Charity law 'vital' for sector to grow|2012 NPC and CPPCC|chinadaily.com.cn

Charity law 'vital' for sector to grow|2012 NPC and CPPCC|chinadaily.com.cn: China should speed up legislation on the charity sector to ensure that more grassroots organizations can gain legal status and charity fraud is outlawed, top lawmakers and political advisers have proposed.

gulfnews : Philanthropy versus social responsibility

gulfnews : Philanthropy versus social responsibility: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is neither synonymous with Corporate Philanthropy nor an alternative. In Corporate Philanthropy, corporates donate a certain portion of their profits to charitable causes. In this context, it is perceived as "improper" for corporates to consider receiving any benefit from it.

Ethiopian Charity Law Destroys Human-Rights Groups, Amnesty Says - Businessweek

Ethiopian Charity Law Destroys Human-Rights Groups, Amnesty Says - Businessweek: Ethiopia’s ban on charities from working on human-rights issues if they receive more than 10 percent of their funds from abroad has had a devastating impact on advocacy groups in the country, Amnesty International said.

Philanthropy and the arts – Harold Mitchell's review will create a bigger funding pool

Philanthropy and the arts – Harold Mitchell's review will create a bigger funding pool: Harold Mitchell’s review of private sector arts support is a bit like Ian Thorpe in his swimming heyday.

He’s a big presence, and has dived in with a determined goal and a strategy to win “gold” for the arts, streamlining giving from the big end of town. But Mitchell is also chasing people’s “silver and bronze”. putting forward the case that the arts touches everyday Australians (think Gen Y music festivals and going to films like Red Dog).

How much fundraising is too much? - Civil Society - Fundraising - Blogs - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

How much fundraising is too much? - Civil Society - Fundraising - Blogs - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Fundraisers must have an honest discussion about just how much fundraising there should be or face a situation, says Michael Naidu.

After four and a half years as chair of the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association, in January I handed over the reins of the organisation to Paul Stallard. He joins the organisation at an incredibly challenging but interesting time. The sector is limbering up for the Charities Act review and there are some big questions to be answered.

Charity begins at home: Promoting a culture of philanthropy – The Express Tribune

Charity begins at home: Promoting a culture of philanthropy – The Express Tribune: The ongoing European sovereign debt crisis is a present example of this continuing trend. While taxation is seen as coercive by taxpayers who try their best to evade it, charitable giving is a voluntary act that most of us, whether from the poor or the privileged, would like to perform on different scales.

The new philanthropists | Society | The Guardian

The new philanthropists | Society | The Guardian: The new philanthropists

Wealthy people giving money to the less well-off may sound Victorian, but a new generation of business people are supporting good causes in a smart, 21st-century way. And isn't it time we learned to cheer about it?

Iconic kids charity Make-A-Wish Australia closes in Perth | thetelegraph.com.au

Iconic kids charity Make-A-Wish Australia closes in Perth | thetelegraph.com.au: WA's sickest children are being deprived of their ultimate dreams, with Make-A-Wish Australia halting wish requests and closing its Perth office as the charity hits financial hardship.

Dozens of families of terminally and seriously ill children have been devastated by news the wishes they had promised their children during months of gruelling medical treatments cannot be fulfilled.

Bird charity fights Monkey World for bequest - Telegraph

Bird charity fights Monkey World for bequest - Telegraph: But her will has now sparked a complex legal wrangle - drawing in lawyers for the Attorney General, Dominic Grieve QC - due to the "demise" of the New Forest Owl Sanctuary (NFOS), leaving a question mark hanging over where its �65,000 share should now go.

Mr Grieve's barrister, Christopher Buckley, said NFOS was removed from the Charities Register in August 2006 but, according to Companies House, it was only "dissolved" as a corporation in February 2007, a month after Mrs Spear died.

CMDA gala one of a kind

CMDA gala one of a kind: That sums up the Calgary Mo-tor Dealers Association and its Vehicles and Violins gala event, which features international cui-sine, fine wines and live music thanks to the CPO and the Youth Singers of Calgary's Encore vocalists. In the past 12 years, the CMDA and Vehicles and Violins has helped raise more than $2 mil-lion for a number of local agencies and causes.

The privileged inheritors

The privileged inheritors: Great interest shown in recent years in philanthropy and social entrepreneurship by several of our existing business leaders is providing a platform for the young generation to tackle social concerns. With the resources that are available to them, these entrepreneurs have an opportunity to realise the grand vision of socio-economic development of the country in their lifetime.

Philanthropy 'stymied' by red tape taken to art form

Philanthropy 'stymied' by red tape taken to art form: he senior partner of Arnold Bloch Leibler said bureaucracy associated with one of the country's main philanthropic art programs was so dysfunctional that donors had forgone pledging valuable works of art to the nation because of the red tape involved and the attitude of tax office staff and administrators of the Cultural Gifts Program.

