Friday, December 02, 2005

The Electric New Paper - The Electric New Paper News

The Electric New Paper - The Electric New Paper News: "NKF opened its books but the numbers revealed created only a small ripple.

Almost a third of those interviewed in a straw poll had not heard of it.

Nearly half were indifferent to what it said.

And not one of the 70 people The New Paper spoke to yesterday had bothered to take a look at the National Kidney Foundation's statement, posted on its website.

NKF's internal audit report was released on Wednesday."

Flexible Volunteering: How to Make a Difference... Even if You're Busy

Flexible Volunteering: How to Make a Difference... Even if You're Busy: "lexible Volunteering: How to Make a Difference... Even if You're Busy


Volunteer opportunities are getting more flexible. That's good news for busy, talented people who want to make a difference, but who need an alternative to traditional volunteering.

(PRWEB) December 2, 2005 -- Volunteer opportunities are getting more flexible. That's good news for busy, talented people who want to make a difference, but who need an alternative to traditional volunteering.

In fact, there is enormous, untapped kindness available from busy people who yearn for greater fulfillment through volunteering. However, these well-meaning people are often unable or unwilling to commit to any charitable activity that requires them to show up at a specific time, or at a specific place, or on a specific day for a specific number of weeks. For talented people with hectic and unpredictable schedules, traditional volunteering is simply impractical.
"

Wausau - Nonprofits fear donors tapped out by disasters Higher costs of

Wausau - Nonprofits fear donors tapped out by disasters Higher costs of: "In an Association of Fundraising Professionals survey of 555 fundraisers from throughout the country, 42 percent said they think hurricane relief efforts had no affect on their ability to raise money this year and 48 percent expected to raise more than in 2004.
"

RED HERRING | Bono’s Charity Starts Podcasts

RED HERRING | Bono’s Charity Starts Podcasts: "Bono’s Charity Starts Podcasts

The U2 frontman’s social awareness group launches a monthly audio series on World AIDS Day.
December 1, 2005

The do-gooder group founded by U2 singer Bono is looking to take its anti-poverty message to trendsetters through a series of podcasts launched Thursday to commemorate World AIDS day.



Thursday’s podcast by the group ONE: The Campaign To Make Poverty History will feature speeches by Bono, former South African President Nelson Mandela, and Coldplay front man Chris Martin.

"

A note about Press Releases

Although we occasionally publish press releases on our topical blogs the majority of material which are press releases we find are published on our Press Release Blog. Feel free to explore it.

Oxfam Press release > On eve of Clinton visit, Oxfam calls for more appropriate land for tsunami survivors

Oxfam Press release > On eve of Clinton visit, Oxfam calls for more appropriate land for tsunami survivors: "Press Release

29 November 2005

On eve of Clinton visit, Oxfam calls for more appropriate land for tsunami survivors

As the UN Special Envoy Bill Clinton prepares to meet governments of Sri Lanka and Indonesia, Oxfam International today urged the authorities to provide more appropriate land for the construction of permanent."

Parks Policy Would Highlight Donor Names - Yahoo! News

Parks Policy Would Highlight Donor Names - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - The Interior Department is poised to begin naming benches, bricks and rooms in national parks after private donors, a practice that critics say sends mixed signals about industry influence on public lands policy.

Park Service officials say the new guidelines, which could be approved by early next year, would simply make it easier for the agency to recognize corporations and individuals who are already giving. Names already appear on plaques around parks, but the new policy would make donors more prominent."

The Jewish Journal Of Greater Los Angeles-Fight the Minotaur in the Tax Labyrinth

The Jewish Journal Of Greater Los Angeles: "

Fight the Minotaur in the Tax Labyrinth

by John Chiang

This past September, the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles, the Zimmer Children’s Museum and representatives of more than 70 other organizations attended a seminar for nonprofits that I conducted at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Like many taxpayers, nonprofit organizations need guidance to comprehend the labyrinth of federal and state tax laws. With the exception of accountants and attorneys, few people absorb the millions of words that make up state and federal tax codes, including rules and regulations. In addition, many nonprofits cannot afford the expense of maintaining counsel to steer them through the thicket of tax laws.

