Friday, September 17, 2010

Unrelated Business Income - StayExempt.org

Unrelated Business Income - StayExempt.org: "Take this course and you will learn how to:

* Determine which of your income-producing activities generate UBI using the UBI test;
* Apply applicable exceptions, exclusions, and deductions when calculating your UBI tax;
* Report your organization's UBI appropriately; and
* Conduct charitable gaming lawfully, and withhold and report gaming taxes appropriately."

Home - StayExempt.org

Home - StayExempt.org: "Welcome to Stay Exempt,
an IRS 'micro' site...

…created especially for 501(c)(3) organizations! Whether you are new to the world of tax exempt organizations, an old hand at managing them, or a tax professional who works with them, you will find something of interest here.

Feel free to explore the site – the educational resources here are many and varied:"

Thursday, September 16, 2010

University’s endowment hits approximately $6.5 billion

University’s endowment hits approximately $6.5 billion: "It looks like the Columbia Blue finally knocked out the Harvard Crimson—albeit off the football field.

Columbia surpassed Harvard, the world’s wealthiest school, in gains this year, with an estimated endowment of approximately $6.5 billion as of June 30.

The University’s investment portfolio had an annualized return of 17.3 percent, according to a Columbia press release."

Women's Leadership Council paved new path for charity

Women's Leadership Council paved new path for charity: "How have women changed the face of charity in San Antonio?

It's not an idle question. The United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County today is recognizing longtime civic leader Joci Straus for the spark she lit more than 10 years ago that led to the formation of the Women's Leadership Council.

It's an exclusive group, not only for how much money they give but also for the shoe-leather work many put into the charity as volunteers. Incredibly, until Straus marshaled local forces, this resource largely had gone untapped."

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project�(FEP) � Talisman Thinking Out Loud

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project�(FEP) � Talisman Thinking Out Loud: "Thanks to the Association of Fundraising Professionals and The Urban Institute for their work on this important project. If this report doesn’t make the case for a STRONG donor cultivation and major gift program, I don’t know what does!

“For every $4.5 the nonprofit organizations gained in upgraded, new, and recovered gifts, a little more than $6 was lost in downgraded and lapsed gifts. For every 5.4 new donors recruited, slightly more than 6 donors were lost through attrition.”"

Economy is tight for Atlanta Opera fundraisers and for its "La Boh�me" �| accessAtlanta

Economy is tight for Atlanta Opera fundraisers and for its "La Boh�me" �| accessAtlanta: "In normal times, you could do ‘best practices’ and you’d be fine,” says Atlanta Opera general director Dennis Hanthorn, speaking of the dismal economy and his company’s ability to generate cash. “But those times are gone. This might be the new normal."

Philanthropy Is the Gateway to Power | Fast Company

Philanthropy Is the Gateway to Power | Fast Company: "While catching up with old episodes of 'Mad Men,' I was brought up short by a show-stopping quote from Roger Sterling. Sterling, the senior partner at the Sterling Cooper Agency, tells Creative Director Don Draper that he's been invited to join an arts foundation board. Looking puzzled, Don asks 'What does that mean?'

Without skipping a beat, Roger says 'Philanthropy is the gateway to power.'

Then he elaborated: 'There are few people who decide what will happen in our world. You have been invited to join them--pull back the curtain and take your seat.'"

Small-Business Guide - Giving Back Even When Your Company Is Struggling - NYTimes.com

Small-Business Guide - Giving Back Even When Your Company Is Struggling - NYTimes.com: "By the end of 2008, some 60 percent of small-business owners like Mr. Gumas reported that the economic downturn had affected their charitable giving, according to a study whose sponsors included The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a newspaper that covers nonprofit organizations. Tough times have compelled small-business owners like Mr. Gumas to rethink long-held business practices. But many are finding creative ways to continue their support for good causes — a practice that can have positive side effects. Here are some suggestions based on the experiences of small-business owners."