Significant works can be pledged to collecting institutions, attracting immediate tax deductions but allowing the work to remain with the donor until his or her death.

Chef Ramsay Settles N. Zealand Charity Lawsuit | The Jakarta Globe

Chef Ramsay Settles N. Zealand Charity Lawsuit | The Jakarta Globe: Wellington. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay paid NZ$ 100,000 ($ 81,000) to settle a lawsuit for failing to appear at fundraisers for a chronically ill New Zealand girl, the event's organizers said Tuesday.

Philanthropy in the 21st Century: A Guide for Thinkers and Doers - Forbes

Philanthropy in the 21st Century: A Guide for Thinkers and Doers - Forbes: In advance of the Global Philanthropy Forum to be held April 16-18, I interviewed President and co-founder Jane Wales, who launched the Forum in 2001 in partnership with leading Silicon Valley philanthropists who shared a conviction that individuals are not only capable of advancing human security, environmental stewardship, and improved quality of life, but that they must.

Philanthropy in the 21st Century: A Guide for Thinkers and Doers - Forbes

Philanthropy in the 21st Century: A Guide for Thinkers and Doers - Forbes: In advance of the Global Philanthropy Forum to be held April 16-18, I interviewed President and co-founder Jane Wales, who launched the Forum in 2001 in partnership with leading Silicon Valley philanthropists who shared a conviction that individuals are not only capable of advancing human security, environmental stewardship, and improved quality of life, but that they must.

Backlash against chuggers as Gloucester latest city to ban 'charity muggers' - Telegraph

Backlash against chuggers as Gloucester latest city to ban 'charity muggers' - Telegraph: THE backlash against so-called “chuggers” has gathered pace with Gloucester becoming the latest city to ban the charity street fund-raisers after numerous complaints that they are “intimidating” shoppers.

China Continues to Improve Transparency in Philanthropy

China Continues to Improve Transparency in Philanthropy: China will further improve transparency in charities through a variety of measures, including formulating regulations, publicizing yearly reports and implementing annual inspections and assessments, the minister of civil affairs said Monday.

U.K. Nonprofit Umbrella Group Says Government Cuts Could Cost Charities $8.7-Billion - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

U.K. Nonprofit Umbrella Group Says Government Cuts Could Cost Charities $8.7-Billion - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: U.K. Nonprofit Umbrella Group Says Government Cuts Could Cost Charities $8.7-Billion

March 5, 2012, 10:39 am

A report by one of Britain’s leading nonprofit-sector organizations estimated that U.K. charities could lose up to $8.7-billion in public support this year, according to the BBC.

The study by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations was based on expected income loss reported by 1,725 nonprofit groups that applied to the $158-million transition fund set up by the government to help charities hit by local and national budget cuts.

Fast facts | NCVO UK Civil Society Almanac

Fast facts | NCVO UK Civil Society Almanac: Fast facts
Civil society 2009/10 2008/09
Number of organisations

NGO Database

NGO Database: NGO Databases and Directories
Of the many queries that the NGO Cafe regularly receives, one of the most frequent is requests for contact information of NGOs in a particular country or region. This is a meta-directory of such NGO databases and directories in different regions of the world.

Rise in the number of donations in Singapore - Channel NewsAsia

Rise in the number of donations in Singapore - Channel NewsAsia: Finance Minister of State Josephine Teo said there are measures put in place to encourage the well-off to contribute more.

These include tax benefit for donations to approved charities was increased from 200 to 250 per cent in 2009.

And the government also provides matching grants for donations to institutes of higher learning and the long-term care sector.

Analysis: Charity Business - When outsourcing goes wrong

Analysis: Charity Business - When outsourcing goes wrong: When the financial outsourcing company Charity Business collapsed earlier this year, scores of charities were left without the data needed to run their organisations. David Ainsworth reports

On 12 January, Charity Business, an outsourcing company offering financial services to charities, sent an email to its estimated 200 clients saying that it was closing with immediate effect. The move came as a bolt from the blue for many of its charity clients, which relied on it for payroll, bookkeeping and accounting services.

The religious give more to charity, according to CAF report: Religious people donate more than twice as much to charity as those who are not, according to a survey by the Charities Aid Foundation.

CAF found that those who said they had religious beliefs gave an average of �576 to charity over the previous year, compared with �235 by people with no religious faith.

However, only 31 per cent of religious donors had given money to a religious activity.

The top two causes for both religious and non-religious donors were medical charities and overseas aid.

