swissinfo - Charities confident to repeat bumper year with donations

swissinfo - Charities confident to repeat bumper year with donations: "The Swiss were very generous in 2006, with the amount of charitable donations expected to be close to the record of 2005.

Estimates by the gfs Zurich research institute put the annual average of donations at around SFr1 billion ($820 million), slightly below the SFr1.3 billion the Swiss gave in 2005."

Channelnewsasia.com-Post-NKF shake-up helps Singapore charities set standards for region

Channelnewsasia.com: "Post-NKF shake-up helps Singapore charities set standards for region
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 28 December 2006 1716 hrs

SINGAPORE: Charities here are holding their breath for next month's announcements on tighter regulations of the sector by the Commissioner of Charities.

These regulations will be a result of a month-long public consultation which ended last Sunday, December 24.

Charities, especially the smaller ones, are also hoping that the Charity Council formed last month will help them get more resources in areas such as auditing."

Tags: NPSingapore

What's On & Expat Philippines - Headlines

What's On & Expat Philippines - Headlines:
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"In addition, Philippine governance gets a low mark according to the World Bank report. The country fared poorly in controlling corruption, but the President is undaunted. She said her administration would intensify its efforts to raise the country’s competitiveness and foster an attractive investment climate through “clean and mean governance.” This compliments the government’s fight to overcome corruption through the help of the private sectors.

Known as corporate social responsibility (CSR), the objective is for private sectors to involve themselves in projects funded by their respective companies, aimed at improving the status of the poor. Speaker of philanthropy Dr. Emmet Carson said partnership between the public and private sectors will, at least, assuage societal ills."

Record Success For Christmas Boxes (from Ealing Times)

Record Success For Christmas Boxes (from Ealing Times): "EALING residents have proved that pleasure really is in giving and not receiving.

Operation Christmas Child, a humanitarian christmas project run by Samaritan's Purse, has been able to send a record 1.22million gift-filled shoeboxes en route for delivery this Christmas and New Year to needy children in countries across the world.

And Ealing residents have contributed significantly to the charity achieving their staggering record."

Scotsman.com Business - Management - Corporate giving 'dying out'

Scotsman.com Business - Management - Corporate giving 'dying out': "Corporate giving 'dying out'
DOUGLAS FRIEDLI

THE tradition of companies donating money to good causes is all but dead, according to the leader of Scotland's charities and voluntary groups.

Martin Sime, the chief executive of the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, which represents 50,000 charities and other groups, told Scotland on Sunday: 'A very small proportion of our funding comes from the private sector, and that is in terminal decline.'"

Taipei Times - archives

Taipei Times - archives: "For most people affected by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that ripped apart the ocean floor off Indonesia two years ago the struggle to rebuild continues

AP, BALI, INDONESIA
Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006, Page 5

Thousands of people fled beaches in Indonesia's largest-ever tsunami drill yesterday as nations across Asia remembered the moment two years ago when devastating waves crashed into coastlines and killed 230,000 people.

Elsewhere, survivors and mourners visited mass graves, lit candles along beaches, observed a moment of silence and erecting warning towers in hopes of saving lives in the future.

But as Thai authorities prepared to open a cemetery for unidentified tsunami victims, foreign donors alleged that nearly US$1 million intended for DNA sampling and other testing appears to have been misused."

Tags: NPDisasterRelief, NPTsunamiRelief

CHRISTMAS CHARITY PROJECT IN BULGARIA COLLECTS MORE THAN 2.2 M LEVA - News news

CHRISTMAS CHARITY PROJECT IN BULGARIA COLLECTS MORE THAN 2.2 M LEVA - News news: "The Bulgarian Christmas charity initiative managed to collect more than 2.2 million leva by December 26.

Apart from the funds, organisers managed to receive medicines worth nearly 50 000 leva, Focus news agency reported.

Bulgarian Christmas is a project, aimed at the collection of financial aid for sick children in Bulgaria."

Rich pickings - Business - Business - theage.com.au

Rich pickings - Business - Business - theage.com.au:
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"In a year when the main stock index added $180 billion in value, are those doing well sharing more of their wealth with those who aren't? The answer to that is yes, with Australians donating some $11 billion a year.

There have been some dramatic examples of business-sector generosity of late. Qantas chief Geoff Dixon pledged to donate to a philanthropic trust the bulk of the $60 million or so in equity he will get if the bid for Qantas goes ahead."

Charities Aid Foundation - December edition

Charities Aid Foundation - December edition: "December 2006

The December edition of CAF News is now available to read online.

