Friday, December 20, 2013

Small Rutland, Vt., gets creative and smashes US blood-donation record on 3rd try (12/18/13 5:42 pm)

Small Rutland, Vt., gets creative and smashes US blood-donation record on 3rd try (12/18/13 5:42 pm): After Rutland's 11th annual Gift of Life Marathon collected 2,337 pints of blood Tuesday, the regional Red Cross said it's unlikely to undertake another such drive because of the difficulty of staging it. Rutland required some 300 Red Cross staffers from New England and New York, 200 volunteers and thousands of donors.

"We had agreed that this would be the last time we went for a national record," said Steve Costello, one of the main organizers of the Rutland drive, which broke the previous one-day U.S. record of 1,968 pints set by Manchester, New Hampshire, in 2011.

Lottery Winner Gives Away 40 Million | The Province

Lottery Winner Gives Away 40 Million | The Province: If you were a $40M lottery winner would you give it to charity? Well Canadian Lottery winner Tom Crist from Calgary, Canada says he doesn’t need his $40 million prize, but he knows who does: cancer charities. The 64-year-old Calgary man has pledged to donate the entire record jackpot away to charity. It is in honor of his wife of 33 years, starting with a $1.2 million donation to the cancer center where she was treated before her death last year, the CBC reported. Its the largest prize ever won in the Calgary lottery. Giving it to cancer charity is in turn giving to to almost everyone. Tom Crist you are a good man!

$38-Million Lottery Winner Giving Prize to Charity – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

$38-Million Lottery Winner Giving Prize to Charity – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: A wealthy Calgary businessman who won a $37.6-million lottery jackpot is donating the entire haul to charity, the CBC reports.

Charity fundraising is still 70% short: United Way - The China Post

Charity fundraising is still 70% short: United Way - The China Post: Due to an economic downturn and a crowding-out effect from fundraisers for overseas disaster relief efforts, however, only around NT$30 million has been received so far, according to United Way of Taiwan Secretary General Chen Wen-liang.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Indian Billionaire Nandan Nilekani And Wife Rohini Donate $8 Million To Economic Think Tank - Forbes

Indian Billionaire Nandan Nilekani And Wife Rohini Donate $8 Million To Economic Think Tank - Forbes: Billionaire Nandan Nilekani and his wife Rohini who feature on the cover of Forbes India’s recent philanthropy issue for their philanthropic work have written a check for $8 million to the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), India’s oldest economic think tank that was set up in 1956 at the behest of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.

India leads world in heart of giving, report says - The Times of India

India leads world in heart of giving, report says - The Times of India: Indians are large-hearted when it comes to contributing to charity, volunteering time or helping strangers.


Corporate Philanthropy in Vietnam: Promise Among Challenges | In Asia

Corporate Philanthropy in Vietnam: Promise Among Challenges | In Asia: Giving in Vietnam is strongly rooted in its culture and tradition. Tax breaks for rich people who helped the poor were implemented as far back as the 15th century. Today, the public discourse is full of references to community spirit and the philanthropic impulses of Vietnamese. In addition to quoting the musketeers line, “One for all and all for one,” in his address earlier this year to the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung used one of my favorite phrases, “whole leaves wrap torn leaves.”

Acevo membership down but calls to crisis helpline up

Acevo membership down but calls to crisis helpline up: And Acevo’s membership dipped by 14 per cent over the year but only 1 per cent of those leavers that notified their reason for leaving said it was because they were critical of the organisation.

The report states that the fall in membership - from 1,749 to 1,520 - “reflects both the changes to our sector and the pressures our members are experiencing. Those CEOs who left Acevo membership did so for a variety of reasons, such as moving on from their roles, retiring, or in some cases their organisations going out of business.

“Of those who notified us of their reason, 1 per cent left because they were critical of Acevo.”

Canada Post says stamp hike won’t hit charities as hard as they fear | canada.com

Canada Post says stamp hike won’t hit charities as hard as they fear | canada.com: About 90 per cent of what charitable organizations send out through Canada Post falls under the category of “standard addressed” or “unaddressed” Admail. The cost of Canada Post’s Admail service for packages under 500 grams is not affected by the latest announcement on price increases. This includes the donor envelopes inside these mail-outs, which often have paid postage on them.

Even so, some charities are concerned about their non-Admail correspondence. For instance, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute said the stamp price hikes will affect about 20 per cent of their direct mail. That institute spends $120,000 annually on mail-outs.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Fundraising Fever: Legacy income in The Netherlands 2003-2012

Fundraising Fever: Legacy income in The Netherlands 2003-2012: Legacy income in The Netherlands 2003-2012
In my next post I'll show you the growth figures from non-legacy fundraising income in The Netherlands. Right now I'll zoom in on legacy income. First we'll look at the available figures from the CBF from the last 10 years.

3rd Annual Fundraising Growth Analysis | Reinier Spruit |

3rd Annual Fundraising Growth Analysis | Reinier Spruit |: It’s that time of the year again. Rankings are everywhere. Today we’re looking at a growth ranking of the 224 largest Dutch fundraising non-profits. The data (2007-2012) are provided with the courtesy of the Central Bureau of Fundraising, who will publish their annual report this week.

MPs hear from charities that pay both high and low salaries

MPs hear from charities that pay both high and low salaries: A charity chief executive whose pay is capped at �32,000 yesterday told a committee of MPs that his charity was unique and that they should not insist that all charities follow suit.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, CEO of Mary’s Meals, was giving evidence to the Public Administration Select Committee investigation into sector pay, along with Martyn Lewis, chair of NCVO and Caron Bradshaw, CEO of CFG.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Capping charity chiefs' pay would do 'irreparable damage' to the sector, evidence to MPs' inquiry says | Third Sector

Capping charity chiefs' pay would do 'irreparable damage' to the sector, evidence to MPs' inquiry says | Third Sector

Charity Commission doesn't know how much money it needs

Charity Commission doesn't know how much money it needs: The chief executive of the Charity Commission was unable to tell MPs how much money the regulator needs to carry out its statutory duties, despite warning its current budget was not enough.

Sam Younger, chief executive of the Commission appeared yesterday before the Public Accounts Committee to discuss the critical National Audit Office’s report into the body’s fitness to regulate, and once again said that it was stuggling with the financial pressures of having its budget cut.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Further budget cuts for Charity Commission

Further budget cuts for Charity Commission: The Charity Commission’s budget for the next two years has been trimmed again following the Chancellor’s autumn statement with the regulator’s annual budget now set at �20.2m by 2015/16.

An additional 1.14 per cent will be cut from the regulator’s budget for 2014/15 and 2015/16 meaning that it will receive �230,000 less in 2014/15 and �220,000 less in 2015/16.

This means that the Commission has seen a budget cut of almost 50 per cent in real terms since 2007/08 when it received a settlement of �32.6m from the government.

Canada Post Will Still Deliver Partially Eaten Rice Krispie Squares | Agents of Good

Canada Post Will Still Deliver Partially Eaten Rice Krispie Squares | Agents of Good: Canada Post’s news about phasing out door to door delivery and the massive increase in the cost of a stamp made me immediately think about moments—and stories—like this.

And I have a few immediate reactions for charities. Note that this is not a detailed post about the operational, budgetary or practical implications of the Canada Post announcement. This is my emotional reaction.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Scottish charity figures create Yes campaign group

Scottish charity figures create Yes campaign group: A group of almost 100 charity sector employees, trustees and volunteers have clubbed together to form a campaign group in favour of Scottish independence.

The members of Third Sector Yes have stressed that they are all operating in an “entirely personal capacity” and are “completely independent of any political party or campaign”, so as not to offend charity campaigning laws.

Ecuador shuts down nonprofit environmental group - WTOP.com

Ecuador shuts down nonprofit environmental group - WTOP.com: QUITO, Ecuador (AP) -- President Rafael Correa's government has shut down a nonprofit environmental group that opposes Amazon rainforest oil drilling, alleging it was involved in disturbing public order.

A Fundraising Korea; how South Korea is developing its fundraising and civil society | nfpSynergy

A Fundraising Korea; how South Korea is developing its fundraising and civil society | nfpSynergy: It is in this context that I went to Seoul last week to give two days of talks and seminars on fundraising and branding. The interest in my talks was astonishing, particularly given they were first mooted in early October. Both days sold out with over 500 people attending the first day’s conference.

The South Koreans are very interested in how we do fundraising and charities in the UK. In part, this is because we are a country of a similar size and population and with limited natural resources of our own. It is also because they see the UK as having a lot from which they can learn. They are sending over study groups and arranging visits like mine.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Charity Commission to take a closer look at charities with pension deficits

Charity Commission to take a closer look at charities with pension deficits: The Charity Commission is planning to scrutinise charities with pension deficits as it increases its accounts monitoring and review work for the year 2013/14,and takes a “tougher stance” on non-compliance issues.

