Friday, December 17, 2010

Column: Charities reeling from steady erosion of gaming grants

Column: Charities reeling from steady erosion of gaming grants: "n Kelowna, the non-profit Project Literacy Kelowna Society issued a press release Friday announcing it was “in jeopardy of closing its doors.”

Why?

The society has suffered a steady erosion of gaming grants from the provincial government over the last three years, from $80,000"

Cancer Research cancels Run 10k series - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Cancer Research cancels Run 10k series - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: "Cancer Research has confirmed that it will not hold any more Run 10k events, stating that the race series has come to a “natural conclusion”.

This year Cancer Research was forced to cancel some of its Run 10k events after entry figures dropped and associated event costs were too high. John Tasker, head of events at Cancer Research confirmed that the series has become unfeasable as a fundraising tool:"

Friday, December 10, 2010

Philanthropy, key area of focus at this year's Kingdom Women in Leadership Forum | Women in Leadership | AMEinfo.com

Philanthropy, key area of focus at this year's Kingdom Women in Leadership Forum | Women in Leadership | AMEinfo.com: "Commenting in the signing, Dima Al Azem said, 'We are very pleased to be the Philanthropy/Education Partner of the Kingdom WIL Forum since its mission statement Enhance, Elevate, Excel is in synergy with the overall objectives of the King Faisal Foundation. As a leading philanthropic organisation KFF is dedicated to making the world a better place and through an extensive program of activities we are able to reach a diversity of people including women in all sectors of society.'"

Hunt unveils �80m arts match fund to boost philanthropy - Third Sector

Hunt unveils �80m arts match fund to boost philanthropy - Third Sector: "Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt wants the UK to become the first country in the world where it's normal for people to leave 10 per cent of their legacy to charity

Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary, has announced an �80m arts match fund to boost philanthropy in the culture sector.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will put �30m into the scheme and �50m will be taken from the National Lottery over the next four years. Hunt said the money will be put into a series of match fund schemes in the arts to try and raise at least an equivalent amount from private donors."

A village base for global charity (From Evesham Journal)

A village base for global charity (From Evesham Journal): "N independent charity that for more than 25 years has been helping to transform the lives of thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Africa and South Asia has opened offices in Cropthorne."

Draft house-to-house collections code gives too much power to local authorities, says PFRA - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Draft house-to-house collections code gives too much power to local authorities, says PFRA - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: "The PFRA warns in its briefing that the impact of such guidance from NALEO could have wider impact than on just house-to-house clothing collections. “By seeking to address the issue via statute rather than voluntary self-regulation/best practice (the Code), NALEO and licensing authorities are in danger of seriously damaging the house-to-house solicitation of direct debits,” the briefing paper reads."

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

In search of a better way to give - The Globe and Mail

In search of a better way to give - The Globe and Mail: "Rarely a week goes by that we don’t see an announcement of a record gift to a hospital or university.

And it was hard not to be moved by the elderly Nova Scotia couple who, after winning $11-million in a lottery, gave most of it away.

While these kinds of gifts get the headlines, under the surface there are a number of forces transforming the charitable giving landscape."

Sector is 'bad at asking for cash' - Third Sector

Sector is 'bad at asking for cash' - Third Sector: "Many charities are bad at asking for money and a �10m sector-wide campaign is needed to help them get better at it, according to Funding the Future.

It says that fundraisers are often seen as a 'necessary evil' and an 'alien species', and that they, along with communications staff, trustees and chief executives, all need to get better at asking for donations."

allAfrica.com: Nigeria: Philanthropists Convene for the Less Privileged (Page 1 of 2)

allAfrica.com: Nigeria: Philanthropists Convene for the Less Privileged (Page 1 of 2): "he first ever philanthropy forum initiated by the Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma Foundation tagged 'building synergies for advancing philanthropy and social investment' witnessed great participation. In attendance were key policy makers, philanthropic non-profit organizations, community self-help groups, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, government agencies and the private sector. It drew from all sectors, people of diverse minds and backgrounds as they all dialogued on ways to promote philanthropy in Nigeria, thereby assisting the government in the promotion of the social development of its citizens."

