Friday, November 13, 2009

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Recession Kept the Brakes on Foundation Giving

onPhilanthropy: Articles: Recession Kept the Brakes on Foundation Giving: "With the release this week of the Foundation Center's survey on giving among nearly 600 foundations, the news is certainly no better than had been feared.

According to the report, foundation giving will likely decline by more than 10 percent in 2009, closer to the higher end of the 8 to 13 percent range estimated by the Foundation Center earlier this year. Foundations’ Year-end Outlook for Giving and the Sector also indicates that foundation giving will decline further in 2010, as had been previously predicted by the Center."

Nonprofits cling to creative strategies in recession - Living - MiamiHerald.com

Nonprofits cling to creative strategies in recession - Living - MiamiHerald.com: "More casual cocktail parties, fewer black tie galas. Old-school coin canisters at checkout counters to help supplement dwindling corporate donations. And a renewed emphasis on the friends-and-family plan for bringing in cash.

In the new economy, South Florida's nonprofit community is retooling its fundraising approach with creative thinking and a return to grassroots work."

CNS STORY: Charity is essential part of Christian witness, pope says

CNS STORY: Charity is essential part of Christian witness, pope says: "Charity belongs to the very nature of the church,' the pope said Nov. 13 during a meeting with members of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican office that promotes and coordinates Catholic charitable giving and distributes the money the pope designates for charity.

Pope Benedict thanked Catholics all over the world who generously give their time, their resources and their energy 'to witness to the love of Christ, the Good Samaritan,' who attends to those who are physically or spiritually needy."

Philanthropic Young Jews Seek Same – Forward.com

Philanthropic Young Jews Seek Same – Forward.com: "And she noted that even if you don’t end up with a date, there is a good chance that a person you meet there will set you up with a friend. Charity fundraisers in major cities across the country are quickly becoming an increasingly popular way for young Jewish singles to meet potential dates and help causes close to their hearts, all in one shot. Web sites like charityhappenings.org and masterplanneronline.com, master calendars for charity events that cater to the under-45 set, are springing up in surprising numbers."

Nonprofits Are Big Business for County, State - Cape May County Herald

Nonprofits Are Big Business for County, State - Cape May County Herald: "RIO GRANDE — It may seem contradictory, but there’s a lot of money in nonprofits.

A pamphlet describing state charities as an “Economic Force” from New Jersey’s Center for Non-Profits, an umbrella organization for state charities, noted that nonprofits employ over 288,000 workers in this state, accounting for 7 percent of its workforce."

Watauga Democrat - News Story - Local Red Cross turns 92

Watauga Democrat - News Story - Local Red Cross turns 92: "The chapter was initially assigned a 450-member quota with membership cost of $1.50. Of that membership due, 50 cents would stay in the county for local efforts.

During World War I, the Watauga chapter was charged with raising $4,200, or approximately $1 per registered voter, in 1918 toward the national Red Cross $100 million goal for the war fund campaign.

In the June edition, Rivers reported the chapter had exceeding the goal by raising $4,800, but continued to ask residents to step forward and continue the war effort fundraising and helping raise money for locals in need."

University of Minnesota achieves second-best year on record for philanthropy : UMNews : University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota achieves second-best year on record for philanthropy : UMNews : University of Minnesota: "MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/12/2009) — More than 83,000 donors to the University of Minnesota gave $267 million in gifts and pledges in fiscal year 2009, which ended June 30, 2009. This follows the best year of giving to the university. The total given in FY 2008 was a historic $289 million."

CNN Heroes award nominees announced - Home News, UK - The Independent

CNN Heroes award nominees announced - Home News, UK - The Independent: "Mrs Makoni is the only British resident nominated for this year’s CNN Heroes award, which reads like a who’s who of some of the world’s most unlikely citizen philanthropists. Those in the running for the £60,000 award, which is chosen by the public and will be announced at the end of the month in Los Angeles, include a New York bus driver who has handed out more than 70,000 meals from his family’s kitchen to the homeless, a former Iraq security contractor who was so horrified by the lack of facilities for the country’s disabled that he quit his lucrative and dangerous career to ship wheelchairs to the war-torn nation, and a Singapore Airlines pilot from Indonesia who founded a children’s orphanage in West Timor."

The Daily Gamecock - Campus-wide hunger drive strives for world record

The Daily Gamecock - Campus-wide hunger drive strives for world record: "By bringing a few cans to Greene Street today, you could be a part of breaking a Guinness World Record.

USC is seeking to break the record for the largest food drive for a non-charitable organization within a 24-hour period with its Beat Hunger campaign."

