Carnegie Mellon Announces $1 Billion Campaign

For more than a century, Carnegie Mellon University has been addressing the world's urgent needs through education and research. This past weekend, with more than $550 million raised, the university announced the public phase of a $1 billion campaign that focuses on the comprehensive needs of the university.

Full-text press release is available via MarketWatch, 10.28.08.

Philanthropy 400

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has released 2008 findings. This survey was conducted by the Chronicle to determine which U.S. charities raised the most in donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The Chronicle is a subscription-based publication.

The Philanthropy 400, 10.30.08.

Downturn Expected to Drive Tuition Up

Education experts say findings of relatively stable college affordability is outdated, and that colleges will be forced to raise tuition substantially because of the current economy.

Full-text article by Tamar Lewin is available via the New York Times, 10.30.08.

BWF's Economic Impact & Potential Analysis (EIPA)

Bentz Whaley Flessner is pleased to offer its support in this time of uncertainty in the fundraising community. In a partnership between our analytics division, DonorCast, and the market research division, BWF Research, we have prepared a study methodology to determine the effects of the economic climate on your fundraising potential. In our EIPA study, we would review the internal and external factors impacting your fundraising to equip you for careful planning and informed decision-making.

We will review the following internal factors
* Database giving potential
* Giving by key constituent groups and geographic regions
* Development production level analysis
* Forecasts and simulations for future fundraising

We will review the following external analysis of
* Regional economic factors
* Industry sectors of top prospects
* Fundraising landscape and current/upcoming campaigns
* Survey of constituent perceptions and attitudes

You will receive a written EIPA report providing a snapshot of your fundraising environment. And we will provide practical recommendations for maximizing your fundraising success in this uncertain environment.

Contact Bentz Whaley Flessner to see how we might partner with you and understand the current climate through our Economic Impact and Potential Analysis.

T. Boone Pickens Pledges Another 'Major Gift' to Oklahoma State U. Athletics

T. Boone Pickens, the billionaire oil tycoon who gave $165-million to Oklahoma State University’s athletics department in 2005, said on Saturday that he would announce “another major gift” to the department on Monday. He did not reveal the value of the gift, but according to the Tulsa World, a source familiar with the situation said it would be $63-million.

Full-text article by Bill Haisten is available via Tulsa World, 10.26.08.

Salvation Army Tries 'Texting' for Gifts

The Salvation Army is going to try a new method of getting
holiday-season donors to fill up its famous Red Kettles - by
asking supporters to send a text message that results in $5 being
charged to their cell-phone bills and earmarked for the charity,
according to the Associated Press.

The program will be tested in Ohio beginning in late November,
with plans to expand it nationally if it's successful, said the
organization. It is aimed at younger people who are less likely
to carry cash. The charity raised $118-million from its kettle
campaign nationwide last year.

Full-text article by Kantele Franko is available via MSNBC, 10.22.08.

Concerns Arise About Potential Major Donors

Universities are examining their major donors to see how the financial crisis has changed their propensity to give.

Full-text article by Jack Stripling is available via InsideHigherEd, 10.23.08.

The Coming College Bubble?

America's undercapitalized independent colleges are staring at a spiral of major threats to solvency as penny-pinching students and parents consider cheaper options, and funding sources dry up. As a result, they could be the next bubble industry to pop.

Full-text article by Maurna R. Desmond is available via Forbes, 10.23.08.

How to Promote Life-Insurance Gifts

Few charities promote insurance gifts, and most of them focus only on the transfer of existing life-insurance policies, a speaker told the audience at the annual conference of the National Committee on Planned Giving, according to a posting on
Prospecting, The Chronicle's column of news and tips on seeking donations.

Global-Health Efforts Drive Seattle Economy

Seattle businesses and nonprofit institutions have identified
global health as a significant part of the city's regional
economy, reports The Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

A 2007 University of Washington study found that global health
supported 44,000 jobs statewide annually, providing more than
$4-billion in "business activities and involving more than 190
nonprofit organizations - including the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation - the newspaper said.

Full-text article by Tom Paulson is available via the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 10.23.08.

