Giving to Colleges Rises Nearly 11%
For the second time in a row, donations rose by 10 percent or more. The growth was powered in part by big campaigns like Harvard’s drive to raise $6.5-billion.
By Madeline Will
Contributor
USAID Drops Aid Charity Accused of Massive Misspending
The U.S. Agency for International Development suspended one of its biggest nonprofit contractors, International Relief and Development, after investigators uncovered “serious misconduct” in the group’s handling of hundreds of millions of dollars in funds for projects in Iraq and Afghanistan, reports The Washington Post.
Aging Volunteer Population a Worry for Minn. Nonprofits
While Minnesota has one of the nation’s highest voluntarism rates, its most dedicated and reliable volunteers are seniors, raising concerns among charity leaders seeking ways to draw younger people into steady service, the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes.
Ex-N.C. Legislator Pleads Guilty to $150,000 Nonprofit Theft
Former North Carolina Rep. Stephen LaRoque faces up to 10 years in prison after admitting in court Monday to a theft charge related to his oversight of nonprofit that managed federal loan funds, the Raleigh News & Observer and television station WRAL report.
Calif. Supreme Court Prohibits Judges’ Boy Scouts Ties
The Supreme Court of California voted Friday to bar the state’s judges from belonging to the Boy Scouts of America because of the group’s prohibition on gay adults serving as troop leaders, the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times report.
Maine Plan Stakes New Ground in Debate on Taxing Nonprofits
Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to add big nonprofits to property-tax rolls reflects the growing national discussion of tax breaks for hospitals, colleges, and other major exempt institutions, an issue that is particularly acute in the Northeast, The Wall Street Journal writes.
Colleges Mine Social Media for Clues on Likely Donors
A handful of tech start-ups are making tools that harness data and interactions from widely used social networks to help colleges and universities identify alumni with the greatest propensity to donate, writes The New York Times.
Ebola Failings Prompt WHO to Mull Global Volunteer Force
Chastened by criticism of the World Health Organization’s slow response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the United Nations affiliate’s executive board approved a set of reforms Sunday aimed at strengthening its disease-fighting capabilities, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times report.
Tax Issues Cloud Future of Huguette Clark Arts Charity
The arts foundation established by the 2013 settlement of the reclusive mining heiress’s $300-million estate might have to sell Bellosguardo, her Southern California mansion, if the Internal Revenue Service decides to collect millions of dollars in delinquent taxes, according to the Santa Barbara Independent.
Top Boston-Area Culture Posts Often Come With Big Perks
Many leaders of major arts and cultural institutions in the Boston region receive housing allowances, mortgage assistance, retention bonuses, reimbursement for their children’s college tuition, and other perks as part of pay packages that range close to $1-million, according to The Boston Globe.