Friday, July 27, 2012

Vegetable seller Chen Shu-chu wins Philippine philanthropy award|Society|People|WantChinaTimes.com

Vegetable seller Chen Shu-chu wins Philippine philanthropy award|Society|People|WantChinaTimes.com: Taiwanese vegetable seller Chen Shu-chu, named in 2010 as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of the year, has won recognition again by winning the Manila-based Ramon Magsaysay Award for her philanthropy.

Chen was recently announced as one of the six individuals to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which the foundation describes as among the highest civil honors in Asia.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Majority of London voluntary organisations 'have dipped into reserves in past year'

Majority of London voluntary organisations 'have dipped into reserves in past year': The latest Big Squeeze report from the London Voluntary Service Council says 54 per cent had to use free reserves to remain operational

More than half of voluntary organisations based in London had to dip into their reserves to cover running costs in the past year, according to new research.

The London Voluntary Service Council’s latest Big Squeeze report, Surviving Not Thriving, says that 54 per cent of organisations in the capital's voluntary and community sector had to use their free reserves to remain operational between 2011 and 2012.

Hodgson review could spell disaster for small charities, say campaigners - Governance - News - Civil Society

Hodgson review could spell disaster for small charities, say campaigners - Governance - News - Civil Society: mall charities could lose out, and a two-tier system of charities could be created, if the recommendations in Lord Hodgson’s review of the Charities Act are enacted, according to sector leaders.

The Directory of Social Change has warned that the recommendation to raise the annual income threshold at which charities are required to register with the Charity Commission from �5,000 to �25,000 could “decimate” small charities capacity to raise money and awareness for their causes.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

On the crest of a wave - Globaltimes.cn

On the crest of a wave - Globaltimes.cn: An earlier documentary work of Cheung's, Rice Distribution (2003), is also being screened. Rice Distribution is the name of one of the largest charity events in Hong Kong and takes place annually during the seventh lunar month of the Ghost Festival (a festival popular in South China where the spirits of dead ancestors are said to come out from the lower realms of existence). During this event, many charity organizations in Hong Kong give rice to the elderly and the poor. The rice distribution event in 2002 detailed in the film attracted more than 8,000 participants.

Cheung began to become more interested in old people's issues precisely because of this charity event.

Act of clarity: non-profit tax issues under review

Act of clarity: non-profit tax issues under review: Act of clarity: non-profit tax issues under review

Date
July 17, 2012

Confusion surrounds the myriad concessions and exemptions, writes Elisabeth Sexton.

Paying trustees would damage charity sector, warn umbrella bodies - Governance - News - Civil Society

Paying trustees would damage charity sector, warn umbrella bodies - Governance - News - Civil Society: Opposition to proposals that would allow large charities to pay their trustees has gathered pace, with seven umbrella bodies writing to minister for civil society Nick Hurd, warning that it would be damaging for the charity sector.

Currently, a charity can pay their trustees only with permission from the Charity Commission or if it is allowed in their governing documents. However, as part of his review of the Charities Act 2006, Lord Hodgson has recommended that charities with an income of over �1m should be given the automatic right to pay

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Charity federations 'lack transparency' - Globaltimes.cn

Charity federations 'lack transparency' - Globaltimes.cn: Charity federations under the supervision of civil affairs departments managed to raise about one quarter of the country's total charitable donations last year, exerting a strong influence but lacking transparency, a study shows.

In 2011, charity federations nationwide collected over 20.3 billion yuan ($3.18 billion) in donations, with the China Charity Federation, a non-profit social group, topping the list with 6.5 billion yuan, according to a report on China's charities released Saturday by the China Charity and Donation Information Center (CCDIC) under the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The number is down 15.9 percent from the previous year, according to the center.

Monday, July 16, 2012

The business of charity should be transparent - Telegraph

The business of charity should be transparent - Telegraph: Lord Hodgson’s report on the regulation of charitable fundraising will be published tomorrow. As Lord Hodgson points out, the present regulatory regime is needlessly complex, and confuses both charities and those wishing to donate to them. In addition to the Charity Commission, there are three separate organisations concerned with fundraising practices: the Fundraising Standards Board, the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association and the Institute of Fundraising.

Large charities should be allowed to pay trustees without permission, says Hodgson

Large charities should be allowed to pay trustees without permission, says Hodgson: The issue is divisive, says Tory peer in his review of the Charities Act 2006, but charities above �1m income should not have to seek Charity Commission approval

Charities with incomes above �1m should be permitted to pay their trustees without getting permission from the Charity Commission, and all charities should be encouraged to reimburse trustees’ expenses, the Hodgson review says today.

