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Philanthropy
Alabama Gives Day Expected To Generate Crucial Funding
Jan 31st
With many states across the country having success with the Gives Day movement, Alabama has decided to join the fun for the first time.
The Montgomery Advertiser reported Sunday that the first annual Alabama Gives Day will begin on Thursday, Feb. 2. Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Alabamians will be able to donate to charities via an online portal alabamagivesday.org. More than 800 nonprofits within 12 categories are registered to participate in the event. Among the participating nonprofits are the Hospice of Montgomery, the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless, and the Montgomery Area Food Bank.
The Gives Day movement has been very popular since its inception in Minnesota in 2009. Its purpose was to increase philanthropy and increase donor acquisition for nonprofits. The concept has had plenty of success stories, like Colorado Gives Day, which recently had 52,000 donations totaling $12 million. There is no monetary goal set for Alabama Gives Day; organizers simply want as many nonprofits as possible to participate.
If the Gives Days of the last few years are any indication, Alabama Gives Day should be a great source of funding for local nonprofits. Read more about the event in The Montgomery Advertiser.
The Montgomery Advertiser reported Sunday that the first annual Alabama Gives Day will begin on Thursday, Feb. 2. Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Alabamians will be able to donate to charities via an online portal alabamagivesday.org. More than 800 nonprofits within 12 categories are registered to participate in the event. Among the participating nonprofits are the Hospice of Montgomery, the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless, and the Montgomery Area Food Bank.
The Gives Day movement has been very popular since its inception in Minnesota in 2009. Its purpose was to increase philanthropy and increase donor acquisition for nonprofits. The concept has had plenty of success stories, like Colorado Gives Day, which recently had 52,000 donations totaling $12 million. There is no monetary goal set for Alabama Gives Day; organizers simply want as many nonprofits as possible to participate.
If the Gives Days of the last few years are any indication, Alabama Gives Day should be a great source of funding for local nonprofits. Read more about the event in The Montgomery Advertiser.
The Role Of Technology In Philanthropy
Jan 30th
The World Economic Forum, one of the largest gathering of business and political types, began last week in Davos, Switzerland. Where there is talk of money, philanthropy will naturally become a central topic.
The New York Times wrote a blog post last Friday about a panel discussion at the forum on the role technology plays in philanthropy. Hosted by the Victor Pinchuck Foundation, the program began with a discussion about "e-philanthropy," specifically mobile payments. This technology has allowed donors to give small amounts of money to causes. A good example of its importance was seen in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Alec Ross, a senior advisor on innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, shared his experiences with mobile giving to the panel. He said that the government put together a mobile giving program in the aftermath of the earthquake. The program allowed donors to text the word "Haiti" to a specific number, which would send a $10 donation to relief efforts. The program ended up raising $35 million in two weeks, completely shattering their expectations.
Although this program was successful, all the panelists agreed that one of the main problems with philanthropy is transparency; people want to have a better idea of where their money is going. Sean Parker, founder of Napster and former president of Facebook, cited a nonprofit that he helped finance as an example of good transparency. Charity Water, a nonprofit organization that advocates for clean drinking water around the world, developed online tools for their website that show donors how their money is being used. Parker said that this kind of online fundraising should be adapted by all nonprofits to give donors a better sense of security.
Read more about this topic in The New York Times.
The New York Times wrote a blog post last Friday about a panel discussion at the forum on the role technology plays in philanthropy. Hosted by the Victor Pinchuck Foundation, the program began with a discussion about "e-philanthropy," specifically mobile payments. This technology has allowed donors to give small amounts of money to causes. A good example of its importance was seen in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Alec Ross, a senior advisor on innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, shared his experiences with mobile giving to the panel. He said that the government put together a mobile giving program in the aftermath of the earthquake. The program allowed donors to text the word "Haiti" to a specific number, which would send a $10 donation to relief efforts. The program ended up raising $35 million in two weeks, completely shattering their expectations.