Business in the Community Conference - Number 10

Business in the Community Conference - Number 10: o help small businesses get involved in responsible practice, and to help get more young people into work the Prime Minister also set out plans for:

The launch of “Trading for Good” a new online directory for SMEs that will showcase the good work they do in the community; and provide free toolkits to help businesses get involved in socially responsible practices, like offering apprenticeships and work experience and setting up a payroll giving scheme, and,
A new careers advice web-based service – led by businesses and charitable partners – that will help inspire and support young people aged 11-24 in preparing for their future careers. It will also advertise entry-level jobs, apprenticeships and placements. Later this year they’ll launch a major website – the one-stop-shop for the best careers advice;

Nothing's Certain But Death and Taxes: A Brief Guide to Planned Giving Programs: Nothing's Certain But Death and Taxes: A Brief Guide to Planned Giving Programs
By Benita Aalto
February 27, 2012

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"The biggest wealth transfer in history is set to take place," stated a BMO Retirement Institute Report in July 2009. "In Canada, it has been estimated that Boomers stand to inherit $1 trillion over the next 20 years."

Though the actual inherited amount is acknowledged to be variable and dependent on market fluctuations, it is big enough for many nonprofits to see planned giving, bequests, and other end-of-life gifts seem as a beacon of steady funding in a turbulent sea of grants and a shrinking donor base.

The unexpected challenges and benefits of building a business plan - Civil Society - Governance - Blogs - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

The unexpected challenges and benefits of building a business plan - Civil Society - Governance - Blogs - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: In last month’s blog I wrote about my new focus on developing our charity’s organisational capacity and the varied work this is entailing. Since then, I’ve been working on the one thing that ties all of this wide-ranging work together: creating our business plan.

Although I was familiar with the term “business plan” before we started the process, this is the first time I’ve ever been involved in creating one.

The business plan encapsulates pretty much everything about our charity. From articulating what we do and how we manage ourselves, to describing how we plan to build upon identified opportunities and tackle weaknesses - the business plan covers it all.

City's sons and daughters bring wealth|Charity|chinadaily.com.cn

City's sons and daughters bring wealth|Charity|chinadaily.com.cn: Many of the city's improvements in the last decades are a direct result of the philanthropic endeavors of generations of Ningbo natives who now live in Hong Kong.

These former Ningbo people who moved to the special administrative region have given back to their coastal hometown through donations, establishing charity funds and investing in projects to help the city's economic development.

As Charity and Fraud Move Online, Survey Finds Canadian Millennials are Cavalier with Personal Info - Press Release - Digital Journal

Press Release

As Charity and Fraud Move Online, Survey Finds Canadian Millennials are Cavalier with Personal Info - Press Release - Digital Journal: ORONTO, Feb. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - A new survey commissioned by CanadaHelps.org and Capital One Canada, as part of Fraud Awareness Month, found that 45% of millennials (aged 18-34 years) are taking no steps to ensure a charity is legitimate before making a donation, and more than half (52%) are spontaneous, "on the fly" donors. This kind of behaviour puts millenials at risk for fraud because they are casually handing over their hard-earned money and personal information with little to no planning or due diligence.

Latest from Alliance | Latest from Alliance | News and comment on philanthropy and social investment around the world

Latest from Alliance | Latest from Alliance | News and comment on philanthropy and social investment around the world: The bar room scene occurred at the end of the first day of the annual retreat of the Environmental Funders Network (EFN), an informal network of trusts, foundations and individuals making grants on environmental and conservation issues. EFN was established in the UK to increase the overall level of financial support for environmental causes and to help environmental philanthropy to be as effective as it can be. To that end, EFN has hosted a retreat for the past four years, bringing together philanthropists with experts in the environment sector. By the end of the first day of this year’s event, participants had heard from Michelle DePass, Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and from Jonathon Porritt, the eminent writer, broadcaster and commentator on sustainable development. These speakers and others who followed offered participants challenging and inspiring presentations, giving us much to ponder as we met over food and liquid sustenance.

BBC News - Two decorated eggs on show in London 'missing'

BBC News - Two decorated eggs on show in London 'missing': Action for Children and Elephant Family said the eggs, two of 200 in London, were reported missing on Saturday.

One was the Egg Letter Box by designer Benjamin Shine, which was on Carnaby Street, and the other, Hatch, was designed by artist Natasha Law.

Winchester mum in charity skydive to make extra day of the year count (From Romsey Advertiser)

Winchester mum in charity skydive to make extra day of the year count (From Romsey Advertiser): She will be joined in the skydive by her daughter Hannah, 19, and together they aim to raise �400 each to help fight the disease.

It is part of charity Muscular Dystrophy Campaign ‘Make Today Count’ scheme which aims to raise �30,000 on February 29 through members of the public skydiving and the charity is encouraging others to joining Christine and Hannah.

