Monday, July 25, 2011

Analysis: Charity income starts to slide - Third Sector

Analysis: Charity income starts to slide - Third Sector: "Charities’ income fell in 2009/10 after growing in the previous four years, according to this year’s Charity Market Monitor, an annual survey by CaritasData of the most recent accounts of the top 500 charities by fundraising income."

Calls for greater transparency, supervision in philanthropy | Charity | chinadaily.com.cn

Calls for greater transparency, supervision in philanthropy | Charity | chinadaily.com.cn: "BEIJING - The nation's charity sector is suffering from teething problems, according to observers. There are 2,300 foundations in the country and more than two million nongovernmental organizations. However, 90 percent of them are grass-root organizations and many have not registered with the relevant government departments.

Chinese people from experts and officials to ordinary citizens are all calling for greater transparency of information about their operations."

Altruism is catching on in India

Altruism is catching on in India: "According to the recently outed Forbes Heroes of Philanthropy in Asia 2011, an annual survey which surveyed 300 HNWIs (high net worth individuals) worldwide and honoured 48, no less than four top donors are from India. These include billionaire Azim Premji of Wipro, Shiv Nadar of HCL Technologies, corporate honcho Mallikarjuna Rao and Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi."

NTUC FairPrice donates S$1m at One Community Walk for needy families - Channel NewsAsia

NTUC FairPrice donates S$1m at One Community Walk for needy families - Channel NewsAsia: "Over the years, the FairPrice Food Voucher scheme has contributed S$8 million worth in vouchers to over 160,000 requests for financial assistance.

The current donation brings the total amount to S$9 million to meet over 180,000 requests.

This year, over 85,000 participants registered for the walk."

Andrew Cooper: Yao Ming: Breaking the Celebrity Activist Mould

Andrew Cooper: Yao Ming: Breaking the Celebrity Activist Mould: "As showcased this week with the official announcement that he is retiring due to a long series of injuries, the profile of Yao Ming, the iconic Shanghai Sharks/NBA basketball star, signals some of the possibilities of a Chinese sports celebrity gaining a universal reach.

While Ming has an impressive set of commercial endorsements, he has also become a leading sports figure in terms of charity activities that underscores his willingness to take risks."

Innovative vending machine may change the way we donate - Life & Style - The Independent

Innovative vending machine may change the way we donate - Life & Style - The Independent: "Coca-Cola has installed more than 100 specially designed vending machines at sites in Chiba, Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, north of Tokyo, that enable anyone buying a drink to also donate the change to the Red Cross by pressing a button."

Friday, July 22, 2011

What would you do with 6 Flip Video Cameras? Imagine the possibilities... | Techsoup Canada

What would you do with 6 Flip Video Cameras? Imagine the possibilities... | Techsoup Canada: "TechSoup Canada has a new donations program - Flip Video! Flip Video Cameras are small, handheld cameras that take up to 1 hour of HD video. They're nice and simple so anyone can use them without much training (the most important skill is being able to push a button!). Eligible charities can order bundles of 6 flip cams for an admin fee of $64 per bundle."

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Egyptian Activist Organizes "Tweetback" Fundraiser - Mobiledia

Egyptian Activist Organizes "Tweetback" Fundraiser - Mobiledia: "A popular Egyptian blogger is building on the success of social media to stoke political change in his country by now using Twitter to raise awareness and funds for charity."

Curbside canvassers a sign new strategy on giving needed

Curbside canvassers a sign new strategy on giving needed: "The on-street canvassers are a relatively new breed of marketers that have been multiplying in recent years. In addition to mail-outs and telephone cold-calls, many charitable and non-profit organizations are adding street pedlars to their stable of direct marketing techniques. I’ve seen folks shilling for Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the Canadian Red Cross. The Nature Conservancy has recently joined the curbside pitchmen."

The Unrelated Business Income Tax, will your not-for-profit be affected? — Third Sector — The magazine for Australia’s non-profit and not-for-profit sector

The Unrelated Business Income Tax, will your not-for-profit be affected? — Third Sector — The magazine for Australia’s non-profit and not-for-profit sector: "The announcement in the May budget of the creation of the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission and the new Unrelated Business Income Tax has brought with it a great deal of uncertainty and worry about the financial viability for not-for-profits which have relied on commercial activities to underwrite their philanthropic mission."