Hospitals Use 'Broad Latitude' in Reporting Charity Care, Report Finds

Nonprofit hospitals take a wide array of approaches to how they count their contributions to the cities they serve,according to a new federal study by the Government Accountability Office.

Full-text article by Eric Kelderman is available via the Chronicle of Philanthropy, 10.14.08. [Subscription required.]

Researchers at Children's Hopsital

Dozens of researchers who will start moving the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh research arm to a new Lawrenceville campus next month, several months before patients and beds are moved.

Full-text article by Kris Mamula is available via the Pittsburgh Business Times, 10.17.08.

Strategies for Foundations to Save Resources

As investors suffer the slings and arrows of today’s market volatility, charities also feel the pain as donations begin to dry up. Private foundations face a particular dilemma.

Required by law to distribute at least 5 per cent of their endowment value each year, foundations need a return of 8 to 9 per cent just to stay even after inflation and expenses, says Janine Racanelli, head of JPMorgan’s Advice Lab.

If today’s grant commitments are based on market value of a year ago, she continues, fulfilling those commitments after the S&P has fallen 25 per cent “will result in a 7percent decline in the value of the foundation”.

Full-text article by Grace W. Weinstein is available via the Financial Times, 10.14.08.

Retiring With a Windfall? How to Give It Away

The average net worth of those 65 or older has increased nearly 80 percent in the past two decades, and those who reach the age of 65 can now expect to live another 19years on average.

Full-text article by Jennifer Barrett is available via the Washington Post, 10.15.08.

Colleges Brace for Drop in Corporate Giving

As the economy enters a recession, colleges are bracing themselves for a drop in corporate giving, especially among companies that are filing for bankruptcy, being acquired, or drastically losing stock value.

Full-text article by Kathryn Masterson is available via the Chronicle of Higher Education, 10.16.08. [Subscription required.]

Campus Fundraising Just Got A Lot Harder

Bruce Flessner's cell phone has been ringing nearly nonstop. When he answers, it's almost always a college president or someone leading a fundraising campaign.

"They're nervous," said Flessner, whose company consults with colleges and universities on fundraising. "I don't think I've ever had this many calls from presidents and campaign chairs."

Full-text article by Jeff Shelman is available via the Star Tribune, 10.16.08.

Year-End Appeals: Seeking Gifts in Uncertain Times

Many charities are entering the most crucial months of the fund-raising year at the same time that many donors are dealing with the most uncertain economic circumstances of their lifetimes.

What should fund raisers do to encourage donors to support their causes? What approaches turn people off? What kind of results are realistic to expect?

Full-text transcript of Bruce Flessner's conversation with Peter Panepento via the Chronicle of Philanthropy, 10.14.08. [Subscription required.]

Making a Big Difference

Small businesses can be a vital source of support -- often in the form of free services or products -- for small, local charities. A new Chronicle study examines what matters to the entrepreneurs who own those establishments.

Full-text article by Caroline Preston is available via the Chronicle of Philanthropy, 10.16.08. [Subscription required.]

Wealthy People Still Seeing Incomes Soar

Even as the majority of the population struggles to maintain a middle-class lifestyle, the rich are getting a lot richer, and their ranks are multiplying.

Full-text article by Katherine Yung is available via the Detroit Free Press, 10.12.08.

Interest Blossoms in Point-Click Philanthropy

Several times a year, Heidi Hess and James Rucker of San Francisco go online, PayPal style, and redirect their wealth to their favorite charities.

They are tactical philanthropists - part of a growing group of socially conscious givers in the Bay Area whose generosity accounts for more than half the $1 billion in assets at the San Francisco Foundation.

Full-text article by Meredith May is available via the San Francisco Chronicle, 10.12.08.

Worst Week Ever: Dow, S& P Each Fall 18%

Cloaked in the fear of a global recession, U.S. stocks limped to the end of a brutal week of trading yesterday, ending their worst week in history.

Full-text article by Renae Merle is available via the Washington Post, 10.11.08.