New report shows Memphis-area nonprofit groups feel stress of difficult economy � The Commercial Appeal

New report shows Memphis-area nonprofit groups feel stress of difficult economy � The Commercial Appeal: "Revenues are down. Funding is diminishing. Demand is up, but there are fewer resources and employees, so stress levels are high.

This is the state of the Memphis-area nonprofit community. What's worse is that Nancy McGee, CEO of the Memphis-based Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence, can't yet tell if this is the 'new normal.'"

massnonprofit.org ::Jacob's Pillow Festival Fundraiser Beats Goal by More than 50%

massnonprofit.org ::: "September 16, 2010 — Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, home to America's longest running international dance festival, announced that it recently raised more than $150,000 during its recent performance season, exceeding its goal of $100,000."

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Donor Dialogues - The Art of the Ask (1/5)

One example from the American College Wealth Channel on the Art of the Ask

RESTRUCTURING YOUR MEMBERSHIP MODEL - Association Bisnow - Washington

RESTRUCTURING YOUR MEMBERSHIP MODEL - Association Bisnow - Washington: "f your membership model feels as antiquated as Mad Men, it may be time to restructure. But before you pull out your calculators (and your hair), Avenue M Group prez Sheri Jacobs in Chicago has a few tips"

Value of Volunteer Time | Independent Sector

Value of Volunteer Time | Independent Sector: "The estimated dollar value of volunteer time for 2009 is $20.85 per hour.

The estimate helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Charitable organizations can use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide."

The case against Corporate Social Responsibility — Social Edge

The case against Corporate Social Responsibility — Social Edge: "On August 23 of this year, The Wall Street Journal published a piece titled 'The Case Against Corporate Social Responsibility' by Dr. Aneel Karnani, an associate professor of strategy at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business."

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Guest Post: Keeping Diversity as a Priority - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Guest Post: Keeping Diversity as a Priority - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Guest Post: Keeping Diversity as a Priority

The Council on Foundations Fall Conference for Community Foundations is under way in Charlotte, and several community-foundation leaders are offering reports from the event on Kris Putnam-Walkerly's blog, Philanthropy411.

Ms. Putnam-Walkerly, a consultant to foundations, has agreed to allow The Chronicle to post selected items from the event."

Tennessee Officials Wrangle with Fisk U. Over Art Collection - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Tennessee Officials Wrangle with Fisk U. Over Art Collection - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Tennessee Officials Wrangle with Fisk U. Over Art Collection

Tennessee’s attorney general unveiled a proposal Friday designed to prevent Nashville’s Fisk University from selling a partial share of its $74-million art collection from the estate of the renowned photographer Alfred Stieglitz, The Tennessean says."

Tennessee Officials Wrangle with Fisk U. Over Art Collection - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Tennessee Officials Wrangle with Fisk U. Over Art Collection - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Tennessee Officials Wrangle with Fisk U. Over Art Collection

Tennessee’s attorney general unveiled a proposal Friday designed to prevent Nashville’s Fisk University from selling a partial share of its $74-million art collection from the estate of the renowned photographer Alfred Stieglitz, The Tennessean says."

Donors Avoiding Mailing Lists: How Serious a Phenomenon? - Nolo’s Fundraising Tips for Busy Nonprofits

Donors Avoiding Mailing Lists: How Serious a Phenomenon? - Nolo’s Fundraising Tips for Busy Nonprofits: "Aug 24, 2010
Donors Avoiding Mailing Lists: How Serious a Phenomenon?
In the last week, I've heard at least three people expressing some version of the following: 'I would've donated, but I don't want to end up on another mailing list.' In one case, the person solved their dilemma by giving cash (at a benefit concert) -- but not without some grumbling, because no receipts were available, and that means no tax deduction."

Jane Wales: Metrics that Matter: Venture Philanthropy Pioneer and Aspen Philanthropy Group Draw Similar Conclusions

Jane Wales: Metrics that Matter: Venture Philanthropy Pioneer and Aspen Philanthropy Group Draw Similar Conclusions: "What these efforts have in common, according to venture philanthropist Mario Morino, is a focus on outcomes-based practices that produce 'meaningful, measurable, sustainable benefit for those served.' Morino argues in a four-part series of online essays that too many in the sector focus on the how of measurement without enough thought as to what they are measuring and why. Keeping the end goal in sight is key: to help inform efforts to achieve real social impact, using the right information to guide action."

