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In The Media

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Find more frequent updates on our blog, Philanthropy Potluck:
http://blog.mcf.org/category/in-the-news/

Media Updates: June 15 - June 30
Foundations Trim Staffs After Assets Slide Lower
New York Times

Kiva Takes a Righteous Risk: Offers Peer-to-Peer Lending in the U.S.
On Philanthropy

MN Nonprofits Facing More Needs, Fewer Resources
WCCO

Ten Organizations Given Grants by Nonprofit Group
St. Cloud Times

Moai initiative kicks off
Albert Lea Tribune

Group Tries To Save Dying Bird Population
Northland Newsletter

Drop by drop, a Current of Young Philanthropy Grows
The Seattle Times

Early Reviews of  The Philanthropist
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

National Community Service Initiative Launched, Leveraged by Organizations Across the Country
PND

New Project Seeks to Address ‘Unconscious’ Racial Biases
Indian Country Today

Media Updates: June 1 - June 15
McKnight Foundation grants $9.8M in Q2
Twin Cities Business Journal

Medtronic Foundation grants $1.4M to Teach for America
Twin Cities Business Journal

Bush Foundation Announces $8 Million in Grants
The Philanthropy News Digest

Editorial: Regional Change (South Minnesota)
The Hutchinson Leader

Minneapolis Nonprofit Buys Site in Seward Neighborhood
Twin Cities Business Journal

'Expectations Gap' May Be Contributing Factor in Dropout Crisis, Report Find
Philanthropy News Digest

Giving by Community Foundations Grows
Philanthropy Journal

Kellogg Foundation to Close Two Overseas Offices
The Chronicle on Philanthropy

Fidelity Study Finds Women Shaping the Future of Philanthropy
On Philanthropy

Media Updates: May 14 - June 1

St. Jude Winner of Target's Facebook "Bullseye Gives" Campaign
The New York Times

White House Officials Discuss Plans for Social-Innovation Office
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

2009 IDEA Winners Announced*
The Bemedji Pioneer
*Requires free site registration

CNESI Aims to Help Nonprofits Launch, Transition
St. Cloud Times

CRF wins gifts to support small businesses
Finance and Commerce

Richer by $2 million, Duluth Foundation Puts Focus on Young Adults*
The Duluth News Tribune
*Requires paid site registration

Statute to Clarify Institutions of Purely Public Charities Signed into Law
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Foundations Lack Board Diversity, Says Report
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The Big-Bucks Club, Working for You
The Washington Post

Serve America Act Changes Should Help Attract Older Volunteers
MinnPost.com

How Melinda and Bill Gates Taught Me that Great Philanthropy is Not Just About Money
The Huffington Post

Media Updates: Archive

Habitat for Humanity Receives $100-Million Pledge
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Albert Lea Takes Its Health Makeover to the Next Level: Participation
Star Tribune

Hourcar’s Fleet Now Includes 20 Cars at 18 Locations in Minneapolis
Star Tribune

Foundation Awards Free Paint
Albert Lea Tribune

Nonprofit Groups Receive Mixed Results in Obama’s Budget
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Highlights from President Obama’s Budget Proposal
The Washington Grantmakers Daily

Michelle Obama Announces $50 Million Fund for Nonprofits
The Washington Post

Philanthropy Adapts to the Obama Era
The American Prospect

Charities Reap Benefits of Contests on the Internet
The New York Times

Target, Facebook Team Up and Let 10 Charities Compete for $$$
Star Tribune

Our View: Summit Fuels Ideas to Increase Volunteering
St. Cloud Times

Senators Dorgan and Snowe Introduce IRA Rollover Bill
Council on Foundations

Estate Tax Bill Introduced by Representative McDermott
Council on Foundations

Congress working to change estate tax
San Francisco Chronicle

President Signs National-Service Bill and Issues Call to Volunteer
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Nike Foundation President Nominated to Head National-Service Agency
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Volunteer Time Was Worth More than $20 an Hour Last Year, Study Finds
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

New Survey is First to Examine Nonprofit Industry’s Use of Social Networking
TechLinks.net

Google.org Official to Lead New Philanthropic Organization
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

 

United Way Plans Health Care and Reading Emphasis
The Star Tribune

 

Wells Fargo Donations Up 5% in 2008
Mpls./St. Paul Business Journal

  

Building a Foundation to Make a Difference
The Star Tribune: The Community Foundation for Carver County is working to become a resource for nonprofits.

