Tuesday, October 31, 2006

TODAYonline-Charities miss out as their money sleeps in banks

TODAYonline: "Charities miss out as their money sleeps in banks
Jasmine Yin
jasmine@mediacorp.com.sg
— with additional reporting by Lin YanQin

THE Singapore Children's Society has a neat little pile of reserves stashed away and figures that they should work harder for it.
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The charity is now in the process of hiring a fund manager, its chairman Koh Choon Hui told Today.
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globeandmail.com: They're in the money

globeandmail.com: They're in the money: "They're in the money
Well, relatively speaking. Canadian universities have tiny endowment funds compared to their American counterparts, but things are looking up.

ANDREW WILLIS

Cash-starved universities got a huge boost in May, when the federal government made it far easier for wealthy Canadians to make donations to charities such as school endowment funds.

With up to $1-billion a year in gifts now expected to start flowing, and a healthy chunk of that change earmarked for universities, the question on campus is what to do with this pending good fortune."

Monday, October 30, 2006

eGov monitor |-NCVO welcomes key role of voluntary sector in Local Government White Paper

eGov monitor |: "The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has welcomed the Local Government White Paper, and its proposals to devolve power to local communities, which it claims represents an important step towards 'bottom up' policy making.

Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of NCVO said:

‘We have long been talking about the need to transform local government and its relationship with the communities it serves. Allowing people to become more involved, through devolved decision making represents a significant step towards reducing the local democratic deficit and engaging with people.’"

Channelnewsasia.com-A bit more give and take for charities?

Channelnewsasia.com: "A bit more give and take for charities?
By Christie Loh, TODAY | Posted: 30 October 2006 0806 hrs

SINGAPORE: Foreign charities, put off by some of Singapore's restrictive fundraising rules, may soon find the Republic more suitable as a hub.

Sources told TODAY that the Government has been soliciting industry feedback since early this year on whether to tweak certain regulations to attract more foreign non-governmental organisations (NGO). "

Friday, October 27, 2006

globeandmail.com: Brothers to give $50-million to Toronto hospital

globeandmail.com: Brothers to give $50-million to Toronto hospital: "Brothers to give $50-million to Toronto hospital
Mount Sinai to benefit from largest-ever single donation

DAWN WALTON

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Four years ago, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic stunned officials at Mount Sinai Hospital with a $10-million donation -- the largest one-time pledge that the Toronto hospital had ever received.

Now, the brothers from Southern Ontario, who survived the Holocaust and went on to make their fortunes in real-estate development, are poised to give another $50-million to Mount Sinai, the largest single donation ever bestowed on a Canadian hospital.

The Globe and Mail has learned that the donation will be announced today.

The money will be distributed according to the needs of the hospital, but an expansion of the women's and infants' health unit are priorities."

icWales - Kath's the poppy pin-up

icWales - Kath's the poppy pin-up: "Kath's the poppy pin-up

Oct 27 2006

Robin Turner, Western Mail


THE conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are inspiring more people to dig deep into their pockets for the annual Poppy Appeal, the Royal British Legion said yesterday.

Schoolteacher-turned-superstar singer Katherine Jenkins donned a dress made of 2,500 poppies to launch this year's appeal.

The 23-year-old soprano from Neath dazzled crowds at the launch yesterday in the Piazza in London's Covent Garden.

The stunning poppy dress was designed by two photography students who were inspired by the theme of remembrance.

A Royal British Legion spokeswoman said, 'Last year we raised a record £24.7m in the Poppy Appeal."

Property News | NAEA supports ‘Valued at Oxfam’

Property News | NAEA supports ‘Valued at Oxfam’: "NAEA supports ‘Valued at Oxfam’
26 October 2006

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is pleased to announce its support of ‘Valued at Oxfam’, an initiative allowing people to easily donate high value items to the charity. NAEA estate agents across the country will be taking part in the campaign and promoting the opportunity to their customers."

People's Daily Online -- CSR begins to take solid shape

People's Daily Online -- CSR begins to take solid shape: "CSR begins to take solid shape
font size ZoomIn ZoomOut

Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is creating a buzz in China's business world like never before. From NGOs to government institutions to the private sector, everyone's talking about it.