Although this program was successful, all the panelists agreed that one of the main problems with philanthropy is transparency; people want to have a better idea of where their money is going. Sean Parker, founder of Napster and former president of Facebook, cited a nonprofit that he helped finance as an example of good transparency. Charity Water, a nonprofit organization that advocates for clean drinking water around the world, developed online tools for their website that show donors how their money is being used. Parker said that this kind of online fundraising should be adapted by all nonprofits to give donors a better sense of security.
Read more about this topic in The New York Times.
Global Fund Gets Major Gift From Gates Foundation
Jan 26th
These are tough economic times we live in, but philanthropic organizations are still willing to give big money to causes that improve the lives of people in need.
That was the key message that Bill Gates sent when his organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, committed $750 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The major gift came in the form of a promissory note, a new funding mechanism that allows an organization to distribute funds based on immediate needs, which leads to greater impact.
The Gates Foundation has always placed a high priority on deadly diseases with its philanthropic efforts. The organization has already contributed $650 million to the Global Fund since its inception 10 years ago at the World Economic Forum, which is a gathering of the world's top business and political leaders. In addition, the foundation has a Global Health Program that uses advances in technology to help save lives in poor nations. Most of this work is done through grants to partner organizations.
Since 2002, investments to the Global Fund have helped develop innovative treatments for AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in developing countries around the world. The organization has provided antiretroviral treatment to 3.3 million people, detected and treated 8.2 million people with tuberculosis, and provided 230 million bed nets to families to prevent malaria. These efforts and more have helped save 100,000 lives every month.
You can read more about this story in The NonProfit Times.
That was the key message that Bill Gates sent when his organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, committed $750 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The major gift came in the form of a promissory note, a new funding mechanism that allows an organization to distribute funds based on immediate needs, which leads to greater impact.
The Gates Foundation has always placed a high priority on deadly diseases with its philanthropic efforts. The organization has already contributed $650 million to the Global Fund since its inception 10 years ago at the World Economic Forum, which is a gathering of the world's top business and political leaders. In addition, the foundation has a Global Health Program that uses advances in technology to help save lives in poor nations. Most of this work is done through grants to partner organizations.
Since 2002, investments to the Global Fund have helped develop innovative treatments for AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in developing countries around the world. The organization has provided antiretroviral treatment to 3.3 million people, detected and treated 8.2 million people with tuberculosis, and provided 230 million bed nets to families to prevent malaria. These efforts and more have helped save 100,000 lives every month.
You can read more about this story in The NonProfit Times.
After Bankruptcy, Kodak’s Philanthropy At Risk
Jan 20th
Kodak, one of America's oldest film companies, recently filed for bankruptcy. It's unclear what's to come in the company's future, but one thing was made clear: Some difficult choices are in the cards for the company's philanthropic efforts.
Channel 13 WHAM in the Rochester area reported yesterday that because of the bankruptcy, Kodak was likely to scale down their corporate philanthropy. The company had written on its website that "in the near term … it is likely that we will have to make difficult choices about our philanthropic investments and activities."
Although Kodak's philanthropy has significantly dwindled since 1990, the company and its employees have still funded many groups. For example, the United Way of Greater Rochester has seen millions of dollars come into the organization from Kodak. In addition, Kodak founder George Eastman has financed some of Rochester's greatest institutions, such as the Eastman School of Music, the home of Kodak Hall (which the company recently helped renovate with a $10 million donation).
It's still possible for Kodak to continue donating money during the bankruptcy process, but it will more than likely have to scale back on a major scale while they deal with creditors. You can read more about this story on WHAM's website.
Channel 13 WHAM in the Rochester area reported yesterday that because of the bankruptcy, Kodak was likely to scale down their corporate philanthropy. The company had written on its website that "in the near term … it is likely that we will have to make difficult choices about our philanthropic investments and activities."
