Friday, January 20, 2006

Opinion - StatesmanJournal.com-Red Cross receives undeserved criticism for disaster response

Opinion - StatesmanJournal.com: "Red Cross receives undeserved criticism for disaster response

BETSY BELSHAW

January 20, 2006

One of the unfortunate developments in this country over the past few years has been our propensity to blame organizations and their leaders for what we perceive (from 15-second spots on television) to be performance below our expectations. The latest victim is the American Red Cross.

Believe me, as a Red Cross volunteer, I know from experience that we volunteers and professionals are not perfect. However, what we faced with Katrina and Rita was not a disaster; it was a catastrophe. The most recent huge hurricane to stretch us painfully was Andrew in 1991. Katrina and Rita were 20 times Andrew."

DesMoinesRegister.com

DesMoinesRegister.com: "Duchess shares cuppa with Des Moines
'It's like having a cup of tea,' Sarah Ferguson says in Des Moines.

By AMANDA PIERRE
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

January 20, 2006


Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, the Weight Watchers spokeswoman, author and philanthropist, entertained a sold-out Civic Center crowd Thursday night.

Candid and friendly, she spoke as if she was everyone's best friend.

'This is sort of like having a cup of tea,' she said to the audience. 'I want you to realize that I speak from my heart . . . because - who cares? Duchess or no duchess, we're all the same.'"

The Rich List | After Hours | Gotta Do It | Canadian Business Online

The Rich List | After Hours | Gotta Do It | Canadian Business Online: "The Rich List
Alex Mlynek, Zena Olijnyk, Calvin Leung, Claire Gagné and Michelle Magnan
From the December 5-25, 2005 Issue of Canadian Business Magazine

Finding new people for the Rich 100 is no easy task. It's not as if potential candidates for our exclusive listing of Canada's richest people shout out details of their wealth. But this year we managed to find some new faces — six of them, in fact — with three based outside of Canada adding an international flavour.

The task of estimating personal fortunes and digging up new names for the list was undertaken by senior associate editor Alex Mlynek, senior writer Zena Olijnyk, staff writer Calvin Leung, and associate editors Claire Gagné and Michelle Magnan. So alongside this year's ranking are profiles of the newest members of the Rich 100 as well as some updates and features on a few familiar faces. Heck, we even managed to get some of Canada's wealthiest waxing poetic about their dogs."

Telegraph | News | For men, charity still begins at home

Telegraph | News | For men, charity still begins at home: "Bob Geldof and Bill Gates may be the most recognised faces of charity but women surpass men in almost every measure of charitable behaviour, according to Oxfam."

Lansing State Journal: Nonprofit associations to unite

Lansing State Journal: Nonprofit associations to unite: "Nonprofit associations to unite
Lansing-based MNA, Detroit's NPower to partner

By Hugh Leach
Lansing State Journal

Two organizations that assist nonprofit groups across the state are pooling their resources to better serve their clients.

The Lansing-based Michigan Nonprofit Association and NPower Michigan, based in Detroit, are forming a partnership to help nonprofits operate more effectively.

The partnership will give clients the technology services provided by NPower Michigan and the management, training and advocacy services MNA offers."

Thursday, January 19, 2006

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Charity watchdog boss to quit

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Charity watchdog boss to quit: "Charity watchdog boss to quit


Tuesday January 17, 2006

Geraldine Peacock
Geraldine Peacock: 'It's strategically important for me to move on.'

Chief charity commissioner Geraldine Peacock today announced that she is to step down from her role later this year.

Ms Peacock, who is also the Charity Commission's first chair, said her decision to step down was based on a 'combination of personal, professional and parliamentary factors', citing her engagement to a Canadian citizen, her treatment for Parkinson's disease and the slower-than-hoped for progress of the charities bill."

ThirdSector

ThirdSector: "Oxfam Live to target new supporters
Oxfam is hoping that its Oxfam Live events will attract new as well as existing supporters for the first time this year.

A total of 18 Oxfam Live events will be held across the UK from April to June, timed to follow on from the charity's I'm In campaign, which called for a million people to pledge their support to end poverty.

The events, known as Oxfam forums until last year, when they received a 'facelift', are intended to give supporters the chance to question key figures within the charity and voice their opinions.