Canada Post Five-Point Action Plan - Postal Rate Increases not all bad news | Primedata

Canada Post Five-Point Action Plan - Postal Rate Increases not all bad news | Primedata: Canada Post released it’s Action Plan at 3 PM today and I know that you depend upon the mail as an important part of your business activities so I’ve compiled this short summary for you. I’ve also attached the full Action Plan document for bedtime reading.

In short, Canada Post is adapting to the dropping Lettermail (First Class) volumes and is trying to adjust to the change in mail use. Personal letters, bills and statement v

Friday, December 06, 2013

Brazil: A Great Potential in Fundraising - Resource Center - AFP

Brazil: A Great Potential in Fundraising - Resource Center - AFP: The AFP First Course in Fundraising, paired with the AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising Course, is sweeping the world. A modified version is now offered in Nicaragua, Egypt, Hong Kong and Brazil! For the first time ever, a combined version of the two courses was translated to Portuguese and offered in Brazil in the Summer of 2013. The need for fundraising education drove Custodio Pereira, general director of Faculdade Santa Marcelina, to work with AFP to conceptualize the material, scout supporting partners, work with a translator and ultimately educate 22 budding fundraisers.

More corporate support heading Down Under | Fundraising & Philanthropy Australasia Magazine

More corporate support heading Down Under | Fundraising & Philanthropy Australasia Magazine: New research has revealed American companies plan to up their overseas corporate giving and 70% are donating to the Asia-Pacific region, Liz Henderson discovers.

Of the large American companies that give overseas, 86% plan to either maintain or increase their giving in the next financial year and 70% have a funding focus in Asia and the Pacific region.

These findings were revealed in Giving Beyond Borders: A Study of Global Giving by US Corporations, a report from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy which looked at the corporate philanthropy of the top 100 companies on the 2012 Fortune 500 list.

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Charity lotteries raised almost �155m for good causes in 2012/13 | Third Sector

Charity lotteries raised almost �155m for good causes in 2012/13 | Third Sector: Figures from the Gambling Commission show that the amount has risen by 50 per cent in the past two years

The amount of money raised for good causes through charity lotteries has grown by 50 per cent over the past two years, figures from the Gambling Commission show.

Data from the regulator shows that charity lotteries raised almost �155m for charities in 2012/13, up from �103.5m in 2010/11. They raised �132.1m in 2011/12.

Will Investing in MENA Technology Fuel Philanthropy? | Mehrunisa Qayyum

Will Investing in MENA Technology Fuel Philanthropy? | Mehrunisa Qayyum: Back in September, Mashable partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations to embrace this discussion of technology and philanthropy in the "Social Good Summit." But, while combing through the tweets, not much discussion about how "Social Good" has taken root in the Arab World. This was odd since philanthropy in the MENA region is as old as the MENA region itself. Technology, on the other hand, has made more inroads further East.

Philanthropy during the curfew - Daily News Egypt

Philanthropy during the curfew - Daily News Egypt: Many Egyptians complain about having to stay at home during curfew and being idle and bored. However, one group of socially active youth called Mashroo3 Kheir decided to make good use of those unexploited hours. The project requires little time and effort on the part of volunteers, but it is very beneficial to others. The Facebook-launched initiative is called Kheir fel Hazr initiative (which translates to doing good during curfew).

UK has most regular donors in developed world, finds CAF

UK has most regular donors in developed world, finds CAF: A greater proportion of Britons donate to charity in an average month than nationals of any other developed country in the world, according to a global survey of generosity released by the Charities Aid Foundation.

More than three-quarters of Brits told the CAF World Giving Index survey that they give to charity in an average month, the highest proportion in the developed world.

Monday, December 02, 2013

Hong Kong Seafarers' Mission celebrates 150 years

Hong Kong Seafarers' Mission celebrates 150 years: The Mission to Seafarers in Hong Kong celebrated its 150th Anniversary of providing welfare services to seafarers and held a charity gala dinner entitled ‘Celebrating our Past, Present and Future’ at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers on Wednesday 13 November.

Still time to cut 2013 tax liability | CityNews

Still time to cut 2013 tax liability | CityNews: Give generously. The new First-Time Donor’s Super Credit, available between 2013 and 2017, is for cash rather than in-kind donations, as long as you or your spouse have not donated in the prior five years. The regular calculations change from 15% to 40% on the first $200 and from 29% to 54% for those over $200 but not over $1000.

Funders & Doers: Teaming up for disaster relief, #GivingTuesday & Beyond | Adnan Mahmud

Funders & Doers: Teaming up for disaster relief, #GivingTuesday & Beyond | Adnan Mahmud: The trouble is, most of us tend to remember to give only after disasters and during the holiday season -- especially with the growing popularity of the "Giving Tuesday" movement, observed Dec. 3 this year. But for the millions of people in need locally and globally, access to medical care, housing, food and water aren't only problems once or twice a year. Poverty doesn't take a day off.

We needs more funders. We need more people to give and we need existing philanthropists to stretch their wallets a little bit more. All of us can do better by giving actively, as much as we can, and not just when we're prompted to by a major tragedy or a date on the calendar.

Introducing Giving Tuesday, a day devoted to philanthropy | Metro

Introducing Giving Tuesday, a day devoted to philanthropy | Metro: CanadaHelps president and CEO Marina Glogovac, one of the 15 founding partners of Canada’s Giving Tuesday, said the timing of the event was perfect.

“There are different months in Canada focused on different charitable sectors,” said Glogovac. “But in terms of consumer awareness, I think it’s a good day to kind of add something that says we shop, we get deals, we spend money to get what we want, and we also should remember that we should give back.”

Runners reach new heights in charity race up city's tallest tower | South China Morning Post

Runners reach new heights in charity race up city's tallest tower | South China Morning Post: Blind teenager Choi Lok-sze and amputee Fung Kam-hung were among some 1,000 charity fun-runners who tackled the 2,120 gruelling steps of Hong Kong's tallest tower yesterday morning.

How to learn data analysis: Focus on the business | CoolData blog

How to learn data analysis: Focus on the business | CoolData blog: There are three required elements for pursuing data analysis. The first and most important is curiosity, and finding joy in discovery. The second is being shown how to do things, or having the initiative to find out how to do things. The third is a business need for the work.

My correspondent had the first element covered. As for the second element, I suggested to him that he was more than ready to obtain one-on-one training. All that was missing was defining the business need … that urgent question or problem that data analysis is suited for.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Don't leave all your money to your children | South China Morning Post

Don't leave all your money to your children | South China Morning Post: Last year, nearly HK$7 billion was given to charity by 47 Hong Kong philanthropists, a report revealed. The vast majority went to causes here at home and in mainland China. The reason for all this giving? Hongkongers are increasingly reluctant to leave all their money to their children.

Generosity Without Borders on #GivingTuesday | Randal Mason

Generosity Without Borders on #GivingTuesday | Randal Mason: International Giving in Context
International development works to stabilize regions, advance U.S. policy interests, and open new markets to American businesses. Person-to-person exhanges, connections facilitated by technology, and programs that build cultural awareness primes Americans not only to compete in the global economy but to collaborate with new global partners as well.

Many people don't realize that less than 1% of the U.S. federal budget goes toward foreign aid, which includes everything from disaster relief to supporting U.S. embassies overseas to programs that help communities lift themselves out of poverty.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Movers and shakers raise funds | Bangkok Post: lifestyle

Movers and shakers raise funds | Bangkok Post: lifestyle: What we believe is that once you are successful and wealthy, it's time that you lend support to those who are less fortunate," said Krisda Sawamiphakdi, Forbes Thailand's chief executive officer.

To endorse its standpoint, last week Forbes Thailand hosted an exclusive gala dinner and auction to raise funds for charity. It was the first grand event after its launch ceremony six months ago. And though Forbes is better known for events such as global CEO conferences and awards ceremonies for business leaders, for Forbes Thailand to organise a gastronomic event is not unusual at all, according to Krisda.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Office for Civil Society ponders financial support for charities that have used reserves | Third Sector

Office for Civil Society ponders financial support for charities that have used reserves | Third Sector: ick Hurd, the Minister for Civil Society, says he is thinking through the form that this could take

The Office for Civil Society is considering introducing measures to support charities that have dipped into their reserves in order to survive the recession, Nick Hurd, the Minister for Civil Society, has said.

Hurd told Third Sector that he could see a change of attitude in the sector as the economy recovered, but that many medium-sized charities had been badly damaged by a difficult economic period and by cuts to local authority budgets, some of which are still feeding through.

HK Charity Run Raises Money for Pregnant Women with HIV - All China Women's Federation

HK Charity Run Raises Money for Pregnant Women with HIV - All China Women's Federation: The 8th UNICEF Charity Run 2013 was held at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on November 24, 2013, raising more than HK$ 10 million (US$1.29 million) to benefit over 620,000 HIV-infected pregnant women in developing countries.