Although Kodak's philanthropy has significantly dwindled since 1990, the company and its employees have still funded many groups. For example, the United Way of Greater Rochester has seen millions of dollars come into the organization from Kodak. In addition, Kodak founder George Eastman has financed some of Rochester's greatest institutions, such as the Eastman School of Music, the home of Kodak Hall (which the company recently helped renovate with a $10 million donation).
It's still possible for Kodak to continue donating money during the bankruptcy process, but it will more than likely have to scale back on a major scale while they deal with creditors. You can read more about this story on WHAM's website.
Bowling Green Raps About Big Donors
Dec 2nd
Who knew that you could make a great rap about donors?
If you are subscribed to our Instant Fundraising newsletter, you probably read about Bowling Green State University's rap tribute to the donors to its new athletic facility, The Stroh Center. Here are some of the highlights from the rap, which proves that you can make decent rhymes in the name of philanthropy:
If you are subscribed to our Instant Fundraising newsletter, you probably read about Bowling Green State University's rap tribute to the donors to its new athletic facility, The Stroh Center. Here are some of the highlights from the rap, which proves that you can make decent rhymes in the name of philanthropy:
In the case of Miles, he “gave cash in piles/Sportin Charles Taylors, rockin’ argyles/He knows the game ya’ll, he ain’t no amateur/back in the 50s he was the student manager.”If you are like me, you probably wondered what the rap sounded like. It's one thing to read the lyrics, it's another to hear them in action. Well luckily for you, the video was posted on YouTube. We now present it to you in all its glory. Enjoy!
Frack “made cash in stacks – snap – he’s given some back/2 cold million. Mad Falcon support!/He’s laying it down for the Bill Frack Court.”
Jacksonville Jaguars Owners Stay, To Relief Of Charities
Nov 30th
When does the sale of a football team rock the nonprofit world? When the owners of said football team are major philanthropic figures in the community.
If you are a fan of the NFL, you are probably aware that the Jacksonville Jaguars sold the franchise yesterday. You might not be as aware that the owners of the team, Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, are the most visible and active philanthropists in Jacksonville. In an article published yesterday in The Florida Times-Union, nonprofits reacted with relief that, despite the sale, the Weavers will be staying in Jacksonville.
Words like "Thank God" were thrown around by various nonprofit executives when The Florida Times-Union approached them with the news. And it's not just because of the money they donated ($55 million to local causes since the mid-90's) that has Florida charities thankful; the Weavers changed philanthropy in the city of Jacksonville. The couple donated $27 million to The Community Foundation in 2007, most of which went to agencies in need, but $11 million of it was used to create endowments for 22 local nonprofits. Until the Weaver's gift, few Jacksonville nonprofits were endowed.
It's because of stories like that why nonprofits were excited to learn the Weavers will continue to be active in Jacksonville philanthropy through the Weaver Family Foundation. Time will tell if the new ownership of the Jaguars will be able to turn the team back into contenders. But with all this uncertainty, at least nonprofits know that their favorite football owners are staying where they are.
Make sure to read the full article on the Weavers at The Florida Times-Union.
If you are a fan of the NFL, you are probably aware that the Jacksonville Jaguars sold the franchise yesterday. You might not be as aware that the owners of the team, Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, are the most visible and active philanthropists in Jacksonville. In an article published yesterday in The Florida Times-Union, nonprofits reacted with relief that, despite the sale, the Weavers will be staying in Jacksonville.
Words like "Thank God" were thrown around by various nonprofit executives when The Florida Times-Union approached them with the news. And it's not just because of the money they donated ($55 million to local causes since the mid-90's) that has Florida charities thankful; the Weavers changed philanthropy in the city of Jacksonville. The couple donated $27 million to The Community Foundation in 2007, most of which went to agencies in need, but $11 million of it was used to create endowments for 22 local nonprofits. Until the Weaver's gift, few Jacksonville nonprofits were endowed.
