Friday, June 15, 2007

Building a Cohesive and Healthy Community - Maine Coast NOW - A Courier Publications Information Source

Building a Cohesive and Healthy Community - Maine Coast NOW - A Courier Publications Information Source: "No other country in the world has a culture of charitable giving like the United States. Eighty-nine percent of households in America contribute to charities and the average contribution per household is $1,620. Total giving in the U.S. reached an estimated $260.2 billion in 2005 and the Boston College Social Welfare Research Institute estimates that between 1998 and 2052 Americans will contribute somewhere between $21.2 and $55.4 trillion to charities in the U.S.

The generosity of Americans is remarkably evident in Midcoast Maine through the work of a local foundation — United Mid-Coast Charities, Inc. (UMCC). Many people are not aware of the extraordinary support that UMCC has provided for more than 64 years to nonprofit, charitable organizations in Waldo and Knox counties. Last year 60 nonprofit organizations were recipients of grants from the foundation and, for many of these organizations, the funds they receive are critical for their long-term operation and survival."

GuideStar Statement on New IRS Form 990 Draft

PRESS RELEASE

GuideStar Statement on New IRS Form 990 Draft: "June 14, 2007 04:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time
GuideStar Statement on New IRS Form 990 Draft

Draft Revision Released Today

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GuideStar, the leading provider of nonprofit information, applauds the IRS efforts to revise IRS Form 990, a draft of which the IRS released today.

“The revision of IRS Form 990 is an important development for the nonprofit sector and something that GuideStar has long encouraged,” stated Bob Ottenhoff, GuideStar’s president and CEO. “We commend the IRS for this major undertaking and encourage nonprofits and the public to take advantage of the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes before the September 14 deadline."

The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper

The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper: "Keeping the lights on is a challenge for stages across the country. A national conference this month hosted by the Theater Communications Group reflects the trend of diminishing attendance -- most of the seminars focused on filling seats.

'Live events are dying off. People would rather get a Netflix and hunker down on the couch,' says Sue Houghton, marketing manager for FTP.

What's a community theater group to do when it needs $20,000 to stay alive?

Houghton says FTP has asked, begged, borrowed -- but not stolen -- and with the threat of extinction looming has, for the first time in its history, bitten the fundraising bullet. The group is sponsoring an evening of dinner, dance, live auction and entertainment at the William Tally Recreation Center tomorrow night."

Ex-president Clinton made $10M in '06 - Newsday.com

Ex-president Clinton made $10M in '06 - Newsday.com: "Clinton accepted $675,000 in fees at events benefiting anti-hunger groups, Jewish causes and a leukemia research charity, according to Hillary Rodham Clinton's Senate disclosure forms, which were made public Thursday."

Who's watching the fish tanks? | ajc.com

Who's watching the fish tanks? | ajc.com: "This is routine. According to state and federal officials, the Georgia Aquarium — and comparable facilities around the nation — operate without much oversight.

Aquarium officials agree that the government isn't as involved in their operations as a zoo's, which has a heavier concentration of mammals, for example. But that hardly means the nation's fish tanks aren't under observation, they say."

Colorado Springs Business Journal-Corporate philanthropy

Colorado Springs Business Journal: "Corporate philanthropy
By Mark Lester | June 15, 2007
Booz Allen Hamilton

Being a good corporate citizen is not only the right thing to do, but it’s proving to be an essential business tool in the competitive market. Those companies that embrace corporate philanthropy find that they are not only creating social change in the communities where they live and work, but also are reaping the unintended benefits of strong return on investment (ROI) to their business in multiple areas."

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Charity Times news - Poor less likely to give to charity, but donate more of their salary

Charity Times article on Giving Trends in UK.
You can also find more articles on International Fundraising on the AFP Blog International News


Charity Times news - Poor less likely to give to charity, but donate more of their salary: "The poor donate a higher proportion of their income to charity than the rich but are less likely to give, according to NfpSynergy’s latest research.

Based on a representative sample of UK households, new analysis from the think tank states that half of the wealthiest 10% of households have all donated in the last month, giving an average of £60. In contrast, only 15% of the poorest households claim to donate, giving an average of just £14."

Cases for a cause gaining heartening momentum | ajc.com

Cases for a cause gaining heartening momentum | ajc.com: "Cases for a cause gaining heartening momentum

By GIL KULERS
Published on: 05/31/07

Gordon Holmes came to own Lookout Ridge Winery, perched high in the mountains of eastern Sonoma County, like many other winery owners. He made his money somewhere else, plunked it down on property in California wine country and started making ultra-premium wines costing $40 per bottle and up.

