PM - Charities suffer from global financial crisis

PM - Charities suffer from global financial crisis: "Charities suffer from global financial crisis
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PM - Wednesday, 29 April , 2009 18:42:00
Reporter: Brigid Glanville
MARK COLVIN: It's not just businesses or families doing it tough during these hard economic times, charities are suffering too.

As the corporate world tightens its belt, the not-for-profit sector is now being forced to cut costs as donations dry up.

The latest to suffer is Epilepsy Action Australia, the national body that supports nearly half a million Australians.

There's concern that vital charities may be forced to close due to the massive fall"

Charities forced to axe thousands of jobs - UK Politics, UK - The Independent

Charities forced to axe thousands of jobs - UK Politics, UK - The Independent: "Charities employed just over 500,000 staff in 2000 and the total rose to 624,000 at the end of 2004 and 724,000 last autumn. But new official figures show the number suddenly dropped in the last three months of 2008 to 716,000, the first fall on record for a decade. Voluntary organisations say the trend accelerated in the New Year."

Volunteers are important

Volunteers are important: "An investment in volunteerism makes good economic sense and has a direct impact on the economy and business in our community. According to Stats Canada, there are over 161,000 nonprofits and registered charities in Canada. Collectively they contribute $112 billion in revenue towards the economy, a number larger than the GDP contribution of Canada's entire manufacturing industry."

Ford Foundation to Close Offices In Hanoi and Moscow - Philanthropy.com

Ford Foundation to Close Offices In Hanoi and Moscow - Philanthropy.com: "After losing almost one-third of its assets during the last year, the Ford Foundation has announced it will close its offices in Russia and Vietnam.

“Given our obligation to our grantees worldwide, and the people they serve, we have been forced to make some very hard choices to bring about further savings,” Luis A. Ubiñas, the foundation’s president, wrote in an e-mail message he sent to Ford employees on Tuesday. “It is with great regret that I share the news that the foundation will be winding down its operations in Vietnam and Russia by the end of September"

Marie Curie Cancer Care is first Nestle charity of the year - Third Sector

Marie Curie Cancer Care is first Nestle charity of the year - Third Sector: "Marie Curie Cancer Care is first Nestle charity of the year

By Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector Online, 30 April 2009

Company aims to raise £250,000 by next April

Nestlé UK has named Marie Curie Cancer Care as its first charity of the year."

Asian American Giving: Role of philanthropy in China

Asian American Giving: Role of philanthropy in China: "I was twittering at Give2Asia's Investing in China Philanthropy Forum in Beijing last week. You can find the play-by-play details of the event here. I thought I would share some of the highlights from the tweets:"

Professional Fundraising | UK's richest increase giving despite falls in wealth

Professional Fundraising | UK's richest increase giving despite falls in wealth: "The UK’s philanthropists have increased their charitable giving by 8 per cent in the last year despite seeing their wealth fall by more than a third, according to the Sunday Times Rich List."

Red Shield Appeal to be launched today | National Breaking News | News.com.au

Red Shield Appeal to be launched today | National Breaking News | News.com.au: "Red Shield Appeal to be launched today

AAP

April 29, 2009 12:01am


THE Salvation Army is calling on Australians to be generous despite the tough economic times, hoping to raise $73 million from its 2009 Red Shield Appeal.

The doorknock will be held on the weekend of May 23 and 24, with the money raised to help fund the Salvation Army's support programs, including crisis accommodation, employment, counselling and addiction recovery services."

Raising funds for victims of rising river - Winnipeg Free Press

Raising funds for victims of rising river - Winnipeg Free Press: "An estimated 50,000 people took in the show, headlined by such acts as Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, Tom Cochrane, the Watchmen, Chantal Kreviazuk, Fred Penner and Daniel Lavoie.

The 1997 organizer was veteran Winnipeg producer and agent Gilles Paquin, who's back on board this time.

'We've made calls to lots of artists,' said Paquin, who has produced numerous high-profile Manitoba events. 'People want to be part of it, but we haven't nailed anything down.'

