U. of Wisconsin Foundation Draws Millions From Health Gift
The university’s nonprofit fundraising affiliate has collected more than $30 million in fees from a $600 million contribution to medical research and education by Blue Cross Blue Shield United of Wisconsin in 2003, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
$25 Million Donation Backs New Fort Worth Medical Center
Dallas-based medical complex UT Southwestern will expand its operations in Fort Worth with the donation from oilman W.A. “Tex” Moncrief Jr., reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Gifts Roundup: 2 Anonymous $25-Million Donations
The major gifts from unidentified contributors will benefit Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and the Kansas City Art Institute.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
$100-Million Pledge to Portland State University Goes Missing
The university was set to announce the anonymous nine-figure gift on Tuesday, but the money has not materialized, The Oregonian writes.
Anonymous Donor Gives $25 Million to Mo. Art College
The Kansas City Art Institute will use the gift to boost its endowment, expand student aid, and improve campus facilities, reports The Kansas City Star.
Turkish Mogul Donates $20 Million to Aid Syrian Children
Investor Sezgin Baran Korkmaz pledged funds to support a five-year program to expand Relief International’s work on behalf of children affected by Syria’s civil conflict, the humanitarian agency announced.
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.
$25-Million Gift Aids Minnesota College’s Building Plan
The anonymous donation from a family of Gustavus Adolphus College alumni supports an overhaul of the St. Peter, Minn., campus’s 53-year-old science building, Minnesota Public Radio 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
Gifts Roundup: U. of Southern California Gets $25 Million
Also included is a $5-million bequest to Northwestern University from its law school’s first female faculty member.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
After Katrina, Boys and Girls Clubs Go From $19-Million Rebuilding to Reality
A Gulf Coast chapter lost all five of its sites to the hurricane. Rebuilding followed quickly, thanks to a burst of giving, but long-term financial stability was more elusive.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Perks For Library of Congress’ Top-Donor Group Draw Criticism
The invitation-only James Madison Council has raised millions of dollars and, according to financial records, spent almost half of its recorded contributions on private parties, exhibition receptions, luxury travel, and employees and consultants, The Washington Post reports.
3 Paths to Better Understanding a Donor
Taking the time to better understand a donor’s giving patterns and motivations is crucial, say fundraising experts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Gifts Roundup: Facebook Co-Founder Gives $25 Million to Fight Poverty in Africa
Other recent gifts include $20 million for the University of Nevada, $10 million to Penn State, and $3.3 million to Eastern Michigan University.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Gifts Roundup: $100 Million to California Institute of Technology
Also included is a $25-million gift to Special Olympics from the founder of Paychex.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
From Community Organizer to Big-Time Fundraiser
Juana Torres worked eight years as a community organizer for the Sierra Club before her radical shift in roles at the organization; the move is paying big dividends.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects