Tuesday, April 02, 2013

http://www.npengage.com/online-fundraising/dont-fooled-message-open-and-click-through-rates/?utm_source=googleplus&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npengage&utm_term=corp&utm_content=post

http://www.npengage.com/online-fundraising/dont-fooled-message-open-and-click-through-rates/?utm_source=googleplus&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npengage&utm_term=corp&utm_content=post

CEOs Key to Aussie Fundraising - Report | Pro Bono Australia

CEOs Key to Aussie Fundraising - Report | Pro Bono Australia: CEOs are the lynchpin of fundraising, and board members are giving and serving in many ways but few have fundraising as a clear expectation in their governance role or receive any training in it, according to new Australian research.

These are some key findings from an exploratory study aiming to build an evidence base about the role Australian Not for Profit CEOs and boards play in supporting fundraising and development by Alexandra Williamson and Dr Wendy Scaife, from the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS) at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane.

Nonprofit investors expect portfolio growth | Philanthropy North Carolina

Nonprofit investors expect portfolio growth | Philanthropy North Carolina: Nonprofit institutional investors and pension funds expect portfolios to grow in 2013 and over the next three years and five years, a new survey says.

Among 217 institutional investors with combined assets of $123 billion who attended the Commonfund Forum and responded to the third annual Commonfund Investor Outlook Survey, investment in emerging markets also is expected to continue to grow.

Investors’ average forecast for the S&P 500 Index is for growth of 7.9 percent, with a median forecast of 8 percent.

Book Review: Why Philanthropy Matters - WSJ.com

Book Review: Why Philanthropy Matters - WSJ.com: In 2011, a research study conducted by Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy revealed that annual charitable gifts from households whose wealth came from their own business or their family's were no different, on average, from the gifts of those who had inherited their wealth. An earlier version of the study, conducted in 2007, before the onset of the recession, found that current-generation business owners and their relatives were giving three times as much as heirs and heiresses did. Far from holding on to every hard-earned cent, in other words, entreprene

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

ASAE Launching Breakthrough Diversity Tool

ASAE Launching Breakthrough Diversity Tool: Share

March 2013
ASAE Launching Breakthrough Diversity Tool

WASHINGTON, D.C.

ASAE is launching the first Diversity Inclusion (D I) tool for associations, called the Association Inclusion Index, in late April. The index is an online, interactive, multiple choice survey about D I policies, philosophies, and practices that offers associations strategies and solutions (not scores) for inclusive excellence. It will focus on five key D I domains in associations, which are: Mission and Focus, Roles and Leadership Accountability, Resources, Operations, and Communication and Culture.

The Association Inclusion Index will launch on April 22.

massnonprofit.org ::

massnonprofit.org ::: March 24, 2013 — Small nonprofits—those with less than $100,000 in annual revenue—can play a critical role to advance the continuing economic recovery if they have the right financial and strategic support, according to a recently released report that offered specific guidance to nonprofits and their funders.

The report,Small Nonprofits Solving Big Problems, from the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), which provides funding and advisory services to nonprofits, observed that mission returns from capacity and system-building investments can be just as large as those from a program grant.

Giving grows at private foundations | Philanthropy North Carolina

Giving grows at private foundations | Philanthropy North Carolina: Giving by foundations with $1 million to $10 million in assets grew 21.5 percent, while giving fell 0.4 percent for foundations with under $1 million in assets, and was down 1.5 percent for those with $10 million to $50 million in assets.

The preliminary findings are based on grantmaking by 732 clients of Foundation Source, which in May plans to release its 2013 Annual Report on Private Foundations.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Nonprofits Taking Steps to Adapt to 'New Normal', Survey Finds | PND | Foundation Center

Nonprofits Taking Steps to Adapt to 'New Normal', Survey Finds | PND | Foundation Center: Nonprofits Taking Steps to Adapt to 'New Normal', Survey Finds

After years of economic stress, many nonprofit organizations are changing the way they do business in order to adapt to new economic realities, a report from the Nonprofit Finance Fund finds.

According to NFF's 2013 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey (15 pages, PDF), 49 percent of the 5,983 nonprofits that responded to the survey said they have added or expanded their programs or services, while 17 percent have reduced or eliminated programs or services; 39 percent have collaborated with another organization to improve or expand services; 39 percent have upgraded technology to improve organizational efficiency; and 36 percent have engaged more closely with their boards.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Big Mac� Fundraising | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits

Big Mac� Fundraising | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits: The Big Mac� Philanthropy Index will officially launch On April 8th. Compiled by the London-based international consultancy The Management Centre (=mc) and a 40 member team from a group of global charities, the new Index is designed to measure the relative philanthropy of countries around the world.

Before the arrival of this new sesame-seeded metric, comparative giving around the globe was measured by The World Giving Index published annually by the UK’s Charities Aid Foundation.

7.4% Of World Workforce In Nonprofits | The NonProfit Times

7.4% Of World Workforce In Nonprofits | The NonProfit Times: The nonprofit workforce makes up on average 7.4 percent of the total workforce in some parts of the world — more than 10 percent in at least six countries. And, the sector has outpaced the overall economy in eight countries, including the United States, according to a new report.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

5 Simple Questions to Ask About Nonprofit Research - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

5 Simple Questions to Ask About Nonprofit Research - Opinion - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: As Nonprofit 'Research’ Proliferates, It Must Be Viewed With Healthy Skepticism

In the last decade or so, the number of organizations and academic institutions doing what is billed as “research” on philanthropy has proliferated.

