Friday, July 31, 2009

Kids charity hopes to set 'back pack toss' world record

Kids charity hopes to set 'back pack toss' world record: "The Back Pack Toss is a safety mechanism for kids. It's an indicator that something bad has taken place and that the police needs to be notified immediately.

Every kid that goes to school has a back pack. While walking, if a vehicle pulls up beside them that they are unsure of, they should step away from the vehicle and each time they take a step, they should undo the zipper of their back pack. If the vehicle's door opens, they should toss the back pack as hard as they can, ran away as fast as they can and yell for help. A dropped back pack, and the debris scattered all over the place - books, papers, lunch containers, pencils - will serve as a warning signal that adults will recognize."

The NonProfit Times - Donor Scales Back Major Gift To University

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Two and a half years after announcing the largest gift in school history, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) will have to settle for less than a third of the donation.

Citing the economic downturn, life insurance mogul Barry Kaye informed FAU officials on Monday that he would be unable to fulfill the $16-million pledge he made in January 2007, and instead will make a $5-million gift. The university renamed its College of Business for Barry and Carol Kaye after the $16-million pledge, which also was to establish an endowment to support academic programs, faculty and students."

Ken-Ducky Derby Kicks Off - Louisville News Story - WLKY Louisville

Ken-Ducky Derby Kicks Off - Louisville News Story - WLKY Louisville: "The Kentucky Derby is billed as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” but the Ken-Ducky Derby could make you a millionaire.

The Harbor House is hosting the sixth-annual Ken-Ducky Derby Kick Off event at the Frazier Historical Museum on Aug. 5. People can adopt rubber ducks to compete in the Derby beginning at the kickoff event."

Troubled times for Utah arts - Salt Lake Tribune

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Troubled times for Utah arts - Salt Lake Tribune: "The term 'struggling artist' has taken on new meaning in today's economy.

An overwhelming majority -- 71 percent -- of Utah arts organizations and museums report being concerned about their financial health, a small Utah Arts Council survey shows."

Some groups see school supply donations wane - Local - The Sun News

Some groups see school supply donations wane - Local - The Sun News: "With weeks to go until the first day of classes at area schools, some charitable groups are seeing donations of supplies slow.

Demand for such donations is rising at the same time that sources for the supplies are faltering, according to at least one area nonprofit and church group that traditionally provide help around the start of the school year."

The Santa Barbara Independent Cancer Fundraiser Delayed Due to Recession

The Santa Barbara Independent Cancer Fundraiser Delayed Due to Recession: "To better serve the increasing demand for free American Cancer Society services and programs, the event has been rescheduled to summer 2010, when we can more effectively raise funds needed to sustain our local services for cancer patients, their families and caregivers."

CSU president sets out new path for university - The Denver Post

CSU president sets out new path for university - The Denver Post: "Frank said he also wants to step up the university's fundraising. 'I think it is important for us to make a statement that we can raise money from philanthropy, and we are going to use the philanthropic giving to partner with public funds to make sure we have a great institution,' he said in a telephone interview.

Penley focused his fundraising efforts on well-heeled investors and corporate heavyweights. He worked hard to convince investors that their cash would draw dividends if they poured it into CSU research projects."

Philanthropy Australia launches Projects Pool — Third Sector — The magazine for Australia’s non-profit and not-for-profit sector

Philanthropy Australia launches Projects Pool — Third Sector — The magazine for Australia’s non-profit and not-for-profit sector: "Philanthropy Australia has launched a new knowledge-sharing tool to help source funding for projects proposed by non-profits."

Sam Williams Farm Africa bike ride to Kenya

Sam Williams Farm Africa bike ride to Kenya: "Ambitious Sam Williams had raised £20,000 for the charity FARM Africa in 2007 by rowing single-handedly across the Atlantic, despite having sailed in nothing more than a rowing boat before.