To facilitate seminars that provide vital tax information to nonprofits, I enlist experienced speakers from various federal, state and local agencies to break down our complex tax system into easily understood component parts. At The Federation seminar, experts discussed provisions of the state and federal tax codes that apply to nonprofit organizations, as well as laws that specifically govern their activities."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > North County -- Volunteering is second nature for nonprofit's CEO

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > North County -- Volunteering is second nature for nonprofit's CEO: "or more than 20 years, Peter Callstrom has dedicated himself to nonprofit work.

His latest role is CEO of Kids Korps USA, a volunteer organization that involves youths ages 5 to 18 in serving the community.


The Carmel Valley resident was a volunteer as a child. As an adult, he has volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul and Habitat for Humanity and as a mentor for Big Brother."

Philanthropy experts recommend focusing on one charity - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper

Philanthropy experts recommend focusing on one charity - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper: "Philanthropy experts recommend focusing on one charity

By EILEEN ALT POWELL
Associated Press


NEW YORK — More than 20 years ago, Donna and Robert Considine decided they wanted to focus their charitable giving on something that was meaningful to both of them.

She was a fan of entertainer Danny Thomas and became interested in the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which he helped found in Memphis, Tenn. The hospital, which provides free care for children with catastrophic illnesses, also resonated with her husband, she said, because his mother had considered St. Jude to be her patron saint."

Bay Area BusinessWoman Online

Bay Area BusinessWoman Online: "Women’s Philanthropy Should Be Publicly Recognized
—By Janet L. Holmgren, President of Mills College

Published: December, 2005


Women’s Philanthropy Should Be Publicly Recognized

Janet Holmgren, Mills College President

Today, women’s philanthropy is an instrument of social change, a powerful vehicle for participating in a more socially responsible citizenry, and an expression of women’s capacity to think strategically. Astute giving leverages our resources to improve the quality of life for others.
We invest and intervene on behalf of women and girls, and a broad range of local and global concerns, while strengthening our leadership capacity and gaining a place at the table for women’s voices. "

ARTICLE: Local groups say donations on track, even with disasters (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com)

ARTICLE: Local groups say donations on track, even with disasters (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com): "Local groups say donations on track, even with disasters

By TONY GERMANOTTA AND JIM WASHINGTON, The Virginian-Pilot
� December 2, 2005

Charities in Hampton Roads and across the country are holding their breath during this holiday season, hoping Americans continue to be generous despite high energy prices and record giving for gulf hurricane and Asian tsunami relief drives."

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Interview with Paulette from Arizona Almanac

An interview with Paulette Interview starts at the 10 Min 29 sec point Take a listen to this podcast.
http://www.azalmanac.com/November2005.shtml

Susan Bitter Smith chats with Paulette Maehara from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has tips on how to donate and not get ripped off."

Nonprofit sector grows, but future uncertain - By Gwen Mickelson - Sentinel staff writer - December 1, 2005

Nonprofit sector grows, but future uncertain - By Gwen Mickelson - Sentinel staff writer - December 1, 2005: "Nonprofit sector grows, but future uncertain
By Gwen Mickelson
Sentinel staff writer

SANTA CRUZ — With government financing either flat or declining and other resources dwindling, many county nonprofits face an uncertain future.

That's according to a report released today by the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, a nonprofit itself whose mission is to promote philanthropy. The findings will be presented at a breakfast meeting today at the Cocoanut Grove to about 150 attendees. Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, will be one of the speaker"

Community Newswire-CHARITY DECLARES MARINE PROTECTION ON THE CARDS (International)

Community Newswire: "CHARITY DECLARES MARINE PROTECTION ON THE CARDS
By Rosamond Hutt, Community Newswire
ENVIRONMENT Marine, Today, 10:05am
Click for preview
(With pic)

A national charity dedicated to conserving the UK's habitats and species was today launching an electronic Christmas card as part of an appeal to save vulnerable marine life.
"

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

The Albuquerque Tribune: Editorials-Editorial: Bouquets & brickbats

The Albuquerque Tribune: Editorials: "Editorial: Bouquets & brickbats

November 30, 2005

Brickbat: aid fatigue

It's a tough sell, but charities - with good reason - are worried that donations may decline this holiday season. They understand, but they still hope people will dig deep.