 

Linking Younger Generations to the News through Social Networking Sites
editorsweblog.org: Two experiments, funded by the Knight Foundation, hope to get news to Facebook users.

 

Carbon Markets and Forest Practices Webinar now Available Online

A webinar funded by The Blandin Foundation is now available.

 

Don’t Volunteer: St. Thomas
Flixya: The Greater Twin Cities United Way and The University of St. Thomas created a video encouraging people not to volunteer.

 

Nonprofits Encouraged to Apply for Free Wireless Internet Accounts
NRP Digest: Minneapolis is seeking applications for 100 free wireless Internet accounts for non-profit organizations that provide free public computer access.

 

Sharing in the USA
USA Today: A special philanthropy section features an article by Michelle Obama on the nation's need for youthful idealism and more.

 

Confusing Web Sites Discourage Donors from Online Giving
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Poorly designed web sites deter donors who would be willing to give online, suggests a new study.

Editorial: Foundations Urge Look at Reform Ideas
Star Tribune: Five of Minnesota’s leading philanthropic foundations say it’s possible for Minnesotans to be served as well or better by government, without paying a lot more.

Minnesota Community Members Ponder What to do to Address Continuing Racial Achievement Gap
MinnPost.com: Minnesota’s black students are performing below black students in Alabama and South Carolina.

McKnight Approves $6.8 Million in Grants
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Grants support arts, children and families and more.

Frey Foundation Gives to End Homelessness
Twin Cities Business: Heading Home Minnesota will receive $5 million.

Guthrie Theatre to Trim Budget by Nearly $4 Million
Star Tribune

MN Orchestra Scales Back Sommerfest
Star Tribune

National-Service Bill Clears Final Major Hurdle, Winning Senate Approval
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: U.S. Senate adopts Serve America Act.

Analysts: Giving by Wealthy Would Decline Slightly Under Obama Budget Proposal
The Washington Post: Under Obama’s proposal, the tax deduction for those with incomes over $250,000 would be capped at 28 cents on the dollar.

Senate Measure Seeks to Spur Foundations to Give More
The New York Times: Senators introduce legislation encouraging foundations to give away more of their money.

Giving Less but Leading More
onPhilanthropy: It’s vital to showcase foundations’ value beyond dollars and cents.

Community Foundations Increase Funding for Human Services
Dayton Business Journal: Fifty-one percent of community foundations are increasing funding for human services assistance in 2009.

Council Tells Lawmakers 28% of Donor-advised-fund Grants Went to Social Services
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: More than a quarter of grants support basic social services.

Pay at Nonprofits Gets a Closer Look
The Wall Street Journal: Nonprofits bracing for scrutiny of their executive pay practices.

YouTube Ads Earn Nonprofit $10,000 in a Single Day
Watching TV Online: YouTube launches “Call to Action” feature.
 

Top Myths about Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best - Busted!
NCRP has identified several recurring pieces of misinformation and mischaracterization of the intent and contents of Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best.

 

Philanthropy at its Somewhat Myopic: Mistaking Means and Ends
The Huffington Post: Paul Brest discusses NCRP's prescriptions for grantmaking practices and their literally unbelievable response to critics of its Criteria.

Foundation Rescinds Grant to Watchdog Group
Chronicle of Philanthropy: The California Wellness Foundation has taken the unusual step of canceling its membership to the NCRP and asking for it to return a $10,000 grant.

 

Bad times, big hearts: Twin Cities social service agencies report generous giving
St. Paul Pioneer Press: The Greater Twin Cities United Way announced this week a new fundraising high with its 2008 campaign, taking in $88.9 million in contributions.

 

How the Recession Affects Donors’ Decisions on Giving
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: More than 52 percent of people who support charities say they will give the same amount this year as they did in 2008, while just 17.5 percent plan to give less.

 

Editorial: A business boost for K-12 education
Minneapolis Star Tribune: The Minnesota Business Partnership and the Itasca Project have teamed up to devise a strategy to help improve K-12 education.

 

Arts supporters make their case for spending sales tax money
MPR: Arts supporters testified at a Capitol hearing Monday night on how to spend new sales tax money for the arts.

 

With funds down, needs up, United Way makes staff cuts
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Facing a projected $5 million budget shortfall, the Greater Twin Cities United Way has frozen or eliminated about 10 percent of its workforce positions and is taking other steps to reduce spending.

 

Ecolab helps ready students for what comes next
Mpls./St. Paul Business Journal: At Humboldt junior and senior high schools in St. Paul, Ecolab’s influence is wide-reaching. (Requires paid subscription.)