Donations stable post tsunami

New research published by CAF and NCVO has shown that charitable donations haven’t fallen as expected, despite record levels of giving following the Asian tsunami.
COAA image
Web-friendly charities celebrated

CAF and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have announced the winning charities in this year’s Charities’ Online Accounts Awards."

Boomer phenom even hits charities

Boomer phenom even hits charities: "An overwhelming 72 per cent of baby boomers in B.C. want to know exactly where their charitable dollars are going before they hand over their cash, according an Ipsos Reid survey for BMO Harris private banking released Wednesday.

That's only slightly below the national average of 74 per cent -- heavily skewed by an 86-per-cent response rate in Quebec.

However, just five per cent of British Columbians surveyed said that the recent federal elimination of capital gains tax on publicly traded stocks had encouraged them to give more."

VOA News - Costa Rican President to Donate Salary to Charity

VOA News - Costa Rican President to Donate Salary to Charity: "Costa Rican President to Donate Salary to Charity
By VOA News
20 December 2006

Oscar Arias
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias says he will donate his yearly salary to several of his nation's charities."

The Prague Post Online: Opinion: Secret Santas

The Prague Post Online: Opinion: Secret Santas: "Secret Santas
Why the Czech media won't report on corporate philanthropy
Commentary | Archives

December 20th, 2006

By Inga Kaškelyte

Activities of corporate donors get little exposure in the Czech media, largely due to the press's refusal to name companies in relation to their charitable activities. Moreover, editors risk being penalized for violating this unwritten rule. For large multinationals with philanthropy programs entering the market, this state of affairs can be a nasty surprise."

winnipegsun.com - Manitoba - Manitobans dig deep

winnipegsun.com - Manitoba - Manitobans dig deep: "Manitobans continue to dig deep to fill the cupboards of the needy, rebuild disaster-stricken regions and help scientists find cures.

For the seventh consecutive year, Manitoba is the most generous jurisdiction in Canada, with donations from 28.5% of personal income tax filers. Manitoba is also first in percentage of total income donated, at 1.02%."

Online NewsHour: Conversation | Gates Tout Health, Education | December 20, 2006 | PBS

Online NewsHour: Conversation | Gates Tout Health, Education | December 20, 2006 | PBS: "Bill and Melinda Gates Reflect on Need for Global Philanthropy

Bill and Melinda Gates, whose foundation seeks to address worldwide needs in areas including health and education, describe their initiatives and decision-making process.
Bill and Melinda Gates

JUDY WOODRUFF, NewsHour Special Correspondent: They have given a new meaning to the term 'power couple.' Bill and Melinda Gates are not only the richest couple on the planet; they have become one of the most influential philanthropic forces in the world, often donating more money than many governments and countries."

News - 'Peace entrepreneurs' think and act globally - sacbee.com

News - 'Peace entrepreneurs' think and act globally - sacbee.com: "Davis baker Maurice Kalisky introduced oatmeal cookies to save a struggling Russian bakery.

Mendocino farmer Rod Shippey showed Bolivian ranchers how to control parasites threatening their cattle business.

The two men, described by some as 'peace entrepreneurs,' embody a growing global movement to promote a centuries-old philosophy that commerce can be a catalyst for peace."

Lifeboat charity dummies may be banned from 'public' collecting | News | This is London

Lifeboat charity dummies may be banned from 'public' collecting | News | This is London:
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"But the plastic pair could now face the chop after a member of the public complained that they are collecting money illegally.

Anyone who uses a tin to accept money for charity in public needs a collector's permit from the local authority.

The complaint was lodged to East Devon District Council who have admitted that under licensing laws the mannequins may have to be removed."

There's much more to giving it away than simply handing it out | Business | The Observer

There's much more to giving it away than simply handing it out | Business | The Observer: "There's much more to giving it away than simply handing it out


With billionaires eager to do good, advising them on their philanthropic 'investments' has become big business, writes Heather Connon

Sunday December 17, 2006
The Observer

Forget yachts, private planes and island hideaways: the new status symbol among the very rich is philanthropy. A growing number of those who have made their millions in investment banking, private equity or hedge funds are looking at ways to give some of it back through charitable projects. But while we might be content to give friends an Oxfam goat for Christmas or set up a standing order to our favourite charity, the super-rich are much more professional about their giving."

Gulfnews: Putting money to good use

Gulfnews: Putting money to good use: Published: 17/12/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)
Putting money to good use

Gulf News


In assessing the aid contributions a World Disasters Report arrived at the finding that 2005 was a record year for donations. Sums collected reached at least $17 billion, far outstripping any previous year since records were kept. This is an interesting phenomenon, especially as not too long ago people were accused of having donor fatigue whereby constant calls for funds were met with jaded enthusiasm."