Trial of 43 NGO workers adjourned until late April - EGYPT - FRANCE 24

Trial of 43 NGO workers adjourned until late April - EGYPT - FRANCE 24: The trial of 43 NGO workers, including 16 Americans, was on Sunday adjourned until the end of April. The US is in "intense discussions" to resolve the issue, which has threatened $1.5 billion in US aid to Egypt.
By News Wires (text)

Arts-specific investment fund prepares for pilot - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Arts-specific investment fund prepares for pilot - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The arts sector could be getting a new source of income as a pilot initiative seeks to bring social investment, common elsewhere in the charity sector, to the arts.

Arts Ventures, an initiative which will attempt to marry up social investors with arts organisations wanting non-grant income, is currently looking for arts organisations interested in taking part in the pilot programme. The initiative is being set up to fund capital developments or boost earned income at arts organisations.

TODAYonline | Singapore | How community hospitals will use charity dollars: SINGAPORE - From improving services, facilities and equipment to offering better salaries to attract more staff, these are some of the ways that community hospitals are planning to use the charity dollars that will be freed up, as a result of the Government's move to increase subsidies for the intermediate and long-term care sector.

Philanthropy In Schooling Urged by Gonski Report | Pro Bono Australia

Philanthropy In Schooling Urged by Gonski Report | Pro Bono Australia: The Australian Government has commissioned a consultancy to address these concerns. Due to report in May 2012, the consultancy will develop guiding principles for school–business relationships that are voluntary and supportive, encourage good practice and emphasise mutual benefit.

A number of submissions to the Gonski review indicated that tax incentives are an important consideration for private individuals, charitable funds or foundations and businesses when making donations, particularly for major giving.

It says that despite recent initiatives to increase philanthropy in schooling, it is clear that more can be done to encourage activity in this area. Approaches to encourage philanthropy in schools should increase their capacity to form philanthropic relationships, reduce barriers to private investment, and provide national leadership and direction in focusing philanthropic activity to all disadvantaged school communities.

Charities call for payroll giving reform - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Charities call for payroll giving reform - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Institute of Fundraising members have overwhelmingly called for payroll giving systems to be universally reformed to meet expected levels of income.

More than 90 per cent of charities polled by the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) said that systems needed to be fundamentally changed to boost donations to meet their requirements and government expectations.

A New Movement in Philanthropy � Acumen Fund Blog

A New Movement in Philanthropy � Acumen Fund Blog: But, my recent excitement is not only about business model innovation it is about philanthropic innovation. Due to the rise in income in many individuals in these regions a group of philanthropists are emerging, mostly business leaders, who are developing new models of philanthropy and innovating in exciting ways. Please note: I don’t want to discount that philanthropy has always been a part of these economies, as the majority of people do give back on a daily basis, in particular to their home communities (I highlight this in a recent blog about my trip to Nigeria). But, I do believe something different is happening.

Payroll Giving In New Zealand - Charity Matters

Payroll Giving In New Zealand - Charity Matters: ince 7 Jan 2010 when Payroll Giving became an option, around $2 million has been given this way, is this a lower level of take up than was to be expected; from feedback received it would appear it is, at least from charity point if view.

Charity's chief retires | This is Plymouth

Charity's chief retires | This is Plymouth: HE chair of a breast care charity has stood down after 14 years in the role.

Dame Margaret Fry has retired from the Primrose Foundation Trustees. The only person to have held the position since the foundation's inception in 1997, she has overseen the creation and growth of the Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital.

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | A Global Nonprofit Ponzi Scheme? Lessons Learned from a Fiscal Sponsor’s Collapse

The Nonprofit Quarterly | @npquarterly | A Global Nonprofit Ponzi Scheme? Lessons Learned from a Fiscal Sponsor’s Collapse: When a nonprofit implodes, the tendency is to avert one’s gaze and hope that it was simply that one nonprofit or its specific cast of characters that made it a “one-off.” When the nonprofit International Humanities Center (IHC), a fiscal sponsor for over 200 projects around the world, imploded, it’s estimated that it took with it more than $1 million in donations that never made it to the intended recipients in what begins to look like a nonprofit version of a Ponzi scheme.

OSCR publishes reference guide on protecting charitable status - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

OSCR publishes reference guide on protecting charitable status - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Scotland’s charity regulator has today published a reference report to help charities understand and address potential issues in meeting the requirements of charitable status.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)'s Protecting Charitable Status is a summary of its reviews over the past six years, used as a guide for charities and information for the public.

Charities reassess brand to attract support | In-Depth Analysis | Marketing Week

Charities reassess brand to attract support | In-Depth Analysis | Marketing Week: Charities are reassessing their branding and marketing communications to try to ensure they appeal to new audiences, as they face additional funding challenges and stalled donations.