At the 27th China Daily CEO Roundtable luncheon 'Corporate social responsibility and innovation,' held at the InterContinental Financial Street Beijing Hotel on Wednesday, over 40 CEOs and senior executives from Fortune 500 companies explored its most effective applications for businesses and its implications for China."

Thursday, October 26, 2006

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group)

The Resource Alliance (formerly known as The International Fund Raising Group): "INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN FUNDRAISING

On 16 October 2006, twenty-four countries approved the International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising

This historic moment marks the occasion of the first formal document governing fundraising activity worldwide, and the culmination of four years of international dialogue. The meeting was the fourth International Summit, commencing in Toronto in 2003 and concluding in Noordwijkerhout in the Netherlands in 2006. It is the purpose of this Statement of Ethical Principles to foster the growth of a worldwide fundraising community.

Fundraisers work in many varied fields, countries and circumstances, but they share several fundamental values and practices: they work to make the difference, help others and save what is valuable, in fact to make the world a better place. It is for these reasons that fundraisers strive to identify and employ best practices."
Tags:

Anonymous donation keeps Guardian Angels in Canada

Anonymous donation keeps Guardian Angels in Canada: "Anonymous donation keeps Guardian Angels in Canada
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 | 6:47 PM ET
CBC News

An 11th-hour donation has brought the Guardian Angels back from the brink of folding in Canada, the group says.

The controversial street-patrolling Guardian Angels of Canada say they are now in Toronto to stay, after initially arranging a news conference Wednesday to announce the organization was shutting down."

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

IndiaPost. Arizona student starts nonprofit in India

IndiaPost. Arizona student starts nonprofit in India: "India Post News Service

NEW YORK: All roads seem to lead to India these days. Of late Indian-Americans have been at the forefront of many social, cultural and financial initiatives giving generously of their time, effort and experience while taking mentoring and philanthropy to a new level.

Neeta Umashankar, a 24-year old second year PhD student at UT-Austin in Texas has started a nonprofit called Achieving Sustainable Social Equality through Technology (ASSET) to provide computer literacy to children of sex workers in India as a means of livelihood enhancement and HIV/AIDS prevention.
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Tuesday, October 24, 2006

The Culture Of Volunteering In China - ChinaCSR.com

The Culture Of Volunteering In China - ChinaCSR.com: "The Culture Of Volunteering In China
October 24, 2006

by Richard Brubaker
Often while speaking with people about corporate social responsibility in China, I am inevitably asked, 'Do Chinese people volunteer?' or 'Is there a culture of volunteerism in China?'

Not only is there a culture of volunteering in China, there is a long and proud history of it. It is just different than the one that we celebrate in the West. For many westerners in China (I speak from an American perspective), it takes a while for us to understand that what we see on the streets is not the only side of China's humanity, and that within the community there are networks that support those in the community who are in need."

BBC NEWS | UK | Prince and Brown promote charity

BBC NEWS | UK | Prince and Brown promote charity: "Prince Charles and Chancellor Gordon Brown are expected to urge people to get more involved with charities.

The prince will talk at a Treasury summit later, in his role as the president of Business in the Community."

The Electric New Paper, Singapore - FAST TRACK to inter-faith bonding

The Electric New Paper, Singapore - The Electric New Paper News: "MID prayers from the mosque next door, 15 people sat cross-legged on the floor in a circle in the auditorium last Friday.
The young adults breaking fast with their Muslim friends at Harmony Centre. -- NG XINYAO

There were Bahais, Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and even a free-thinker. They were aged between 18 and 48.

They shared what fasting - a common thread in the five faiths - signifies in their beliefs.

Some even fasted that day to empathise and understand its significance to Muslims during this fasting month.

Later, they joined the Muslims in breaking fast in the mosque.

But this was no government- organised event. Nor were there officials present."

Monday, October 23, 2006

TODAYonline-Tighter rules = tighter fists?

