Friday, September 29, 2006

globeandmail.com : Teacher kept her riches secret, then left charity $4.3-million

globeandmail.com : Teacher kept her riches secret, then left charity $4.3-million: "Teacher kept her riches secret, then left charity $4.3-million

MARTIN MITTELSTAEDT

ENVIRONMENT REPORTER

TORONTO -- During most of her long life, Roberta Langtry was an unassuming elementary school teacher in Toronto.

She always shied away from the limelight and spent many years during her career trying to help autistic children with their speaking difficulties. But Miss Langtry, who died last year at the age of 89, carried an unusual financial secret that has been revealed only through her death.

Unknown to almost everyone who knew her, including her closest friends, the modestly paid teacher was really a closet multimillionaire, who through a bequest has given what is believed to be the largest donation from an individual to an environmental cause in Canada."

$1-million gift biggest ever for National Arts Centre

$1-million gift biggest ever for National Arts Centre: "1-million gift biggest ever for National Arts Centre
Last Updated: Thursday, September 28, 2006 | 10:19 PM ET
CBC Arts

Hong Kong businessman Richard Li has donated $1 million to the National Arts Centre, the largest single donation the Ottawa-based arts organization has ever received.

Li made the surprise donation on Wednesday night at a fund-raising gala.

The evening, featuring scores of well-heeled guests, was a fundraiser for the NAC's National Youth and Education Trust, a fund that spreads the joy of music to young people."

Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - First Page-Qtel opens SMS corridor for Ramadan charity

Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - First Page: "Qtel opens SMS corridor for Ramadan charity
Published: Friday, 29 September, 2006, 01:14 PM Doha Time

Business Reporter

QTEL has set up a facility through the SMS corridor to help subscribers pledge money for the needy during Ramadan.

Three dedicated SMS numbers have been provided – 2605, 2606 and 2607 for different types of donations, Qtel CEO Dr Nasser Marafih said yesterday."
Tags:

Thursday, September 28, 2006

$1.75 mln raised at the annual gala : HindustanTimes.com

$1.75 mln raised at the annual gala : HindustanTimes.com: "1.75 mln raised at the annual gala

CALIFORNIA DIARY | Shalini Narang

September 28, 2006
The third annual fall benefit gala of the American India Foundation (AIF) titled Bangles and Bow Ties at the gorgeous Westin St Francis Hotel in San Francisco on Saturday, September 23 was attended by the who's who of the Indo American community and others. Every year the organisation at its annual shindig honours two corporate chieftains—one from India and another from US, for their leadership, entrepreneurial endeavours and commitment to corporate social responsibility in India."

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

CBC News In Depth: Wealth

CBC News In Depth: Wealth: "In Depth
Wealth
Canada's super-rich
Last Updated September 22, 2006
CBC News

If it's true that 'money talks,' then the bank accounts of Canada's wealthiest citizens are doing a lot of blabbing these days.

First, let's define wealthy. Are millionaires automatically wealthy? At one time, a million really meant something. But then real estate values started exploding and stock markets began soaring and before you could say 'uber-rich,' the ranks of Canadian millionaires began to swell."

Independent Online Edition > This Britain="Redistribution of wealth: Celebrity and the new philanthropy

Independent Online Edition > This Britain: "Redistribution of wealth: Celebrity and the new philanthropy
The launch of the Fortune Forum tonight heralds a new style of fundraising, imported from America, and aimed at a new generation of super-rich donors. Guy Adams reports
Published: 26 September 2006

Bill Clinton has agreed to speak. Michael Douglas will present a 'special award', and Sir Richard Branson and Lakshmi Mittal are bringing along tables of guests. After dinner, Yusuf Islam, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, will give his first major live performance for more than 28 years.

Tonight, London's A-list will be on a red carpet near Tower Bridge. The likes of the actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and the ballerina Darcey Bussell will rub shoulders with the supermodel Lily Cole and the television presenter Trinny Woodall.

