Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Should Volunteers Be Offered Tax Incentives? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.

Should Volunteers Be Offered Tax Incentives? - NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly - Promoting an active and engaged democracy.: The term “paid volunteers” sounds like an oxymoron. However, the U.S. does provide stipends for some “volunteers” through the AmeriCorps program of the Corporation for National and Community Service. In Canada, a member of parliament has proposed a tax credit to reward volunteers for their work and to incentivize more people to volunteer. MP Jean-Francois Larose, a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP), introduced the Volunteer Tax Credit bill in February and in September, Larose made what Charity Village called “an impassioned speech” in parliament. He got some expressions of support from Liberal parliament members, but members of the Conservative party “figuratively tore the bill apart.”

Arts Council England to lose one-fifth of staff

Arts Council England to lose one-fifth of staff: Arts Council England is to lose 21 per cent of its workforce and halve the number of executive directors as part of a restructure responding to government demands to cut its administrative costs in half.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Philanthropy’s rich rewards

Philanthropy’s rich rewards: In Australia, major givers are becoming more public in their philanthropy. Former chief executive of WorleyParsons John Grill this week said he would give $20 million to the University of Sydney for a project leadership centre, while Simon Mordant, the corporate adviser, donated $15 million to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Recently emerging philanthropists include Fortescue chairman Andrew Forrest, businessman Greg Poche, the Maple-Brown family, as are the Macquarie Foundation, and longstanding Melbourne-based philanthropists include the Myer and Pratt families among many others

B.C. puts a cork on wine fundraisers | CTV British Columbia News

B.C. puts a cork on wine fundraisers | CTV British Columbia News: A B.C. liquor law banning charities from auctioning off donated wine has left some philanthropists with a sour taste in their mouths.

The law came to light when the Belfry Theatre in Victoria was denied a Special Occasion License for its annual wine fundraiser.

Organizers received a letter from the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch informing them that B.C.’s “laws and policies expressly prohibit organizations from soliciting bottles of liquor from individuals to be auctioned for charity.”

Charity gala raises HK$2 million for PolyU | South China Morning Post

Charity gala raises HK$2 million for PolyU | South China Morning Post: No matter their reasons for attending the Star of Renaissance Gala, everyone - from the Italian ambassador to Beijing, Attilio Massimo Iannucci, to former chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen and his wife Lisa Kuo Yu-chin - were united in their desire to support a good cause: funding travelling scholarships for students of Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management.

Bristol University | News from the University | School of Economics, Finance and Management

Bristol University | News from the University | School of Economics, Finance and Management: One of the world’s leading experts on ‘philanthropic psychology’ appointed to top fundraising role

Press release issued 24 October 2012
An academic at the University of Bristol has been appointed as the Institute of Fundraising’s (IoF) new Chief Examiner. Dr Jen Shang is one of the few academics in the world to have researched ‘philanthropic psychology’ — the psychology behind donating money, goods, time, or effort to support a charitable cause.

Dr Shang, who will begin her role as the Institute’s new Chief Examiner from January 2013, will be responsible for maintaining and developing the academic integrity of the IoF’s professional qualifications.

Main - Side Views - The Go-To Man ― Kannan Chandran @ Wed Oct 24 2012

Main - Side Views - The Go-To Man ― Kannan Chandran @ Wed Oct 24 2012: His selfless volunteerism was not without setbacks. He has battled cancer, which he views as his greatest blessing as he learned to surrender to his Catholic faith. When faced with adversity, the optimist in Ee surfaces: he looks for lessons in the challenges, while resorting to his values and faith to stay centred.

His diverse experiences have helped shape his view of Singapore’s dynamic society. In a challenging environment driven by consumerism, Ee still maintains a simple lifestyle. He confines his monthly expenditure to $1,000 cash that his wife, Celina, draws from his bank account.

Charity Commission changes stance on transfer of assets

Charity Commission changes stance on transfer of assets: Charities seeking to transfer assets after dissolving to set up a charitable company with the same directors will now require Charity Commission approval to do so, the regulator has advised.

In a letter from the Commission's chief legal adviser Kenneth Dibble to the Charity Law Association's chair, Ann Black, Dibble said the Commission has recently dealt with a number of cases where unincorporated charities have sought to do this - usually to enable them to start trading.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Fundraising bodies show united front before sceptical MPs

Fundraising bodies show united front before sceptical MPs: The chief executives of the three main fundraising membership bodies put up a spirited defence of face-to-face fundraising before a committee of MPs yesterday – and insisted they were making progress on Lord Hodgson’s edict to sort out the confusion around their regulatory roles.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

President's Challenge 2012 raised $11 million

President's Challenge 2012 raised $11 million: SINGAPORE - Singaporeans and organisations here have helped raised $11 million for President's Challenge this year despite challenging times.