That is, by and large, a good thing, and I have been heartened at the Center for Effective Philanthropy by how hungry foundation leaders are for pragmatic information about what it takes to do a better job. But the rise of so many research groups increases the importance of understanding what—in the slew of reports and articles being e-mailed, tweeted, and otherwise distributed—is based on careful data gathering and analysis and what is not.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Study shows nonprofits carry some financial heft | Local News | Colorado Springs Independent

Study shows nonprofits carry some financial heft | Local News | Colorado Springs Independent: They may not seem like money-magnets, but a new study finds that Pikes Peak region nonprofits comprise the seventh-largest industry locally, with $3.1 billion in annual revenues.

Conducted by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Summit Economics LLC, with help from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs School of Public Affairs, "Nonprofits Matter – An Economic Force for a Vibrant Community" estimates that local nonprofits have a $1.7 billion economic impact, and help taxpayers avoid higher bills in various arenas.

Special Events: Bigger Proves To Be Better | The NonProfit Times

Special Events: Bigger Proves To Be Better | The NonProfit Times

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Small Grant Makers Lead Gains in Foundation Giving, Says Study - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Small Grant Makers Lead Gains in Foundation Giving, Says Study - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Foundations with assets under $50-million increased their giving by 9 percent last year, according to preliminary findings of a study of 700 small and midsize grant makers released today.

The smallest grant makers increased their giving the fastest, with foundations worth $1-million to $10-million responsible for most of the increase.

Monday, March 18, 2013

5 Facts About Online Average Gift Size | npENGAGE

5 Facts About Online Average Gift Size | npENGAGE: Here are five facts about online average gift sizes that I hope you’ll love too:

The gift that is giving - Winnipeg Free Press

The gift that is giving - Winnipeg Free Press: Manitobans are more inclined to support registered charities than people of any other Canadian province. This was true in 2011, the most recent year for which the tax returns have been reviewed, and it has been true since the middle of the 1990s.

Mergers and collaborations new trend among area nonprofits - Thehour.com: Norwalk

Mergers and collaborations new trend among area nonprofits - Thehour.com: Norwalk: A report released by the Fairfield County Community Foundation explores the movement and offers recommendations on what makes for a successful nonprofit merger.

"Since 2008, there has definitely been

Friday, March 15, 2013

Two-Thirds of Nonprofits Are Not Hiring or Giving Raises in 2013 - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Two-Thirds of Nonprofits Are Not Hiring or Giving Raises in 2013 - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Hiring and Pay Are Expected to Remain Flat in East Coast Cities Through 2013

By Maria Di Mento

The sluggish economic recovery continues to keep most nonprofits from giving employees raises or hiring new staff members, according to a study of 6,500 nonprofits in five East Coast metropolitan areas.

Two-thirds of the groups said they planned to maintain current programs without adding staff members or providing pay increases, while one-third said they were conducting restructuring and strategic planning with hopes that they could add programs and jobs in the year ahead.

Charities 'less pessimistic' about the future despite the tough climate, report finds | Third Sector

Charities 'less pessimistic' about the future despite the tough climate, report finds | Third Sector: an Oakley-Smith, a director at PwC, says the latest Managing in a Downturn study shows signs that morale in the sector is improving

Charities are growing less pessimistic about the future despite the tough fundraising environment and a rising demand for services, according to a report published today.

Managing in the 'New Normal' – Adapting to Uncertainty is the sixth in the Managing in a Downturn series produced annually by the Charity Finance Group, the Institute of Fundraising and PwC.

Just Announced at Run Walk Ride: 2012 Top Fundraising Events

Just Announced at Run Walk Ride: 2012 Top Fundraising Events: ive from the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Conference, we present to you the results of the Run Walk Ride Thirty. We’re proud to be the research sponsor for this 2012 report — the only report of its kind in the industry — that ranks the nation’s top fundraising events by revenue.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

60 per cent of the UK give less than �50 a year to charity

60 per cent of the UK give less than �50 a year to charity: A survey of more than 28,500 people in the UK, conducted for New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), has revealed that over 60 per cent give less than �50 a year to charity, but charities could unlock �665m more by communicating better.

A scoping survey was undertaken to identify 3,000 donors to inform NPC’s Money for Good report, published today. It simultaneously found that only 39 per cent of the 28,500 surveyed give �50 or more to charity annually.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Missouri House renews charitable tax credits | ksdk.com

Missouri House renews charitable tax credits | ksdk.com: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri House has passed legislation that would renew tax credits for charitable causes such as food pantries and centers for pregnant woman.

The vote Wednesday by the House puts the legislation just one final step from the governor's desk. The Senate previously passed the bill and must give it another vote.

NEW REPORT: The State of Global Civil Society & Volunteering – Latest findings from the implementation of the UN Nonprofit Handbook � Center for Civil Society Studies

NEW REPORT: The State of Global Civil Society & Volunteering – Latest findings from the implementation of the UN Nonprofit Handbook � Center for Civil Society Studies: Today, we are happy to announce the release of our new report, “The State of Global Civil Society and Volunteering – Latest findings from the implementation of the UN Nonprofit Handbook,” which compares data from the 16 countries that have produced nonprofit satellite accounts. Please see the news release below. You can also see an infographic here, and you can download the full, 16-page report here.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Donors still lack confidence in digital giving, survey finds

Donors still lack confidence in digital giving, survey finds: Polly Gowers of Give as you Live, which polled 8,000 people, says the research will help charities to focus their resources in the right places

Digital giving channels are playing an increasingly important role in inspiring donations, but donors do not feel confident enough to give significant amounts of money through them, according to a survey of online charity supporters.

New Philanthropy Capital report urges charities to share approaches to impact measurement

New Philanthropy Capital report urges charities to share approaches to impact measurement: Blueprint for Shared Measurement, written by Eibhlin Ni Ogain, calls on charities and social enterprises to collaborate more

Charities should adopt shared methods of measuring impact and thus develop a common understanding of how to address social problems, according to a report by New Philanthropy Capital.