Walta Information Center - Record Donor Aid, Record Costs

Walta Information Center - Record Donor Aid, Record Costs: "Record Donor Aid, Record Costs PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Addis Ababa, July 21, 2011 (WIC) - Institutional donor aid in 2010 was at its highest-ever level - US$16.7 billion - but so were aid costs, says aid watchdog Development Initiatives in its annual Global Humanitarian Assistance (GHA) report, released today."

Charitable-giving bank accounts could increase giving by �1bn - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Charitable-giving bank accounts could increase giving by �1bn - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: "Introducing charitable-giving accounts into high street banks could increase giving by up to �1bn, the Philanthropy Review has suggested today.

The Review’s feasibility study into charity bank accounts, released this afternoon, found that there is appetite for the accounts among the public and among organisations that would be – and are – involved in creating charitable giving accounts. Such accounts involve donors putting money in a specific bank account with the purpose of giving that money away, and would likely involve some tax benefit."

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Using charitable donations to reduce IHT - New Model Adviser� Edition - Citywire

Using charitable donations to reduce IHT - New Model Adviser� Edition - Citywire: "n the Budget on 23 March 2011, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne proposed various measures to encourage charitable giving and to reduce the administrative burdens on charities. Among the proposals is a reduced rate of inheritance tax (IHT) but people will need to draft their wills carefully to benefit from this."

Generous lottery winner loses fight with cancer - NovaScotia - TheChronicleHerald.ca

Generous lottery winner loses fight with cancer - NovaScotia - TheChronicleHerald.ca: "A Nova Scotian woman whose tale of generosity touched millions around the world has died.

Violet Large, 79, died Saturday in Colchester Regional Hospital after a battle with ovarian cancer.

� EDITORIAL: Generous applause

The Lower Truro woman and her husband Allen Large became household names not for their July 2010 lottery win, but for what they did with the millions they received."

Heart & Soul Grant Award for Australia & New Zealand | Community Techknowledge

Heart & Soul Grant Award for Australia & New Zealand | Community Techknowledge: Grant Awards

1st Place Grant Award:

$5,000 USD And A Song Inspired By Your Poem

In addition to securing the cash grant, the winning poem will be professionally produced as a song by Stefon Taylor, a.k.a. BIONIK, to be used for fundraising and public outreach. Click here to listen to Bill Dillon singing 'Love Lives on Our Doorstep,' inspired by the March 2011 Heart & Soul Grant winning poem, and here to listen to Los Lonely Boys perform 'On Solid Ground,' inspired by the 2009 winning poem."

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Philanthropy conferences: ‘talking shops’ or action stations? | Latest from Alliance

Philanthropy conferences: ‘talking shops’ or action stations? | Latest from Alliance: "Now, the IPF annual event is not a Clinton-style pledging fest so this level of immediate commitment was neither asked for, nor expected, but it just goes to show that there was an eagerness to react immediately to the shocking and thought-provoking content delivered throughout the day, and the peer interaction between new and experienced philanthropists."

Sevathon Supports 40 Bay Area Nonprofits - Cupertino, CA Patch

Sevathon Supports 40 Bay Area Nonprofits - Cupertino, CA Patch: "Volunteers gathered at the crack of dawn Sunday to set up for Sunnyvale’s third annual Sevathon at Baylands Park. Organized by the Indian Community Center in Milpitas, the run/walkathon—inspired by Gandhi’s walk for freedom in India—aimed to raise funds and awareness for over 40 Bay Area non-profit organizations."

Record Year for Arts Philanthropy | Pro Bono Australia

Record Year for Arts Philanthropy | Pro Bono Australia: "The Australia Business Arts Council is celebrating a record year for arts philanthropy, with over $1.8 million in donations received and distributed in the 2010/11 financial year by the Australia Cultural Fund.

AbaF says the 2010/11 financial year has been the most successful year in the history of the Australia Cultural Fund, pushing the total amount distributed to Australian artists and arts organisations through AbaF’s Australia Cultural Fund beyond $8.1 million."

