National Audit Office to investigate Charity Commission's ability to regulate

National Audit Office to investigate Charity Commission's ability to regulate: The National Audit Office will complete a report on the Charity Commission's ability to effectively regulate the sector after MPs voiced serious concerns at a Public Accounts Committee meeting this morning.

William Shawcross, chairman of the Charity Commission and Sam Younger, chief executive appeared before the Public Accounts Committee this morning to answer questions on the Commission’s investigation into the Cup Trust, which was used

Report says new tax reliefs could unlock �480m in social investments

Report says new tax reliefs could unlock �480m in social investments: The Role of Tax Incentives in Encouraging Social Investment, was commissioned by the City of London Corporation and Big Society Capital. It says that adapting the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT), which provide tax incentives to encourage individuals to provide venture capital to small businesses, could generate up to �165m in social investment over a three-year period and �480m over a five-year period.

Irish charities find the going gets tougher | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

Irish charities find the going gets tougher | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: Irish charities find the going gets tougher

The charity sector in Ireland must bridge the gap between growing demand and falling income

Green Shoots of Philanthropy in Asia | Forbes India Blog

Green Shoots of Philanthropy in Asia | Forbes India Blog: In 2012, The Global Philanthropy Forum partnered with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) of Singapore, Resource Alliance and the Community Foundation Singapore to launch the first Philanthropy in Asia Summit, a gathering of Asian philanthropists and those they support throughout the region. Asian philanthropists gathered there to teach, to learn, to reinforce one another so that philanthropy in the region, like bamboo, can grow and flourish.

Culture, uncertain economy effect giving (SETimes.com)

Culture, uncertain economy effect giving (SETimes.com): Most Turks are comparatively reluctant to donate to charity or take time out to help strangers in need, according to the 2012 World Giving Index, a report based on survey data published by the UK-based Charities Aid Foundation.

Majority of public thinks government spends too much on international aid

Majority of public thinks government spends too much on international aid: Over 70 per cent of the public think that Britain spends too much on international aid, but only 38 per cent think that spending money from the UK’s aid budget on peacekeeping and other defence-related projects is right.

Some 2011 people were quizzed by ComRes on the news that Prime Minister David Cameron was considering reassigning funding from the Department of International Development to defence.

Young musician a prodigy in charitable giving U.S. pianist, 11, has wowed audiences and raised millions for good causes

Young musician a prodigy in charitable giving U.S. pianist, 11, has wowed audiences and raised millions for good causes: Young musician a prodigy in charitable giving U.S. pianist, 11, has wowed audiences and raised millions for good causes

3 storytelling lessons | Usha Menon |

3 storytelling lessons | Usha Menon |: s our story of personal relevance to the potential donor?

The fundraiser in me has derived a very important lesson from this parable. Ganesh ensured his parents were part of his course of action, which made the decision of selecting the winner an easy task for them. I find this a good reminder when we need to tell a story of the causes for which funds need to be raised. The potential donor needs to be given a part in the story!

Just five MSPs use payroll giving

Just five MSPs use payroll giving: Only five of the 129 members of Scottish Parliament use payroll giving to donate to charity, well below the average uptake of give as you earn at other employers.

People give to the charities that show donations make a difference | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

People give to the charities that show donations make a difference | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: VSN: Impact and effectiveness hub

People give to the charities that show donations make a difference

Evidence of the difference a charity makes is one of the main things supporters consider, a new survey shows

Global charitable giving could reach �146bn by 2030, says Charities Aid Foundation report | Third Sector

Global charitable giving could reach �146bn by 2030, says Charities Aid Foundation report | Third Sector: John Low, chief executive of CAF, says governments and the voluntary sector should tap into the potential of the world's emerging economies

Global charitable giving from middle class people could rise to �146bn by 2030 if they donate as much to charity as those in the UK, says new research from the Charities Aid Foundation.

Future World Giving: unlocking the potential of global philanthropy, launched today at the House of Commons, says the increase could be achieved if governments and the voluntary sector are able to tap into the giving potential of the world’s emerging economies.

Peter Bone to meet Nick Hurd to discuss bill to amend Charities Act 2011

Peter Bone to meet Nick Hurd to discuss bill to amend Charities Act 2011: Conservative MP's bill seeks to reinstate the presumption of public benefit for religious organisations

An MP who has proposed a bill to reinstate the presumption of public benefit for religious organisations will today meet with the charities minister, Nick Hurd, to discuss it.

Peter Bone, Conservative MP for Wellingborough, presented a Ten Minute Rule Motion in the House of Commons on 19 December seeking leave to bring a bill to amend the Charities Act 2011 to "treat all religious institutions as charities".

Book News: 'Life Of Pi' Author Strips Down For Charity : The Two-Way : NPR

Book News: 'Life Of Pi' Author Strips Down For Charity : The Two-Way : NPR: A group of prominent Canadian authors are stripping down for a (mostly) nude calendar. Proceeds from the Bare It For Books project will go to PEN Canada, an organization that promotes freedom of expression. The (actually kind of hunky) Life of Pi author Yann Martel will be Mr. December.