There is the perception that the devastation caused by the '09 flood is not as great as 1997's, Paquin says.

'But that doesn't mean (a fundraiser) is any less needed.'"

Charity Finance | Scottish charities may receive public benefit leniency

Charity Finance | Scottish charities may receive public benefit leniency: "Scottish charities may be given assistance in meeting the public benefit test, after the Scottish government published a consultation document proposing amendments to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005."

Metro - ‘Incredible’ donations

Metro - ‘Incredible’ donations: "Tenants in 181 apartment buildings around the city set a record for gathering 126,000 pounds of food for the Ottawa Food Bank last week, breaking the previous record by 6,000 pounds."

People give Rs140bn to mostly unregulated charities

People give Rs140bn to mostly unregulated charities: "KARACHI: The money Pakistanis donate to different charities may easily have swelled to Rs140 billion since the last philanthropy survey was conducted 10 years ago, said Dr Shams Kassim Lakha, Chairman Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP).

Dr Lakha, who is also President of Agha Khan University, told The News in a recent interview that a household survey carried out in 1998-99 showed that people were giving away a total of Rs72 billion in charity, though mostly to organisations that are neither regulated nor maintain audited accounts."

Gulf Daily News » Local News » Raft race hit by financial crisis

Gulf Daily News » Local News » Raft race hit by financial crisis: "THE global economic crisis has hit one of Bahrain's biggest charity events, with a slump in vital corporate sponsorship.

Less than half the target cash has been raised for the Rotary Club of Salmaniya's annual charity raft race, being held on Friday at Al Bander Resort, Sitra.

Twenty-two teams have entered, well short of the 30 organisers were hoping for."

Hudson Institute > Fourth Annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances Shows Private Philanthropy, Remittances Provide Lifeline to Developing Countries During Recession

Hudson Institute > Fourth Annual <I>Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances</I> Shows Private Philanthropy, Remittances Provide Lifeline to Developing Countries During Recession: "Fourth Annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances Shows Private Philanthropy, Remittances Provide Lifeline to Developing Countries During Recession

April 27, 2009
by Hudson Institute

WASHINGTON—Despite the global recession, private giving and remittances are expected to be lifelines to help developing countries weather the economic storm, according to the new 2009 Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances published by Hudson Institute's Center for Global Prosperity (CGP)."

Ex-hedge fund veteran urges wealthy to give

Ex-hedge fund veteran urges wealthy to give: "Stanley Fink, the former chief executive of hedge fund Man Group who quit last year to focus on philanthropy, has urged entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals in the UK to ensure that charitable giving in the country does not suffer amid fears that last year's rise in donations could be short-lived."

One in eight charity donors increase giving - Third Sector

One in eight charity donors increase giving - Third Sector: "One in eight charity donors increase giving

By Sarah Townsend, Third Sector, 28 April 2009

Recession no barrier for some, Justgiving survey finds

Almost one in eight donors has increased their charitable giving despite the recession, a survey of donors by website Justgiving has suggested."

Charity should be part of every day life, says ambassador - Times Online Rich List

Charity should be part of every day life, says ambassador - Times Online Rich List: "Dame Stephanie Shirley, who was given the job last week, said philanthropy should be part of everyday life, taught in schools and that people should ask one another in everyday conversations what they have done to help others."

Charity collectors to approach WH Smith shoppers | Society | guardian.co.uk

Charity collectors to approach WH Smith shoppers | Society | guardian.co.uk: "British Red Cross fundraisers were allowed into a central London branch of the chain last week as part of the trial. Charity street fundraisers, dubbed 'chuggers' or charity muggers, are a vital source of income for voluntary organisations but are thought to be unpopular with shoppers."

Charities in Asia Work to Keep Donors Engaged During the Recession - Philanthropy.com

Charities in Asia Work to Keep Donors Engaged During the Recession - Philanthropy.com: "For the past 10 years or so, China and parts of East Asia have been seen as burgeoning philanthropy powerhouses.