A record number of more than 14,000 runners participated in the event in support of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and achieving an AIDS-free generation.

RSPCA seeks to change public perception of its work

RSPCA seeks to change public perception of its work: Speaking to civilsociety.co.uk, John Grounds (pictured), deputy CEO at RSPCA, said the charity wanted the public to have a better understanding of the full extent of the work the charity undertook as it approached its 200th anniversary in 2023.

“Our inspectorate work and cats and dogs rehoming work is at our heart,” he said. “But we do a lot of other things such as wildlife work, work on animal testing, farm animal welfare, standards and training work with animal support organisations worldwide, for example.”

Friday, November 22, 2013

Average salary of charity chief executives rose by 3.2 per cent this year, says Acevo | Third Sector

Average salary of charity chief executives rose by 3.2 per cent this year, says Acevo | Third Sector: Sir Stephen Bubb, chief executive of Acevo, says the figures show that charity leaders have taken a 'restrained approach', with the average at �60,000

The average annual pay of charity chief executives rose by 3.2 per cent to �60,000 in 2013, according to Acevo’s latest pay survey.

Figures from the charity chief executives body show that the average salary has returned to the same level as in 2011 after a fall of 3.1 per cent to �58,139 in 2012.

Gift Aid costs taxman after �170m in donations lost through abuse | Mail Online

Gift Aid costs taxman after �170m in donations lost through abuse | Mail Online: Around �170 million worth of tax has been lost over the last year because Gift Aid relief on charitable donations is being abused.

The National Audit Office (NAO) warned that while Gift Aid was an 'important source' of funding worth �1 billion - or 2 per cent of charities' income last year - it had not proved itself to be value for money

The report warned the system was at risk from criminals who may falsify donations to generate a Gift Aid relief and set up a bogus charity as a front to commit fraud.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

胡润百富 — hurun.net

胡润百富 — hurun.net: In search of India's Carnegie

Hurun Report launches inaugural
Hurun India Philanthropy List 2013



IT tycoon Premji most generous Indian with a donation of Rs 8,000 cr

Shiv Nadar second-most generous Indian with a contribution of Rs 3,000 cr

Education most favoured philanthropic cause; receives 80% of cumulative contributions

Region-wise, South Indians most generous, donate Rs 10,000 cr

North Indians contribute Rs 4,865 cr

Mumbai home to most of the Hurun philanthropists with 11 individuals, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi

UK venture philanthropy market doubles to �166m

UK venture philanthropy market doubles to �166m: The value of venture philanthropy grants, loans and investments in the UK has more than doubled in two years, to reach a total value of �166m, according to new research.

Research and fundraising consultancy Factary revealed in its report that there is now twice as many players in the local venture philanthropy market as there were two years ago, when it last produced a survey of venture philanthropy in the UK. Total income is also up 171 per cent at �274.4m. New entrants had a total income of �92.9m in 2012 so make up a large percentage of this figure.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Charity Commission chair calls for debate on definition of charity | Third Sector

Charity Commission chair calls for debate on definition of charity | Third Sector:
By Andy Ricketts, Third Sector Online, 14 November 2013
William Shawcross

William Shawcross
William Shawcross also suggests that the commission's register could indicate whether charities receive funds from government

William Shawcross, chair of the Charity Commission, has called for a debate on whether new definitions of charity are needed to highlight the differences between various types of charitable organisation.

In a speech in London made last night as part of the Lord Mayor’s Charity Leadership programme, which addresses challenges to the effectiveness of charities, Shawcross said there had been a "blurring of boundaries between charities and other types of organisation", which he said could undermine public trust in the concept of charity.

W5: How much do charities really benefit from mega lotteries?

W5: How much do charities really benefit from mega lotteries?: Three-quarters of a billion dollars- but just how much of all that cash actually makes it to charity? That’s what Kate Bahen at Charity Intelligence (Ci) wanted to find out. The Toronto-based organization analyzes information about charities to help donors determine where their dollars can have the most impact. Bahen’s team of financial analysts reviewed the most recent three years of audited financial statements of the 30 largest charity lotteries in Canada.

And what did they find? On average – only 27% of all that money actually goes to charity. Why so little? For starters, Ci’s analysis found huge operating costs.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Millionaires’ surprising charitable habits revealed | canada.com

Millionaires’ surprising charitable habits revealed | canada.com: Charities in need this holiday season will be relieved to know that Canada’s uber-wealthy – those with $1 million or more in investable assets – have returned to pre-recession levels of giving or higher, according to a Thursday report by BMO Harris Private Banking. In fact, the average amount the rich are donating this year — $5,217 — is nearly 12 times that of the typical citizen.

Azim Premji tops India philanthropy list with donation of Rs 8,000 crore - NDTVProfit.com

Azim Premji tops India philanthropy list with donation of Rs 8,000 crore - NDTVProfit.com: Mumbai: Close on the heels of releasing its second edition of Hurun India Rich List, China-based magazine Hurun Report launched the inaugural Hurun India Philanthropy List 2013, with IT tycoon Azim Hashim Premji, the chairman of Wipro Ltd, emerging as the most generous Indian with a donation of Rs. 8,000 crore in the past year.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Don't be whingers - be part of the solution, Nick Hurd tells charities | Third Sector

Don't be whingers - be part of the solution, Nick Hurd tells charities | Third Sector: The Minister for Civil Society tells Directory of Social Change round-table event that charities need to articulate clear needs to get government support

Charities should avoid joining a queue of whingers if they want to gain the support of government, the Minister for Civil Society told an audience of small charities yesterday.

Don't be whingers - be part of the solution, Nick Hurd tells charities | Third Sector

Don't be whingers - be part of the solution, Nick Hurd tells charities | Third Sector: The Minister for Civil Society tells Directory of Social Change round-table event that charities need to articulate clear needs to get government support

Charities should avoid joining a queue of whingers if they want to gain the support of government, the Minister for Civil Society told an audience of small charities yesterday.

Charity watchdog advertises for new chief executive on �125k a year - Telegraph

Charity watchdog advertises for new chief executive on �125k a year - Telegraph: The Charity Commission has hired a head hunter to find a new chief executive, on a three year pay deal worth “up to �125,000 plus a range of benefits”.

A Daily Telegraph investigation in August found evidence of a sharp increase in the number of charity executives who were paid more than �100,000 a year during the recession, despite a fall in donations and revenues in many of the organisations.

Higher education accounts for one in four �1m-plus gifts

Higher education accounts for one in four �1m-plus gifts: Higher education institutions are increasingly popular among high-end donors, now accounting for a quarter of all donations worth more than �1m, as a report finds major philanthropy regaining its pre-financial crash strength.

Universities and other higher education institutions in 2012 received �570m from generous individuals, foundations and corporations – equivalent to 42 per cent of the total value of all �1m-plus gifts.

Friday, November 08, 2013

Pranab praises Prince Charles's philanthropy | Business Standard

Pranab praises Prince Charles's philanthropy | Business Standard: President Pranab Mukherjee Friday met Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and praised his involvement in charity work of many years in India.

Legion trials cashless technology for Birmingham Poppy Appeal

Legion trials cashless technology for Birmingham Poppy Appeal: The Royal British Legion piloted a scheme this week allowing the public to buy poppies using cashless technology.

The ‘tap the poppy’ campaign took place in Birmingham last Tuesday where collection tins and posters have been enabled with near field communication (NFC) technology. The campaign, delivered by Proxama and Parthru, allows the public to tap the icon with their smartphones and donate to the charity.

Thursday, November 07, 2013

Nelson: Too bad philanthropy doesn’t extend to our art

Nelson: Too bad philanthropy doesn’t extend to our art: his is a city that understands the value of a buck.

Parking meters still take nickels and, if you search with enough vigour, you can still find a pint of beer that’ll give you change from two dollars.

It also knows a thing or two about art — the beautiful downtown Portland Museum of Art showcases works by such luminaries as Monet, Degas, Klee and Renoir.

Not bad for a rough and ready city on the blue collar trim of the U.S. with an urban population barely a fifth the size of Calgary’s.

Macmillan passes Coffee Morning �15m fundraising record

Macmillan passes Coffee Morning �15m fundraising record: While it will not release final figures for another two months, Macmillan has already raised �16.6m from its annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, smashing its 2012 record.

Money is still being collected from September’s event, but the charity said it was delighted to have already surpassed the �15m raised in 2012, itself a �5m improvement on the previous year.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Join AFP, 15 Founding Partners and Countless Nonprofits in Celebrating GivingTuesday - Press - AFP

Join AFP, 15 Founding Partners and Countless Nonprofits in Celebrating GivingTuesday - Press - AFP: AFP is a founding partner of GivingTuesday, a new Canadian movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday, to be celebrated this year on Dec. 3, provides an opportunity for charities, companies and individuals to join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others. Initiated in Canada by CanadaHelps and GIV3, this year’s inaugural GivingTuesday in Canada is also backed by 15 founding partners, including AFP

The founding partners are not in this alone—a growing list of partners are building campaigns around the movement that offer more than an encouraged giving season. GivingTuesday partners are charities, social enterprises, companies or brands that are committed to helping the Canadian charitable sector. No catch, no cost—just action. All you have to do is commit to an action that benefits a registered Canadian charity of nonprofit.

