Early this month in Myeongdong, one of the most bustling spots in central Seoul, bell ringers found a 110 million won ($95,000) check, the largest amount put in a red kettle since the campaign started in 1928. The anonymous man believed to be in his 60s wrote a note along with the huge sum: “Meager as this amount may be, I hope it will be used to help the sick and lonely old people.”

Sector leaders oppose charging volunteers for 'portable' criminal records checks | Third Sector

Sector leaders oppose charging volunteers for 'portable' criminal records checks | Third Sector: Home �
News �
Sector leaders oppose charging volunteers for 'portable' criminal records checks

Sector leaders oppose charging volunteers for 'portable' criminal records checks

By Andy Ricketts, Third Sector Online, 23 December 2011
Justin Davis Smith

Justin Davis Smith
Letter to ministers is signed by Justin Davis Smith of Volunteering England and 27 others

Volunteering England and leaders of 27 major charities and voluntary sector umbrella bodies have called on the government not to charge volunteers for the planned portable Criminal Records Bureau checks.

The Protection of Freedoms Bill, which is before Parliament, proposes two types of criminal records check from 2013: a one-off check, which would remain free for volunteers as under the existing system, and a portable one based on a continuously updated criminal records database, which would allow an individual to work or volunteer for a number of organisations.

Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake

Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake: Indian Americans are not only the most inspiring diasporas in the United States but their unmatched activism has made sure their political influence has grown tremendously, a senior Obama administration has said.

Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake

Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake: Indian Americans are not only the most inspiring diasporas in the United States but their unmatched activism has made sure their political influence has grown tremendously, a senior Obama administration has said.

Comic Relief tops list of charity employers | Third Sector

Comic Relief tops list of charity employers | Third Sector: Comic Relief is the most popular of 24 major charity employers, according to new research.

An online survey of more than 1,000 people looking for work in the voluntary or already employed in it, carried out by Third Sector Research in November, found that 70 per cent of respondents said they were "fairly interested" or "very interested" in working for the organisation.

Kind hearts or a dead giveaway?

Kind hearts or a dead giveaway?: This rare story of giving may seem a world away from our lives in Australia, and it does leave me wondering: could we do more?
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That very question was posed to the billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates this week, during his stay in Australia. The answer was a resounding yes.

The Microsoft founder called on the federal government to delay next year's return to surplus and increase its overseas aid budget instead.

CTV's 5 Days of Christmas: Wish 2 | CTV British Columbia

CTV's 5 Days of Christmas: Wish 2 | CTV British Columbia: But thanks to a Christmas wish from Iftu Taju, the three-seat swing set will soon be rebuilt to twice its size.

The Vancouver Foundation heard about Iftu's wish and felt something had to be done.

"The request came from a child who asked for something not for her but for her classmates," said the foundation's Gord MacDougall.

Charity rankings often don't tell the full story

Charity rankings often don't tell the full story: Recently, a number of articles in the Herald and elsewhere have referred to the ranking of charities by Charity Intelligence Canada.

While these articles have focused attention on some outstanding local organizations, it is important to bring some much needed context and clarity to the charity rating stories.

School Pocket Money Fund becomes a charity in 2012

School Pocket Money Fund becomes a charity in 2012: he Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) is broadening its outreach to needy school children and launching new programmes because - starting from Jan 1, 2012 - it will become a proper charity with its own Institution of a Public

Boys' Brigade fulfils wishes of over 29k needy folk: Thursday, Dec 22, 2011

The Boys' Brigade (BB) has managed to fulfil all the wishes of its more than 29,000 beneficiaries, the highest number in the 24-year history of its Share-a-Gift donation drive.

The donations came in faster this year, compared to last year, said Mr Desmond Koh, executive director of BB, at the charity drive's closing ceremony yesterday.

Achieving the record-high target, especially in times of economic uncertainty, is "fantastic", he said.

Times Higher Education - Large donations to universities drop 50%

Times Higher Education - Large donations to universities drop 50%: The amount given to universities in �1 million-plus donations almost halved in 2009-10, an annual report from a bank reveals.

The drop takes the total from very large donations down to the levels of 2006-07 and 2007-08 and is thought to be caused by the drying-up of matched funding from the government.

In 2009-10, �299.4 million was given to universities in donations of more than �1 million, according to The Million Pound Donors Report 2011 by private banking house Coutts. This is a 48 per cent fall on the 2008-09 figure of �575.4 million.