Keynote Speakers: Pros and Cons? — SocialFish

Keynote Speakers: Pros and Cons? — SocialFish: "Holly Ross, Exceutive Director of NTEN, just left me this comment / question on my recent Mojo post (yes I am still getting comments – holy smokes!).

One question regarding general session speakers. I’ve been thinking for the last couple of years about their purpose, and if we need them at all. When you’re pressed for time at an event, I wonder if people would welcome or be better served by skipping the keynote for more networking or session opportunities."

Leaders Offer Perspectives From Fall Conference for Community Foundations - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Leaders Offer Perspectives From Fall Conference for Community Foundations - Conference Notebook - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: "Leaders Offer Perspectives From Fall Conference for Community Foundations

The Council on Foundations Fall Conference for Community Foundations is under way in Charlotte, and several community-foundation leaders are offering reports from the event on Kris Putnam-Walkerly's blog, Philanthropy411.

Ms. Putnam-Walkerly, a consultant to foundations, has agreed to allow The Chronicle to post selected items from the event.

Below is an excerpt from a post from Diana Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, in Michigan."

Monday, September 13, 2010

Vancouver 2010: The volunteer effect

Vancouver 2010: The volunteer effect: "ver wondered how an Olympic Games affects volunteerism in the host city after the fact? Actually, not many people have. But a team of researchers from Australia and the UK have set their sights on Vancouver to put together one of the first comprehensive surveys on the subject.

Prior to the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Dr. Tracey Dickson, associate professor, Centre for Tourism Research with the University of Canberra, and colleagues Dr. Angela Benson (University of Brighton), Dr. Deborah Edwards and Associate Professor Simon Darcy (University of Technology, Sydney) and Professor Deborah Blackman (University of Canberra), conducted a survey to find out how Vancouverites felt about volunteering for the games."

Jewish Philanthropy as a Part of Jewish Identity | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

Jewish Philanthropy as a Part of Jewish Identity | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "Jewish Philanthropy as a Part of Jewish Identity

September 13, 2010 by eJP


According to a study just published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Jewish-American families are more likely than those of other faiths to give to charities focusing on basic needs such as food and shelter. The study, by economist Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm, was based on data from the 2001, 2003 and 2005 waves of the Center on Philanthropy Panel Study.

While the results may still hold true today, one wonders how a more timely analysis might have benefited fundraising professionals."

Alumni respond to fledgling UMA donation program | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Alumni respond to fledgling UMA donation program | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: "September 12
Alumni respond to fledgling UMA donation program
Gifts from graduates were non-existent until 2008, when the school set up its advancement office.

By MATTHEW STONE Kennebec Journal

Cash gifts to Maine's public universities dropped 30 percent last year as the University of Southern Maine finished up fundraising for a major building project.

And donations to colleges and universities nationwide dipped about 12 percent in 2009,"

AmeriCorps workers aid Yuma nonprofits | grant, library, nonprofit - News - YumaSun

AmeriCorps workers aid Yuma nonprofits | grant, library, nonprofit - News - YumaSun: "When local nonprofits need help finding available funds, there's a place to go in Yuma County - and with the help of AmeriCorps, there are two more staffers there to help.

Through the AmeriCorps VISTA program, or Volunteers In Service To America, the Yuma County Main Library hired interns Emily Bull and Darlene Erwin."

WAM Theatre Raising Funds for Philanthropy Stage Event / iBerkshires.com - The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.

WAM Theatre Raising Funds for Philanthropy Stage Event / iBerkshires.com - The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.: "As the co-founder of WAM theatre, a philanthropic theater company whose focus is on issues and events pertaining to women and girls, van Ginhoven is keeping her fingers crossed that the money will come through because if it does, she said, the benefits will reach far beyond the stage."