Friday, November 19, 2004

MSNBC - The top givers

MSNBC - The top givers: "Warren Buffett is famous for two things. First, for amassing the second-biggest fortune in the U.S. as one of the most talented investors the world has ever known. Second, for an aversion to spending a dime of that $41 billion on anything but the strictly necessary. That includes declining to provide his kids with fortunes of their own, collecting yachts or racehorses, or giving large chunks of his wealth to worthy causes. Thus it may strike some as the supreme paradox that the man who is one of America's greatest misers in life will probably become "

SEE Portal - Homepage / News / Opinion and Analyses - Southern Serbia Don't Trust the NGOs

SEE Portal - Homepage / News / Opinion and Analyses - Southern Serbia Don't Trust the NGOs: "Southern Serbia Don't Trust the NGOs
Veliborka Staletovic

19 November 2004

In Southern Serbia, if a debate or other event organized by a non-governmental organization attracted more than 40 citizens, it is declared a qualified success. Majority of citizens in the south don't trust the NGOs and think of most of them that they are 'foreign mercenaries'. The municipal authorities mostly cooperate with the third sector organizations that have proven themselves, whatever this statement may mean"

news-daily.com

news-daily.com: "Nonprofit reported to inspector general
By Greg Gelpi
An incident report about a local nonprofit's handling of grant money has been forwarded to the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General for investigation.
The Atlanta Regional Commission filed the incident report after learning that the Youth Empowerment Project Inc. diverted grant funds meant for job training to pay for its daily operations, said Mary Margaret Garrett, the chief of Workforce Development for the commission.
The Atlanta Regional Commission awarded the grant to Youth Empowerment, Garrett said. Grant recipients must sign contracts specifying how the grant money will be used. It's not common, but if 'suspicious' activity is found, it is procedure that an incident report is filed with the inspector general's office."

Forbes.com: Why The Spam Keeps Coming

Forbes.com: Why The Spam Keeps Coming: "Why The Spam Keeps Coming
Arik Hesseldahl, 11.19.04, 10:00 AM ET

NEW YORK - The latest statistics in my e-mail in-box are pretty grim. Out of the last 11,000 e-mails I've received, nearly 8,000, or about 72%, are considered 'spam.' "

Politics, IRS and NAACP

Politics, IRS and NAACP: "THE INTERNAL Revenue Service's investigation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People raises serious concerns about free speech and political activism in this country.
The NAACP, the nation's oldest, largest civil rights organization, is being probed by the IRS because the group's chairman, Julian Bond, 'condemned' White House policies last summer. In a speech at the NAACP convention in Philadelphia, Bond criticized Bush on civil rights, education, the economy, jobs and Iraq. "

baltimoresun.com - Hopkins to launch ad campaign - in N.Y.

baltimoresun.com - Hopkins to launch ad campaign - in N.Y.: "Hopkins will be happy if the ads draw patients to its East Baltimore hospital, but its primary goal is to use Hopkins' reputation for cutting-edge medicine to tap the checkbooks of New Yorkers and others.
'We're interested in casting a wider net for medical philanthropy,' Ronald R. Peterson, president of the Johns Hopkins Health System, said yesterday. "

Barnes & Noble and Verizon Announce Season's Readings: One Million Books for One Million Children

Barnes & Noble and Verizon Announce Season's Readings: One Million Books for One Million Children: "Barnes & Noble and Verizon Announce Season's Readings: One Million Books for One Million Children
Nationwide Holiday Effort to Provide Books to Children in Need
11/19/2004 8:30:00 AM










NEW YORK, Nov 19, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- According to the U.S. Department of Education, 61 percent of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for their children(a). To help put books in the hands of these children, Barnes & Noble, Inc., the world's largest bookseller, and Verizon, America's largest telecommunications company and Literacy Champion, today announced a joint program for this holiday season, 'Season's Readings: One Million Books for One Million Children.' The program encourages shoppers at Barnes & Noble stores all across the country and online at Barnes & Noble.com"

montgomeryadvertiser.com

montgomeryadvertiser.com: "EDITORIAL
Blount gift spurs work of foundation


For decades members of the Blount family have been among the greatest benefactors of charitable causes and the arts in Montgomery. Despite the deaths in recent years of patriarch Winton 'Red' Blount and his first wife, Mary Katharine Blount, that generosity continued this week with the donation of $9.6 million from the Mary Katherine Archibald Blount Foundation to the Central Alabama Community Foundation.
The gift was the largest to date to the Community Foundation, which raises endowment funds to meet the charitable needs of Montgomery and the surrounding area. It brings the endowments of the Community Foundation to more than $25 million."

ACEVO calls for shake-up in funding arrangements

content: "ACEVO calls for shake-up in funding arrangements17/11/04
There is need for a radical change in the way the sector deals with government funding, according to Stephen Bubb, head of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO).
Speaking at the Funding the Future conference in London today, Bubb said that there was little point in umbrella groups such as ACEVO or the National Council for Voluntary Organisations arguing with the government for full cost recovery if charities don�t know how much this is equates to."

Wired-GOV

Wired-GOV: "CROESO' TO THE WELSH WEBSITE

Visitors to the Charity Commission website now have better access to key information in Welsh. Coming six months after the opening of the Newport office, this marks the next stage in the Commission's programme to provide an improved service to Welsh charities.
Now customers who prefer to use Welsh can choose to view many of the key pages on the website in Welsh. Eventually, we aim to publish our key messages simultaneously in both English and Welsh."

NCVO Political Conference: Preparing for the Next Election

NCVO Political Conference: Preparing for the Next Election: "NCVO�s Political Conference aims to help campaigners and public affairs professionals in the sector to engage with current political issues and to develop their lobbying effectiveness. With plenary sessions featuring political players, opinion formers and commentators, it is designed to give you the information you need.
This year�s conference will look at the political agenda as we approach the likely General Election in the spring of 2005."