Americans have given generously this year, in response to disasters such as the tsunami in South Asia, the earthquake in Pakistan and hurricane damage along the Gulf Coast. People also are contending with higher fuel costs. Charity officials are concerned that people are tapped out and that 'donor fatigue' will decrease individual donations, half of which are made between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

While giving overall has increased in recent years, studies by Charity Navigator, for example, show local agencies are hard-pressed, because people are shifting their giving to big charities. The American Institute for Philanthropy reports that giving for social-service agencies has been declining, too. Small, local groups especially, it seems, suffer because they don't have the fund-raising resources - or face the enormous, desperate emergencies - of the big charities. But small emergencies can be just as critical."

Financial Advisor Magazine-Banks Work To Retain Multi-Generational Assets

Financial Advisor Magazine: "Banks Work To Retain Multi-Generational Assets
November 30, 2005

Knowing that billions of dollars are at stake, financial institutions are reaching out to affluent heirs before they march off with their inheritances.
These businesses are keenly aware of the potential losses as an estimated $45 trillion to $150 trillion in wealth is transferred in the next 50 years.
'I think it's a critical issue for the industry,' said Stephen E. Doty, managing director at The Bank of New York. 'The reality is that this money is going to the children, and many have not had a relationship with the (bank) manager.'
He added: 'It's a lot less expensive to retain what you have than to get what's new.'"

Ready, Set, Give! [Fool.com: Motley Fool Take] November 29, 2005

Ready, Set, Give! [Fool.com: Motley Fool Take] November 29, 2005: "eady, Set, Give!

By Carrie Crockett
November 29, 2005

Foolanthropy, The Motley Fool's ninth annual charity drive, is officially up and running. Each year, we select five charities we consider especially Foolish, and we field donations from our members and readers. The charities track donations that come in through our site, and the one that gets the most support (dollar-wise) by the end of the drive wins an extra $10,000, donated by The Motley Fool. "

Pittsburgh Charity Ranked Among Top 5 In U.S. - Yahoo! News

Pittsburgh Charity Ranked Among Top 5 In U.S. - Yahoo! News: "Forbes Magazine recognized Pittsburgh's Brother's Brother Foundation as one of the top five charities in the countr"

Amazon's A-List [Fool.com: Motley Fool Take] November 29, 2005

Amazon's A-List [Fool.com: Motley Fool Take] November 29, 2005: "Amazon's A-List

By Alyce Lomax (TMF Lomax)
November 29, 2005

Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) has brought dot-com pizzazz to the old idea of the celebrity telethon for worthy causes. Tuesday, the online retailing giant introduced what it calls The Amazon A-List for Hurricane Relief, through which users will be able to get exclusive content from celebrities in return for donations to help people who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Starting Wednesday and lasting until Dec. 20, Amazon.com will feature content from different celebrities every day, accessible to those who donate to the program. "

Paid charity fundraisers keep about half of proceeds

Paid charity fundraisers keep about half of proceeds: "Paid charity fundraisers keep about half of proceeds

By CURT WOODWARD
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Companies that collect for charities in Washington state kept about half the money they raised nationwide last year, an annual report from the secretary of state says.

Charitable donations funneled through paid fundraisers registered in the state totaled more than $444 million nationally in the most recent fiscal year data for those companies, according to the survey released Tuesday.

That's the highest revenue total recorded in the past 10 years by Washington's secretary of state, who registers commercial fundraisers and collects some of their financial information."

Moore to Give

Moore to Give: "Podcasts
Audio delivered from the Web...to your music player

BusinessWeek - Top Givers imagePhilanthropist David Rockefeller marked his 90th birthday this year with two mega gifts: He pledged $100 million to the Museum of Modern Art and $100 million to Rockefeller University. He'll provide both institutions with $5 million a year until his death, when they will receive the gifts. Rockefeller discusses his familly’s philanthropic tradition and how he hopes to use his own gifts to encourage other philanthropists to give more
Download episode
Subscribe to this podcast
Subscribe with iTunes 4.9 or higher

More on BW's podcasts"

WFMY News 2 Greensboro, NC-"Embezzlement Investigation Could Hurt Christmas Giving

WFMY News 2 Greensboro, NC: "Embezzlement Investigation Could Hurt Christmas Giving

Lexington, NC -- Greensboro's Habitat for Humanity took a serious financial hit when more than $200,000 went missing.

The investigation into the employee blamed for the missing money continues, and the group has yet to name that person.

Now, other non-profit leaders worry the suspicion surrounding one charity could hurt donations to all of them.

They say the case broke at a time when charitable giving is usually at its best.

The holidays remind shoppers to donate to causes that are close to their heart.

