Friday, February 16, 2007

Gwyneth does her bit for charity

Gwyneth does her bit for charity: "Gwyneth does her bit for charity
Friday, 16 Feb 2007 16:20

Gwyneth Paltrow ignored the icy weather conditions in New York last night to host a diamond charity auction.

The Oscar-winning actress explained that she wanted to attend the auction for Hope Lodge, which provides free housing for adults with cancer, as 'it's a really good cause'."

The 60 largest American charitable contributions of the last year. - By Rachael Larimore - Slate Magazine

The 60 largest American charitable contributions of the last year. - By Rachael Larimore - Slate Magazine: "The 2006 Slate 60The 60 largest American charitable contributions of the last year.
By Rachael Larimore
Updated Friday, Feb. 16, 2007, at 7:31 AM ET


There are numbers that help put Warren Buffett's remarkable $43.6 billion charitable pledge of 2006 in perspective. It's close to the GDP of Slovakia. It's about the market value of McDonald's. And one comparative figure is especially relevant as we present our annual list of the top donors in the United States: Buffett's boffo moment nearly equals the total donations recorded in the Slate 60 for the previous six years combined—$44.9 billion."

The Northern Iowan - News

The Northern Iowan - News: "Non-profit pay-offs for college students
Taylor Schaa
NI News Writer

Many college students volunteer. Sometimes, that volunteer work can turn into a career after college, and we have just that kind of opportunity here at the University of Northern Iowa in the American Humanics program.

The Humanics are a student organization as well as an academic certificate that’s been on campus for almost 20 years."

Future Leaders in Philanthropy: The Leadership Promise of Junior Boards: Part I of II

Future Leaders in Philanthropy: The Leadership Promise of Junior Boards: Part I of II: "The Leadership Promise of Junior Boards: Part I of II

Junior boards are a creative and effective way for nonprofit organizations to capitalize on the time, talent, and networks of young professionals. For the junior members, these boards present an opportunity to develop new skills and broaden their professional and social circles, all while serving a cause they feel good about. It can be a win-win for all parties when junior boards are strategically and thoughtfully executed."
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GoPSUsports.com - Official Home of Penn State Athletics

GoPSUsports.com - Official Home of Penn State Athletics: "Penn State Student-Athletes Participate in THON This Weekend
Members of SAAB active in nations’ largest student-run philanthropy

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; February 15, 2007- After countless hours of fundraising, 11 members of the Penn State student-athlete family, as part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB), will be among the nearly 700 dancers this weekend at the 35th Annual Dance Marathon. The largest student-run philanthropy in the country, all proceeds raised through THON benefit the Four Diamonds Fund, which supports families with children who are battling cancer at the Hershey Medical Center Penn State’s Children’s Hospital. This year, THON will be held at the Bryce Jordan Center for the first time ever. The event begins on Friday, Feb. 16 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 18. Dancers participating in THON are not allowed to sleep nor sit during the 46-hour span."

FT.com / Your money - When philanthropy meets profitmaking

FT.com / Your money - When philanthropy meets profitmaking: "When philanthropy meets profitmaking

By Elaine Moore

Published: February 16 2007 12:24 | Last updated: February 16 2007 12:24

For many people, philanthropy and profit-making are mutually exclusive. But a new wave of socially-minded financial projects, attracting charities and wealthy investors alike, are blurring the lines.

This new concept is “microfinance”, an idea pioneered by a Bangladeshi professor, Muhammad Yunus, who set up Grameen Bank in 1976 with the aim of providing loans to young entrepreneurs traditionally shunned by financial institutions. The bank lent money to some of the poorest individuals in the country and its success was recognised recently when Yunus was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace prize."

The Chronicle, 2/22/2007: Record-Breaking Giving

The Chronicle, 2/22/2007: Record-Breaking Giving: "More than 20 Americans contributed at least $100-million to charity last year, a Chronicle survey finds

By Maria Di Mento and Nicole Lewis

Twenty-one Americans gave at least $100-million to charitable causes last year, breaking a new record in philanthropic giving, according


to The Chronicle's annual ranking of the 60 most-generous Americans. In 2005, 11 people gave that much."

Thursday, February 15, 2007

IRS: Donors must prove cash in collection plate - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 02/15/07 - Tennessean.com

IRS: Donors must prove cash in collection plate - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 02/15/07 - Tennessean.com: "IRS: Donors must prove cash in collection plate
Some area churches adopt technology to issue receipts

By ANITA WADHWANI
Staff Writer

Next time you drop a twenty into the collection plate at your house of worship, you might want to get a receipt.