 

Foundations cancel visits to St. Paul schools
Minneapolis Star Tribune: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Panasonic Foundation have canceled visits to the St. Paul Public Schools this month in the wake of Superintendent Meria Carstarphen’s announcement that she’s leaving at the end of the school year.

 

Politicians weigh in at Futures Summit
Mankato Free Press: An ambitious project to identify and seize economic opportunities in southern Minnesota sought advice Friday from hundreds of southern Minnesota leaders from the public and private sectors.

 

As interest in small wind grows, so does resistance
Stillwater Courier: Rural Electric Associations see a need for new sources of electricity and many of their member-owners are eager to become the generators; however there are issues to be resolved.

 

Foundations oppose Obama tax plan for deductions
Wall Street Journal: Private foundations plan to oppose Obama’s proposed cap on itemized deductions for top earners, and will ask lawmakers to overhaul other tax policies that affect big grant makers.

 

Staff cuts loom for non-profits
Philantrophy Journal: More than one in four nonprofits say they plan to downsize or lay off staff next year, compared to the 7.6 percent than foresaw reductions last year.

 

Public education in U.S. falls short, Obama says
Los Angeles Times: President Barack Obama strongly condemned the state of public education Tuesday, calling for more charter schools, higher salaries for effective teachers and the faster firing of bad ones.

 

Newly Jobless Swell Volunteer Ranks at Charities
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Nonprofit organizations are seeing a tide of new volunteers from the ranks of recently laid-off white-collar workers.

 

Researchers Examine Foundation Expectations for Giving in 2009
Foundation Center: Of the hundred largest foundations, only two have announced that they intend to increase their giving in 2009. To keep giving stable despite shrinking endowments and assets, ten large foundations, including The McKnight Foundation, are planning to increase their payout rates or establish cost-cutting measures such as freezing salaries, leaving staff vacancies unfilled, or reducing staff benefits.

 

Economic Downturn a Significant Concern Among Corporate Giving Officers
Foundation Center: Corporate grantmakers indicate their biggest challenge is an increase in grant requests, followed by inadequate financial resources, a decline in their corporate foundation endowment, and measuring results/outcomes.

 

Stimulus Applications Could Overwhelm grants.gov
Washington Post: The site where nonprofits and local governments can search federal programs and apply for more than 1,000 competitive grants from 22 agencies is already straining under the weight of recent growth.

 

Collaboration: Every Nonprofit Should Be Doing It
Florida Weekly: I can almost hear the collective sigh of nonprofit executives, staff, volunteers, and board members, because I know you are probably tired of hearing your funders talk about partnership and collaboration. But I am here to tell you that in this day and age, and with this economic climate, you can’t afford not to collaborate.

 

Invest Early Shows Success Early
MPR: The program takes a new collaborative approach to preschool education. It’s already shown progress in better preparing kids for kindergarten. Supporters say it also has big potential for long-term savings for taxpayers. The Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation formed the partnership, and committed $1.5 million annually for 10 years to help serve more kids.

 

Education Push Includes Merit Pay
Wall Street Journal: The president’s plan, which largely implements promises from his campaign, includes new incentives for states to boost the quality of preschool programs and easier access to financial aid for higher education. Mr. Obama also called on states to raise standards for student achievement.

 

Charities Flunk the Gratitude Test
Chronicle of Philanthropy: A nonprofit communications blogger is disappointed by the general lack of response to her gifts to 12 charities.

Some Nonprofits Can’t Touch Their Money
AP: Rules governing how nonprofits in some states use their endowments date to the 1970s, when most states adopted a uniform law that prohibits withdrawing money from endowments that fall below their “historic dollar value” — the money given to create the endowment, plus any later gifts.

Charities Say Government is Ignoring Them in Crisis
New York Times: Last week, nonprofit leaders representing thousands of organizations across the country signed on to a manifesto that calls on political leaders to support the work of nonprofits.

Many Big Companies Plan to Give Less This Year
Chronicle of Philanthropy: Forty-five percent of businesses surveyed by the Conference Board said they had already reduced the amount they plan to donate this year. Another 16 percent were considering such cuts.

Arts Get Whacked by Rich as Companies Face Losses in Endowments
Bloomberg:
Corporations and wealthy individuals are donating less to nonprofits, with arts groups taking the biggest hit, according to two new studies.

Cargill Donates $3 Million To Expand Science in Schools
MPR: Most of the money - $2.5 million - will go to the Science Museum of Minnesota so it can distribute a curriculum called ‘Engineering in Elementary’ to all elementary schools in the Minneapolis and Hopkins districts.

