\


- Giving Articles & News
-
Recommended Reading


Excellence in Giving
512 S. Tejon St. Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

t. 719.329.1515
f. 719.314.1191

www.excellenceingiving.com

 

 
   

October 2009

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


Excellence in Giving Launches Blog
Dr. Paul Penley shares research-based philanthropic advice

EXCELLENCE IN GIVING - As the senior research analyst at Excellence in Giving, Dr. Penley bears the daily responsibility to make our research department the premier source of philanthropic analysis and advice. Every two weeks, he shares recent analysis of philanthropic ventures or unique giving opportunities on our blog. Bookmark or subscribe to the Excellence in Giving blog, and discover his recent post on ‘10 Simple Giving Ideas’ to learn how to maximize the impact of your giving. visit the blog...


Steady Returns With Social Impact
Impact investing has outperformed the market

FORBES - In today's volatile markets, investors are looking for new ways to capture returns while managing risk. The little secret of this past year's capital crisis is that while many mainstream investments incurred significant losses in value, one category remained steady--with some investors significantly outperforming the mainstream market. It's called impact investing. read more...


In China, Philanthropy as a New Measuring Stick

The Chinese grow their charitable giving

NEW YORK TIMES- In the last two years, China’s corporations have become much more aware of philanthropy and social responsibility and are putting a much higher priority on it. Donations in the country soared last year to 107 billion renminbi, or $15.7 billion, three times their level the previous year. read more...


Going for Gold in Philanthropy

Tom Tierney on strategic giving that gets results

PHILANTHROPY - The economic downturn is sharpening focus in the nonprofit sector. Donors—and the charities they fund—are being asked to take on an ever-growing share of the work of combating society’s toughest problems. Meanwhile, as charitable assets decline, competition for philanthropic dollars is stiffer than ever. In requests for funding, nonprofits are under increasing pressure to demonstrate results. How can donors help them achieve those results? read more...


Huge Wave in Philanthropy Still Coming
Below the headlines, largest wealth transfer continues

FORBES - With the trillions in real estate and stock market wealth that has been lost over the last two years, it is easy to lose sight of a trend that is continuing below the surface of the turmoil: the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in our nation's history. read more...


Inheritances: What to Do?

Inheritances often consume the greatest emotional energy

KARDIA PLANNING - There is no area of the planning that could be more devastating to a family than an ill-thought out or ill-timed inheritance. Indeed, it is rare to find a current inheritance plan that parents are entirely happy with when the outcomes were explained to them. Here are just a few of the many complex issues that make inheritance planning such a challenging conundrum for families. read more...


Nonprofits Paying Price for Gamble on Finances
Many charities engaged in risky financial behavior

NEW YORK TIMES - Homeowners were not alone in taking on piles of debt. Nonprofits of all sizes did the same, and now they, too, are paying the price. Far from being conservative stewards, many nonprofits engaged in what some experts call risky financial behavior. Those struggling now include the full range of nonprofits, including museums, colleges, orchestras and small local social service providers. read more...


JP Morgan, Gates Foundation Form Partnership
Gates Foundation hosts JP Morgan's affluent clients

REUTERS - The financial crisis has squeezed even the richest Americans, but interest in philanthropy remains high. JP Morgan's private banking unit hosted a meeting in New York for 50 private banking clients and members of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to discuss ways to work together. read more...


The Second Half: The Pages of Vision
An inspiring story of real adventure and real significance

HALFTIME - Mark Smith, founder of Windows NT magazine and president of the company that published it, was highly driven, when a life event turned his perspective. His 17-year old daughter, Malori was kiled in a van accident in Mexico during a missions trip. But it was Malori's spiritually rich life that gave Mark and Cindy hope and the will to fulfill their daughter's ministry vision, guided by one of her favorite quotes: What we do in life echoes in eternity. read more...


Recession Delivers Double Blow to Charities
Donations are down just as demand for services is rising

ASSOCIATED PRESS - For many social-service charities, the recession has delivered a staggering one-two punch. Sharp drops in donations and income have been coupled by soaring demand for services. The casualties so far include needy clients losing assistance and thousands of nonprofit workers who have been laid off. Some local charities have shut down; even many of the largest nationwide operations have made painful cutbacks in staff, spending and programs. read more...


The Poor Will Be Glad
Joining the revolution to lift the world out of poverty

A compelling call to care for the hurting people of this world, this eminently practical book by two leading experts in the field of poverty reduction offers a clear plan to help us translate our compassion into thoughtful action. Authors Peter Greer and Phil Smith draw on their personal experiences to provide proven solutions for effectively reducing poverty. With photographs by Jeremy Cowart included throughout, The Poor Will Be Glad examines the pitfalls of traditional approaches and outlines a new model of economic development aimed at breaking the cycle of dependency. Through microfinance and employment-based solutions, those with a heart for the poor can reorient their efforts from giving handouts to offering a hand up, helping others provide for their families and regain their dignity. This book provides straightforward guidance for individuals and groups eager to carry justice, mercy, and compassion to the hurting people in our world. buy at Amazon.com...

 
 
       
Excellence in Giving - 512 S. Tejon St. Suite 200 - Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
719.329.1515 -
info@excellenceingiving.com - www.excellenceingiving.com