New Internal Revenue Service rules in effect since Jan. 1 require written proof in order to get a tax break on any cash donation — including tithes, offerings or the odd bills and coins tossed into donation boxes at churches, synagogues and mosques."

iWon Money & Investing

iWon Money & Investing: "Nation's Richest Focus on Building Wealth and Giving It Away in 2007

Thursday February 15, 10:00 AM EST

NEW YORK, Feb 15, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Leading advisors to the nation's wealthiest individuals and families are talking to their clients about new ways of building wealth and new ways of giving it back to the community during 2007.

That's the insight from the latest snap poll of the Dow Jones Wealth Management Advisory Council, a select group of leading wealth management advisors who provide a combination of financial and investment advice to high-net-worth clients.

'Warren Buffett and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's stunning charity announcement in 2006 is changing the way wealthy individuals are thinking about giving money away,' said James A. Covell, senior vice president - financial consultant, RBC Dain Rauscher. 'In addition, preserving and maximizing wealth through innovative new investments and smart tax strategies highlight the new year agenda for the nation's wealthiest.'"

The Chronicle, 2/14/2007: Volunteerism Figures Fall to Five-Year Low, Federal Study Finds

The Chronicle, 2/14/2007: Volunteerism Figures Fall to Five-Year Low, Federal Study Finds: "Volunteerism Figures Fall to Five-Year Low, Federal Study Finds

By Ian Wilhelm

More than 61 million Americans donated their time to charity last year, the lowest number of volunteers in five years, according to new data from the federal government.

The figure represents a drop from the 65.4 million people who said they volunteered in 2005, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 4.4 million more than in 2006. Last year's number of volunteers was the lowest since 2002, when the federal government first began collecting such data."

PRESS RELEASE NCGives Releases New Trends in Philanthropic Giving

PRESS RELEASE NCGives Releases New Trends in Philanthropic Giving: "RALEIGH, NC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- February 14, 2007 -- NCGives, an emerging statewide initiative focusing on the generosity of women, communities of color and youth, has released a report entitled 'Foundation Giving in North Carolina: An Analysis of Trends for the 2005 Fiscal Year.'

The report reveals the following about foundations in North Carolina:

-- The number of foundations tripled between 1997 and 2005 - totaling
just over 3000.

-- Community Foundations giving has tripled - outpacing the growth of
private foundations.

-- Only one percent (1% being 38 foundations) contributed two-thirds of
total giving by foundations."

USNews.com: Money & Business: Gen X-ers: Stingy or Strapped?

USNews.com: Money & Business: Gen X-ers: Stingy or Strapped?: "Gen X-ers: Stingy or Strapped?

By Kimberly Palmer

Posted 2/14/07

Generation X-ers might not be getting out their checkbooks for charity as much as their parents' generation did, but they have some pretty good excuses.

Americans 25 to 36 years old donated just $592 on average in 2000, while those in the same age range in 1973 (mostly pre-baby boomers) gave away the inflation-adjusted equivalent of $1,214, according to research by Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy to be released this spring. The reason for the difference, however, is more complicated than mere stinginess."

A New Place to Strong-Arm Givers: The Gym - New York Times

A New Place to Strong-Arm Givers: The Gym - New York Times: "FOR three weeks, sweet-talking solicitors greeted gymgoers in the lobby of the Atlantic Club in Manasquan, N.J. They were not peddling personal training sessions.
Sylwia Kapuscinski for The New York Times

At the Atlantic Club in Manasquan, N.J., Jim O’Neill, left, and Tom Coleman, center, urge Rich Conn to participate in a benefit swim.

Instead, a handful of volunteers clad in matching T-shirts and red hats stopped members to promote the club’s latest charity drive, the Valentine Plunge, a benefit for Lou Gehrig’s disease. Members who slipped by without receiving an information packet or the soft-sell pitch couldn’t miss the slew of posters advertising the fund-raiser, which ended up collecting $100,000."

Giving alms: UA should jump on the philanthropy bandwagon - Opinions

Giving alms: UA should jump on the philanthropy bandwagon - Opinions: "Giving alms: UA should jump on the philanthropy bandwagon
Editorial
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Opinions

Page 1 of 1

When you think about charity, universities probably don't come to mind. But all of that's changing, and the UA should join the movement.

On Monday, Duke University unveiled a new $30 million project focused on increasing 'civic engagement.' Bankrolled in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the new 'DukeEngage' program will provide full funding to undergraduates who want to tackle civic engagement internships ranging from teaching in Durham, N.C., to starting a girls' school in Muhuru Bay, Kenya.

The program has already made national headlines, cresting on a wave of similar programs from Amherst University, Stanford University and Pomona College that enable students to pursue service-oriented internships without having to worry about financial constraints."

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Suburban Journals - News

Suburban Journals - News: "Greater need, fewer funds for nonprofits
Influx of agencies makes it harder for nonprofits to raise the money they need

By Brian Flinchpaugh
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 12:16 PM CST

Rose-shaped chocolates present a sticky dilemma for Fern Y. Ferguson Bush.

Each year, St. Martin's Child Center in Berkeley sells the candy as one of its major fund-raising events. The $3,000 the sale raises means a lot for a child-care nonprofit agency with a limited budget, said Bush, its executive director."

TheStar.com - News - Grassroots charity wins kudos as best fundraiser

TheStar.com - News - Grassroots charity wins kudos as best fundraiser: "A grassroots ethos and an innovative use of computer technology has won the Toronto aid agency GuluWalk recognition as one of the world's best fundraisers.

The New York-based Nonprofit Times, a leading U.S. newsletter for the philanthropic community, credited the tiny group's imaginative use of the Internet for its global reach.

Last October, more than 30 Publish Post ,000 people in 82 cities and in 15 countries walked and raised more than $500,000 for the agency's causes – 'an astounding 1,200 per cent increase compared to last year,' the magazine said."

Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Lewisville News

Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Lewisville News: "LEWISVILLE – Board members with the Greater Lewisville United Way announced Tuesday that they are no longer a part of the United Way of America.

While the new organization has yet to choose a name, it has a clear goal – to serve southern Denton County's social services agencies and projects.

'This has been a very difficult decision for us to make, but we truly believe that it is the best decision to make as we try to serve the needs of our communities,' board chairman Dean Ueckert said."

When profit isn't a measure of success, what's the bottom line? | Marion Chronicle Tribune - www.chronicle-tribune.com -

When profit isn't a measure of success, what's the bottom line? | Marion Chronicle Tribune - www.chronicle-tribune.com -: "When profit isn't a measure of success, what's the bottom line?
Second Harvest CEO shares group's rules to live by
BY LOIS ROCKHILL
Guest columnist

I pay attention to what's happening in the for-profit world of business. I believe there are things to be learned that can be applied to nonprofit social service organizations. Yet when I read that a CEO is fired because the company did not meet his or her sales goals or did not bring in enough profit for stockholders, I struggle with comparisons.

If the bottom line in business is profit, what is the bottom line in nonprofits? What is it that we need to produce, and at what level must we produce it to rate our performance satisfactory for the year? While our job is not to earn financial dividends for our owners, we do have owners. What do they expect from us, and what is a fair way to measure that expectation?"

National Parks Traveler: The $1 Billion Question: Is the Private Sector Up to the Centennial Campaign?

National Parks Traveler: The $1 Billion Question: Is the Private Sector Up to the Centennial Campaign?: "The $1 Billion Question: Is the Private Sector Up to the Centennial Campaign?

The president's National Parks Centennial Initiative is still but a dream, nothing more than dried ink on paper and spoken words that are now but memories. For sure, there is excitement building around this heady concept to raise an extra $3 billion for the national park system by 2016, when the National Park Service turns 100, and lots of behind-the-scenes planning to make this drive a reality.
But there are huge impediments to the challenge. Congress is the major one. Without its approval and authorization, the fund-raising program that would match $100 million of private dollars with $100 million of federal appropriations each and every year for the next decade is nothing but a grandiose vision."

Pew Leader on Outsourcing in Philanthropy | PhilanthroMedia

Pew Leader on Outsourcing in Philanthropy | PhilanthroMedia: "In an interesting story in the Wall Street Journal last week, Rebecca Rimel, who serves as the head of the Pew Charitable Trusts, suggests that an outsourcing mentality is part of the reason why her institution has begun attracting significant social capital. From the WSJ:

In the past three years, a diverse group of about 90 corporations, foundations and individuals have given the Pew about $110 million for programs. Ms. Rimel thinks this 'smart outsourcing' is one way philanthropy will evolve; it saves on the creation of infrastructure and minimizes the learning curve inherent in giving away money fruitfully."

Is Charity Shop Find A Lost Picasso (from Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Is Charity Shop Find A Lost Picasso (from Richmond and Twickenham Times): "s charity shop find a lost Picasso?
By Sarah Newstead
Comment

A chance find in a charity shop could turn out to be more than just a pretty piece for a bargain hunter, who believes he may have found a Picasso.

Graham Duncan bought an oil painting in the new Relief for Romania charity shop on York Road, Twickenham, and is appealing for the person who donated it to come forward.

Mr Duncan said: 'I will split any profits between myself, the donor and the charity three ways - a third share for each of us.'"

