Eli Lilly’s Giving Shift Mixes Business and Social Goals
The pharmaceuticals firm is remaking its philanthropic strategy, embracing the notion of shared value by concentrating more of its giving in areas that can serve the company’s financial interests as well as meeting its mission of improving health, the Indianapolis Business Journal writes.
2-Year Process Produced Diller-von Furstenberg Park Plan
The New York Times details the history of plans for a $130 million park and culture venue on a new Hudson River pier that will be financed largely by entertainment mogul Barry Diller and his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
Tech Philanthropists Put Money and Ideas Into Research to Extend Human Life
Founders of some of the top technology companies are supporting science that uses big data and technology tools to study disease patterns, resilience, and ways to reprogram the human body, The Washington Post reports.
N.C. Lawmakers Consider Slashing Nonprofits’ Sales-Tax Break
The North Carolina Senate is weighing legislation that would reduce the amount of sales tax nonprofits can annually recoup from the state from tens of millions of dollars to tens of thousands, The Times-News of Burlington, N.C., reports.
Conservative Nonprofit ALEC Mulls Suits Over Climate Claims
The American Legislative Exchange Council, a Republican-dominated association of state lawmakers, has sent letters threatening legal action against activist groups that accuse the council of climate-change denial, The Washington Post reports.
Lincoln Center Gift Is the Wrong Way to Do Philanthropy
Ethicist Peter Singer discusses his philanthropic philosophy and criticizes Hollywood mogul David Geffen’s recent $100 million gift to renovate Lincoln Center’s concert hall in a Wall Street Journal profile coinciding with the release of Mr. Singer’s new book, The Most Good You Can Do.
Comcast Beneficiaries Line Up to Back Big Cable Merger
Scores of charities and policy institutes that have received money from Comcast have taken stands in favor of the company’s proposed takeover of fellow cable giant Time Warner, The New York Times writes.
Red Flags Didn’t Stop Payments to Troubled L.A. Foster Charity
Little People’s World, a Los Angeles-area foster-care nonprofit whose operators were indicted on embezzlement charges in September, continued to receive millions of dollars in taxpayer funds in recent years despite government investigators’ warnings of alleged financial misconduct and child abuse, writes the Los Angeles Times.
New Chinese Law Would Introduce Tax Breaks for Charities
A proposal under consideration by Chinese authorities could significantly ease regulatory burdens on nonprofit groups, open new avenues for fundraising, and offer tax exemptions to charities and their donors, Reuters reports.
Give Local America Aims to Multiply Success of Community Giving Days
The May 5 event brings community foundations and local nonprofits together for a fundraising marathon.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor