Philanthropists join to focus on best way to help schools - CharlotteObserver.com

Philanthropists join to focus on best way to help schools - CharlotteObserver.com: "Foundation for the Carolinas announced today the formation of a committee to explore the most effective and appropriate role for the philanthropic giving to play in the community’s quest to achieve key school system goals.

“This effort is an extraordinary opportunity for the private sector to deepen its support for public education,” said Catherine Bessant, the foundation’s governing board chair and a senior Bank of America executive."

Undergrad philanthropy program gets director | Philanthropy Journal

Undergrad philanthropy program gets director | Philanthropy Journal: "Julie Hatcher, a scholar in the field of service learning and service engagement in higher education, has been named to direct the first undergraduate program in the U.S. in philanthropic studies."

Kensington church celebrates four decades of pancakes for charity

Kensington church celebrates four decades of pancakes for charity: "It started with a simple need and an interesting proclamation more than 40 years ago.

The Rev. Charles Kirkley of St. Paul's United Methodist Church asked for a bus, and Jim Hobbs, president of United Methodist Men — a volunteer group at the Kensington church — decided it should be financed entirely out of pancakes and sausage."

Mass. Salvation Army Severs Ties With Local United Way - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Mass. Salvation Army Severs Ties With Local United Way - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Mass. Salvation Army Severs Ties With Local United Way
Citing deep cuts in United Way funds, the Salvation Army of Massachusetts has ended its 70-year relationship with the grant-making giant’s regional chapter, according to The Boston Globe.

The Christian social-services group said its direct grant from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley was set to drop to $171,000 next year, down 54 percent from three years ago. Salvation Army leaders “had to look at that and say, ‘What is happening with the relationship?’” said Maj. William Bode, a commander in the organization’s Massachusetts division."

Has your non-profit filed for its tax-exemption? | KIDK CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Idaho Falls - Pocatello - Blackfoot, ID - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot - Idaho | Local & Regional

Just one example of coverage of the upcoming deadline for small nonprofits to file.

Has your non-profit filed for its tax-exemption? | KIDK CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Idaho Falls - Pocatello - Blackfoot, ID - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot - Idaho | Local & Regional: "EASTERN IDAHO - The laws have changed for small non-profit organizations, and their tax-exemption deadline is getting closer."

On sharing among Jewish nonprofits | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

On sharing among Jewish nonprofits | The Fundermentalist | JTA - Jewish & Israel News: "In an opinion piece for JTA, marketing guru Gary Wexler uses recent research on the benefits of information sharing in the fight against Alzheimer’s as a jumping-off point to talk about sharing information within the Jewish nonprofit world.

You can check out the full piece on JTA, but here is an excerpt:"

How to Get Your Donors More Engaged | News for Social Entrepreneurs

How to Get Your Donors More Engaged | News for Social Entrepreneurs: "Generally, the answer on how to get a particular donor, or group of donors, more engaged isn’t a one shot ask, meeting, or phone call. Instead, the best way to get your donors more engaged is to develop a strong, organization-wide donor cultivation program that keeps your supporters informed and energized about your mission and current initiatives.

Your donor engagement plan should focus on the following five components:"

CT charitable grants climbed from 2006 to 2008 | Hartford Business

CT charitable grants climbed from 2006 to 2008 | Hartford Business: "Connecticut grantmakers distributed more than $902.7 million in 2008, a 22 percent increase from 2006, according to 2010 Connecticut Grantmaking Highlights published by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy."

SOI Tax Stats - SOI Bulletin: Summer 2010

SOI Tax Stats - SOI Bulletin: Summer 2010: "SOI Tax Stats - SOI Bulletin: Summer 2010"

Campaign Spotlight - Foundation and MTV Hope Campaign Is ‘Dead On’ With Youths - NYTimes.com

Campaign Spotlight - Foundation and MTV Hope Campaign Is ‘Dead On’ With Youths - NYTimes.com: "The American Legacy Foundation in Washington, which sponsors the anti-smoking “Truth” campaign, is joining forces with the MTV cable channel for an initiative called “The Real World: Zombieville.” The project is based on “The Real World,” the long-running reality series on MTV that brings together a group of young adults to live in a house in locales that have ranged from Brooklyn to Hawaii to Paris."

Survey shows how, why we give | StarTribune.com

Survey shows how, why we give | StarTribune.com: "Meanwhile, 61 percent of donors dropped checks in the mailbox -- including four of 10 donors under the age of 40.

Another 34 percent donated online, the survey said. And most people contributed to charities in several ways, said Lisa McIntrye, a Russ Reid senior vice president.