Businesses grow more socially conscious - USATODAY.com

Businesses grow more socially conscious - USATODAY.com: "Activists have argued for decades that companies, as good corporate citizens, are morally obligated to adopt socially responsible business practices. On their end, companies say they exist to sell products, make money and please shareholders — not to save the world.

But those clashing views may be finding common ground, say business experts on the movement known as 'corporate social responsibility,' or CSR."

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

TimesDispatch.com | Giving, Thanks

TimesDispatch.com | Giving, Thanks: "Giving, Thanks

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Feb 13, 2007

Richmond and Virginia have heard great good news on the philanthropic front. Last week Bank of America announced it is adding Central Virginia to its Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. The program, sponsored by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, honors nonprofit groups as well as local heroes and student leaders. Numerous Richmond organizations and individuals qualify for recognition.

Consolidations in the financial industry saw Richmond-based banks and institutions taken over by corporations headquartered elsewhere. For many companies Richmond became a regional center, not the home office. The trend raised concerns that philanthropy would suffer. Indeed, it is difficult not to suspect that the Virginia Performing Arts Center would have met its fundraising targets if the area retained the corporate offices relocated to different cities and states."

Report: 'Major turnover' of college presidents on way - USATODAY.com

Report: 'Major turnover' of college presidents on way - USATODAY.com: "By Maureen Groppe, Gannett News Service
WASHINGTON — College presidents have gotten older and have been in their positions longer than at any time in the past 20 years, indicating an upcoming wave of turnover at the top.

'The data … suggests that we will likely see a major turnover in the leadership of American colleges and universities in the next five to 10 years,' said James Renick, senior vice president of the American Council on Education. ACE surveyed the nation's 3,396 presidents last year for the report being issued today.

'This is a challenge. But it also represents an opportunity to promote greater diversity in our leadership,' Renick said"

Salt Lake Tribune - Smith gives back to the Utes

Salt Lake Tribune - Smith gives back to the Utes: "Ever since his whirlwind departure two years ago, quarterback Alex Smith knew he wanted to do 'something major' to express his gratitude to the university that launched him into a multi-million-dollar career in the NFL.
And now that he has, the Utah Utes are hoping others follow his example.
By committing Monday to donate $500,000 to help pay for an expansion of the university's athletics weight room, Smith not only broadened the legacy he built for himself by guiding the Utes to their greatest season and then becoming the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, but potentially opened the door to a new era of charitable giving by his fellow football players - none of whom has ever made such a gesture."

Former Sun CEO hopes the world is his classroom / McNealy says nonprofit Curriki Web site encourages learning

Former Sun CEO hopes the world is his classroom / McNealy says nonprofit Curriki Web site encourages learning: "oday, McNealy is focused on a rapidly changing part of the online world: K-12 education.

McNealy has spent most of the past year as the leading pitchman for Curriki, a nonprofit group that's trying to build a mega-Web site of educational materials that teachers, students and parents anywhere in the world can use, modify, critique and expand on. And they can do all that for free."

Monday, February 12, 2007

Area nonprofits hiring more recent graduates - Examiner.com

Area nonprofits hiring more recent graduates - Examiner.com: "- Area graduates are getting more job offers and higher salaries from nonprofits than ever before.

Nonprofits are hiring due to an increase in demand for their services, an increase in overall membership and growth in the communities they serve, said Paul Villella, CEO of HireStrategy, a recruiting firm headquartered in Reston."
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Royal Gazette

Royal Gazette: "Centre on Philanthropy to conduct survey

By Ruth O’Kelly-Lynch

A comprehensive survey is being done to examine philanthropy on the Island for the first time.
The Centre on Philanthropy, with support from the Donor Forum, have started The Giving Survey, which will gather a complete picture of charitable donations in 2005.
The survey will examine the level of donations and distribution of funds as well as the level of satisfaction with donations.
Executive director for The Centre on Philanthropy Pamela Barit Nolan said the study would enable the Centre to identify areas for collaboration and education. It will also outline where and how corporate funds, time and resources are being dispersed"

Jacksonville's Financial News and Daily Record

Jacksonville's Financial News and Daily Record: "Nonprofit kicks off new underwear drive

02/12/2007

by Anthony DeMatteo

Staff Writer

A choir of preschool children sang a blues version of the “Alphabet Song” and a professional basketball player admitted to feeling uncomfortable near a clothesline of underwear at the kick-off of a local charity’s second annual drive to collect new underwear for the needy.

The event was held at local public broadcasting station WJCT studios Feb. 1. Dignity-U-Wear Director of Development Cindy Sadler asked the approximately 100 people attending to spend the following six weeks collecting “bagged or tagged” underwear to donate to the Myrtle Street charity.

