Friday, May 01, 2009

Panel backing Brandeis officials - The Boston Globe

Panel backing Brandeis officials - The Boston Globe: "he committee charged with examining Brandeis University's controversial decision to change the Rose Art Museum's mission and sell some of its art issued a vote of confidence for the beleaguered administration and made no push to save director Michael Rush's job, according to an interim report released today."

Student to set world record, skate for cancer research - Knights' Life

Student to set world record, skate for cancer research - Knights' Life: "For one Geneseo student, however, the summer will take on a different air entirely. Instead of reconnecting with home or relaxing on the beach, junior Serge Berig has chosen to traverse the country on skateboard as an approved fundraiser for the American Breast Cancer Foundation with friends Robert Springs and Christian Cupp."

Scots charity worker meets Barack Obama’s granny « Deadline Press & Picture Agency

Scots charity worker meets Barack Obama’s granny « Deadline Press & Picture Agency: "A SCOTS granddad delivering humanitarian aid to some of the world’s poorest children was left star-struck – after bumping into Barack Obama’s granny."

Business Daily Africa - the international window into East African business opportunities - Why microfinance institutions are popular

Business Daily Africa - the international window into East African business opportunities - Why microfinance institutions are popular: "May 01, 2009: Microfinance – previously seen as an area bound to make perennial losses - is rapidly growing into one of the important asset classes that investors are hunting for."

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management

From the Nonprofit Times

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Competition is getting fierce in the realm of workplace giving programs. America’s Charities on Wednesday welcomed 21 nonprofits that had been part of the United Way of the National Capital Area into a new program called Community1st. The Chantilly, Va.-based organization has about two dozen charities in similar alliances, Children1st and Health1st."

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Letter carriers teaming with marathon; Goal to stock local food pantry shelves |  West Fargo Pioneer  | West Fargo, North Dakota

Letter carriers teaming with marathon; Goal to stock local food pantry shelves | West Fargo Pioneer | West Fargo, North Dakota: "This year’s 17th annual food drive being promoted by the National Association of Letter Carriers is taking on a new twist as it partners with the annual FM Marathon event, that will establish collection points for food donations along the marathon route in Fargo and Moorhead. Organizers are hoping this will be the beginning of a great new partnership to support the communities’ fight against hunge"

Down economy quiets Symphony by the Sea - NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

Down economy quiets Symphony by the Sea - NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA: "The flow of private donations was hit hard in the Ponzi scheme scandal operated by disgraced hedge fund manager Bernard Madoff, McDermott said, as several symphony donors lost money.

'It was the erupting volcano that was too much to take,' she said."

Learning From Career Mistakes - Philanthropy.com

Learning From Career Mistakes - Philanthropy.com: "Learning From Career Mistakes

Learning from another’s mistakes is surely less painful than learning from one’s own. Alanna Shaikh, a global-health expert, tries to save readers of her blog from some regrettable on-the-job missteps by describing five mistakes says she made in pursuit of her dream job."

Charity makes marathon more meaningful - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Charity makes marathon more meaningful - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "One might say that Dane Rauschenberg enjoys a good challenge.

The Penn State graduate and Titusville native once ran 52 marathons in 52 weekends, so when organizers of the Frederick Marathon suggested in 2007 that he might raise money for charity by starting dead last and collecting pledge money for every runner passed, he said sure."

Sands Casino picks 15 charities to get test run money -- themorningcall.com

Sands Casino picks 15 charities to get test run money -- themorningcall.com: "The slot test days are a win-win scenario for all involved. We get to make sure that everything is running smoothly, the invited guests get a sneak peek at our new casino and many local charities receive some sorely needed funds,'' Robert J. DeSalvio, president of Sands Bethlehem, said in a written statement. ''We are excited that the Sands has this chance to give to the community. The 15 local charities we have chosen serve a large cross-section of needs throughout the area.''"

Students push for charity cash - Scarborough Evening News

Students push for charity cash - Scarborough Evening News: "A CHARITY bed push was just one of the events that has been taking place during Scarborough Sixth Form College's Rag Week."