Bemidji, Park Rapids Women Inducted into Northwest Minnesota Women’s Hall of Fame
Bemidji Pioneer: The Hall of Fame ceremony serves as the official kickoff to the BSU women’s studies program month-long series of events to celebrate March as Women’s History Month.

Charitable-Giving Plan Divides Nonprofit Groups and Worries Donors
Chronicle of Philanthropy: As President Obama seeks to reduce the value of the charitable deduction for wealthy Americans, fund raisers and other nonprofit experts are divided over whether his idea would cause any substantial change in charitable giving.

Group Pushes Foundations to Give More to Minorities and the Poor
Chronicle of Philanthropy: Foundations should spend at least half of their grant dollars to help poor neighborhoods and minorities, a foundation watchdog group says.
> Philanthropy and its Enemies
> The NCRP’s Uncharitable Philanthropic Power
> Foundation Leader Calls Watchdog Report ‘Breathtakingly Arrogant’

And Now, Twitter Philanthropy
Christian Science Monitor: Welcome to the age of “social giving.” Campaigns like the Twestival, which was organized on the microblogging platform Twitter, are changing the landscape of modern philanthropy.

Nonprofits Team Up for Sake of Survival
Dayton Daily News: The Dayton Foundation is launching an initiative to help nonprofit organizations forge possible alliances to survive in this shaky economy.

Charities Merge at Almost the Same Rate as Businesses
Chronicle of Philanthropy: In the for-profit world, investment banks act as match makers, shopping deals to potential merger partners. Nonprofit mergers don’t offer the same financial payoff, and as a result, there are no intermediaries scouting for logical charity mergers. The co-authors of a new report think that grantmakers could play that role.

Global Giving: Not So Bleak
Fortune: The more dire the outlook, the more the need for giving. Turns out, powerful people are getting more aggressive rather than stepping back. Technology helps. So does an influx of talent.

In Uncertain Times, Donors Hold Back
New York Times: However, there are ways donors might give in tough times without putting themselves in financial peril, should the economy and financial markets continue their fall.

Giving for Good
Twin Cities Business: I talk to friends in other cities, and I read about what goes on elsewhere. And the more I do, the more I come to understand and appreciate what we have going here: an attitude, a self-imposed standard, a generosity of heart (and of pocketbook) that enriches all our lives.

Obama Plan Would Reduce Charitable Deduction for Some Wealthy Donors
Chronicle of Philanthropy: President Obama’s plan to revamp the health-care system could come at a significant cost to charities that rely on wealthy individuals for donations.

Gifts of $1M or More Down in Second Half of 2008
Philanthropy News Digest: Although the number of individual gifts fell, the number of $1 million-plus awards from foundations in the second half of 2008 increased 10 percent from the same period a year earlier.

What Can Individual Donors Learn from Corporate Philanthropy?
The Wall Street Journal talked with three corporate leaders to find out how big companies make charitable gifts and what their practices can teach individual givers.

Google Switches Approaches to Charity
Wall Street Journal: Google has decided to focus on projects that “make the most of Google’s strengths in technology and innovation.”

Despite Trying Times, Business Gets Bullish In Our Community
Superior Telegram: With the help of a $500,000 loan from M&I Bank, the Northland Foundation will provide extra collateral for projects with high potential to create new jobs. Their presence in the market could spur job growth and give entrepreneurs an extra tool to help launch the new businesses of tomorrow or help established firms expand.

Horizons Receives Unexpected Gift
New York Mills Herald: The Horizons board members met at the school on Tuesday, February 10 expecting a meeting as usual and instead were delighted to receive a conference call from West Central Initiative’s Wendy Merrick to announce an outstanding achievement award of $5,000 for a job well done.

'Diversity' Regulation Threatens to Politicize Philanthropy
The Examiner: Whatever your philosophical beliefs may be, one thing is certain: if charitable giving becomes a philanthropy-by-the-numbers game and ceases to be completely voluntary, everyone, especially those in the most need, will lose out. 

Foundation Assets Fall 27.8 Percent
According to a survey by the national Council on Foundations.

Cargill Donates $1 million to Global Anti-Hunger Network
Star Tribune: The Chicago-based Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) said the donation will be used to feed schoolchildren in Argentina, Colombia, India and South Africa, as well as "support existing partner networks and food banks, and scale up key network development projects that alleviate hunger and malnutrition."

