Daily News Roundup: Nonprofits Ask Jeff Bezos to Skip Tax Breaks and Help Communities
As cities prepare their bids for the new Amazon headquarters, dozens of nonprofits and other groups have written an open letter asking Mr. Bezos to invest in the civic health of whatever city he chooses. In other news, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez raise $26 million for Puerto Rico hurricane relief; a film director plans to give residuals from Weinstein-backed movies to charity; how being socially minded can backfire for corporate CEOs; and more.
Video: For Donors of All Kinds, It’s the Mission That Counts
The director of development at the American Foundation for the Blind says a nonprofit’s mission is the focal point for most donors, and that’s how to connect with them, no matter what their background.
Daily News Roundup: Soros Gives $18 Billion to His Philanthropy
George Soros has transferred the bulk of his wealth to Open Society Foundations. In other news, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is donating $500 million to charity; lawsuits filed last month charged two Washington State hospitals with aggressive tactics against the poor; two families pledge $60 million to the University of North Carolina; and Sen. Al Franken will donate Harvey Weinstein gifts to charity. Plus, read about the common thread between gay and female Boy Scouts, and more.
Daily News Roundup: $1.5 Billion Gift From Chinese Donor to Boost Conservation
The contribution, from He Qiaonv, is more than a third of her $3.6 billion net worth. In other news, Houston Methodist Hospital gets a $101 donation; the Clinton Foundation is keeping its gift from Harvey Weinstein; and donors are joining forces to tackle tough problems. Also read an opinion piece about the philanthropy of Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein.
Daily News Roundup: Google Pledges $1 Billion for Job Training
Grow With Google aims to help anyone with internet access to prepare for a job in technology. In other news, Eli Broad is retiring from his philanthropy; Rutgers decides to keep a $100,000 gift from Harvey Weinstein and his family foundation; the sale of a charity’s headquarters could bring Roy Moore a windfall; and at Case Western Reserve, faculty members protest the role of a donor on a search committee — and the dean fires back with a blistering six-page letter.
Daily News Roundup: GOP Tax Plan Could Put Charities at Risk
Nonprofits that rely on middle-class donors would be especially vulnerable. In other news, a USC administrator responsible for raising hundreds of millions of dollars has stepped down amid sexual-harassment allegations; the Boy Scouts has announced it will establish a program that would allow older girls to aspire to the Eagle Scout rank; plus, more news about aid to Puerto Rico, donations for Las Vegas shooting victims, and more.
Foundation Forms a Family Giving Circle to Teach Young People About Philanthropy
Participating families will put money into a common fund, and at the end of 12 weeks, after discussing community needs and how to effect change, they will choose a local nonprofit to support. Here’s how you can start a similar program.
By Judith G. Salerno
Contributor
Video: How to Work With High-Profile Influencers
A consultant who works with nonprofits explains how organizations can approach people who are well-known and how to get and keep them engaged.
By Nidhi Singh
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: ‘MacArthur Genius’ Grants Announced
Winners of the $625,000 awards include the founder of United We Dream and the leader of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network. In other news, a key GOP representative wants to expand the number of people who can claim a tax break for charitable giving; Yale’s endowment posts disappointing returns; Harvey Weinstein steps down from the Robin Hood Foundation board; and Michael Jordan gives $7 million to health clinics in Charlotte, N.C.
Daily News Roundup: Charity Plans to Give Cash to Houstonians to Rebuild
GiveDirectly is going to hand out debit cards with no strings attached to hurricane victims. In other news, a rally in China’s Tencent Holdings adds billions to the philanthropic commitment of internet mogul Pony Ma; Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel peace prize winner, talks about using capitalism for good; Detroit hopes philanthropy could help in its bid to attract Amazon’s new headquarters; and a new app, patterned after Snapchat and Vine, will use video to encourage giving by young people.
4 Steps to Clearer Communications
Before year-end fundraising goes into high gear, take stock of your communications by answering key questions, simplifying your message, creating a clear call to action, and spreading the word.
By Elie Jacobs
Contributor
Navigating Economic Diversity in the Nonprofit World
Read our collection of news articles and data studies to understand the role socioeconomic class plays in philanthropy and to learn what nonprofits and foundations are doing to recruit and retain people with modest economic backgrounds.
Daily News Roundup: Grass-Roots Anti-Nuclear-Weapons Group Wins Nobel
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, known as ICAN, was honored for its efforts on global nuclear disarmament. In other news, Moody’s is considering a downgrade for University of Louisville because of its basketball scandal; an art museum is being sued for allegedly diverting donor funds; Lin-Manuel Miranda uses music and stars to raise money for Puerto Rico; and other gifts are made for hurricane and shooting victims.
Daily News Roundup: Bloomberg to Match Gifts to Fight Gun Violence
The former N.Y. mayor says he will match all contributions to his nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety. In other news, the Red Cross rebuts an article criticizing its response to Hurricane Harvey; liberals and conservatives want to take action against inequalities in college endowments; and a federal watchdog cites scores of instances in which the IRS has targeted liberal nonprofits for extra scrutiny.
Foundations Can Lead the Way in Helping Puerto Rico Recover
Grant makers can help ensure those most in need get aid and have a voice as the island seeks to rebuild from devastating storms.
By Karina Claudio Betancourt
Contributor
7 Steps to Running a Crowdfunding Campaign After a Tragedy
You have to move quickly, set up efficient communication channels, and find a strong leader.
By Chris Blauvelt
Contributor