This millionaire-turned-winemaker's story takes a different turn after a chance meeting with Ken Behring, former owner of the Seattle Seahawks football team and philanthropist. At the 2004 California Cult Wines Classic Dinner, a charity event held annually in San Francisco, Behring bought a large-format bottle of Lookout Ridge Pinot Noir for $1,500. Behring told Holmes about the Wheelchair Foundation, an organization founded by Behring that has given more than 500,000 wheelchairs to impoverished individuals around the world who have lost their mobility."

Weill: Philanthropy Is About Talent and Passion -- Not Just Money - Power Lunch - CNBC.com

Weill: Philanthropy Is About Talent and Passion -- Not Just Money - Power Lunch - CNBC.com: "Sandy Weill, former Citigroup chairman, told CNBC that philanthropy isn’t just about money.

In an interview with CNBC's Mary Thompson, Weill said giving is about your talent and passion. He urged others to start giving when they’re young and before they have money. He said it’s important to give of your intelligence, energy and passion."

MailTribune.com: Nonprofit groups unite under statewide banner

MailTribune.com: Nonprofit groups unite under statewide banner: "A new coalition of tax-exempt organizations will strengthen local nonprofit groups and save money, members said.

The Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) kicked off statewide Wednesday, announcing a bid to unite 140 founding members through training, collaboration and advocacy. Eleven groups in Jackson County are members."

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Facebook Generation: Will Social Networks Change the Nature of Philanthropy?

From Tom Watson at OnPhilanthropy

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Facebook Generation: Will Social Networks Change the Nature of Philanthropy?: "Facebook Generation
Will Social Networks Change the Nature of Philanthropy?
By Tom Watson, 6/13/2007

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I started a bank and now we make loans to businesses all over the world. Now, before you speculate on my family wealth or means - and my place among the banking titans - consider that we started this little lending institution of ours with $250. And keep in mind that our “bank” is really one of thousands, that we meet with other owners online, and that they don’t appear to be captains of finance (from what I can tell by their snapshots)."

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Charitable Gifts Get Bigger as Wall Street's Profits Soar - News - CNBC.com

Charitable Gifts Get Bigger as Wall Street's Profits Soar - News - CNBC.com: "Philanthropy--once the province of 'old money,' or those who inherited their wealth--is increasingly being led by self-made millionaires and billionaires, according to CNBC's Mary Thompson.

And the size of gifts is getting bigger as Wall Street’s profits rise.

“It used to be that $10 million was considered a big gift,” says Stacy Palmer, editor of Chronicle of Philanthropy. “These days, you have to give at least $100 million to get noticed.”"

"State's arts spending ranks near the bottom

local: "State's arts spending ranks near the bottom

The Capital Times — 6/12/2007 12:17 pm

Wisconsin ranks near the bottom of the nation when it comes to per-person spending on the arts, according to a new study showing that segment of the U.S. economy which drives billions of dollars and millions of jobs.

Reflecting from the study's statistics, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton said today that Wisconsin's ranking of 44th is cause for action and that she will soon announce proposals to correct the disparity. For every dollar spent per person per state, Wisconsin spends 44 cents, compared to the $1.67 spent in Minnesota."

Study: gender gap in wages of nonprofit directors | www.tucsoncitizen.com ®

Study: gender gap in wages of nonprofit directors | www.tucsoncitizen.com ®: "A study of nonprofit executives' salaries, which includes Pima County for the first time, found a gender gap here, with women executive directors paid about 20 percent less than men.
The 2007 study by Arizona State University's Center for Nonprofit Leadership Management reviewed wages and benefits for all categories of workers at nonprofits in Maricopa and Pima counties."

Check ‘rights’ before signing check | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA

Check ‘rights’ before signing check | TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA:
snip snip>>

"To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

You can find the full text of the Donor Bill of Rights online at the Web site of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Go to www.afpnet.org, and click on the Ethics category."

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Tallahassee Democrat - www.tallahassee.com - Tallahassee, FL.

Tallahassee Democrat - www.tallahassee.com - Tallahassee, FL.: "would like us to all talk about why, the minute funding is threatened, nonprofits immediately know theirs is most likely first on the chopping block. We'll never get it right if we keep talking about nonprofits like a charity that our community can afford only when times are good."