'Although everyone has always been welcome, we didn't really publicise the forums to non-supporters before,' said Louisa Lyne, senior internal communications executive at Oxfam. 'We'll be putting up posters in our shops and sending out emails to advertise them.'
"

Press-Telegram - Home

Press-Telegram - Home: "L.B. a Kroc center finalist
By Don Jergler, Staff writer

San Diego's Kroc Center
LONG BEACH — The local Salvation Army chapter is hoping to find out soon whether it will receive a $50 million grant to build a large community center in Central Long Beach, a Salvation Army official said Tuesday.

The endowment from the late Joan Kroc, wife of Ray Kroc, the McDonald's restaurant company founder, would build the center on the 19-acre Hamilton Bowl, also known as Chittick Field, adjacent to Long Beach City College's Pacific Coast Campus."

La Cañada Valley Sun: La Cañada Flintridge, California

La Cañada Valley Sun: La Cañada Flintridge, California: "Feel Passion in Philanthropy

By Doris Boyer


Passion. I felt it when I met my husband. I felt it when I had my kids. I felt it the first time I sang a song on a stage.

Now, I am feeling passion for a new venture. I am beginning my first year as the president of the Glendale Community Foundation -- a charitable endowment just for our community that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

When I joined the Board of Trustees two years ago, I knew of the Community Foundation as a stalwart of our community. It has made more than $3 million in grants to more than 300 agencies, most of which are right here in the Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose and Verdugo City area. It has grown from a $3,000 base of charitable capital in 1956 to more than $7 million today. Its accomplishments appealed to me intellectually, right off the bat. But as I became more involved, it began to stir my emotions.
"

BSO chief quits after 18 months - baltimoresun.com

BSO chief quits after 18 months - baltimoresun.com: "ames Glicker, who was introduced as an unconventional problem-solver who would guide the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to new artistic heights and financial security, resigned Wednesday as its president and chief executive officer just 18 months after being named to the post.

At a meeting Wednesday evening, the board of directors named one of their members, W. Gar Richlin, as an interim replacement for Glicker, effective Jan. 20. Glicker will serve in a consulting capacity to assure a smooth transition."

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

The Jamestown News-College experience influences current volunteerism role

The Jamestown News: "College experience influences current volunteerism role

JOAN BETSILL
January 18, 2006
by Jane E. Whitehorne

When Joan Betsill was in college at the University of Maryland, she joined Kappa Delta (KD) Sorority. Although she enjoyed her affiliation with the organization, after college KD was not a part of her life except for maintaining a few good friendships.

Today Betsill is fully entrenched in Greek life again. As founder of the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB), she and 10 other local women are actively involved supporting the Gamma Gamma chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority at High Point University (HPU).

NP Times / Boy Scouts’ Perseverance Put To Test

NP Times / Boy Scouts’ Perseverance Put To Test: "Text-Messaging Connects With Donors
Charities thumbed their way to fresh dollars during crises

By Marla E. Nobles

For the international relief organization CARE and the American Red Cross, the thumb trumped the forefinger as the digit of the year in 2005. While millions of Americans hit their personal computers in support of disaster relief, a surprising number of donors pounded relentlessly on their cell phones, pledging hundreds of thousands of dollars to disaster relief efforts."

The Democrat-Girl Scouts Launch Cookie Sales Drive; Other Nonprofits Seek Revenue, Too

The Democrat: "Girl Scouts Launch Cookie Sales Drive; Other Nonprofits Seek Revenue, Too
The Gazette January 18, 2006

By Debbie Kelley, The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Jan. 18--If you haven't already gotten the sales spiel for Girl Scout cookies, you undoubtedly will. This year's effort kicked off Saturday, and it's hard to escape the doorbell, grocery store booth or solicitation at work.

Girl Scout cookie sales, which totaled 199 million boxes in 2005, have been part of Americana for so long (they started in the 1930s) that it's easy to overlook the underlying premise of the business transaction: nonprofits operating profit-making ventures.

'It's becoming more of a trend in the nonprofit sector to have taxed, earned income that's not a donation or tax deductible,' said Charley Shimanski, president and chief executive officer of the Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations. "

Psychology Today: Philanthropy: What Gives?