Monday, September 25, 2006

U.S. to Expand Arts, Cultural Exchanges

U.S. to Expand Arts, Cultural Exchanges: "U.S. to Expand Arts, Cultural Exchanges

The Associated Press

By ANN SANNER

September 25, 2006

Our final objective is to highlight the differences between most civilized people of all nations and faiths and the violent extremists that we face in the war against terror

The State Department will work with public and private groups to expand America's cultural exchanges abroad in an effort to strengthen the United States' international ties.

Announcing the initiative Monday, first lady Laura Bush said the Global Cultural Initiative will connect American artists and art forms, such as literature, with international audiences. This will be brought about through partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Film Institute and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts."

Friday, September 22, 2006

ThirdSector-"Quality graduate scheme mooted

ThirdSector: "Quality graduate scheme mooted
Acevo and the Prince's Trust are in talks about a scheme to attract
high-calibre graduates to the voluntary sector.

They are planning to set up a programme similar to Teach First, which places university graduates with excellent academic credentials in challenging schools, by September 2008. Graduates on the Teach First scheme are required to have a 2:1 degree or above and at least three Bs at A-level. "

ThirdSector-Guidance over tax scams 'puts an unfair burden on charities'

ThirdSector: "Guidance over tax scams 'puts an unfair burden on charities'
Draft guidance from HM Revenue & Customs about the dangers of charities being used in tax avoidance schemes is being challenged by some charity finance directors and sector organisations.

The guidance suggests that, because charities receive tax benefits such as Gift Aid, they should conform not only to the letter but also to the spirit of the law. It says they should reject donations that are 'complex or strange' or come from an unexpected source. "

News - Peterborough Today: -'Gappers' are packing a lifetime of experiences into just a few months

News - Peterborough Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More: "How'gappers'are packing a lifetime of experiences into just a few months
WHILE thousands of university students are beginning courses up and down the country this week, scores of their fellow teenagers will be travelling the world in search of a whole variety of fascinating experiences. Whether they're trekking through Thailand or doing charity work in Africa, more and more people are deciding to take a year exploring the world before settling into the nine-to-five grind. Features writer Maria Thompson reports.
TAKING a gap year and escaping the rat race – it's the thing to do these days.

Maybe it's the pressures of modern life or just better, more affordable choice, but everyone wants to jet off around the world.

Young gappers typically want time off between school and university or university and work.

But sabbaticals and career breaks are also becoming increasingly popular among the older generation."

Scotsman.com News - 1,000 bodies are targeted in charities clampdown

Scotsman.com News - 1,000 bodies are targeted in charities clampdown: "1,000 bodies are targeted in charities clampdown
PETER MACMAHON SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT EDITOR

* Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator plans to review charities
* Universities and Royal British Legion among bodies who could lose millions
* OSCR plans to demand evidence of status from five types of organisation

Key quote 'We will address first the charities which appear to have risk or uncertainty about what they meet the conditions under the legislation.' - Jane Ryder, chief executive of OSCR"

TheStar.com - Gala set for yearly bloom

TheStar.com - Gala set for yearly bloom: "Blossom Ball just one community's way to help others Makes you feel `more Canadian
by participating'
Sep. 22, 2006. 01:00 AM
NICHOLAS KEUNG
IMMIGRATION/DIVERSITY REPORTER

Banker Ken Tam gets invited to more than a dozen charity banquets a year, but 'brand recognition' makes one of them a standout: the annual Blossom Ball for the United Way of Greater Toronto."

In Russia, Cautious Generosity - washingtonpost.com

In Russia, Cautious Generosity - washingtonpost.com: "n Russia, Cautious Generosity
Tycoons Pour Money Into Causes but Steer Clear of Democracy Issues

By Peter Finn
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, September 22, 2006; Page A10

MOSCOW -- Russia's tycoons, whose flamboyant spending has ka-chinged from Mediterranean isles to London's Mayfair district, have found a new use for their supersize wallets: philanthropic foundations."

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Image and Data Manager-"Australia’s First Online DoorKnock!

Image and Data Manager: "Australia’s First Online DoorKnock!

September 21, 2006: The traditional role of the ‘DoorKnock’ is challenged with the launch of the Heart Foundation’s online campaign

The campaign realises the potential of ‘virtual communities’ in uniting friends and family around the world. By targeting the mail boxes of virtual neighbourhoods, volunteers can ‘knock’ on the inboxes of their family and friends.

“Our neighbourhoods have expanded across the world through the internet and email,” says Tony Thirlwell, Heart Foundation CEO – NSW Division. “We have developed our annual appeal to include these communities.”"

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

ottawasun.com - Ottawa and Region - A dream for charity

ottawasun.com - Ottawa and Region - A dream for charity: "hey're calling it their most spectacular dream home yet.

CHEO yesterday unveiled its Dream of a Lifetime home, an extravagant 4,997 square ft., four-bedroom brick house valued at $1.2 million.

Situated beside last year's dream home on Tradewinds Dr., the home comes with $100,000 in furnishings, a games room and Panasonic flat screens throughout the house.

The first prize winner will also get free groceries and free maid service for a year, along with $100,000 in cash.

The first prize package is worth $1.4 million in total but the lottery offers 3,400 prizes up for grabs, worth more than $2.3 million. "

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Khaleej Times Online - Experts to discuss ways of social uplift

Khaleej Times Online - Experts to discuss ways of social uplift: "Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Foundation, will inaugurate ‘expert panels’ discussion today on ways to promote the foundation’s philanthropic activities in various socio-cultural fields."

Monday, September 18, 2006

The Korea Times : Donation Rule to Be Relaxed

The Korea Times : Donation Rule to Be Relaxed: "Donation Rule to Be Relaxed


By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter

From Monday, the current permit system covering donations made to specific non governmental organizations (NGOs) and other associations will be replaced by a registration system. In addition the NGOs and associations will be able to use up to 15 percent of the contributed money on fund raising activities, up from the current 2 percent ceiling.

The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting yesterday, is aimed at stimulating donations but critics warn that many side effects might ensue following the relaxation of the rules."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "The Nexus: Where nonprofit needs meet management expertise
Elisa BirnbaumBy Elisa Birnbaum
September 11, 2006

When Canada’s world-renowned vocal ensemble, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (TMC), encountered some challenges recently, the organization wasn’t sure where to turn. Founded in 1894, this musical icon has established quite a presence, both at home and abroad. Comprised of the Mendelssohn Choir - its flagship performing group - the Mendelssohn Singers, its 70-voice subset, and the Mendelssohn Youth Choir, it has a roster of 165 volunteer choristers and a professional core of 20. But faced with stagnant attendance, declining subscriptions and staff turnover, TMC asked Rotman NeXus, an innovative fresh-faced agency, to help their song regain a profitable sound."

Friday, September 15, 2006

Waterford News & Star: WIT focus on philanthropy in School of Business

Waterford News & Star: WIT focus on philanthropy in School of Business: "WIT focus on philanthropy in School of Business

STUDENTS and academics at the School of Business in Waterford Institute of Technology are to become some of the first in Ireland to study and research philanthropy in depth.

The move comes in response to a growing focus globally on planned giving and ethical investment in projects that benefit society. "

The Daily News Record: Local News-"At EMU, Spirit Of Service Catching On Posted 2006-09-15

The Daily News Record: Local News: "At EMU, Spirit Of Service Catching On Posted 2006-09-15
Volunteering Now Part Of Many Classes

By Heather Bowser



HARRISONBURG — At Eastern Mennonite University, volunteering isn’t just something students do for charity — it’s a requirement.

Three years ago, the university implemented a 'Global Village Curriculum,' a campus-wide effort to study cultures around the world and in the local community.

Since then, the number of classes and professors that require community service has increased 'dramatically,' EMU officials say.

Now, almost half of the 900-member undergraduate student body will participate in some form of community service every semester, says Deanna Durham, EMU director of community learning."

Jamaica Gleaner News - Powerful philanthropy - Friday | September 15, 2006

Jamaica Gleaner News - Powerful philanthropy - Friday | September 15, 2006: "Last Friday morning, the day after Michael Lee Chin donated $100 million to Northern Caribbean University for doubling its nursing programme, I was on the Breakfast Club alongside Rev. Devon Dick and Rev. Garnet Roper. And what were we discussing on air? 'Is the Church losing its relevance?' Well!