So when he wanted to see for himself how that money had been spent, the 25-year-old from Box decided he would do it the hard way, and pedal every single one of the 6,000 miles to the village in Kenya which received his money."

Pope to Cut Album for Charity - CBS News

Pope to Cut Album for Charity - CBS News: "(AP) A new album coming out of Abbey Road studios may be a first: it features the pope praying as well as singing."

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Choosing A Charity - Forbes.com

Choosing A Charity - Forbes.com: "You don't need to be rich to give to charity. You don't even need to be middle class. In fact, in the United States today it's the poor, not the wealthy, who give the highest percentage of their income to those in need."

IRS Releases Final Regulations for Returns of Small Groups - Philanthropy.com

IRS Releases Final Regulations for Returns of Small Groups - Philanthropy.com: "IRS Releases Final Regulations for Returns of Small Groups

The Internal Revenue Service has issued final regulations that explain how organizations must file tax returns if their annual gross receipts are usually $25,000 or less."

California seeks sponsors for state parks - Los Angeles Times

California seeks sponsors for state parks - Los Angeles Times: "State parks officials and nonprofit organizations scrambled Wednesday to find funding and possibly new corporate sponsors to keep as many as 100 parks and beaches open after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger slashed an additional $6.2 million out of the state parks system."

Bradley Center's Payne steps down - JSOnline

Bradley Center's Payne steps down - JSOnline: "But the building, believed to be the only major public facility in the country built through the philanthropy of a single family, is aging. In the recent state budget, $5 million was set aside to help the Bradley Center, which has no public tax support, for maintenance purposes"

Students offered scholarships from fictional crimefighter, Jack Reacher | Books | guardian.co.uk

Students offered scholarships from fictional crimefighter, Jack Reacher | Books | guardian.co.uk: "Jack Reacher, the hardass former military policeman created by crime writer Lee Child, turns out to have an unlikely penchant for philanthropy, after Child launched a series of scholarships for Sheffield University students in his fictional investigator's name."

idealist.org - Who’s Got This Year’s Bragging Rights for Volunteering in the U.S.?

idealist.org - Who’s Got This Year’s Bragging Rights for Volunteering in the U.S.?: "Last year, Utah and Minneapolis-St Paul came out on top as the state and large city with the highest average percentage of volunteers, according to research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). As CNCS releases civic engagement stats for 2008 today, anticipation is high to see who will take these titles away from the Twin Cities and the Beehive State. So, without further ado, this year’s city and state with the highest percentage of volunteers…Minneapolis-St Paul and Utah!"

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Study: 1 in 3 U.S. Volunteers Serve through Religious Groups | Christianpost.com

Study: 1 in 3 U.S. Volunteers Serve through Religious Groups | Christianpost.com: "The Volunteering in America 2009 report, the most comprehensive data ever assembled on volunteer trends and demographics, found that 22.2 million volunteers, or 35.9 percent of the total 61.8 million volunteers in the United States, served with or through a religious organization in 2008."

morrisdailyherald.com | Who wants to be a grantmaker?

morrisdailyherald.com | Who wants to be a grantmaker?: "In July, our anniversary month, we launched a great new program — “Who Wants to be a Grantmaker?” In partnership with the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this program will be featured at the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours (BAH).

At the BAH, the Community Foundation will draw a business card and that winner gets to select a charity. The Foundation will then mail a donation of $100 to that charity in the winner’s name. How cool is that?"

The Columbus Dispatch : United Way charts course

The Columbus Dispatch : United Way charts course: "With a unanimous vote yesterday, the United Way of Central Ohio cemented its transformation from a fundraising club for charities to an agenda setter in regional philanthropy.

Nine goals will guide fundraising and grant dollars at the United Way for the next decade: reducing crime in five neighborhoods; cutting abandoned housing by a third in those neighborhoods; raising kindergartners' passing rate on literacy tests to 85 percent; boosting the county's high-school graduation rate to 95 percent; cutting by 20 percent the number of households below 250 percent of the federal poverty line; halving the number of residents without regular health care; training one in three residents for disaster response; boosting the number of residents at a healthy weight; and providing emergency help to everyone in need."