It says payment is "a hugely divisive issue in the charity sector", with some saying it undermines the voluntary sector and others saying it would improve diversity and attract those with special skills.

Abolition of national exemption orders on doorstep collections could cost sector millions, charities warn

Abolition of national exemption orders on doorstep collections could cost sector millions, charities warn: Lord Hodgson's proposal in his Charities Act review faces criticism from the British Red Cross and the British Heart Foundation

Proposals to force charities to apply for individual licences to carry out house-to-house clothing collections are a "body blow" that could cost the sector millions, charities have warned.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Private charity cannot replace public support | The Oxford Student

Private charity cannot replace public support | The Oxford Student: The �300m donation to Oxford is a boon for the University’s poorest, but it should not substitute for the existing system.

Conversations From the Future Philanthropy Forum : FundRaising Success

Conversations From the Future Philanthropy Forum : FundRaising Success: The forum, Bridging Philanthropy and Development in Africa and AsiaOpens in a new window, took place June 26-29 in Italy, focusing on how development issues in Asia and Africa can influence and engage philanthropists.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Oxford Gets Largest Donation in Its Modern History - NYTimes.com

Oxford Gets Largest Donation in Its Modern History - NYTimes.com: LONDON — Oxford University announced Wednesday a �75 million donation from Michael Moritz, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, and his wife, Harriet Heyman.

HR Magazine - HMRC shows charitable payroll giving donations increase by �4 million over the last year

HR Magazine - HMRC shows charitable payroll giving donations increase by �4 million over the last year: HMRC figures published this week reveal the funds being donated to charity directly from employee pay through payroll giving schemes, has risen by 3.5% in the last year despite the difficult economic conditions.

HMRC found donations are up �4 million for the year 2011-12 and the average monthly donation from pay has risen from �13.19 to �13.38 per month.

Peter O'Hara, MD of Workplace Giving UK, which launch

Social Investment Business might lend to 'profit-distributing' organisations | Third Sector

Social Investment Business might lend to 'profit-distributing' organisations | Third Sector: The Social Investment Business might launch new funds that lend money outside of the charity and social enterprise sector, its chief executive Jonathan Jenkins said last night.

Jenkins, speaking at a Big Society Network event at Somerset House in London to discuss research in the social investment sector, said his organisation – the largest social lender in the UK – was attempting to raise one or two new funds that could "do something broader than is reasonably possible with government money".

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Craig Dearden-Phillips: When charities hide the facts from people, where does that leave the truth?

Craig Dearden-Phillips: When charities hide the facts from people, where does that leave the truth?: So what can the third sector learn from Leahy? Well, first among his '10 Words' (there is a chapter devoted to each) is 'truth'. This, he says, means being very frank indeed inside an organisation about what's really going on - good, bad and indifferent. This is a lesson our sector needs to take on board. We don't tell the truth enough in charities: to donors, to trustees or to each other. In fact, I fear we have moved into a worrying place where we tell people either what we believe they want to hear - or can cope with being told.

Outgoing chair of the Charity Commisssion stands her ground against critics | Society | The Guardian

Outgoing chair of the Charity Commisssion stands her ground against critics | Society | The Guardian: Yes, Bernard Jenkin had just admitted, parliament had "rather ducked" the thorny issue of defining the public benefit of a charity. But why, the chairman of the Commons public administration select committee asked Dame Suzi Leather, did the Charity Commission not elect to duck it too? Fixing him with a steely glare, she replied: "Because you asked us not to."

Care’s microloan site hits �1m loans - Fundraising - News - Civil Society

Care’s microloan site hits �1m loans - Fundraising - News - Civil Society: More than �1m worth of recyclable and returnable loans have been distributed through Care International’s microlending site.

Lendwithcare.org, which was soft-launched by Care and the Co-operative in late 2010, works along the same principles as microlending sites such as Kiva. It enables donors to lend an amount of at least �15 to one of a number of entrepreneurs from the developing world featured on the Lendwithcare.org site. Once repaid, the donor has the opportunity to either lend their initial donation again or keep it.

PFRA not invited to Institute summit on future of face-to-face - Fundraising - News - Civil Society

PFRA not invited to Institute summit on future of face-to-face - Fundraising - News - Civil Society: The Institute of Fundraising is to host a summit about face-to-face fundraising as a technique, but has not invited or consulted the organisation tasked with regulating face-to-face.

