Monday, January 29, 2007

Russia Profile - The Economics of Doing Good

Russia Profile - The Economics of Doing Good: "he Economics of Doing Good
By Anton Shirikov
Special to Russia Profile

New Law Helps Construct Endowments

The Russian government has begun a radical change of the laws that govern charitable contributions.

The Russian State Duma is considering a draft law to determine how non-commercial organizations can raise and use money, which would introduce into Russian legislation for the first time the concept of endowments - funds that are invested and finance programs from the interest they accrue. The bill, drafted by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, is the Russian authorities’ most important contribution to the charitable sphere in recent years."

Business Report - Taxman takes hobbles off non-profit organisations

Business Report - Taxman takes hobbles off non-profit organisations: "Taxman takes hobbles off non-profit organisations
January 26, 2007

By ANNA VAYANOS

Recent amendments to the Income Tax Act now permit public benefit and non-profit organisations to invest largely however they choose and to participate much more easily in unlisted black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions.

These changes will affect not only charities but also individuals and companies that have their own charitable trusts to run family foundations or corporate social investment programmes."

CORDIS : News

CORDIS : News: "Commission launches new expert group on philanthropic research funding

[Date: 2007-01-25]

The European Commission has set up an expert group to investigate how universities could raise more funds from philanthropic sources such as foundations, trusts, charities, corporate and private donors and alumni.

The creation of the group was a key recommendation of a conference on the same subject which was held in Brussels in March 2006. The new group brings together representatives of foundations, universities and research bodies from across Europe. It is chaired by William Wakeham, Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton in the UK."

John Poole's practical philanthropy an example we all should follow

John Poole's practical philanthropy an example we all should follow: "John Poole's practical philanthropy an example we all should follow
Paula Simons, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Thursday, January 25, 2007

What is the definition of citizenship? What does it mean to love your community?

You might not have known John Poole's name. You might not have recognized his face if you had seen him on the ski hill or at the ballet or cycling through Rio Terrace.

Don't worry. He wouldn't have been offended. In fact, he'd probably have been quite pleased.
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John and Barbara Poole may have been Edmonton's leading philanthropists,"

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

News - Professional Fundraising

News - Professional Fundraising: "18 of top 20 charities poised to join FSB

Self-regulation
The FSB has announced that 18 of the top 20 fundraising charities are now ready to join the scheme after its board
Logo - FSB
cleared up points of concern charities had over its charity contract."

New era for volunteers | Voluntary sector | SocietyGuardian.co.uk

New era for volunteers | Voluntary sector | SocietyGuardian.co.uk: "New era for volunteers


Charities must shed their amateur image and give volunteer managers professional training, argues Barbara Regnier.

Tuesday January 23, 2007
SocietyGuardian.co.uk

'Should the salt of the earth be managed?' asked the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) in 1983, referring to the trend for formalising the training of those who gave their spare time to help a worthy cause. The response to this question when repeated since has always been 'yes'. And the trend towards professionalism has continued and appears to be welcomed by volunteers."

Monday, January 22, 2007

CNN Hummer brings $1.25 million for charity - CNN.com

CNN Hummer brings $1.25 million for charity - CNN.com: "A Hummer used by CNN to cover the war in Iraq and then renovated on The Learning Channel netted $1.25 million for charity on Saturday.

Proceeds from the sale of Warrior One, which toured military bases and medical centers nationwide before the auction, will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation. The organization temporarily houses families of patients receiving major medical care in military hospitals and Veterans Affairs facilities."

Tax policy on charity widened

Tax policy on charity widened: "Tax policy on charity widened
By Guan Xiaofeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-01-20 08:46

Corporations and individual donors will now be able to claim tax deductions for donations to any licensed non-profit public welfare organization."

Wireless

Wireless: "Teck Cominco donates $10M to Toronto's ROM
Date : Thursday, January 18, 2007

Mining firm Teck Cominco has donated $10 million to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, the largest corporate gift in the museum's history.

The gift will fund the creation of three earth sciences galleries within the ROM and endow a curator who will design exhibits for the galleries."

Taipei Times - archives

Taipei Times - archives: "Philanthropy is still alive among today's bankers
A number of philanthropic financiers are proving that some of the greatest ideas for economic innovation are centuries old

By Robert Shiller

Monday, Jan 22, 2007, Page 9

`Indeed, the history of financial institutions for low-income people is largely a history of philanthropic or idealistic movements.'

