Mercury News: "The news of a potential merger between struggling United Way of Silicon Valley and the much larger, multicounty United Way of the Bay Area in San Francisco has nonprofit leaders worried that local grant dollars could be lost to other counties."



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Why alumni donations to Yale and other US colleges are hitting a new low - Quartz

Why alumni donations to Yale and other US colleges are hitting a new low - Quartz: "Some two decades years ago, when asked to give to their alma mater, an enthusiastic 50% of Yale graduates opened their wallets. Last year, roughly 33% did, despite steady increases in university solicitation.
Alumni donations are now at their lowest levels in two decades, according to Yale’s Office of Institutional Research. Why? Administrators aren’t sure, but Yale’s president Peter Salovey blames “trends in society today that probably work against participation,” according to the Yale Daily News this week."



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The Y Nominates ‘Zoe’ for President to Cut Through Campaign Noise - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The Y Nominates ‘Zoe’ for President to Cut Through Campaign Noise - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "he Y announced Thursday its support for a presidential hopeful.

But it’s not backing anyone running in 2016: It’s putting its weight behind Zoe, a one-year-old girl who might run for president when she grows up.

In its "Zoe for President" campaign, the Y, formerly known as the YMCA, will run television and digital ads touting the mock candidate throughout this year’s presidential race."



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Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Humane Society boss resigns after petition demands her removal | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Humane Society boss resigns after petition demands her removal | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "The head of the Western PA Humane Society has resigned, days after she was put on administrative leave.

Joy Braunstein had been under pressure after an online petition demanded her removal was circulated.

Statement from Joy Braunstein:

In a statement this afternoon, Ms. Braunstein said: “Given the present circumstances, I have made a personal choice to step away from The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society and resign my position effective immediately out of respect for my family and out of respect for the organization. I wish the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society well and will continue to be a supporter of the organization. "



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Donor's Demands Spark Controversy at U. of California Campus - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Donor's Demands Spark Controversy at U. of California Campus - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "The University of California, Irvine, is weighing turning down $3 million from a Hindu foundation amid faculty and student protests over the level of control the donor seeks over professorships it is funding, writes the Orange County Register."



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Former New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin Focuses on Charity as he Eyes Return to the NFL - Good Deeds, National Football League : People.com

Former New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin Focuses on Charity as he Eyes Return to the NFL - Good Deeds, National Football League : People.com: "ill he return to football? "I'm sure that after a certain amount of time, the competitive instincts are going to kick in and I'll want to entertain those type of thoughts," he says. "If that's what is to be, then so be it. Right now, I'm not exactly sure where I will invest my time and energies for a professional level."

While he figures out his next step, Coughlin is pouring his time into his charity, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. The organization supports families who are dealing with pediatric cancer. "



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2 Foundations Choose Higher Payouts & Invite Philanthropy to Rethink | Nonprofit Quarterly

2 Foundations Choose Higher Payouts & Invite Philanthropy to Rethink | Nonprofit Quarterly: "NPQ has often advocated for foundations to consider higher payout rates, taking up the issue in some detail in Buzz Schmidt’s classic, “‘Deliberate Deployment’ or Perpetuity: Questions to Inform Timing Strategies for Philanthropy.” Since then, we have seen a number of foundations moving to deploy more of their assets in the here and now—if not by “spending down” more quickly, then by investing more of their full assets in mission-related activity. But Schmidt also suggests that foundations consider a set of questions in a more “deliberate deployment” strategy, and that is what we see in this story."



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8 checkpoints for ministry gift acceptance - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times

8 checkpoints for ministry gift acceptance - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times: "The 2016 presidential election has drawn attention to religion as part of the fabric of American life, and ministries face scrutiny about fundraising and operations as much as secular organizations in the philanthropic sector.

As with any nonprofit, religious institutions rely on outside support, and they must also be scrupulous about the kind of help they accept and how they account for it. Allegations of shady dealing can be harmful for any nonprofit, but when religion is involved whispers of wrongdoing can be particularly ugly. One area in which that it true is the accepting of gifts."



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Coming soon to association learning: gamified learning and microcredentials | Event Garde Blog with Aaron Wolowiec

Coming soon to association learning: gamified learning and microcredentials | Event Garde Blog with Aaron Wolowiec: "Tagoras recently released its much-anticipated 2016 Association Learning + Technology Report, which contains a wealth of information about associations’ efforts to incorporate technology into their educational programs and platforms.