The IoF yesterday announced that in light of media exposure of face-to-face fundraisers failing to meet standards it will hold a summit on the issue on 23 July. The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association, set up to regulate and enforce standards in face-to-face fundraising, has thus far not been invited to attend and was not involved in the summit’s planning.

Monday, July 09, 2012

Charity governance reviews not meant to detect fraud Chan Chun Sing - Channel NewsAsia

Charity governance reviews not meant to detect fraud Chan Chun Sing - Channel NewsAsia: SINGAPORE: Governance reviews carried out on a charity should not be seen as an audit or investigation to detect fraud or mismanagement of funds, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing said.

Instead, such a review is aimed at improving governance and regulatory compliance, while not overburdening or stifling charities.

TODAYonline | Singapore | S$250,000 raised for charity from Jurong Lake run

TODAYonline | Singapore | S$250,000 raised for charity from Jurong Lake run: SINGAPORE - Some 15,000 participants helped to raise about S$250,000 for charity in a run around Jurong Lake this morning.

With its revamped identity, "Running as One", it is hoped the race will promote healthy living and bring the community together.

The number of participants surpassed the 6,500 who took part in the inaugural run last year.

'Tax before charity' debate will return, Bowcock warns - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

'Tax before charity' debate will return, Bowcock warns - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The sector would be na�ve to assume that the government will not revisit the prospect of limiting tax relief on charitable giving just because the Chancellor u-turned on the latest proposal, the chair of Community Foundation Networks has warned.

In a discussion paper titled Lessons from the ‘charity tax’, Matthew Bowcock states that the debate around the tax relief cap highlighted some important issues that have still not been resolved, or even properly examined.

'Tax before charity' debate will return, Bowcock warns - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

'Tax before charity' debate will return, Bowcock warns - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The sector would be na�ve to assume that the government will not revisit the prospect of limiting tax relief on charitable giving just because the Chancellor u-turned on the latest proposal, the chair of Community Foundation Networks has warned.

In a discussion paper titled Lessons from the ‘charity tax’, Matthew Bowcock states that the debate around the tax relief cap highlighted some important issues that have still not been resolved, or even properly examined.

Friday, July 06, 2012

New Global Standards For Corporate Giving - Penta - Barrons.com

New Global Standards For Corporate Giving - Penta - Barrons.com: The Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), a forum of 180 global CEOs and chairpersons who together account for over 40% of reported corporate giving in the US, has tackled a long simmering charitable problem. What they have done is very similar to how, 30 years ago, the accounting industry tackled international accounting standards so companies across the globe could report their financial results with local quirks in accounting practices excised from the generally accepted “international” figures.

Oxfam will net �100k if Federer triumphs at Wimbledon - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Oxfam will net �100k if Federer triumphs at Wimbledon - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: If Andy Murray and Roger Federer both make it through to the Wimbledon final, Oxfam may find itself at odds with the rest of the nation on Sunday - the charity stands to make more than �100,000 if the Swiss player wins.

Oxfordshire man Nicholas Newlife died in 2009, leaving his estate, including a series of betting slips, to the charity. That included a �1,520 wager at 66/1 on Federer to win Wimbledon seven times before 2020, which could net the charity �101,840.

ACF and CFN merger prospect 'no further forward' - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

ACF and CFN merger prospect 'no further forward' - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The Association of Charitable Foundations and Community Foundation Network are no further forward in their considerations of a potential merger, and will not make a decision until later this year.

The two organisations confirmed to civilsociety.co.uk last summer that they were revisiting the idea of joining forces, though they had ruled out a ‘fast-track’ merger.

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Charity takes many forms - The Globe and Mail

Charity takes many forms - The Globe and Mail: Curtis Hargrove owes Quebec police a debt of gratitude: The arrest of the Alberta marathoner after he refused to remove himself from the Trans-Canada Highway has brought national attention to his campaign to raise $1-million for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. On Sunday, the 44th day of his cross-Canada run, Mr. Hargrove was warned by police to get off the controlled-access highway; he refused and only got out of jail after he promised to use an alternative route. He has raised only $14,000 to date, but if online outrage over his arrest is any indication, he can expect a lot more soon.

Vic Philanthropy Partnership Plan | Pro Bono Australia

Vic Philanthropy Partnership Plan | Pro Bono Australia: The Victorian Government has released a plan to increase collaboration between philanthropy and government partnerships in the state.

The Guiding Principles for Collaboration between Government and Philanthropy was launched by Acting Premier Peter Ryan and the Office for the Community Sector with the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.