Non-profit leaders say it'll take a united effort to make sure that the charitable giving doesn't decrease this season.

Lee Jessup is the president of the United Way of Davidson County.

Jessup says even though 99.9% of charities are doing what's right the embezzlement investigation hurts all of them."

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Delivery role risks trust in charities

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Delivery role risks trust in charities: "Delivery role risks trust in charities

Debbie Andalo and Patrick Butler
Wednesday November 30, 2005
The Guardian

Public trust in charities is high - much higher than media organisations or politicians. But that trust is also vulnerable, says a new report, because public support rests partly on unrealistic assumptions of the role of charities.

This could cause problems as more charities pitch for state contracts to provide public services, potentially undermining their reputation as 'more honest and possessing greater integrity than government', says Trust in Charities, launched by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations at its annual conference tomorrow."

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

National Training Program Prepares Nonprofits to Use Legislative Advocacy in Achieving Their Missions

PRESS RELEASEUntitled Document: " National Training Program Prepares Nonprofits to Use Legislative Advocacy in Achieving Their Missions

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 (AScribe Newswire) -- Engagement in legislative advocacy is one tool nonprofits can use to bring about change, yet the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) says nonprofits often underutilize this tool. In its efforts to increase 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy and lobbying, CLPI has refined its training program to include an expanded, nationwide network of Training Fellows and a dual focus on developing strategy and building organizational capacity for legislative advocacy engagement.

'Many nonprofits miss the opportunity to use legislative advocacy in their work toward achieving their missions because of misinformation, such as the notion that nonprofits can't lobby or don't have the expertise policy makers want to hear,' says CLPI president, Elizabeth M. Heagy. 'Our comprehensive training curriculum, delivered by our Training Fellows, provides nonprofits with the knowledge that they actually have a significant amount of leeway and ability to influence public policy. The CLPI Roadmap for Engagement in Legislative Advocacy is a tool nonprofits can use for guidance.'"

Seniors and Aging Boomers Give the Gift of Time to Fill Technology Void for Nonprofit Organizations Nationwide

PRESS RELEASE

Seniors and Aging Boomers Give the Gift of Time to Fill Technology Void for Nonprofit Organizations Nationwide: "SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to fill one of the greatest needs among America's nonprofit organizations, SeniorNet, the leading provider of technology education for older adults, today announced its Retired Technology Volunteers (RTV) program, made possible by funding from Senior Corps and The UPS Foundation. The RTV program was created to bring adults age 50 and older with technology skills, together with nonprofit organizations that can benefit from their IT expertise. The goal of the program is to recruit volunteers aged 50+ who can give the gifts of their time and their talent to expand the capabilities of nonprofit organizations through the use of technology. Today SeniorNet has registered over 300 RTVs and hopes to register 10 times that number in 2006. 'Research demonstrates that nonprofit organizations often lack the technical expertise and staff resources to meet their goals,' said Kristin Fabos, Executive Director of SeniorNet. 'Today's over-50 generation is becoming increasingly tech-savvy -- the RTV program encourages retirees to apply their high-tech skills in a nonprofit organization they care about, thereby filling a significant need in the community.'"

TechSoup NetSquared Project to Remix Web for Social Change;

Untitled Document: "TechSoup NetSquared Project to Remix Web for Social Change; Call for Participation in Using Web 2.0 to Transform Nonprofit Sector

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29 (AScribe Newswire) -- CompuMentor's TechSoup (www.techsoup.org) today announced a call for participation in its Net2 ('NetSquared') (http://www.netsquared.org) project. It is the first-ever public dialog on fostering the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in the nonprofit sector.

Daniel Ben-Horin, CompuMentor's President and co-CEO, commented: 'Wikipedia, DeanSpace, MoveOn, Firefox Campaign, craigslist - none of these succeeded because they had faster servers or fatter pipes than anyone else. They succeeded because they understood and enabled the power of user-generated content and the power of peer networking.'

'Web-based social tools open up unimagined possibilities for our sector, nationally and internationally. A prime example is the Katrina PeopleFinder Project http://www.netsquared.org/katrina-peoplefinder-project, an ad-hoc online collaboration of organizations and individuals to help locate loved ones in the hurricane-affected areas.'"