Living | Dollar for Darfur helps light up a life and Web site | Seattle Times Newspaper

Living | Dollar for Darfur helps light up a life and Web site | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Dollar for Darfur helps light up a life and Web site

By Haley Edwards

Seattle Times staff reporter

KEN LAMBERT / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Jonah Burke of Seattle is the founder of Darfurwall.org, a Web site seen in the background. Each number represents one of 400,000 lives lost in the Darfur crisis. People who donate a dollar or more light up one of the numbers.

In January, we ran a story about Darfurwall.org, a Seattle-run Web site that raises money for humanitarian aid in Darfur, Sudan. The nonprofit site relies entirely on social-networking sites and 'word of mouse' (links on blogs) to advertise its existence. Once visitors stumble upon the site, they're asked for very small amounts of money — $1 donations are all it takes."

Board Member Compensation - Nonprofit Board Compensation - Compensating Nonprofit Board Members

Joanne Fritz from About.com answers Board Compensation Questions

Board Member Compensation - Nonprofit Board Compensation - Compensating Nonprofit Board Members: "Q. Can a Nonprofit Compensate Its Board Members?
From Joanne Fritz,
Your Guide to Nonprofit Charitable Orgs.

Only about 2 percent of nonprofits compensate board members and it is unusual outside of large, complex entities such as health care systems or large foundations."

Monday, June 11, 2007

Hollywood Stars Find an Audience For Social Causes - washingtonpost.com

Hollywood Stars Find an Audience For Social Causes - washingtonpost.com: "hollywood Stars Find an Audience For Social Causes

By Nora Boustany
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, June 10, 2007; Page A01

Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore traipsed purposefully up the Capitol steps last month in a simple black dress, red-soled black pumps and russet mane, not for a film shoot but to lobby for child feeding programs in Africa as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. World Food Program."

GuideStar - News - Articles - IRS Updates, June 2007: Public Disclosure of IRS Form 990-T and Political Activities of Exempt Organizations

Some 990 news via Guidestar
GuideStar - News - Articles - IRS Updates, June 2007: Public Disclosure of IRS Form 990-T and Political Activities of Exempt Organizations: "IRS Updates, June 2007: Public Disclosure of IRS Form 990-T and Political Activities of Exempt Organizations

Note: The following discussion is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice. For specific information about public disclosure of Form 990-T and political activities of exempt organizations, consult your attorney or tax adviser.

Last month, the IRS released interim guidance on public inspection of Form 990-T. Earlier this month, the service also published guidance on political activity by exempt organizations."

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin: Sports-Cyclists on benefit ride to be in Walla Walla

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin: Sports: "Four Washington college students - three from Washington State University and one from the University of Washington, as well as 25 other Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members - will cycle 4,000 miles from Seattle to Washington, D.C., to raise funds and awareness on behalf of people with disabilities."

Give to global entrepreneurship

Give to global entrepreneurship: "Give to global entrepreneurship



Looking for a new way to be charitable? How about lending to a business on the other side of the world? New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof did, and traveled to meet his beneficiaries. He talks to Tess Vigeland.

TESS VIGELAND: One of the most common questions we get here is, 'What can I do with my money to make a difference?' The obvious choice is charitable giving - of both your money and your time. But now there's another choice: microfinancing."

Mr. K-State announces retirement - K-StateSports.com—Official Athletics Web site of Kansas State University

Mr. K-State announces retirement - K-StateSports.com—Official Athletics Web site of Kansas State University: "MANHATTAN, Kan. – Ernie Barrett, affectionately know throughout the state of Kansas as Mr. K-State, announced his retirement as Director of Development with the Kansas State athletics department today, ending nearly six decades of service to the university as a student-athlete, coach and administrator."

The Enquirer - How to give away part of an IRA

The Enquirer - How to give away part of an IRA: "Before the gift can be made, the withdrawal from the IRA has to be reported as ordinary income, possibly increasing state income tax, exposure to the federal alternative minimum tax and the itemized-deduction phase-out.

There are limits on the amount one is allowed to deduct as charitable gifts in one year.

However, the law allows in 2007 a special charitable rollover from IRAs"

Dartmouth News - Dartmouth's class of 2007 breaks record with senior class gift participation - 06/09/07

Dartmouth News - Dartmouth's class of 2007 breaks record with senior class gift participation - 06/09/07: "Eighty percent of the Dartmouth Class of 2007 made donations to support the Senior Class Gift (SCG), breaking the old participation record held by the Class of 2006, which stood at 73 percent. Eleven organizations in Dartmouth's Coed/Fraternity/Sorority (CFS) community boasted 100 percent participation, and every member of the Senior Executive Committee, the leadership of the class, participated."