CECP Insights

CECP Insights: As corporations become more global, so does their giving; businesses are targeting their CSR efforts in communities in which they operate or have a customer base. According to CECP's 2012 Giving in Numbers report, companies that generated more than half of their total revenue from abroad gave more than 20 percent of their total contributions to international programs. Countries with emerging markets (such as Brazil, India, China and many African nations) are seeing positive changes in their giving landscapes thanks in large part to major corporations viewing CSR activities in these regions as long term business investments, rather than simple philanthropy. As globalization makes the world smaller every day, supply chains, a diverse employee base and international customers make it important for even U.S.-based companies with no direct international presence to think globally when it comes to their philanthropic efforts. This is especially exciting for us at Global Impact because international giving is our specialty; with member organizations in virtually every developing country in the world, we can create custom giving solutions that meet business goals.

One in four don’t think NHS will exist in 20 years

One in four don’t think NHS will exist in 20 years: One in four Brits think the NHS will be defunct within the next two decades, according to new research.

A poll conducted early this month of British adults found that 21 per cent of men and three in ten women believed the NHS will cease to exist in 20 years time.

Emerging association markets in the MENA region | MCI Middle East | AMEinfo.com

Emerging association markets in the MENA region | MCI Middle East | AMEinfo.com: Official statistics about associations in the region are hard to find especially in the wake of the Arab Spring however within the region Egypt and Saudi have the most vibrant local and regional associations. Associations in the Levant region are more developed in nature and have been around for around 60-70 years due to a greater freedom for set up and operations of not for profit entities. The culture of volunteerism is prevalent throughout the region largely due to the religious influence.

There are many successful regional and local associations engaged in activities similar to the western associations namely conferences, meetings and small events. Events function as the lifeline of such association providing funds to sustain continued operations.

Medical charities given free access to impact measurement tool

Medical charities given free access to impact measurement tool: The Medical Research Council (MRC) has given the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) �1m to allow members with a research spend below �25m free access to a new impact measurement tool.

Charity Commission to move to smaller headquarters

Charity Commission to move to smaller headquarters: The Charity Commission is moving into new London offices that will provide four desks for every five employees.

The move will allow the regulator to more than halve its annual accommodation costs.

Arts philanthropy: alive or dead? – poll | Culture professionals network | guardian.co.uk

Arts philanthropy: alive or dead? – poll | Culture professionals network | guardian.co.uk: Arts philanthropy: alive or dead? – poll

Can individual donations fill the gap left behind by cuts in government funding? Have your say by voting in our poll

There’s Something about Love - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

There’s Something about Love - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly
In the fall of 2012, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Toronto Congress did an amazing “fundraising theatre production” on the closing day of the conference. It was produced by Tony Elischer and directed by Jon Duschinsky and it starred presenters from all over the world. The 2012 Fundraising Theatre production featured every letter of the alphabet with video, PowerPoint, and presenter commentary. For instance, the audience found that A = affinity, C = collaboration, D = digital and donations, E = emotions, I = innovation, J = joy, M = money, P = philanthropy and passion, R = relationship, T = thank you and V = vision.

$155-Million U.K. Art Bequest Tied to Free Display of Works - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

$155-Million U.K. Art Bequest Tied to Free Display of Works - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: 155-Million U.K. Art Bequest Tied to Free Display of Works

February 20, 2013, 9:26 am

A British banking heir and art collector left his trove of Italian Baroque masterworks, valued at an estimated $155-million, to the United Kingdom with the stipulation that they go to institutions that will display them for free and never sell them, reports The Independent.

BBC: Talk Show World Record to Be Set for Charity - The Hollywood Reporter

BBC: Talk Show World Record to Be Set for Charity - The Hollywood Reporter: LONDON – The BBC is aiming to set a world record for the most questions asked on a TV talk show as part of an upcoming Comic Relief charity fund raising efforts.

Analysis: Is rise in volunteering a triumph for the government?

Analysis: Is rise in volunteering a triumph for the government?: Home �
News �
Analysis: Is the rise in volunteering a triumph for the government?

Analysis: Is the rise in volunteering a triumph for the government?

Third Sector, 19 February 2013
Social action: but will the trend continue?

Social action: but will the trend continue?
Ministers have hailed the growth in the proportion of people volunteering, but some experts argue it could be just a 'blip'. Jenna Pudelek reports.

Figures from the new quarterly Community Life survey published last week by the Cabinet Office showed that the proportion of people in England volunteering at least once a year increased from 65 per cent to 71 per cent between 2011 and 2012.

Poll suggests most people oppose paying charity trustees

Poll suggests most people oppose paying charity trustees: More than half of Britons are against paying charity trustees, research released today by nfpSynergy suggests.

The poll of 1,000 people was conducted in November. According to the results, only 14 per cent of respondents thought trustees should be paid, whereas 54 per cent were against paying trustees. This was made up of 29 per cent who said they "definitely should not be paid" and 25 per cent who said they "probably" should not receive salaries.

Azim Premji to commit more of his wealth to philanthropy - Indian Express

Azim Premji to commit more of his wealth to philanthropy - Indian Express: Wipro Chairman Azim Premji today said he will commit more of his wealth to philanthropy, as his Foundation scales up work to improve equity and quality of the primary education system in the country.

