It’s Time to Junk ‘Junk Mail’ Designation
To the Editor: I must take issue with U.S. News and World Report‘s use of the term “junk mail” to describe one of the most important means Boys Town has to communicate with donors who help to care for tens of thousands of at-risk youths each year through Boys Town USA programs across the country…
Tax Laws Specify Ways Groups Can Play Politics
To the Editor: An article in your November 13 issue characterized the use of political organizations by social-welfare organizations as a way to “get around” the limitations on political activities that are imposed on social-welfare groups (“I.R.S. Rulings on Politics Stir Controversy,” Tax Watch).…
Clinton Makes a Grand Ole Pick to Head the Arts Endowment
The nomination of William Ivey, executive director of the Country Music Foundation, to head the National Endowment for the Arts is a shrewd -- even inspired -- move by President Clinton. Indeed, the possibility of country music’s top artists doing a concert on Capitol Hill to save the N.E.A. from…
By HENRY GOLDSTEIN
Contributor
True Jewish Unity — and Some False Impressions
To the Editor: Your recent opinion article concerning Israeli charities (“Israeli Charities Need U.S. Partners, Not Patrons,” My View, November 27) leaves many false impressions and certain questions. It isn’t clear whether the authors, Robert Fenton and Yonatan Gordis of Yesod Resource Management,…
Good Philanthropy: More Complex Than Computers
Somehow, young computer millionaires have got it in their heads that when it comes to philanthropy, foundations don’t insist on results. In explaining the reasons behind the formation of a group of prospective cyberphilanthropists on the West Coast, one electronics executive recently told The New…
By John Tirman
Contributor
Many Non-Profit Theaters Saw Surpluses in ’96 Despite Rising Costs and Dip in Federal Grants
In 1996, for the first time this decade, most of the country’s non-profit theaters had surpluses, says a new report. Of the 228 theaters surveyed, 135 took in more money than they spent, according to the study by the Theatre Communications Group. Total income for the theaters amounted to…
By Vince Stehle
Contributor
Americans Aren’t ‘Bowling Alone,’ Report Says; Charitable and Civic Involvement Found Strong
DEBRA E. BLUM This country’s social fabric is in better shape than people may think, says a new report on volunteering and civic involvement by the American Association of Retired Persons. Americans belong to an average of about four associations or clubs -- a greater number than previously…
Charities in 5 States Net a Third of What Solicitors Raise
Charities received one out of every three dollars raised in their behalf by professional solicitors, according to a series of new state reports. In most cases, the proportion of money fund-raising companies gave to charities declined from 1995 to 1996. The reports were issued by charity regulators…
By Debra E. Blum
Contributor
A Congressman’s Plan to Overhaul Corporate Giving Draws Criticism
Following are excerpts from letters submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission in response to its request for comments on two bills proposed in the House of Representatives. The commission has been asked to prepare a report on the feasibility of two measures proposed by Rep. Paul Gillmor,…
Disabled People Are People First
To the Editor: An article in your October 30 issue (“Two’s Company,” The Face of Philanthropy) refers to people like me as both “the mentally ill” and as being “with mental illness.” The Americans With Disabilities Act considers us as “people with psychiatric disabilities.” The people I work with…