Billionaire Lee Chin, who has made the Forbes list of richest persons in the world, said he was making a sound investment in the donation to the NCU Nursing School, an investment which would deliver secure returns. Lee Chin is known to pick winners. That's how he became rich. And for this investment he has picked a church school and nursing, both of which tend to be cinderellas for 'investment'."

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Closing the gap

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Closing the gap: "Closing the gap

After ten months volunteering, Charlotte Ashton looks back at what she has learned

Friday September 15, 2006
SocietyGuardian.co.uk

My year as a volunteer is over and since returning home from my final voluntary position - at Reading festival where I volunteered as a steward to raise money for Oxfam - I have been asking myself, would I do it again?

It has been a long ten months. Fitting in enough paid work to cover the bills has been a struggle at times and moving to a different place and starting a new job at a new charity with new people and new problems every single month has been exhausting."

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

eGov monitor |Ed Miliband pledges £1.1 million to promote volunteering among hard-to-reach groupsNP

eGov monitor |: "Ed Miliband, Minister for the Third Sector, today pledged over £1million of funding to spread the best ideas for recruiting and retaining volunteers from hard-to-reach groups.

Mr Miliband announced that £1.1m has been awarded through the Office of the Third Sector's flagship GoldStar programme - aimed at organisations who work to increase the number of volunteers among people with disabilities or long-term illnesses, black and minority ethnic groups and those at risk of social exclusion"

Monday, September 11, 2006

New Rules to Monitor Charitable Societies

New Rules to Monitor Charitable Societies: "New Rules to Monitor Charitable Societies
Javid Hassan & Ali Al-Zahrani, Arab News


RIYADH, 11 September 2006 — The Ministry of Social Affairs has come out with a new regulatory framework to monitor the activities of charitable societies.

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Awad Al-Raddadi who said the aim of the legislation was to ensure that charitable organizations and cooperative societies operate within the ambit of the law."

$11.3m set for charity

$11.3m set for charity: "

$11.3m set for charity
*

The Sir Robert Ho Tung Charitable Fund has allocated $11.3 million to 138 projects covering medicine and health, rehabilitation, social welfare, special education, community services and drug addiction.

The donation enables 90 organisations to improve and extend their services to benefit the community."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story-"State of the Arts Nation: Philanthropy in Canada's cultural community

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "State of the Arts Nation: Philanthropy in Canada's cultural community
Elisa BirnbaumBy Elisa Birnbaum
September 11, 2006

Seen any good plays lately? Spent a recent afternoon at a local museum or art gallery? How about an evening at the ballet? Of course you have. After all, artistic events are as ubiquitous as the artists who engage us. And the opportunities to bathe in Canadian culture grow more numerous with each passing year.

But what of philanthropy? How often does the average Canadian reach into her pocket and make a donation to a favourite arts organization? Does an evening of musical theatre end with a cheque or in-kind donation? Does a trip to the opera invite a completed donor card? And, if not, how are arts organizations expected to thrive when faced with a highly competitive and saturated funding pool and ever-diminishing public funds?"

Shell announces support for 3rd Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit | Shell Middle East

PRESS RELEASE

Shell announces support for 3rd Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit | Shell Middle East: "Shell announces support for 3rd Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit
Shell has announced its sponsorship of the third Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit, a regional initiative it launched three years ago to demonstrate its commitment to Sustainable Development of the communities within which it operates."

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Where are India’s Gates and Buffets? : HindustanTimes.com

Where are India’s Gates and Buffets? : HindustanTimes.com: "Where are India’s Gates and Buffets?

CALIFORNIA DIARY | Shalini Narang

September 7, 2006


Over the past couple of months, I have been reading with interest, intrigue, reverence and respect about the generous global altruism efforts and initiatives by some of America's richest individuals. From corporate chieftains like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet to artists like Bono and Angelina Jolie - all in their own ways are actively engaged in varied causes for the betterment of human condition in myriad geographies around the world. To free the world of the ills of poverty, disease, illiteracy and accompanying scourges, these individuals, and many like them"

ABC News: Mexican tycoon to give away part of fortune

ABC News: Mexican tycoon to give away part of fortune: "Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, the world's third-richest man, will give away a chunk of his fortune by matching donations to health, education and social programs in Mexico, a close aide said on Wednesday.