Ukrainian tycoon pledges half fortune for charity

Ukrainian tycoon pledges half fortune for charity: Viktor Pinchuk, the Ukrainian metals and media tycoon who is the country's second-richest man, said on Tuesday that he would give at least half of his estimated $3.7 billion (2.7-billion-euro) fortune to charity.

Russian Oligarch Joins U.S. Charity Pledge - Emerging Europe Real Time - WSJ

Russian Oligarch Joins U.S. Charity Pledge - Emerging Europe Real Time - WSJ: MOSCOW—Billionaire metals magnate Vladimir Potanin has become the first Russian tycoon to join Bill Gates’s and Warren Buffett’s exclusive The Giving Pledge campaign created to encourage the world’s wealthiest people to give away at least half of their fortunes to charity.

Japan disaster relief effort boosted by 'goodwill gold rush' | World news | guardian.co.uk

Japan disaster relief effort boosted by 'goodwill gold rush' | World news | guardian.co.uk: Japan disaster relief effort boosted by 'goodwill gold rush'

Anonymous donor from northern Japan sends eight gold ingots worth �160,000 to Ishinomaki, where 3,000 people died

A New Year for Asian Philanthropy to Make an Impact

A New Year for Asian Philanthropy to Make an Impact: The Rise of Philanthropy in Asia. This blog series explores emerging developments in efforts to measure the impact of Asian philanthropy, especially in China. In 2007, The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s cover story was “Philanthropy’s New Frontier” and featured the ultra-wealthy Li Ka Shing from Hong Kong. The feature story’s backdrop was the economic rise of Asia and consequently the boom of wealthy individuals and their forays into philanthropy. Philanthropists in Asia, as well as those based in the West, are investing in social programs and organizations to tackle societal problems and create new systems for sustainability and resilience. But what have these efforts produced? And what are the legal, economic, and social trends motivating or hindering efforts to evaluate the impact of Asian philanthropy?

Billionaires Gates, Slim follow different paths to philanthropy | Nation & World | The Seattle Times

Billionaires Gates, Slim follow different paths to philanthropy | Nation & World | The Seattle Times: Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is famed for his philanthropy. Carlos Slim Helu, the Mexican tycoon, is not. Last week, they stood together at a research center here, drawing attention to their different approaches to giving their wealth away.

Charities may get extra year to claim gift aid small donations

Charities may get extra year to claim gift aid small donations: Parliament is to consider changes to the gift aid small donations scheme regulations which will double the amount of time charities have to claim on small cash donations.

Draft regulations were laid before Parliament at the end of last week which will mean that charities can claim GASDS on donations made up to two years previous, as opposed to the one year in the previous regulations.

Mmegi Online :: Awards for innovative fundraisers

Mmegi Online :: Awards for innovative fundraisers: Fundraisers who help to bring about positive social change by finding innovative and creative ways to mobilise resources for the non-profit sector in southern Africa will, for the first time this year, have an opportunity to compete for regional and global recognition in fundraising by entering the inaugural Southern Africa Fundraising Awards (SAFA).

Donations to charity rise despite fewer donors - Business - CBC News

Donations to charity rise despite fewer donors - Business - CBC News: Fewer Canadians are giving to charity, but those who are making donations are giving more, according to the latest figures gleaned from tax records.

Community Foundation Network rebrands as UK Community Foundations

Community Foundation Network rebrands as UK Community Foundations: Community Foundation Network, which connects individuals and organisations with local communities, has changed its name to UK Community Foundations with immediate effect.

The charity, which has an income of �11.3m, was founded in 1975 and alongside the name change now carries the strapline “for thriving communities”.

Manitobans generous when giving charitable donations

Manitobans generous when giving charitable donations

VAT ruling could 'open the floodgates' for cultural admissions

VAT ruling could 'open the floodgates' for cultural admissions: A recent decision by the tax tribunal in favour of the British Film Institute could open the floodgates for more cultural charities to claim their admission fees should be exempt from VAT.

Last year, the BFI brought a case before the First-Tier Tribunal (Tax and Chancery) that the VAT exemption that already applies to “cultural services” such as museums, art galleries and theatre performances should also cover admissions to cinema screenings hosted by charitable bodies.

Mumbai to host philanthropy week

Mumbai to host philanthropy week: Mumbai, Feb 12 (IANS) Over 600 leaders from different spheres will come together from Feb 28 to discuss social problems faced by the country and how these can be addressed through strategic philanthropy.

"India's social sector is witnessing rapid transformation with both philanthropy and entrepreneurship increasing in size and impact. We are witnessing innovative models in funding, organisational structures and delivery mechanisms than ever before," said Deval Sanghavi, co-founder of Dasra, a philanthropy foundation organising the event.

We should rebalance the wealth of the charity sector

We should rebalance the wealth of the charity sector: As many charities struggle without mega-donations from the generous wealthy, the sector should consider a redistribution of charitable gifts, lest the charity market become dominated by a few big players, says Peter Horah.

The increased number of high-value donations to charities, reported in the Million Pound Donors Report released late last year, reminds us of the challenges facing smaller charities which are less fortunate in receiving such generous support.