DSC says new Sorp should require trusts to disclose all grants made

DSC says new Sorp should require trusts to disclose all grants made: The Directory of Social Change has recommended to the Sorp Committee that grantmaking trusts should be obliged to provide details in their accounts and annual report of all grants they have made.

Friday, November 01, 2013

Sink takes time out in China to talk charity before potential run - Orlando Business Journal

Sink takes time out in China to talk charity before potential run - Orlando Business Journal: Sink, founder and chair of the Florida Next Foundation and the state’s former chief financial officer, was part of a delegation representing the United Way Worldwide that traveled to China as part of a forum on the future of philanthropy.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Hurd: 'Government does not understand civil society'

Hurd: 'Government does not understand civil society': Nick Hurd minister for civil society, has condemned the government for its lack of attention to and understanding of civil society, suggesting a culture change is necessary.

Hurd made the comments when concluding a roundtable event for small charities hosted by the Directory of Social Change. The event, with a theme of trusteeship, was an opportunity for smaller charities to question Hurd about governance issues.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

PASC to examine charity chief executive pay

PASC to examine charity chief executive pay: The issue of charity chief executive pay is to be examined by a committee of influential MPs, which includes two politicians who have already been publicly critical of charity executive pay.

The Public Administration Select Committee is inviting written evidence on the issue of salaries for chief executives in the charity sector, ahead of an oral session on the topic, currently scheduled for 17 December.

BBC News - The City Story exhibition celebrates philanthropy

BBC News - The City Story exhibition celebrates philanthropy: An exhibition marking 800 years of philanthropy in London is due to open in a former 14th Century monastery.

The Charterhouse, in Farringdon, is staging The City Story which explores London's history of philanthropy through stories past and present.

Companies tie giving abroad to bottom line, local needs � Philanthropy North Carolina

Companies tie giving abroad to bottom line, local needs � Philanthropy North Carolina: Local needs and corporate financial performance in countries in which they do business are the main factors that drive U.S. companies to make social invests abroad, a new study says.

Eighty-six percent of companies that gave internationally say they plan to increase or maintain the size of their foreign giving budget, says the study, commissioned by Global Impact and prepared by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Government snubs civil society group on lobbying bill

Government snubs civil society group on lobbying bill: A group of civil society organisations working to address concerns on the lobbying bill has said it is disappointed that Deputy Leader of the House Tom Brake was prevented by Leader of the House Andrew Lansley from giving evidence for its new report.

The Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement, chaired by Lord Harries of Pentregrath, has published its final report on the lobbying bill, which will be presented to peers in the House of Lords today, one week before the controversial bill returns to the floor of the Lords for committee stage.

Monday, October 28, 2013

NSPCC's income falls again but charity returns to surplus

NSPCC's income falls again but charity returns to surplus: NSPCC’s income dropped again in 2013 to below �130m but efficiencies mean it reported a budget surplus for the first time in six years.

The charity’s income for 2013 fell by �6.3m from �135.7m in 2012 to �129.4m. The charity's income has been in decline since 2009, when it was �157.5m, and last year it saw its income drop by �13m on the previous year.

Friday, October 25, 2013

How Subhas Dhar's Gudville is trying to help philanthropy make business sense - The Economic Times

How Subhas Dhar's Gudville is trying to help philanthropy make business sense - The Economic Times: Gudville, a website that he is building, aims to bridge the gap between those wanting to do good and organisations that can help them do so. It is currently being beta-tested in the Silicon Valley.

"Philanthropy has to make business sense. It's about making capitalism work for social responsibility," said Dhar, 46. By the end of this year, he expects to sign up 50,000 users on the portal.

NCVO income grew by �1.5m in last financial year

NCVO income grew by �1.5m in last financial year: The merger of NCVO and Volunteering England helped NCVO end the last financial year with an income uplift of �1.5m – though even without the VE revenue, the umbrella body grew its income by 14 per cent during the year.

Oxfam to cut 125 jobs as part of major restructure

Oxfam to cut 125 jobs as part of major restructure: Oxfam has today announced a restructure of its UK-based operations that will result in the loss of 125 UK jobs.

The reshape is part of a shift in Oxfam’s strategy, which includes focusing more of its resources on a smaller number of poorer countries.

Monday, October 21, 2013

With great wealth comes great responsibility - Business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

With great wealth comes great responsibility - Business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): This week, mining magnate, Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest made headlines by donating $65 million to Western Australian universities, the largest act of philanthropy in Australia's history. He then followed it up in London where his Walk Free foundation was behind the launch of the first Global Slavery Index, which measures and ranks slavery in 162 countries, including Australia. His aim: to use his economic power not just to enrich his family economically, but give back at the same time.

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday : newsday.co.tt :

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday : newsday.co.tt :: all started with a presentation from United Way encouraging the staff of Trinidad Systems Limited (TSL) to “give” monthly contributions to that organisation comprised of a national system of volunteers, contributors, and local charities, helping people in their own communities. TSL then matched the total staff contributions given to United Way, and in an effort to do even more for the community, members of the TSL staff were encouraged to come up with their very own charity event to increase the company’s total contributions to United Way.

Lord Loomba's charity raises 1,50,000 pounds for Indian widows | Business Standard

Lord Loomba's charity raises 1,50,000 pounds for Indian widows | Business Standard: Over 1,50,000 pounds have been raised for the welfare of 10,000 poor widows in India by a charity founded by Britain's House of Lords' member Raj Loomba.

The UN accredited Loomba Foundation, hosted its annual dinner at the Guildall here yesterday.

National Kidney Foundation gets new chief executive in November

National Kidney Foundation gets new chief executive in November: The leadership change comes at a time when the charity is ready to step out of the shadow of its 2005 scandal, which exposed lapses in its corporate governance, and return to active fund raising.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Top 50 Gifts Voting Takes Off | Pro Bono Australia

Top 50 Gifts Voting Takes Off | Pro Bono Australia: he People’s Choice voting for Australia’s top philanthropic gifts has taken off with more than 400 people adding their vote in just four days.

The Top 50 Philanthropic Gifts of All Time were announced in Melbourne on Monday revealing a rich history of ‘giving’ in Australia and the public has been invited to vote online to decide Australia’s Top 10 Gifts.

The Pro Bono Australia website showcasing the gifts has had almost 6000 visitors.

WJTV News Channel 12 - Mining magnate gives $62M to Aussie universities

WJTV News Channel 12 - Mining magnate gives $62M to Aussie universities: PERTH, Australia (AP) - Mining magnate Andrew Forrest pledged on Tuesday to give 65 million Australian dollars ($62 million) to university education in his home state in one of Australia's largest philanthropic donations.

The chairman of iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group said AU$50 million will be used to establish the Forrest Foundation to fund scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships at all five universities in Western Australia state.

Melt the “charity chill” - Information, research and resources for fundraisers and their leaders

Melt the “charity chill” - Information, research and resources for fundraisers and their leaders: "Say “advocacy” around activists, and many people will picture confrontational stunts rather than strategic alliance-building behind the scenes. But the latter is one of the most effective tactics charities have adopted to tackle huge problems like passing laws against drunk driving, restricting smoking and toughening laws for equity.

Ken Wyman believes that charities must advocate. Charities represent millions of people whose expertise and voices belong in public policy discussions, he says."

'via Blog this'

BBC News - Can kindness movements make a difference?

BBC News - Can kindness movements make a difference?: Thankless though the task seems, Ng is just one of many residents of the city who have been inspired by the Singapore Kindness Movement, a government-funded body which aims to promote helpful and courteous behaviour amongst its people.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Nobel Fund Might Seek Donors as Investments Underwhelm - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Nobel Fund Might Seek Donors as Investments Underwhelm - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The organization that bestows the Nobel Prize will look into soliciting charitable donations as other strategies to boost revenue have fallen short, according to Bloomberg.

The Nobel Foundation said late last year that it was moving more money into hedge funds, which have underperformed relative to stocks of late. The investment move came six months after the Stockholm-based nonprofit cut the monetary award for its prestigious prizes by 20 percent.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

CAF chief takes issue with Commission’s terrorism warnings

CAF chief takes issue with Commission’s terrorism warnings: Charities Aid Foundation chief executive John Low has defended international charities working in conflict zones, saying they expend enormous effort to ensure their donations do not find their way to terror groups.

