Donor’s actions send a reminder
To the Editor: Peter B. Lewis sends a dual reminder to everyone involved in the not-for-profit sector (“When Wealthy Philanthropists Put Their Mouths Where Their Money Is,” November 28). Unlike the government and private sectors, the not-for-profit sector relies on an intricate web of voluntary…
Lackluster Fund Raising? Charity Muffs May Be the Reason
To the Editor: With charities reporting lackluster fund raising and blaming it on a tough economy, I thought I’d add my 2 cents’ worth about what I experienced when I was doing my estate planning. About two years ago, I decided it was time I drew up a will. I had been a steady contributor to…
How Foundations Can Help in Tough Times
In a tsunami of bad news for nonprofit organizations, states are reporting unprecedented budget shortfalls, foundation assets are plummeting, and many individuals are cutting back their charitable donations. At the same time, with the economy shaky and unemployment at worrisome levels, ever greater…
By Gary L. Yates
Contributor
To the Editor: Yuck! Bad, bad, bad choice (“Clinton’s Good-Works Plan,” October 17). Since when did The Chronicle of Philanthropy become The Chronicle of Philanderers? Kristine Stevenson
When Wealthy Philanthropists Put Their Mouths Where Their Money Is
Since the first known donor plaque -- an engraving on a Sumerian tablet -- went up 5,000 years ago, special treatment for wealthy benefactors has been standard operating procedure. The golden rule, as attributed to the late R. Brinkley Smithers, an IBM heir and major donor to alcoholism causes, has…
By HENRY GOLDSTEIN
Contributor
Don’t Let Development Directors Become Prima Donnas
To the Editor: Although it is given only brief mention, one can easily imagine the difficulties that accompanied the short tenure of Yosef I. Abramowitz’s development director (“Rediscovering the Fun in Fund Raising,” July 25). And although it is terribly prevalent in our field, I still wince when…
A Dangerous Precedent for Donors
Pennsylvania is on its way to becoming perhaps the worst place in the United States to create a charitable trust, setting a precedent that would be very dangerous to philanthropic organizations and their beneficiaries if it spreads to other states. First the Pennsylvania state courts, and now the…
By Dan Larkin
Contributor
More and more organizations are evaluating nonprofit groupsTim D. Johnson, who works at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, contributes about $2,500 to ALSO SEE:Love Him or Hate Him, Charity Watchdog Garners Lots of AttentionNew Service Screens Charities for Prospective Donors, for a FeeThe…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor