‘Brand Identity’: Tied to a Charity’s Mission
To the Editor: Thomas J. Billitteri’s article “‘Branding': a Hot Trend for Charities” (May 20) covered a range of anecdotal experiences and opinions, but it was somewhat less comprehensive in presenting an overview of the purpose, practice, and potential of philanthropic brand identity, including…
Report Belies Group’s Ability to Keep Promises
With the recent release of its annual report, America’s Promise, the organization created to carry out the goals set two years ago in Philadelphia by the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future, looks like it is becoming a formidable presence on the American philanthropic scene. But in the wake of…
By LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Contributor
Community Fund’s Solution to the Payout Debate Pays Dividends
To the Editor: As noted in your coverage of the recent Council on Foundations conference (“Cheers and Challenges,” May 6) and as we have found from our own polling work, the debate over how much foundations should pay out in grants is heating up again. Fueled by headlines showing foundation…
Charities’ Big Challenge: Surviving for the Long Haul
Contrary to conventional wisdom, there are not many social problems in the United States that we don’t know how to solve. ALSO SEE:Charities Must Focus on Long Haul, Author Writes Across the country, non-profit groups have worked with companies, government agencies, and other partners to develop…
By Bill Shore
Contributor
AIDS Grant Makers Mustn’t Reduce Support
To the Editor: What troubles me most about Meg Sommerfeld’s article “Foundations’ Support of AIDS Organizations Appears to be Waning” (April 22) is that the foundations who are most educated about the AIDS epidemic are the ones who seem to be missing the point that a decline in AIDS deaths does not…
Foundations Should Spend Money Today
To the Editor: Regarding Mark Dowie’s recent column (“Carnegie’s Views on Giving: No Longer Gospel,” Opinion, May 6), the example of Irene Diamond’s decision to distribute the entire assets of the Aaron Diamond Foundation over 10 years rather than give away a perpetual 5 or 6 per cent can be…
Differing Views of a Vermont Law
To the Editor: In your article on the Freeman Foundation (“Big Fund Hits a Nerve in Vermont,” April 22), your reporter seems to have found only proponents of Act 60, the state law on public-school financing. May I offer another viewpoint? I live in a “gold town.” By this proclamation, you would…
Fund-Raising Truisms Don’t Work Abroad
To the Editor: Paul Summerfield’s Letter from London (“Crossing the Atlantic for British Quid: a Major Challenge for Fund-Raising Pros,” Opinion, April 22) was right on and should be required reading for any development officer inclined to venture a try at fund raising in Britain. Several years ago…
Flood of Data Challenges Charity Leaders
The revolution in non-profit accountability is afoot, and the public’s trust is in the balance. Beginning next week, charities will be required to make their informational tax returns for the last three years more accessible to the public. In short, they must provide copies of their tax returns to…
By PUTNAM BARBER
Contributor
Fund-Raising Shortage: More Than Lack of Talent
To the Editor: I read with great interest your recent front-page story “Wanted: Big-Gift Fund Raisers” (April 22) because I am from the other side: I have been looking rather intensely for a major-gift position at the more-senior level. My own background includes 14 years’ experience in all aspects…