What's New (and Old) In the Neighborhood?
The Bridge: A photo exhibit running through the end of the month reveals the familiar details, past and present, of neighborhood life in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Sponsors include the Carolyn Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, St. Paul Travelers’ Arts and Diversity Employee Committee and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (with funding from the Minnesota Legislature).

U.S. Senators Help Promote Best Buy Teen Program
Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal: The public service announcements, filmed by various U.S. senators, including Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, are short, unscripted videos that share “messages of hope and inspiration for America’s youth.”

Dental Health Important, Tooth Decay Preventable
Wahpeton Daily News: As Dental Health Awareness Month runs during February, West Central Initiative is pushing families to take precautionary measures for their kids' teeth.

Dramatic IRS Shift for Nonprofits
Philadelphia Inquirer: Nonprofits, which don't pay federal taxes, but still must report their income, are confronted with a new, more complicated public-reporting form, called form 990, that demands a deeper look at how organizations operate. It now delves into questions such as how top officers are compensated and what potential safeguards exist to prevent corruption.

Twitter Followers Raise Thousands of Dollars for Charity
Chronicle of Philanthropy: Twestival, which took place in more than 175 cities around the world from Banaglore to Baton Rouge, brought together people who use the social networking site, Twitter, to meet in person and raise money for charity.

Nonprofits Lobby for Fair Tax Hikes to Avoid Drastic Cuts
MinnPost: 200 nonprofit leaders gathered as part of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' Day at the Capitol. This year, MCN has a two-part agenda. First, make sure that the state doesn't try to solve its $4.8-billion-and-growing deficit through cuts and accounting shifts alone. They also are pushing a bill to ensure that nonprofits keep the property tax exemption they have had for years.

United Way Leader Stepping Down and Hints at Changes in Giving
MinnPost: Lauren Segal, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Twin Cities United Way, will step down at the end of the year after 15 years with the organization. She said United Way is evaluating whether to put more money into basic needs — hunger, homelessness and financial stability.

How Deep will McKnight Cut Grants to the Arts?
MinnPost: Consider that the McKnight Foundation's annual arts-grants budget has come close to the Minnesota State Arts Board's $10.2 million budget, which the governor wants to slash, and you'll understand why arts groups are rattled.

Minnesota Lawmakers Hold Joint Summit on Early Childhood Education
MPR: Jim Hoolihan from the Blandin Foundation told lawmakers about a program called Invest Early which aims to provide comprehensive early childhood education for underserved kids.

A Special Donation for U, Minnesota
Star Tribune: In these days of breathtaking bailouts, Ponzi schemes and A-Roids, the decision Caroline Amplatz made deserves more time in the spotlight. Minutes after hearing a presentation about the struggle to raise money for a new children's hospital at the university, Amplatz, an attorney from Golden Valley, pledged $50 million to name the hospital in honor of her father, Dr. Kurt Amplatz.

Duluth Center Consolidates Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
Duluth News Tribune: From legal assistance to police protection and from counseling to medical attention, the center will give women one place to go when they need help. The center came to fruition with $1.5 million from about 60 private donations, including $240,000 from an anonymous donor through the Ordean Foundation and $130,000 from the Bush Foundation.

For Investing with Madoff, Private Foundations Could Face Tax Fines
New York Times: Under an obscure tax rule, private foundations can be penalized for failing to vet their investments properly, to heed red flags or to diversify prudently. While foundations are exempt from federal income taxes, they are subject to this excise tax, intended to keep them from taking outsize risks that could threaten their very survival.

Diversity Targets for Philanthropists Are Absurd
Dallas Morning News: The diversity campaign is oblivious to the complex power of ideas in the world. Those who would direct philanthropy into preconceived channels think that they already know the answers to the world’s problems and need only to appropriate the funding for those answers. But no one can predict how ideas will play out in practice or who will be their beneficiaries. The public good is best served by giving maximum freedom to the creative spirit.

Giving Away Money Isn't As Easy As It Sounds
Indianapolis Star: Part of it may have to do with the fact that folks who acquire wealth are people who tend to be wise in their investments. Thus, they are wise in their philanthropy too.

The Second Wave of Giving Will Roll On
Financial Times: Between the dismal economy, crashing financial markets and the Madoff scandal it would be natural to assume that philanthropy was out for the count. But while these difficulties might take the wind out of the sector’s sails for a while, we are in the midst of a second great wave of philanthropy.