A Charity’s Bankruptcy, Distressing to Many Donors, Teaches a Tough Lesson - NYTimes.com

A Charity’s Bankruptcy, Distressing to Many Donors, Teaches a Tough Lesson - NYTimes.com: "A CAUTIONARY tale for donors who entered into two time-tested, long-term giving arrangements — charitable gift annuities and donor-advised funds — has emerged from bankruptcy court."

To Engage Or NOT Engage....

From Charles Bernard Maclean, PhD, www.philanthropynow.com
To Engage Or NOT Engage....: "An Action Checklist for Discovery, Recruitment & Retention

Whether it’s Bill Gates championing childhood immunization or actress Angelina Jolie, serving as Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, high profile philanthropists and celebrities can be a help.... or a hindrance."

The NonProfit Times -Charities Clearing Out The Garage For Auction Items

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "Charities Clearing Out The Garage For Auction Items

by Mark Hrywna

The American Red Cross (ARC) is cleaning out its closets and having a garage sale of sorts. As part of cost-cutting measures, the ARC is closing a warehouse facility in Lorton, Va., leaving very limited space to store pieces not on display at its Washington, D.C., headquarters. Aside from what was kept, a large portion of the items in storage went to the National Archives, said Carol Robinson, director of creative resources, where the ARC has a permanent agreement to transfer collections."

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Paulette's Point of View: Greetings from Bazil!

Paulette's Point of View: Greetings from Brazil!: "I’m writing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where the 5th Hemispheric Congress on Fundraising just concluded. The Congress is one of the premier fundraising conferences in Latin America, and it was a wonderful experience. Judging from the initial feedback we’ve received, our attendees felt the same way. Faculdades Integradas Rio Branco did a great job of hosting the event, and I was so delighted we were able to partner with them."

Students Turn Idea Into a Million-Dollar Charity - NYTimes.com

Students Turn Idea Into a Million-Dollar Charity - NYTimes.com: "THE titans of Wall Street are famous for star-studded galas that raise millions of dollars for a host of good causes. And for a tiny group of high school students on Long Island, taking a page out of these financiers’ books has made their own charity, A Midwinter Night’s Dream, a million-dollar success."

Nonprofit consortium to raise funds lost from United Way | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/11/2009

Nonprofit consortium to raise funds lost from United Way | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/11/2009: "Seven of the region's most venerable nonprofit groups have formed an unusual fund-raising consortium in response to the loss last year of United Way support.

The organizations - which include the local branches of the Salvation Army, the YMCA, and the Boy Scouts - will launch a joint marketing effort tomorrow and are exploring cooperation in other areas, as well."

Baltimore Jewish Times - Cover Story | Jewish Philanthropy Navigates The Economy’s Rough Seas

Baltimore Jewish Times - Cover Story | Jewish Philanthropy Navigates The Economy’s Rough Seas: "Some quick stats: We are reasonably certain that 139 of the richest 400 Americans are Jewish, including 20 of the richest 50. Those top 20 control some $211.8 billion in personal wealth."

Henderson outdoors column: Venison donation program running despite problems | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin

Henderson outdoors column: Venison donation program running despite problems | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin: "Since its inception in 1999, the Venison Donation Coalition has processed and distributed nearly 340 tons of hunter-donated venison to needy New Yorkers, and the program is processing hunter- and landowner-donated deer right now."

Top 10 Social Media Do's and Don'ts - How and How Not to Use Social Media to Job Search

Top 10 Social Media Do's and Don'ts - How and How Not to Use Social Media to Job Search: "Social media, including sites like Twitter and Facebook, can help you find a job and connect with people who can assist you with growing your career."

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

New grant program to strengthen local nonprofit organizations | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer

New grant program to strengthen local nonprofit organizations | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer: "Finding funds for strengthening nonprofit organizations is now easier for organizations in greater Calhoun County thanks to a new Capacity Building Fund provided through the a partnership between the Nonprofit Alliance and the Community Foundation Alliance of Calhoun County. On December 1, 2009, the first applications will be accepted from organizations in Albion, Athens, Homer, Marshall and Tekonsha seeking financial support to build capacity."

Baptist Health Foundation continues charitable giving despite downturn - San Antonio Business Journal:

Baptist Health Foundation continues charitable giving despite downturn - San Antonio Business Journal:

Principles in Practice | Project Streamline

From Project Streamline

Principles in Practice | Project Streamline: "If your organization has received general operating support from the Saint Luke’s Foundation in Cleveland, you no longer have to submit a final budget report.

