The nonprofit world is about to face the toughest year in its history.  By every measure, 2010 could be far more painful for charities and the people they serve than any other they have known.  The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual ranking of the 400 charities that raise the most money found that by year’s end, the nation’s top organizations expect a median decline of nine percent in donations, meaning half will see giving drop even more.  

            The workforce that charities and foundations mobilize to meet the challenges is far different than it was just a few years ago.  Around the US, nonprofits have cut payrolls in order to continue to utilize income to meet the needs of those they serve.  At organizations around the country, workers are taking pay cuts and in many cases, reductions in retirement and health benefits.  

            As times get tougher, donors and governments are looking more carefully than ever to make sure that every dollar charities receive is spent well. ...

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             In the last twelve months since the financial crisis rocked the world’s economy, nonprofit groups have cut budgets, laid off staff members and taken other steps to shore up their finans.  While opinions are mixed, many philanthropy experts  say that charities have been complacent in developing the radical thinking that is needed to maintain, and potentially strengthen the nonprofit world.  As the effects of the economic downturn continue to linger, nonprofits across the US are exploring new ways to raise money.  Many innovative approaches are now either being considered or implemented in nonprofit organizations across the US, and here in Louisiana:  

The for-profit with the non-profit soul.  Eighteen months ago, Vermont became the first state to pass a law to give for-profit entities providing social benefits their own legal designation, know as low-profit limited-liability companies of L3C.  Five other states have followed suit and now supporters are pressing Congress to pass legislation...

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The fierce debate on health care and its eventual outcome may affect charitable giving by Americans.  The Association of Fundraising Professionals, in late June, issued a warning to its members and to the general public asking them to advocate against two proposed tax approaches that the Obama Administration has proposed in order to pay for health care. 

 Two forms of a limitation on charitable deductions have been touted as a means of paying for health care reforms:

      The Obama Proposal: For those individuals who earn more than $200,000 (and those couples and families who earn more than $250,000), this proposal would limit the federal tax deduction they may take for their generosity to 28 percent (starting in 2011). Currently, they may claim up to a 35 percent deduction. This tax policy change would effectively devalue charitable gifts made by the very people who are in a position to make substantial donations at a time when they are sorely needed.

    The Alternative Proposal: When...

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Do you know someone – a company, individual or a volunteer – who has exhibited outstanding leadership in giving to the northshore community?  

 

The Greater Northshore Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is seeking nominations for its 2009 National Philanthropy Day Event. The event is a celebration of the many generous individuals, corporations, and foundations that enrich our lives on the northshore.   National Philanthropy Day is a special day set  aside annually across the nation to recognize the great contributions of philanthropists and volunteers in our communities. 

 

Awards will be presented at the Northshore Chapter National Philanthropy Day luncheon on November 19, 2009 for Outstanding Individual Philanthropist, Outstanding Leadership in Corporate or Foundation Philanthropy, and Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.  

 

AFP is seeking nominations in each of these categories. The nomination deadline is July 31, 2009.  Criteria for nominations...

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Overcoming “Couch Potato Syndrome” by helping others.  

 

Summer is a time of the year that many charities see a downturn in donor giving. But summer is also a great time to give the gift of volunteer time to a local nonprofit . The time that volunteers give this year could make the difference between extending the work of that nonprofit to help others in the community or seeing their doors close.  Volunteering is a core staple of American democracy and a key asset in solving some of today’s most pressing problems. The benefits of volunteering go beyond the community where the work is being done, however; it also affects the person providing the service. To summarize the conclusions of several studies, “Good health is preserved by volunteering; it keeps healthy volunteers healthy.” I

N THE U.S. VOLUNTEER

How do volunteers find the time to volunteer?  

 

A 2008 report “Volunteering in America”, commissioned by the Corporation for National and Community Service...

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