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Value added guarantee

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Value added guarantee: "Charities should be given a much broader role in delivering public services, says Stuart Etherington

Monday November 15, 2004

Whether it is multimillion pound health service contracts going to national disability charities or home visits for the elderly provided by local community groups, charities' involvement in public service delivery is fast becoming one of the key issues for all political parties. This is particularly significant in the run up to a general election.
UK charities now get 37% of their income from statutory sources. However, voluntary and community sector involvement in public service delivery is nothing new. One of the earliest examples of a charity delivering a service under contract to government was the Coram Family, who set up a sort of early form of Sure Start back in the 1760s. The boundary between charitable and voluntary sector delivery of public services and "

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Lottery fund head issues resignation warning

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Lottery fund head issues resignation warning: "Lottery fund head issues resignation warning

Debbie Andalo
Wednesday November 17, 2004

The chairman of the Big Lottery Fund warned today that he would resign, and probably take his board with him, if there is any government interference in how lottery money should be spent.
Sir Clive Booth said he will not tolerate any dictat from Whitehall, if it does not reflect the agreed themes of the fund."

Association Meeting Manager Salaries Decline

Association Meeting Manager Salaries Decline: "Association Meeting Manager Salaries Decline

NOVEMBER 18, 2004 -- Washington -- The median compensation of association meeting managers declined $3,762 over the past two years, a 5.8-percent drop, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) reported yesterday.

The median compensation for an association executive who primarily plans meetings and exhibitions is $61,438 this year, down from $65,200 in 2002, according to ASAE's Association Executive Compensation & Benefits Study.

Total compensation includes salary, bonuses, and the association's contribution to the employee's 401K retirement program.

When broken out between individual membership and trade associations, median compensation increased 12.7 percent for meeting managers who work at individual membership associations but decreased 19.3 percent for those employed by trade associations."

thedesertsun.com | Nonprofit donations cloud fund-raising by governor

thedesertsun.com | Nonprofit donations cloud fund-raising by governor: "SACRAMENTO -- Despite promises to open up government and even his own calendar for public review, Gov. Arnold Schwarz-enegger�s efforts to reshape California benefit from millions of dollars in spending by nonprofit groups that are not required to disclose where they get or how they spend their money. "

Scoop: Charities Bill Lacks Proper Scrutiny

Scoop: Charities Bill Lacks Proper Scrutiny: "Charities Bill Lacks Proper Scrutiny
Friday 19 Nov 2004
Dr Muriel Newman - Press Releases - Other

This week's special consultation meeting on the proposed re-write of the Charities Bill - organised by Labour for a small selected group of charitable organisations - is an indictment of New Zealand's democratic process, ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader Dr Muriel Newman said today.
'The Government has decided that it only needs to consult with only 20 or so organisations over the new version of the Bill. That means that the majority of the 750 organisations who made the effort to put in submissions on the original Bill are left in the dark. If they object to this and feel they should have been consulted they should sign my petition on www.charitiesbill.co.nz."

Thrift Store Worker Accused of Bilking Charity Funds

Thrift Store Worker Accused of Bilking Charity Funds: "Morgan County) - Police say a Martinsville thrift store volunteer allegedly wrote herself nearly $24,000 in checks from the charity's account.

The Red Barn thrift store and pantry just off the town square in Martinsville helps the poor by offering second hand clothing to the public. But a two-and-a-half month investigation by Martinsville police revealed one of the charity's top volunteers, Patty Owens, was giving a handout to herself"

TownOnline.com - The Register - Arts & Lifestyle

TownOnline.com - The Register - Arts & Lifestyle: "Non-profit agencies in search of volunteers may sign up now to exhibit at CapeCorps' Volunteer EXPO II, planned for April 26 at Four Points by Sheraton Hyannis Resort.

CapeCorps, the Volunteer Center of Cape Cod, is a program of the Cape & Islands United Way.

Non-profit agencies may register online at CapeCorps.org or contact Jane Nichols Bishop at 508 398-1997."

Chorus honors pair for arts philanthropy - The Washington Times: Entertainment - November 19, 2004

Chorus honors pair for arts philanthropy - The Washington Times: Entertainment - November 19, 2004: "Chorus honors pair for arts philanthropy


A group of people who love to sing were joined by a group of admirers who love to hear them do it during a Tuesday evening soiree at the Embassy of France.
It was the Washington Chorus' annual fall fund-raiser, this year honoring Janet Brown and Michael Brewer, a music-minded married couple known for their ardent support of the arts in this city"

US News Article | Reuters.com IRS Collects Record Revenue from Enforcement

US News Article | Reuters.com: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. tax officials collected record revenue of $43.1 billion in fiscal 2004 from enforcement cases that scrutinized tax returns of large businesses and high-income people, the government said on Thursday.
The Internal Revenue Service said fiscal 2004 enforcement revenue climbed 15 percent from the $37.6 billion collected the year earlier.
In fiscal 2005, IRS Commissioner Mark Everson said the IRS would audit more small businesses and tax-exempt organizations, including charities and other groups that may have broken tax rules by supporting or opposing a specific candidate during the U.S. presidential election. "

dailypennsylvanian.com - U. calls off frat poker event due to Pa. law

dailypennsylvanian.com - U. calls off frat poker event due to Pa. law: "U. calls off frat poker event due to Pa. law
Interpretation of gambling rules could impact other types of events
By alex dubilet
November 19, 2004


Phi Kappa Sigma's charity poker event, originally planned for tomorrow, was unexpectedly called off by the University earlier this week despite over a month of planning.
University officials characterized the event as a violation of state gambling laws. This cancellation may have broader ramifications for Penn's poker scene and other fundraising efforts across activities."

