October 2008

"One measure of love is the degree to which people blessed with material wealth distribute that wealth within the community."
- Gary Burge, author

eBay Founder Leads by Example
"Having a ball" while you give

CN PORTFOLIO - eBay's founder, Pierre Omidyar, says he wants to lead by example, with less peer pressure and cornering friends at cocktail parties. Giving should be fun too, he says, and others should want to come to the party. read more...

The Female Face of Philanthropy
Women have a different approach in charitable giving

ON WALL STREET - Women now make up 1.2 million, or 43%, of the nation's top wealth holders-those with gross assets of $1.5 million or more-according to the IRS. Advisors with a large portion of female clients say that there are differences in the way women approach charitable giving. As a result, more innovative philanthropic plans are needed to suit that new mindset. read more...

Philanthropy 2.0
Steve Case and others rethink charitable giving online

WORTH - Most giving happens in a way that is out of date with how young people think. Such a realization caused Steve Case, a cofounder of AOL, and his wife Jean to rethink how philanthropy can become part of our daily lives. It's a healthier society where 1 million people give $10 rather than one person giving $10 million. read more...

Nonprofits Brace for Slowdown in Giving
In tight times, contributions to nonprofits dwindle

WALL STREET JOURNAL - With cratering economy, many charities are nervous of the impact of the market turmoil on their critical year-end giving cycle. Officials at charities are trying to devise creative ways to stand out. They are making urgent appeals and are gearing up to tap their wealthy board members and other well-off supporters for extra cash. If they fail, charities may have to cut staff or seek loans. read more...

Are Nonprofit CEOs Paid Too Much?
Annual study finds CEOs got another healthy raise

AFP - Chief executives at the largest charities and foundations in the United States got a healthy median pay increase of five percent last year, outpacing a 4.1 percent rise in inflation. This increase is the biggest one-year raise for nonprofit leaders since the Chronicle of Philantropy's 2002 survey. read more...

Money to Grow On
How to make grants function like investments

SOCIAL INNOVATION REVIEW - In the for-profit world, the term "investment" has clear meaning and investors have sophisticated techniques for spotting and growing the most promising companies. Yet donors have not developed similar clarity. As a result, nonprofit gems often languish below their full potential. By better translating for-profit concepts, donors can learn how to scout out and grow the best nonprofits. read more...

The Extreme Cost of Extreme Politics
Where philanthropy and politics meet

SOCIAL INNOVATION REVIEW - An opinion editorial that explores the impact of partisanship on the children and families in poorer, working class communities. With such extreme division in the government, no matter which candidate wins, can he successfully address the core fiscal challenges that loom ahead? read more...

Philanthrocapitalism
How the Rich Can Save the World

An examination of how today’s leading philanthropists are revolutionizing the field. For philanthropists of the past, charity was often a matter of simply giving money away. For the philanthrocapitalists -– the new generation of billionaires who are reshaping the way they give -– it’s like business. Largely trained in the corporate world, these “social investors” are using big-business-style strategies and expecting results and accountability to match. In Philanthrocapitalism, Matthew Bishop and Michael Green examine this new movement and its implications. Proceeding from interviews with some of the most powerful people on the planet, they show how a web of wealthy, motivated donors has set out to change the world. Combining on-the-ground anecdotes, expert analysis, and up-close profiles of the wealthy and powerful, this is a fascinating look at a small group of people who will change an enormous number of lives. buy at Amazon.com...