Dhoni's bat goes for 100,000 pounds at charity auction - The Economic Times

Dhoni's bat goes for 100,000 pounds at charity auction - The Economic Times: "LONDON: Mahendra Singh Dhoni's bat, with which the Indian cricket captain struck a historic World Cup winning knock earlier this year, fetched a whopping 100,000 pounds in an auction for his charitable foundation."

‘Cruisin’ leaves no bruisin’ | The Columbian

‘Cruisin’ leaves no bruisin’ | The Columbian: "Donations from Saturday’s crowd-pleasing Cruisin’ the Gut event on Main Street will help fill many empty stomachs.

Phil Medina, a lifelong Vancouver resident who founded the classic car spectacle just two years ago, and other leaders dropped off 3,120 pounds of donated food and $3,127 in cash at the Share House on Sunday."

Shaping the Face of Arts Education in Benin | Volunteer Stories | Peace Corps Response | Peace Corps

Shaping the Face of Arts Education in Benin | Volunteer Stories | Peace Corps Response | Peace Corps: "The International Center for Art and Music in Ouidah (CIAMO) is a unique and powerful new branch of ArtForce Africa, an American nonprofit under Rachel's Network with a mandate to promote basic, high quality arts education in the developing world. CIAMO is located in the beautiful coastal town of Ouidah, Benin. Since CIAMO is just getting started, every day brings a new challenge and an unexpected surprise. My job as a Response Volunteer with CIAMO is to teach students basic visual arts. Having started my position shortly after the school opened, I have the unique opportunity to help shape the"

Monday, July 18, 2011

Give 67 minutes to charity - News - JamaicaObserver.com

Give 67 minutes to charity - News - JamaicaObserver.com: "AMAICANS are today being urged to join the rest of the world and perform at least 67 minutes of charitable deeds as the world observes Nelson Mandela International Day and celebrates the 93rd birthday of the former South African President."

Donations by Indians grew by half in last 4 years: Study - Hindustan Times

Donations by Indians grew by half in last 4 years: Study - Hindustan Times: "Philanthropic donations by wealthy Indians have grown by half in the last four years and touched approximately $5-6 billion or up to 0.4% of GDP in 2010, a study by consulting firm Bain and Company said. And what is more, the study, in which 300 wealthy individuals participated, has found
that 40% of wealthy individuals in India plan to increase their philanthropic donations over the next five years."

The AFP Blog: More Rankling in Canada

The AFP Blog: More Rankling in Canada: "More Rankling in Canada
As a follow-up to Monday’s post, I want to highlight a truly balanced response by Mark Blumberg to the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s (CBC) story on fundraising costs.

Mark’s post is as comprehensive as I’ve seen and leaves no stone unturned. If only reporting on fundraising costs and other charity issues was as clear and showed such insight, the public would be a lot better educated."

Friday, July 15, 2011

AFP

AFP: "Hot Topic: International Trends and Resources Access Restricted

This Hot Topic requires member login to the AFP Website.


Private voluntary organizations have come to play a crucial operational and advocacy role in relief and economic development assistance in countries throughout the world. These organizations may raise funds and/or provide grants in one country for assistance to organizations in another country, or they may be nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) within a country that undertake not only independent charitable activities but at times also serve as the operational arm of government and assistance agencies."

Fundraising On the Rise for 10th Consecutive Month

BLACKBAUD: Press Releases: "Our newest index, representing organizations involved with international affairs, was up 13 percent reflecting significant post-Haiti growth while fundraising at arts and culture organizations grew nearly 12 percent. The increase wasn’t universal however as human services and environmental organizations were still down from their year earlier results. And with job growth flat the past two months and the economy weakening; a real challenge for all nonprofits going forward will be maintaining this momentum.”"

Independent schools chief steps down after member mutiny - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Independent schools chief steps down after member mutiny - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: "he chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) has stood down in order to defuse a dispute which saw 250 headteachers vote to leave the umbrella organisation.

Chief executive David Lyscom left the post last week after months of negotiations with the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) over the future strategy of the ISC."