Psychology Today: Philanthropy: What Gives?: "Philanthropy: What Gives?

By: Erik Strand
Summary: Altruism isn't the only reason we donate. Experts say that our own sense of self-worth plays into whether or not we give -- or don't give -- our hard-earned dollars to charity.

Good boys and girls eagerly anticipate gifts aplenty every holiday season, but we grownups are also expected to give at Christmastime, as the torrent of mail from the nation's 1.5 million non-profit organizations and charities constantly reminds us. With the economy still weak and government handouts declining, donor dollars are hard to come by, and charities will be pulling out all the stops. So in a time of pinched pocketbooks, how do you get people to give away their cash?

'Seven out of 10 adults give away money, and they have an enormous range of motives,' says fundraising expert Kim Klein. Some give out of compassion or sympathy; others out of pride. But Klein doesn't recommend trying to guilt people into a donation. 'Guilt will make a person give once, but a person will not give over and over out of guilt.'"

Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian youth gather at Disney for worship, challenge

Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian youth gather at Disney for worship, challenge: "LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (ABP) -- More than 2,200 Christian teenagers -- Baptists, Episcopalians and Presbyterians -- explored common and distinct dimensions of their faith during the first 'Faith in 3D' conference Jan. 13-16 at the Disney World Resort.

With high-energy worship and intentionally diverse small groups, youth were exposed to three expressions of Christianity while enjoying and learning in the Disney theme parks. Produced by Passport, 'Faith in 3D' was sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Presbyterian Church USA and the Episcopal Church.

The conference also raised more than $11,500 through a special offering that will be divided between Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and Watering Malawi, a well-digging and irrigation project."

TODAYonline (Singapore)-SAVH seeks redemption

TODAYonline: "SAVH seeks redemption
Interim chief hopes to regain IPC status and funding


Jasmine Yin
jasmine.yin@newstoday.com.sg

WOOING back public confidence and restoring its charity funding are at the top of the Mr Tan Guan Heng's checklist.
.
The new interim president of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), said that he decided to take up the post last week after much persuasion from the executive committee, members from the blind community and community leaders.
.
'It was a more than difficult decision,' said the blind writer candidly. 'But if your house is on fire, do you try to put out the fire, or do you stand idly by and let it burn to the ground and hope in vain that the phoenix will rise from the ashes?'
.
His appointment came after former president Lyn Loh resigned this month, citing 'personal reasons'.
.
Mr Tan, who was the first blind president of the former Singapore Association for the Blind between 1975 and 1980, will hold this interim post until SAVH's 400-strong members elect him in at a meeting on Feb 25.
.

USATODAY.com - National poker craze drawing attention of law enforcement

USATODAY.com - National poker craze drawing attention of law enforcement: "National poker craze drawing attention of law enforcement
By Charisse Jones, USA TODAY
NEW YORK — A few evenings a month, Carl Skutsch used to head to the 14th Street Playstation in Manhattan.
Cheryl Hines and Anthony Anderson compete on Bravo's original series Celebrity Poker Showdown. Cheryl Hines and Anthony Anderson compete on Bravo's original series Celebrity Poker Showdown.
By Paul Drinkwater, Bravo/nbcumv.com

Despite its name and the free Oreos and pretzels, there was no electronic game in sight. Instead, Skutsch, a history teacher at the School of Visual Arts here, and a motley crew of investment bankers, cab drivers and retirees gathered in the non-descript office space and played poker — mostly Texas Hold 'Em.

Then in May, the Playstation was shut down, one of several underground poker clubs raided and closed by New York police last year. 'I miss that world,' says Skutsch, 42. 'Every night a lot of the same faces would be around so people knew each other. ... There was a certain respect in the air.'"

Elimination of estate tax will cost state millions -- Newsday.com

Elimination of estate tax will cost state millions -- Newsday.com: "Elimination of estate tax will cost state millions


Jan 17, 2006

BY TAMI LUHBY
STAFF WRITER

January 17, 2006, 10:13 PM EST

Gov. George Pataki's proposal to eliminate the state's estate tax could save some New Yorkers thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars. But it would also cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.