This is the first year that the charity co

Monday, October 22, 2012

Turkish charities extend helping hand during Eid al-Adha (SETimes.com)

Turkish charities extend helping hand during Eid al-Adha (SETimes.com): During Eid al-Adha animals are slaughtered to symbolise the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice. Today's tradition calls for a portion of the meat to be distributed to the needy.

In the spirit of the holiday, the Turkish state and charity organisations collect aid and food donations to distribute to vulnerable populations in Turkey and abroad.

Fundraising around the world | Third Sector blog | Third Sector blogs

Fundraising around the world | Third Sector blog | Third Sector blogs: Juan Cruz Mones Cazon, development and communications director for the charity in Latin America and the Caribbean, says his colleagues in the region’s vibrant not-for-profit sector told him it would not work.

But he pressed ahead, aiming to sign up 250 regular givers in the first four months.

After three months, his team of four street fundraisers had made 900 sign ups with 60 per cent converted to regular donors.

TODAYonline | Singapore | Bull Charge crosses S$1m mark

TODAYonline | Singapore | Bull Charge crosses S$1m mark: SINGAPORE - The Singapore Exchange's Bull Charge charity run has crossed the S$1 million mark in contributions thanks to a S$150,000 donation by Thai Beverage Public Company (ThaiBev).

ThaiBev has supported the charity run since 2006 and is the biggest corporate sponsor this year.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Too many cross-border charities do not meet Scottish obligations on filing accounts, report finds | Third Sector

Too many cross-border charities do not meet Scottish obligations on filing accounts, report finds | Third Sector: The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator says charities are still unclear about how to complete their returns, despite receiving advisory letters
Click here to find out more!

Too many cross-border charities remain unclear about their filing obligations under Scottish law, a new report from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator concludes.

Ethical investment is more than beating one bastard while funding three others | Third Sector blog | Third Sector blogs

Ethical investment is more than beating one bastard while funding three others | Third Sector blog | Third Sector blogs

Arts bodies seek €10m in private funds - The Irish Times - Thu, Oct 18, 2012

Arts bodies seek €10m in private funds - The Irish Times - Thu, Oct 18, 2012: Eight arts organisations have been chosen to raise €10 million from the private sector under a new philanthropic initiative.

The Irish Film Institute, the Royal Hibernian Academy, Na Piobairi Uilleann, the Galway Arts Festival, the Model gallery in Sligo, the National Chamber Choir, the Wexford Festival Opera and the Gate Theatre have been chosen from a list of 68 organisations which will receive funding from the Arts Council through its Raise programme.

Charities' record on reserves policy is improving

Charities' record on reserves policy is improving: A Charity Commission analysis of 286 trustees’ annual reports has revealed that almost four in five charities now have a reserves policy – a marked improvement on a similar survey conducted in 2006, when only two in five charities had one.

The recent review examined the trustees’ annual reports of around 95 charities in each of three income brackets - �25,000 to �250,000; �250,000 to �500,000, and over �500,000. It found that 78 per cent contained a reserves policy statement, and a further 3 per cent stated that the trustees have no reserves policy.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

The Night for Charity and Excellence in Thailand -- UBM Asia (Thailand) Pledged Itself to Both - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

PRESS RELEASE

The Night for Charity and Excellence in Thailand -- UBM Asia (Thailand) Pledged Itself to Both - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: TCEB is a public organisation established by Royal Decree in Thailand. Aimed to provide a platform that encourages knowledge exchange and networking for the exhibition industry gearing toward the commencement of ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 while doing good deeds to the Thai society, this special event has attracted over 300 industry stakeholders. A total donation of THB1,635,000 (US$53,250) collected from the industry people will be used to purchase artificial legs for the Prostheses Foundation of the H.R.H. the Princess Mother.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Gates Reorganizes Global Staff and Listens to School Critics - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Gates Reorganizes Global Staff and Listens to School Critics - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: In an interview, Jeff Raikes said the reorganization of the staff involved in grant making overseas, which employees dubbed a “global redesign,” will ensure greater collaboration among its employees and projects.

Staff members who make grants to groups that focus on advocacy and shaping public policies will now report to a single leader, as will employees in Africa, China, and India. The foundation’s global-health and global-development grant programs will work more closely together, he said

Charity food banks serving record numbers | Society | guardian.co.uk

Charity food banks serving record numbers | Society | guardian.co.uk: Record numbers of people have received emergency food from charity food banks across the UK in the last six months, the Trussell Trust reports.

The charity network said it had fed almost 110,000 people since April alone, compared with 128,697 during the whole of last year.

HMRC takes the stand over gift aid small donations Bill

HMRC takes the stand over gift aid small donations Bill: The cost to the Exchequer of unlinking the gift aid small donations scheme from gift aid would be around �30m, said the HMRC at a public committee meeting yesterday.

