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, Chinas 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. Donorsand the charities
they fundare being asked to take on an
ever-growing share of the work of combating
societys 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...
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