Charity blitzes do well in Canada, but at risk of ‘Christmas begging’ | News | National Post

Charity blitzes do well in Canada, but at risk of ‘Christmas begging’ | News | National Post: I think there are more organizations doing it now,” added Michael Nilsen, vice president of public relations for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which helps charities develop fundraising strategy. “We’ve seen funding levels generally go down for a lot of charities in certain sectors in terms of getting grants and government money. It’s something we’re seeing a lot more organizations turn to and at the same time we’re seeing more maturation in fundraising programs.”

Charities need regulation to maintain public's trust - The Irish Times - Wed, Dec 21, 2011

Charities need regulation to maintain public's trust - The Irish Times - Wed, Dec 21, 2011: OPINION: AT CHRISTMAS, Irish charities raise more in donations from the public than at any other time of the year. As the needs to be addressed become more acute, and charitable fundraising more sophisticated – and competitive – the public increasingly, and properly, expects transparency around financial matters and clarity about impact. Government and the non-profit sector should work harder to address this.

Non-profit organisations are perhaps the last sector in Irish society to enjoy a high degree of unconditional trust from the public. This has taken generations to build, and for the sector there is no more precious asset.

Charities should be more confident in their deals with corporates | Third Sector blog: Looking into the story a little deeper, the details became slightly blurred: the European Recycling Company, the private firm that runs the collection banks, insisted it was not accurate to use a cash-per-bank figure because the firm agreed a yearly donation with the charity that was not directly linked to its profits or its income from donated stock.

The charity also said it expected to receive �35,000 rather than the reported �30,000 from the company this year. Even so, divided by the 7,000 collection points, it would equate to just a fiver per bank.

Trends in Institutional Philanthropy in Russia | eJewish Philanthropy: Your Jewish Philanthropy Resource

Trends in Institutional Philanthropy in Russia | eJewish Philanthropy: Your Jewish Philanthropy Resource: This is my second post based on the recent Russian Donors Forum Report on Institutional Philanthropy in Russia. I am very encouraged by e-mails and phone calls from readers of this blog, and as the report will not be available in English at least for a while, I believe it makes sense to continue my brief notes.

In the previous post I summarized the key findings of the survey of foundations, and now would like to briefly go through the key trends that were suggested by the participants of focus groups and interviews carried out by the authors of the report.

World Giving Index 2011: UK now 5th most charitable country on the planet | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

World Giving Index 2011: UK now 5th most charitable country on the planet | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: Finance hub banner

World Giving Index 2011: UK now 5th most charitable country on the planet

New CAF study suggests world is becoming 'more charitable'

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David Mills
Guardian Professional, Tuesday 20 December 2011 01.30 EST
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Planet Earth in Outer Space
The World Giving Index 2011 has revealed the world is 'more charitable'. Photograph: Corbis

According to a new survey by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the UK is the fifth most charitable nation in the world. The survey, called the World Giving Index 2011, shows that the US is the most charitable country, while Ireland is second and Australia third.

Wedgwood Museum's collection can be sold to pay creditors, judge rules | Third Sector

Wedgwood Museum's collection can be sold to pay creditors, judge rules | Third Sector: A High Court judge has ruled that the Wedgwood Museum’s collection can be sold to pay off creditors, after a �134m pensions deficit forced the Wedgwood Museum Trust to go into administration.

The trust, based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, went into administration last year following the transfer of the pension debt from the collapse of the Waterford Wedgwood pottery firm, which became insolvent in 2009.

Gloomy outlook? S'poreans still giving

Gloomy outlook? S'poreans still giving: DARK clouds may be looming on the horizon for the economy, but Singaporeans do not seem to be pinching their pennies when it comes to charity.

For instance, the Boys' Brigade has already achieved 90 per cent of its donation target for its 29,041 beneficiaries this year, via its Share-a-Gift project.

Institute of Development Studies - Bellagio Initiative outlines actions to guide future philanthropic and development collaboration

Institute of Development Studies - Bellagio Initiative outlines actions to guide future philanthropic and development collaboration: The Bellagio Initiative Summit has ended with a determination by development organisations and philanthropists to build mutual trust, share learning and develop joint training initiatives.

Pres Releases: WASHINGTON, D.C.///December 19, 2011///The United States now ranks the highest in terms of charity in a massive global survey that put the nation in fifth place in 2010, according to CAFAmerica, a member organization of the United Kingdom based Charities Aid Foundation International Network of Offices, providing charitable financial services to individuals, global corporations, charities, and foundations.