Philanthropy 50: America's 10 most generous benefactors | Society | guardian.co.uk

Philanthropy 50: America's 10 most generous benefactors | Society | guardian.co.uk: Philanthropy 50: America's 10 most generous benefactors

Wealthy Americans are giving more to charity as the economy improves, research shows. Here's a list of the top 10 donors

NPC launching survey on new commissioning landscape - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

NPC launching survey on new commissioning landscape - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: New Philanthropy Capital is launching a survey which will attempt to build a picture of how charities are coping with new, more complex and competitive commissioning arrangements, such as payment-by-results.

United Way-style matchmaking service to launch in London - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

United Way-style matchmaking service to launch in London - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: London Voluntary Service Council plans to use the money it won from the Transforming Local Infrastructure Fund to set up a United Way-style model of matchmaking businesses with civil society organisations to boost their capacity.

United Way is a US charity that channels requests for help from voluntary sector organisations to businesses, and generates investment from donors and large businesses in civil society organisations. Two representatives from the charity recently spent time at LVSC helping it to prepare its bid to the Fund.

Christian Aid dumps head of fundraising role - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Christian Aid dumps head of fundraising role - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The decision to make the head of fundraising post redundant follows a review of fundraising at the charity and is part of a new strategy which the charity says will build a “wider ownership for fundraising”.

As part of this new approach, Christian Aid says it will step up its fundraising training and expectations of all staff in the UK and Ireland and its core fundraising teams will work with staff responsible for building relationships with churches and motivating campaigners.

Wolverhampton limits days street fundraisers can operate in the city

Wolverhampton limits days street fundraisers can operate in the city: The city council has brought in the restrictions after 'overwhelming public feedback'


Wolverhampton City Council has cut from five to three the number of days a week when street fundraisers can operate.

The council recently resumed talks with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association over street fundraisers, after the council threatened to fine "nuisance" fundraisers up to �500.

Fundraising self-regulation could expand, says new PFRA chair - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Fundraising self-regulation could expand, says new PFRA chair - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Charity sector self-regulation is ripe for expansion, according to the new chairman of the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association.

In an interview with civilsociety.co.uk, after three weeks in his role as the first paid PFRA chair, Paul Stallard said that with the Charities Act 2006 review underway this year, the fundraising sector has a chance to prove the effectiveness, and expand the role, of self-regulation.

Rockefeller daughter Peggy Dulany asks India Inc's scions to join Global Philanthropists Circle - The Economic Times

Rockefeller daughter Peggy Dulany asks India Inc's scions to join Global Philanthropists Circle - The Economic Times

For charities, plans to abolish street fundraising would be a catastrophe - Telegraph

For charities, plans to abolish street fundraising would be a catastrophe - Telegraph: f EveryChild didn’t send fund raisers, or as many people disparagingly call them ‘chuggers’, on to the streets of London, we wouldn’t be able to protect so many of the 24 million children growing up vulnerable and alone in the developing world.

It’s as simple as that. It might sound melodramatic but it’s true.

Senior charity managers should be more involved in fundraising, says Shelter chief | Third Sector

Senior charity managers should be more involved in fundraising, says Shelter chief | Third Sector: Speaking at an event on successful fundraising at Cass Business School last night, the former director-general of the Office of the Third Sector - the forerunner of the Office for Civil Society - said many people in the voluntary sector almost wanted to pretend that fundraising happened by magic.

"For many in the voluntary sector, board and chief executives in particular, fundraising is their dirty secret," he said. "For me this is an untenable position."

He said senior management should show that fundraising was important and should be involved in it.

Uncertainty over postage costs hampers direct mail campaigns, agency warns | Third Sector

Uncertainty over postage costs hampers direct mail campaigns, agency warns | Third Sector: Uncertainty over how much the cost of postage will rise in April is making it difficult for fundraisers to plan direct mail campaigns, a direct marketing agency has warned.

Nick Pride, managing director of the agency DMS, which puts together direct marketing campaigns for 19 charities, said he had been told by Royal Mail that the cost of stamps would be increasing in April, but it would not be able to say by how much until late February.

Oxfam launches its first investment fund - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Oxfam launches its first investment fund - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Oxfam has launched an investment fund, with social and financial returns, which will target small and medium companies in developing countries by investing in local financial intermediaries which focus on small enterprise development.

The fund, called the Small Enterprise Impact Investment Fund (SEIIF) is a joint initiative between Oxfam and asset management group Symbiotics, which already manages $200m in 24 microfinance funds. It will target small and medium enterprises in developing countries, and give investors both measurable social impacts and financial returns. Investors are being sought for the fund.