Rub a dub dub, a frat in a tub - Student Life - News

Rub a dub dub, a frat in a tub - Student Life - News: "Kappa Sigma's Hot-Tubathon has transformed the Swamp into a scene of charitable hot-tubing. Until 10 a.m. Saturday, Washington University students can buy thirty minutes in the 50-person hot tub with either five dollars or three canned food items. All proceeds will benefit the St. Louis Foodbank."

Bloomberg.com: U.S.

Bloomberg.com: U.S.: "Oprah Is First Black American Among Business Week's Top Givers
Nov. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Television talk-show host Oprah Winfrey is the first black American on Business Week's annual list of the Top 50 U.S. philanthropists.
Winfrey, 50, ranks No. 40 on the list with $151 million in gifts and pledges from 2000 through 2004, Business Week said in a statement. Also new to the list is Veronica Atkins, the widow of Dr. Robert Atkins, who pledged $500 million to help fight diabetes and obesity. "

CBC Calgary - Casino fundraising raised as election issue

This article was forwarded by Tami Mallette
CBC Calgary - Casino fundraising raised as election issue: "Casino fundraising raised as election issue
Last Updated Nov 18 2004 01:49 PM MST
Edmonton � Concerns over inequities in school fundraising are being heard on the doorstep during this campaign, as parents worry about using casinos to raise money.
Some say that casino fundraising isn't fair to inner-city schools that don't have parent councils to organize the volunteer nights, which can raise as "

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Football culture, not record, keeps money rolling in

Football culture, not record, keeps money rolling in: "Football culture, not record, keeps money rolling in
Collegian in-depth


By Alison Herget
Collegian Staff Writer
Penn State alumnus Michael Hashin is a dedicated fan.
He has been to every home football game since 1984 and says he's seen the best and the worst of games and tailgating festivities. He donates annually to Penn State athletics for his prime parking spot and seating for the game.
But that little extra bang for his buck has not come this year, as wins have been few.
If the fall continues, he says, there is a possibility he would stop coming to games and halt his donations. However, that possibility is slight."

Big Bam charity in limbo

Big Bam charity in limbo: "Big Bam charity in limbo
Todd Wallack, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, November 18, 2004
A New York breast cancer charity that raised thousands of dollars from the San Francisco Giants and other donors suspended its operations last week amid allegations that it misspent donations on everything from a tropical vacation to advice from a psychic.
In a statement posted on its Web site, the Big Bam Foundation said its board of directors decided to freeze the organization's activities until it can complete a 'review of the organization and its business practices.' "

Centre Daily Times | 11/18/2004 | Community foundations worth celebrating

Centre Daily Times | 11/18/2004 | Community foundations worth celebrating: "Community foundations worth celebrating


Strike up the band. Cue the trumpets. It's National Community Foundation Week.
Nov. 15-22 is Community Foundation Week and there should be parades and rejoicing across the land. But, alas, no one will light even a single sparkler.
But we should. There should be festivities galore to celebrate these special organizations that are so successful and so dedicated to providing for the future needs for all of us, for generations to come"

Looking for Philanthropic Leaders in NC

Looking for Philanthropic Leaders in NC
Carolina Journal Exclusives
Looking for Philanthropic Leaders in NC
Bank of America and SAS develop innovative approaches in corporate philanthropy

By Paige Holland Hamp
November 18, 2004

RALEIGH — We are fortunate to live in a state that has a rich philanthropic history. Perhaps it is because we are in “God’s country” and are taught as youngsters to share with those less fortunate or it could be that North Carolina knows corporate philanthropy is just good business. For years companies have provided funding, volunteers, and in-kind resources to support education, health care, and a myriad of other causes with varied levels of effectiveness.

Today, corporate philanthropy is a critical part of North Carolina’s success in meeting the needs of millions of citizens and a few companies are taking bold new directions in their philanthropic efforts. Two leaders in North Carolina are Bank of America, headquartered in Charlotte, and SAS, based in Cary.


yAhoo! News - GOP changes ethics rule to protect House leader DeLay

Yahoo! News - GOP changes ethics rule to protect House leader DeLay: "GOP changes ethics rule to protect House leader DeLay

Thu Nov 18, 6:24 AM ET Politics - USATODAY.com
By William M. Welch USA TODAY
House Republicans moved Wednesday to protect controversial Majority Leader Tom DeLay's job in case he is indicted by a Texas grand jury on political corruption charges.
Republicans changed an 11-year-old rule requiring party leaders or committee chairmen to give up those posts if indicted on felony charges."

Daily Home - Proposed federal rules may threaten AIDB autonomy

Daily Home - Proposed federal rules may threaten AIDB autonomy: "Proposed federal rules may threaten AIDB autonomy
By Blair Hadley
11-17-2004
TALLADEGA � A proposed change in the rules that regulate the administration of a federal act may jeopardize the autonomy of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.
In a brief presentation Tuesday during an AIDB Board of Trustees meeting, Billy Sparkman, executive director for Alabama Industries for the Blind, outlined proposed changes in the rules that govern the administration of the Javits-Wagner-O�Day Act of 1971. The act provides a mandate that the government purchase a certain portion of its supplies from companies that employ blind or severely handicapped workers."