But with the economic crisis hitting Hong Kong, Shanghai, and the region's other financial centers, some observers worry the wealthy, corporations, and other donors will be more cautious about giving."

Queen Rania Of Jordan Used Homemade Jam Jar To Illustrate Her Points At Philanthropy Conference | AHN | April 24, 2009

Queen Rania Of Jordan Used Homemade Jam Jar To Illustrate Her Points At Philanthropy Conference | AHN | April 24, 2009: "Giving the keynote address at the event in Washington, the monarch stressed that 'the need for global philanthropy is more urgent than ever before' before asking 'How do we know when philanthropy is making a positive difference?'

Clutching the jam, she explained the answer could be found in the story of a nine-year-old Jordanian girl, Leila, who was asked to come up with a healthy breakfast for her schoolmates.

Leila collected uneaten apples from pupils and, with the help of her mother, made a large jar of jam which was served in school and then sold on at markets. All profits were donated back to the disadvantaged school."

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Global Philanthropy Forum Conference

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Global Philanthropy Forum Conference: "I especially appreciate being with both Jane and Walter, two visionary leaders who have made such a difference in their lives and work. I have to confess that when Jane was telling that story, I mean, I can’t remember anything about college and – (laughter) – it seems like such a long time ago. But I am very admiring of the idea that she has seen come to fruition in this Global Philanthropy Forum."

Charity Finance | Tax efficient giving awareness levels “surprising and disappointing”

Charity Finance | Tax efficient giving awareness levels “surprising and disappointing”: "CAF has admitted it was surprised by how low awareness of tax efficient giving is, as it released a report showing that just two thirds of the adult population know they can donate to charity in a tax effective manner."

EurActiv.com - Reflecting on cultural policy | EU - European Information on Languages & Culture

EurActiv.com - Reflecting on cultural policy | EU - European Information on Languages & Culture: "Such cooperation is 'natural' and 'professional', he explains, because it has become normal for the heads of major national cultural institutions to come from other EU countries. For example, he points out that an Englishman heads the Berliner Philharmoniker (Berlin Philharmonic), an Italian leads the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) and a Frenchman heads La Scala in Milan.

Moreover, 'corporate philanthropy is increasingly borderless, especially in the cultural field,' Rigaud states."

Dame Stephanie Shirley appointed as philanthropy ambassador - Third Sector

Dame Stephanie Shirley appointed as philanthropy ambassador - Third Sector: "Founder of the Shirley Foundation and Autism Speaks to take up new government role

Entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley has been appointed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to be the Government's ambassador for giving and philanthropy."

Professional Fundraising | Growing demand for philanthropy advice sees top appointment at Barclay’s Wealth

Professional Fundraising | Growing demand for philanthropy advice sees top appointment at Barclay’s Wealth: "Growing demand for philanthropy advice sees top appointment at Barclay’s Wealth

Barclays Wealth has head-hunted a new head of philanthropy amid increased demand for philanthropic advice in the UK."

Results improve for charity doorstep fundraising - Third Sector

Results improve for charity doorstep fundraising - Third Sector: "Results improve for charity doorstep fundraising

By Sarah Townsend, Third Sector, 21 April 2009

PFRA reports surge in number of donors recruited at home

Charities are increasingly turning to door-to-door fundraising because of a poor public perception of street fundraisers, the industry watchdog has suggested.

The latest figures from the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association show that the number of donors recruited by doorstep fundraisers rose sharply in the year to the end of March."

GroupM and Disney in regional charity drive - Media

GroupM and Disney in regional charity drive - Media: "SINGAPORE - GroupM, along with Hong Kong Disneyland and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, have extended its regional charity drive in Singapore to help terminally ill children locally."

Rudd speaks at Sydney philanthropy meeting - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Rudd speaks at Sydney philanthropy meeting - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "A conference in Sydney has begun developing a new set of ethical principles to be added to the United Nations' global accord on business practice.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has told the conference that the Government supports the idea of new global principles for philanthropy."