Institute of Fundraising sees role in boosting giving - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Institute of Fundraising sees role in boosting giving - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The Institute of Fundraising sees itself as having a role to play in boosting giving, according to a newly-published consultation document on its proposed new strategic objectives.

Impact group: charities could allocate percentage of funding for impact measurement - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Impact group: charities could allocate percentage of funding for impact measurement - Civil Society - Finance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The Inspiring Impact Group, a coalition of voluntary sector bodies seeking to provide collective leadership on measuring impact over the next 10 years, is considering encouraging funders to allocate at least 5 per cent of funding to evaluation and measurement.

The group, which includes NCVO, Acevo and Charities Evaluation Services (CES), met for the first time this month. Andy Gregg, chief executive of CES, said the group was thinking about encouraging funders to make sure 5 - 10 per cent of their funding is spent on the evaluation and measurement of that funding.

UK should strengthen links with private foundations on philanthropy, say MPs | Global development | guardian.co.uk

UK should strengthen links with private foundations on philanthropy, say MPs | Global development | guardian.co.uk: The Department for International Development (DfID) must foster closer ties with private foundations in order to maximise the impact of philanthropy in the developing world, according to a report by the House of Commons international development committee.

The report, published on Friday, acknowledges the positive potential of private foundations, highlighting the results that can be achieved by philanthropic bodies unfettered by political and financial constraints.

Consultation asks whether charities should be registered as lobbyists | Third Sector

Consultation asks whether charities should be registered as lobbyists | Third Sector: A Cabinet Office consultation on plans to set up a register of lobbyists asks whether charities and groups lobbying on their behalf should be required to join the register.

The consultation document, Introducing a Statutory Register of Lobbyists, was published today.

Nonprofits in China � Local Governments Bring Transparency to Charity

Nonprofits in China � Local Governments Bring Transparency to Charity: From the Guo Meimei-induced Red Cross scandal to the Lu Meimei-led China-Africa Project Hope controversy, China’s charity causes underwent a trust crisis in 2011.

During the Fourth Session of the 11th National People’s Congress in early 2011, representatives suggested that Charity Law or Social Donation Law be established soon in order to position China’s charity causes for healthy growth in the future.

Institute of Development Studies - IDS welcomes Parliamentary report on philanthropic solution to aid in tough times

Institute of Development Studies - IDS welcomes Parliamentary report on philanthropic solution to aid in tough times: DS researchers working on the Bellagio Initiative welcomed the UK Parliament's International Development Committee (IDC) report into private foundations and called for a new relationship between private foundations and those working to end global poverty.

Welsh government to investigate alleged abuse of charitable funds - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Welsh government to investigate alleged abuse of charitable funds - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The Welsh government has launched an investigation into the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema), which is mired in a trustee row over alleged misuse of charity funds by its chief executive.

Vice-chair of the charity Dr Sibani Roy has resigned in protest at the refusal of Awema’s chief executive Naz Malik to step down following an inquiry report commissioned by some of the trustees, which found instances of serious abuse of funds and other misconduct within the organisation.

Welsh government to investigate alleged abuse of charitable funds - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Welsh government to investigate alleged abuse of charitable funds - Civil Society - Governance - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: The Welsh government has launched an investigation into the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema), which is mired in a trustee row over alleged misuse of charity funds by its chief executive.

Vice-chair of the charity Dr Sibani Roy has resigned in protest at the refusal of Awema’s chief executive Naz Malik to step down following an inquiry report commissioned by some of the trustees, which found instances of serious abuse of funds and other misconduct within the organisation.

Blackbaud Take Over of Convio - Little Impact on Australian NFPs | Pro Bono Australia

Blackbaud Take Over of Convio - Little Impact on Australian NFPs | Pro Bono Australia: While the US and UK are abuzz with news that the international software provider to Not for Profits, Blackbaud, has announced a $275 million acquisition of rival company Convio, there’s likely to be little immediate impact in the Australian market.

United Way of Calgary sets fundraising record

United Way of Calgary sets fundraising record: The United Way set a new record in raising $54 million during the 2011 campaign.

Me and My Corporation: A Tale of Interest and Impact

Me and My Corporation: A Tale of Interest and Impact: You may have noticed the facelift Coke underwent this holiday season. For the first time ever, Coca-Cola changed the colour of its cans, from red to white. The exceptional transformation stems from a partnership with the World Wildlife Fund — a relationship dating back to 2007 focused on supporting conservation efforts — and a holiday campaign called Arctic Home.

Designed to protect the polar bears in the Arctic (hence the white hue), the multifaceted campaign has Coca-Cola matching individual donations up to $1 million until March 2012. Considering the iconic role of the polar bear in Coca-Cola marketing over the past 100 years, the partnership seems a logical step for Coke. "It was long overdue in my opinion," echoes Pete Ewins, WWF-Canada's resident polar bear expert.