The report, Blueprint for Shared Measurement, published today, encourages charities and social enterprises that are working towards similar goals to collaborate and avoid duplication in the way they measure the outcomes of their interventions.

Despite Recession, Philanthropy Strong in Boston Area, Report Finds | PND | Foundation Center

Despite Recession, Philanthropy Strong in Boston Area, Report Finds | PND | Foundation Center: Despite Recession, Philanthropy Strong in Boston Area, Report Finds

While effects of the Great Recession are likely to linger for years, if not decades, households and estates in the Boston area are on track to give anywhere between $600 billion and $1 trillion to charity by 2061, a report funded by the Boston Foundation finds.

Friday, March 08, 2013

Report: Charities See Only 35 Cents For Each Dollar Raised � CBS Detroit

Report: Charities See Only 35 Cents For Each Dollar Raised � CBS Detroit: LANSING (WWJ) - A new report from the State Attorney General’s Office says the middleman that charities use to solicit donations is actually getting more money than the charities themselves.

The state’s first annual Professional Fundraising Charitable Solicitation Report found that charities collect an average of only thirty-five cents for every dollar raised by professional fundraisers soliciting donations in Michigan.

70 per cent of sector staff surveyed find chugging 'appalling and damaging'

70 per cent of sector staff surveyed find chugging 'appalling and damaging': A majority of charity sector staff have told the Directory of Social Change that chugging is “appalling and damaging”.

The Directory Social Change (DSC) anonymously quizzed around 300 charity staff members at all levels on face-to-face fundraising, asking them if it was “brilliant and effective”, “irritating but necessary”, or “ap

Thursday, March 07, 2013

India Philanthropy Report 2013 - Bain Report - Bain & Company - Publications

India Philanthropy Report 2013 - Bain Report - Bain & Company - Publications: A major focus of the India Philanthropy Report 2013 is to delve deeper into how charitable organisations assess the impact of their work, and how they can better communicate that impact to donors. We believe that this theme is relevant to all stakeholders within the philanthropic ecosystem and is critical to both optimising the outcomes of philanthropy and boosting confidence among donors. For giving to grow to its full potential in India, it will be of paramount importance to ensure that donors and recipients have a common language and common goals around results.

European Fundraising Association reports on fundraising trends across 17 countries | UK Fundraising

European Fundraising Association reports on fundraising trends across 17 countries | UK Fundraising: Fundraising in Europe now

Despite the growth of many new forms of fundraising, such as face-to-face, digital and telephone fundraising, the report confirms that the largest single source of voluntary income in Europe remains direct mail.

Younger Donors Propel Church Fundraising Increases - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Younger Donors Propel Church Fundraising Increases - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Younger Donors Propel Church Fundraising Increases

By Raymund Flandez

Nearly two-thirds of churches increased donations from 2010 to 2011, a sign that they are beginning to emerge from the financial downturn, according to a new study.

Churches that chalked up the biggest increases were those that relied primarily on donors under age 55, the study found.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

The 2012 Charitable Giving Report

Fundraising Well - February 2013: The 2012 Charitable Giving Report
by Steve MacLaughlin

The 2012 Charitable Giving Report includes 24 months of overall giving data from 3,144 nonprofit organizations representing $7.9 billion in total fundraising. The report also includes online giving data from 2,581 nonprofits representing $512 million in online fundraising. It is the largest analysis of overall and online giving trends in the nonprofit sector.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

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.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Making sense of charitable giving statistics | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

Making sense of charitable giving statistics | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: Making sense of charitable giving statistics

When surveys produce contradictory findings about donations, it can be difficult for charities to glean any insight from them

Nonprofit revenue, donor numbers drop � Philanthropy North Carolina

Nonprofit revenue, donor numbers drop � Philanthropy North Carolina: Nonprofit revenue fell slightly in the first nine months of 2012 as nonprofits continued to face the erosion in overall donor numbers they have experienced for most of the past five years, fueled mainly by declines in acquisition of new donors, a new report says.

In the face of those declines, median revenue in the first three quarters of 2012 fell a median 2 percent from the same period in 2011, according to the Target Q3 Index of National Fundraising Performance.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Voluntary sector workforce grew by 10 per cent in the year to September | Third Sector

Voluntary sector workforce grew by 10 per cent in the year to September | Third Sector: Analysis of the Labour Force Survey by the Office for National Statistics reveals there were 793,000 employees in the sector

The number of voluntary sector workers rose by almost 10 per cent in the year to the end of September, according to figures released today.

The figures are based on an analysis carried out by Skills – Third Sector, the Third Sector Research Centre and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations of the Labour Force Survey, a UK-wide study of private households repeated every quarter by the Office for National Statistics.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Finding a single voice for the sector is not easy, says report | Third Sector

Finding a single voice for the sector is not easy, says report | Third Sector: Home �
News �
Finding a single voice for the sector is not easy, says report

Finding a single voice for the sector is not easy, says report

By David Ainsworth, Third Sector Online, 11 February 2013
Rob Macmillan

Rob Macmillan
Third Sector Research Centre academics Rob Macmillan and Heather Buckingham point to the complexity of trying to unify a vast sector that is a 'loose and baggy monster'

Leadership bodies will struggle to represent the whole of the voluntary sector in the face of government demands for a single voice to represent charities, a new discussion paper from the Third Sector Research Centre has warned.

Can nonprofit organizations boost a regional economy? - The Washington Post

Can nonprofit organizations boost a regional economy? - The Washington Post: In Montgomery County, at least, a new report concludes that nonprofit groups have indeed played an important role in boosting the labor market and the broader economy, a finding that the study’s sponsors hope will inform policymaking and corporate strategizing in the community.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

The AFP Blog: Embrace Fundraising...or Don't!