The Stage Online :: News :: Threat to charitable status of arts groups

The Stage Online :: News :: Threat to charitable status of arts groups: "Threat to charitable status of arts groups
Ruth Gillespie
The Royal Opera House
Arts organisations such as the Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne could have their charitable status removed under proposed legislation that will monitor the public benefit provided by companies charging high ticket prices.
Speaking at a recent National Campaign for the Arts seminar on the draft charities bill, published in May, Home Office official Richard Weatherill told delegates that in future, applicants will be asked to prove how their organisation provides a public service before being granted charitable status. In addition, existing charities will be subject to regular checks on their fee-charging practices to ensure that they continue to operate for the public good and not for private advantage. "

The Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News - 18-Nov-04 - Charity poker:
Like a mobster, state wants a take

The Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News - 18-Nov-04 - Charity poker:
Like a mobster, state wants a take
: "Charity poker:
Like a mobster, state wants a take
THERE IS an old quip that when it comes to organized crime, the Mafia is a piker compared to the government. That looked true last week when state officials let it be known that they coveted charity poker money.
�. . . if the state is going to allow gambling for charitable purposes and we�re getting into high-stakes stuff, I think the state should get some revenue from it,� House Finance Chairman Neal Kurk, R-Weare, said. "

Reuters AlertNet - PAKISTAN: Charitable donations needed for social development

Reuters AlertNet - PAKISTAN: Charitable donations needed for social development: "PAKISTAN: Charitable donations needed for social development
17 Nov 2004 14:36:12 GMT

Source: IRIN

ISLAMABAD, 17 November (IRIN) - Philanthropic organisations in Pakistan are calling on civil society to help channel charitable donations towards sustainable social development initiatives and so reduce the country's dependence on foreign aid.
'Having an Islamic and charitable instinct, we make many philanthropic contributions but we don't have much visible impact, mainly because people are not giving in an institutionalised and organised way, instead a personal approach of giving directly to needy persons has flourished,' Ali Raza, a programme manager at Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP), told IRIN in the capital, Islamabad. "

International Giving by U.S. Foundations Reaches $3 Billion :: PNNOnline :: the nonprofit news and information resource

International Giving by U.S. Foundations Reaches $3 Billion :: PNNOnline :: the nonprofit news and information resource: "International Giving by U.S. Foundations Reaches $3 Billion
Posted by: laurakujawski on Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Topic General Fundraising
Annual foundation funding for international programs reached $3 billion for the fourth year in a row in 2003, despite an economic downturn, terrorist attacks, and the launch of an ongoing war on terror, according to International Grantmaking III: An Update on U.S. Foundation Trends, a new report prepared and published by the New York City-based Foundation Center with the support and collaboration of the Council on Foundations in Washington, DC. "

PRESS RELEASE: Report Shows Widespread Use of E-learning Among Nonprofits

PRESS RELEASE: Report Shows Widespread Use of E-learning Among Nonprofits: "Report Shows Widespread Use of E-learning Among Nonprofits
The first-ever Nonprofit and Association E-learning Survey shows wide and growing adoption of e-learning among nonprofit organizations and associations, with more than 54 percent of total respondents either using e-learning or planning to in the next 12 months.
Carrboro, NC (PRWEB) November 18, 2004 -- The first-ever Nonprofit and Association E-learning Survey shows wide and growing adoption of e-learning among nonprofit organizations and associations, with more than 54 percent of total respondents either using e-learning or planning to in the next 12 months. Sponsored by Isoph (http://www.isoph.com) and N-TEN (http://www.nten.org), the survey provides the first broad data on mission-based organizations� use of e-learning technologies. From August 24 through September 15, 2004, 697 individuals responded to the Web-based survey, offering important insight into how nonprofits and associations develop and use e-learning.


Nonprofits line up to aid city

Nonprofits line up to aid city: "Nonprofits line up to aid city
Foundation will decide which services to fund
Thursday, November 18, 2004
By Timothy McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh nonprofits agreed to help the city dig out of its budget hole yesterday and name a foundation to oversee funding for city services"

TownOnline.com - Somerville Journal - Arts & Lifestyle

TownOnline.com - Somerville Journal - Arts & Lifestyle: "Mystic River watershed group aided by philanthropic catalogue
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The Mystic River Watershed Association has been selected as a Massachusetts 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy charity. This year's edition of the catalogue will profile 69 of Massachusetts' outstanding environmental, cultural and human service agencies as 'examples of excellence' in Massachusetts philanthropy."

DMNews.com | News | Article CAN-SPAM Targets Text Messaging

DMNews.com | News | Article: "As people move toward using solely a cellular telephone as opposed to a residential landline, marketers have begun to try to contact those individuals through wireless means. The Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission and Congress have been quick to follow with laws regulating this new market and technology.
Last year, Congress began its efforts to curb e-mail spam by enacting the CAN-SPAM Act, which took effect Jan. 1. This created disclosure requirements for commercial e-mails, plus a requirement that senders provide a method for recipients to opt out of receiving further messages. "

Ottawa Business Journal - News Story

Ottawa Business Journal - News Story: "Charities add e-giving to their arsenal of fundraising tools
By Ottawa Business Journal Staff
Wed, Nov 17, 2004 2:00 PM EST


The fundraising employees at Amnesty International's Ottawa office thought it might be a mistake, so they called the donor. He confirmed that he really did want to give $10,000 to the worldwide human rights organization, using his credit card through www.amnesty.ca "

TheStar.com - Banking on philanthropy

TheStar.com - Banking on philanthropy: "Banking on philanthropy
Customers can donate their wealth through the Toronto-Dominion Bank's Private Giving Foundation Charitable sector expected to grow with government funding being whittled away, writes Stuart Laidlaw Customers can donate wealth through TD Bank

`Government is not there and we need to ste"

NP Times / Special Report: Donor Advised Fund Reform Appears Near

NP Times / Special Report: Donor Advised Fund Reform Appears Near: "Special Report: Donor Advised Fund Reform Appears Near
By Robert Ford
The days of semi-regulated donor advised funds (DAF) might be numbered as the U.S. Senate Finance Committee looks to clamp down on a sector that has had abuse allegations.
Yet, among the largest DAFs, there already appears to be acceptance of some of the committee�s propositions. �Reforming donor advised funds is a large philanthropic issue,� said Benjamin Pierce, executive director of the Malvern, Pa.-based Vanguard Charitable Endowment Fund. With DAFs becoming so successful and with little regulation, it is an area ripe for abuse.
Some regulations on DAFs might come as soon as this fall, with more sweeping change likely in 2005, according to Jill Gerber, spokeswoman for the Senate Finance Committee."