Video: Charities should be the gold standard of transparency | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

Video: Charities should be the gold standard of transparency | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: Video: Charities should be the gold standard of transparency

NCVO's Karl Wilding discusses the cultural shift needed for charities to embrace open data and how data can help decision-makers. From the Guardian's bringing your data to life seminar, in association with TechSoup Global, on Wednesday 13 June 2012

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Poland's richest man gives record sum to Jewish museum - Thenews.pl :: News from Poland

Poland's richest man gives record sum to Jewish museum - Thenews.pl :: News from Poland: Thenews.pl ::
Poland's richest man gives record sum to Jewish museum
03.07.2012 16:29
Jan Kulczyk, Poland's wealthiest person, has donated a record sum to the forthcoming Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw.

Are Canadian Nonprofits Too Political? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.

Are Canadian Nonprofits Too Political? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.: Ottawa Citizen columnist Dan Gardner has a message for Canadian nonprofits that probably increases the pulse – favorably ��– of U.S. nonprofit activists such as Tim Delaney and his colleagues at the national Council of Nonprofits and Robert Egger at CForward. Gardner responds to the Harper government’s criticism of charitable involvement in political issues (a charge Harper’s cabinet officers have frequently aimed at environmental nonprofits) by agreeing that here is a problem with charities in politics: “They don’t do it nearly enough.”

Nick Hurd seeks ideas on payroll giving

Nick Hurd seeks ideas on payroll giving: The Minister for Civil Society says he wants to encourage greater use of the system
Click here to find out more!

The government has asked the companies that provide payroll giving services to come up with "radical ideas" that would increase take-up, according to Nick Hurd, the Minister for Civil Society.

Hurd told delegates at the convention yesterday that the government was "determined to get serious about payroll giving" and encourage greater use of it, particularly among young male professionals.

BC Cancer Foundation celebrates a record year for donations

BC Cancer Foundation celebrates a record year for donations: The BC Cancer Foundation raised a record $50.4 million for cancer research in its last fundraising year, up more than $10 million from the previous year, the foundation has announced.

Russia Introduces Law Limiting Aid for Nonprofits - NYTimes.com

Russia Introduces Law Limiting Aid for Nonprofits - NYTimes.com: MOSCOW — In the latest move to rein in dissent, Russian authorities have introduced a draft law that would require nonprofit organizations that receive financing from outside Russia to publicly declare themselves “foreign agents” — a term that, to Russians, evokes cold war-era espionage and is likely to discredit the organizations’ work in the eyes of the public.

New intent and bold innovations in corporate philanthropy - Economic Times

New intent and bold innovations in corporate philanthropy - Economic Times: On June 1, when 40 of India's wealthiest gathered in Bangalore for a closed-door discussion on philanthropy hosted by Bill Gates, Azim Premji and Ratan Tata, the room was split into two groups. Some were interested, but still hesitant to give away large chunks of their wealth. For the others, the question was not 'how much to give', but 'how to give' in order to maximise impact.

Number of women trustees at the largest UK charities rises - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Number of women trustees at the largest UK charities rises - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Charity 100 Index boards include increasing numbers of women, but they are falling short in other areas of diversity, according to the Trustee Leadership of the Largest 100 Charities survey published this month.

The survey, which is in its third year, is a biennial look into the make-up of trustee boards on the Charity 100 Index, which tracks income levels of the largest 100 charities in the UK.

Monday, July 02, 2012

5 Web Sites on Chinese Philanthropy in English | Helen's Exploring Journey

5 Web Sites on Chinese Philanthropy in English | Helen's Exploring Journey: As I am planning the GP Common web site, I thought it would be beneficial to have a clear idea on what is out there on Chinese philanthropy to readers in English, so that we can add value to you by providing complementary, rather than redundant, content. The resources are not abundant yet, but there are 5 good ones which dedicated a good part of their efforts to curating information on Chinese philanthropy. The five web sites are:

S.A. team organizes for Mexico projects - San Antonio Express-News

S.A. team organizes for Mexico projects - San Antonio Express-News: an Antonio may be the first U.S. city to land a team in Mexico under the auspices of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation. Preliminary plans call for the team to help build a playground, outfit a public school and health clinic, and help create a small online university.

This is set to happen in Chiapas, the Mexican state that borders Guatemala, with a San Antonio team headed by former Mayor Henry Cisneros.

Anonymous wealthy couple's $30-million gift to help homeless in Vancouver

Anonymous wealthy couple's $30-million gift to help homeless in Vancouver: VANCOUVER --A $30-million philanthropic gift from an anonymous wealthy couple is allowing the City of Vancouver to reopen Taylor Manor as a home for 56 street people with complex mental health issues.