DOJ Advises Against Banning Homeless From Sleeping Outdoors
Tthe Department of Justice has filed a statement of interest saying that local ordinances that ban homeless people from camping or sleeping outside are unconstitutional and violate Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment, The Washington Post reports.
States Warned on Pulling Planned Parenthood Medicaid Funds
The Obama administration has notified Alabama and Louisiana that they may be breaching federal law by moving to block Medicaid money for Planned Parenthood, reports The Wall Street Journal.
ALS Researcher Credits Ice Bucket Dollars for Progress Toward Cure
VICE reports on a new study in Science Magazine showing major progress in the search for the cause of ALS, work that one researcher attributes to donations generated by last summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge.
Recovering Economy Not Stemming Demand at U.S. Food Banks
Food charities continue to see rising demand for their services despite the growing economy and a steep drop in unemployment since the recession, leaving many organizations struggling to secure sufficient food supplies, the Associated Press writes.
N.Y. Charity Accused of Bilking Teens on Summer-Job Pay
Long Island prosecutors have charged a nonprofit with duping scores of high school students into doing unpaid work selling concessions at entertainment and sports venues under the guise of a volunteer program, the Associated Press and Newsday write.
D.C.’s Hirshhorn Defends Holding Anniversary Gala in NYC
Leaders at the Smithsonian’s contemporary-art museum tell The Washington Post that their decision to hold its 40th-anniversary gala in New York is part of an effort to broaden the museum’s audience and donor base and is not a snub of its hometown.
People in Philanthropy: HHS Official to Lead Children’s Charity
Among other nonprofits with notable personnel changes: the National Center for Youth Law, Hudson Valley Community Services, Tourette Association of America, and Public Health Solutions.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
After Katrina, Boys and Girls Clubs Go From $19-Million Rebuilding to Reality
A Gulf Coast chapter lost all five of its sites to the hurricane. Rebuilding followed quickly, thanks to a burst of giving, but long-term financial stability was more elusive.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
MacArthur Overhauls Approach to Focus on Big Bets
Climate change and criminal justice are among the causes getting more money as the foundation seeks to back more-ambitious projects — but fewer of them.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Perks For Library of Congress’ Top-Donor Group Draw Criticism
The invitation-only James Madison Council has raised millions of dollars and, according to financial records, spent almost half of its recorded contributions on private parties, exhibition receptions, luxury travel, and employees and consultants, The Washington Post reports.