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Saving the world - or scoring a free holiday?

SocietyGuardian.co.uk Society Saving the world - or scoring a free holiday?: "Saving the world - or scoring a free holiday?
Sunday November 14, 2004
The Observer

Imagine you have the chance to go on an exotic adventure and make the world a better place at the same time. You'd leap at the chance. Your friends would be brimming with admiration and do anything to help. Like sell themselves into slavery? Well, maybe they'd think twice about that one, but it's one of the ideas offered by a travel company that sends travellers to far-flung places to raise money for charity. "

9/11 Fund Disbursements Could Have Been More Fair, Report Finds (washingtonpost.com)

9/11 Fund Disbursements Could Have Been More Fair, Report Finds (washingtonpost.com): "9/11 Fund Disbursements Could Have Been More Fair, Report Finds
By Christopher Lee
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 17, 2004; 2:13 PM
The federal compensation for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks would have been distributed more fairly and efficiently if equal payouts were given to all families instead of basing awards on factors such as the victim's age and potential lost income, the fund's administrator said in a final report released today. "

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ex-official sues CEO, directors of troubled charity

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ex-official sues CEO, directors of troubled charity: "November 17, 2004
A former vice president at Episcopal Community Services has filed suit against the charity, its chief executive and its board of directors, lodging complaints about financial impropriety and mismanagement.

Advertisement

At least 10 other ECS executives have resigned in the past three years, with several expressing similar concerns. The Rev. David L. Norgard is the first to sue the troubled social services agency. "

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ex-official sues CEO, directors of troubled charity

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ex-official sues CEO, directors of troubled charity: "November 17, 2004
A former vice president at Episcopal Community Services has filed suit against the charity, its chief executive and its board of directors, lodging complaints about financial impropriety and mismanagement.

Advertisement

At least 10 other ECS executives have resigned in the past three years, with several expressing similar concerns. The Rev. David L. Norgard is the first to sue the troubled social services agency. "

Online edition of Daily News - News

Online edition of Daily News - News: "Resource mobilisation workshop
The 2004 South Asia Regional Resource Mobilisation Workshop, the theme of which is the 'Diversifying funding sources: Challenges and opportunities in South Asia 'has been organised by the Centre for Advancement of Resource Mobilization (CARM) in partnership with the Resource Alliance from November 20 to 23 at Trans Asia Hotel, Colombo.
Resource Alliance, a UK registered charity is an international network working to build the capacity of not-for-profit organisations to mobilise funds and local resources for their causes. "

DMNews.com | News | Article

DMNews.com | News | Article: "Debt Consolidator Drops Pre-emption Request
Nov. 17, 2004

By: Scott Hovanyetz
Senior Reporter
scotth@dmnews.com
A Florida debt consolidation firm withdrew a petition asking the Federal Communications Commission to pre-empt Florida's no-call law, according to an FCC document released yesterday.
Express Consolidation Inc., Delray Beach, FL, settled a no-call complaint filed against it by the state, making the petition unnecessary, the FCC said. Had the petition proceeded, the case would have been a test of the FCC's position that state laws regarding interstate telemarketing calls 'almost certainly' are pre-empted if they differ with federal law. "

Survey: Nonprofits more familiar with Sarbanes - 2004-11-16 - South Florida Business Journal

Survey: Nonprofits more familiar with Sarbanes - 2004-11-16 - South Florida Business Journal: "Survey: Nonprofits more familiar with Sarbanes
Awareness of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has surged in the nonprofit industry over the last year, Grant Thornton International reports. The accounting, tax and business advisory said its second annual survey for nonprofit organizations showed 83 percent of survey respondents as 'very' or 'somewhat' familiar with the act, up from 56 percent in 2003. "

Boston.com / Business / Retailer discord rings over charity's bells

Boston.com / Business / Retailer discord rings over charity's bells

Panels: Nonprofits must pay city - PittsburghLIVE.com

Panels: Nonprofits must pay city - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Panels: Nonprofits must pay city
Tools Print this article
E-mail this article
Subscribe to this paper
Larger / Smaller Text

By Andrew Conte and Brian Bowling
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, November 17, 2004


Nonprofits can choose not to help Pittsburgh with $6 million in annual contributions, but there will be consequences if they don't, the leaders of two groups overseeing the city's finances said Tuesday.
The Pittsburgh Foundation invited more than four dozen tax-exempt nonprofits to meet at its Downtown offices this afternoon to discuss whether they will contribute to the ailing city. Several nonprofits say they will consider contributing, but have not yet committed. "

Delta Democrat Times Online: Local News

Delta Democrat Times Online: Local News: "Local News
Nonprofits part of Mississippi's economic scene


The Mississippi Center for Nonprofits in Jackson released a comprehensive report in October titled 'The Mississippi Nonprofit Sector,' which provides an overview of the state of nonprofits in Mississippi.

Besides all the statistical information provided, there is also information that shows the Delta is alive and well when it comes to the number of nonprofits operating in our counties and communities.