In an article for the Huffington Post, Low appeared to take issue with recent high-profile comments by Charity Commission chair William Shawcross that corruption by terrorist groups is one of the biggest threats facing the voluntary sector nowadays.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Trust Company Takeover Means Less for NFPs | Pro Bono Australia

Trust Company Takeover Means Less for NFPs | Pro Bono Australia: he outcome of this corporate takeover is of vital importance to the sector as trustee companies are the largest administrators of philanthropic monies in Australia. These monies were left by generous (dead) individuals and families on the understanding that the trust/foundation would be maintained in perpetuity for the benefit of the most disadvantaged in the community. The founders are no longer there to advocate and most have no independent (i.e. Non-trustee Company) trustees to challenge any decisions.

Today, trustee companies manage “over 2,000(sic)” charitable trusts and foundations with assets of approximately $3.2 billion.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Comic Relief offers gift aid software to other charities

Comic Relief offers gift aid software to other charities: Comic Relief will offer its gift aid claim software to other charities for free from next week, after some charities revealed they might miss the deadline to update their systems.

The HMRC-accredited Gift Aid Interface Linked software will be available to other charities from 18 October on an open source basis, and IT managers should be able to integrate the software into their existing systems.

A popular mainland charity is coming to a restaurant near you | South China Morning Post

A popular mainland charity is coming to a restaurant near you | South China Morning Post: hi Fan for Charity Hong Kong is a chance to do just as the name suggests, to sik fan (eat) for charity. The event is billed as an alternative to buying a table at a charity banquet.

Instead, it offers seats in at least 18 hot restaurants and all proceeds from the night's wining and dining go to charity.

On November 16, each restaurant will set aside a table for about 10 guests and create a special menu, most with wine pairings and other drinks included. Every table has an official host

Social Business and Philanthropy - Is There Room for Both? | Michael Harris

Social Business and Philanthropy - Is There Room for Both? | Michael Harris: In the short-term, a move towards social business will not render our charities irrelevant overnight. On the contrary, the funding gap for charities in the UK reaches into billions of pounds and these are organisations that provide vital public services where the government's wallet runs out - think hospice nurses, medical research, skills training, and care services. So whilst we should dive in to social business and shake up the status quo, we are obligated to re-double our responsibilities in the meantime by continuing to give, and to give more.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Ten foundations 'account for nine-tenths of social investment by trusts and foundations' | Third Sector

Ten foundations 'account for nine-tenths of social investment by trusts and foundations' | Third Sector: en foundations with endowments exceeding �100m are responsible for nearly 90 per cent of social investment by charitable trusts and foundations in the UK, new research by the Association of Charitable Foundations shows.

Shawcross says sector is happy with lobbying bill changes

Shawcross says sector is happy with lobbying bill changes: Charity Commission chair William Shawcross told an audience of charity lawyers yesterday that most of the voluntary sector was happy with the changes to the lobbying bill that have been proposed by the government.

Skills-Third Sector launches first skills website for charities | Charity Digital News

Skills-Third Sector launches first skills website for charities | Charity Digital News: Skills-Third Sector, with co-investment from UKCES Growth and Innovation Fund, is due to launch an interactive online skills platform to help charities find training to develop their workforce. It will be the first comparison site for the sector, giving charities the chance to source skills, compare offers and find training.

The first version of the platform went live this week,

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Charity calendar celebrates the work of retired dogs - Lancashire Evening Post

Charity calendar celebrates the work of retired dogs - Lancashire Evening Post: The charity calendar, celebrating the work of retired Lancashire Police Dogs, is now on sale and will raise vital funds for the police charity.

Extra Life and Sony partner for 25-hour charity drive | Joystiq

Extra Life and Sony partner for 25-hour charity drive | Joystiq: Due to laws in the UK and Australia restricting the ability of non-profit organizations to raise funds in either country, international participants will need to play their marathons for the benefit of the international efforts of three hospitals: Boston Children's, SickKids in Toronto, or Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Monday, October 07, 2013

Advancing Philanthropy - Publications - AFP

The Fall Advancing Philanthropy features a variety of articles on International Philanthropy and Fundraising.

Advancing Philanthropy - Publications - AFP: "20  VIVE LA DIVERSITÉ IN GLOBAL FUNDRAISING
How to better understand and appreciate cultural influences on philanthropic action
By Lilya Wagner, Ed.D., CFRE


Charities Aid Foundation: why funding the front line can boost effective giving | Fund the Front Line | theguardian.com

Charities Aid Foundation: why funding the front line can boost effective giving | Fund the Front Line | theguardian.com: When people think about philanthropy, they want to connect with, and make a tangible impact on, the causes they care about most.

At the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) we work to help people make the biggest difference they can to causes all round the world. That's why we are supporting the Fund the Front Line campaign.

Global Fundraising: How the World is Changing the Rules of Philanthropy-Association of Fundraising Professionals Bookstore

An AFP Wiley book.

Global Fundraising: How the World is Changing the Rules of Philanthropy-Association of Fundraising Professionals Bookstore: A practical guide to the challenges and successes of global fundraising, written by an international team of highly respected philanthropy professionals and edited by two of the leading nonprofit thinkers, Global Fundraising is the first book to genuinely offer a global overview of philanthropy with an internationalist perspective.

As the world becomes more interdependent, and economies struggle, global philanthropy continues to increase. More than that, nonprofits are taking up roles that have traditionally been filled by the government—including social welfare, healthcare, and human rights. Global Fundraising provides complete coverage of the implications of this growth for nonprofit culture and how it drives changes in fundraising practices.

GlobalGiving UK: bringing front line NGOs to your doorstep | Fund the Front Line | theguardian.com

GlobalGiving UK: bringing front line NGOs to your doorstep | Fund the Front Line | theguardian.com: This initiative demonstrates generous examples of philanthropy by the FTFL partners and acts as an exciting initiative to encourage charitable giving in a time of reduced official aid flows and reservations as to the effectiveness of charitable donations.

Charity Commission distances itself from Telegraph warning on giving to Syria

Charity Commission distances itself from Telegraph warning on giving to Syria: Chair of the Institute of Fundraising, Mark Astarita, has accused William Shawcross, chair of the Charity Commission of “undermining giving to Syria”, after Saturday's Daily Telegraph quoted Shawcross saying some money donated to Syria “undoubtedly” went to extremist groups.

And today the Charity Commission distanced itself from the piece, saying Shawcross’ comments have been taken out of context.

Friday, October 04, 2013

Wolfson family awarded Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy | Third Sector

Wolfson family awarded Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy | Third Sector: Dame Janet Wolfson de Botton, chair of the Wolfson Foundation, will collect the medal at a ceremony at the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh on 17 October
The prestigious Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy is to be awarded to the Wolfson family, founders of the Wolfson Foundation.

The grant-maker supports and promotes excellence in the fields of science and medicine, the arts and humanities, education and health, and disability. More than �750m has been awarded in grants to about 10,000 projects over the past 58 years

Lobbying bill amendments don’t go far enough, say umbrella bodies

Lobbying bill amendments don’t go far enough, say umbrella bodies: NCVO and Acevo issued a joint statement criticising the government's amendments to the controversial lobbying bill for not going far enough to protect charities' campaigning activity.

Human Dignity Trust is too political to be a charity, Commission rules

Human Dignity Trust is too political to be a charity, Commission rules: The Human Dignity Trust, which campaigns against the criminalisation of homosexuals in foreign countries, has failed to convince the Charity Commission to register it as a charity.

The Trust will appeal to the Charity Tribunal.

Thursday, October 03, 2013

Oct 9: CEO Of AFP To Present On Philanthropy | Bernews.com

Oct 9: CEO Of AFP To Present On Philanthropy | Bernews.com: Bermuda will soon have a professional organisation which promotes the ethical raising of funds in our charitable sector. A Bermuda Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals [AFP] is in the works for 2014 and the CEO and President of AFP International will be on the island next week to give presentations on fundraising and philanthropy to donors and nonprofits.

New crowdsourcing platform links tech-skilled volunteers with charities | Charity Digital News

New crowdsourcing platform links tech-skilled volunteers with charities | Charity Digital News: The Atlassian Foundation today previewed its innovative crowdsourcing platform, MakeaDiff.org, which will allow nonprofits to coordinate with technically-skilled volunteers who want to help convert ideas into successful projects.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

IFC - International Fundraising Congress | 101fundraising

IFC - International Fundraising Congress | 101fundraising: 101fundraising is proud to be the official blog/media partner of the International Fundraising Congress (IFC).

“The IFC is the world’s leading conference on fundraising. Established in 1981, it attracts around 1,000 participants from almost 60 countries, and is renowned for its outstanding learning and networking opportunities. The IFC is the world’s showcase for excellence, innovation and inspiration in fundraising.”

Enterprise skills more valued than fundraising, says UnLtd CEO

Enterprise skills more valued than fundraising, says UnLtd CEO: Cliff Prior, chief executive of UnLtd and former chief executive of Rethink, has said there is an “inexorable trend” towards charities valuing enterprise skills above fundraising skills.