The shift was made over a year ago, when staff realized the report was not relevant when it came to general operating support grants. “In the proposal, we already ask them to list their annual operating budget and the lump sum they want from us,” Peg Butler, grants manager at Saint Luke’s, says. “At the end of the grant, we don't need to know what they're spending on, itemized.”"

DMA launches report into mobile marketing - News | THE DRUM - Advertising, Design, Media, Marketing, Digital, PR - News, Information & Jobs

DMA launches report into mobile marketing - News | THE DRUM - Advertising, Design, Media, Marketing, Digital, PR - News, Information & Jobs: "DMA launches report into mobile marketing
Below the line / UK

Marketers must go way beyond the current regulations to win consumer confidence in mobile marketing, according to the findings of a study published today by txt4ever in association with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).

The Mobile Marketing White Paper: UK Spam Study polled consumers to identify the unwritten rules of acceptable engagement via mobile. Almost 70 per cent of consumers polled are happy to receive mobile marketing messages, and more than half stated that they would welcome SMS marketing messages from trusted brands with sales promotions and offers that they find of genuine benefit."

A New Brand is Born: What The Debut of The Jewish Federations of North America Suggests | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

A New Brand is Born: What The Debut of The Jewish Federations of North America Suggests | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "The interesting and perhaps most telling thing about the debut of The Jewish Federations of North America brand (formerly United Jewish Communities) at the General Assembly meeting this week, was how singularly modest and quiet its launch was."

MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK - Nonprofits woo young professionals at event

MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK - Nonprofits woo young professionals at event: "In the course of one hour Tuesday night, he learned all about the American Red Cross, Lake Area United Way, Court Appointed Special Advocates and a host of other organizations. He and other members of Muskogee Young Professionals (MYPROS) networked with six nonprofit organizations during the New Voices “speed boarding” session Tuesday night at LaQuinta Inn."

Spotlight on recent donations to the Collection of the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal : Portail Québec : site officiel du gouvernement du Québec

Spotlight on recent donations to the Collection of the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal : Portail Québec : site officiel du gouvernement du Québec: "Major Gifts From November 7, 2009 to March 7, 2010 >> Since the Musée d'art contemporain was founded, 3,000 of the 7,500 works making up its Collection have been donated by more than 600 donors, confirming the essential role donations have played in the museum's development over the years. In fact, one-quarter of the first pieces that joined the Musée's collections in 1964/1965 were donated by artists and dedicated collectors."

The Orion - Up 'til dawn

The Orion - Up 'til dawn: "The event, which raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., will likely set the new record in total donations since 2001, said Larry Bassow, adviser for Up ’til Dawn and program coordinator for Greek life. The event has raised more than $880,000 since then and already had $28,000 going into Monday’s event.

Volunteers wrote 53,500 letters asking friends and family to pledge money to the hospital, Bassow said.

Pledged donations start at $15 and will go toward cancer research and treatment at St. Jude."

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Charities hope PFD gifts exceed costs - Juneau Empire

Charities hope PFD gifts exceed costs - Juneau Empire: "he new Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend donation program called 'Pick. Click. Give.' raised $550,000 this year, but is expected to cost about $900,000 to administer during the program's first three years.

The program, the result of legislation sponsored by Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines, in 2008 has already paid for hundreds of groups around the state, including a couple dozen in Juneau."

Salvation Army goes for world's tallest kettle record | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Salvation Army goes for world's tallest kettle record | detnews.com | The Detroit News: "Detroit -- The Salvation Army has assembled a giant kettle at Campus Martius Park this morning that will earn it a Guinness Book of World Records entry for the world's tallest kettle.

The kettle, actually made of lights, is about 56 feet tall and 24 feet wide and will be part of the Salvation Army's 118th Red Kettle Kick Off that begins Nov. 20 with a ceremony in which 25,000 red lights make up the kettle."

Schools' alumni knights: Local grads are giving back

Schools' alumni knights: Local grads are giving back: "For the past seven years, he's given the PS 176 fifth-grade graduation speech. Last year, he enlisted 30 colleagues to paint a cartoon mural at the school to spruce up a separate eating area for children with severe food allergies.

For the kids, seeing a local guy return as a successful business figure, 'sets up the concept that work really matters,' said Principal Liz Culkin. 'It's not pie in the sky.'"

‘Outstanding’ and with the award to prove it - Auburn Journal

‘Outstanding’ and with the award to prove it - Auburn Journal: "The California Capital Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals selected Placer Community Foundation based on its financial and in-kind philanthropic support given to nonprofit organizations.