Pals are doing it for the kids - Community - The Star

Pals are doing it for the kids - Community - The Star: ublished on Monday 19 December 2011 15:30

TWO pals have bared all for a charity calendar which could be the first step towards the building of a new orphanage in Kenya.

Pals are doing it for the kids - Community - The Star

Pals are doing it for the kids - Community - The Star: ublished on Monday 19 December 2011 15:30

TWO pals have bared all for a charity calendar which could be the first step towards the building of a new orphanage in Kenya.

This could get messy: arts giants agree new BP sponsorship | News

This could get messy: arts giants agree new BP sponsorship | News: The British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Opera House and Tate Britain issued a joint statement announcing the renewal and extension of their partnerships with the oil giant. The company will invest almost �10 million in the four institutions over the next five years - support hailed by arts bosses as "one of the most significant long-term corporate investments in UK arts and culture". In most cases, the connections stretch back 20 years.

Charities: either pay interns or give them training and opportunities | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

Charities: either pay interns or give them training and opportunities | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: Charities: either pay interns or give them training and opportunities

If you can't pay interns, give them training, resources and networking opportunities, says Laura Steele from Student Hubs

Charities Act 2011 receives royal assent | Third Sector

Charities Act 2011 receives royal assent | Third Sector: A new Charities Act that consolidates existing charity law has received royal assent.

The act, passed on Wednesday, will come into force in March 2012 and is intended to make charity law simpler and more accessible.

The Charities Act 2011 combines the Recreational Charities Act 1958, the Charities Act 1993 and many of the provisions of the Charities Act 2006.

For fans & charity|Life|chinadaily.com.cn

For fans & charity|Life|chinadaily.com.cn: The singer-songwriter Shunza is promoting a philanthropic concert full of local and international names. Chen Nan reports.

Shunza took a good look at her life in 2010 and this led to her decision to hold a charity concert that aims to help students who want to study abroad but can't afford it.

Foundation to launch public giving campaign in spring - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Foundation to launch public giving campaign in spring - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: A family foundation is spearheading a new campaign to get more people giving more time and money to charity.

While sector bodies have long mooted the prospect of a public-facing giving campaign, the independent Pears Foundation has announced plans to launch one in the first half of 2012 off its own bat and bank balance.

Gambling charities solve dispute by merging - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Gambling charities solve dispute by merging - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The charity that raises money from the gambling industry to fund research and treatment into problem gambling is to merge with the charity that distributes the funds.

The planned merger, which will take place at the end of March next year when the existing funding agreement between the two bodies expires, will simplify the complex charity structure that was set up in 2009 to improve industry responsibility and provide funding for services for problem gamblers.

Nick Cowling: Corporate Citizenship: Big Cheques Just Don't Cut it

Nick Cowling: Corporate Citizenship: Big Cheques Just Don't Cut it: While there are companies out there that still fit this description, it's generally become a dated notion. In fact, a strong majority of companies today are taking a serious approach to corporate citizenship, CSR and cause marketing. However, that doesn't mean all this "good work" is being done with the most altruistic motives. Companies recognize that generosity is increasingly a key factor in a company's reputation.

'Big society' project lacks clarity and leadership, say MPs | Politics | The Guardian

'Big society' project lacks clarity and leadership, say MPs | Politics | The Guardian: Big society' project lacks clarity and leadership, say MPs

• Civil service, charities and public confused by policy
• Single minister must take control to avoid failure

Give the sector back its irrecoverable VAT, says select committee - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Give the sector back its irrecoverable VAT, says select committee - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: If the government is serious about getting charities to help create the Big Society, it should give the sector back its irrecoverable VAT, an influential committee of MPs has recommended today.

Edmonton charities feeling Scrooged

Edmonton charities feeling Scrooged: EDMONTON — Several Edmonton non-profits are feeling squeezed as their annual fundraising campaigns face massive shortfalls.

“We’ve never seen it this low in our entire history,” said Cheryl Feldstein, vice-president development for The Lung Association, Alberta and N.W.T. The organization hoped to raise $900,000 this year, but is currently sitting at $575,000.

Tax relief on pre-eminent gifts raised to �30m a year | Philanthropy UK

Tax relief on pre-eminent gifts raised to �30m a year | Philanthropy UK: An extra �10m for tax relief on gifts of pre-eminent objects to the nation was announced by the Chancellor in his recent autumn statement, taking the total relief to �30m per year.

The aim is to stimulate lifetime giving. Objects can be loaned or given to appropriate institutions including certain charities and museums for safe keeping and to provide public access. In return donors will receive a reduction in their UK tax liability based on a percentage of the value of the object they are donating.