Nonprofit leader round table: Fund-raising strategies change to cope with new economic reality - Ann Arbor Business – MLive.com

Nonprofit leader round table: Fund-raising strategies change to cope with new economic reality - Ann Arbor Business – MLive.com: "About 60 Washtenaw County nonprofits were surveyed in January by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation to assess the economy's impact on their groups. Results showed:

• 1/3 plan to reduce staff this year.

• 44 percent plan to reduce programming.

• 51 percent expect to generate less revenue than in 2006.

• The average revenue decline from 2006 is forecast at 21 percent.

• Most of the declines (60 percent or more) will be from individual donors and private grants.

• 65 percent rated their governing boards as good or excellent at helping their respective groups navigate economic challenges."

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Non-Profit Recession Watch: Which organizations will withstand the recession?

Non-Profit Recession Watch: Which organizations will withstand the recession?: "In late January 2009, a study authored by Retriever Development Counsel LLC, was conducted in the US, assessing the impact of the economy on the fundraising efforts of over 180 organizations. The survey was conducted in partnership with Nonprofit Association of Oregon, Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Meyer Memorial Trust."

IRS Pledges to Continue to Step Up Oversight of Charities - Philanthropy.com

IRS Pledges to Continue to Step Up Oversight of Charities - Philanthropy.com: "IRS Pledges to Continue to Step Up Oversight of Charities

The Internal Revenue Service has released an updated plan for the next several years that pledges a continuation of “focused oversight of the tax-exempt sector.”

“More than $15-trillion in assets are currently controlled by tax-exempt organizations or held in tax-exempt retirement programs and financial instruments,” the IRS said in its Strategic Plan 2009-2013. “The massive size of this sector requires us to provide more careful oversight and advisory support than ever before.”"

MacArthur honors local nonprofits for work on green innovation, low-cost loans | Chicago News, Events and Culture | Chi-Town Daily News

MacArthur honors local nonprofits for work on green innovation, low-cost loans | Chicago News, Events and Culture | Chi-Town Daily News: "Two local nonprofits are being honored internationally for their efforts to make Chicago a more livable, affordable and workable city.

The Center for Neighborhood Technology and the Chicago Community Loan Fund were chosen by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for the 2009 Creative and Effective Institutions Award. The two Chicago groups are among eight nonprofits chosen from across five countries."

African charity that is now transforming lives was made possible by a millipede - Telegraph

African charity that is now transforming lives was made possible by a millipede - Telegraph: "African charity that is now transforming lives was made possible by a millipede
A charitable project in Kenya has transformed a desert into a nature reserve thanks to the energy of one man and a very useful millipede."

The Northerner - Course reaches out

The Northerner - Course reaches out: "In such tough economic times, many people, companies and organizations struggle and Shoulder To Shoulder and the Know Theatre are no exceptions to the rule. STS and Know submitted an application to be a part of the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project — Northern Kentucky University’s civic-engagement foundation. The project’s mission is to incorporate philanthropy with classes in hopes that NKU students will learn to be productive citizens within their own community."

More philanthropy can help meet crucial needs in communities - The Daily Breeze

More philanthropy can help meet crucial needs in communities - The Daily Breeze: "More philanthropy can help meet crucial needs in communities
Posted: 04/28/2009 04:09:11 PM PDT

When most of us are thinking about scaling down our spending and other ways to cope with the latest bad financial news, it is a stretch to think about giving away money. But people are doing it.

Not just the ultra-rich, but more or less ordinary people who happen to have made a little more than most of us. There are 64,000 charitable foundations in this country, and 37,500 of them are family foundations. About 60 percent of those are small, according to the New York Community Trust, a community foundation."

Ducks for Bucks raises nearly $24,000 for nonprofits - Inside Bay Area

Ducks for Bucks raises nearly $24,000 for nonprofits - Inside Bay Area: "Last weekend's 15th annual Ducks for Bucks benefit race raised a total of $23,924 for 34 Tri-City area nonprofits, organizers said."

Bay Area charities unite, share aid to survive

Bay Area charities unite, share aid to survive: "As the economy continues its tailspin, Bay Area nonprofit leaders are making plans to consolidate their charities in order to survive."