In the budget unveiled Tuesday, Pataki proposed doubling the amount free from the state's estate tax to $2 million starting in 2007, bringing the exemption in line with federal rules. The exemption would rise to $3.5 million in 2009, and the tax would be eliminated in 2010. While federal law calls for the federal estate tax to be restored in 2011 with a $1 million exemption, New York's tax would disappear permanently."

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

NP Times / Boy Scouts’ Perseverance Put To Test

NP Times / Boy Scouts’ Perseverance Put To Test: "The World’s Best Fundraisers
In good times and bad, these fundraisers and nonprofits have what it take

By NPT Staff

Sure, there’s competition. Yes, the economy is difficult and donors are fickle. Yup, it’s been one natural disaster after another elbowing into donors’ checkbooks.

The best fundraisers not only find the dollars, they do it consistently over time.

The editors of The NonProfit Times have selected the best of the best. The buzz words are benchmarking, results, long-term value. These people and organizations have done it all. Here are your benchmarks."

MSU Today

MSU Today: "The Board of Trustees of MSU Jan. 13 established the annual salary of President Lou Anna K. Simon at $425,000 in recognition of what board chairperson David Porteous called “exemplary performance and appropriate market positioning.”

Simon immediately announced that she and her husband, Roy J. Simon, Ph.D., director of telecommunications and transportation at MSU, will donate their salary adjustments for this year to the university’s capital campaign.

Simon, who on Jan. 1 began her second year as MSU’s 20th president, received an annual salary of $340,000 in her first year in that role.

Glamour, charity and those cars

Glamour, charity and those cars: "Glamour, charity and those cars

January 13, 2006



BY JULIE HINDS

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

There was no lack of heat Friday at the 2006 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview.

Dressed to the nines in tuxes and skin-baring gowns, the estimated 17,000 gala guests basked in the unseasonably warm weather.

“I think it is fabulous. No coat required,” said Corinne Cuff, 40, of Troy. “I think it is a good omen. It’s going to make people think more positively about Michigan in January.”

Did we mention hip-hop star Ashanti performed at the Chrysler stand? Sizzling.

The charity preview is expected to raise $6.8 million for 11 local children’s charities. It also raised some hopes for the coming year."

Reubens give charity $100m - Sunday Times - Times Online

Reubens give charity $100m - Sunday Times - Times Online: "Reubens give charity $100m
Richard Fletcher
DAVID and Simon Reuben, who head one of Britain’s wealthiest families, have given $100m (£56m) to their charitable fund.

They are the latest entrepreneurs to donate a large part of their fortune to charity — following the example of several high-profile American entrepreneurs.

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, has given away $26 billion (£14.6 billion) to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which hopes to eradicate diseases in the developing world."

Duluth News Tribune | 01/15/2006 | Health-care CEOs earn big bucks

Duluth News Tribune | 01/15/2006 | Health-care CEOs earn big bucks: "Health-care CEOs earn big bucks
BY PETER PASSI
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

The heads of Minnesota's health-care nonprofits pull down some hefty compensation packages.

Mark Banks, CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, received total compensation worth $2.4 million in 2004. To put that in perspective, he oversees a $6.6 billion operation.

In the Northland, Peter Person, former CEO of St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, was the highest-paid nonprofit CEO in 2004. His total compensation, including benefits that year, was $948,515 while overseeing a $680.6 million system.

Today, Person runs Essentia, a partnership of SMDC and Benedictine Health Systems with more than $1 billion in revenues."

Channelnewsasia.com Singapore-"Government says law to protect whistle-blowers not yet needed

Channelnewsasia.com: "Government says law to protect whistle-blowers not yet needed
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia



The government has said that legislation to protect whistle-blowers is not necessary at present.

Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Yu-Foo Yee Shoon said this was a larger issue going beyond the charity sector, and such a move may build distrust among voluntary welfare organisations.