The 'Heart of the Donor'' report was based on interviews with more than 2,000 adults online and by telephone in June."

U.S. Open Tennis 2010: Andrea Jaeger's 20 Years of Good Deeds - The Daily Fix - WSJ

U.S. Open Tennis 2010: Andrea Jaeger's 20 Years of Good Deeds - The Daily Fix - WSJ: "Leaving tennis allowed Ms. Jaeger, now 45, to dedicate herself full-time to philanthropy and her Little Star Foundation, which helps children in need and is best known for its work improving the quality of life for children with cancer. The Wall Street Journal caught up with Ms. Jaeger at the U.S. Open, where she is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Little Star with a campaign to get people from all walks of life to donate one hour of their pay to her charity."

A Helping Hand From Uncle Sam

A Helping Hand From Uncle Sam: "Is your nonprofit on this IRS list of organizations that have not yet filed their Form 990-N (e-Postcard)? If so, Uncle Sam is offering a helping hand."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Why Are Hispanics Underrepresented on Boards?

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Why Are Hispanics Underrepresented on Boards?: "August 28, 2010; Source: Dallas Morning News | Racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented on nonprofit (and foundation!) governing boards, but Latinos are frequently more underrepresented than others. In Dallas, where there is a significant Hispanic population, nonprofits appear to be working on getting more Latinos into nonprofit governing positions. Why the underrepresentation? One of the two Latino board members at Mi Escuelita Preschool, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, ascribes the problem to the limited 'culture of philanthropy'"

Mother Teresa's work spurred growth of 'voluntourism' - Arts / Life - The Telegram

Mother Teresa's work spurred growth of 'voluntourism' - Arts / Life - The Telegram: "Mother Teresa may be remembered most today — her 100th birthday anniversary was Aug. 26 — for her lifelong work with the poor. But she also helped expand the modern notion of going on an overseas mission, encouraging ordinary people to take short breaks and volunteer on vacations."

Druckenmiller Sends Millions to Children, Robin Hood, New York University - Bloomberg

Druckenmiller Sends Millions to Children, Robin Hood, New York University - Bloomberg: "Transferring a quarter of his reported net worth to the nonprofit earned Druckenmiller the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s No. 1 ranking of largest individual charitable contributions in 2009. That year, he and his wife, Fiona, gave $100 million to New York University’s Langone Medical Center to create a neuroscience institute.

“The foundation gives you a billboard that says, ‘These are the causes I support,’” Stacy Palmer, the Chronicle’s editor, said in a phone interview. “It certainly lets nonprofits know what’s available.”"

Adorable Puppies and Children - Philanthropy Front and Center - New York

Adorable Puppies and Children - Philanthropy Front and Center - New York: "Allan Pressel, of CharityFinders, shared this and many other tips on Friday August 20, 2010, at the Foundation Center’s New York library in a presentation entitled Effective Online Storytelling.�

Telling a good story about your nonprofit is a way to pique the attention of past and potential donors, get publicity for your organization, and demonstrate the impact you are having. Stories give your visitors a reason to click through your web site and provide a reason to take action."

How Jargon Can Damage Nonprofit Work - Money and Mission - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

How Jargon Can Damage Nonprofit Work - Money and Mission - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "n a way, it's about good intentions gone horribly awry. Think about it—our addiction to high ideals and even loftier aspirations results in grant proposals and mission statements and bold promises that burden even our most creative and charismatic leaders with performance obligations that are impossible to meet. The result: burnout and a sense of failure that is frequently unwarranted.

If it were up to me, I would eliminate the following three words from the nonprofit vocabulary: innovative, transformative, and impactful. Here's why:"

BYU's Grantwell program makes an impact | Mormon Times

BYU's Grantwell program makes an impact | Mormon Times: "rantwell works for foundations and other large donors, offering grantmaking recommendations and assisting in strategic planning. Grantwell also provides opportunities to network with philanthropists, community leaders and other professional contacts. Ultimately, it prepares students for future work and service in the nonprofit sector.

Case in point: last year seven BYU MPA students, myself included, facilitated the distribution of $10,000 from the Peery Foundation to a nonprofit organization called Real Victory. This beneficial experience for the foundation, the nonprofit and the students took place because of this new, cutting-edge, student-run program. Grantwell bridges the gap between education and philanthropy, students and foundations."

How I wrote it... The Make A Wish Foundation prospect letter. | SOFII

How I wrote it... The Make A Wish Foundation prospect letter. | SOFII: "In the second of a series of interviews with leading fundraising writers, Harvey McKinnon talks with Fergal Byrne about a fundraising letter he wrote for the Make A Wish Foundation, Canada, in 2002. In this conversation Harvey tells how he wrote this letter and expands on his approach, paying special attention to the art and craft of writing and telling fundraising stories."