TODAYonline: "Tighter rules = tighter fists?
Charities welcome stricter regulations but fear a drop in donations from public

Lee U-Wen and Jasmine Yin
u-wen@mediacorp.com.sg

TIGHTER regulations for the charity sector have kicked in but charities fear they might find themselves caught in a Catch-22 situation. While welcoming the Government's initiative to introduce rules, meant to overhaul the charity sector after last year's National Kidney Foundation scandal, charities are also bracing for the backlash from the next exposé, which more often than not results in a fall in public donations.
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Ironically, this fear has surfaced among many voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) following the introduction of the new regulations in July which require greater accountability and transparency to donors. The enhanced scrutiny could mean more VWOs being exposed for system flaws or irregularities.
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And the negative press that typically follows could deal another body blow to the industry, top VWO officials told Today.
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Among the new regulations: When soliciting funds, a charity is now required to disclose its name, the intended use of the funds, and whether it is using any commercial third-party fund-raiser.
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The worries facing the industry surfaced in interviews conducted by Today with 15 VWOs that serve more than 100,000 beneficiaries from four sectors: Disability; community health; the elderly; and children, youth and family. The respondents included the Society for the Physically Disabled, the Singapore Anti-tuberculosis Association and the Children's Cancer Foundation.
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Handicaps Welfare Association president Chua Kian Sheng said negative publicity would 'definitely be very damaging' to the charity scene. He lamented: 'One question donors or the public would ask is: 'Who's next?' While the new system is effective in throwing up irregularities, the public is not as forthcoming in their donations or support.'
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Experts said that the concern about loss of"

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Streets apart

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Streets apart: "Few companies could entice Warner to make the leap from opera house to a homeless shelter, but Matthew Peacock of Streetwise Opera is a persuasive man. A former arts journalist, Peacock was working in a homeless shelter when the then Tory minister George Young's comment 'the homeless are the people you step over coming out of the opera' so enraged him he resolved to set up a company that put the homeless on stage."

Friday, October 20, 2006

How your generosity can make a difference | Wealth | The Australian

How your generosity can make a difference | Wealth | The Australian: "Anna Fenech
October 21, 2006
THERE are a myriad ways to make a philanthropic difference. Various structures will appeal to different types of investors. These include:

* Make a donation to charity. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. Note that any charity functions where you get a benefit will not be tax-deductible.

* Start a prescribed private fund (PPF). These are the most modern vehicles available. They emanated from legislation initiated by the Howard Government in 2001 to promote charitable giving. They do not require donations from the public, and take advantage of laws allowing donations to be spread over several years to reduce taxable income."

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Scoop: Incentives for Charities require careful thought

Scoop: Incentives for Charities require careful thought: "Incentives for Charities require careful thought
Wednesday, 18 October 2006, 5:30 pm
Press Release: Ernst and Young
18 October 2006

Tax incentives for Charities require careful thought

Earlier today the Government released a discussion document outlining a range of possible tax incentives for charitable organisations intended to encourage philanthropy in New Zealand. The work has been undertaken in response to a commitment provided to United Future in its support agreement with the Government."

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Arts important to Holmes

Arts important to Holmes: "Arts important to Holmes
Pamela Cowan, The Leader-Post
Published: Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Mayoral candidate Jim Holmes endorses the Regina Arts Commission's recommendation to increase funding to the arts community by 10 per cent every year until it reaches $1 million.

But at a Monday morning news conference, Holmes couldn't estimate the increase because he wasn't aware of the current level of funding."

Monday, October 16, 2006

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Are you giving enough to charity?

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Are you giving enough to charity?: "Are you giving enough to charity?

Steve Boggan
Monday October 16, 2006
The Guardian

The answer, sadly, is probably not. But don't beat yourself up - all the research suggests that you actually want to give more. All you have to do is put your mind to it."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story-"The 'how-to' of public policy engagement

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "The 'how-to' of public policy engagement
Andy Levy-AjzenkopfBy Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
October 16, 2006

It's safe to say that most organizations in the voluntary sector keep close tabs on what goes on in government. Whenever policy is made, or is slated to come down the pike, it affects the greater social landscape, and by extension, the charitable infrastructure. But do voluntary sector organizations really understand how to jump into these policy discussions effectively and make their positions and feedback known?