Speaking at a Parliamentary event last week about what the charity sector workforce would look like in the future, Prior said that enterprise skills were already more valued than fundraising skills.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Entrepreneur Sir Tom wins prize for his philanthropy | Herald Scotland

Entrepreneur Sir Tom wins prize for his philanthropy | Herald Scotland: One of Scotland's top �entrepreneurs will be honoured for his philanthropic work next month.

Sir Tom Hunter will be one of six recipients of this year's Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

Described by some as the Nobel Prize of philanthropy, the medal goes to those who use their wealth for public good and is given biannually to global figures.

Disaster relief funding in the spotlight

Disaster relief funding in the spotlight: A Griffith University researcher wants to investigate whether government disaster relief funding has made a south Brisbane suburb better prepared for major flooding.

Rocklea was one of the worst-hit Brisbane suburbs during the 2010-11 floods, with the Brisbane Market inundated and an estimated 900 properties affected.

Friday, September 20, 2013

�75 million McCall MacBain donation to Oxford reinforces need for modern philanthropy; plus, biggest gifts to universities | Spear's WMS

�75 million McCall MacBain donation to Oxford reinforces need for modern philanthropy; plus, biggest gifts to universities | Spear's WMS: Good news arrived in my inbox this morning (courtesy S McBain): a Canadian billionaire philanthropist and his wife have given �75 million ($120 million) to Oxford University, in particular to the Rhodes Trust which runs the scholarship scheme for overseas scholars.

Launching the Project Information Disclosure Index in China

Launching the Project Information Disclosure Index in China: In the last year, approximately 74 percent of Chinese foundations have publicly released information on their projects and donations though China Foundation Center’s Foundation Transparency Index (FTI). Initially, this seems to be a large conscription for the new program; however, 70 percent of project information disclosed by those foundations reads “like a riddle,” according to the Beijing Times.

The quality of publicly available foundation information in China is an important factor in reviving public trust in charities, which has decreased significantly in past years due to high-profile corruption cases.

India forces companies to start charitable giving - Hindustan Times

India forces companies to start charitable giving - Hindustan Times: Indian government still struggles to provide reliable basic services to a majority of its citizens, trapping hundreds of millions of them in poverty. Now the country's richest firms have been told they must help.


Under the new amended Companies Act passed last month by Parliament, large businesses have been asked to spend 2.0% of their profits each year on "Corporate Social Responsibility" (CSR).

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Vodafone Foundation launches 2013 charity hackathon - mobility, smartphones, Vodafone, Hackathons, mobile apps - Development - Techworld

Vodafone Foundation launches 2013 charity hackathon - mobility, smartphones, Vodafone, Hackathons, mobile apps - Development - Techworld: The Vodafone Foundation has launched the 2013 edition of its charity hackathon, App Aid. As with App Aid 2012, teams of developers will partner with charities for the event.

The goal is to build prototype mobile apps to help the charities' work. This year Vodafone's charity arm has partnered with the Pozible crowdfunding service, allowing teams to raise additional money to build the apps. The foundation will match up to $10,000 teams raise through Pozible.

China Charity Fair 2013 to open Saturday - DailyEconomic

China Charity Fair 2013 to open Saturday - DailyEconomic: The second annual China Charity Fair will open in Shenzhen on Saturday, providing a platform for social organizations from across the globe to share their experiences in running charities and for visitors to interact through charitable activities.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Countdown to Canada’s GivingTuesday 2013 - Press - AFP

Countdown to Canada’s GivingTuesday 2013 - Press - AFP: A national day of giving and volunteering called GivingTuesday will start in Canada this Dec. 3, 2013. Following a successful start last year in the US, Canada’s own GivingTuesday will leverage media buzz to promote a nation-wide day of givin

Gen X a Rising Force in Canadian Philanthropy; Boomers and Civics Most Generous - Investors.com

Gen X a Rising Force in Canadian Philanthropy; Boomers and Civics Most Generous - Investors.com: Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB)andhjctoday released findings from their 2013 Next Generation of Canadian Giving study that uncovers the preferred giving and communication channels of four generations of Canadian donors: Generation Y (18-32); Generation X (33-48); Baby Boomers (49-67); and Civics (68 ).

Canada Encourages Use Of Charitable Tax Benefits

Canada Encourages Use Of Charitable Tax Benefits

Charity Commission and umbrella bodies devising quality standards for charities

Charity Commission and umbrella bodies devising quality standards for charities: The chief executive of the Charity Commission has revealed it is working with umbrella bodies to develop new quality standards for charities by subsector.

And the regulator has expressed interest in a proposal to limit trustee terms at larger charities.

Speaking this morning at the launch of the report Realising the potential of governance, compiled by the Acevo governance commission, Sam Younger said one of the recommendations was the creation of a kitemark for good governance.

Aussie Walks Across America for Charity - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Aussie Walks Across America for Charity - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |: – A 24-year-old Australian man is walking from San Francisco to Delaware Bay, New Jersey to raise money for charity.

Benjamin Lee has traveled to 36 different countries and after graduating college last year, he decided he wanted to have one last hurrah before settling into his career.

Countdown to Canada’s GivingTuesday 2013 - Press - AFP

Countdown to Canada’s GivingTuesday 2013 - Press - AFP: A national day of giving and volunteering called GivingTuesday will start in Canada this Dec. 3, 2013. Following a successful start last year in the US, Canada’s own GivingTuesday will leverage media buzz to promote a nation-wide day of giving.

Support for this initiative is already building. AFP is one of 15 founding partners, including GIV3, CanadaHelps.org, Community Foundations of Canada, Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, Ipsos Canada and Canadian Red Cross, to name a few.

Monday, September 16, 2013

KPMG accuses charities of being 'bunker-minded'

KPMG accuses charities of being 'bunker-minded': KPMG’s global CSR chief got short shrift from an audience of charity people yesterday when he remarked that the voluntary sector ought to ditch its “bunker” mentality and learn from the private sector way of doing things.

Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick used his address to the Westminster Social Policy Forum to implore the voluntary sector to take a “business-driven approach to outcomes as opposed to a socially-driven approach of good intentions”.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Government announces “overhaul” of payroll giving

Government announces “overhaul” of payroll giving: Payroll giving agencies will have to sign service level agreements with charities, and the time limit for processing donations has been nearly halved, as Treasury today unveiled its plans for reforming payroll giving in the UK.

Tourism Malaysia introduces voluntourism packages - TTG Asia - Leader in Hotel, Airlines, Tourism and Travel Trade News

Tourism Malaysia introduces voluntourism packages - TTG Asia - Leader in Hotel, Airlines, Tourism and Travel Trade News: TOURISM Malaysia is making its first concerted effort to woo volunteer tourists, namely travellers who wish to contribute to the community or to the preservation of wildlife in a destination through volunteer activities.



The NTO has put together 20 voluntourism packages developed by seven local tour operators that offer travellers volunteer opportunities at places such as turtle conservation centres, orang utan rehabilitation centres, children’s homes and national parks.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Professor wins recognition for philanthropy - The News Record: Campus

Professor wins recognition for philanthropy - The News Record: Campus: A University of Cincinnati Clermont College professor has broken the myth that one person cannot make a difference.

Future Without Poverty, an internationally run anti-poverty nonprofit, awarded Michael Preston, assistant professor, this year’s “Breaking the Myth of No Effect” Award.

Preston established a chapter of FWOP at UC Clermont in 2012 and received the award specifically for organizing a recent trip to the Yucatan in Mexico where faculty and students helped teach Spanish to indigenous people.

BGC Partners And Cantor Fitzgerald Raise Approximately $12 Million On Their September 11, 2013 Charity Day - MarketWatch

PRESS RELEASE
BGC Partners And Cantor Fitzgerald Raise Approximately $12 Million On Their September 11, 2013 Charity Day - MarketWatch: BGC Partners And Cantor Fitzgerald Raise Approximately $12 Million On Their September 11, 2013 Charity Day
- 100% of revenues donated to charities worldwide - - Top celebrities come to the trading floor in support of Charity Day - - HRH Prince Harry and HRH Prince William break the world record for the largest foreign currency trade, closing a foreign exchange deal worth euro 25 billion -

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Five Online Fundraising Best Practices for Small NGOs in Developing Countries

Five Online Fundraising Best Practices for Small NGOs in Developing Countries: Thus, over the next three weeks I am going to blog a series of fundraising and social media best practices specifically tailored for small NGOs with the hope that I can use my experience and my social networks to be of service. Of course, being based in the U.S., my recommendations are highly affected by my location, my work experience, and limited to those tools and resources that I am well familiar with, but I hope your NGO finds the information useful.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

From charity to responsibility - The Hindu

From charity to responsibility - The Hindu: Corporate social responsibility or simply CSR, as the “beyond business” initiatives of companies have come to be globally known, is a complex, evolving subject. Any serious attempt to understand it in a large, diverse, developing country like India calls for considerable research and contextual analyses. Though in vogue for centuries, more as a form of charity and largely driven by religious beliefs, CSR as a concept has matured only recently. Corporate charity initiatives continue to be viewed with suspicion by many.