We know the educational landscape is changing as associations adapt to their members’ learning needs and habits. In fact, almost 90 percent of the nearly 200 associations that responded to Tagoras’ survey reported offering technology-enabled or technology-enhanced education for their members."



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Monday, February 22, 2016

Make Your Fundraising Efforts Easier: Stay Compliant! - NonProfit PRO

Make Your Fundraising Efforts Easier: Stay Compliant! - NonProfit PRO: "Many fundraisers and nonprofit executives believe that being 501(c)(3) tax exempt is enough, but often it is not. Forty-one states require charities to register before they solicit donations from their citizens. Think of it as a license to fundraise. The purpose is to protect donors from unregulated and illegitimate organizations that may or may not be using contributions for a charitable cause.
By registering, your nonprofit discloses to the state and the public information about your mission, programs, leadership and finances. In return, your donors can search for your organization in public records, see who you are and where their funds really are going. This is a good thing!"



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The Salvation Army's 125th Red Kettle Campaign Sets New Fundraising Record with Nearly $150 Million Raised - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8

The Salvation Army's 125th Red Kettle Campaign Sets New Fundraising Record with Nearly $150 Million Raised - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8: "onors and Partners Help Campaign Reach New Heights

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2015 Red Kettle Campaign collected $149.6 million, setting a new national fundraising record for the campaign. Thanks to the support of donors and corporate partners, the money raised will help The Salvation Army provide food, shelter and social services to nearly 30 million Americans in need this year."



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Crowdfunding in Emerging Markets: Lessons from East African Startups | infoDev

Crowdfunding in Emerging Markets: Lessons from East African Startups | infoDev: "A new report, Crowdfunding in Emerging Markets: Lessons from East African Startups, captures lessons learned from East African entrepreneurs who were among the earliest adopters of crowdfunding in the developing world."



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University of Missouri fundraising takes $6 million hit in December as donors hold back funds - Columbia Daily Tribune | Columbia Missouri: Turmoil At University Of Missouri

University of Missouri fundraising takes $6 million hit in December as donors hold back funds - Columbia Daily Tribune | Columbia Missouri: Turmoil At University Of Missouri: "New pledges and donations to the University of Missouri fell $6 million in December as the campus weathered the fallout of public discontent that also threatens to erode the school’s finances via state support and tuition revenue.

December combines Christmas generosity and the promise of tax deductions on returns due April 15, making it a prime time for fundraisers at major institutions."



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Friday, February 19, 2016

Harvard Law Donor Redirects Gift After Campus Palestine Talk - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Harvard Law Donor Redirects Gift After Campus Palestine Talk - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: "A New York-based law firm that pledged $1 million to Harvard Law School to sponsor student events has asked the institution to shift the money to other purposes after the money was used support a discussion hosted by a group that favors an independent Palestine, the Associated Press writes.

In a statement, Harvard said internatio"



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Catherine Underhill on leadership: If you're not innovating all the time, then you're withering | syracuse.com

Catherine Underhill on leadership: If you're not innovating all the time, then you're withering | syracuse.com: "Symphoria started in December 2012 after the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra went bankrupt in April 2011. Symphoria was set up as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, but unlike the SSO, it is a cooperative. It's an uncommon business model for an orchestra.

"If we succeed, then the musicians succeed," Underhill said. "If the organization flounders, then the musicians' compensation is at risk. That's just part of the deal."



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Large University Endowments Face Congressional Scrutiny | News | The Harvard Crimson

Large University Endowments Face Congressional Scrutiny | News | The Harvard Crimson: "In response to requests by Congressional leaders to increase the degree of federal oversight for large university endowments, Harvard has indicated it will work with Congress to provide more clarity and information regarding the use of its endowment resources.

"



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The St. Patrick Hunger Project donates record $20,000 to food bank | syracuse.com

The St. Patrick Hunger Project donates record $20,000 to food bank | syracuse.com: "The St. Patrick Hunger Project celebrated its 10th anniversary by giving $20,000 to Food Bank of Central New York.

The Food Bank will be able to acquire and distribute enough food for 60,000 meals as a result of the donation. The presentation was made earlier this month when representatives of the St. Patrick's Parade Committee, the Hunger Project and the Food Bank gathered for a kick-off reception.

The Hunger Project, which is the charitable arm of the Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade, has donated enough over the years to supply 300,000 meals."