�55m endowment match fund for the arts may have launched ‘a decade too soon' | Philanthropy UK

�55m endowment match fund for the arts may have launched ‘a decade too soon' | Philanthropy UK: "The �55m matched fund scheme announced by the DCMS to a packed Whitechapel Gallery this week (July 9th) that calls on private donors to help secure the future of the cultural sector by building endowments may be ‘too much too soon’ say sector leaders.

While welcoming the concept to build long-term financial sustainability, fundraisers and sector leaders have expressed concern that the DCMS strategy will over-extend smaller organisations’ fundraising capacity as they struggle to raise much needed income revenue in the light of a double whammy of recent cuts by the Arts Council England (ACE) and local authorities"

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Charity investments rise by 2.7 per cent in first half of 2011 - Third Sector

Charity investments rise by 2.7 per cent in first half of 2011 - Third Sector: "More than 40 per cent of charity assets are in UK equities, figures from the WM Company show

The value of charity investments rose by 2.7 per cent in the first six months of 2011, according to new figures from the market analyst firm the WM Company.

The figures, based on a survey of most of the major charity investment managers, rely on data to the end of May and estimates for June based on market averages."

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Institute of Fundraising to publish additional guidance on accepting donations - Third Sector

Institute of Fundraising to publish additional guidance on accepting donations - Third Sector: "It says the move is not inspired by the recent debate over charities accepting donations from the News of the World

The Institute of Fundraising is to publish additional guidance for charities on whether to accept or refuse donations.

A spokeswoman told Third Sector that discussions on the guidance had started earlier this year and had not been inspired by the recent debate about whether charities should accept donations from the News of the World.

The guidance, which has a working title of Gift Acceptance Processes, will sit alongside the IoF's Acceptance or Refusal of Donations Code of Fundraising Practice."

2011 – Enabling Indian Diaspora Philanthropy (PDF)

2011 – Enabling Indian Diaspora Philanthropy (PDF)

Monday, July 11, 2011

China to ease NGO registration policy|Politics|chinadaily.com.cn

China to ease NGO registration policy|Politics|chinadaily.com.cn: "services can now register directly with civil affairs departments, without first finding a supervisory body, China's Minister of Civil Affairs Li Liguo said at ministry meeting on July 4, Beijing Times reported on Monday.

According to current regulation, such social organizations must find a government department or agency to be their supervisory body before they legally register as an NGO. But because it is usually difficult for many organizations to find the proper agencies willing to do so, most of them cannot register successfully."

S$600,000 raised for Singapore Cancer Society in charity run - Channel NewsAsia

S$600,000 raised for Singapore Cancer Society in charity run - Channel NewsAsia: "SINGAPORE: A record S$600,000 was raised for the Singapore Cancer Society in a charity run on Sunday.

The third annual 'Race Against Cancer' saw some 7,500 participants engaging in competitive as well as fun runs."

Brooks: Philanthropy alive and well in Calgary’s social scene

Brooks: Philanthropy alive and well in Calgary’s social scene: "Kinnear Classic does its part to make our city better

We are fortunate to live in one of the most philanthropic cities in North America. Hundreds of millions have been donated by generous citizens to causes as varied as the homeless and health care.

The annual Kinnear Classic Rockyview Invitational Golf Tournament is philanthropy at its finest, raising more than $10 million in support of the Rockyview General Hospital."

Fall in fundraising income continues, says Charity Market Monitor - Third Sector

Fall in fundraising income continues, says Charity Market Monitor - Third Sector: "Professor Cathy Pharoah, author of the report

Cancer Research UK stays top of the list, while animal welfare and armed forces charities buck the trend

The UK’s 500 largest fundraising charities suffered a �70m real-terms fall in fundraising income to about �6.06bn in 2009/10, according to research published today."

Chester proposes institute to provide charity investment advice - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Chester proposes institute to provide charity investment advice - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: "Roger Chester, who is head of finance and administration at LionHeart and also currently chair of CFDG, is proposing to set up a new foundation that will provide charities with independent investment guidance."

