Gifts Roundup: 2 Blockbuster Donations Push Weekly Total Near $2 Billion
Technology mogul Michael Dell and his wife, Susan, pledged $1 billion to their charitable fund, and Pittsburgh financier Henry Hillman left more than $800 million to his family’s network of philanthropies.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
$1 Billion Gift From Michael and Susan Dell Will Double Their Foundation’s Endowment
The couple also released a blueprint for how the foundation plans to focus its giving.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Mormon Church to Stop Participating in Some Boy Scouts Programs
The church will no longer be formally involved in programs for youths ages 14 and older. Also, the United States has been giving foreign aid to a group deemed a cult, and the California State Board of Education votes to close two charter schools.
Daily News Roundup: Pa. Financier Leaves $800 Million to Family Foundations
Also, a Massachusetts museum hires a neuroscientist to help plan new interactive exhibits in hopes of boosting visitors.
Gifts Roundup: Megagift Boosts Cal Poly Research; Obamas Back Chicago Jobs Programs
Other notable donations include matching pledges of $40 million to a Philadelphia journalism nonprofit and $15 million to New York antipoverty charity Robin Hood.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Veteran Major-Gift Fundraisers Offer Tips to Newcomers
Practice your pitch in front of the mirror — or in front of your kids — and more advice from the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference.
By Nidhi Singh, Eden Stiffman and Timothy Sandoval
Value of New Donors Is Largely Offset by Loss of Previous Donors, Study Finds
For every $100 organizations gained last year from new contributors or those increasing gifts, they lost $95 through donor attrition and reduced monthly giving.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: $110 Million Gift Boosts Research at Cal Poly
Also, California’s new attorney general says he will crack down on politicking by nonprofits, and the Obamas make a seven-figure pledge while unveiling the design for the former president’s library.
How to Build a Strong Women’s Philanthropy Program
What it takes to attract female donors to your cause, plus six easy ways to build long-term relationships with women.
By Michele Rebeor
Contributor
Building the Nonprofit Online Communities of the Future
Connecting donors and beneficiaries online helps charities reach more people in need while forging stronger bonds with their supporters, says Katie Bisbee of DonorsChoose.org.
By Katie Bisbee
Contributor
Hollywood Producer Pursues ‘Focused and Specific’ Giving Strategy
Steve Tisch, whose film credits include Forrest Gump and Risky Business, learned his philanthropy from wealthy parents who stressed that the family’s status carried great responsibility to help others.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
Gifts Roundup: University of California at Irvine Gets $30 Million for New Science Building
Also, Paul Allen donates $30 million for housing Seattle’s homeless, and Vanderbilt receives $20 million for a new building.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Charities Expect to Raise More in 2017, but Many Still Worry About Future
Two-thirds of U.S. nonprofits expect to exceed last year’s fundraising totals, but politics and the economy have them on edge, according to a new survey of more than 900 charity leaders and fundraisers.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
Keys to Low Staff Turnover: One Nonprofit’s Advice
At the Red Cross’s Indiana state chapter, hiring fundraisers who’ve worked previously with other staffers has helped foster team spirit and boost retention.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Ex-Congresswoman Fights Nonprofit Fraud Charges
Also, a Gates Foundation impact report says the grant maker boosted Seattle’s local economy by $1.5 billion in 2015, and a nonprofit breaks ground on a long-planned museum to honor Jackie Robinson.
Daily News Roundup: Metropolitan Museum of Art Mulls Ticket Charge for Non-New Yorkers
Mayor Bill de Blasio endorsed the deficit-plagued museum’s proposal to make entrance fees mandatory for visitors from outside the city. Also, Livestrong says it’s turning a fundraising corner after three years of plunging donations, and an African charity teams with dating app Tinder to help super-rare rhinos breed.