Cryptocurrency Rules Are a Work in Progress. Here’s What to Do for Now.
A pair of tax and regulatory experts offer advice for handling Bitcoin and other currencies while the IRS plays catch-up.
By Debra E. Blum
Contributor
How Do Cryptocurrency Donations Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process involved in getting and using Bitcoin and other donations from digital-savvy donors.
By Debra E. Blum
Contributor
Only a few hundred nonprofits, estimates say, are set up to accept Bitcoin and other digital assets. Now is the time for organizations to decide whether, and how, they’ll start accepting such donations.
By Debra E. Blum
Contributor
Nonprofit Founder Made Millions Housing Migrant Children; Daily News Roundup
The founder of Southwest Key Programs may also have engaged in self-dealing with top executives. Plus, the National Rifle Association has awarded millions of dollars in contracts to people with close ties to the group; critics are noting that the American system that allows some wealthy philanthropists to build fortunes contributes to the social ills their gifts are attempting to alleviate; companies that use the “buy one, give one” strategy are now key to some entrepreneurs; and more.
Going Live: How Nonprofits Are Reaching Younger Donors by Streaming Games Online
Live online video can be effective for raising money and telling stories, and more big charities are getting in the game, nonprofit fundraisers say.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
House Republicans Want to Rescind New Tax on Nonprofits: Daily News Roundup
An amendment has been introduced that would kill a new tax on certain fringe benefits that churches, colleges, and other nonprofits provide for employees. Plus, Bloomberg Philanthropies plans to give $50 million to fight the opioid epidemic; Sheryl Sandberg reportedly asked Facebook’s communications staff to do research on George Soros’s financial interests after his criticisms of tech companies; and more news and articles on big donors, ideas, and powerful women in philanthropy.
Giving Circles Grow in Diversity and Get an Assist From Gates Foundation
Two studies say the programs are reaching new donors and helping a broader array of causes. Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to Amplifier, a network of giving circles.
By Julian Wyllie
Contributor
San Francisco Official Wants Zuckerberg Name Removed From Public Hospital: Daily News Roundup
The request was made in light of the controversy over Facebook’s handling of user data and its use of opposition research. Plus, Patagonia gave $10 million it got from GOP tax cuts to environmental groups; the NRA’s income dropped by $55 million last year; a new nonprofit, started by critics of the Trump administration’s policies on student loans, will work with state and local lawmakers to protect student borrowers; the Berkshire Museum got $53 million from the sale of 40 artworks; and more.
Giving Tuesday Appeals Raise an Estimated $400 Million
With about $380 million raised from 4 million donors, the results bode well for year-end fundraising over all and represent $1 billion collected over the event’s seven-year run.
By HEATHER JOSLYN
Contributor
Google Will Award $25 Million for A.I. for Social Good
Any organization can apply for money, as well as coaching and other advice on how to expand projects that harness this fast-growing type of technology.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Nonprofit Investment Returns Average Only 6.7%: Daily News Roundup
A 2009-16 study shows that they underperform even U.S Treasurys. Plus, charities are anxiously anticipating a drop in year-end giving because of the new tax law; a musician has announced a new foundation for prison overhaul; the president of Dillard University is chiding philanthropists for giving less to historically black colleges and universities; Mary’s Place, one of Jeff Bezos’s favorite charities, is launching a campaign to raise $2 million for a new shelter; and much more.
Soros Foundation Closes in Turkey: Daily News Roundup
Days before the shutdown, President Tayyip Erdogan said George Soros “assigns people to divide nations and shatter them.” Plus, Chef Jose Andres has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize; the Trump Foundation made no donations last year; the Trump Organization gave more than $500,000 to the Trump Foundation in 2017, according to a tax return; an effort to encourage people to include charities in their estate planning aims to raise $1 trillion; plus, articles about Giving Tuesday and more.
Lawsuit Against Trump and His Nonprofit Allowed to Proceed: Daily News Roundup
A judge in New York State denied President Trump’s lawyers’ request to dismiss a suit against the Trump Foundation brought by the state attorney general. In other articles, after Facebook admitted using a controversial public-relations firm to research George Soros, his philanthropy says lawmakers should scrutinize the social-media site more closely; Phil Knight gave $109 million to his foundation; Jeff Bezos donated $97.5 million to groups that aid the homeless; and much more.
Trump Foundation, Soros and Facebook, Whitaker and DAFs: Daily News Roundup
The N.Y. attorney general filed the lawsuit in June accusing Trump and three of his children of misusing the grant maker to advance his presidential campaign. In other articles, Nike’s Phil Knight gave $109 million to his foundation; Jeff Bezos gave $97.5 million to help the homeless; House Republicans plan to hear testimony on whether the Clinton Foundation engaged in improper activities; a nonprofit with obscure origins and source of funds gave Matthew Whitaker $1.2 million. Plus much more.
Ford Foundation’s 2-Year, $205 Million Headquarters Makeover Is Complete: Daily News Roundup
The building has a soaring atrium and a saw-tooth skylight but also a smaller footprint with room for other foundations, plus a public art gallery and a touch-and-feel garden for the blind. Plus, the Trump administration’s Opportunity Zones could be a boon to distressed areas; Michael Bloomberg’s $1.8 billion gift to Johns Hopkins has prompted a variety of responses; Rhode Island prisons are working to get opioid treatment for inmates; and more about innovation and cultural groups.
Trump Administration Urged 4H Youth Group to Drop LGBT Policy: Daily News Roundup
The move helped lead to the CEO’s firing. Plus, housing units for homeless people provided by a New York City nonprofit are unsafe for children, according to a city review, and the group fails to see that residents get social services; a foundation CEO gets about $40,000 a year for working there two hours a week, according to a foundation report; giving circles account for a small fraction of charitable giving, but they’ve been on the rise; and much more.