Singapore Red Cross told to stop fundraising activity - Channel NewsAsia

Singapore Red Cross told to stop fundraising activity - Channel NewsAsia: "SINGAPORE: The Commissioner of Charities (COC) has advised the Singapore Red Cross not to conduct any fundraising activity until its internal investigation is completed and additional safeguards are put in place.

The advice came a day after the Red Cross issued a statement saying it had lodged a police report on 3 December against a woman administrative assistant with the finance department who had allegedly misappropriated about S$90,000."

BBC - Gomp/arts: The Big Arts Give: an Age of Philanthropy?

BBC - Gomp/arts: The Big Arts Give: an Age of Philanthropy?: "hilanthropy in the arts is not, of course, new: the world has always been made up of people who make art and others who pay for it - but the scale of the notion of private giving is new.

The government wants this new arts age to have just as much 'take' from the general public as has been the case in the past decade but now with a bit more 'give' to go with it. The ambition is to encourage many more arts consumers to contribute their time and/or money."

Monday, December 06, 2010

Singapore's surge in serving others — The Straits Times Blogs

Singapore's surge in serving others — The Straits Times Blogs: "The little squares could be seen as a vindication of what a study by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, revealed last month. Hardworking, but self-absorbed Singapore is seeing a surge in serving others.

According to NVPC’s biennial Individual Giving Survey, nearly one in four people here took part in volunteer activities over the past year, up from 16.9 per cent two years earlier. Volunteer hours have also doubled to 89 million."

VOA | Philanthropy Grows Slowly Among India's Wealthy | South Asia | English

VOA | Philanthropy Grows Slowly Among India's Wealthy | South Asia | English: "The donation has raised hopes that other wealthy Indians will follow in his footsteps.

Experts say Indians have a long culture of giving, but much of it goes to household staff, the immediate community or the local temple.

They say a culture of organized, charitable giving by rich Indians and corporations has been slow to develop, even though the number of super-rich is growing rapidly as the economy races ahead."

When charity begins at work

When charity begins at work: "When charity begins at work
Jim O'Rourke
December 5, 2010

ALMOST 20 cents in every dollar of the $43 billion Australians donate to their favourite charities goes on administration and publicity costs.

The not-for-profit sector is under mounting pressure to publicly disclose how all donated funds are spent."

Thursday, December 02, 2010

WorldStage News | Nigeria to set up panel on philanthropy

WorldStage News | Nigeria to set up panel on philanthropy: "Abuja (WorldStage Newsonline)-- The Federal Government of Nigeria has indicated plans to set up a committee on philanthropy to support and collaborate with various philanthropic organizations in the country.

Speaking on Thursday at the First Nigeria Philanthropy Forum organised by the T.Y Danjuma Foundation, President Goodluck Jonathan decried the neglect of the age- long tradition of Africans and Nigerians being their brothers’ keeper and urged the forum to bring up ideas and resources that will create a brighter future for Nigerian Children."

A return to philanthropy benefits university funding - Wales News - News - WalesOnline

A return to philanthropy benefits university funding - Wales News - News - WalesOnline: "A return to philanthropy benefits university funding

Dec 2 2010 by David Williamson, Western Mail

RAISING money for education used to be about the Master of an Oxbridge college having a quiet glass of port with a multi-millionaire Old Boy, letting him know that not only would a substantial donation result in his name being attached to a new building, but that his less-than-gifted son would be fast-tracked into the college with little regard to official entrance requirements.

How things have changed!"

Salvation Army's Reach Is Global

Salvation Army's Reach Is Global

American Rich Lead the World in Philanthropy - The Wealth Report - WSJ

American Rich Lead the World in Philanthropy - The Wealth Report - WSJ

Charities get Tang pledge - The Standard

Charities get Tang pledge - The Standard: "Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang Ying-yen said he will try to ensure that the new Community Care Fund does not siphon off corporate donations to charities.