Dignity donates more than $15 million worth of new clothing to charities in 31 states, distributing clothes to almost 70 local charities."

Nonprofit Federation calls for delay in postage rate changes

Nonprofit Federation calls for delay in postage rate changes: "Nonprofit Federation calls for delay in postage rate changes

By Melissa Campanelli
February 12th, 2007

The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation is asking the U.S Postal Service to delay the implementation of regulations that would more than double the postage for many nonprofit mail pieces.

In its formal comments field with the agency, the DMANF expressed serious concerns that the proposed regulations will dramatically increase postage costs for nonprofit mailers by pushing pieces that currently qualify as automation rate flats (as well as some letter mail that exceeds 3.5 ounces) into the significantly higher priced not flat-machinable and parcel rate categories."

Kansas City Star | 02/12/2007 | More park funding comes with catch

Kansas City Star | 02/12/2007 | More park funding comes with catch: "More park funding comes with catch
By LAURA SCOTT
Columnist

* Read more Star editorial columns

Visit one of the nation’s parks, even during the busy summer tourist season, and try to find a ranger. It’s not impossible, but there are significantly fewer these days to help us interpret our experience."

The Cavalier Daily

The Cavalier Daily: "Setting the record straight on giving

Karin B. Bonding, Guest Viewpoint

LAST WEDNESDAY a letter tothe editor appeared under MarkHopke's name entitled 'A High Price to Pay.'It quoted a principle of personal finance taught in COMM 273, which I have the privilege of teaching: Pay Yourself First.While this principle was correctly quoted, its use was misinterpreted.Pay Yourself First means setting priorities in your life with your financial assets.For some this means setting up emergency funds or paying off credit cards but for many people a first priority is that of 'giving back'.

In a nation of immense wealth, it is fortunate that for many Americans, charitable giving is considered a moral responsibility. That moral responsibility can be applied here at our University, where the four years of education provided are only partially covered by tuition. The vast majority of each individual's education is paid for by donors -- as mentioned in a subsuqent letter to the editor -- to the tune of 79 percent.These donors have made charitable giving to their beloved university a priority. Students of Comm 273 should be particularly grateful to such individuals, as the course itself is endowed by exactly such a person, Mr. Robert Hardaway (McIntire '49). Mr. Hardaway, through his philanthropic spirit, has insured the existence of a course in which those outside of the Comm School can be given the opportunity to learn about personal finance."

cantonrep.com

cantonrep.com: "Big bucks donors can lose it all
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Big bucks donors can lose it all This and That

Last week, my alma mater, Kent State University, found itself in an embarrassing situation when it was forced to scrub the name of a benefactor from one of its buildings.

KSU's Child Development Center bore the name of former state representative Paul H. Jones, who recently pleaded guilty to mail fraud and tax evasion.

Naming college buildings after generous benefactors is an age-old tradition that has fared well historically, but has been wobbly of late"

Home Depot's $25M helps build playgrounds - Orlando Sentinel : Business

Home Depot's $25M helps build playgrounds - Orlando Sentinel : Business: "The kids at Winter Park Oaks apartment complex thought it was a great idea. They attended a Design Day at the apartment complex in December to draw pictures of how they wanted their new playground to look. This past week, their creations became a reality.

A national, nonprofit organization called KaBOOM!, headquartered in Washington, D.C., wants every child in America to have a place to play within walking distance.Home Depot has committed $25 million to the organization to create or refurbish 1,000 play spaces in 1,000 days throughout the country over a three-year period."

Kansas City Star | 02/11/2007 | The fire within philanthropy

Kansas City Star | 02/11/2007 | The fire within philanthropy: "The fire within philanthropy
By DIANE STAFFORD
Columnist


Build experiences and relationships. And have a passion for the mission.

At a recent event designed by the Council on Philanthropy to expose college students to nonprofit employment opportunities, professionals from Kansas City area nonprofits emphasized those points.

•Find and stay in touch with mentors in the field, recommended Ann Jerome, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and don’t consider any task beneath you. Nonprofit staffs generally are small, and employees wear different hats."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "The hidden costs of fundraising
Andy Levy-AjzenkopfBy Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
February 12, 2007

If there's one thing that concerns both the corporate and nonprofit sector equally, it's the constant fight to minimize costs while maximizing returns. But where for-profits can operate relatively unhindered and calculate elaborate cost-saving schemes, some nonprofits can't even afford the expense of hiring an accountant.

That's why it's critical for nonprofits to understand what hidden costs might accompany fundraising campaigns, and why it's best they discover them before they go over budget and risk losing the confidence of their boards and donors."