The AFP Blog: Embrace Fundraising...or Don't!: There's a new study out which I'm sure will create a lot of conversation within the sector. It shows that charities are having a hard time finding qualified development directors and that vacancies for fundraising positions are averaging six months and often longer. Smaller organizations are having an especially difficult time, which is further compounded by many development directors indicating they are planning to leave their current jobs within two years.

Getting to Know Your Future Nonprofit Leaders - Press - AFP

Getting to Know Your Future Nonprofit Leaders - Press - AFP: Getting to Know Your Future Nonprofit Leaders

They’re not looking to disrespect elder donors, and despite inheriting an unprecedented $40 trillion, they do not feel “entitled”, as some would rumor. A new report from 21/64 and the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy shows a behind-the-next-generation look at the future leaders of philanthropy and how their giving differs–and remains the same–from their parents and grandparents.

The report, Next Gen Donors: Respecting Legacy, Revolutionizing Philanthropy, takes a look at how future major donors, Gen X, Gen Y and Millennials, approach their giving. Based on 310 surveys from successful donors and 30 in-depth individual interviews

Friday, February 01, 2013

U.S. payroll tax hike seen hurting charitable giving: survey | Reuters

U.S. payroll tax hike seen hurting charitable giving: survey | Reuters: More than a fifth, or 21 percent said they would not give to charities at all in the coming year, the survey conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for ChildFund International showed.

Non Profit HR

Non Profit HR: According to the 2013 Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey, the vast majority of nonprofits (90%) do not have a formal strategy for retaining staff despite many indicating that staff retention is an organizational challenge. Interestingly, according to survey respondents, the top three functional areas experiencing the most growth are also the top three functional areas experiencing the greatest challenges with retention (direct services, program management/support, and fundraising/development, respectively).

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Attention Maine Job-Seekers: Think Nonprofit

Attention Maine Job-Seekers: Think Nonprofit: PORTLAND, Maine - Employment in the nonprofit sector in Maine has outstripped that of the state's private sector, according to a new report that comes amid news of higher-than expected hiring nationwide in January.

The report, compiled by the Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP), found that one in seven jobs in the state is in the nonprofit field - including hospitals, charities, arts and culture groups.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

GVSU report provides insight into next-gen philanthropists - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel

GVSU report provides insight into next-gen philanthropists - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel: Allendale —

A new report from Grand Valley State University’s Johnson Center for Philanthropy and 21/64, a non-profit consulting practice, provides a first-of-a-kind study on the habits of next-generation donors, who will inherit an unprecedented $40 trillion and are poised to be the most significant philanthropists in history.

The report, called Next Gen Donors looks at how the major donors of the future are approaching their giving and how it differs — and remains the same — from their parents and grandparents.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Giving Will Barely Rise in 2013, Forecast Predicts - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Giving Will Barely Rise in 2013, Forecast Predicts - Prospecting - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Giving in 2013 is expected to rise only 1.6 percent from last year, according to a new report, making it one of the worst fundraising years in five decades, projects the Atlas for Giving, an independent forecasting service.

Pay rises for all Pittsburgh-area nonprofit leaders, but men earn more - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pay rises for all Pittsburgh-area nonprofit leaders, but men earn more - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: According to a survey conducted by the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University and the United Way of Allegheny County, the average salary for male executive directors at nonprofits last year was $126,690 while female executive directors earned $94,232.

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.”

Thursday, January 24, 2013

CFC charity groups obscuring overhead costs, report finds - Management - GovExec.com

CFC charity groups obscuring overhead costs, report finds - Management - GovExec.com: Formed as umbrella groups of organizations with similar missions, federations ease the logistics burden on charities seeking to qualify for the annual federal employee giving drive. Federations help charities submit applications to the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees the CFC, and create a single contact point to sort out the paperwork. They also increase the visibility of their member groups.

The federations charge fees for their services, but often are not up front about what those fees will be, according to the Workplace Giving Alliance, a consortium of federations working to promote efficiency in public sector workplace fundraising.

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.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

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.

Study: Nonprofit Employees Still Vexed by Compensation Issues

massnonprofit.org ::: Study: Nonprofit Employees Still Vexed by Compensation Issues

January 15, 2013 — Even though nonprofit careers are shaped more by employees’ commitment to mission and less by financial considerations, compensation remains a nagging issue for many sector employees, with nearly one-half having considered leaving their organization for better compensation elsewhere, a new study has found.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

UnderDeveloped: A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising | CompassPoint

UnderDeveloped: A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising | CompassPoint: UnderDeveloped: A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising

The newly released study UnderDeveloped: A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising reveals that many nonprofits are stuck in a vicious cycle that threatens their ability to raise the resources they need to succeed. A joint project of CompassPoint and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, the report found high levels of turnover and lengthy vacancies in development director positions throughout the sector. More significantly, the study reveals deeper issues that contribute to instability in the development director role, including a lack of basic fundraising systems and inadequate attention to fund development a

Monday, January 14, 2013

Corporate citizenship efforts pay off for U.S. businesses - The Denver Post

Corporate citizenship efforts pay off for U.S. businesses - The Denver Post: In light of this disturbing trend, companies must pay close attention to their investments in corporate-citizenship initiatives, not only to help their reputation for acting responsibly among consumers but also to help the bottom line.

A new report called "The State of Corporate Citizenship 2012" published by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship reveals that four of every five executives from all business types and industries believe that environmental, social (including philanthropy) and governance investments create financial value for their companies. The study, conducted by surveying 749 executives from mostly medium and large domestic and global companies, reports that firms that strategically align and "integrate corporate citizenship with business goals" and make a longer-term commitment and investment in those strategies "have at their disposal a more robust set of tools for serving employees, shareholders and communities."

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

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.

Workplace Giving Had a Reboot in 2012 to Meet Changes, Challenges in the Economy - RE:Philanthropy

Workplace Giving Had a Reboot in 2012 to Meet Changes, Challenges in the Economy - RE:Philanthropy: Workplace Giving Had a Reboot in 2012 to Meet Changes, Challenges in the Economy

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Track Year-End Online Giving - Online Fundraising - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Track Year-End Online Giving - Online Fundraising - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Track Year-End Online Giving

By Emily Gipple and Derek Lieu

The Chronicle has analyzed fourth-quarter online fundraising totals for more than 8,700 charities that process their donations through Network for Good.

Hover over any day to compare online giving totals from 2011 and 2012 and highlight a section of the lower graph to zoom in.

In Bonobos, the Origins of Anonymous Charity? - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

In Bonobos, the Origins of Anonymous Charity? - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Monday, January 07, 2013

Silicon Valley Philanthropists Stepped Up Donations of Stock in 2012 | PND | Foundation Center

Silicon Valley Philanthropists Stepped Up Donations of Stock in 2012 | PND | Foundation Center: Silicon Valley Philanthropists Stepped Up Donations of Stock in 2012

Charitable giving by Silicon Valley philanthropists accelerated toward the end of the year amid expectations that Congress and the White House might strike a budget deal that capped or eliminated the deduction for charitable giving in 2013, the Wall Street Journal reports.

According to a study commissioned by the Journal and conducted by compensation firm Equilar, Inc.,

MCF | Minnesota Grantmakers Anticipate Slight Increase in 2013 Giving

MCF | Minnesota Grantmakers Anticipate Slight Increase in 2013 Giving: Minnesota Grantmakers Anticipate Slight Increase in 2013 Giving
Source: Minnesota Council on Foundations 01/07/2013

(Jan. 7, 2013) ― The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) reported today that Minnesota grantmakers forecast slightly higher giving in 2013. According to MCF’s 2013 Outlook Report, foundations and corporations believe their grantmaking will increase about two percent from 2012.

Effective social media marketing requires CRM data | TMA Resources

Effective social media marketing requires CRM data | TMA Resources: Many associations still don't understand social CRM or its advantages. A report by Awareness revealed that only 16 percent of firms have a social CRM system, and 17 percent have no concept of what it's used for or why it can be beneficial. However, 68 percent of organizations expressed interest in social footprint impression. Major challenges cited in social media marketing were growing and managing social presence, monitoring social media accounts and the lack of adequate resources.

Foundation grants seen fueling economy � Philanthropy North Carolina

Foundation grants seen fueling economy � Philanthropy North Carolina: Grantmaking by U.S. foundations has big short-term and long-term impacts on the economy, a new report says.

Foundation grants totaling $37.85 million in 2010 generated nearly 500,000 jobs immediately, a total that grew to nearly 1 million within a year and to at least 8.8 million over the long-term, says the report by The Philanthropic Collaborative.

Thursday, January 03, 2013

Philanthropy of Megabanks Mediocre, Lacks Transparency - National Committee For Responsive Philanthropy

Philanthropy of Megabanks Mediocre, Lacks Transparency - National Committee For Responsive Philanthropy: n "Take and Give: The Crimes and Philanthropy of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase," NCRP reports that the megabanks constantly use philanthropy to counter their bad image from the central role they played in the economic meltdown and their serial lawbreaking. Yet, the quality and quantity of the megabanks' philanthropy are mediocre and it lacks transparency.

New Research Highlights Top Nonprofits Making a Difference in San Francisco Bay Area Education and B

New Research Highlights Top Nonprofits Making a Difference in San Francisco Bay Area Education and B: New Research Highlights Top Nonprofits Making a Difference in San Francisco Bay Area Education and Bay Area Arts and Culture
As the Giving Season Heats Up, Donors Are Urged to Research before They Give

Release date: December 18, 2012

Washington, D.C.—Philanthropedia, a division of leading nonprofit information provider GuideStar, today announced new rankings of the top 17 nonprofits working in education in the San Francisco Bay Area and the top 21 nonprofits working in the field of arts and culture, also in the Bay Area. The rankings are a re-evaluation of initial research presented in 2010 and are based on new in-depth surveys and conversations with hundreds of experts, including academics, funders, grantmakers, policy makers, consultants, etc., in

ECFA Commission Concludes No New Rules Needed on Unreasonable Nonprofit Compensation

ECFA Commission Concludes No New Rules Needed on Unreasonable Nonprofit Compensation: About two years ago, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, asked his staff to investigate media-based ministries and make recommendations about how to address self-dealing and questionable executive compensation levels and practices. Their recommendations were pretty dramatic: change which organizations are given nonprofit status by IRS, expand penalties on self-dealing, and establish new regulations to make sure that that nonprofits, particularly religious organizations, did not reward their leaders in an extravagant and excessive manner.

Rather than press for these legislative and regulatory changes, however, Senator Grassley asked the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (EFCA) to seek solutions that relied on self-regulation and not new laws. ECFA, in turn, formed the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations and broadened the focus to the entire nonprofit sector. About 80 representatives of the nonprofit sector were members of the commission and various committees. The committee produced a report, Enhancing Accountability for the Religious and Broader Nonprofit Sector, in December 2012.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Giving Black | Stanford Social Innovation Review

Giving Black | Stanford Social Innovation Review: When Liberty Hill Foundation first asked me to conduct a study on philanthropic giving and motivations of African American donors in Los Angeles, I approached the idea with a lot of curiosity. We know that African Americans give in comparable percentages to other groups, but there have been precious few studies that focus on African American giving. I was eager to contribute.