Representatives from HMRC joined Sajid Javid, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, in addressing the 19-member committee which will decide on amendments to the Small Charitable Donations Bill before it is read in Parliament, which is expected to take place by Christmas.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

News: Milton Keynes North (MK12)

News: Milton Keynes North (MK12): At the end of the evening the audience had the opportunity to ‘place their bids' to support the work of one or more of the charities. The bidding quickly gathered pace with pledges ranging from �50 to �500 and within 20 minutes over �9,000 had been raised.

"The philanthropy circle is a new venture for us, and our aim was to inspire people to support great projects that help people. We were thrilled at the response and it exceeded our expectations, the generosity of those who came was amazing. The evening was great fun and we hope there will be many more in the future. " Julia Upton CEO MK Community Foundation.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Chinese Multimillionaire Gives Away Nearly $800,000 in Domestically Produced Cars to Victims of Anti-Japan Demonstrations in�China | RocketNews24

Chinese Multimillionaire Gives Away Nearly $800,000 in Domestically Produced Cars to Victims of Anti-Japan Demonstrations in�China | RocketNews24: The generous gift was presented by one of China’s top 400 richest people and CEO of Huangpu Renewable Resources Utilization Group, Chen Guangbiao. Known for his showy acts of philanthropy, Chen has been called the “charity monster” because of his attention-seeking antics. In 2008, Chen gave away 3,000 pigs and sheep to the victims of the Sichuan Earthquake at a free concert. He also visited Japan to help with relief efforts after the Tohoku Earthquake in March 2011.

In his most recent charitable act, Chen sang and danced on the rooftops of the 43 Chinese-made Geely brand replacement cars that he would later give to the owners of Japanese cars that were destroyed during the anti-Japan protests.

Bringing the benefits of technology to Austrian nonprofits - Microsoft Citizenship Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

Bringing the benefits of technology to Austrian nonprofits - Microsoft Citizenship Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs: Technology donations for nonprofits made easy: What has benefited German nonprofits for nearly four years now, is now also available in Austria. As of late September, the online technology donation portal Stifter-helfen.at – IT for nonprofits went online with a press conference in Vienna and media coverage in various print and online titles. It gives Austrian nonprofits access to over 100 products from three software companies. Among those three: Microsoft. The company was also among the three initial donors in Germany, and it was instrumental in setting up the donation platform in the early 2000s in the US with the American non-governmental organization (NGO) TechSoup Global.

Bringing the benefits of technology to Austrian nonprofits - Microsoft Citizenship Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

Bringing the benefits of technology to Austrian nonprofits - Microsoft Citizenship Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs: Technology donations for nonprofits made easy: What has benefited German nonprofits for nearly four years now, is now also available in Austria. As of late September, the online technology donation portal Stifter-helfen.at – IT for nonprofits went online with a press conference in Vienna and media coverage in various print and online titles. It gives Austrian nonprofits access to over 100 products from three software companies. Among those three: Microsoft. The company was also among the three initial donors in Germany, and it was instrumental in setting up the donation platform in the early 2000s in the US with the American non-governmental organization (NGO) TechSoup Global.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Do charities do enough to explain to the public how donations are spent? | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

Do charities do enough to explain to the public how donations are spent? | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: Do charities do enough to explain to the public how donations are spent?

We need a simple way for the public to be able to find out what proportion a charity spends on its mission, says Joe Saxton

CBE plan for corporate naming inside schools sparks debate

CBE plan for corporate naming inside schools sparks debate: A Calgary Board of Education plan to introduce corporate sponsor naming inside schools is coming under scrutiny over concerns it amounts to company brand promotion, and could create disparities between schools.

Welsh voluntary sector is pleased with itself

Welsh voluntary sector is pleased with itself: Ninety per cent of Welsh trustees judged themselves ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ good at managing their charities in a Charity Commission survey.

The Commission regulates charities in England and Wales, and this is the first survey conducted amongst Welsh charities looking at how well trustees think they are running their organisation.

The survey was completed by trustees of over 500 charities with an income over �100,000 in Wales. There are more than 8,000 charities registered in the country in total, with a joint income of �1.9bn.

Charity Commission expected to start registering CIOs next January

Charity Commission expected to start registering CIOs next January: The Charity Commission hopes to start registering charitable incorporated organisations from January 2013.

It follows years of delays in the launch of the charitable incorporated organisations (CIO) since it was first mooted in the Charities Act 2006.

