N.Y. Court to Hear College’s Bid to Rename Itself for Donor
An upstate New York judge was set to hear arguments Tuesday on a proposal by Paul Smith’s College to set aside a naming provision in its original benefactor’s will and add philanthropist Joan Weill’s name to the institution in exchange for a $20-million gift, writes The New York Times.
Cities Scrap With Mass. Nonprofit Over Clothes Donation Bins
The Los Angeles Times looks at battles by cities in California and elsewhere to more strictly regulate collection bins for recycling used clothes, shoes, and textiles, particularly those placed by Planet Aid, a controversial Massachusetts charity.
Obituary: Susan Newhouse, N.Y. Philanthropist and Socialite
A fixture in New York City’s social and giving sets who served for more than two decades as chairwoman of the Fresh Air Fund, Ms. Newhouse died Thursday at the age of 80 at her home in Manhattan, reports The New York Times.
Philanthropist and Former Banker Will Lead Dallas Fed
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas announced the appointment Monday of foundation leader and ex-Goldman Sachs executive Robert Steven Kaplan as its new president and chief executive officer, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Improvising While Fundraising: How to React to the Unexpected When Asking for Money
By incorporating techniques from improvisational theater, fundraisers can develop the flexibility and quick reflexes necessary to seal the deal.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
Case Study: How a Small Nonprofit Set Up a New Donor Database
The group had been using four systems and needed to consolidate its information to start a major-gifts program and to operate more efficiently.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
MacArthur and Ford Foundations Diverge on Strategy
While both say they will focus on a narrower set of issues, one favors quick action and the other features a more patient approach to change.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Red Cross Head Sought to Stop Federal Probe of Relief Work
American Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern sought congressional intervention last year to call off a Government Accountability Office review of the charity’s federally mandated role in disaster response, according to ProPublica and NPR.
$800-Million Campaign in Works for Obama After Presidency
Close associates of President Obama have set a fundraising target of at least $800 million to establish the infrastructure for his post-White House life, centering on a tech-minded “digital-first” presidential library and an anticipated global foundation, writes The New York Times.
Obituary: Julian Bond, Civil Rights Giant and Ex-NAACP Chair
A figure on the national stage for more than a half-century who co-founded of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Southern Poverty Law Center, Mr. Bond died Saturday at age 75 in a Florida hospital, The Washington Post reports.
Opinion: ‘Effective Altruism’ Promotes Analytical Giving
The New York Times’ Economic View column examines the burgeoning “effective altruism” movement, which encourages donors to take a more scientific, less emotional approach to philanthropy.
Baltimore Groups Seek Coordinated Approach to City’s Recovery
Since riots convulsed the city in April, local nonprofits have steered $7 million to $10 million into programs aimed at addressing unemployment, poverty, and other problems underlying the unrest, reports The Baltimore Sun.
Ex-Charity Navigator CEO Takes New Role Helping Nonprofits Assess Performance
Ken Berger, who left the watchdog group in April, joins a company that helps organizations use data to learn how they can improve.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
10 Years After Katrina, New Orleans Nonprofits Say ‘Thank You’
Four major New Orleans organizations decide to share their appreciation for the flood of volunteers who aided the region.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
States Warned on Pulling Planned Parenthood Medicaid Funds
The Obama administration has notified Alabama and Louisiana that they may be breaching federal law by moving to block Medicaid money for Planned Parenthood, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Recovering Economy Not Stemming Demand at U.S. Food Banks
Food charities continue to see rising demand for their services despite the growing economy and a steep drop in unemployment since the recession, leaving many organizations struggling to secure sufficient food supplies, the Associated Press writes.