Monday, December 17, 2012

University of Michigan News Service | Corporations favor elite nonprofits

University of Michigan News Service | Corporations favor elite nonprofits: The study asked how locally headquartered corporations influenced the growth of two different types of nonprofit organizations—those oriented to the elite and those focused more broadly on social welfare—in the largest 100 U.S communities from 1987 to 2002.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Number of Volunteers Reaches Highest Level Since 2005 - Volunteers - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Number of Volunteers Reaches Highest Level Since 2005 - Volunteers - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: More Americans volunteered in 2011 than in any year since 2005, a new study finds. Approximately 64.3 million Americans volunteered at charities last year, providing 7.9 billion hours of service valued at $171-billion.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Showing Impact is Key Nonprofit Challenge | Business 2 Community

Showing Impact is Key Nonprofit Challenge | Business 2 Community: We recently conducted an online poll with 100 nonprofits to better understand their current view of marketing and how the discipline can help address key challenges they are facing. Here’s the blow by blow of what we found:

A STRATEGIC DEFICIT

According to survey respondents, nonprofits are not fully convinced that marketing is, or should be, a priority for their organization. Nearly 40% said marketing doesn’t rate as a strategic imperative for their cause, while the overwhelming majority of respondents admitted they do not have a formal marketing plan. More than 90% of respondents reported spending less than 5% of their budget on marketing.

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.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Corporate Philanthropy: The Latest Snapshot of Giving Trends

Corporate Philanthropy: The Latest Snapshot of Giving Trends: The Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) and The Conference Board released their Corporate Giving Standard (CGS) survey this week. Over 200 Fortune 500 companies participated in the survey including 62 Fortune 100 firms. With these companies together donating almost $20 billion total in 2011, the report reveals current trends in corporate giving. To the detractors of corporate philanthropy, or those worried that companies are doing less, this survey shows that reports of corporate giving’s demise are greatly exaggerated. Last year, 60 percent of the surveyed companies gave more than they had donated in 2009, showing that despite the global financial crises large corporate gifts are on the upswing.

Some of the more interesting findings in the survey include:

Grateful patient philanthropy and the doctor-patient relationship

Grateful patient philanthropy and the doctor-patient relationship: Grateful patient philanthropy and the doctor-patient relationship

December 10, 2012 in Other

Physicians associated with "patient philanthropy" – financial donations from grateful patients to a medical institution – are concerned with how these contributions might affect their own behavior and attitudes, and how they might impact the doctor-patient relationship. A new study by Scott Wright, MD and Joseph A. Carrese, MD, MPH of Johns Hopkins University, and colleagues, explores this topic. The paper considers the perspectives of internal medicine physicians working in an academic medical center who have had experiences with these situations. Their findings appear in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, published by Springer.

Give as you Live research identifies six online charity supporter profiles | Third Sector

Give as you Live research identifies six online charity supporter profiles | Third Sector: Polly Gowers, chief executive of the direct donations website, says its research would help charities choose the right digital channels

Online charity supporters can be grouped into six different types, such as "industrial heartland Clive" or "wealthy professional Jacqueline", emerging research indicates.

Give as you Live, a website that allows online shoppers to direct donations, which are made by retailers, to the charity of their choice, is carrying out research asking charity donors about topics including what inspired them to give, how they spent time online, their online giving habits and their general lifestyle.

Philanthropy study funded by $5 million grant

Philanthropy study funded by $5 million grant: How do you study philanthropy? Through philanthropy, apparently.

UW-Madison and two other colleges are sharing a $5 million grant to explore the motives behind philanthropy and what strategies can be developed to get the most dollars.

The Science of Philanthropy Initiative (SPI) is a collaboration among UW-Madison, the University of Chicago and Georgia State. The $5 million grant is from the John Templeton Foundation.

Monday, December 10, 2012

IU report: Nonprofit jobs and wages have grown in Indiana arts and related industries: IU News Room: Indiana University

IU report: Nonprofit jobs and wages have grown in Indiana arts and related industries: IU News Room: Indiana University: BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- As the end of the year approaches with its holiday shows and events, a new report from Indiana University finds that employment and wages in Indiana's nonprofit arts, entertainment and recreation industries are growing but trail more rapid growth in for-profit employment and wages in these industries.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Charitable giving by family foundations falls slightly in 2010/11, report shows | Third Sector

Charitable giving by family foundations falls slightly in 2010/11, report shows | Third Sector: Giving by the UK’s 100 largest family foundations increased by 6.2 per cent in 2010/11 if the Wellcome Trust, the biggest foundation, is discounted, a new report shows.

The Family Foundation Giving Trends survey, which is in its fifth year and is produced by the Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy and the Pears Foundation, found that there was a 1.8 per cent fall in giving among all the top 100 foundations compared with the previous year.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wealthy young philanthropists focus on gap between rich and poor | UK Fundraising

Wealthy young philanthropists focus on gap between rich and poor | UK Fundraising: Wealthy philanthropists aged under 30 are more concerned with the gap between rich and poor people than philanthropists aged over 45, according to research for Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

A survey of 1,428 wealthy philanthropists in six countries revealed that nearly half (44%) of those under 30 surveyed cited this issue, compared with 16% of over 45s surveyed. The latter preferred to give to causes supporting the older generation.

The survey by wealth consultancy Scorpio Partnerships covered donors with an average net worth of more than �1.5 million in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Arts and heritage organisations need to get better at asking for legacy donations, culture secretary says | Third Sector

Arts and heritage organisations need to get better at asking for legacy donations, culture secretary says | Third Sector: Maria Miller responds to report published yesterday by the campaigning group Legacy10

Arts and heritage bodies need to get better at asking for legacy donations, according to Maria Miller, the culture secretary, in a statement issued in response to a report by Legacy10, called Removing Barriers to Legacy Giving, published yesterday.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Quick Practical Lessons from NTEN’s Donor Engagement Study - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Quick Practical Lessons from NTEN’s Donor Engagement Study - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly: NTEN’s recent study documenting the dynamics of donor engagement, though based on a small sample, is worth a look as you do your own fundraising this year. The study can be obtained here (PDF). The behavior of 1,022 donors was examined not just for their giving but for their volunteering, issue advocacy, and event participation. We’d love to hear any arguments you have with the findings, based on your own experiences.