It's because of stories like that why nonprofits were excited to learn the Weavers will continue to be active in Jacksonville philanthropy through the Weaver Family Foundation. Time will tell if the new ownership of the Jaguars will be able to turn the team back into contenders. But with all this uncertainty, at least nonprofits know that their favorite football owners are staying where they are.
Make sure to read the full article on the Weavers at The Florida Times-Union.
Steve Jobs And Public Giving
Oct 6th
In light of the passing of Steve Jobs yesterday, I thought I would bump this post. The world truly lost a visionary in his passing. He will be missed.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you are probably aware that Steve Jobs recently announced his resignation as CEO of Apple. Jobs leaves behind an impressive legacy at Apple, with products like the iPhone and iPad revolutionizing our society. He also has accumulated a great deal of wealth, nearly $8.3 billion through his shares in Apple and Disney. Yet, as The New York Times reports, there is no public record of Jobs ever giving money to charity.
Millionaires are often at the forefront of philanthropic activities. Bill Gates is well known for his work in philanthropy, and Warren Buffett has gotten many billionaires to sign a so-called "Giving Pledge." The NYT piece examines why Jobs has never been involved in the philanthropic sector, at least publicly, but it came away with few answers. The article mentions that Jobs did create a foundation in his name in 1986, but closed it after a year. There has also been speculation that he has been hesitant to give because he has been focused on expanding Apple and dealing with his declining health.
Given his somewhat private nature, it is possible that Job has given anonymously. The Times article mentions that there has been speculation that a $150 million donation to the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center came from him.
To read the full article on this subject, head on over to The New York Times.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you are probably aware that Steve Jobs recently announced his resignation as CEO of Apple. Jobs leaves behind an impressive legacy at Apple, with products like the iPhone and iPad revolutionizing our society. He also has accumulated a great deal of wealth, nearly $8.3 billion through his shares in Apple and Disney. Yet, as The New York Times reports, there is no public record of Jobs ever giving money to charity.
Millionaires are often at the forefront of philanthropic activities. Bill Gates is well known for his work in philanthropy, and Warren Buffett has gotten many billionaires to sign a so-called "Giving Pledge." The NYT piece examines why Jobs has never been involved in the philanthropic sector, at least publicly, but it came away with few answers. The article mentions that Jobs did create a foundation in his name in 1986, but closed it after a year. There has also been speculation that he has been hesitant to give because he has been focused on expanding Apple and dealing with his declining health.
Given his somewhat private nature, it is possible that Job has given anonymously. The Times article mentions that there has been speculation that a $150 million donation to the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center came from him.
To read the full article on this subject, head on over to The New York Times.
Philanthropic Giving After 9/11
Sep 12th
Yesterday was a solemn day for our country. As we honored the lives of those lost on 9/11, we had to once again relive those horrifying images from 10 years ago. There were some positives we were able to take from that day, however. We remembered the brave work of the First Responders at Ground Zero, how we united as a country, and the re-ignition of philanthropic giving. That last point was something that was covered in the most recent issue of The NonProfit Times.
Nearly $2.6 billion was raised following the attacks, creating a turning point for philanthropy in response to large-scale disasters. Following 9/11, Americans continued to give generously when these disasters took place, whether it was the Gulf Coast hurricanes in 2005, or the Asian tsunami in 2004. As long as donors were sure their money was going to where it is supposed to be going, they seemed to have no qualms about giving large amounts of cash.
That was one of the lessons learned following 9/11. The Red Cross came under heavy criticism when it was learned that money raised from the Liberty Fund--set up to collect donations in the wake of September 11th--would also be used to prepare for other major disasters. This was eventually changed due to massive public pressure, creating a lesson that future charities heeded.
If you want to learn more about giving post-9/11, check out the full article on that subject on our website.