BizBash Toronto | Oversize Teddy Bears, Palm Trees Fill Brazilian Ball's Benefit for SickKids

BizBash Toronto | Oversize Teddy Bears, Palm Trees Fill Brazilian Ball's Benefit for SickKids: "The Brazilian Carnival Ball—known for its elaborate decor and the colourful costumes worn by performers in its annual samba parade—took a cue from this year's charity, the SickKids Foundation, and opted for a teddy bear theme for the 43rd annual fund-raiser, held Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. 'Every child loves a teddy bear, so that's how we came up with the concept,' said 2009 event chair Janice O’Born, a member of the SickKids Foundation board."

Press Releases

Press Releases: "April 27, 2009 Special Bulletin on How NonProfits can Benefit from Stimulus Package"

21 Regional Nonprofits Withdraw From United Way - washingtonpost.com

21 Regional Nonprofits Withdraw From United Way - washingtonpost.com: "The new group, called Community1st, includes some of the region's most prominent nonprofits, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, WETA public television and the Whitman-Walker Clinic. The nonprofits' leaders are scheduled to announce the move at a news conference this morning, where they will be joined by officials from America's Charities, the Chantilly-based federation that will oversee their alliance."

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

29 Tips for Gaining and Retaining a Donor Base : By Abny Santicola : FundRaising Success

29 Tips for Gaining and Retaining a Donor Base : By Abny Santicola : FundRaising Success: "In a Forum for Fundraising webinar last month, Pat Rich, principal at EMD Consulting Group, outlined 29 recommendations for how organizations can gain donors and retain their donor bases, touching on everything from planning your program and acquisition and renewal strategies, to upgrading current members and creating member surveys."

Jewish Donors Urged To Aid Small Charities - Philanthropy.com

Jewish Donors Urged To Aid Small Charities - Philanthropy.com: "Jewish Donors Urged To Aid Small Charities

As the recession and the Ponzi scheme perpetrated by Bernard Madoff force donors to Jewish causes to cut back their giving, they should support small, innovative charities that have been established in recent years, argue two grant makers."

Memphis Daily News - Conference Attendance Hints at Nonprofit Slump

Memphis Daily News - Conference Attendance Hints at Nonprofit Slump: "The sign-up list for an event Friday intended to help nonprofit organizations cope with today’s economic challenges may be evidence that the organizations are feeling the financial crunch.

Registration is hovering between 80 and 90 people for the annual conference of the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence, which usually has between 150 and 200 participants. This year’s theme is “Surviving the Perfect Storm: Reinventing the Nonprofit’s Future.”"

ABC Radio Australia:Connect Asia:Stories:Asian philanthropy hit by slowdown

ABC Radio Australia:Connect Asia:Stories:Asian philanthropy hit by slowdown: "The global recession can claim another victim.

Aid organisations, NGOs and charities are reporting a downturn in donations and other philanthropic support. And it's especially bad news for the Asia Pacific region. The Journal of Philanthropy reports that over the last decade China and East Asia had been seen as 'burgeoning philanthropic powerhouses'. But as the financial crisis hits, entrepreneurs and large corporations no longer have deep pockets. And that's led to a stream of job losses and program cutbacks in the not-for-profit sector."

An Oregonian, Maria Eitel, will lead a new era of national service - OregonLive.com

An Oregonian, Maria Eitel, will lead a new era of national service - OregonLive.com: "It's not surprising that President Obama's recent nomination of Maria Eitel to lead the Corporation for National and Community Service didn't get much media attention. Good works, like good news, often do not make the headlines."

State, nonprofit leaders dish stimulus advice : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis

State, nonprofit leaders dish stimulus advice : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis: "GREENSBORO — If nonprofit leaders want a share of the federal stimulus money, they better do their homework, experts said Monday .

Non-profit leaders, business owners and local elected officials gathered at GTCC to talk about the economic crisis and opportunities for organizations to get a piece of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."

The NonProfit Times -Surveys: Few NP Mergers And Ready Credit

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Surveys: Few NP Mergers And Ready Credit

Despite yet another doom and gloom outlook for nonprofits in 2009, very few organizations are even considering mergers or selling assets. And, most nonprofits are not having trouble getting credit. Those are snippets from two different surveys, one by the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), the other by Grant Thornton LLP (GT)."