Most people believe that the world of finance has no concern for the little guy, for all the low- and middle-income people who, after all, contribute little to the bottom line.

Today's huge companies and the financial wizards who lead them -- or buy and sell them -- may be generous to their churches, favorite charities, and families and friends, but their professional lives are defined solely by the relentless pursuit of profits.

That perception may be largely true, but not entirely so. Consider Muhammad Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last October. His Grameen Bank, founded in 1976 in Bangladesh, has offered tiny loans to some of the poorest people in the world, helping to lift many borrowers out of poverty. The Bank made a profit and grew over the years -- and has inspired similar microcredit schemes elsewhere.

But was money Yunus' ultimate motive?"

Friday, January 19, 2007

Li Ka-shing tops list as rich get richer in China

Li Ka-shing tops list as rich get richer in China: "Published: Friday, January 19, 2007

Li Ka-shing this year topped Forbes Asia's Greater China Rich list with a fortune of $22 billion US, followed by Lee Shau Kee and the Kwok brothers.

The combined wealth of Greater China's 40 richest people rose by $28 billion to $154 billion, as the Hong Kong and Taiwan stock markets climbed. Net worth rose for 28 on the list, and fell for four people."

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Giving back is 'megatrend' that's doing a world of good

Giving back is 'megatrend' that's doing a world of good: "iving back is 'megatrend' that's doing a world of good
Executives focus on philanthropy

By TOM PAULSON
P-I REPORTER

At an annual meeting usually focused on regional economic concerns such as housing starts, employment trends and interest rates, participants this year spent at least half the conference talking about helping poor people on the other side of the planet.

'This is one of the great megatrends in the world today,' said Matthew Bishop, a U.S.-based editor for the Economist magazine who served as moderator for a panel discussion on the 'Economics of Global Philanthropy' featuring some of the local organizations working at fighting disease, poverty and other inequities across the developing world."

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Charity Commission consults on modernising Annual Returns :: PublicTechnology.net :: e-Government & public sector IT news + job vacancies:

Charity Commission consults on modernising Annual Returns :: PublicTechnology.net :: e-Government & public sector IT news + job vacancies:: "The Charity Commission has launched a consultation which proposes significant improvements to the Annual Return for 2007. These aim to improve the integrity of, and public access to, information on the Register of charities.

The changes will also develop the Commission's risk-based approach to monitoring with a new serious incident reporting function for charities."

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Private equity groups to launch charity foundation - Sunday Times - Times Online

Private equity groups to launch charity foundation - Sunday Times - Times Online: "Private equity groups to launch charity foundation
Jenny Davey
THE world’s biggest private equity firms are joining forces to create a pan-European charitable foundation as part of a drive to counter criticism about excessive pay.

KKR, Blackstone, Texas Pacific Group, Bain Capital and Permira are among the eight founding trustees on the committee of the new Private Equity Foundation, which is expected to be formally launched during the next few weeks at a gala dinner in London. The other members of the steering committee are Candover, Summit and TowerBroo"

eGov monitor |

eGov monitor |: "From Qatar to London - a new understanding for charity
Source: Charity Commission
Published Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 09:21


In the first agreement of its kind, the Qatar Authority for Charitable Activities today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This agreement signals the commitment of the two organisations to work together to support the development of effective charity regulation and a healthy third sector in Qatar."

Look to the stars | Society | SocietyGuardian.co.uk

Look to the stars | Society | SocietyGuardian.co.uk: "Comment
Look to the stars


Lord David Puttnam argues that the behind-the-scenes work of celebrities is vital to Unicef's success

Tuesday January 16, 2007
SocietyGuardian.co.uk

Lord David Puttnam
Lord David Puttnam

Just about every not-for-profit organisation these days enlists celebrity supports to advance its work but in 1953 it was an altogether different story."

Friday, January 12, 2007

Charity fails to take off at home

Charity fails to take off at home: "Charity fails to take off at home
By Guan Xiaofeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-01-12 07:20

China's charity cause is hobbled by such problems as a lack of transparency, unattractive projects and failure to attract donors with preferential State policies, according to an official with the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Wang Zhenyao, director of the disaster relief department of the ministry, told a news briefing on Wednesday that charity organizations, especially NGOs, are not professionally managed."

thewest.com.au

thewest.com.au: "One of Australia’s richest people, Janet Holmes a Court, has called on WA millionaires who have made money from the resources boom to give more to charity and create a culture of generosity.