The award, given earlier this month, specifically recognizes Placer Community Foundation for its two primary grant programs, the Technical Assistance Program, or TAP, and the Audience Development Program For the Arts."

Same-sex couples make a statement with philanthropy - The Boston Globe

Same-sex couples make a statement with philanthropy - The Boston Globe: "It’s no surprise that gays and lesbians are strong supporters of the arts. What has changed in recent years is that they are choosing to be recognized as couples. Quietly in some cases, more publicly in others, these philanthropists are providing vital support and spurring the organizations to recruit other like-minded couples who in the past might not have developed a deep relationship with a museum, orchestra, or theater troupe."

Development | Omaha mayor touts ways philanthropists can help a city - KansasCity.com

Development | Omaha mayor touts ways philanthropists can help a city - KansasCity.com: "The Omaha philanthropic tradition goes back generations, to the founders of such major corporate pillars as Peter Kiewit Sons’ construction and Mutual of Omaha — two of the city’s five Fortune 500 companies — and it’s been augmented in recent years"

Pacific Coast Business Times - Social Venture Partners debuts as nonprofit, business collaboration

Pacific Coast Business Times - Social Venture Partners debuts as nonprofit, business collaboration: "The new model is similar to the venture capital model that business leaders are already familiar with, said Joan Young, executive director of Social Venture Partners Santa Barbara, because it “invests” in young nonprofits and helps them grow."

Lay CEO to head Catholic Charities | StarTribune.com

Lay CEO to head Catholic Charities | StarTribune.com: "The new leader of the Twin Cities Catholic Charities grew up in Minnesota and is its first non-priest head. The agency faces pressures within the struggling economy."

National Philanthropy Day

National Philanthropy Day® Official Website

National Philanthropy Day®, November 15, is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—have made to our lives, our communities and our world. This year marks the 24th anniversary of this special day.


You can also read a variety of coverage about AFP's National Philanthropy Day on our NPD Blog

Greenbrier PGA event starts charity program  - News - The Charleston Gazette - West Virginia News and Sports

Greenbrier PGA event starts charity program  - News - The Charleston Gazette - West Virginia News and Sports: "Nonprofit organizations will be able to sell weekly badges from Nov. 12. to Dec. 26 and earn 50 percent of the proceeds. The badges for the event range from $147 to $5,000 each."

Ono rocks charity world - Times LIVE

Ono rocks charity world - Times LIVE: "Ono has teamed up with Hard Rock International for an 'Imagine There's No Hunger' campaign.

As was the case with her earlier initiatives, music is central, including a song by Lennon, but its use has evolved to accommodate the online generation."

Monday, November 09, 2009

State employees help others even in bad times

State employees help others even in bad times: "Some stories need to be told.

For 29 years, Maine state employees have participated in a charitable giving project that has received little attention from the media and the public.

Always cited when things go wrong, state employees seldom receive the attention they should get when their efforts go right -- when they respond to the call to help their neighbors, when they save lives, strengthen families and improve communities."

IU students, Indiana Memorial Union going for world record with nationwide can drive: IU News Room: Indiana University

IU students, Indiana Memorial Union going for world record with nationwide can drive: IU News Room: Indiana University: "BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University will join college campuses throughout the country on Thursday, Nov. 12, in a friendly competition to break the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of food gathered for the hungry in 24 hours."

Group finds it hard to pull off multi-charity raffle - CharlotteObserver.com

Group finds it hard to pull off multi-charity raffle - CharlotteObserver.com: "Among the popular choices was creation of a communitywide raffle that would benefit a variety of charities through tickets sold for donated prizes.

The concept seems simple enough, but national experts on charity fundraising say Charlotte would be breaking new ground. It's common for a single charity to hold a raffle, but rarely do confederations of charities join for such a cause, said Michael Nilsen of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

There may be good reason, too, he concludes: While a community raffle could educate thousands about Charlotte's charities, it might also be seen as a replacement for giving and volunteering. That could hurt in the long run, he says."

Lambda Chi and Gamma Phi teeter totter for charity » North by Northwestern

Lambda Chi and Gamma Phi teeter totter for charity » North by Northwestern: "On Friday, Lambda Chi Alpha and Gamma Phi Beta teamed up for the annual Teeter Totter A-Thon, a philanthropy event with proceeds going towards Northwestern GreekBuild. For $5, anyone passing by the Rock could take a ride on the large teeter totter. For $1, students could grab a slice of homemade pumpkin pie. In the evening, the teeter totter was moved up north, where local musicians Royal Senders, Salty Catfish and Welcome Home played outside of Lambda Chi Alpha in the fraternity quad."