Speaking after chairing the first meeting of the fund's steering committee, Tang also dismissed claims that opening the fund to public donations goes against its original intent."

India’s Bill Gates donates $2 billion - Naazneen Karmali - The Rupee Rich - Forbes

India’s Bill Gates donates $2 billion - Naazneen Karmali - The Rupee Rich - Forbes: "Tech billionaire Azim Premji who earlier this year said that he plans to give away a chunk of his wealth to charity, has taken a big step towards that avowed intent. Premji announced today that he is making the equivalent of a $2 billion endowment to a trust to fund his Azim Premji Foundation. Premji will transfer 213 million shares amounting to an 8.7% stake in his software outfit Wipro. The donation, to be completed by December 7, will bring down Premji’s holding in Wipro from 79% to nearly 70%. The software czar, India’s third richest person, had an estimated fortune of $17.6 billion in Forbes Asia’s recent ranking of India’s wealthiest businesspeople."

Roberta Sklar: Observations of an AIDS Conference Virgin

Roberta Sklar: Observations of an AIDS Conference Virgin: "I attended the 18th International AIDS Conference (IAC) 2010 in Vienna, representing Women ARISE -- a coalition of 40 international NGO's, to the media. It was my first IAC conference. Yes, I was an' AIDS conference virgin.' Having worked to advance the rights of women, the recognition of reproductive health as a human right, and equality for LGBT people for over 20 years, I thought I'd seen it all -- but I learned far more than I had expected to at the IAC."

Gov. Gen. David Johnston impressed by Calgary's philanthropic spirit

Gov. Gen. David Johnston impressed by Calgary's philanthropic spirit: "Gov. Gen. David Johnston has made building a 'smart and caring nation' his own personal call to service.

'What I wanted to understand was what's the magic in Calgary, which does philanthropy and volunteerism so well,' Johnston told the Herald."

PLAYERS from The Aviator pub in Queenborough are bracing themselves for the launch of a cheeky charity calendar featuring them in the all-together this week.

PLAYERS from The Aviator pub in Queenborough are bracing themselves for the launch of a cheeky charity calendar featuring them in the all-together this week.: "PLAYERS from The Aviator pub in Queenborough are bracing themselves for the launch of a cheeky charity calendar featuring them in the all-together this week."

The Answer: Movember, for One Month Only, Mustache and Facial-Hair Fans - Scene Asia - WSJ

The Answer: Movember, for One Month Only, Mustache and Facial-Hair Fans - Scene Asia - WSJ: "But for many Movember participants, the end of the month will be a welcome reprieve from the itchy upper lip. In Hong Kong — where the charity event has not yet officially launched, despite the presence of many who are participating — Nick Worley is the organizer of an unofficial end-of-Movember party taking place on Saturday.

Mr. Worley says he’s heard from many that they’re ready to shave off the facial hair."

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

The Podium

The Podium: "The Podium
November 29, 2010

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This week's Podium comes to us from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

How would a government-imposed salary cap on your own compensation affect you? Would it affect your performance? What sort of message would it send to you, your organization and those who support your organization if that cap were imposed upon every employee’s compensation? How would it affect your own hiring practices and your pools of potential hires? How would you feel if the cap were imposed even though a separate existing government entity was already regulating your organization and its compensation practices?"

Toms Shoes gives away a million shoes, takes aim at combatting third world foot diseases - WGN

Toms Shoes gives away a million shoes, takes aim at combatting third world foot diseases - WGN: "Buy a pair, give a pair' remains the motto of Toms Shoes, which started up four years ago in a little barn outside Buenos Aires, with 12 people stitching together slightly more fashionable versions of the traditional slip-on alpargatas worn by Argentine cowboys for centuries."