Charities' online donations scuppered by broken Charity Choice links - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Charities' online donations scuppered by broken Charity Choice links - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Hundreds of charities may have lost the ability to accept online donations after web-based donation service Charity Choice upgraded its website and changed the links from charities' own sites.

Charity Choice, which is owned by publishing giant Wilmington, provides services including an online basic donation facility to more than 4,200 charities across the UK.

Cameron, Clegg and Miliband pledge to leave 10 per cent of estates to charity | Third Sector

Cameron, Clegg and Miliband pledge to leave 10 per cent of estates to charity | Third Sector: Leaders of three main parties give their backing to the Legacy10 campaign
Click here to find out more!

The leaders of the three main political parties have backed a campaign that encourages people to leave at least 10 per cent of their wealth to charity in their wills

Creation Development Trust is the first Big Society Award winner in Wales - Number 10

Creation Development Trust is the first Big Society Award winner in Wales - Number 10: Creation Development Trust was set up in 2000 by members of the local community to tackle social and economic problems in the region. Since then they have helped local people and groups to set up projects to improve all aspects of life in Bridgend from the Creation caf�which is used to help develop internet skills to the Knitting Nannas group which produces knitted items for charitable organisations. Last year over 700 people benefitted from training and development activities run by the Trust, 20% of which had a disability

Stretched to charitable extremes

Stretched to charitable extremes: t is not just celebrities or their surviving parents who want good to come out of tragedy. Ordinary people may also desire a tangible memorial to a loved one that goes beyond, say, a scholarship in their name. One's own charity can serve many purposes: to do good work, to immortalise the child or partner and, quite often, to subsume the founders' grief in work, publicity and fund-raising.

Add to these inevitably small organisations the bigger foundations celebrated sportsmen and their ilk establish, and what we have in Australia, no less than in Britain, is a crowded and fragmented charity field.

Why charities and celebrity patrons are a winning combination | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: Why charities and celebrity patrons are a winning combination

Jonathan Pryce discusses his experiences as a celebrity charity patron, and what it takes to make the relationship work

This million-dollar gift 50 years in the making - Winnipeg Free Press

This million-dollar gift 50 years in the making - Winnipeg Free Press: LAURIE Johnston took a gift of $200 more than a half-century ago and turned it into $1 million.

The retired pharmacist donated $500,000 on Friday to both the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation and the Riverview Heath Centre Foundation.

The impetus for his philanthropy dates back to 1949 when Johnston was a cash-strapped student in his fourth year of pharmacy school. He was considering taking a year off to work when a friend of the family called him over one day and handed him an envelope containing $200.

Metro - Warm weather not welcome for charities

Metro - Warm weather not welcome for charities: The balmy winter weather hasn’t been so great for Edmonton charities, many of which are struggling to meet year-end targets after a less than festive-feeling holiday season.

One Brand Taps 'Generation-G' And The Rise Of The Philanthropic Consumer

One Brand Taps 'Generation-G' And The Rise Of The Philanthropic Consumer: f what we buy is what we are, then we might just be getting better, according to Duncan Goose, the creator of the philanthropic consumer brand One. Goose believes that there is a seismic shift in consumption building up, where companies’ core values are as – if not more - important than their products.

“We are right at the infancy of a step change in consumer behaviour,” Goose told the Huffington Post UK in an interview.

Are South African NGOs Employers of Choice or Necessity? | NGO Pulse

Are South African NGOs Employers of Choice or Necessity? | NGO Pulse: Working in civil society organisations is viewed as conscientised work and is based on the premise that those involved in civil society professions are motivated by more than just a salary, performance bonus and cellphone allowance. For many people working in the development sector the opportunity to contribute to social change is far more rewarding than being able to buy the latest Audi Q1, but are our NGOs willing and able to reflect on their people management practices to ensure that they are able to hire and retain the talent both from the corporate and development sectors?

Institute of Fundraising lobbies peers over edited electoral register | Third Sector: Louise Richards, director of policy and campaigns at the IoF, is lobbying a number of peers in advance of the debate. It is strongly against abolition of the register and been warning for some time that the Ministry of Justice is likely to abolish it.

The register does not contain details of people who have opted out of receiving marketing materials and is available for general purchase. It is used by many charities in their fundraising.

I want to donate directly to a grassroots group - The Globe and Mail

I want to donate directly to a grassroots group - The Globe and Mail: It’s attractive to donate directly to truly grassroots projects, without the middleman of government or large international organizations. These local groups are more closely in touch with their community’s needs, and they don’t spend your money on advertisements or fundraising. However, besides not being able to grant charitable tax receipts, they’re also less likely to have audited statements, impact assessments or other formal means of oversight to ensure from a distance that your donation is being well used.