Entries flood in for hospice's Midnight Walk (From Stourbridge News)

Entries flood in for hospice's Midnight Walk (From Stourbridge News): "ENTRIES have been flooding in for a brand new after dark challenge organised to raise cash for Stourbridge’s Mary Stevens Hospice.

TV presenter Llewela Bailey (pictured centre) helped to launch the publicity drive for the hospice’s inaugural Midnight Walk last month."

Alberta non-profit groups get $20 million in provincial funding

Alberta non-profit groups get $20 million in provincial funding: "EDMONTON — Premier Ed Stelmach followed through on a two-year-old $20-million promise Wednesday, announcing nearly 1,500 Alberta-based non-profit organizations will see their donations matched with provincial dollars.

'Now more than ever, given the economic downturn, we're going to need to do more to help others,' Stelmach said, as he announced the cash drop at the downtown Don Wheaton YMCA."

Sector throws cash lifeline to ImpACT - Third Sector

Sector throws cash lifeline to ImpACT - Third Sector: "Sector throws cash lifeline to ImpACT

By Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector, 14 April 2009

Institute of Fundraising cuts grant to charity fundraising transparency campaign

Sector organisations have stepped in to support the ImpACT Coalition after the Institute of Fundraising decided to reduce its £50,000 annual grant."

Poppy Appeal set to raise record amount - News - getsurrey

Poppy Appeal set to raise record amount - News - getsurrey: "ORGANISERS of this year’s Poppy Appeal have praised the people of Surrey for their generosity after figures showed they are set to beat last year’s total.

The appeal has so far raised £882,428 from donations in the county since it was launched last October."

Premier John Brumby urges kickboxing fans to do charity walk | Herald Sun

Premier John Brumby urges kickboxing fans to do charity walk | Herald Sun: "But an angry John Brumby today said the industry was “on notice”, and the public expected a safe and respectable CBD in the early hours of the morning."

Rob Wilson: University finances are heading for a toxic time | Education | The Guardian

Rob Wilson: University finances are heading for a toxic time | Education | The Guardian: "Last month, Universities UK published a report detailing the views of the country's 133 vice-chancellors on the future of university funding. They feel that tuition fees will have to rise to at least £5,000 a year. The UUK report highlights the financial uncertainty facing universities - uncertainty that has understandably increased during the recession."

K Shivakumar: Charities in the dock

K Shivakumar: Charities in the dock: "The amendments made to the Income Tax Act in respect of charities are a fine example of what the late Nani Palkhivala had to say about changes in the Act and how these will benefit none except the legal and accountancy professions. While there have been several reforms in the income tax process, nothing has changed for charities, indeed certain changes put the sector in a very disadvantageous position."

News release - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn announces an investment of $3.1 million to assist small and rural charities

News release - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn announces an investment of $3.1 million to assist small and rural charities: "News release
The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn announces an investment of $3.1 million to assist small and rural charities

Ottawa, Ontario, April 8, 2009... The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture), is pleased to announce funding for seven new projects under the Charities Partnership and Outreach Program of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)."

Alwaleed ranked world’s most innovative investor

Alwaleed ranked world’s most innovative investor: "Moreover, Alwaleed is active in social responsibility projects through significant local and international philanthropic donations made by Alwaleed bin Talal Foundation spanning all the continents, including Asia and Africa. The prince was acknowledged for his active philanthropy and was awarded the “Special Award for Philanthropy” by Arabian Business during the Arabian Business Saudi Achievement Awards event in 2007."

Business : Role of civil societies, NGOs crucial: Plan panel member : 538342

Business : Role of civil societies, NGOs crucial: Plan panel member : 538342: "New Delhi, Apr 1 The government cannot afford to ignore the crucial role played by civil societies and NGOs in a scenario where challenges like malnutrition, poverty and violence have assumed endemic proportions, Planning Commission Member Syeda Hameed said today.
' Given their crucial role and contribution towards these issues, the Planning Commission made it a point to make them a part of the 11th Five-Year Plan. Now we have a national policy for the voluntary sector,'she said, while addressing the India NGO Awards ceremony here."