Among the findings: Although 78 percent of donors gave to more than one charity only 12 percent gave to more than seven and these donors tended to be older. Still 47 percent of those surveyed say that a majority of what they give each year goes to the organization to which they feel most connected … We repeat, “TO WHICH THEY FEEL MOST CONNECTED.”

Friday, November 16, 2012

Houston's a philanthropy powerhouse; $10B given so far this year - Houston Business Journal

Houston's a philanthropy powerhouse; $10B given so far this year - Houston Business Journal: When it comes to philanthropy, Houston is a powerhouse in terms of its giving and the performance of local charities, HBJ's 2012 Giving Guide and Philanthropy Report found.

Accounting for donations through the third quarter, $32.1 billion has been given in Texas so far this year, with $10.2 billion of that coming from the Houston area, reports Dallas-based The Atlas of Giving.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

'Deeply worrying' �2.3bn fall in individual giving

'Deeply worrying' 2.3bn fall in individual giving: Fewer people are giving to charity and those that do are giving less, resulting in a �2.3bn real terms fall in total donations in the last year, according to the latest barometer of individual philanthropy in the UK.

The UK Giving Report, released today, has reported a 20 per cent fall in the amount of money donated to charity between 2010/11 and 2011/12 to �9.3bn – a cash fall of �1.7bn (before inflation). It is the first time the total level of donations fell below �10bn since 2004/05.

summary report
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/sites/default/files/uk_giving_2012_summary_report.pdf

Wealthy keep giving in downturn, plan to give more � Philanthropy North Carolina

Wealthy keep giving in downturn, plan to give more � Philanthropy North Carolina: Averaging giving as a percentage of household income among 700 wealthy households held steady at 9 percent between 2009 and 2011, says the 2012 Bank of America Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy.

The study, prepared through an ongoing partnership with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, is based on surveys with households with net worth of $1 million or more, excluding the value of their home, or with annual household income $200,000 or more, or both.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Rocky Markets Rattle Nonprofit Endowment Returns - Endowments - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Rocky Markets Rattle Nonprofit Endowment Returns - Endowments - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Endowments at the nation’s charities and foundations are on pace this year to record lackluster investment returns similar to those they achieved in 2011, a new Chronicle survey finds. (See all the data.)

Sector's uniqueness under threat from professionalisation and marketisation, research suggests

Sector's uniqueness under threat from professionalisation and marketisation, research suggests: There is little empirical evidence to demonstrate why the voluntary sector is unique or distinctive, according to a new discussion paper.

Is the third sector so special? What is it worth?, published today by the Third Sector Research Centre, is the third of five discussion papers being produced as part of its Third Sector Futures Dialogues series.

Each paper is intended to start a debate about the big issues facing the voluntary sector in England.

Friday, November 09, 2012

Study: What Do Donors, Foundations Want to Know about Nonprofits? - NPQ

Study: What Do Donors, Foundations Want to Know about Nonprofits? - NPQ: On the Markets for Good blog, a consultant named Greg Ulrich asks whether more and better information on, about, or from nonprofits will improve the behavior (presumably, Ulrich means choices) of individual charitable donors. His firm, Hope Consulting, has data on whether donors do research on nonprofits they give to, whether they want better information on nonprofits, and whether they will use data to guide their choices if they do get it.

Ulrich’s blog posting cites data which is drawn from Hope’s Money for Good research, conducted in partnership with Guidestar, and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and an entity called Liquidnet.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Philanthrop Sector on the Mend when Sandy Hit - Penta - Barrons.com

Philanthrop Sector on the Mend when Sandy Hit - Penta - Barrons.com: Sandy’s aftermath will certainly challenge the resources of the public and non-profit sectors, but, for what’s it’s worth, the philanthropic industry was well on the mend before the hurricane hit, despite the nation’s continued economic weakness. That at least is the underlying message of the latest relevant study.

The 2012 Bank of America Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, in partnership with the Center Philanthropy, questioned 700 rich folk with liquid assets of $1 million or more. The results released in this biennial study this week reflect philanthropic behavior among the wealthy in 2011.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

More Americans to increase donations, and not for the tax deduction - latimes.com

More Americans to increase donations, and not for the tax deduction - latimes.com: The do-gooding spirit is thriving in the U.S., with 81% of Americans planning to maintain or boost their donations this year, according to a new report.

That’s nine percentage points higher than 2011 and 18 points above 2010, according to Fidelity Charitable, which offers programs to boost altruism. The average American plans to give $2,400, up from $2,100 last year.

Multichannel Engagement Key for Nonprofits' Fundraising Success - DailyFinance

Press Release
Multichannel Engagement Key for Nonprofits' Fundraising Success - DailyFinance: CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nonprofit organizations around the world are looking to expand use of mobile technology, grow online fundraising and improve donor communication and multichannel engagement.

These are just some of the findings from the 2012 State of the Nonprofit Industry report, released today by Blackbaud, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLKB), featuring survey results from more than 1500 respondents from nine countries covering approaches to overcoming common challenges, fundraising trends, and use of mobile and interactive technology.

Place, Time and Philanthropy | Philanthropy Journal

Place, Time and Philanthropy | Philanthropy Journal: The Changing Philanthropy Research Team wants to know what happens to philanthropic activity when people move to a new location. Their study of long term residents and recent transplants to the Cape Fear area of North Carolina is providing some answers.