KTLA The WB | Where Los Angeles Lives | Charity Bingo Halls Fear Their Number May Be Up

KTLA The WB | Where Los Angeles Lives | Charity Bingo Halls Fear Their Number May Be Up: "Charity Bingo Halls Fear Their Number May Be Up

Revenue from the game has shrunk in recent years, leaving many nonprofits in a pinch. Indian casinos are blamed.

By Eric Bailey
Times Staff Writer

November 29, 2005

LINCOLN, Calif. — On an oak-studded ranch east of town, the kids are getting healed on horseback.

Johnny, a 4-year-old with cerebral palsy, ambles along with Bo, a veteran quarter horse. Michaela, tiny and developmentally delayed by a chromosomal abnormality, sways atop her mount, Rico. It's fun and therapeutic. Ride to Walk, the Placer County program is called, and it exists in no small part because of charity bingo."

NewsFromRussia.Com President Putin promises to consider amendments to law on NGOs

NewsFromRussia.Com President Putin promises to consider amendments to law on NGOs: "President Putin promises to consider amendments to law on NGOs

03:31 2005-11-25
President Vladimir Putin said he would consider making amendments to controversial legislation aimed at clamping down on foreign-funded nongovernment organizations in Russia.

Putin warned Thursday, however, that his administration would pay close attention to foreign governments funding NGOs, hinting that some groups were being used to exert influence on Russian political life from abroad. "

UK Fundraising | News | National Giving Week site polls on popular charity questions

UK Fundraising | News | National Giving Week site polls on popular charity questions: "questions
by Howard Lake
26 Nov 2005

Charities Aid Foundation's National Giving Week's website is running a series of polls addressing common questions. The current poll asks 'Charity street collectors - foe or friend'?

The National Giving Week site has so far polled on the questions:

* Does buying a wristband for charity bring you closer to the cause?

* Charity mailshots... Just more junk mail? "

Group asks IRS to investigate Focus on the Family's tax status

: "Group asks IRS to investigate Focus on the Family's tax status

By M.E. SPRENGELMEYER
Scripps Howard News Service
November 28, 2005

WASHINGTON - A liberal watchdog group is challenging Focus on the Family's tax-exempt status, claiming founder James Dobson crossed clear IRS guidelines with his increased political involvement in recent years.

The group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has sent a letter asking the Internal Revenue Service to investigate and consider revoking the nonprofit corporation status of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Christian media empire.

The complaint focuses on Dobson's work on behalf of several Republican candidates in 2004, including Rep. Patrick Toomey's unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania."

5 Tips: How to give a charitable donation as a holiday gift - Nov. 28, 2005

5 Tips: How to give a charitable donation as a holiday gift - Nov. 28, 2005: "Charity for the holidays
5 ways to make a donation to a worthy cause in the name of someone you love.
November 28, 2005: 4:29 PM EST
By Gerri Willis, CNNMoney.com contributing columnist
Video More video
CNN's Gerri Willis has five tips for inexpensive charitable gifts for the holidays (November 28)


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes.

It's been an unbelievable year that has hurt so many. Instead of giving conventional gifts this holiday season (does Dad really need another tie?) why not make a donation in his name to a worthy cause?"

Philanthropy becomes a career for some volunteers: 11/ 29/ 2005

Philanthropy becomes a career for some volunteers: 11/ 29/ 2005: "Philanthropy becomes a career for some volunteers
By SUSAN KREIMER, The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS -- The altruistic bug bit Tom Simon Jr. in 1988. While working in retail management, he supported a fund-raiser for muscular dystrophy.
'People would come in and donate a dollar, and they could put their name on a shamrock. We'd put the shamrock up in the store,' said Simon, 44, who lives in Garland, Texas.
Since 1993, he has spent a week every summer volunteering at a muscular dystrophy camp. The experience led him to quit selling residential real estate and start selling home medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes. "

Monday, November 28, 2005

Salisbury Post | LOCAL NEWS | Lutheran Services, eBay join forces

Salisbury Post | LOCAL NEWS | Lutheran Services, eBay join forces: "n the middle of their recent campaign, Rowan County United Way officials worried that they would not reach their goal because Americans have been asked for so much this year.

Tsunami relief. Aid to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The earthquake in Pakistan.

Charles Hoffmire, director of development for Salisbury-based Lutheran Services for the Aging, says his and other nonprofit agencies are 'constantly looking for new ways to encourage charitable giving.'

Enter eBay and one of the hottest trends — buying and selling online."