According to the experts below, this question touches on one of the major barriers to nonprofits successfully engaging with government. So it is incumbent on these groups to understand how to deal with, raise issues, and dialogue with government effectively, part of which (an important part) means becoming more familiar with policy processes."

Friday, October 13, 2006

Nobel winner to use prize to help poor - CNN.com

Nobel winner to use prize to help poor - CNN.com: "DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) -- Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus on Friday called the award 'great news' for his homeland, where his microcredit finance programs have helped improve the lives of millions of poor people.

Yunus and the Grameen Bank he founded won the award for advancing economic and social opportunities for the poor, especially women, through their pioneering microcredit work."

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Voluntary sector leaders launch careers guide

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Voluntary sector | Voluntary sector leaders launch careers guide: "Charity leaders launch careers guide

Walter Hemmens
Friday October 13, 2006
SocietyGuardian.co.uk

People employed by charities are old, white, female and often too unwell to do a proper job. At least that is what young people believe, according to a survey for voluntary sector leaders.

The 14 to 18-year-olds surveyed also thought that charity employees had to be rich, because the work was badly paid or not paid at all.

A campaign to correct young people's view that a career in the voluntary and community sector is not for them has been started by the UK Workforce Hub, a joint operation by the National Council of Voluntary Organisations and its counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that promotes the sector as an attractive career choice."

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Viet Nam News-Association congress encourages nation’s young entrepreneurs

Viet Nam News: "Thanks to all this, 12 member-enterprises had received the Red Star award, 59 the Vietnamese Golden Star prize, and 39 the best young businesspeople in HCM City award.

YBA had given away over VND1.8 billion ($113,000) to charity.

'[It] will become a member of the International Young Businesspersons Association next year,' Thang said."

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Charity News Alert - Charity Finance-CAF strategic review may see services ‘sold or dropped’

Charity News Alert - Charity Finance: "Charity News Alert

CAF strategic review may see services ‘sold or dropped’


The strategic review currently under way at Charities Aid Foundation may see it selling or dropping some of the services it provides.

The organisation has had a torrid time recently, having swallowed a mass exodus of six directors in the last year, most recently the shock resignation of its chief executive, Stephen Ainger. But remaining staff are bracing themselves for more change when the results of a strategic review are announced early next year.

Andrew Jones, director of policy and external affairs, confirmed that management consultancy McKinsey had already completed the first stage of the review. “The second stage is about to take place but no decision has been made about further involvement from McKinsey’s,” he said.

CAF has two arms – its services to donors, where it helps individual and corporate donors find and support effective charities, and its services to charities, including banking, fund management, and fundraising help."

Friday, October 06, 2006

Mr. John shows it’s better to give than to receive - INQ7.net

Mr. John shows it’s better to give than to receive - INQ7.net: "WITHOUT BATTING AN EYELASH
Mr. John shows it’s better to give than to receive

By Maurice Arcache
Inquirer
Last updated 10:14pm (Mla time) 10/05/2006

Published on Page D3 of the October 6, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

MEGA taipan John Gokongwei Jr., a gentleman with a huge golden heart and one of the country’s foremost philanthropists, surprised invitees to his 80th birthday celebration, palanggas, when he announced he was donating half of his shares in his company, the JG Summit Holdings, to the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation."

Thursday, October 05, 2006

PWC URGES CHARITY DONORS TO USE GIFT AID TAX RELIEF – Charities could raise an extra £700m a year if

PWC URGES CHARITY DONORS TO USE GIFT AID TAX RELIEF – Charities could raise an extra £700m a year if: "PWC URGES CHARITY DONORS TO USE GIFT AID TAX RELIEF – Charities could raise an extra £700m a year if all donations were made tax efficiently, the Charities Aid Foundation has said as it prepares to launch its National Giving Week beginning on 16 October.

The annual awareness week “encourages donors to make their giving tax-efficient, challenges companies to get more involved in their communities, and helps ensure small and medium-sized charities make the most of their fundraising”. "

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Midnight Run in the city on Saturday

Midnight Run in the city on Saturday: "The purpose of the marathon is to raise funds for charitable causes - the Chalerm Prakiat HRH Princess Sirindhorn school which supports the education of children whose parents have passed away due to Aids, and Baan Gerda, a Children's Village project which supports HIV-infected orphans in Nongmuang, Lopburi."

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Vying for our attention, is some charity direct mail going too far?

SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Vying for our attention, is some charity direct mail going too far?: "Mailshock

Vying for our attention, is some charity direct mail going too far? Annemarie Flanagan reports

Tuesday October 3, 2006
SocietyGuardian.co.uk

Like uninvited guests, they come into your house. Dropping through the letterbox or falling out of the newspapers, direct mail appeals are the bread and butter of many charities.

Last year about 500,000 unsolicited mailings were sent to homes in the UK, accounting for 73% of the charities' total marketing budget.

Many of these appeals are hugely successful - last year public donations rose to £13bn. Nevertheless, charities cannot afford to be complacent, and some are prepared to take tactical risks to win new support."

Staff asked to dig deep for 'needy' employer | Higher Education | The Australian

Staff asked to dig deep for 'needy' employer | Higher Education | The Australian: "Staff asked to dig deep for 'needy' employer
Brendan O'Keefe
October 04, 2006
ONE of Australia's largest, oldest and richest universities has found a new source of donations: its staff.

The University of Melbourne, which last year booked a budget surplus of $1.08 billion and which expects to increase that by $31.9million this year, has launched a staff appeal that urges employees to give 'as little as $2 a fortnight'.

The university calls on staff to join what it describes as a national trend of philanthropy: 'the growing number of Australians answering the call to give back'."

Locals lose touch with alumni | Higher Education | The Australian

Locals lose touch with alumni | Higher Education | The Australian: "Locals lose touch with alumni
Dorothy Illing
October 04, 2006
IT took 28 years for Julie Bishop's alma mater, the University of Adelaide, to contact her after she graduated in law.

Then it was only to congratulate her on becoming federal Education, Science and Training Minister this year.

That's in stark contrast to the Harvard Business School, where she did an advanced management program in 1996: it gave her a lifetime email address to keep in touch with classmates and lecturers and keeps in touch through a global network of regular alumni activities.

Last year, Harvard University raised $722 million, its slice of a total $32.6 billion in donations to US universities in 2005.

Australian universities attract less than 2 per cent of their funding from philanthropic sources even though, according to Ms Bishop, Australians are 'among the most generous people on earth'. Their universities lack a culture of asking."

Monday, October 02, 2006

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Participates in Symposium on Philanthropy in New York City - www.phayul.com

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Participates in Symposium on Philanthropy in New York City - www.phayul.com: "His Holiness the Dalai Lama Participates in Symposium on Philanthropy in New York City
tibetfund.org[Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:14]
New York, September 28 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama and prominent leaders in the philanthropic community gathered at the New-York Historical Society for Compassion in Action--Alleviating Suffering in the World, a symposium on philanthropy and the challenges of meeting today’s complex global problems.

The symposium was organized by The Tibet Fund in New York to celebrate its 25 years of service to the Tibetan community. The symposium’s panel included prominent leaders in the philanthropic community such as Steven Rockefeller, B. Stephen Toben, and Jane Wales. They were joined in the audience by many of today’s most forward-thinking philanthropists from foundations, corporations and international agencies, all eager to hear His Holiness’s views on the deeper meaning of generosity and the ways that spiritual approaches can bring clarity and wisdom to solving real-world problems."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story-Surprise! Budget Cuts 2006

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Surprise! Budget Cuts 2006
Andy Levy-AjzenkopfBy Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
October 2, 2006

Canadians working in the nonprofit sector may come to know September 25, 2006 as their own 'Black Monday'. That's when the Conservative government revealed plans to trim about $1 billion in federal spending over the next two years on programs they believe aren't achieving 'good value-for-money', 'efficiency', are 'non-core programs', or are recouped from 'unused funds' belonging to organizations that have already 'achieved their mandates'. A good chunk of the cuts impact programs in the voluntary sector. One example, the Canadian Volunteerism Initiative (CVI), run by Volunteer Canada and Imagine Canada, lost close to $10 million, effectively terminating the program. But that is far from the only casualty. Needless to say, nonprofits across the nation are stunned"