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
> 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