Promueven capacitación para gestores de fondos

Promueven capacitación para gestores de fondos: El objetivo es ofrecer cursos de conocimiento, elaboración de proyectos y de manejar de manera eficiente los recursos, expresa Torres Kee

Promueven capacitación para gestores de fondos

Promueven capacitación para gestores de fondos: El objetivo es ofrecer cursos de conocimiento, elaboración de proyectos y de manejar de manera eficiente los recursos, expresa Torres Kee

Fundraising summit cancelled after controversy on gender balance | Third Sector

Fundraising summit cancelled after controversy on gender balance | Third Sector: Home �
News �
Fundraising summit cancelled after controversy on gender balance


By Jenna Pudelek, Third Sector Online, 11 February 2013
Fundraising summit cancelled after controversy on gender balance
Organiser Giles Pegram was heavily criticised after he defended the conference's line-up of nine male speakers and one woman

A conference on the future of fundraising organised by Giles Pegram and Adrian Sargeant has been cancelled after controversy arose over the gender balance of its line-up of speakers.

The one-day event, entitled The Summit: Raising the Extra Billions, was to feature nine male speakers, including Sargeant, professor of marketing and fundraising at Plymouth Business School, and Pegram, a fundraising consultant and former fundraising director at the NSPCC. Jen Shang, a professor in philanthropic psychology at the University of Bristol – and Sargeant’s partner – was the only woman involved.

Arts goers more likely to volunteer, have better overall health

Arts goers more likely to volunteer, have better overall health: Art gallery visits, theatre, classical music, pop music and cultural festival attendance, and reading books were especially linked with higher volunteerism.

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KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghan charity sees rejuvenated Scouting program (it’s coed) as way to instill values - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghan charity sees rejuvenated Scouting program (it’s coed) as way to instill values - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com: KABUL, Afghanistan -- PARSA, the group that got the clothes collected by Maryland Boy Scout John Ferry to the cave dwellers of Bamiyan, has worked to revive Scouting in Afghanistan since 2009.

PARSA is one of the country’s oldest charities, with programs to train teachers and social workers to deal with psychological issues in orphanages and schools, to help women start small businesses and to provide education to women and children who can’t attend traditional schools for various reasons.

Motsepe forges a path - Business News | IOL Business | IOL.co.za

Motsepe forges a path - Business News | IOL Business | IOL.co.za: Alfred Thutloa, the philanthropy co-ordinator of Inyathelo, which is committed to developing a strong local philanthropic movement, said on Friday Motsepe’s initiative represented a major breakthrough for personal philanthropy in South Africa.

“Motsepe’s very public gesture will encourage others to commit their personal resources towards broader social development.”

Philanthropist Amanda Bloch described Motsepe’s move as “absolutely wonderful” adding: “It should stand as an example for all South Africans.”

Indians becoming more interested in philanthropy: Bill Gates to NDTV | NDTV.com

Indians becoming more interested in philanthropy: Bill Gates to NDTV | NDTV.com: Indians becoming more interested in philanthropy: Bill Gates to NDTV

Donors closing wallets to Canadian charities who work with CIDA, mining companies | Toronto Star

Donors closing wallets to Canadian charities who work with CIDA, mining companies | Toronto Star

No, Minister, philanthropy is not the answer for the arts - News - Yorkshire Post

No, Minister, philanthropy is not the answer for the arts - News - Yorkshire Post: ever since the coalition Government made clear its thoughts on arts funding, the cultural community has kicked against the Big Idea.

While the cuts came as little surprise, the central notion around the cuts, that philanthropy was the way forward, was unexpected. Moneyed individuals held the key to the funding of the arts, said Jeremy Hunt, when appointed Culture Secretary in 2010.

Forbes India Magazine - Using Star Power for Philanthropy

Forbes India Magazine - Using Star Power for Philanthropy: Using Star Power for Philanthropy

Charity Cup Trust tax avoidance scheme

Charity Cup Trust tax avoidance scheme: A charity at the centre of a multi-million pound tax-avoidance scheme had been investigated by the Charity Commission, but was allowed to continue operating because it had not broken any charity laws.

The Times today revealed that the Cup Trust had enabled its donors to avoid a total of �46m in tax through gift aid incentives

Foundation Center - Press Release - Online Resource of Mexican Philanthropy Launched

Foundation Center - Press Release - Online Resource of Mexican Philanthropy Launched: Mexico City, Mexico, and New York, NY, USA — January 30, 2013. A new searchable database of more than 22,000 Mexican philanthropies, Fondos a la Vista, has been launched by the Foundation Center in New York in partnership with the Mexico-based Alternativas y Capacidades and the Philanthropy and Civil Society Project at ITAM (Instituto Tecnol�gico Aut�nomo de M�xico). The online resource provides the Mexican public with reliable, comprehensive information about domestic donors and their philanthropic activity, including the organizations they support.

Payroll giving consultation is disappointing, says IoF

Payroll giving consultation is disappointing, says IoF: Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising, has given a lukewarm response to the government’s long-awaited consultation on how to reform payroll giving, saying it does not go far enough to address fundamental problems in the system.

The consultation, which addresses how to make it easier to administer payroll giving and drive up the amounts raised through the scheme, makes a number of suggestions, including introducing standardised sign-up forms for all donors, employers and agencies.