Hudson Institute > Fourth Annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances Shows Private Philanthropy, Remittances Provide Lifeline to Developing Countries During Recession

Hudson Institute > Fourth Annual <I>Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances</I> Shows Private Philanthropy, Remittances Provide Lifeline to Developing Countries During Recession: "Fourth Annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances Shows Private Philanthropy, Remittances Provide Lifeline to Developing Countries During Recession

April 27, 2009
by Hudson Institute

WASHINGTON—Despite the global recession, private giving and remittances are expected to be lifelines to help developing countries weather the economic storm, according to the new 2009 Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances published by Hudson Institute's Center for Global Prosperity (CGP)."

Giving When It Hurts - Forbes.com

Giving When It Hurts - Forbes.com: "When it comes to charitable giving, the old adage 'there are no problems, just opportunities' couldn't be more apropos than it is these days. Donors committed to making a difference have an opportunity to be more strategic in terms of fulfilling their charitable goals. The first strategic steps include reviewing your philanthropic portfolio, re-evaluating giving priorities in light of diminished resources, unknown tax policy changes and possible lifestyle modifications and gathering sufficient and accurate information to inform decisions about which organizations to invest in."

Monday, April 27, 2009

RHAPSODY IN '$UE' AT JAZZ HALL - New York Post

RHAPSODY IN '$UE' AT JAZZ HALL - New York Post: "Nonprofits have long been leery of publicizing deadbeat donors for fear of scaring off other potential contributors. Most try to quietly negotiate.

'Generally, a first response is to work with the donor,' said Michael Nilsen of the Virginia-based Association of Fundraising Professionals. But litigation may increase as the economy falters, he said."

Record fundraising total for London Marathon - Third Sector

Record fundraising total for London Marathon - Third Sector: "Record fundraising total for London Marathon

By Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector Online, 27 April 2009

Justgiving's £22.4m is up 7 per cent on last year's total

This year's Flora London Marathon raised a record £22.4m for charities, according to donor website Justgiving."

R.I. nonprofit groups caught in pinch: Revenue down, demand for services up | [an error occurred while processing this directive]

R.I. nonprofit groups caught in pinch: Revenue down, demand for services up | [an error occurred while processing this directive]: "It is a result of the recession: local nonprofit organizations face increased demand for services while suffering a drop in financial resources, the report said.

The United Way said it commissioned the study mainly to obtain a greater understanding of the impact of the economic crisis on nonprofits groups in Rhode Island."

Volunteers sprucing up neighborhoods, nonprofits - BostonHerald.com

Volunteers sprucing up neighborhoods, nonprofits - BostonHerald.com: "Hundreds of good neighbors helped repair and renovate the home of an elderly Jamaica Plain widow as well as six other houses and nonprofits around the city yesterday as part of National Rebuilding Day.

“Many people these days have to choose between paying their mortgage, buying food or medicine and making repairs to their homes, some of which are critical,” said Simon Auster, president of Rebuilding Together Boston."

Unemployed people are volunteering more | East Valley Job News | eastvalleytribune.com

Unemployed people are volunteering more | East Valley Job News | eastvalleytribune.com: "As the economy ends jobs across industries, several East Valley nonprofits report an increased number of volunteer applications from those who’ve recently lost their jobs and would rather spend their new-found spare time helping the community than spending stressful afternoons on the computer or on the couch."

The fun fund: Gifts with glee | Charlottesville Daily Progress

The fun fund: Gifts with glee | Charlottesville Daily Progress: "He/she/they could be simply enjoying the good feeling of gift-giving — and maybe slyly enjoying the spectacle of speculation and sleuthing as well.
This is not the first time colleges or universities have received anonymous donations carrying, as do these recent ones, the explicit instructions not to seek the donor.
In some cases in this year’s gifts, the colleges have had to sign a solemn written promise that they would not try to find out who was donating the money.
Some of the donations have arrived as cashier’s checks, some have come from attorney’s offices or other intermediaries. The checks have ranged from $1 million to perhaps $10 million."