Generous Hong Kong ahead in charity handouts - Boston.com

Generous Hong Kong ahead in charity handouts - Boston.com: "Generous Hong Kong ahead in charity handouts
Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong in this March 15, 2005 file photo. When Chan announced he would leave half his fortune to his charity that helps young people, the news created barely a ripple in his home city. Chan's estimated wealth of $128 million hardly puts him in the billionaire league, but his largesse is typical in Hong Kong. Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong in this March 15, 2005 file photo. When Chan announced he would leave half his fortune to his charity that helps young people, the news created barely a ripple in his home city. Chan's estimated wealth of $128 million hardly puts him in the billionaire league, but his largesse is typical in Hong Kong. (REUTERS/Kin Cheung/Files)

By Susan Fenton | December 14, 2006

HONG KONG (Reuters) - When Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan announced he would leave half his fortune to his charity that helps young people, the news created barely a ripple in his home city."

Qantas chief's windfall to charity | Herald Sun

Qantas chief's windfall to charity | Herald Sun: "QANTAS chief executive Geoff Dixon stands to pick up $60 million if the airline sale goes through ¿ but it will all go to charity.

Mr Dixon will collect the windfall from incentive perks if shareholders approve the $11 billion Qantas sale.

But Mr Dixon last night said he had no need for the money. Every cent would go to charity, particularly medical research and indigenous health and education.

Qantas shareholders will be asked next year to approve the controversial takeover by Airline Partners Australia."

allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Sponsorship in Arts Industry Beneficial (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Sponsorship in Arts Industry Beneficial (Page 1 of 1): "Zimbabwe: Sponsorship in Arts Industry Beneficial

The Herald
The Herald (Harare)

December 14, 2006
Posted to the web December 14, 2006

Harare

CORPORATE sponsorship for the arts industry in Zimbabwe is not always available.

Historically, such funding has been the corporate world's social responsibility deriving from philanthropic budgets but now with the arts industry's growth, there is need to reconsider this thinking and stance.

In Zimbabwe at the moment, Delta Corporation through its various brands is probably the biggest partner for the arts industry with a keen interest on developing the sector at grassroots level."

What does 'charity' mean? No one wants to say... - Law - Times Online

What does 'charity' mean? No one wants to say... - Law - Times Online: "What does 'charity' mean? No one wants to say...
Stephen LLoyd
The Government's law-making is deeply unsatisfactory
What does it mean to be a charity? It’s an important issue because charities play a fundamental part in civil society. They contribute 3 per cent of GDP and at least a million people volunteer to serve as trustees — charities touch every corner of British society.

The Charities Act 2006 is the first major legislative reform to the meaning of charity since 1601 when the Virgin Queen was at death’s door. Of course, there have been statutes on charities in the intervening period but none has dealt with the fundamental question of what it means to be a charity."

New Jewish Charity Pledges To Spend $200M Annually - December 12, 2006 - The New York Sun

New Jewish Charity Pledges To Spend $200M Annually - December 12, 2006 - The New York Sun: "New Jewish Charity Pledges To Spend $200M Annually

By GABRIELLE BIRKNER
Staff Reporter of the Sun
December 12, 2006


The man Forbes magazine ranks as the third richest in America, resort and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, 73, will follow his billionaire colleagues Bill Gates and Warren Buffett into the major leagues of philanthropy.

Mr. Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, is expected to announce formally as soon as today the creation of a foundation that could pump billions of dollars into Jewish and Israeli causes."

TheStar.com - Charity regulator would build trust

TheStar.com - Charity regulator would build trust: "Charity regulator would build trust
Dec. 12, 2006. 01:00 AM

Canadians are a generous bunch. Each year we donate billions of dollars to good causes, from food banks and social service organizations to hospitals and international development agencies. And as the holiday season approaches, even more of us are opening our wallets to charities.

But such big-heartedness requires public trust. Canadians need to know their hard-earned money is being well spent by the very agencies to which they give their cash. And while most charities are run honestly and efficiently, those that do not follow the rules unfairly stain the entire sector."

The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper

The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: "t is that season of the year when people think and talk about the poor, a time when acts of genuine philanthropy are often overshadowed by hypocritical gestures. As Salvation Army bells ring in the hearts of both willing and hesitant donors, Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, known as the 'Banker to the Poor,' is urging financial institutions to do more to improve the lives of destitute people."

allAfrica.com: Kenya: Investment Hurdles for Kenyans in the Diaspora (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Kenya: Investment Hurdles for Kenyans in the Diaspora (Page 1 of 1): "Kenya: Investment Hurdles for Kenyans in the Diaspora

The East African Standard


The East African Standard (Nairobi)

GUEST COLUMN
December 11, 2006
Posted to the web December 12, 2006

Bosire Nyamori
Nairobi

Kenyans living abroad make significant social and economic contribution to the country through remittances, charity and philanthropic work, business and investment.