Internet impacts charitable giving - 660News

Internet impacts charitable giving - 660News: A number of Calgary charities report Christmas-related giving so far this year is down compared to last.

With just over two weeks before December 25th, officials hope to see a surge in food, toy, clothing and cash donations.

The CEO of CandaHelps.org says while physical donations might be down, on-line charitable donations in Calgary this year are up almost 16 per cent over 2010.

Internet impacts charitable giving - 660News

Internet impacts charitable giving - 660News: A number of Calgary charities report Christmas-related giving so far this year is down compared to last.

With just over two weeks before December 25th, officials hope to see a surge in food, toy, clothing and cash donations.

The CEO of CandaHelps.org says while physical donations might be down, on-line charitable donations in Calgary this year are up almost 16 per cent over 2010.

A Nobel Victory for No-Strings-Attached Grants - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

A Nobel Victory for No-Strings-Attached Grants - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: This week’s awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize is a notable victory for three courageous women who have worked to overturn repression in the Arab and African worlds. But what won’t get any headlines is another victory: The prizes demonstrate why it’s so important to give general operating support to outstanding nonprofit leaders and not to tie their hands with too many strings.

Generous Manitoba: StatsCan says province is No.1 in charitable giving - Winnipeg Free Press

Generous Manitoba: StatsCan says province is No.1 in charitable giving - Winnipeg Free Press: WINNIPEG - Maybe Manitoba's licence plates should read Generous Manitoba instead of Friendly Manitoba.

Statistics Canada says Manitobans are No. 1 in charitable giving.

Social Enterprises to Unlock the Potential in Latin America | Social Enterprise: This partnership is an example of the emerging trend of social enterprises in Latin America to find effective solutions to local problems using models of self-sufficiency. Philanthropic efforts have not been able to solve the widespread problems of the region. Maria Emilia Correa, an expert in sustainable entrepreneurship in Chile, says, "Philanthropy makes a lot of sense for some things, but when you can make a business out of solving a social or environmental problem, you have sustainability in the real sense, because it's going to work even if you have no donations."

Bolivia Kids: ‘It’s a lot easier conversation’ with older donors - The Globe and Mail

Bolivia Kids: ‘It’s a lot easier conversation’ with older donors - The Globe and Mail: Ms. Skeans has been running the registered charity from her home in Calgary ever since she launched it in 2007. She raises up to $60,000 annually through a variety of activities, including selling gift cards, organizing fundraising events and approaching donors directly. She said she has had remarkable support from friends, family and younger people who tend to buy gifts and other crafts to support her cause. But most of her larger donations come from people who are 55 or older.

‘Tis the Season to Adopt for the Oceans | The Beacon: Oceana's Blog

‘Tis the Season to Adopt for the Oceans | The Beacon: Oceana's Blog: t’s almost December, and that means it’s time to start thinking about holiday gifts. But don’t panic! No matter how long your list is, we’ve got you covered.

“Giving Japan 2010” has been published in English version! � 日本ファンドレイジング協会

“Giving Japan 2010” has been published in English version! � 日本ファンドレイジング協会: Giving Japan 2010” has been published in English version! : 05-31-2011
Giving Japan 2010 is,edited by Japan Fundraising Association,is the first publication in Japan with aims to create and provide reliable statistical data and make a careful analysis on the size of giving and volunteering in Japan.

■Executive Summary

Three Big Ideas from the World’s Only Secretariat for Philanthropy - RE:Philanthropy

Three Big Ideas from the World’s Only Secretariat for Philanthropy - RE:Philanthropy: In America, the debate lumbers on about the best way to coordinate the philanthropic sector and the U.S. government. Meanwhile, one post-conflict West African country has jumped right in — the Liberia Philanthropy Secretariat is the fruit of collaboration between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and private foundations. It is the world’s only national government office dedicated to engaging private philanthropy.

The Philanthropy Of Africa's 40 Richest - Forbes

The Philanthropy Of Africa's 40 Richest - Forbes: While conducting intensive research for Forbes’ inaugural list of Africa’s 40 Richest, we also probed the philanthropic donations of the continent’s wealthiest people.

While Africans in general are an extremely charitable lot, only a small fraction of its 40 richest people are noteworthy givers- like Zimbabwean telecoms tycoon Strive Masiyiwa. Masiyiwa, founder of Econet Wireless, is also the founder of the Capernaum Trust, a Zimbabwean charity that provides bursaries and scholarships to over 28,000 orphaned children.