Monday, September 09, 2013

BBC News - Gromit charity art trail in Bristol attracts 200,000

BBC News - Gromit charity art trail in Bristol attracts 200,000: More than 200,000 people collected a map to take part in the Gromit Unleashed arts trail in Bristol.

The 80 statues, decorated by well-known celebrities and artists, were being removed earlier having been on display since the end of June.

They will be auctioned off on 3 October to raise money for charity and will be displayed in Clifton later this month.

More than �20,000 has already been raised for Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal by people downloading the app.

Charitable giving: Don’t squander your generosity | Thought Leader

Charitable giving: Don’t squander your generosity | Thought Leader: his is a generous nation but a country with boundless needs. So there is no shortage of worthy causes competing for attention, spare change or unwanted household goods.

While some government funding – too little, often too late – goes to not-for-profits (NPOs) that benefit people, those working with animals get nothing. The plight of the latter is aggravated by most South African corporates also supporting only human welfare.

Philanthropy during the curfew - Daily News Egypt

Philanthropy during the curfew - Daily News Egypt: We wanted to use the long hours of curfew in something other than fighting over politics, but to help others,” said Amin Marei, co-founder of Mashroo3 Kheir, and the person who came up with the idea. The idea is simple; instead of using the curfew hours to watch Youtube or check out social media, volunteers are asked to use their typing skills

Philanthropic Leapfrog: Giving in China - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Philanthropic Leapfrog: Giving in China - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: Earlier this summer, I spoke to nonprofit leaders at a conference in China about American-style philanthropy. As I spoke with the 150 emerging Chinese nonprofit leaders, I was struck by the stark differences between how our two cultures view charity—and impressed by their motivation to engage in private philanthropy.

Reflecting on both formal and informal conversations with the inspiring and determined people driving the nonprofit sector there, I wanted to share surprising differences and future impact I observed.

Younger: Charity Commission will get tougher on late-filing charities

Younger: Charity Commission will get tougher on late-filing charities: Sam Younger, chief executive of the Charity Commission, has warned that the regulator will “dramatically step up” its action against charities which repeatedly fail to file their accounts on time.

And he has called on the public, businesses and government to not give to charities which have not filed accounts with the Charity Commission, a position the Commission threatened it would take back in April this year.

Friday, September 06, 2013

Private Universities call for restoration of tax exemptions | Business News 2013-09-06

Private Universities call for restoration of tax exemptions | Business News 2013-09-06: Private universities in Ghana have appealed to government to restore the tax exempt status due them to enable them fully discharge their responsibilities to the people.

Charity ready to give away �500,000 worth of books | Evening Times

Charity ready to give away �500,000 worth of books | Evening Times: hanks to the charity Glasgow The Caring City, a seven- tonne consignment is available for schools across the West of �Scotland.

The charity will host a book fair on September 16-17 to give teachers the chance to choose from around �500,000 worth of brand new children's story and activity books.

Inside Track: Philanthropy and the vexed question of merit | Herald Scotland

Inside Track: Philanthropy and the vexed question of merit | Herald Scotland: Inside Track: Philanthropy and the vexed question of merit
Andrew Denholm
Education Correspondent
Friday 6 September 2013

THE epitome of modern philanthropy is Scots-born Andrew Carnegie, who used the vast fortune he amassed in the 19th-century American steel industry to fund an array of projects aimed at social and educational advancement.

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Survey shows Czechs are generous charitable donors | Prague Monitor

Survey shows Czechs are generous charitable donors | Prague Monitor: Czechs are quite generous donors and in 2012 every Czech gave 583 crowns on average to charity, but they prefer giving money for concrete purposes and knowing all details, the daily Pravo writes Tuesday.

However, a poll conducted by the SOS Children's Villages NGO shows that only 7 percent of donors contribute regularly.

‘Contradictory’ for hospitals to promote lotteries: Canadian medical journal

‘Contradictory’ for hospitals to promote lotteries: Canadian medical journal: Daniel Brunette, president of the Ottawa Association of Fundraising Professionals, says good fundraising practices include making sure fundraisers are in line with the charity’s mission and mandate.

It’s not easy money — some lotteries have lost money. “Lotteries are a tremendous lot of work,” he says.

Gambling and hospital lotteries: looking out for losers

Gambling and hospital lotteries: looking out for losers

Young, Gifted &…a Charity Trustee? Results from a survey about youth & trusteeship | one swallow makes a summer

Young, Gifted &…a Charity Trustee? Results from a survey about youth & trusteeship | one swallow makes a summer: Conducted on a voluntary basis on behalf of Young Charity Trustees (YCT) between July 15th and 23rd this year by myself, Nicholas Fryer, for a Charityworks graduate programme assignment, this blog post showcases the survey’s results.

Young people are a rare sight on charity boards in England and Wales, with 16-24s accounting for just 0.5% of trustees, according to the Charity Commission report A Breath of Fresh Air (2010), posing serious questions about diversity and representativeness. What is more, a Governance Hub and OPM 2006 survey of English trustees and charities suggested that almost half of charities had difficulty filling trustee roles.[1]

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

OSCR considers publishing charity accounts online

OSCR considers publishing charity accounts online: Scottish charity regulator OSCR is considering publishing some charity accounts on its online Register of Charities but will consult the sector before making any changes, it announced today.

OSCR does not currently populate its Register with the accounts of the charities it regulates, as the Charity Commission does in England and Wales. Instead it records just the income and expenditure of each cha

Low sign-ups force postponement of London Twestival

Low sign-ups force postponement of London Twestival: he London Twestival, a Twitter-based fundraising event due to be held this Monday, was called off this week citing low ticket sales and a lack of support from the tech community.

While the organisers of this year’s event, which was due to raise money for BeatBullying, say they are working to find alternative date for later this year, no date is yet fixed.

Lansley defends lobbying bill, but suggests concessions

Lansley defends lobbying bill, but suggests concessions: he controversial lobbying bill has passed its latest parliamentary hurdle, after a fiery six-hour debate yesterday.

Labour has criticised the proposed legislation as an attempt by government “to gag charities and campaigners so they are silenced in time for the next general election”.

Charity lotteries raise record �150m in one year

Charity lotteries raise record �150m in one year: Charity lotteries in 2012/13 raised more than �150m, a 50 per cent increase on two years earlier.

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Has Worcester become 'charity city'? (From Worcester News)

Has Worcester become 'charity city'? (From Worcester News): A NEW report has revealed that Worcester has more charity shops than almost any other British city.

This proliferation is particularly obvious in Mealcheapen Street, pictured above, which alone has eight. How does this growing retail sector affect shopping here?

Friday, August 30, 2013

The 100 Club; if the scaled-down population of Britain sat in a room, what would they say about charities? | nfpSynergy

The 100 Club; if the scaled-down population of Britain sat in a room, what would they say about charities? | nfpSynergy: Spurred on by this, the topic turns firmly to charities. There are no charities that more than half the group can spontaneously think of. Only five are mentioned by more than a quarter of people. Someone mentions cancer, but when they talk through some more charitable causes, there are always at least 24 people who can’t name a charity in that area, with the exception of animals.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Half of grantmakers check applicant filing record

Half of grantmakers check applicant filing record: Only half of grantmakers check applicant charities' filing history on the Charity Commission website, and of those less than one in five will reject applications out of hand from those charities that file late.

A study of 263 funders found that 53 per cent checked the Charity Commission for the accounts of applicant charities, and of those 17 per cent would immediately reject applications from charities which had not submitted their records to the regulator on time. The remaining 83 per cent said that they would ask the charities why the accounts had been tardy.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Australia on top of World Giving Index | Money | Banking and Money Investment News | | Herald Sun

Australia on top of World Giving Index | Money | Banking and Money Investment News | | Herald Sun: DONATIONS to charities have risen 11 per cent since January 2010, despite the cost of living being the greatest cause of consumer anxiety.

Australia was ranked at the top of the 2012 World Giving Index ahead of Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

Robert De Iure, senior economist with the National Australia Bank, is not surprised.

Japan’s New Donation Culture | Nippon.com

Japan’s New Donation Culture | Nippon.com: ccording to the calculations of the Japan Fundraising Association, a total of around �600 billion in donations were collected after the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck on March 11, 2011—roughly the same amount of donations normally made during an entire year in Japan. Moreover, across Japan more than 85 million people, or 76.9% of the population over 15 years of age (as of 2011), made monetary or material donations in response to the disaster. A survey of some of these donors revealed that around 80% agreed more or less with the statement that “charitable donations are a way to contribute to society.”

Donors question charity run's overhead fees - Thunder Bay - CBC News

Donors question charity run's overhead fees - Thunder Bay - CBC News: A popular charity run in Thunder Bay has participants raising questions about its overhead fees.