Slim, who owns a telecoms and retail empire and has a fortune estimated at over $30 billion, will meet all contributions dollar for dollar, said Arturo Elias Ayub, his spokesman and aide."

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Channelnewsasia.com-"Singapore Chinese Orchestra charity gala dinner raises record $1.5m

Channelnewsasia.com: "Singapore Chinese Orchestra charity gala dinner raises record $1.5m
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 September 2006 2009 hrs


A charity gala dinner on Saturday raised a record $1.5 million for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), twice its intended target.

The money raised, which goes towards defraying the orchestra's operating costs, was the highest in 10 years.
"

Channelnewsasia.com-Some 2,000 youths take part in islandwide clean up and service for President's Challenge

Channelnewsasia.com: "

Some 2,000 youths take part in islandwide clean up and service for President's Challenge
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 02 September 2006 1426 hrs

SINGAPORE: Nearly 2,000 youths spread themselves all over the island as part of the President's Challenge on Saturday morning.

They did so in order to clean, paint, scrub and interact with elderly from seven beneficiaries of the charity drive.

Joining the youth in their activities were President SR Nathan, Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and the Mayors of the five community development councils. "

Learning the Art of Giving - TIME Asia Magazine, Sep. 11, 2006

Learning the Art of Giving - TIME Asia Magazine, Sep. 11, 2006: "Learning the Art of Giving
Asia's superrich are grappling with an enviable new challenge: how to give away their billions

By BRYAN WALSH | HONG KONG

Monday, Sep. 04, 2006
For Rohini Nilekani, making the money was the easy part. The Bangalore-based wife of Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani, Rohini owns 1.67% of the Indian outsourcing company, and her personal fortune soared to about $300 million along with the meteoric rise of its stock. She calls her windfall 'a quite frightening amount of money.' And as soon as it started rolling in, the social activist and journalist began to look for ways to give enormous sums away."

Channelnewsasia.com-"Li Ka-shing urges Asians to adopt culture of philanthropy

Channelnewsasia.com: "Li Ka-shing urges Asians to adopt culture of philanthropy
Posted: 05 September 2006 1830 hrs

SINGAPORE : Asia's richest man, Li Ka-shing, on Tuesday urged Asians to adopt a culture of philanthropy, saying charity is also a way of investing for the future.

'In Asia, our traditional values encourage and even demand that wealth and means pass through lineage as an imperative duty,' the Hong Kong business tycoon said in Mandarin at the Forbes Global CEO Conference here.
"

Friday, September 01, 2006

Independent Online Edition > World Politics

Independent Online Edition > World Politics: "Private sector 'not the answer to poverty'
By Philip Thornton, Economics Correspondent
Published: 01 September 2006

Rich countries must deliver more money directly to poor nations to avert a growing health and sanitation crisis spreading across the southern hemisphere, Oxfam will say today.

The global charity said investment in health care, water, sanitation and education must be delivered by governments rather than the private sector.

Belinda Calaguas, the head of policy at WaterAid, which produced the report jointly with Oxfam, added: 'There are more than a billion people living without access to clean, safe water and 2.6 billion people have nowhere to go to the toilet. That leads to the inevitable spread of water-related diseases which claim the lives of 6,000 children every day.'

The report condemned the World Bank for forcing privatisation or inappropriate private sector projects on developing countries, and criticised Western governments for signing up to the so-called Washington agenda.

It said the scale of the problems in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa was so vast it could be solved by direct government action - in the same way the industrialised world tackled its own health and water issues in the 19th century.

The report said it was a 'scandal' that people were still living without basic services. It said in a single day, 4,000 children are killed by diarrhoea, a disease caught from dirty water; 1,400 women die needlessly in pregnancy or childbirth; and 115 million school-age children, most of them girls, do not go to school. It would cost an extra $47m (£25m) a year to meet the goals set by the UN to be achieved by 2015.

Barbara Stocking, the director of OxfamGB and a former regional NHS director, said: 'The key message is that this can be done. The amount of money is not huge.' Oxfam said that developing countries would only achieve healthy and educated populations if thei"