Nonprofits Lobby for Fair Tax Hikes to Avoid Drastic Cuts
MinnPost: 200 nonprofit leaders gathered as part of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' Day at the Capitol. This year, MCN has a two-part agenda. First, make sure that the state doesn't try to solve its $4.8-billion-and-growing deficit through cuts and accounting shifts alone. They also are pushing a bill to ensure that nonprofits keep the property tax exemption they have had for years.

Diversity Targets for Philanthropists Are Absurd
Dallas Morning News: The diversity campaign is oblivious to the complex power of ideas in the world. Those who would direct philanthropy into preconceived channels think that they already know the answers to the world’s problems and need only to appropriate the funding for those answers. But no one can predict how ideas will play out in practice or who will be their beneficiaries. The public good is best served by giving maximum freedom to the creative spirit.

House Stimulus Legislation Would Bolster Social-Services Spending
Chronicle of Philanthropy: The economic-stimulus package approved by the House of Representatives would provide new money to an array of health and social-services programs, offering some relief to charities that are facing rising demand and shrinking revenues as the economic crisis deepens.

Charity Must Not Become a Casualty of the Recession
Richard Branson in the Daily Telegraph.

Nonprofit Groups Feel the Credit Crunch
Chronicle of Philanthropy: Nonprofit organizations are in for a tough year of tightening credit markets and a deepening recession, according to two new reports from Moody’s Investors Service.

Nonprofits and the Economy, a three-part series from the Wilmington (NC) Star-News:
> Part 1: The downturn's effect on philanthropic giving
> Part 2: What it means to North Carolina
> Part 3: Strategizing under the current conditions

When Donors Can't Keep Their Pledges
Wall Street Journal: Although a pledge is a legally enforceable contract in most states, charities typically don't enforce them. But a donor's ethics and reputation may still be on the line. If you have been a steady supporter of a charity but have to cut back on your usual gifts this year, get in touch with the charity right away and consider alternative forms of donations.

Bremer, a Bank Built for Charity, Creates New Fund to Help Individuals Hitting Hard Times
MinnPost: The money is meant to help people who can't keep the heat on, who have a sudden medical bill or face other financial emergencies. Bremer identified grass-roots organizations it believed were in touch with individual needs, and charged them with getting the money to the people who need it.

Students Teach Others About Conflict Management
Bemidji Pioneer: Five students who taught a session on bullying are involved in the “I Can Teach” after-school program. The concept evolved from the Students Teaching Attitudes of Respect program funded by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation and sponsored by Peacemaker Resources.

Mpls. Capri Theater To Get Some Big Upgrades
WCCO: Later this year, the theater will be fitted with enhanced sound and lighting, a bigger and better lobby and a marquee to extend the jazzed-up atmosphere to the outside. The center has already received funding for the project in the form of grants from the Anderson Family Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, the RBC Foundation - USA and the Travelers Foundation.

Madoff and America's (Poorer) Foundations
New York Times columnist: A few private foundations have owned up to the money they’ve lost with Mr. Madoff, but most haven’t. So let me help them out. These foundations serve the public interest, and if the nonprofits that rely on them have been financially crippled we should get a heads up. (Seven Minnesota-based foundations are on the list [PDF]).

Gates Foundation Loses Money, Still Ups Spending
Reuters: The Gates Foundation has lost about 20 percent of its assets in the economic recession but will still increase spending on global health, education and other causes. Bill Gates said it is more important to help society than to maintain his foundation's endowment.

The Dead, More Generous than the Living in 2008
Wall Street Journal: “Giving while living” became a mantra of philanthropy in recent years. Now, with the living running out of cash, it is the nonliving who are back in the lead as donors.

In Tough Economy, Grantmaking Groups Stretch to Hit Goals
St. Cloud Times: Like individuals, foundations invest their dollars in the stock market. And nearly across the board, they have suffered substantial losses. In many cases, donations from individuals and corporations are down as well. But that's not universally true, said Bill King, president of the Minnesota Council on Foundations. Traditionally, giving actually increases during an economic downturn. "People know that their contributions are being used really to help people who can't afford food, clothing, shelter — the basic necessities," he said.

Bill Gates Sees '3, 4, 5 Tough Years'
San Francisco Chronicle: Gates expressed optimism that we can get out of this mess, but was quick to add a caveat that reflects his newfound devotion to the business of giving. "I just hope that the aid for the very poorest doesn't get cut," said Gates, sounding every bit the philanthropist.

Nonprofits Scramble for Fundraising
BusinessWeek: Faced with a wretched economy and donation shrinkage, nonprofit groups are finding creative ways to cut costs and lure contributors.