They have dabbled in business and have the potential for further investments and this has aroused the interest of policymakers and the private sector. This signifies a belated, but welcome recognition that the country needs to be more pro-active in tapping investments from the Diaspora."

Channelnewsasia.com-"A charitable comparison

Channelnewsasia.com: "A charitable comparison
By Jasmine Yin, TODAY | Posted: 11 December 2006 0738 hrs


SINGAPORE: It will be easier for donors to know how charities in the health sector are faring when a new measure by the Ministry of Health (MOH) kicks in next month.

The MOH wants to simplify and standardise the way Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) under its watch - about 100 of them in all - report their income, expenses, assets and liabilities."

Tags: NPFundraising

Public schools brace for a stern examination over soaring fees | Voluntary sector | SocietyGuardian.co.uk

Public schools brace for a stern examination over soaring fees | Voluntary sector | SocietyGuardian.co.uk: "A major Scottish review will challenge the independent sector to prove it still deserves its charitable tax status, writes Peter Davy

Sunday December 10, 2006
The Observer

Was it really charitable to educate Tony Blair? We'll soon know: on Friday, the Scottish charities regulator announced the first of a series of reviews that could strip some private schools, such as the Prime Minister's old school, Fettes, of the charitable status they have enjoyed for hundreds of years."

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story

Charity Village®NewsWeek: Cover Story: "Why do we give?
Andy Levy-AjzenkopfBy Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
December 11, 2006

Canadians have always had a reputation for being kind, polite and generous. While it’s tough to quantify kindness and politeness, generosity is a more measurable subject.

According to recent Ipsos Reid statistics, around 80% of Canadians give to charity every year. That means close to 25 million of us make some sort of philanthropic gesture per annum. It’s an incredible stat.
Factoring altruism
Glenys Babcock, Ipsos Reid’s vice president of public affairs trends division, says the numbers merely reflect the extant, diverse reasons behind Canadian giving."

Nine billion pounds floods into charity coffers | Personal Finance | Reuters.co.uk

Nine billion pounds floods into charity coffers | Personal Finance | Reuters.co.uk: "Nine billion pounds floods into charity coffers
Wed Dec 6, 2006 7:36 AM GMT15
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By Jennifer Hill

LONDON (Reuters) - Donations to charity have not fallen away in the past year, despite record levels of giving following the Asian tsunami two years ago.

British donors gave an estimated 8.9 billion pounds to charity in 2005/06, according to data from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) released on Wednesday."

Scotsman.com Living - Moves to tap the wealth of 4.2 million Canadian Scots

Scotsman.com Living - Moves to tap the wealth of 4.2 million Canadian Scots: "Moves to tap the wealth of 4.2 million Canadian Scots
BILL JAMIESON

EVERY St Andrew's Day is special. But this year the celebrations had a special resonance in Canada, home to no fewer than 4.2 million people who claim a Scottish heritage. On Tuesday, George Reid, the presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, held a reception at the National Club, Toronto, followed by a similar event and dinner on St Andrew's Day in Vancouver.

This is no routine glad-handing. The events marked the launch of the Scotland Funds in Canada. It aims to catalyse charitable giving by expats that could bring a multi-million-dollar funding bonanza for dozens of projects across Scotland in the fields of arts, culture, sport and education."

Serial volunteer something of a Changning celebrity

Serial volunteer something of a Changning celebrity: "Serial volunteer something of a Changning celebrity
Tan Weiyun
2006-12-02
Three years in Singapore, four years in Shanghai and maybe the next two or three years in California. It seems that Mary Cleghorn's life is always on the move, drifting from one city to another and traveling all around the world.

The nomadic lifestyle of this 35-year-old Canadian has brought her many great experience and opportunities, but not great changes. Under her amiable and modest demeanor, the Toronto native remains a zealous supporter and ardent participant in community services and voluntary activities."

Charity comes home to India with a $2-b kitty- The Economic Times

Charity comes home to India with a $2-b kitty- The Economic Times: "Charity comes home to India with a $2-b kittyAdd to Clippings

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2006 12:42:36 AM]
It’s not just equities alone. Foreign money is pouring into religious and charitable institutions, too, in the country, with overseas donations crossing the $2-billion mark in FY06 — the second year in succession."

Tags: NPGivingTrends, NPFundraising