After pledging $75,000 over five years to a grants scheme for young Australian artists yesterday, Mrs Holmes a Court said she wanted to see WA’s growing group of wealthy individuals back worthy causes."

Zee News - Dame Helen buys clothes from charity shops

Zee News - Dame Helen buys clothes from charity shops: "ctress Dame Helen Mirren has revealed that she always buys her clothes from charity shops situated near the locations of her film-shoots. The 61-year old star, who is tipped to win an Oscar for her performance in ‘The Queen’, never carries any clothes with her when she flies to different locales for her films’ shooting.

She insists she instead buys them from the nearest charity shop, which sell items at much cheaper rates."

San Mateo Daily Journal

San Mateo Daily Journal: "City considers corporate naming policy for parks
By Dana Yates

Increasing demands on parks and recreation is forcing the city of San Carlos to consider allowing those with a hefty wallet to name everything from a park bench or a tree to a building or the whole park.

A newly formed nonprofit park foundation will attempt to collect donations the same way universities and hospitals have for decades by soliciting money from wealthy donors. The naming policy is one of many steps the city is taking to increase park funding. A corporate naming policy will soon be drafted, said Park and Recreation Director Barry Weiss."

The News - International

The News - International: "Philanthropy awards
By our correspondent

KARCAHI: Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) gave away the first-ever corporate philanthropy awards in Pakistan to top donor companies.

The award distribution took place at the KSE’s Top Companies Award for 2004 and 2005 ceremony held at the Governor’s House recently."

onPhilanthropy: Kiwi Businesses Step Up: A Profile of New Zealand Philanthropy

onPhilanthropy: Kiwi Businesses Step Up: A Profile of New Zealand Philanthropy: "Kiwi Businesses Step Up: A Profile of New Zealand Philanthropy
By: Maria Nardell, 01/11/09

The desire is there; it’s the historical experience that’s lacking.

So says the first major research into New Zealand corporate philanthropy to come out in nearly a decade. Reflecting the increasingly global trend of business-nonprofit partnerships, an Auckland University of Technology (AUT University) study reported this fall that New Zealand businesses are eager to expand their giving programs and to do so more strategically."

onPhilanthropy: INTERVIEW: The Difference of a Lifetime

onPhilanthropy: INTERVIEW: The Difference of a Lifetime: "INTERVIEW: The Difference of a Lifetime
By: Susan Carey Dempsey, 1/11/07

onPhilanthropy spoke with Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, President of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies (http://www.acbp.net/), a family of charitable foundations operating in Canada, Israel, and the United States. Their mission is to encourage young people to strengthen their knowledge and appreciation of their history, heritage, and culture, as well as to support programs to improve the quality of life in Israel."

Thursday, January 11, 2007

New Statesman - Giving it all away

New Statesman - Giving it all away: "Philanthropy has long played an important role in the British art world. The gifts of great private collections helped create our national museums: Hans Sloane for the British Museum; John Julius Angerstein for the National Gallery. Later, individuals helped to fund the building and development of arts institutions."

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

The top ten charity brands | Voluntary sector | SocietyGuardian.co.uk

The top ten charity brands | Voluntary sector | SocietyGuardian.co.uk: "The top ten charity brands

Calculated by consultancy Intangible Business"

News - Professional Fundraising-Institute announces four new fellows

News - Professional Fundraising: "Institute announces four new fellows
The Institute of Fundraising has welcomed Andrew Watt, Hugh McCaw, Fiona Duncan and Simon Burne as new
fellows.

Watt, who left his post as director of policy at the Institute in 2005 to take up the role of vice-president of international development at the Association of Fundraising Professionals in the USA, was awarded the first honorary fellowship in 10 years for his work in propelling fundraising higher up the political agenda."

News - Professional Fundraising

News - Professional Fundraising: "FSB finally sets public launch date for February

The Fundraising Standards Board has announced that it will launch to the public on 12 February with a widespread media campaign.

The new self-regulatory body will target the UK’s national and regional press as well as broadcast and online media, marking the start of an ongoing campaign to introduce the scheme and its logo to the public. It will also highlight what the public can do if they have a specific fundraising complaint."

Charity News Alert - Charity Governance

Charity News Alert - Charity Governance: "Charity News Alert
Perceptions of Commission more positive in every area

Tania Mason


The Charity Commission has improved its performance in every area of its work over the last two years, according to a new survey of 69 stakeholders made up of many of the most influential people in the voluntary sector, including ministers and civil servants.

The stakeholder survey, conducted last summer, set out to gauge perceptions of the Commission since it published its 2005 strategic review, Charity Working At the Heart of Society."

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

United Press International - NewsTrack - Chow Yun Fat will donate upon death

United Press International - NewsTrack - Chow Yun Fat will donate upon death: "Actor Chow Yun-Fat has revealed that he is planning to donate his $128 million estate to charity in Hong Kong when he dies."

Monday, January 08, 2007

Charities fear £4m bill for proposed shake-up - The Herald

Charities fear £4m bill for proposed shake-up - The Herald: "Charities face a £4m bill under proposals by the Scottish Executive to make organisations advertise changes to their constitutions."

Friday, January 05, 2007

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Stars must 'check science facts'

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Stars must 'check science facts': "Stars must 'check science facts'

Hypodermic needle (Image: Science Photo Library)

Stars' science soundbites
Celebrities have been asked to check their facts before lending support to scientific research and campaigns, rather than risk misleading people.

Some celebrity-backed campaigns have done more harm than good, such as linking the MMR jab to autism, says the charity Sense About Science.

The group has listed statements made by stars on topics such as organic food, pesticides and ways to avoid cancer."

Thursday, January 04, 2007

UK Fundraising | Blogs | UK Fundraising Newswire | Blog Archive | Institute Announces Awards of Fellowship

UK Fundraising | Blogs | UK Fundraising Newswire | Blog Archive | Institute Announces Awards of Fellowship: "The Trustees of the Institute of Fundraising (‘Institute’) are delighted to announce the election of four Fellows, including the first award of an honorary Fellowship – to Andrew Watt - in ten years. Fellowship of the Institute is an honour that recognises substantial contribution to both fundraising and the Institute. The new Fellows are as follows:"

Online Recruitment - Charities need to use directors’ skills in new ways

Online Recruitment - Charities need to use directors’ skills in new ways: "Charities need to use directors’ skills in new ways

04/01/2007
Charities must find new ways of using directors’ business skills to avoid wasting their talent.

According to a survey of the UK’s top directors, charities are struggling to use the voluntary business skills of directors. This is largely because of ‘hand to mouth’ funding, lack of project management capacity and the public perception that donations should go to a cause rather than on administration.

The survey was carried out by Directorbank among its register of 2,800 of the UK’s top directors in conjunction with Impetus Trust, a charity set up by the private equity industry. Clearly a subject that directors feel strongly about, 500 directors took part in the survey."

Will this be the year we make a difference? | Society | SocietyGuardian.co.uk

Will this be the year we make a difference? | Society | SocietyGuardian.co.uk: "Will this be the year we make a difference?


British charities have tried to say bollocks to poverty - but the need for international aid is greater than ever, writes Ken Burnett"

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Wealthy ladies work for charity

Wealthy ladies work for charity: "Wealthy ladies work for charity
(chinanews.cn)
Updated: 2006-12-31 10:15

Wealthy ladies in Hangzhou in eastern China¡¯s Zhejiang Province are not only satisfied with driving Chrysler and visiting boutiques. Many of them now also participate in local charitable activities, hoping to raise money for the poor as the Spring Festival is around the corner."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Leadership in Focus: Monica Patten
Elisa Birnbaum By Elisa Birnbaum
January 2, 2007

This month in our Leadership in Focus series we feature Monica Patten, president and chief executive officer of Community Foundations of Canada. When she took the helm of CFC in 1992, the organization had 28 members. Since then, her unique leadership, expertise and vision have helped CFC grow exponentially. Now it oversees more than 145 community foundations across the country and holds $2 billion in assets. Thanks to this passionate leader, Community Foundations of Canada has earned a national and international reputation for innovation and generosity. And in May 2005, Monica received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lawson Foundation in recognition of her extraordinary accomplishments and leadership."