One in four Brits reduced donations in 2011 - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

One in four Brits reduced donations in 2011 - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: One in four Brits say they gave less to charity last year than the year before, according to a new study released today.

Charities saw a 12 per cent drop in total donation values in 2011, with the average falling to �186.15. Only one in ten of the more than 2,000 people surveyed, in research commissioned by Investec, claimed to have given more in 2011 than in the previous year. A minority of people, 6 per cent, who gave to charities in 2010 gave nothing in 2011.

Delight as East Coast Truckers told Norfolk charity convoy can go ahead this year - News - Norwich Evening News

Delight as East Coast Truckers told Norfolk charity convoy can go ahead this year - News - Norwich Evening News: A question mark was hanging over the event, which has been running for more than a quarter of a century, and which last year saw trucks take more than 70 disabled and disadvantaged children to a special day out at Pleasurewood Hills.

The concern was that issues around ensuring the safety of the event could prevent the much-loved convoy from happening.

Mixed results for charities over Christmas fundraising

Mixed results for charities over Christmas fundraising: CALGARY — Despite a miserly December, many city charities have come through the holidays with better than expected balance sheets while others are still struggling to meet fundraising targets necessary to seeing them through until next fall.

112 charities urge improving transparency, public trust - Home � Other Sections � Breaking News

112 charities urge improving transparency, public trust - Home � Other Sections � Breaking News: EIJING (Xinhua) -- A total of 112 Chinese charitable organizations called for promoting transparency and public trust after a spate of scandals discredited the country's philanthropic groups last year.

The charities made the pledge on Sunday at an annual meeting on Chinese philanthropy, vowing to make further efforts to improve self-discipline within the sector.

In 2011, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), China's largest charity, was the focus of a major scandal involving a young woman calling herself "Guo Meimei." The woman claimed to be a general manager for "Red Cross Commerce," an organization that the RCSC claimed did not exist.

The charities chosen by the Kate Middleton - Telegraph

The charities chosen by the Kate Middleton - Telegraph: The charities chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess of Cambridge has announced that she will be patron of four charities and volunteer as a Scout Leader.

Government funding of universities to hit 100-year low - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits

Government funding of universities to hit 100-year low - Civil Society - Fundraising - News - providing news and in-depth coverage of charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits: Universities will have to rely increasingly on fundraising and student fees as a new report finds that government funding of universities is set to plummet to a proportion not seen since the early 20th century.

Government reforms to university funding will see the income universities receive from the public coffers drop to 15 per cent of total income by 2014/15, nearly half the proportion made up by government funding in 2010/11. The University and College Union (UCU) estimates the total government funding of universities in 2010/11 at �6.6bn and predicts it will fall to a total of �3.7bn in the following three years.

Why have national broadcasters ignored the heroism of charity rowers? | Media | guardian.co.uk

Why have national broadcasters ignored the heroism of charity rowers? | Media | guardian.co.uk: Portal and Cash are risking their lives to raise money for a charity, Facing the World, which exists in order to provide life-changing facial reconstructive surgery by some of Britain's leading surgeons to children from the world's poorest countries.

This incredibly brave pair set themselves the task of rowing, two hours on and two hours off, day after day for two months or more, in the hope of raising �300,000 for the charity.

New forms of disaster relief a better alternative to straightforward giving - The Mainichi Daily News

New forms of disaster relief a better alternative to straightforward giving - The Mainichi Daily News: But here, in this desolate town, some locals are undertaking new efforts. In November, Masaki Takahashi, 36, the head of the planning department at long-established fish-processing company Takamasa & Co., proposed a "local buying for local consumption" scheme for relief supplies. With the cooperation of the local association of commerce and industry, he created a system by which those wanting to offer assistance can do so by purchasing goods from companies in the disaster-hit areas. Whoever wants to send aid can contact the local commerce and industry association, which supplies the names and contact information of local companies carrying the goods the callers are hoping to donate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake

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

Indiawest: Indian Americans Most Successful, Inspiring Diaspora: Blake

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

Comic Relief tops list of charity employers | Third Sector

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

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

Kind hearts or a dead giveaway?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charity rankings often don't tell the full story

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

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

School Pocket Money Fund becomes a charity in 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Times Higher Education - Large donations to universities drop 50%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New CAF study suggests world is becoming 'more charitable'

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David Mills
Guardian Professional, Tuesday 20 December 2011 01.30 EST
Article history

Planet Earth in Outer Space
The World Giving Index 2011 has revealed the world is 'more charitable'. Photograph: Corbis

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

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

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

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