One More Way Nonprofits Can Save a Little Money
MinnPost: From the "Every Little Bit Helps" Department, here's one area nonprofits could explore to save money: change unemployment insurance coverage.

Start-Up Businesses Define Economic Recovery
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation president Tim Penny in the Red Wing Republican-Eagle.

Madoff's Tentacles Reached Deep Into Minnesota
St. Paul Pioneer Press: Seven local foundations were hit, too. Though the list filed with the court doesn't indicate how much individuals or organizations invested with Madoff, estimates from a report compiled for the New York Times by Daniel Smith of Benefit Technology Inc. indicate the losses for those seven foundations alone could have a combined $62 million in exposure.
> Madoff Scam Wipes Out Assets of Minnesota Family Foundations
(MinnPost)

Consider Girls' Needs, Despite Tough Times
Star Tribune: The Women's Foundation of Minnesota is reminding lawmakers that the spending decisions they make have lasting, real-life consequences.

Portland Program Could Help Fight Poverty Here
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder: With the North Side considered one of the city’s hardest hit areas economically, Jones said that an innovative poverty reduction program model funded by Northwest Area Foundation could work there.

Forum Will Explore Value of Immigrants to the Labor Force
Rochester Post-Bulletin: A new initiative called VOICES, Valuing Our Immigrants Contributions to Economic Success, was started with a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and the help of several local partners.

Macalester Awarded $400,000 Music Grant
KSTP: The Minneapolis Foundation's grant funds the Jane Burkleo Memorial Scholarship Endowment, which will support four music students each year for a total of four years or $20,000 in scholarship per recipient.

What the World Wears
Star Tribune: An exhibit opening Friday at the Goldstein Museum of Design offers a look at costumes from around the globe that feature aspects of function as well as fashion. The exhibit was funded by The McKnight Foundation, the University of Minnesota and Friends of the Goldstein.

Analysis of 2007 Giving Shows 13.2% Gain
Chronicle of Philanthropy: This national growth to $21.6 billion occurred despite signs, particularly in the latter half of the year, that presaged the current recession, says the Foundation Center report.

Charity Alone Not the Answer in Tackling Poverty
Financial Times: Nor is business. But great potential lies in the intersection of the two.

Some Foundations Are Making Changes in Investment Strategies
Foundation Center: Shaken by a decline in asset values that averaged 28 percent in 2008, some U.S. foundations are making changes in their investment managers and strategies and/or further diversifying their asset mix, a new report from the Council on Foundations finds.

Bill Gates Releases Mosquitoes Into Audience
MSNBC: Gates was delivering a presentation about malaria education and eradication and said, 'Not only poor people should experience this.'" Malaria is transmitted from person to person via mosquito bites.

House Stimulus Legislation Would Bolster Social-Services Spending
Chronicle of Philanthropy: The economic-stimulus package approved by the House of Representatives would provide new money to an array of health and social-services programs, offering some relief to charities that are facing rising demand and shrinking revenues as the economic crisis deepens.

Obama Plans to Keep Estate Tax
Wall Street Journal: The Senate Finance Committee will move within weeks on legislation to reverse the scheduled repeal, and Mr. Obama is expected to detail his estate-tax preservation proposal in his budget next month, congressional tax writers said.

Anonymous $500K Donation Helping Twin Cities Food Shelves
Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal: The December donation to the Greater Twin Cities United Way came on top of $100,000 given by General Mills in the same month to support food-relief efforts.

Kids Not Ready for Kindergarten Cost Minnesota Schools $113 Million a Year
Star Tribune: A Wilder Research study, commissioned by the Bush Foundation, adds to the argument for more early childhood education. Also see the paper's related editorial.
.
Bush Grant Brings Boost to Ordway
Star Tribune: The Ordway received $670,000 to broaden its world music and dance programming.

Penny Among Group Brainstorming Budget Solutions
Rochester Post-Bulletin: Former 1st District Rep. Tim Penny, now president of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, joined 36 other invitees from around the state chosen by Gov. Tim Pawlenty for being creative thinkers.

South Metro Briefs
Star Tribune: News about foundation donations to the Minnesota Zoo, a free educational video game, and Lakeville's Miracle League Field.