Non-profit organisations in Japan: Charity at home | The Economist

Non-profit organisations in Japan: Charity at home | The Economist: "The disaster brought about a surge of volunteerism in Japan, as did the Kobe earthquake in 1995. Around 480,000 volunteers from non-profit organisations (NPOs as they are known) streamed into the Tohoku region. Yet the figure might have been higher had the government not advised people to keep away and made life hard for those relief organisations that showed up anyway.

Japan has long been uneasy about non-profit organisations. It lacks a tradition of private philanthropy. Support for the needy is often expected to come from the family. Officials tend to regard NPOs as meddlesome amateurs."

Meet Masood Razaq a Pioneer in Digital Philanthropy | elan

Meet Masood Razaq a Pioneer in Digital Philanthropy | elan: "Masood Razaq, founder and executive director of Goodgate.org, is spearheading an initiative to provide a global platform for Muslim charities. This unique resource presents various credible charities by country, themes or tags allowing the visitor to choose what initiative they’d like to invest in. With a global upbringing and a corporate background, Razaq’s creative solution to transform the concept of charity to strategic philanthropy within the Muslim community is a noble endeavor."

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

HOW TO: Tweet for an International Audience � Nonprofit Tech 2.0 Blog :: A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits

HOW TO: Tweet for an International Audience � Nonprofit Tech 2.0 Blog :: A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits: "Obviously nonprofits that work internationally would be wise to tweet around the clock, but even nonprofits that limit their mission and services to their own country, province, state, city, or village should experiment with being a global twitizen. There are ex-pats in every corner of the globe, media outlets of every nationality, and allies from other countries that your nonprofit does know exist yet. The world is getting smaller with each passing day, and nonprofits as the agents of social good, should try to think bigger and stretch their Twitter wings beyond their own time zones. Here’s how to begin:"

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Tricycle theatre chief blames arts cuts as he stands down after 27 years | Culture | The Guardian

Tricycle theatre chief blames arts cuts as he stands down after 27 years | Culture | The Guardian: "Nicolas Kent has been artistic director of the Tricycle in Kilburn, north London, since 1984, building it into a successful theatre known particularly for its political plays and culturally diverse work.

But Kent told the Guardian that cuts in public subsidy and the government's emphasis on philanthropy were making the theatre untenable."

Wealthy urged to step up philanthropy - National News - National - General - The Canberra Times

Wealthy urged to step up philanthropy - National News - National - General - The Canberra Times: "Some of Australia's wealthiest families, including the Myers, are calling on other well-off people to put more of their riches into philanthropy.

The Myers (retail), the Potters (finance and invest banking), and the Poola Foundation (part of the extended Murdoch family) are leading a new trend in philanthropy that fuses indigenous cultural heritage with environmental conservation through the Environmental Grantmakers Network. And they want Australia's growing ranks of largely ungiving millionaires to join them."

Online Scandal Underscores Chinese Distrust of Charities - NYTimes.com

Online Scandal Underscores Chinese Distrust of Charities - NYTimes.com: "None of it was outrageous by the standards of China’s nouveau riche. What ignited a firestorm was the fact that the woman, Guo Meimei, 20, appeared to hold a senior position at the Red Cross Society of China, a government organization that is the country’s largest charity. Under the name “Guo Meimei Baby,” she had boasted on her microblog that her title was “commercial general manager” at the Red Cross, a claim that had apparently been verified by Sina, the Internet company hosting the microblog."

Call to alms: who wants to be a green millionaire?

Call to alms: who wants to be a green millionaire?: "Ann Johnson doesn't like to tell her friends about the family foundation. ''It effectively amounts to you flaunting wealth to your friends,'' she says.

Her Sydney family's philanthropic endeavours are rare in Australia.

But Mrs Johnson says philanthropists do not need to be extremely rich to make a difference."

Jeremy Hunt: Giving to The Arts: We Need to Follow America

Jeremy Hunt: Giving to The Arts: We Need to Follow America: "It's fitting that in the same week that we welcome the 'HuffPo' to the UK, I've been busy talking about how other big American ideas could help us improve arts funding.