In Washington County, the report cites 52 reporting charitable nonprofits in 2002, which doesn't include ones registered with the Internal Revenue Service but not required to file with the IRS. Not included are such groups as youth sports leagues, rescue squads, garden clubs and church groups."

The growth of venture philanthropy

: "The growth of venture philanthropy
Tuesday, November 16, 2004 3:10 PM EST




Over the eons, as man transcended from survival level subsistence to varying degrees of surplus, charitable works took on new dimensions. Aristotle said, 'To give money away is an easy matter, and in any man's power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man's power -- nor an easy matter. Hence it is that excellence is rare, praiseworthy and noble.'

Economists and social scientists have long pondered the motivations behind philanthropy. Why would a person work hard to create wealth, only to give it away? Religion is one answer. But as Robert (Bob) Buford explained in his 1994 book, Halftime, the desire to change one's game plan after age 50 from 'success to significance' offers intriguing ponderances for future planning. "

Foundation accounts an option for giving

Foundation accounts an option for giving: "Foundation accounts an option for giving
December 20, 2001
BY TERRY SAVAGE SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

The holiday season brings out the spirit of giving, and--in spite of the recession--Americans are proving again that they are the most generous people in the world. But there's a way to take that charitable spirit a step further to leverage your giving. Wealthy people create their own charitable foundations. And now, so can you. It's easy--and free--if you take advantage of the donor-advised funds set up by many mutual fund companies. "

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Students get real-life experience in philanthropy - The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA

Students get real-life experience in philanthropy - The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA: " the business of philanthropy, it's called 'leverage.'
Just another way to say getting the biggest bang for the buck, usually by giving money to attract matching donations, or to support volunteers.
But it was 'double leverage' Monday night when 16 students in the University of Oregon's Graduate Seminar in Philanthropy awarded $10,000 to the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Lane County. "

TheOmahaChannel.com - Education - UNO Offers How-To-Give-Money-Away 101

TheOmahaChannel.com - Education - UNO Offers How-To-Give-Money-Away 101: "UNO Offers How-To-Give-Money-Away 101
Students In Charge Of Donating $5,000
POSTED: 9:33 am CST November 16, 2004
UPDATED: 10:38 am CST November 16, 2004
OMAHA, Neb. -- At the University of Nebraska-Omaha, students are learning how to give away money thanks to a new course in philanthropy.
The class, the first of its kind at UNO, also teaches how to get others to donate and how to get a donation if you are part of a nonprofit organization.
It's only fitting that students at a university in Nebraska, considered one of the most generous states in the country, are the first to participate in the unprecedented course."

Evening Telegraph: News Scottish Charity News

Evening Telegraph: News: "Scots charities move welcomed
The Dundee-based Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator will be granted greater powers to clampdown on rogue groups if a new Bill introduced to the Scottish Parliament today is approved, writes Graham Huband.
OSCR Chief Executive Jane Ryder welcomed the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill as a vehicle to modernise charity law in Scotland and create a �fair and consistent� regulatory framework for Scotland�s 25,000 charity groups.
The proposed legislation follows the McFadden Review by the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission and the publication of a draft Bill by the Scottish Executive earlier this year.
Scotland-wide consultation took place during the summer and the proposals "

Ministers bid to wipe out charity scams - Evening Times

Ministers bid to wipe out charity scams - Evening Times
As the Evening Times revealed in June, the new legislation will force Scottish charities to reveal how much of the money they raise goes to good causes.
And professional fundraisers – "chuggers" or "charity muggers

Youth group to introduce publication about giving

Youth group to introduce publication about giving: " new financial publication � geared toward the under-21 crowd � that highlights how to spend, save, invest and donate is set to debut Wednesday.
Reno is one of 10 cities nationwide selected for the first release of �Making Change for the Better: The Importance of Youth Giving.� When author Shuan Butcher of Maryland put out notice he was seeking cities to launch the publication, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada responded"

Telegraph | Money | Spitzer's campaign 'is hitting British brokers'

Telegraph | Money | Spitzer's campaign 'is hitting British brokers': "Spitzer's campaign 'is hitting British brokers'
By Andrew Cave (Filed: 16/11/2004)

The British Insurance Brokers Association went on the offensive yesterday, claiming that New York attorney general Eliot Spitzer's campaign against American insiders is 'unfairly damaging the UK market'."

Bloomberg.com: U.S.Spitzer may Urge more Insurance Oversight in Senate Testimonyy

Bloomberg.com: U.S.: "Spitzer May Urge More Insurance Oversight in Senate Testimony
Nov. 16 (Bloomberg) -- New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer may tell a U.S. Senate subcommittee today that federal oversight of the insurance industry is inevitable after his allegations of price manipulation and kickbacks.
``You can argue that states have failed'' as insurance regulators, Spitzer said last week at a Practicing Law Institute seminar in New York, predicting an ``inevitable'' shift to federal regulation. ``Very serious problems have been picked up.'' "

Nonprofit boards need education, Spitzer says

Nonprofit boards need education, Spitzer says
By ALLAN DRURY
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: November 16, 2004)
WHITE PLAINS — Education, not prosecution, is the best way to ensure that those who serve on the boards of charities and other nonprofit organizations provide the oversight to keep those groups in compliance with the law, state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said yesterday.

Spitzer said those who serve on the boards are often people who have been large donors. They might feel they have fulfilled their obligation to help and fail to ask tough questions of the executives and others running the operation, he said.