Wide gap shown in Mass. charitable giving - The Boston Globe

Wide gap shown in Mass. charitable giving - The Boston Globe: "Wide gap shown in Mass. charitable giving
Middle class lags, study says

By Peter Schworm, Globe Staff | June 10, 2007

The wealthiest Massachusetts residents give much more of their income to charities than wealthy people in the rest of the country, according to a forthcoming report on charitable giving by two Boston College researchers. But working- and middle-class families in Massachusetts, burdened by the state's high cost of living, are not nearly as generous as families with comparable incomes nationally."

Associated Black Charities gala celebrates giving - baltimoresun.com

Associated Black Charities gala celebrates giving - baltimoresun.com: "As Associated Black Charities threw its 22nd Annual Gala, the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel was jam-packed with formally frocked guests. So many things to do, people to see. Sure, there was the dinner, the dancing, the auctions, the comedy lounge. But for many folks, this gala is the time to catch up with old friends."

Arab Americans urged to action

Arab Americans urged to action: "In a later discussion on philanthropy in the Arab-American community, Maha Freij, the chief financial officer for the Dearborn-based Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, said the money is out there to be tapped. But organizations must define their message and make themselves heard to raise it."

Shared riches bring wealth of baggage

Editorial

Shared riches bring wealth of baggage: "Many communities around the country are grappling with what to do about schools, buildings, monuments and public places named after Confederate heroes or people who profited off slavery and racism. The University of Colorado renamed a residence hall after it came to light that the original honoree had participated in a 19th century massacre of American Indians. Brown University did a thorough study of the 'grievous crimes' committed by its founders who owned slaves or captained slave ships.

California faces its own dilemma: What to do about the legacies of honored public figures who promoted and justified racism in the name of 'eugenics,' and about the institutions that made them honorable."

Turning wealth into good works | csmonitor.com

Turning wealth into good works | csmonitor.com: "Suppose you've become financially independent through business success, investments, or an inheritance, and can have whatever you might want. What would you do with your wealth?

It's a question millions of Americans are confronting amid a dramatic rise in affluence. The United States now has more than 8 million millionaires, and studies show that an intergenerational transfer of private wealth is under way that will amount, at the least, to $45 trillion by 2052 (and perhaps three times that).

'Never have so many people had such wealth,' says Paul Schervish, director of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College. 'How they use it is a spiritual question ... the key question of the 21st century.'"

SAN FRANCISCO / Gorillas in the fog for conservation / Charity has 400-plus runners in hairy suits chasing a banana

SAN FRANCISCO / Gorillas in the fog for conservation / Charity has 400-plus runners in hairy suits chasing a banana: "he Holubs were among more than 400 people who turned out for the first Great Gorilla Run through Golden Gate Park. The 4.3-mile race, which began shortly after 9 a.m., was billed as good fun for a good cause: The Gorilla Organization, which sponsored the race, was established under a different name nearly 30 years ago to save endangered gorillas in Africa. There are only about 700 mountain gorillas left in the wild, the organization says."

Marin Independent Journal - Beth Ashley: 12 women, one circle, $300,000 given away

Marin Independent Journal - Beth Ashley: 12 women, one circle, $300,000 given away: "Pamela Cook and 11 friends have found a new way to give away their money.

They have become a 'giving circle,' pooling their contributions so they can donate a meaningful amount to one or two charities."

Miami's advice to Orlando arts center: Do the math right - Orlando Sentinel : State News Miami's advice to Orlando arts center: Do the math right - Or

Miami's advice to Orlando arts center: Do the math right - Orlando Sentinel : State News Miami's advice to Orlando arts center: Do the math right - Orlando Sentinel : State News: "Here's some advice for the folks planning Orlando's performing-arts center: When estimating utilities, maintenance and security costs for your new buildings, don't use inaccurate assumptions or stale data.

And, for heaven's sake, don't figure the cost of air conditioning by the square foot. Use cubic feet, if you aim to cool the air above the floor, too.

Since opening Miami's new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts seven months ago, facility managers have learned those and other lessons the hard way. With occupancy costs for the $473 million complex soaring to an average of $647,844 a month -- more than double what was budgeted -- they are asking the Miami-Dade County Commission for an additional $4.1 million to stay open."