The joy of giving (Anonymously)

The joy of giving (Anonymously): "he joy of giving (Anonymously)

November 27, 2005

BY FRANK GREVE

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS

Five days after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, a Virginia man showed up in Biloxi, Miss., with a truckload of generators, chain saws and gasoline that he gave to residents who'd been left powerless. Then he gave the truck to Biloxi's devastated fire department.

'I never did see him,' Fire Chief Dave Roberts said."

AP Wire | 11/26/2005 | Fired Habitat founders continue homebuilding mission

AP Wire | 11/26/2005 | Fired Habitat founders continue homebuilding mission: "Fired Habitat founders continue homebuilding mission

ELLIOTT MINOR

Associated Press

AMERICUS, Ga. - Habitat for Humanity founders Millard and Linda Fuller were ousted from the home-building charity earlier this year, but they still are pursuing their mission to help provide houses to the poor.

Through their new charity founded in May, The Fuller Center for Housing, the couple plans to help build homes for Hurricane Katrina victims in Louisiana, replace fire-prone huts for the poor in Nepal and provide transitional housing for women and children living in the sewers beneath Bucharest, Romania, where they can become prey for international sex traffickers."

Washington Examiner: Features-Faith - Extending the season of giving

Washington Examiner: Features: "Faith - Extending the season of giving
Charities hope holiday spirit aids yearly needs
By Elizabeth Dehoff
Examiner Faith Editor
Published: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 8:17 PM EST
E-mail this story | Print this page
White House adviser Claude Allen enjoys being the honorary executive chef. Allen grew up in the surrounding neighborhood. Photos by Jessie Webb/For The Examiner

Human need never takes a holiday. Fortunately, neither does charity.

Local nonprofits say the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's brings floods of volunteers and donations, with many offers of assistance coming from churches and other religious groups that want to help the needy during the holiday season."

The Web Is the Eye of Hurricane Relief

The Web Is the Eye of Hurricane Relief: "The Web Is the Eye of Hurricane Relief
› › › Broadband

By Rebecca Lieb | November 24, 2005

Thirteen million people, or 9 percent of American Internet users, gave money online for relief efforts following hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Since the beginning of this year, the number of Americans who say they've donated online is up 53 percent to 26 million people, according to a new Pew Internet & American Life Project study.

Though half of all U.S. Internet users got news and information about the hurricanes online, most of these people (54 percent) sought alternative sources, including blogs, nonprofits, and non-mainstream media sites, for details. Five percent set up their own relief efforts online, and four percent posted their own hurricane-related material to the Web, including comments, links, and pictures."

Mardi Gras to the Rescue? Doubts Grow. - New York Times

Just a reminder that some sites require registration to view.
Mardi Gras to the Rescue? Doubts Grow. - New York Times: "Mardi Gras to the Rescue? Doubts Grow.

By JERE LONGMAN
Published: November 26, 2005

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 24 - After Hurricane Katrina floored this city, there was widespread hope that Mardi Gras would yank New Orleans back to its feet, helping to reclaim its spirit, its tourists and its economy.

Herald Sun: Charities check-up won't clear the air [25nov05]Austrailia

Herald Sun: Charities check-up won't clear the air [25nov05]: "Charities check-up won't clear the air
Ian Royall
25nov05

PLANNED checks on fees professional fundraisers charge charities will not guarantee donors know how much of their money actually goes to a charity.


State Government proposals include giving the consumer affairs director extra powers to investigate how much is kept by fundraisers."

TheKSBWChannel.com - News - Man Lives On Billboard To Raise Money For Charity

TheKSBWChannel.com - News - Man Lives On Billboard To Raise Money For Charity: "King said he's donating $500,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation to put 30 to 50 children through college.

He also plans to donate money to the Kenmore Club in Fredericksburg, which deals with mildly retarded individuals"

The Seattle Times: Local News: Alaska inmates to process train-killed moose for charity

The Seattle Times: Local News: Alaska inmates to process train-killed moose for charity: "Alaska inmates to process train-killed moose for charity

By Rachel D'Oro

The Associated Press

ANCHORAGE — Alaska inmates at a prison work farm are taking on a new assignment: butchering the meat of moose struck by trains each winter along a 68-mile stretch of track.

The meat will be processed by prisoners at the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm, then distributed to soup kitchens and other charities serving the needy, under the joint effort by the state Department of Corrections, Alaska Railroad and Food Bank of Alaska."