The inaugural Run or Dye, which took place last Saturday at Boulevard Lake, raised $5,000 for the Children’s Centre Foundation. However, more than 2,000 people signed up for the event and each paid at least $30, which meant the organization received 12 times more than it gave to the charity.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Push for opt out in workplace giving | Pro Bono Australia

Push for opt out in workplace giving | Pro Bono Australia: THE wide-scale adoption of “opt-out” workplace giving programs could push the growth of workplace giving in Australia, says Non Executive Director and former CEO of The Australian Charities Fund Ted Kerr.

Kerr said an opt-out process involved donations being deducted out of an employee’s pay, unless they elected for it not to happen.

“Currently, an employer can offer opt out only to new employees,” he said.

Over-65s will give more this year than other age groups, Foresters research finds | Third Sector

Over-65s will give more this year than other age groups, Foresters research finds | Third Sector: People aged over 65 will give 72 per cent more to charities than the average amount donated this year by all age groups, according to research commissioned by the financial services group Foresters.

More than 1,100 people across the UK responded to an online survey carried out by the Wriglesworth Consultancy in June and July.

allAfrica.com: Tanzania: Charitable Giving - Where Are Tanzania's Affluent? (Page 1 of 4)

allAfrica.com: Tanzania: Charitable Giving - Where Are Tanzania's Affluent? (Page 1 of 4): IN December 2009, Luca Neghesti, a serial entrepreneur in Media, ICT and Logistics industries in Tanzania spearheaded a relief aid campaign for thousands of victims of the Dar es Salaam floods through the use of social media platforms.

Grant to Boost Study on Chinese Philanthropy - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick

PRESS RELEASE

Grant to Boost Study on Chinese Philanthropy - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick: Indiana University professors on two campuses have been awarded grants for a new initiative on philanthropy in China. It will include research projects, workshops and conferences, publications, a new course, student internships and engagement in a philanthropic activity to address a social problem.

You gotta have faith - The Standard

You gotta have faith - The Standard: The foundation hopes to partner with an additional 3,000 secondary schools and 30-40 universities worldwide in the next few years, Gupta says. In the near future, it plans to open an office in Hong Kong and expand the program.

Although the foundation is a registered charity in Britain and the United States, its reach is global. It currently partners with 2,600 secondary school teachers in 19 countries for this particular program, having reached more than 35,000 secondary students since 2009.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Charity sets up its own law practice | News | Law Society Gazette

Charity sets up its own law practice | News | Law Society Gazette: Leicester charity has become the first such not-for-profit organisation to set up and own a law firm.

Castle Park Solicitors was set up as a community interest company with the help of National Lottery funding by local charity the Community Advice and Law Service.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

The Big Give Christmas Challenge to receive Government backing | Charity Digital News

The Big Give Christmas Challenge to receive Government backing | Charity Digital News: The Government is backing the Big Give Christmas Challenge for the first time this year, it has been reported.

Comic Relief uses Google Hangouts for online comedy events | UK Fundraising

Comic Relief uses Google Hangouts for online comedy events | UK Fundraising: Comic Relief is using Google Hangouts to broadcast comedy shows, making it one of the first UK charities to exploit this interactive video broadcasting channel.

The Hangout Comedy Show will feature "some of the UK's funniest comedians". Viewers can even interact with the comedians if they wish, although the impact of a virtual heckle is yet to be established

Charity Commission defends spending almost �40,000 on hotels

Charity Commission defends spending almost �40,000 on hotels: Daily Mail article lists bills from five-star venues in Cairo, Doha and Jakarta; the watchdog says hotels are often chosen for security reasons.

The Charity Commission has defended spending almost �40,000 on five-star hotels around the world, saying that staff are often accommodated in particular hotels for security reasons.

Details of the charity regulator’s spending on corporate credit cards, released to the Daily Mail under Freedom of Information Act, show that the commission spent more than �38,000 in less than two years at hotels.

Charity bid to rescue capital sailing school | Herald Scotland

Charity bid to rescue capital sailing school | Herald Scotland: Charity bid to rescue capital sailing school
Thursday 22 August 2013

WATER sports enthusiasts have stepped up a bid to save one of Scotland's leading sailing schools.

The move follows �Edinburgh Leisure's �decision to close the water sports centre which has been the launch pad for �thousands of sailors.

Welcome change - The Hindu

Welcome change - The Hindu: To run an NGO professionally is as important as working for an excellent cause, states Deval Sanghavi. U.S.-returned Deval worked on this insight along with fellow investment banker Neera Nundy a good 14 years ago to carve out Dasra, a philanthropic investment model that instils a highly focussed professional order in the NGO sector, something new in India then.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Mass streak at London Zoo | Third Sector

Mass streak at London Zoo | Third Sector: Three hundred naked runners take part in Streak for Tigers event at the Zoological Society of London to raise �60,000 for conservation work in Indonesia

A Zoological Society of London event in which 300 naked runners covered 300m around the zoo raised �60,000 for the charity’s conservation work with Indonesian tigers.

Annual charity walk through the heart of Cambridge nears | Cambridge News | Health | WalkRunCycle | Walk

Annual charity walk through the heart of Cambridge nears | Cambridge News | Health | WalkRunCycle | Walk: Thousands of people are expected to take part in a scenic charity event next month which takes in Cambridge’s historic college and university grounds.

The Bridge the Gap walk, organised by the news, is a wheelchair-friendly, pushchair-friendly and family-friendly event and this year takes place on Sunday 15 September.

Last year around 2,700 walkers of all ages strolled through the city to complete the five-mile route, many of them participating as families and community groups, as well as corporate teams.

donors | NGO Pulse

donors | NGO Pulse: The Nonprofit Salary Bill Comes under Scrutiny

Monday, August 19, 2013

Lobbying bill will hinder charity campaigning and fundraising, NCVO warns | Third Sector

Lobbying bill will hinder charity campaigning and fundraising, NCVO warns | Third Sector: The umbrella body will raise concerns with the Cabinet Office about the proposals to make it a criminal offence to spend more than �390,000 on campaigns that affect elections

The new lobbying bill could restrict charity campaigning and could even make it difficult to fundraise, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations has warned

Marathon charity golf challenge - Eastwood & Kimberley news - Eastwood Advertiser

Marathon charity golf challenge - Eastwood & Kimberley news - Eastwood Advertiser: Golfers from Kimberley raised more than �4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care after covering a 20 mile fairway challenge.

The team of golfers – who started at 4.30am – were sponsored to play four rounds in one day at Chilwell Manor Golf Club.

Altruists with a taste for adventure

Altruists with a taste for adventure: Charity walks and marathons became popular in the 1990s, but today, fundraising campaigns are increasingly venturing into the unusual, said Michael Nilsen of the Association of Professional Fundraisers,

Friday, August 16, 2013

Acevo drops 'third sector' from brand

Acevo drops 'third sector' from brand: Acevo has undergone a soft rebrand, removing the term ‘third sector leaders’ from its logo, as the term is not widely used or understood outside of the charity sector.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Watchdog Admits It Costs Money To Raise Money | The NonProfit Times

Watchdog Admits It Costs Money To Raise Money | The NonProfit Times: Watchdog Admits It Costs Money To Raise Money
By The NonProfit Times - August 6, 2013

“You’re here to accomplish a goal, and all sorts of expenses make that happen.” Those were the words of Art Taylor, president of Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (WGA). “There is a preoccupation in the public domain about these ratios. We’ve always tried to point out that there are a variety of things donors should be concerned about. An organization’s financials are just one part.”

NPC and ILC-UK launch Commission on Ageing and the Voluntary Sector

NPC and ILC-UK launch Commission on Ageing and the Voluntary Sector: The Commission will tackle the rising issue of an ever-increasing population and the impact that ageing has on the voluntary sector. It will receive �175,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and �35,000 from Prudential to fund the project.

Monday, August 12, 2013

NCVO and Charity Commission to draw up guidelines on executive pay

NCVO and Charity Commission to draw up guidelines on executive pay: The proposal by Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the NCVO, follows media criticism of senior pay in the big aid charities

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and the Charity Commission have agreed to draw up joint guidelines to help charity trustees to decide on pay levels for senior staff.

Let's not be pious about do-gooders' handsome salaries | Catherine Bennett | Comment is free | The Observer

Let's not be pious about do-gooders' handsome salaries | Catherine Bennett | Comment is free | The Observer: Let's not be pious about do-gooders' handsome salaries

Donors may feel uneasy that charity bosses earn a lot. But well-meaning volunteers simply couldn't do the job

Participants start pedaling for flood delayed fundraiser ride | CTV Calgary News

Participants start pedaling for flood delayed fundraiser ride | CTV Calgary News: More than 1,600 cyclists made their way through Calgary streets, and highways south of the city, for Saturday’s fifth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer fundraiser.

June’s record flooding forced organizers to switch the date for the two-day ride which will see participants cycling a distance of 200 kilometres between Calgary and Okotoks and back to Calgary.