From the National Theatre's 'War Horse' to the Neil MacGregor's 'A History of the World in 100 Objects', there have been some incredible highlights in the British art calendar over the past year. But it has also been an incredibly challenging year for everyone who cares about British arts and culture."

Most annual reports break law on public benefit reporting, Charity Commission finds - Third Sector

Most annual reports break law on public benefit reporting, Charity Commission finds - Third Sector: "Report suggests many trustees are unaware of public benefit requirements for charities

Nearly nine out of 10 charity annual reports do not comply with the law on public benefit reporting, according to research published yesterday by the Charity Commission.

Public Benefit Reporting by Charities revealed that only 11.5 per cent of charities had published legally compliant public benefit reports.

The study, conducted by Professor Gareth Morgan and the chartered accountant Neil Fletcher, academics at Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Research,"

Friday, July 01, 2011

Magazine wins loads of support for its 'old bra' campaign | Media | guardian.co.uk

Magazine wins loads of support for its 'old bra' campaign | Media | guardian.co.uk: "As you can see, the place is heaving with bras, and if you listen to that telephone conversation it shows that some of the staff can talk about nothing else.

It's all the result of an initiative on behalf of a charity called Bra Bank in which women were asked to donate their old and unwanted bras for a good cause."

Philanthropy: Give and let live | The Economist

Philanthropy: Give and let live | The Economist: "SINCE Jeremy Hunt was appointed culture secretary, he has talked a lot about how to encourage charitable gifts and philanthropy in Britain. Until recently, this amounted to little more than chat. Now he is actually taking some steps to foster giving.

This week the government published proposals aimed at convincing individuals to donate works of art and other historical objects to the nation, in return for a tax break. This seeks to do two things: to enhance public collections and keep precious artefacts in Britain; and to encourage a culture of giving."

UK Press Release Distribution Service - Vadvert UK

UK Press Release Distribution Service - Vadvert UK: "More Than 4,000 People Registered For “Bare Your Sole” Event Which Raises Over S$100,000

SINGAPORE: Amid cool weather brought on by a morning shower, hundreds of people of all ages gamely walked around a new Singapore park in aid of Habitat for Humanity."

Consultation on new tax breaks for major art donations launches | Philanthropy UK

Consultation on new tax breaks for major art donations launches | Philanthropy UK: "After much call from the sector, the government has published proposals for consultation on a new scheme to encourage people to donate pre-eminent objects or works of art to the nation by offering tax incentives.

Treasury consultation suggests relief from income tax, capital gains tax and even corporation tax for the year when 'pre-eminent' objects are given to the nation, based on a set percentage of the value of the object they are donating."

From The Chinese Press

From The Chinese Press: "he Guo Meimei case has forced Red Cross Society of China into an unprecedented crisis, a crisis of trust. Guo flaunted her riches and lavish lifestyle while claiming to be connected with Red Cross Society of China. Though later she said that she had faked her association with the Red Cross, she had already caused enough damage to the society. The experience of Hong Kong Red Cross, however, paints a different picture, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

Hong Kong Red Cross hires international accounting companies at the end of every year to audit its accounts and guarantee that donations are being used for specified purposes only.

After the audit, a 50-page is made public by the Hong Kong Red Cross for donors as well as ordinary people to find out how the donations have been used."

Li Ka Shing Foundation makes $1.5 million donation to boost Yale stem cell research | ECN: Electronic Component News

Li Ka Shing Foundation makes $1.5 million donation to boost Yale stem cell research | ECN: Electronic Component News: "New Haven, Conn. — The Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF), a Hong Kong-based philanthropy devoted to advancing education and healthcare, has awarded $1.5 million to Yale University to expand two research core facilities, the human embryonic stem cell core and the genomics core, of the Yale Stem Cell Center (YSCC). The funding provides the Center's scientists with new capacity and resources for advancing research on stem cell biology at Yale. Stem cell research has the potential to reveal the most fundamental mechanisms underlying cell differentiation, the influence of genetic/non genetic factors, organ development, and ultimately how systems critical to the body's function perform. This research can transform medical treatment of numerous serious illnesses and allow the repair or replacement of tissues and organs damaged by trauma or disease."