The News-Gazette Online-Last week, the lower house of Russia's Charity begins with research

The News-Gazette Online: "Charity begins with research



By CHRISTINE DES GARENNES
© 2005 THE NEWS-GAZETTE
Published Online November 27, 2005

CLICK TO SEE PHOTO
Been asked to donate money to a charity recently?
If not, chances are someone will ask you soon.
From the bell ringers at shopping centers to the kids who come knocking on your door, fundraisers are out in full force.
Americans donate roughly $250 billion each year to nonprofit organizations and half of that money is handed over between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to Charity Navigator, a New Jersey group that evaluates charities for potential donors.
Whether donors have deep pockets or not, it's a good idea to draft a giving plan, ask a few questions and do some homework, experts said."

Opportunity For Hunters To Give To Charity

Opportunity For Hunters To Give To Charity: "Opportunity For Hunters To Give To Charity
Web Links
Local Butcher Shops involved in 'Hunters Sharing the Harvest'

Deer hunting season began Monday, and hunters can enjoy the sport while helping the less fortunate along the way.

After getting their game, hunters usually end up bringing their trophy deer to a butcher's shop. Newswatch 16 dropped by Naugle's Custom Butchering and Deer Processing in Lehman Township, Luzerne County where hunters get a choice during the hunting season.

They can get their venison to go or have the meat delivered to a local food bank. It's part of Pennsylvania's Venison Donation program called 'Hunters Sharing the Harvest. '"

Crain's Detroit Business

Crain's Detroit Business: "Car donations to nonprofits are inching upward after the Internal Revenue Service in June reinstated donors’ ability to take a full, fair-market deduction on their vehicle in certain cases.

Two of the largest metro Detroit agencies that take in vehicles to provide transportation to the needy and create revenue to fund other services say the end of the year will be the real test."

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!: "SO-CALLED generosity index that compares charitable giving among the states may have left New Jerseyans this Thanksgiving feeling a bit like turkeys.

The annual report released this week presents New Jersey, one of the wealthiest states, as also one of the stingiest.

Two of the nation's poorest states, Mississippi and Arkansas, top the generosity list while the affluent state of Massachusetts joins New Jersey near the bottom."

CharityVillage� NewsWeek: Coffee with Cam

CharityVillage� NewsWeek: Coffee with Cam: " Coffee with Cam

It just might be sinking in
Cam TaitBy Cam Tait

Quickly, now - and without any notes, studying, or water cooler talk - Pick one:

a) The United Way hasn't garnered much media coverage this year because we've accepted it as a part of life.
b) Philanthropy Day didn't get a lot of coverage because it's no longer a new concept.
c) United Way officials aren't marketing their campaigns enough.
d) Philanthropy Day officials are more comfortable with what they do and feel more respected.
e) All of the above."

Most Charitable States - Forbes.com

Most Charitable States - Forbes.com: "Most Charitable States
Leah Hoffmann

NEW YORK - In 2004, Americans gave over $248 billion to charity. Our dollars helped support religious causes, environmental concerns and educational charities. But in a nation that's obsessed with competition, it's impossible not to ask: Where do people give the most?

As it turns out, there are profound regional differences both in how much money people give to charity and in what kinds of organizations they help support. According to a recent study by the Giving USA Foundation, which is part of the American Association of Fundraising Counsel in Glenview, Ill., American households donate an average 2% of their income to charitable causes each year.
"

onPhilanthropy - Embarking on a Fundraising Career

onPhilanthropy - Embarking on a Fundraising Career
For young men and women getting started on a career, the option of becoming a fundraiser is one that is becoming more and more popular. Most organizations of the nonprofit sector, from small social service organizations to huge universities, employ fundraisers. The positions also range widely, from prospect research to major gift acquisition to leadership of a fundraising department or foundation. A fundraising professional can choose to work in a setting that is congruent with his or her values and interests."

Star-Gazette.COM - Guest View-Power of making a difference

Star-Gazette.COM - Guest View: "Power of making a difference
Giving to community causes is something everyone can do.
November 27, 2005

SUZANNE LEE
This has been an extraordinary year for philanthropy. A series of natural disasters - at home and abroad - have led to an unprecedented outpouring of charity by Americans. Though this generosity may surprise some who have lost touch with the giving spirit of so-called 'ordinary' Americans, we at The Community Foundation know firsthand that charity is alive and well.
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