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Scalia’s Death Has Impact On Nonprofit Cases - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times

Scalia’s Death Has Impact On Nonprofit Cases - The NonProfit TimesThe NonProfit Times: "Zubik v. Burwell, a case before the Supreme Court of the United States, will help define how religiously affiliated nonprofits are viewed in the aftermath of the Affordable Care Act. The court might set the precedent without longtime Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, who died on Saturday at the age of 79"



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A Big Philanthropic Hole To Fill | The Jewish Week

A Big Philanthropic Hole To Fill | The Jewish Week: "uietly, with the forethought and grace that has distinguished the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies as a trendsetter in Jewish life since its launch three decades ago, the foundation effectively shut down at the end of 2015. With much of the operation closed and staff diminished, this year will be one of “spend down,” completing commitments to prior obligations but no longer entertaining new grant proposals."



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Roanoke Valley gears up for day of online giving

Roanoke Valley gears up for day of online giving: "ROANOKE (WSLS)– Across the nation, cities have hosted online give days to raise money for local charities and nonprofits, now Roanoke is getting in on the action.

The countdown is officially on for the first ever Roanoke Valley Gives Day, an online event that’s expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations.

The day of giving will begin on March 16, at 12:01 a.m. and will run for 24-hours straight. Organizers say they hope to raise $150,000 to benefit local nonprofits."



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IBM latest tech giant to launch blockchain concept » Charity Digital News

IBM latest tech giant to launch blockchain concept » Charity Digital News: "IBM has rolled out a Bitcoin-style blockchain concept that could make it easier for charities to receive secure payments online."



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Thursday, February 18, 2016

What does major gift excellence require? | 101fundraising

What does major gift excellence require? | 101fundraising: "I don’t mean what you need to get the job or even how to keep it. Too many nonprofits are willing to settle for less than the best. There are more available positions than there are good folks to fill them. You are employable without excellence.
What I’m talking about is what you need to be exceptional regardless of what the boss thinks or wants."



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Finance And Fundraising Equals Water And Oil - The NonProfit TimesExempt Magazine

Finance And Fundraising Equals Water And Oil - The NonProfit TimesExempt Magazine: "Nonprofit finance and fundraising teams might not only fail to know what the other is doing, the two might also be speaking different languages and have varying perceptions of their relationship.

More than half (56 percent) of surveyed fundraising professionals describe their relationship with coworkers in finance as somewhat or not at all collaborative, as compared to 45 percent of finance professionals who answered that way."



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Four tips any charity media team should know | nfpSynergy

Four tips any charity media team should know | nfpSynergy: "The focus of this session was how charity media teams can best ‘accentuate the positive’ – in other words, how to ensure that you or your spokesperson can highlight the good work of your charity when faced with the daunting prospect of a broadcast interview."



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Mergers Often Necessary to Keep History Alive | Nonprofit Quarterly

Mergers Often Necessary to Keep History Alive | Nonprofit Quarterly: "Last week, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) and the Old Court House Civil War Museum announced that they had entered into an agreement that would give the SVBF operating control of the Old Court House Civil War Museum. This is the latest in a series of mergers that have been announced across the country in an effort to preserve history in places that may otherwise have had to close museum doors. While the SVBF merger is in a more rural area, major metro area cultural institutions are thinking about combining their missions and collections, too."



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You Ask Your Donors for More Money All the Time – Why Don’t You Ask Your Boss? - Resource Center - AFP

You Ask Your Donors for More Money All the Time – Why Don’t You Ask Your Boss? - Resource Center - AFP: "The point is that you are perfecting the art and science of asking. It seems like time for a promotion, or for a raise—to be paid what you are worth. That ask, though, you’re not going to make. In fact, you freeze when you think about it. It’s just not done; people don’t ask for raises in nonprofits. Instead, you keep doing your job, and start to feel under-valued."



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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Transformational Giving: A Different Approach to the Fundraising Case For Support - Resource Center - AFP

Transformational Giving: A Different Approach to the Fundraising Case For Support - Resource Center - AFP: "Transformational Giving: A Different Approach to the Fundraising Case For Support"



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The AFP Blog: The Research is Clear: Invest in Donor Retention and Cultivation

The AFP Blog: The Research is Clear: Invest in Donor Retention and Cultivation: "The Research is Clear: Invest in Donor Retention and Cultivation
There’s more great research out now from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, delving deeper into statistics on donor retention.

The data in the new FEP supplement points to an inescapable fact: we have to focus on donor cultivation and major gifts. An ever-increasing proportion of fundraising revenue is coming from an increasingly smaller pool of donors. And as the FEP data shows, we’re not necessarily talking “major” donors, but individuals who give $250 or more. "



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