BBC NEWS | Scotland | Get-tough curbs on charity laws

BBC NEWS | Scotland | Get-tough curbs on charity laws: "Get-tough curbs on charity laws

The voluntary sector has welcomed the crackdown
A new fund-raising watchdog is to be given beefed-up powers to restore public confidence in giving to charity.
Ministers want to improve the role of the Charity Regulator so people know how much is both raised and spent by individual organisations.
It is hoped the new Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill will boost public confidence in the sector. "

Money Center - Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal

Money Center - Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal: "Cashing in on donations
Software for nonprofits becomes very for-profit
Sarah Duxbury
'Donate Now.'
Almost every nonprofit web site makes that one-click pitch to visitors. A host of software companies -- both for-profit and not-for-profit -- are rushing to help them make it, and investors are seeing market opportunities.
Last month, GetActive in Berkeley closed a $7 million venture round co-led by Pacific Partners and El Dorado Ventures. The 4-year-old company had previously raised $2 million from private investors. It reached profitability two years ago. GetActive has annual revenue over $5 million and 70 employees split between Berkeley and Washington, D.C.
The two biggest companies making software expressly for nonprofits, Kintera in San Diego and Blackbaud in Charleston, S.C., both went public in the past 12 months and have seen their share prices rise. And Convio of Austin, Texas, the fourth large player in the field, closed $15"

'Working in the Theatre': Nonprofits Creatively Challenge Broadway

'Working in the Theatre': Nonprofits Creatively Challenge Broadway

Monday, November 15, 2004

News Sentinel | 11/15/2004 | Better Business Bureau standards for nonprofits are new yardstick for accountability.

News Sentinel | 11/15/2004 | Better Business Bureau standards for nonprofits are new yardstick for accountability.: "Better Business Bureau standards for nonprofits are new yardstick for accountability.
By Kevin Leininger
kleininger@news-sentinel.com
The United Way of Allen County hopes to raise $6.6 million by the time its annual campaign ends March 15. But until last month, there was a glaring omission from its list of potential contributors."

Telegraph | News | Diana Fund officials face fresh US court appearance

Telegraph | News | Diana Fund officials face fresh US court appearance: "The officials of a charity set up to honour Diana, Princess of Wales will face public scrutiny in a United States court despite settling a �14 million legal action from an American souvenir company last week."

blackenterprise.com

blackenterprise.com: "FileMaker Donations 2.0 Upgrades Easy-to-Use Fundraising Management Software
Source: PRNewswire
PRESS RELEASE
Publication date: 2004-11-15


SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- FileMaker, Inc. announced today shipment of FileMaker Donations 2.0, a ready-to-use donations management application that helps charitable organizations and other non-profits plan, track and streamline their fundraising campaigns, donations and donor outreach efforts. FileMaker Donations 2.0 features several new capabilities since its groundbreaking introduction in 2003, including a complete re-design of the application to take advantage of the award-winning FileMaker Pro 7, launched earlier in 2004. "

Nonprofits can thrive by using 'feedback loops' - 2004-11-15 - Birmingham Business Journal

Nonprofits can thrive by using 'feedback loops' - 2004-11-15 - Birmingham Business Journal: "Nonprofits can thrive by using 'feedback loops'
Russell Richey
Nonprofits and benevolent organizations, just like their for-profit corporate cousins, have an audience or constituencies that "

Ohio clarifies laws covering charity bingo, other games - 2004-11-15 - Business First of Columbus

Ohio clarifies laws covering charity bingo, other games - 2004-11-15 - Business First of Columbus: "Ohio clarifies laws covering charity bingo, other games
Michael Zatezalo
Ohio authorized charitable gaming in 1976 after voters passed a ballot issue permitting charitable bingo. "

Oshkosh Northwestern - How much we give from the wallet has always been a matter of heart

Oshkosh Northwestern - How much we give from the wallet has always been a matter of heart: "So, what�s wrong with Wisconsin?

George McCully, president of the Catalogue for Philanthropy and a native of Minnesota, said we�re not a bunch of scrooges in Wisconsin.

�Giving in America is not related to income. It�s related to culture,� McCully said. �People who go to church give more to secular charities than people who don�t. If you have an affluent secular culture your giving will probably be low.�"

Crain's Detroit Business

Crain's Detroit Business: "African American Legacy alums spread knowledge
By Sherri Begin
� November 15, 2004


Alumni of the African American Legacy program are putting into practice at various Detroit area nonprofits what they have learned about increasing charitable giving from African-Americans.
The seven-year program, which began in 1996 and ended in 2003, brought together nonprofits, foundations, churches and professionals to educate African-Americans about expanding their giving beyond churches, alumni associations and United Way drives."

Managing charitable funds in tough economic times - 2004-11-15 - Business First of Columbus

Managing charitable funds in tough economic times - 2004-11-15 - Business First of Columbus: "Managing charitable funds in tough economic times
Heidi Jark and John Schmitz
Changes in the economy have created new challenges for businesses and nonprofits alike. The key to riding out difficult economic times, however, is to view the downward trend as an opportunity for growth and not a roadblock along the path to charitable giving. "

Charity Village� NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village� NewsWeek: Cover Story: "The Role of CMAs in Voluntary Sector Accountability
November 15, 2004
By Chris Markham

Canada's 161,000 voluntary sector organizations provide community and social services; organize cultural, educational and recreational activities; and lobby for social, political and economic change. The ability to assess and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of their activities is often hampered by the absence of appropriate measures, frameworks, and baseline data. Given the considerable amount of trust invested in the voluntary sector, the need for enhanced accountability continues to receive a significant amount of attention.