Parliament is expected to lay the necessary statutory instruments to bring charitable incorporated organisations into effect next week.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Philanthropy Management: China Strives to Adopt Another U.S. Practice: Strategic Philanthropy - San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

Philanthropy Management: China Strives to Adopt Another U.S. Practice: Strategic Philanthropy - San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

'Fundraisers are responsible' for low youth giving

'Fundraisers are responsible' for low youth giving: Catherine Miles, of blood cancer charity the Anthony Nolan Trust, was speaking at the CFG members’ meeting in London, where she predicted three key trends in fundraising for the next three to five years.

The first of these was that the tendency for a large proportion of donations to come from a small percentage of donors is likely to continue. “It means that your fundraising team’s relationship with supporters is absolutely critical,” she said.

Dame Mary Marsh appointed to review charity sector's skills

Dame Mary Marsh appointed to review charity sector's skills: Dame Mary Marsh has been appointed by the minister for civil society to lead a review into leadership and skills in the voluntary sector.

Nick Hurd has asked her to look at how effectively existing support for the sector is meeting its need. The review will bring together key figures from the sector and from business to look at the challenges and opportunities, reporting its findings in spring 2013.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Professionalisation of sector might have alienated donors, suggests Tory MP | Third Sector

Professionalisation of sector might have alienated donors, suggests Tory MP | Third Sector: Rory Stewart tells fringe event at the party conference that the modernisation of charities has removed the lifeblood and energy that motivates volunteers

The professionalisation of the charity sector and the influence of national charities might have alienated donors, according to Rory Stewart, the Conservative MP for Penrith and The Border.

Stewart made the comments yesterday during a fringe meeting hosted by the Charities Aid Foundation at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham.

Research published last month by CAF showed that more than half of all donations to charities now come from the over-60s, compared with just over a third 30 years ago.

Bill Gates spreads philanthropy in the UAE - The National

Bill Gates spreads philanthropy in the UAE - The National: ill Gates said he planned to have meetings with donors and other philanthropists while in the Emirates, hoping to "get the wealthy to give".

Unite voluntary sector members call for charities to leave Acevo

Unite voluntary sector members call for charities to leave Acevo: branch of Unite’s voluntary sector worker members has called on the union to urge charity chief executives who are part of Acevo to leave the organisation in protest at Sir Stephen Bubb’s involvement in “the break-up and marketisation of the NHS”.

Some 50 voluntary sector members of Unite from organisations including Crisis, Greenpeace and Amnesty International are in support of the move, and will ask the rest of not-for-profit membership to vote on whether to take action at its next National Industrial Sector Committee.

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Beyond bake sales: Two perspectives on workplace giving

Beyond bake sales: Two perspectives on workplace giving: So when the ATCO Group decided it was going to start a workplace giving program in 2006, a decision was made that the program would reflect the diversity of opinions held by the company’s workforce.

The company launched its EPIC program, standing for Employees Participating In Communities, to not only allow staff to donate to causes of their own choice, but to give to causes located in communities where employees live and work, with ATCO Group matching the donations.

Maria Miller: the arts need to get better at asking, not just receiving | Culture | guardian.co.uk

Maria Miller: the arts need to get better at asking, not just receiving | Culture | guardian.co.uk: Maria Miller: the arts need to get better at asking, not just receiving

Conservative culture secretary Maria Miller, speaking for the first time on the arts, says that philanthropy is 'the right way to go' – economic crisis or no economic crisis

Oxford University's new fundraising goal is �3 billion | UK Fundraising

Oxford University's new fundraising goal is �3 billion | UK Fundraising: Professor Andrew Hamilton, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, has announced that the new target for the University's fundraising campaign is �3 billion.

Helping China Learn How Not to Run a Charity Organization - China Real Time Report - WSJ

Helping China Learn How Not to Run a Charity Organization - China Real Time Report - WSJ: Charity in China is down on its luck as citizens become increasingly cynical in the wake of a slew of high-profile scandals.

Last year, China’s 1.3 billion plus people donated roughly $8 billion dollars, down almost 18% on the previous year, according to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

This is the Indian wealth mgmt century: Ajay Bagga

This is the Indian wealth mgmt century: Ajay Bagga: The perception is wealthy Indians do not spend much on philanthropic causes as compared to their global peers. Is this trend changing?

We feel this is not true. Indians have traditionally been very charitable, but in a private and unorganised manner. In developed markets, with estate duties and succession taxes, a lot of so called philanthropic trusts are actually tax planning avenues to avoid 50% and more estate duties on inter-generational wealth transfers.

How charities can make the most of their reserves | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

How charities can make the most of their reserves | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: How charities can make the most of their reserves

Many charities do not keep a close enough eye on whether they have too much or too little in reserves, says Andy Rich

Friday, October 05, 2012

Holocaust charity refuses donation funded by sale of Nazi memorabilia

Holocaust charity refuses donation funded by sale of Nazi memorabilia: A UK charity set up to protect the memory of the Holocaust has refused a donation from an auction house after it sold Nazi memorabilia.