Speaking in Parliament, she said the boards of VWOs should instead continue to strengthen internal controls. "

Charity's new, focused breed of donor - Boston - MSNBC.com

Charity's new, focused breed of donor - Boston - MSNBC.com: "Charity's new, focused breed of donor

By Naomi R. Kooker
Boston Business Journal
Updated: 7:00 p.m. ET Jan. 15, 2006

It took a while for Corinne Grousbeck to commit to being a trustee on the board at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. The 177-year-old school desperately needed computers and a new strategic plan -- and money. The latter she had plenty of. But what she wanted to give most was her expertise in marketing and suggestions in how the school might pull itself into the 21st century. Would the board be receptive to her ideas?

Most importantly, she knew she needed patience and maturity: She didn't want her blind son, who was enrolled in the school, to interfere with her objectivity while serving on the board. On the other hand, if she did bring an agenda, she wanted to be prepared to fund it."

Impact of Disaster-Relief Fundraising on Nonprofits :: PNNOnline ::

Impact of Disaster-Relief Fundraising on Nonprofits :: PNNOnline ::: "Impact of Disaster-Relief Fundraising on Nonprofits
Posted by: laurakujawski on Monday, January 16, 2006
Topic Special Features


A new national survey released by several firms working with nonprofit organizations confirms that donors need to dig deeper in 2005. Funding shortfalls at nonprofit organizations are another disaster in the making–-loss of key services.


Charley Shimanski, President/CEO of the Colorado Nonprofit Association says, “The results of this survey are critical to us because many nonprofits receive 50% of their charitable gifts in November and December and we now have the data to deliver our message of the need for charitable giving ‘at home’.”


The survey gathered information from over 500 donors, nonprofits and nonprofit consultants nationwide. The survey revealed, in part that:"

Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/17/2006 | For Franklin, generosity and prudence were partners

Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/17/2006 | For Franklin, generosity and prudence were partners: "A call to continue his legacy of public service
By Amy Gutmann

Benjamin Franklin's genius harnessed entrepreneurial energy and intellectual creativity in the service of civic improvement. Philadelphians were the lucky beneficiaries; their city became his laboratory for imagining, inventing, and creating a better world.

For example, while other colleges were founded to train a privileged class for the clergy and courts, here Franklin founded an academy to teach practical subjects, discover new knowledge, and prepare great future leaders. Today the academy Franklin founded is Philadelphia's largest private employer and one of the world's great research institutions: the University of Pennsylvania.

By linking higher education to self-improvement and to serving society, Benjamin Franklin created the very framework for American philanthropy and civic-mindedness."

DenverPost.com - FRONT PAGE

DenverPost.com - FRONT PAGE: "Multiplying their gifts
Giving circles help small philanthropists have a big impact
By Will Shanley
Denver Post Staff Writer


I could give $500 to a group, but if we work together and give someplace $4,000, that is really incredible. - Leanna Harris, Founder, The Giving Trust (Post / Glen Martin)

Two years ago, Leanna Harris came up with what she thought was a novel idea: instead of merely writing checks to her favorite nonprofits, she decided to combine her charitable gifts with those of her friends."

The Craig Daily Press: Nonprofits struggle with public perception

The Craig Daily Press: Nonprofits struggle with public perception: "Nonprofits struggle with public perception

By Christina M. Currie, Daily Press Writer

Monday, January 16, 2006

With reports that the former deputy national executive dir�ector of Girl Scouts takes home $648,790 a year and that the director of the American Cancer Society's clears nearly $500,000, public distrust of non-profit organizations is growing.

A 2004 Brookings Institution study found that 11 percent of Americans think nonprofits do a good job of spending their money wisely.

The study found that confidence in charity is 10 to 15 percent lower today than it was the summer before Sept. 11."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Nonprofit Balancing Act: How to project the right image and fulfill donor expectations
Elisa BirnbaumJanuary 16, 2006
By Elisa Birnbaum

There was a time when all a nonprofit needed was a cause, a simple campaign, some volunteers, a desk - and a lot of passion. Limited resources didn't necessarily impede an organization from reaching its target audience, promoting its mission and raising money. Oh, how things have changed. Today's nonprofit marketplace is saturated, competitive, and organizations are struggling to survive, thus forcing them to walk a fine line. On the one hand, in order to stand out from the crowd, they need to spend money on things like marketing, special events, staff, and infrastructure. On the other, they must live up to the public's expectations that dollars are spent wisely. And this constant balancing act is a tough one for most organizations."