Competition in THON adds to total and cause - The Daily Collegian Online

Competition in THON adds to total and cause - The Daily Collegian Online: "Disclaimer: I love THON. During my time at Penn State, I have served as a THON Chairman for my fraternity, fundraised thousands of dollars for the cause, spent hours with our Four Diamonds Family and I have danced.
I have also lost both friends and family to cancer and have received meaningful emotional support through THON. As such, I fully support THON's goal of keeping the philanthropy's primary focus on conquering pediatric cancer."

Fairfax County homeless population falls as coalition grows

Fairfax County homeless population falls as coalition grows: "Those working to end homelessness in Fairfax County have made inroads in the past few years and could have even greater results with new efforts aimed at bringing businesses into the effort."

In the Arts: New Leadership Reshapes Major Art Museums - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

In the Arts: New Leadership Reshapes Major Art Museums - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "n the Arts: New Leadership Reshapes Major Art Museums
A new generation of directors is rethinking the roles of art museums, shifting away from the notion of the institutions as “cathedrals of culture” in an effort to remain relevant and reach out to younger and more diverse audiences, says The Wall Street Journal.

Museum chiefs in their 30s and 40s, like Kaywin Feldman, at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; Christoph Heinrich, at the Denver Art Museum; and Thom Collins, of the Miami Art Museum, are using new media, interactive exhibits, and social events to make the institutions more than simply places that collect and display art, The Journal writes."

The billionaire Koch brothers’ war against Obama : The New Yorker

The billionaire Koch brothers’ war against Obama : The New Yorker: "The gala marked the social ascent of Koch, who, at the age of seventy, has become one of the city’s most prominent philanthropists. In 2008, he donated a hundred million dollars to modernize Lincoln Center’s New York State Theatre building, which now bears his name. He has given twenty million to the American Museum of Natural History, whose dinosaur wing is named for him."

Score One for Learning 2.0 at ASAE Annual

Score One for Learning 2.0 at ASAE Annual

Will tough times trigger corporate art selloff?

Will tough times trigger corporate art selloff?: "Corporations collect art for a variety of reasons, of which turning a profit is often the least important. Some companies like to see supporting emerging artists as a form of corporate social responsibility, or philanthropy - works can be lent to museums and galleries for shows.

Others use art to flaunt their corporate wealth. Fred Goodwin, former chief executive of the once high-flying but now state-owned Royal Bank of Scotland used to boast about the David Hockney in his office."

Exit interviews for board members � Carol Weisman’s Blog On Fundraising, Philanthropy and Governance

Exit interviews for board members � Carol Weisman’s Blog On Fundraising, Philanthropy and Governance: "Many of you have board members whose terms are ending. As some board members leave, you might feel truly bereft. With others, you might be fighting the urge to run down the street screaming “free at last, free at last.” Regardless of how you feel about the board member who is leaving, an exit interview is invaluable.

Who should do the exit interview? You will want a current board member and the Executive Director/CEO. The board member might be the chair of the board or the chair of the governance/nominating committee. The reason you want two people, one from staff and one from board, is that based on what you learn from the interview, changes might need to be made from the governance or the program side. Also, if promises are made for future contributions, either intellectual or monetary, you will want some depth of institutional memory."

Colleges See Prospective Donors Among New Students

Colleges See Prospective Donors Among New Students: "On a growing number of campuses, first-year students are hearing another message. Please give. Not for tuition, but instead as a young donor.

With alumni-giving rates at record lows and lagging state support of postsecondary education, public and private schools alike are focusing their efforts on building lifetime loyalty among still-impressionable students."

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Cohen Report | A Community Development Bank Passes

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | The Cohen Report | A Community Development Bank Passes: "ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT stories for the nonprofit sector last week crept by with nary a mention in the press about its connection to nonprofits. ShoreBank, the nation’s preeminent community development bank, finally succumbed to a long spiral of financial troubles. ShoreBank will now be acquired and managed by a new entity, the Urban Partnership Bank, pulled together with investment support from major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase among others."

Mayors host breaks for children's charity group | thetowntalk.com | The Town Talk

Mayors host breaks for children's charity group | thetowntalk.com | The Town Talk: "Theresa Slater, who runs the Children's Miracle Network at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, said the two mayors are soliciting participation from businesses and schools for national Miracle Jeans Day on Sept. 15 to raise funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network hospitals across the country."