With the help of Certified Management Accountants (CMAs), some voluntary sector organizations are taking steps to ensure that their accountability frameworks drive comprehensive performance management toward their vision and mission. A discussion document produced "

MSN Money - Breaking News

MSN Money - Breaking News: "At its core is the idea that saving and investment are good and should be encouraged by the tax code.
The USA tax would allow taxes to be deferred on income that is saved or invested until that money is spent. It would also allow some current popular deductions to be retained, including those for charitable giving and home mortgage interest. "

PRESS RELEASE: New Charity Concept Aims to Donate Millions in Commission Payments to Charitable Causes

PRESS RELEASE: New Charity Concept Aims to Donate Millions in Commission Payments to Charitable Causes: "New Charity Concept Aims to Donate Millions in Commission Payments to Charitable Causes
Announcing the launch today 15th November 2004, of a new website designed to generate free donations for the world�s favourite charities. The My Charity First Foundation leverages affiliate marketing programs to generate money for charity and places the general public in the driving seat for deciding which charities should benefit. Why? Because the world has never been so dependant on its charitable organizations, and because the top e-commerce websites are spending millions each month on affiliate marketing programs that are seldom used to finance good causes. The My Charity First Foundation has combined these factors and has provided the general public with a tool to turn these millions into charitable donations for the causes that are important to them.
(PRWEB) November 15, 2004 -- The My Charity First Foundation is involved in a continuing process to develop relationships with charitable organizations and the top e-commerce websites. Through these relationships it has established a hub that links to the most popular e-commerce websites and provides a quick and simple medium that allows it�s users to select those charities that they wish to benefit. "

Newsday.com - Business: Long Island and New York City

Newsday.com - Business: Long Island and New York City: "Washington -- 'Try it. You'll like it,' says Kae Dakin, president of Washington Grantmakers.

She is talking about first-timers pondering giving time and money to nonprofit organizations and charities. But newcomers first have to choose the nonprofits and charities in which to invest time and money"

Charity Turning Into a Business

Charity Turning Into a Business: "Charity Turning Into a Business
Hassan Adawi, Arab News



A street peddler sits with her children and simple wares waiting for customers who might buy rice for Zakah Al-Fitr. (AN photo by Salman Marzouki)

JEDDAH, 13 November 2004 � Unscrupulous traders are turning Zakah Al-Fitr into a business instead of the charity it is supposed to be. Street peddlers are raking in cash by recycling rice bought for use as a charitable donation through relatives posing as poor and needy."

MSNBC - Bay Area nonprofit executives rack up big salary gains

MSNBC - Bay Area nonprofit executives rack up big salary gains: "Scandals, increased scrutiny and a lackluster economy may have helped slow the growth in compensation for the nation's foundations, arts groups and charities, but some Bay Area nonprofit executives continue to profit handsomely. "

Times-Standard Online - Local News

Times-Standard Online - Local News: " The Northern California Association of Nonprofits will hold its annual members and business meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting is to plan next year's programs and set goals for the organization, which has grown considerably in size, community support and participation during the past two years. Anyone with interest in or connection to the Public Benefit Sector -- members and nonmembers alike -- is invited. "

Catalogues That Offer Help With Giving Rather Than Buying (washingtonpost.com)

Catalogues That Offer Help With Giving Rather Than Buying (washingtonpost.com): "It's the start of the begging . . . er . . . giving season again.
You can probably tell. Your mailbox is stuffed with solicitations from various charities. The airwaves are filled with pleas from this or that group, asking you to donate your clunker in return for a tax deduction"

Chicagobusiness.com

Chicagobusiness.com: "Fund-raisers seek patient health data
Privacy waivers in use at Northwestern, Rush
By Sarah A. Klein
The biggest physician group at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is asking patients to waive new federal privacy rights so their names and medical diagnoses can be passed on to fund-raisers.
The aim is to identify patients interested in specific diseases who would likely support research initiatives. Raising money by targeting patients with a given illness was made more difficult by privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which went into effect in April 2003."

NPR : Muslims Turn to Local Charities

NPR : Muslims Turn to Local Charities

Hispanic Business - Hispanic Business Magazine 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year

Hispanic Business - Hispanic Business Magazine 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year: "Hispanic Business last night also presented its second-annual Lifetime Achievement Award. Honoring the pivotal role of academia in entrepreneurial evolution, this year's award winner is Marta Tienda, professor of Demographic Studies in the Department of Sociology and Public Policy at Princeton University.

Nearly two decades ago, Dr. Tienda published one of her first books 'Hispanics in the U.S. Economy,' an early work on occupational structure. Since then she has continued to publish numerous studies, including more than 100 scholarly papers on Hispanic employment, entrepreneurship, youth, culture, and the passage of wealth between generations. More recently, her research has shifted to the consequences of admission policies on minorities in higher education.

In addition to her prodigious academic achievements, she works tirelessly to better her community through the advancement of public policy and philanthropy"

The Jakarta Post - The Journal of Indonesia Today

The Jakarta Post - The Journal of Indonesia Today: "Some people may still recognize Zaim Saidi as a consumer rights activist, although he is now focusing most of his attention on philanthropic campaigns in Indonesia."

Reeling in corporate support - 2004-11-15 - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle)

Reeling in corporate support - 2004-11-15 - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle): "Reeling in corporate support
Charities use marketing value, personal connections to angle inroads
Carol Tice
Staff Writer
It's every nonprofit's dream to line up a major corporate donor.

But the competition is fierce. Last year cash giving at major U.S. corporations declined a median 11 percent, a recent study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy showed. "

Schools put philanthropy on lesson plan

Schools put philanthropy on lesson plan: "Third-graders at the Southeast Neighborhood School of Excellence are proud their artwork will be displayed in a gallery -- if only for a day.
But their teachers hope the feeling that went into their art, and a basic understanding of philanthropy -- a word they can't quite spell yet -- will stay with the charter school students for a lifetime."

The New York Times > Giving

The New York Times > Giving
New York Times Has their special giving section today. May require registration to read.