Senior officials praise federal employees for local philanthropy (7/28/09) -- www.GovernmentExecutive.com

Senior officials praise federal employees for local philanthropy (7/28/09) -- www.GovernmentExecutive.com: "Senior officials praise federal employees for local philanthropy
By Alyssa Rosenberg arosenberg@govexec.com July 28, 2009

Cabinet secretaries commended federal employees for their commitment to service as they delivered food donated by agency workers to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington on Tuesday."

Does the Nonprofit World Need a 'Reboot'? - Philanthropy.com

Does the Nonprofit World Need a 'Reboot'? - Philanthropy.com: "Does the Nonprofit World Need a 'Reboot'?

Will the recession force the nonprofit world to work together better and be more focused? Or will the continuing economic losses simply hobble charities and foundations?"

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Cleveland Leader | Cleveland News & More!

Cleveland Leader | Cleveland News & More!: "Donations will also be accepted at the event to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. Donations will allow the Taussig Cancer Institute to continue offering world-class care, treatment, and clinical trial research in cancer awareness, diagnosis and management."

Six Key Attributes of Sticky Messages : By Abny Santicola : FundRaising Success

Six Key Attributes of Sticky Messages : By Abny Santicola : FundRaising Success: "Fundraisers spend time and resources creating messages for cases, proposals and campaigns. But how many of them actually stick?

In his session 'Sticky Ideas: How to Make Your Fundraising Messages Powerful and Persuasive' at the 2009 Bridge Conference held last week near Washington, D.C., consultant Bernard Ross defined what makes ideas stick, why sticky ideas work and why they're essential to fundraising, and how they can be applied by fundraisers in their work with donors, board members and others."

Press Release: In Tough Times, Volunteering In America Remains Strong

Press Release: In Tough Times, Volunteering In America Remains Strong: "New Federal Report Ranks 50 States and 200 Cities, Shows Young Adults & “Do-It-Yourself” Volunteers Leading Compassion Boom

Washington, DC – A new report released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service finds that even during a time of prolonged economic recession, volunteering has remained steady, fueled by a compassion boom led by young adults and a wave of do-it-yourself volunteers working with their neighbors to fix problems."

Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University see strong fund-raising year - Cleveland.com

Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University see strong fund-raising year - Cleveland.com: "Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University are reporting highly successful fund-raising efforts this year in spite of the national economic downturn."

Shakopee tribe dealt $40 million to groups

Shakopee tribe dealt $40 million to groups: "The tribe handed out $40 million last year, almost twice as much as it gave two years ago, according to a newly issued accounting of its charitable largesse."

The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - Donations will help get kite event onto record books

The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - Donations will help get kite event onto record books: "A local effort to set the Guinness world record for number of kites in the sky at one time seems to be taking off.

The event, which is slated for Sept. 10 behind Autry Technology Center, has brought in its first donation of $5,000, said Stan Hicks, Enid Habitat for Humanity board member. The event is a fundraiser for the local Habitat for Humanity chapter."

BBC NEWS | Business | Hit or miss for charities in recession?

BBC NEWS | Business | Hit or miss for charities in recession?: "The latest figures from the UK Cards Association suggests the public's appetite for giving to charities has not diminished during the downturn."

Book Review: ‘Billions of Drops in Millions of Buckets’ - WSJ.com

Book Review: ‘Billions of Drops in Millions of Buckets’ - WSJ.com: "It is often noted that, after billions of dollars in ­government spending over the past several ­decades, we have seen precious little progress in solving American’s major social problems, from family breakdown to dysfunctional schools. But what about America’s nonprofit sector—organizations that ­concentrate their efforts on exactly such problems, with money from charities, trusts and personal ­philanthropies? They too spend enormous sums. Is their record any better?"