With Lessons for U.S., U.K. Report Eyes Nonprofit Sector Autonomy - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

With Lessons for U.S., U.K. Report Eyes Nonprofit Sector Autonomy - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: Does government or corporate money make charities reluctant to speak out and advocate? That’s the concern in the U.K. Charities reportedly fear that the Tory government’s “Big Society” program of running more public services through charities will make groups wary of speaking out. The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector laid out its concerns in the second of four annual reports examining the ability of British nonprofits to advocate on public policies. The Panel, chaired by Sir Roger Singleton, the former head of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, sees the U.K.’s charitable sector as “at risk because its necessary independence is under threat, and that that threat is greatest for organisations working with disadvantaged people.”

Independence of charities is being undermined, says report | Third Sector

Independence of charities is being undermined, says report | Third Sector: Sir Roger Singleton, chair of the Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector, warns that voluntary sector organisations are being forced to 'toe the government's line'

The independence of charities has come under increasing threat over the past year and one of the sources of that threat is the government, according to the latest report from the Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector, published today.

Payroll giving should be opened up to private sector, says Treasury

Payroll giving should be opened up to private sector, says Treasury: The Treasury wants to scrap the requirement that all payroll giving agencies must be charities, saying that opening up the marketplace to commercial players would drive down costs and promote innovation and investment.

The change is proposed in the government’s long-awaited consultation on how to reform payroll giving, to make it easier to administer and drive up the amounts raised for charity through the scheme.

Herald Christmas Fund raises $1.5 million (with video)

Herald Christmas Fund raises $1.5 million (with video)

The Emergence of Philanthropy in China | Stanford Social Innovation Review

The Emergence of Philanthropy in China | Stanford Social Innovation Review

Film of the week: Sue Ryder Incredible Care

Film of the week: Sue Ryder Incredible Care

For Africa, Entrepreneurship is the Way | Skoll World Forum

For Africa, Entrepreneurship is the Way | Skoll World Forumi In South Africa, new mobile technology strategies are being used to educate the youth and to promote entrepreneurship.

Israel Caps Pay for Leaders at Government-Supported Nonprofits - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Israel Caps Pay for Leaders at Government-Supported Nonprofits - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Israel Caps Pay for Leaders at Government-Supported Nonprofits

January 17, 2013, 10:25 am

Israel’s government is moving to limit compensation for top executives at state-supported nonprofit groups to the level of their peers at similar public institutions, reports Haaretz.

TODAYonline | Singapore | Singaporeans still charitable despite slower economy: SG Gives

TODAYonline | Singapore | Singaporeans still charitable despite slower economy: SG Gives: SINGAPORE - Singaporeans continued to give generously to charity despite the country's slower economic growth, going by the jump in donations to Singapore's largest donation portal, SG Gives.

SG Gives said it had a 37 per cent increase in total donations kast year, with almost S$400,000 raised on Dec 31 last year. The amount raised for the whole year hit S$8.5 million, compared with S$6.2 million in 2011.

Charity sector income has grown by �10bn in last five years

Charity sector income has grown by �10bn in last five years: The gross income of the charity sector has increased by over 20 per cent in the last five years, from �48.4bn in 2008 to �58.48bn in 2012, the Charity Commission's latest figures reveal.

The Commission publishes annual figures for the charity sector at the end of each year based on income reported by charities in their annual returns. The figures show a steady increase in the sector's income since 2008 despite fluctuation in the total number of charities which has resulted in an overall reduction from 168,354 in 2008 to 162,915 in 2012. This represents a 20.8 per cent income boost to the sector despite a 3 per cent reduction in the number of charities.

Radio Prague - Czechs increasingly charitable despite economic woes

Radio Prague - Czechs increasingly charitable despite economic woes: Over the past two decades, philanthropy has become an important part of Czech society, with many people being increasing generous in giving to charity. Radio Prague looks at how the gloomy economic climate affected Czech philanthropy in the past year, and how the donor culture has developed.

One Direction Stars Open Up About Their Charity Work In Ghana - Starpulse.com

One Direction Stars Open Up About Their Charity Work In Ghana - Starpulse.com: Horan reveals they visited the city of Accra in Ghana and will never forget the heartbreaking poverty he saw there.

In a series of posts on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Just arrived back from Accra, Ghana! Best life experience ever! This Red Nose Day please get involved!... I've seen the slums right in front of me! This is no joke! They really need your help! Poverty is real!... Massive thanks to Red Nose Day for taking us to Ghana! It was incredible! Real eye-opener! We take so much for granted over here!..."

Goar: New twist on credit-seeking philanthropy: Goar - thestar.com

Goar: New twist on credit-seeking philanthropy: Goar - thestar.com: Nothing quite like this has happened in Toronto.

The city is filled with hospitals, parks, academic facilities and galleries named after wealthy magnates and well-known public figures. Now three donors are turning the established rules of philanthropy on their head. They are using their naming rights to honour a migrant caregiver.

Late last year, the trio, whose members have requested anonymity, offered a generous gift to George Brown College on condition that a room in its new waterfront campus be named after Lalaine de Vera, a Philippine nanny and elder care worker.