Complacency Is The Enemy, Stewards Say
Minneapolis Star Tribune*
On Feb. 13, 2008, Minnesota received its annual status report from one of the people charged with stewardship of this state, Gov. Tim Pawlenty. But the governor doesn't bear that responsibility alone. The Star Tribune editorial board heard from four foundation leaders, who say Minnesota has done well, but the state is now in a precarious spot:
>
Peter Hutchinson, Bush Foundation
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Carleen Rhodes, The Saint Paul Foundation and Minnesota Community Foundation
>
Sandra Vargas, The Minneapolis Foundation
>
Kate Wolford, The McKnight Foundation

Emerald City of Giving Does Exist
New York Times*, 12/22/07
When it comes to corporate philanthropy, Minneapolis-St. Paul is a bastion of giving in an age when most companies are cutting back.



Giving
New York Times*, 11/13/06
Features articles on topics such as "philanthropreneurs," giving circles, corporate giving, celebrities and more.
> What Is Charity? New York Times*, 11/14/05
 

Around the Web
MCF Press Releases
Minn. Grantmaking News
Philanthropy Blogs
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Philanthropy News Digest

Economy
Foundations Trim Staffs After Assets Slide Lower
The New York Times
When Will the Recession End?*
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
*Requires login
Jobless Professionals Yearn to Do Good
Wall Street Journal
Nonprofits Turn to Facebook, Myspace, Twitter to Raise Money, Market Themselves
Cleveland Plain Dealer
2008: Giving Dropped $6.4 Billion; Largest Decline On Record Nonprofit Times
More Firms Seek Public's Help in Deciding Where to Donate
USA Today
Charities Loosen Strings to Arts Grants
New York Times
Philanthropists Set Spending Deadline Limits
Wall Street Journal
Size of Average Online Gift Dropped in 2008
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Smart Giving in a Troubled Climate
New York Times
Donors Turn To Giving Circles As Economy Drops
NPR
Nonprofits Fear Charitable Giving Will be Cut by More Than 10%
Investment News
Donors Find Gift Annuities Can Stop Giving
Wall Street Journal
From the Answer Desk: How Can Foundations Avoid or Address Financial Emergencies?
Foundation Center
Recession Slams U.S. Arts Organizations
Philanthropy News Digest
Foreclosures: A $10M Lifeline from McKnight
Star Tribune
Family Charities Shift Assets to Donor Funds
The Wall Street Journal
Nonprofit Financial Officers Expect Recession to Last Through Year's End
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Foundation of the Times Suspends Gift Program
The New York Times
Advice for Young Nonprofit Workers
Philanthropy News Digest

More Nonprofits Engage in Mergers for Survival
The Boston Globe

The Tensions Within Philanthropies
The Jewish Week

Pohlad Foundation to Give $20 Million to Those Hit by Recession

Mpls./St. Paul Business Journal

Foundations can be Smarter Investors
Inside Philanthropy
Nonprofits Increase 'Gift Tax' On Donors
The Wall Street Journal
Tough Times are Cause to Give More
NPR Marketplace
A Struggle to Slice Stimulus Fund Pie
The New York Times
Financial Safety Net of Nonprofit Organizations is Fraying, Survey Finds
The New York Times
Foundation Giving in ‘08 Defied Huge Asset Decline
The New York Times
Downturn Thinning Ranks for Charity Walkathons and Other Events
The Chronicle on Philanthropy
Silver Lining of Downturn: Pro Bono Aid
onPhilanthropy
As Detroit Struggles, Foundations Shift Mission
The New York Times
Researchers Examine Foundation Expectations for Giving in 2009
Foundation Center
Economic Downturn a Significant Concern Among Corporate Giving Officers
Foundation Center
How the Recession Affects Donors’ Decisions on Giving
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Some Nonprofits Can’t Touch Their Money
AP
Charities Say Government is Ignoring Them in Crisis
New York Times
Many Big Companies Plan to Give Less This Year
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Arts Get Whacked by Rich as Companies Face Losses in Endowments
Bloomberg
Nonprofits Team Up for Sake of Survival
Dayton Daily News
Charities Merge at Almost the Same Rate as Businesses
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Global Giving: Not So Bleak
Fortune
In Uncertain Times, Donors Hold Back
New York Times
The Upside to a Down Economy: Volunteer Numbers Are Up
KARE11
Giving in Bear Times
Forbes
Charities See Donations Drop as Need Spikes
CNN
Where Stimulus Funds Can Make a Difference
Letter from Independent Sector president Diana Aviv
Downturn Spurs Some Foundations to Give More
Boston Globe
Nonprofits Seek Approval to Tap Endowments
Philanthropy News Digest
To Fix the Economy, Fund the Arts
So says Americans for the Arts president and CEO Bob Lynch, who spoke to the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.
Nonprofits Face Funding Cuts and Waning Donations Star Tribune

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