Regional chamber starts nonprofit group | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY

Regional chamber starts nonprofit group | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY: "The Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida, Inc., has started a group so nonprofit businesses can network, exchange information and participate in training sessions."

The Cavalier Daily | Rebounding economy could benefit campaign

The Cavalier Daily | Rebounding economy could benefit campaign: "Six months ago, regular donors to the University were worried about even discussing philanthropy because of the serious recession. Now, though, as the nation’s economy begins to show signs of improvement, alumni are more willing to donate and more willing to discuss donations, said Bob Sweeney, senior vice president for development and public affairs.

“Nationwide, the economy made people stop and rethink their giving,” University spokesperson Carol Wood said. Though the current economy is far from perfect, recent indications that the end is in sight have been encouraging to some prominent donors."

Nonprofit that teaches technology skills to get $4.5 million - washingtonpost.com

Nonprofit that teaches technology skills to get $4.5 million - washingtonpost.com: "Venture Philanthropy Partners on Monday will announce a $4.5 million grant to the local chapter of a national nonprofit group that prepares young people for technology careers, according to its president."

Local view: Philanthropy: Big word, simple acts | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

Local view: Philanthropy: Big word, simple acts | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota: "The word “philanthropy” sounds intimidating, doesn’t it? It might conjure up the image of a well-known business leader who makes a $1 million gift to a local program or university.

But philanthropy is far simpler. Philanthropy is the act of donating money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause."

Female donors group formed at OU | NewsOK.com

Female donors group formed at OU | NewsOK.com: "The University of Oklahoma has received more than 9,000 major gifts over the years from women in their own names, but OU never had an organization specifically for female donors."

Check Out Charities - WSJ.com

Check Out Charities - WSJ.com: "Smart giving calls for due diligence, especially when money is tight. Doing some homework can help ensure that you're allocating your money to the organizations making the most impact in the causes you care about.

If you plan to give locally, start with local community foundations, which can help you decide how and where to give. In most cases, you can set up site visits and interviews with charity staff members."

Philanthropy 2009 -- Four Ideas for Tough Times - WSJ.com

Philanthropy 2009 -- Four Ideas for Tough Times - WSJ.com: "In flush economic times, it can be easy to give to charity. When the economy is down, donors typically hold on to more of their dollars and wait until next year to give. But what do you do when you're not quite sure what fate the economy holds?

We went looking for ways to give at this time of great concern about finances. Here are four smart strategies that we found:"

Team learns while helping nonprofits | Delawareonline.com | The News Journal

Team learns while helping nonprofits | Delawareonline.com | The News Journal: "It turned out she enjoyed the experience so much, she signed up for a second year, Godden told more than 100 people who gathered Friday morning at Wilmington's Goodwill Center on Lea Boulevard. The breakfast ceremony introduced this year's 30 Public Allies Delaware participants, who are partnering with various nonprofit organizations throughout the state, including United Way of Delaware, Brandywine Zoo and Autism Delaware."

Success! - Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 | 2 a.m. - Las Vegas Sun

Success! - Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 | 2 a.m. - Las Vegas Sun: "Success!
Despite the toughest of economic times, UNLV hits mark of $500 million in cash and pledges"

VU Course to Teach About Giving to Nonprofits - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick

VU Course to Teach About Giving to Nonprofits - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick: "As part of last year’s seed grant, Dr. Buinicki surveyed students before and after the course to find out if it changed how they thought about giving to others. The results were clear.

“Students who took the course showed a statistically significant increase in their willingness to give both their time and money,” Dr. Buinicki said. “Since these were students who already were inclined to give, seeing that they were even more willing to give at the conclusion of the course was very encouraging.”"

Wethersfield School Staff Members, Parents Plan Monthly Donations To Charities -- Courant.com

Wethersfield School Staff Members, Parents Plan Monthly Donations To Charities -- Courant.com: "WETHERSFIELD — - At a time when there's less charitable giving but an increased need for services, a local elementary school is willing to help.

As part of the celebration of Highcrest Elementary School's 40th anniversary, school staff and parents will donate to a different charity each month."

Red kettles out in Fox Cities

Red kettles out in Fox Cities: "Whenever a red kettle has a volunteer ringing a bell, the Salvation Army says it makes about four times as much money as if there weren't a volunteer.

“Usually a kettle that doesn't have a bell ringer, it's just a Christmas ornament,' said Waugus."