Chinese-Language Resources for Funders Now Available

Chinese-Language Resources for Funders Now Available: NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thanks to a partnership between the Foundation Center in New York City and the Beijing-based China Foundation Center, 31 guides widely used by grantmakers in the U.S. have been translated into Chinese. The titles are part of GrantCraft — a joint project of the Foundation Center and Brussels-based European Foundation Centre — which taps the collective knowledge of funders to share insights to help them hone their craft.

Microdonation charity hits �1m donation milestone

Microdonation charity hits �1m donation milestone: Microdonation charity Pennies has announced that it has hit its �1m target with a boost in donations coming in the week before Christmas.

Women's Institute warns against 'sticking plaster' of library volunteers | Third Sector

Women's Institute warns against 'sticking plaster' of library volunteers | Third Sector: Report by the charity says that the growth of a community-managed library network is unsustainable without systematic support

The use of volunteers as "sticking plaster" in the library service cannot continue, according to the Women’s Institute.

A report published today by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes looks at the role of volunteers in running community libraries. It says that in many cases volunteers are left without adequate support to deliver services previously supplied by members of staff.

Interview - Annie Lennox and Mitch Besser | .

Interview - Annie Lennox and Mitch Besser | .: If you thought HIV/AIDS was under control, think again. Annie Lennox did, in 2003, during a visit to South Africa. Hearing Nelson Mandela talk about HIV/AIDS and how it was affecting women and children, she was ‘outraged, angry, ashamed’. That visit set her on the path of activism, advocacy and philanthropy.
Caroline Hartnell met Annie Lennox and her husband Dr Mitchell Besser, who founded mothers2mothers, an organization that helps prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, at the UBS Global Philanthropy Forum, held in late November in Switzerland.

Back Britain's charities campaign aims to help in times of financial difficulty | Voluntary Sector Network - CAF partner zone | guardian.co.uk

Back Britain's charities campaign aims to help in times of financial difficulty | Voluntary Sector Network - CAF partner zone | guardian.co.uk: Charities play a pivotal role in the UK delivering services to the vulnerable and often providing support where there is a vacuum. And while challenges such as fundraising, attracting new donors and volunteers and making the best use of resources is nothing new, recent research by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) suggests charities are facing an exceptionally tough time.

PFRA not ready to name and shame problem chuggers

PFRA not ready to name and shame problem chuggers: Five months on from introducing its fining system for face-to-face charities, the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association is still not ready to release any results.

Despite revealing in August last year that charities had already incurred penalty points under the system within its first week of operation, the self-regulatory body is not yet ready to disclose its findings.

Kevin Curley: A seven-point plan for Nick Hurd to make sector-state relationships easier

Kevin Curley: A seven-point plan for Nick Hurd to make sector-state relationships easier: At the annual All Party Parliamentary Group on Civil Society and Volunteering bash before Christmas, Nick Hurd, the Minister for Civil Society, spoke with impressive honesty about his disappointment that he had not done more to make it easier for charities to work with the state.

This, you will recall, was one of his key objectives when he got the job in 2010. A week later, the Cabinet Office published a "progress update", called - fittingly - Making It Easier for Civil Society to Work With the State, listing 14 "actions" it is taking to support intelligent commissioning. A lot is going on but, as the minister admitted, it doesn't add up to much change.

China's Charity Sector Poised to Expand In 2013 | In Asia

China's Charity Sector Poised to Expand In 2013 | In Asia: Last November, when a new leadership team stepped forward in Beijing, they confronted a very different set of challenges than their predecessors had faced. Among the most urgent of these is the challenge of providing adequate basic social services for all of China’s 1.3 billion people, many of whom remain relatively disadvantaged, even as the country’s wealth continues to increase dramatically.

CRUK pulls Manchester Shine event due to falling participation

CRUK pulls Manchester Shine event due to falling participation: CRUK pulls Manchester Shine event due to falling participation
Fundraising | Kirsty Weakley | 10 Jan 2013

Cancer Research UK has pulled its Manchester Shine fundraising event for 2013 after attracting 2,000 fewer participants than it had planned for, and will instead hold one big event in London to be more cost-effective.

Last September 3,000 people participated in the Manchester event, raising �600,000 for the charity. Some 10,000 took part in London, raising �2.6m.

Corporate Philanthropy in China | The Conference Board

Corporate Philanthropy in China | The Conference Board: 05 December, 2012 | (01 hr)

China is an extremely difficult environment to navigate for corporate donors. Financial and operational data of charities in China is hugely limited. Readily available data for grant makers, needed for benchmarking purposes or to help identify and vet potential domestic beneficiary or partner organizations, do not exist. What is more, the structure and regulatory environment governing the charity sector in China is vastly different from the West, making it very difficult for foreign companies to navigate it and gain comfort.

Earthquake efforts in Japan earn Lori Henderson MBE - Dundee / Local / News / The Courier

Earthquake efforts in Japan earn Lori Henderson MBE - Dundee / Local / News / The Courier: A DUNDEE woman’s services to Japan’s reconstruction following the country’s devastating earthquake have earned her an MBE.