Nearly $2.6 billion was raised following the attacks, creating a turning point for philanthropy in response to large-scale disasters. Following 9/11, Americans continued to give generously when these disasters took place, whether it was the Gulf Coast hurricanes in 2005, or the Asian tsunami in 2004. As long as donors were sure their money was going to where it is supposed to be going, they seemed to have no qualms about giving large amounts of cash.
That was one of the lessons learned following 9/11. The Red Cross came under heavy criticism when it was learned that money raised from the Liberty Fund--set up to collect donations in the wake of September 11th--would also be used to prepare for other major disasters. This was eventually changed due to massive public pressure, creating a lesson that future charities heeded.
If you want to learn more about giving post-9/11, check out the full article on that subject on our website.
Erie Gives Day Rakes In The Cash
Aug 3rd
A couple of years back, we wrote a story about Giving Days in a number of states. Those events were met with a great deal of success, and now it appears Erie, Pennsylvania is experiencing the benefits of online philanthropy.
GoErie.com reported today that Erie Gives Day raised $690,513 for the 223 nonprofits that were involved in the event. Considering that the number stood at $582,038 with only two hours left, the amount raised is staggering. Community leaders said that the cash raised will significantly boost the nonprofit sector. The cash comes with additional meaning since organizations are expecting large reductions in state funding later in the year. The nonprofits involved will receive their donations on August 12th at the Erie Community Foundation.
This story is not only an example of the extraordinary generosity of citizens in this country, but also of the power of online fundraising. More and more, we are seeing that this medium can be used to great effect. One of the more recent examples of this came in the case of Reel Grrls's spat with Comcast.
You can read more about Erie Gives Day by visiting GoErie.com.
GoErie.com reported today that Erie Gives Day raised $690,513 for the 223 nonprofits that were involved in the event. Considering that the number stood at $582,038 with only two hours left, the amount raised is staggering. Community leaders said that the cash raised will significantly boost the nonprofit sector. The cash comes with additional meaning since organizations are expecting large reductions in state funding later in the year. The nonprofits involved will receive their donations on August 12th at the Erie Community Foundation.
This story is not only an example of the extraordinary generosity of citizens in this country, but also of the power of online fundraising. More and more, we are seeing that this medium can be used to great effect. One of the more recent examples of this came in the case of Reel Grrls's spat with Comcast.
You can read more about Erie Gives Day by visiting GoErie.com.
Erie Gives Day Rakes In The Cash
Aug 3rd
A couple of years back, we wrote a story about Giving Days in a number of states. Those events were met with a great deal of success, and now it appears Erie, Pennsylvania is experiencing the benefits of online philanthropy.
GoErie.com reported today that Erie Gives Day raised $690,513 for the 223 nonprofits that were involved in the event. Considering that the number stood at $582,038 with only two hours left, the amount raised is staggering. Community leaders said that the cash raised will significantly boost the nonprofit sector. The cash comes with additional meaning since organizations are expecting large reductions in state funding later in the year. The nonprofits involved will receive their donations on August 12th at the Erie Community Foundation.
This story is not only an example of the extraordinary generosity of citizens in this country, but also of the power of online fundraising. More and more, we are seeing that this medium can be used to great effect. One of the more recent examples of this came in the case of Reel Grrls's spat with Comcast.
You can read more about Erie Gives Day by visiting GoErie.com.
GoErie.com reported today that Erie Gives Day raised $690,513 for the 223 nonprofits that were involved in the event. Considering that the number stood at $582,038 with only two hours left, the amount raised is staggering. Community leaders said that the cash raised will significantly boost the nonprofit sector. The cash comes with additional meaning since organizations are expecting large reductions in state funding later in the year. The nonprofits involved will receive their donations on August 12th at the Erie Community Foundation.
This story is not only an example of the extraordinary generosity of citizens in this country, but also of the power of online fundraising. More and more, we are seeing that this medium can be used to great effect. One of the more recent examples of this came in the case of Reel Grrls's spat with Comcast.
You can read more about Erie Gives Day by visiting GoErie.com.
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