Despite Downturn, There's Hope for U.S. Charitable Giving

Despite the turmoil on Wall Street and the ongoing economic turbulence, charitable giving levels may not be affected as much or for as long as some may fear, according to researchers at Boston College's Center on Wealth and Philanthropy.

Full-text press release is available via MarketWatch, 10.10.08.

High-Net-Worth Families Cutting Back on Giving, Study Finds

A new report from private wealth-research firm Prince & Associates suggests that the sputtering economy and financial meltdown on Wall Street are beginning to pinch the affluent, who are responding by cutting back on their charitable giving, Forbes reports.

Full-text article is available via the Philanthropy News Digest, 10.6.08.

Kresge Earmarks $8.8-Million for Arts in Detroit

The Kresge Foundation, in Troy, Mich., announced October 8 that it will give $8.8-million in grants over two years to artists and arts organizations in economically embattled Detroit.

Full-text article by Michael H. Hodges is available via the Detroit News, 10.8.08.

Fund Raisers Share Their Secrets for Raising Money in a Tough Climate

As Americans grow increasingly concerned about the worsening economy, and scenes of panicked investors play out on television and in newspapers, college fund raisers say the financial events of the past month haven’t undermined their mission or their resolve to raise private funds for higher education.

Full-text article by Kathryn Masterson is available via the Chronicle of Higher Education, 10.9.08. [Subscription required.]

Americans’ Financial Worries Becoming More Wide-Ranging

A Gallup Poll update on Americans' personal financial problems shows that the public has shifted away from a hyperfocus on gas and energy prices and has started to voice increasing concerns about a wider range of money issues, including debt.

Full-text article by Lymari Morales is available via Gallup.com, 10.13.08.

Hospitals Endure Soaring Rates as Bonds Reset Weekly

The nation’s financial market meltdown is hitting many Massachusetts hospitals in the form of higher borrowing costs.

Full-text article by Mark Hollmer is available via the Boston Business Journal, 10.3.08.

Flagging Donations - Risky for Health Care

Dwindling donations caused by the lagging economy could deal a serious blow to the nonprofit health-care sector, says a study released by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).

"In tight economic times, fundraisers will have to better benchmark their data and strategies, as nonprofits convince donors, board members, hospital leaders and the public that they are accountable for the gifts they receive," Lisa Hillman, chair of the board of directors for the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, says in a statement.

Full-text press release and study are available via AHP.

A 5-year Low

Wall Street's drubbing continued Tuesday, with a 500-point loss bringing the Dow's two-day scalding to nearly 900 points, as the Federal Reserve's plan to loosen credit markets failed to counter investor pessimism about the government's ability to rescue the markets.

Full-text article by Alexandra Twin is available via CNNMoney.com, 10.7.08.

Sharing in the USA

The face of America's charitable donors has a new look. Read USA TODAY'S complete series on charity and philanthropy in the United States.

A series of full-text articles is available via USA Today, 10.7.08.

In Tight Times, Many Nonprofits Feel the Pinch as Contributions Dwindle

The city’s vast and traditionally overstressed nonprofit community is already reeling from the crisis on Wall Street. “We have been in perfect storms before,” said Lorie A. Slutsky, president of the New York Community Trust, which distributed $166 million to 2,500 nonprofits in 2007.

But given the cratering economy, “many charities rely on year-end giving, so they are nervous about the impact of the market turmoil,” she said, adding that the downturn was having an affect not only on private contributors, foundations, corporations and the availability of credit to nonprofits, but also the viability of government grants and contracts in a time of looming tax-revenue gaps.

Full-text article by Glenn Collins is available via the New York Times, 10.6.08.

Is Now A Good Time To Panic?

If you're at the point where you aren't sure you can take any more of this, you have plenty of company. Worldwide.

One year into this stock market slide, we've reached a new level of despair. Many investors now have lost about a third of their stock portfolios' value in the decline fueled by the implosion of home prices and credit markets.

Full-text article by Tom Petruno is available via the LA Times, 10.7.08.

A Nightmare for Sales of Dream Cars

Robert Bassam, used-car magnate, isn't driving his Lamborghini, his Porsche, or even his usual daily driver, a BMW 750, these days. Feeling the weight of these economic times, and attempting to be more politically correct, he's getting around in a 4-cylinder Hyundai.