Marc Chardon: Peering Into the Nonprofit Crystal Ball...2013

Marc Chardon: Peering Into the Nonprofit Crystal Ball...2013
The world is shrinking and philanthropic borders are broadening
Even a few years ago when a disaster occurred, it was viewed as an event that happened "over there." This has changed dramatically. Disasters are now viewed and responded to in a similar fashion regardless of where they take place. From a nonprofit perspective, the world is flattening. In addition to the shrinking of the world, we're also seeing a shift in wealth toward developing nations and the BRIC countries, which will cause nonprofits to rethink how they raise money. Essentially, it becomes critical for nonprofits to "engage donors where they are" in the world. The shrinking and the broadening will also increase competition for resources, forcing nonprofits to be very deliberate and transparent when it comes to mission delivery and supporter engagement.T

Value of charity investments rose by 11.4 per cent last year

Value of charity investments rose by 11.4 per cent last year: The value of charity investments rose by 11.4 per cent in 2012, according to figures released yesterday by market analysts the WM Company.

The WM Charity Fund Monitor, based on a survey of most major charity investment managers, uses investment data to the end of November 2012 and estimated figures for December based on the movement of the market overall.

Proposed Beijing law seeks data on charities |Nation and Digest |chinadaily.com.cn

Proposed Beijing law seeks data on charities |Nation and Digest |chinadaily.com.cn: Legislation mandates disclosure of philanthropic groups' fundraising

Beijing authorities have vowed to punish charity organizations that fail to disclose information as required, according to draft legislation.

Analysis: The year ahead - 'It's another rocky year for charities'

Analysis: The year ahead - 'It's another rocky year for charities': rom fundraising to management, six voluntary sector experts give their predictions for the coming twelve months

What does 2013 hold for the sector? Some of the challenges are already in the diary - including revised pension requirements, online Gift Aid claims and new Disclosure and Barring checks. Six voluntary sector experts assess the likely impact of these and other factors that charities will have deal with this year, such as pressure for pay rises and universal regulation of fundraising, the need to mark out a distinctive identity and opportunities to transform service provision.

Charity Commission registers the first charitable incorporated organisations

Charity Commission registers the first charitable incorporated organisations: The Lara Jones Charitable Foundation, founded in memory of an English teacher who died while backpacking in Cuba last year, is first to be approved

The Charity Commission has registered the first three charitable incorporated organisations, the new legal form for charities.

The regulator said 30 organisations had applied to it for CIO status.

Kate Middleton Pregnant; Duchess of Cambridge Donates to Charity : People.com

Kate Middleton Pregnant; Duchess of Cambridge Donates to Charity : People.com: n fact, Kate, 31, actually just gave away a package of baby clothes to one of her favorite causes. Just a few weeks before the palace announced she was expecting, the charitable mom-to-be donated a hamper of new baby products to East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH), and now they have put it up for sale in a special auction.

Prince Harry's Charity, Sentebale, Plans On Expanding Mission To 5 Countries

Prince Harry's Charity, Sentebale, Plans On Expanding Mission To 5 Countries: Prince Harry pursuing a pretty noble mission.

He recently announced that his charity, Sentebale, which helps children in the tiny country Lesotho in southern Africa, plans on expanding to five countries and boost its fundraising goal to �8 ($13 million dollars) to do so, The Telegraph reports.

Big society is 'effectively dead', Sir Stephen Bubb tells PM

Big society is 'effectively dead', Sir Stephen Bubb tells PM: In letter to David Cameron, the head of the chief executives body Acevo writes that the government's vision for the sector has lost its way

Sir Stephen Bubb, head of the chief executives body Acevo, has warned the Prime Minister, David Cameron, that the big society is "effectively dead".

In a letter to Cameron, Bubb says that while the government can take credit for "some major achievements" since 2010, including the establishment of the social lender Big Society Capital, and reforms to inheritance tax relief and Gift Aid, "elsewhere progress has been slowed or has stalled".

Carnival time for Brazilian philanthropy | Datamonitor Financial

Carnival time for Brazilian philanthropy | Datamonitor Financial: Tax incentives for philanthropic activity offer deductible income tax allowances of 60-100% of donations to specified charitable projects managed by the Brazilian authorities. As such, philanthropy will become a key component in managing the income tax liability of Brazilian HNW individuals. Like many governments, Brazil has increased its focus on the taxation of its wealthiest citizens, and these HNW and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals are searching for legitimate ways to reduce their obligations.

Charities face possibility of paying more VAT on bulk mail delivery | Third Sector

Charities face possibility of paying more VAT on bulk mail delivery | Third Sector: Home �
News �
Charities face possibility of paying more VAT on bulk mail delivery

Charities face possibility of paying more VAT on bulk mail delivery

Cabinet Office launches masterclasses for voluntary sector | Cabinet Office

Cabinet Office launches masterclasses for voluntary sector | Cabinet Office: Charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises (VCSEs) will have the chance to attend a series of new practical workshops to help them capitalise on opportunities to work for government, Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd announced today.

Business Line : Opinion : Philanthropy in its infancy in India

Business Line : Opinion : Philanthropy in its infancy in India: India, home to 4 per cent of the world’s billionaires, and with approximately 400 million people living below the poverty line, has both the need and the resources for private philanthropic actors to make a dramatic contribution to its socio-economic development.