School of Mines raises a record $30.7M in donations - Denver Business Journal:

School of Mines raises a record $30.7M in donations - Denver Business Journal:: "Colorado School of Mines said Monday it raised an estimated $30.7 million in donations and commitments in the just-concluded fiscal year, a new record for the Golden college."

Monday, July 27, 2009

Big-hearted micro-projects promise limitless returns

Big-hearted micro-projects promise limitless returns

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And the biggest corporate donors in the Bay Area are

And the biggest corporate donors in the Bay Area are: "This past Thursday, July 23, the San Francisco Business Times held their annual Bay Area Corporate Philanthropy Summit and Awards. Spoiler alert - we're going to get the top three out of the way right off the bat. Each company is followed by its total cash contributions to Bay Area charities in 2008 and its total cash giving as a percentage of profit."

Where are all the female leaders?

Where are all the female leaders?: "One place where women leaders are definitely represented is in the nonprofit world. According to Board Source (a nonprofit organization founded in 1988 that is dedicated to helping nonprofit leaders), women made up 43% of nonprofit Boards in 2007 (the last year of available statistics). In nonprofits of less than $500,000, the figure was even higher – 51%."

The New Generation of Philanthropists - Alpha Consumer (usnews.com)

The New Generation of Philanthropists - Alpha Consumer (usnews.com): "The New Generation of Philanthropists
July 27, 2009 11:31 AM ET | Kimberly Palmer | Permanent Link | Print

For a new generation of philanthropists, giving to charity isn't just about writing checks. Instead, the focus is on volunteering, socializing, and networking -- while also contributing to good causes. 'Many Generation X-ers are more interested in social advocacy and engagement philanthropy,' says Dwight Burlingame, associate executive director at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. That means they are more likely to want to work directly with organizations instead of just donating money, he explains."

Business & Technology | Mobile giving is catching on | Seattle Times Newspaper

Business & Technology | Mobile giving is catching on | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Giving should be easy, it should be fun and it should be rewarding,' said Jim Manis, chief executive of the Mobile Giving Foundation, a Bellevue-based nonprofit that provides technology for charitable organizations to run mobile campaigns."

Nonprofits warned not to depend on grants | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader

Nonprofits warned not to depend on grants | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader: "She and others caution that grants are growing scarce as foundations and governments struggle with budget problems, and that such funding is not reliable long-term.

Grants can supplement funding, Hopkins said, but anyone who thinks they can sustain an organization long-term needs to think again."

Record crowd at Corn Boil :: Beacon News :: Local News

Record crowd at Corn Boil :: Beacon News :: Local News: "Thousands of area residents found that combination worth celebrating, as volunteers agreed that the 42nd annual festival drew record numbers of visitors."

Charitable giving goes layaway route | ajc.com

Charitable giving goes layaway route | ajc.com: "But in these financially unfabulous times, organizers are bending a bit. For the first time, fashionistas can buy tickets — $500 for general admission or up to $10,000 for 10 VIP patron billets — on an installment plan.

That’s right. Atlanta society has embraced layaway."

Nonprofits continue boom in face of new pressures - STLtoday.com

Nonprofits continue boom in face of new pressures - STLtoday.com: "In Missouri, the number of new nonprofit corporations founded annually has risen steadily this decade, from 1,233 in 2000 to 2,257 in 2007. In 2008, the number exploded to 3,082, almost a 37 percent increase in a single year. In all, the state has more than 52,400 registered nonprofits.

In Illinois, nonprofit incorporations have increased almost every year since at least 1970, though they fell this year. There are almost 85,400 nonprofits in the state."

Meet the Future Today: The Level8 Network | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

Meet the Future Today: The Level8 Network | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "Young Jewish American adults represent 36% of all Jewish American adults; yet only 13% donate to Jewish causes. Only 2% donate to their various federations. You might ask, why is this?"