Full text article by Joel Achenbach is available via The Washington Post, 10.07.08.

Full of Doubts, U.S. Shoppers Cut Spending

Cowed by the financial crisis, American consumers are pulling back on their spending, all but guaranteeing that the economic situation will get worse before it gets better.

Full-text article by Louis Uchitelle, Andrew Martin, and Stephanie Rosenbloom is available via the New York Times, 10.5.08.

Update on Billion-Dollar Campaigns at 29 Universities

The 29 American universities that are seeking to raise at least $1-billion collected a total of $601.9-million in gifts and pledges during the last month for which they had data available.

Full-text article by Marisa Lopez-Rivera is available via the Chronicle of Higher Education, 10.6.08. [Subscription required.]

Silver Lining in Economic Turmoil

Charity Navigator, a nonprofit watchdog group, says there may be a silver lining for donors hidden within the dark clouds of the financial meltdown and fears of an economic depression.

Full-text blog posting by Ian Wilhelm is available via the Chronicle of Philanthropy, 10.3.08. [Subscription required.]

Rescuing the Economy

Even if the financial bailout works, the economy faces troubles too pervasive and entrenched to be solved any time soon, analysts say.

Full-text article by Peter G. Gosselin is available via the Los Angeles Times, 10.5.08.

Poorest Feel Downturn as Donations Fall

For Citymeals-on-Wheels, a nonprofit group that delivers food to homebound New Yorkers, the Wall Street crisis already means 100,000 fewer meals will be delivered to people who need them.

One day this spring, the group lost about $500,000 it expected from employees of Bear Stearns as the firm collapsed. A few days later, $225,000 promised by a hedge fund vanished after its stock plummeted. This summer, private contributions were running 20 percent less than a year ago. And in the past few weeks, significant numbers of longtime donors have cut their giving in half, said Executive Director Marcia Stein.

Full-text article by Robin Shulman is available via the Washington Post, 10.5.08.

Can Buffet Rescue the Market?

The billionaire's forays into Goldman and GE may restore some confidence in the economy, but can he right the ship all by himself?

Full text article by Ben Steverman is available via BusinessWeek, 10.2.08.

What CEOs Can Learn From Paul Newman

Paul Newman donated 100% of post-tax profits and royalties from the Newman's Own company to charities world-wide -- more than $250 million to date. He was also passionate about the Hole in the Wall Camps he helped found for children with life-threatening illnesses, and he was deeply involved with a variety of other innovative nonprofit organizations including his most recent undertaking, the Safe Water Network. Newman's vision was to see companies change the way they conducted business and learn from the Newman's Own model of giving back.

Full-text article by John C. Whitehead and Peter L. Malkin is available via the Wall Street Journal, 10.2.08.

University of Utah Seeks to Raise $1 Billion in Eight Years

While the economy is causing donors to give more cautiously, the numbers suggest that donors still believe in giving to institutions of higher education. To continue the growth of giving to higher education, university fundraising campaigns are becoming more professional and sophisicated, fine-tuning their approach, i.e. the University of Utah is shifting their campaign focus to alumni.

Full text article by Brian Maffly is available via The Salt Lake Tribune, 9.29.08.

Change Afoot for Wachovia Philanthropy

As Wachovia prepares to become part of Citigroup, the Charlotte-based bank's philanthropic-services division and charitable giving face changes.

Full-text article by Ret Boney is available via the Philanthropy Journal, 9.30.08.

Smart Solution for Corporate Philanthropists

When Ted Turner pledged 11 years ago to give $1bn to the United Nations to cover the unpaid dues of the US, there was an unexpected hitch.

Under UN rules, the US could not abrogate its debt, and there was no mechanism for individuals to make donations to the UN. So Mr Turner, who had founded the cable television television channel CNN and sold it to Time Warner, created a foundation to make the donation. The idea was that the funds would be channelled into UN causes – poverty, maternal and child health, and protecting world heritage.

Full-text article by Deborah Brewster is available via the Financial Times, 9.30.08. [Subscription required.]