Prince Charles Gives Conran Medal for Arts Philanthropy - Bloomberg

Prince Charles Gives Conran Medal for Arts Philanthropy - Bloomberg

The year in fundraising: 2012 | Third Sector

The year in fundraising: 2012 | Third Sector: Third Sector senior reporter Jenna Pudelek reviews the main developments of the past twelve months

Lord Hodgson’s recommendations in his review of the Charities Act 2006 about the need to address the "confused self-regulatory l

Index to measure corporate giving - The West Australian

Index to measure corporate giving - The West Australian: A new index is set to reveal the growing generosity of WA's business community, as corporations heed calls to cast off the Scrooge image and embrace philanthropy.

The WA Corporate Giving Index, developed for WestBusiness and Giving West by the London Benchmarking Group, measures the cash, time and in-kind donations made by participating corporations to charitable organisations.

FRSB finds Tag breached fundraising code of practice

FRSB finds Tag breached fundraising code of practice: he Fundraising Standards Board has ruled that street fundraising company Tag breached the Institute of Fundraising code of fundraising practice for face-to-face activity and charity law while fundraising on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care in London this June.

In June, Tag was the subject of a Sunday Telegraph expos�which highlighted a number of poor face-to-face fundraising practices involved in its fundraising campaign for Marie Curie Cancer Care. This included street fundraisers not making disclosure statements to donors and deliberately confusing passers-by in order to engage in conversation; and Tag trainers telling trainees not to accept a ‘no’ response.

Reflections from the China Philanthropy Forum

Reflections from the China Philanthropy Forum: hilanthropy in contemporary Chinese society is undergoing a shaping process, which on one hand will make philanthropic ventures more impactful, but on the other hand requires these ventures understand their proper role in China and how to operate within the Chinese ecosystem. Organizations like FYSE work at the forefront of this dynamic and exciting world where social needs can find new solutions.

Strengthening coordination of UN humanitarian and disaster relief assistance

Strengthening coordination of UN humanitarian and disaster relief assistance: Strengthening coordination of UN humanitarian and disaster relief assistance
13-12-2012 Statement

United Nations, General Assembly, 67th session, Plenary, Item70(a) of the agenda, statement by the ICRC, New York, 13 December 2012.

Full title: Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance

What next for the Small Charitable Donations bill? | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

What next for the Small Charitable Donations bill? | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: What next for the Small Charitable Donations bill?

The Small Charitable Donations bill, which provides the legislation for Gift Aid, is soon to receive its second reading

One in six charities think they might close in the coming year, survey finds

One in six charities think they might close in the coming year, survey finds: John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, says public spending cuts and increased demand for services is having a 'shocking' effect on many charities

One in six charities believe they could face closure in the coming year amid public spending cuts and falling donations, according to a new poll.

The online survey of 252 senior level charity workers, carried out between 18 September and 1 November and commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation, also showed that nearly half of charities dipped into reserves over the past year to maintain their work.

Volunteers do not have same legal rights as staff, rules Supreme Court

Volunteers do not have same legal rights as staff, rules Supreme Court: The Supreme Court judgment handed down today effectively confirms that volunteers are not entitled to the same protections under the law as employees.

It is the court’s first-ever decision on the legal status of volunteers, and will be welcomed by charities that have volunteers. Mid-Sussex CAB was supported in its defence of the case by a number of charities and umbrella bodies, including Acevo and Volunteering England.

Prince's Trust income up 40 per cent following merger

Prince's Trust income up 40 per cent following merger: The Prince’s Trust has seen its income rise by 40 per cent to �50m following its merger with Fairbridge, and has revealed plans for "vigorous growth".

The merger took place in April 2011 and Fairbridge was fully integrated into the Prince’s Trust in March 2012 when net assets valued at �4.6m were transferred to the Trust.

Defend face-to-face to improve public perception, Sally de la Bedoyere tells charities

Defend face-to-face to improve public perception, Sally de la Bedoyere tells charities: Charities must be prepared to defend their use of face-to-face fundraising if the sector is to improve public perception of the technique, according to Sally de la Bedoyere, chief executive of the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association.

Speaking this morning at the Institute of Fundraising’s face-to-face fundraising conference in London, de la Bedoyere said charities had this year "ducked talking to the media" about face-to-face because they were "scared of what the consequences might be to their brands".

Government says no to easier trustee remuneration

Government says no to easier trustee remuneration: The government has rejected Lord Hodgson’s recommendation to allow large charities to pay their trustees without authorisation from the Charity Commission.

And it will not abolish National Exemption Orders for house-to-house collections, another of Lord Hodgson’s more controversial proposals, before an alternative system is devised.

The Monitor :: Young philanthropist forms NGO

The Monitor :: Young philanthropist forms NGO: The young and energetic man from Tutume has formed a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called Voice of Love whose main objective is to improve lives of Batswana in Francistown and beyond.The young man says he is driven by love and compassion for fellow Batswana hence he came up with an idea to register the organisation that will benefit the underprivileged members of the society and the organisation is premised on one of the Vision 2016 pillars of 'a compassionate, just and caring nation.'