June 2009

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?" - Martin Luther King Jr.

New & Big Ideas in Giving
Judith Rodin heads the Rockefeller Foundation

SOCIAL INNOVATION REVIEW - The Rockefeller Foundation is one of the world’s oldest, most influential, and innovative foundations. In this interview, Rodin explains the impact the downturn has had on the foundation' s grantmaking ability. She goes on to discuss why the foundation is funding charities developing new innovation processes. And last, Rodin explains how the foundation is adapting to new opportunities provided by the Obama administration. read more...

Fulfill Your Dream of Leading a Nonprofit
Some advice for executives and employers alike

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW - For the untold numbers of corporate executives who dream of soul-enriching second careers in the social sector—but have no idea how to make that dream come true—our advice is to lend your expertise: Volunteer for temporary positions or board memberships at several different organizations until you find your joy and discover what you are really good at. read more...

It Is More Blessed to Give Than To Receive
Some advice for executives and employers alike

KARDIA PLANNING - This statement was made by Jesus, but in a surprising place in the Scriptures: the book of Acts. If we were completely honest, we would say it is a blessing to both receive and to give. So why is it MORE blessed to give than to receive? read more...

Plan for Dozens of Salvation Army Centers Fails
McDonald's heirs' grand idea sputters

NEW YORK TIMES - At her death, Joan Kroc, the widow of the founder of McDonald’s, left a grand idea and $1.8 billion to make it happen. She wanted the Salvation Army to build 30 lavish community centers, including pools, ice skating arenas and large theaters. But some Salvation Army officials have a hard time reconciling the centers with the Army’s image as a frugal church that serves the needy. read more...

Bringing M&A to the Nonprofit Mainstream
Mergers can contribute to a stronger nonprofit sector

PHILANTHROPY ROUNDTABLE - A troubled economy has many funders taking a long, hard look at their budgets, seeking better ways to allocate diminished funds. At the same time, many direct service organizations are struggling to survive, even as they are being asked to serve increased social needs. The scramble is on to do more with less. As a result, nonprofit mergers and acquisitions have become an increasingly frequent topic of everyday conversation. read more...

Many Philanthropists Set Spending Deadlines
Spending deadlines and sunset provisions address global needs

WALL STREET JOURNAL - A growing number of philanthropists are adopting spending deadlines and sunset provisions to ensure urgent global needs are addressed in a timely way. By granting the entirety of funds within a certain period of time, these efforts are looking to have a bigger immediate impact than traditional foundations. read more...

New Survey Asks Philanthropists About 2009
Many still plan to donate just as much as last year

TEXAS NONPROFITS - A new study surveyed 54 major philanthropists in Colorado, New York, Oklahoma and Texas about the economy and its impact on charitable giving in 2009. The news from these generous givers, who routinely demonstrate their deep commitment to causes and institutions, is not as bad as many in the nonprofit sector feared. read more...

The Second Half: Kenneth Yeung
An inspiring story of real adventure and real significance

HALFTIME - What is it down deep inside that would cause a very wealthy, successful businessman to carry a coupon to save a few dollars? The answer is in the pictures after the link. Each dollar ultimately matters to orphans and these orphans matter to Kenneth Yeung. His orphanage in China is world-class but his attention is on the individual details. read more...

Jobless Professionals Yearn to Do Good
Nonprofits see a flood of business and legal job applicants

WALL STREET JOURNAL - The recession is proving a boon for volunteer programs and social-enterprise groups, which are swamped with midcareer applicants. Many of the organizations say the applicants, and their business backgrounds, will be welcome additions to their causes. read more...

Three Cups of Tea
One Man's Mission To Promote Peace

Some failures lead to phenomenal successes, and this American nurse's unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second tallest mountain, is one of them. Dangerously ill when he finished his climb in 1993, Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small Pakistani village of Korphe; in return, he promised to build the impoverished town's first school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute, which has since constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. As the book moves into the post-9/11 world, Mortenson and Relin argue that the United States must fight Islamic extremism in the region through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access to education, especially for girls. Captivating and suspenseful, with engrossing accounts of both hostilities and unlikely friendships, this book will win many readers' hearts. buy at Amazon.com...