Anyone can be a philanthropist | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal

Anyone can be a philanthropist | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal: "The impact of real philanthropy

While the life stories of Kentuckians who give through the Community Foundation of Louisville may not be quite as exhilarating as the philanthropist in the TV show, their thoughtful philanthropy is critical, poignant, effective and life-changing. In 2008, the donors of the 1,100 philanthropic funds in the Community Foundation recommended more than 7,300 grants totaling $28 million to help support needs in our city, commonwealth and nation."

Accountability measures in the nonprofit sector | theadvertiser.com | The Advertiser

Accountability measures in the nonprofit sector | theadvertiser.com | The Advertiser: "The Association of Fundraising Professionals (in collaboration with several other organizations) developed these principles as a way to empower donors to be informed.

Some of your rights as a donor are that you can expect that your gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given, you can request copies of an organization's financial statements, and you have a right to know who serves on the organization's board."

Why the arts matter and deserve support -- especially in bleak times - Issues & Ideas - MiamiHerald.com

Why the arts matter and deserve support -- especially in bleak times - Issues & Ideas - MiamiHerald.com: "Those attitudes increasingly left the non-pop performing, visual and literary arts scrabbling on the margins of our society and our esteem, except for the tiny percentage that can claim some mass appeal and/or money-making clout. The downgraded position of the arts has been exacerbated by our desperate times, as everyone from the state of California on down tries to spend the minimum (or less) to get by, so that the arts suffer from the double whammy of being considered neither profitable nor necessary."

Controversy precedes Latino conference -- chicagotribune.com

Controversy precedes Latino conference -- chicagotribune.com: "In these turbulent times, the conference will enlist everyone from Cabinet secretaries to Obama advisers to neighborhood leaders to offer a comprehensive prescription for the Latino community, with topics from diabetes to philanthropy."

Mennonite Relief Sale assists in festival atmosphere - Bay City, Michigan Entertainment News – MLive.com

Mennonite Relief Sale assists in festival atmosphere - Bay City, Michigan Entertainment News – MLive.com: "MIO -- It may be one of northern Michigan's larger charitable fundraising events aimed at helping people worldwide, wrapped in a weekend of fun, food and festivities."

Grand Haven philanthropists give quietly, earn recognition - Muskegon News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com

Grand Haven philanthropists give quietly, earn recognition - Muskegon News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com: "GRAND HAVEN -- Although Grand Haven philanthropists Ed and Nancy Hanenburg like to support the community, they like to do it in a quiet way. Their charity, however, has recently earned them public recognition.

On July 14, the Ottawa County Board Commissioners awarded the Hanenburgs an official expression of gratitude for their good deeds."

Nonprofit groups on the hunt for blood | Recordnet.com

Nonprofit groups on the hunt for blood | Recordnet.com: "To alleviate the shortfall, Pickford hit on the idea of asking nonprofits to solicit donors in exchange for cash prizes.

'It benefits the blood supply and the nonprofits,' said Pickford, who noted philanthropic groups are struggling in the current economy."

'Journey of Hope' plans Monroe stop | thenewsstar.com | The News Star

'Journey of Hope' plans Monroe stop | thenewsstar.com | The News Star: "Terracina and 25 other cyclists will stop in Monroe on Saturday on their 'Journey of Hope,' a 4,000-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Washington in an effort to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities."

Some Puget Sound nonprofits' projects press forward - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

Some Puget Sound nonprofits' projects press forward - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):: "Some local nonprofit groups are pressing ahead with expansion plans despite the recession, insisting they can’t delay their projects or, in some cases, pass up a chance to trim project costs."

Room to read and change the world - July 25, 2009

Room to read and change the world - July 25, 2009: "JUST hours after flying in from San Francisco, John Wood is fielding media queries at a corner in the Swissotel in Singapore, armed with a list of the big corporate names in town that also happen to be among the biggest supporters of his Room to Read."