There are three factors that help explain differences in volunteering and donating by short and long term residents, as explained in an article forthcoming in Public Administration Review by the research team.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Half of American Teenagers Volunteer, Largely Because Their Friends Do - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Half of American Teenagers Volunteer, Largely Because Their Friends Do - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: More than half of American teenagers and young adults volunteered last year, and the best way to enlist this group turns out to be peer pressure: Three quarters of people ages 13 to 22 whose friends volunteer regularly also do so, which is nearly twice the number of those who pursue voluntary activities based on their concern about particular social issues.

Those were the key findings of new research results released today by Do Something, a group working to get young people involved in social change.

Job market tied to social capital � Philanthropy North Carolina

Job market tied to social capital � Philanthropy North Carolina: he 10 states with the most nonprofits per capita and the strongest social capital, for example, had jobless rates of 6.5 percent in 2010, compared to 10.8 percent in the states with lowest density of nonprofits and weakest social capita, says the report.

Based on research led by The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, Civic Enterprises, and The Saguaro Seminar at Harvard University, the report builds on a 2011 report from the National Conference on Citizenship that found states and major metro areas with higher levels of civic engagement in 2006 experienced smaller increases in unemployment from 2006 to 2010.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Less wealthy dig a fraction deeper to help

Less wealthy dig a fraction deeper to help: FAMILIES in Sydney's wealthiest suburbs give away much less of their income than those with much lower incomes in towns and suburbs elsewhere.

The National Australia Bank Charitable Giving Index has revealed that Australians are giving more to charity - in the seven months to July 2012 donations increased 4.7 per cent to an average of $292 per donor.

Charitable Giving Up - NAB Index | Pro Bono Australia

Charitable Giving Up - NAB Index | Pro Bono Australia: Despite a softening domestic economy, flat employment growth and persistent consumer cautiousness, charitable giving is growing, according to the inaugural Charitable Giving Index by major Australian bank NAB.

The Index found that charitable giving is very seasonal with two peak periods identified. June is the main period for charitable giving as donors take advantage of tax concessions as the financial year ends.

Monday, October 22, 2012

New technologies for giving | Features | Research

New technologies for giving | Features | Research: The charitable sector faces the dual challenge of decreasing government funding and greater pressure on services, while charitable giving among the public is not showing the necessary increase to make up the shortfall. Indeed, 18% of the British public say the amount of money they donate to charity has decreased in the past few years.

With three quarters of registered charities across the sector receiving income from donations and fundraising activities there is clearly much to be gained from exploring how new technologies might impact on the funding environment. Four-fifths of British adults are now connected online, with over two-fifths (45%) owning a smartphone. A similar proportion (44%) have visited Facebook and YouTube in the past three months.

New technologies for giving | Features | Research

New technologies for giving | Features | Research: The charitable sector faces the dual challenge of decreasing government funding and greater pressure on services, while charitable giving among the public is not showing the necessary increase to make up the shortfall. Indeed, 18% of the British public say the amount of money they donate to charity has decreased in the past few years.

With three quarters of registered charities across the sector receiving income from donations and fundraising activities there is clearly much to be gained from exploring how new technologies might impact on the funding environment. Four-fifths of British adults are now connected online, with over two-fifths (45%) owning a smartphone. A similar proportion (44%) have visited Facebook and YouTube in the past three months.

New technologies for giving | Features | Research

New technologies for giving | Features | Research: The charitable sector faces the dual challenge of decreasing government funding and greater pressure on services, while charitable giving among the public is not showing the necessary increase to make up the shortfall. Indeed, 18% of the British public say the amount of money they donate to charity has decreased in the past few years.

With three quarters of registered charities across the sector receiving income from donations and fundraising activities there is clearly much to be gained from exploring how new technologies might impact on the funding environment. Four-fifths of British adults are now connected online, with over two-fifths (45%) owning a smartphone. A similar proportion (44%) have visited Facebook and YouTube in the past three months.

Study: Conservatives and liberals are equally charitable, but they give to different charities

Study: Conservatives and liberals are equally charitable, but they give to different charities: Leaving aside the fraught question of whether charitable donations and taxes serve the same question, is this really true? Do conservatives give more away? According to a new study by two MIT political scientists, not really.

Michele Margolis and Michael Sances note that Brooks’ conclusion comes from a dataset that doesn’t really ask how conservative people are politically so much as how conservative they are socially. Using a dataset which uses more traditional questions to test political beliefs – the General Social Survey – they found no statistically significant relationship between peoples’ political beliefs, or their partisan affiliation, and their charitable giving level. And this held at the state level too. There was no significant relationship between a state’s level of giving and the vote share that Bush received in that state in 2004.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Acquisition, But First … | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits

Acquisition, But First … | The Agitator - Fundraising, Direct Marketing and Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofits: But we are compelled — yes, compelled — to start the ball rolling with yet another warning about donor retention!

Compelled because this recent ‘Must Read’ report — the 2012 Fundraising Effectiveness Report — from the Association of Fundraising Professionals drives home once again the utter futility of pouring newly acquired donors into leaky buckets.

Here are the grim facts (looking at 2011-12 fundraising by 3,184 organizations, who raised over $2 billion in 2011):

Giving in recession? - Web Exclusive Article - Significance Magazine

Giving in recession? - Web Exclusive Article - Significance Magazine: How generous are we now, as times get harder? The British Social Attitudes Survey, published last month, suggests that our attitudes towards the unemployed and the retired are becoming less generous; those out of work are generally viewed as not deserving of welfare. In 2011 almost two thirds of Britons thought that unemployment benefits discourage work, and just over half the population thinks that if benefits were less generous people would become more self-reliant. The latest survey also shows a continuing decline for public spending on all types of benefits; only 28% of the population thinks the government should spend more on welfare benefits.