N.Y. United Way Reaches Deal With Former Leader
By Elizabeth SchwinnThe United Way of New York City has reached an agreement with its former leader, Ralph Dickerson Jr., to repay $227,000 that the charity said Mr. Dickerson spent on personal expenses in 2002 and 2003. The United Way said Mr. Dickerson benefited from a program by which donors…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Tips for winning support from the business world
Q. I’m working with a small aikido group that has a wonderful program for children focused on leadership and conflict resolution. We’d like to raise funds for building renovation and scholarships. Can you offer any information about fund raising in for-profit environments? A. When it comes to fund…
By Rebecca Gardyn
Contributor
91 Grant Makers Win Honors for Public-Information Materials
The Council on Foundations next week will honor 91 grant makers for outstanding materials designed to inform the public about their work. The 22nd annual Wilmer Shields Rich Awards for Excellence in Communications, named after the organization’s first executive director, will go to foundations that…
By Caroline Preston
Contributor
Money for Capital Needs Is Often Scarce, Study Finds
By Harvy LipmanNonprofit groups are having a difficult time coming up with the investment capital they need, according to a new study by the Johns Hopkins University. Charities face trouble not only raising funds for traditional capital expenses, like buildings and computer equipment, but also for…
By Harvy Lipman
Contributor
Analysis of Federal Budget Paints Grim Picture for Nonprofit Groups
By Elizabeth SchwinnFederal grants to charities could decline by more than 11 percent over the next five years, and many other government-spending reductions are likely to harm nonprofit groups at the same time, says a new report. The report by the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund of the Aspen…
By Elizabeth Schwinn
Contributor
Charity Leaders Urge Federal Government to Change Trustee-Pay Rules
By Ian WilhelmA group of key nonprofit leaders has released recommendations on how to curb excessive trustee compensation, stop fraudulent charitable solicitations, and prevent other abuses in the nonprofit world. The report was put together by the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, which was organized…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Director of President’s Faith-Based Office Resigns to Take Helm of Catholic College
H. James Towey, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, has ALSO SEE:Excerpts from an interview with H. James Towey announced his resignation, saying that despite his departure, the Bush administration’s effort to allow religious organizations greater access to…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
CEO’s tough business tactics save a failing health-care charityImagine a health-care system without the elementary technology of voice mail, with only one working computer for every 100 employees, a chaotic billing and collection system, and buildings with graffiti-covered walls and carpet held…
By Mary E. Medland
Contributor
Hurricane Donations Did Not Hurt Other Gifts, Study Finds
By Caroline PrestonThe donations that Americans channeled to hurricane relief have not reduced charitable giving to other causes, according to a new survey by the Conference Board, in New York. Nine out of ten Americans who donated to help people affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita said they…
By Caroline Preston
Contributor
Volunteerism Among Americans Increased by Nearly 12%, According to a New Report
By Caroline PrestonCommitment to volunteering increased among Americans by nearly 12 percent from 2002 to 2005, according to a new measurement approach released by the Points of Light Foundation, in Washington. The foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network — in collaboration with Indiana…
By Caroline Preston
Contributor
Bush, Cheney Release Information About Charitable Donations
By Grant WilliamsPresident Bush and Vice President Cheney and their wives have released information about their contributions to charities last year. President Bush and the first lady, Laura Bush, gave a total of $75,560 to churches and charitable organizations, some of which were involved in…
By GRANT WILLIAMS
Contributor
Stock-Investment Policies at the 50 Wealthiest Private Foundations
Numerous nonprofit groups are urging private foundations to engage in what they call socially responsible ALSO SEE: Article: Meshing Proxy With Mission Article: Fund’s Investment Portfolio Reflects Its Charitable Mission investing — including screening investments in corporate stocks to avoid…
Donor-Advised Funds: Assets, Awards, and Accounts at a Sampling of Big Providers
ASSETS AMOUNT DISTRIBUTED TO CHARITIES NUMBER OF FUNDS 2004 2005 Percent change 2004 2005 Percent change 2004 2005 Percent change Commercial Funds American Gift Fund (Newark, Del.) $8,275,203 $13,999,251 +69.2% $1,124,383 $1,217,601 +8.3% 145 145 0.0% AMG Charitable Gift Foundation (Englewood,…
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, Fla.): Appointed Terry Lee Kaly, vice president of wealth management at Harris Trust (Palm Beach), to be chief executive officer. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (Ariz.): Appointed Chris Marshall, former associate director of…
Following are summaries of recent reports by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. This private group reports on whether charities meet standards for fund raising, governance, financial management, and public information. The alliance does not approve or disapprove of charities, and urges potential donors…
Resources for More Information on Fiduciary Responsibilities
VOLUNTEERISM Numerous publications and other resources can educate board members about their fiduciary duties. Here’s a sample list: Governing Nonprofit ALSO SEE:Tips to Help Board Members Better Understand Their Fiduciary Duties Organizations: Federal and State Law and Regulation, by Marion R.…
By Lynn O'Shaughnessy
Contributor