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Komen Chapter in Winston-Salem Shows Hard Losses

In the wake of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s now-rescinded decision to pull funding for breast cancer exams at Planned Parenthood, a North Carolina affiliate sees a major drop in support.

Global Philanthropy and its New Focus on “Collective Impact”

At the Global Philanthropy Forum, an invitation only meeting between donors and social investors, there was a buzz about “collective impact” that may be worth a close look.

To BP or Not to BP? That’s the Sponsorship Question for Royal Shakespeare Company

BP’s regular sponsorship of the World Shakespeare Festival has provoked protest by a group of British actors pointing to BP’s destructive role in the largest oil spill in history.

N.Y. Progressive Groups Call for Investigation of Lobby Supporting Cuomo

Two politically progressive groups in New York think that the Committee to Save New York, a lobby supportive of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is really a “‘Super PAC’ for wealthy interests.”

CDBG Cuts to Hit Communities Very Hard

Many community development block grant (CDBG) entitlement communities—from Abilene, Texas to Allentown, Pa.—will face devastating effects of CDBG funding cuts.

Connecticut Abolishes Death Penalty – Is Decades of Work Turning the Tide?

As Connecticut does away with the death penalty, we remember that many nonprofits have waged a long campaign against the death penalty and against how death sentences are meted out.

Even Later Payments in Illinois Meet Proposed Medicaid Cuts: Bad News for Nonprofits

Illinois, known for late payments to nonprofits, now owes vendors $5.6 billion and for some, the possibility of Medicaid reimbursement cuts on top of that presents a challenging fiscal situation.

Reason Foundation’s Report on Government Privatization Looks to Nonprofits

A new report from the libertarian Reason Foundation documents many government privatization efforts, several of which involve nonprofits assuming previously governmental roles.

Success Stories Shine at Detroit Social Entrepreneurship Panel

A session on social entrepreneurship at the Detroit Business Conference provides business leaders and perhaps academics with some case studies of local success.

Egypt Denies U.S. Nonprofits’ Request to Operate Within the Country

Egyptian authorities have rejected requests from eight U.S. nonprofit groups to operate in the country, raising serious transparency doubts about Egypt’s upcoming elections.

Obama Talks Occupy Wall Street, Race, Climate Change and More with Rolling Stone

In a wide-ranging interview with Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone, President Barack Obama discussed race, LGBT issues, Occupy Wall Street, and climate change.

Tea Party Group Ends Quest for Tax-exempt Status

Ohio’s Dayton Tea Party has withdrawn its application for 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status in the wake of IRS information requests the group’s president calls “possibly politically motivated.”

Nonprofit Hospitals’ Charity Care Policies Draw Criticism in N.C.

Some North Carolina nonprofit hospitals are reportedly suing 40,000 patients for unpaid hospital bills between 2005 and 2010, though many of the patients might have qualified for charity care.

Soros Family Giving More Focused on Philanthropy Than Politics

George Soros has made grants worth $8 billion over the past three decades through his Open Society Foundations, and most of that has been philanthropic—not political—in nature.

National Council of Nonprofits Absorbs Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest

In a significant realignment of the national nonprofit infrastructure, the National Council of Nonprofits has announced a merger with the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest.

Alliance for Charitable Reform Opposes Buffett Rule

The Alliance for Charitable Reform opposes the Buffett Rule on the grounds that higher taxes on the wealthy could dampen their philanthropy. What about the rest of the nonprofit sector?

NYC Church Project Uses Roof to Grow Fresh Produce

The Hell’s Kitchen Farm Project aims to create a hub of urban agriculture that grows fresh produce and contributes to greater food security in underserved communities.

Kars4Kids Group’s Tax-exempt Claim Draws Scrutiny

An Orthodox Jewish nonprofit providing educational and camp services that was involved in a Ponzi scheme and a no-cost ownership transfer raises many questions.

Vatican to Nuns: Spend Less Time on Social Justice, More on Abortion and Gay Marriage

A report from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith detailed “serious doctrinal problems” with the group that represents 80 percent of Catholic nuns in the U.S.

Tornadoes, Budget Cuts Can’t Stop Group’s Affordable Housing Push

Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham Executive Director John Colon looks to rebuild affordable housing with a rental revenue component in tornado-damaged area.

“Giving Pledge” Group Adds 12 More for a Total of 81

The “Giving Pledge,” which commits its wealthy signatories to give away half of their wealth in their lifetimes or at their death, has recently added 12 new billionaires to its ranks.

Florida Senior Center, Film Bring Attention to Abuse of LGBT Elderly

The documentary film Gen Silent, which will be screened in May at the University of North Florida, illuminates the additional challenges facing the LGBT elderly population.

Iowa Governor Distances Himself from Struggling Boy Scouts Group

The largely absentee Boy Scouts board service of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad underscores the point that connected board members don’t automatically equate to fiscal health for an organization.

What’s the Right Social Media Tool for Assorted Audiences and Aims at Your Nonprofit?

NPQ has been examining how nonprofits can manage social media effectively with a small staff. This new infographic on how to best leverage assorted social media outlets is worth a look.

The Hashtag Decision: Judge Says Prosecutors Can Obtain Occupy Protester’s Tweets

A New York City judge rules that prosecutors may obtain tweets from an Occupy Wall Street demonstrator, apparently agreeing with prosecutors that Twitter users have “no privacy interest.”

Common Cause Goes to IRS Alleging ALEC Violates Public Charities Law

Common Cause has filed a whistleblower complaint with the Internal Revenue Service alleging that the American Legislative Exchange Council is committing tax fraud.

Executive Package at Small Mass. School Raises Shocking Red Flags

A slew of questionable expenditures benefiting the president of a small Massachusetts-based college raise questions that a “puppet group” board doesn’t seem to have asked.

$1 Trillion Student Loan Debt = Nonprofit Staffing Problems – OWS on the Case

America’s combined student loan debt has hit $1 trillion, creating challenges not just to the economy and the housing market, but also to the nonprofit sector’s human resources pipeline.

Kellogg Takes on Structural Racism

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has just finished a four-day convening in New Orleans as part of its “America Healing” program, which focuses on racial equity and justice.

“If I Ran Philanthropy:” Dawning Philanthropy in China Poses Interesting Question for U.S.

The University of Pennsylvania’s Richard Gelles points out that China, new to having wealthy citizens, has a “clean palette” when it comes to philanthropy. Should it follow the lead of the U.S.? Or do something different?

Seattle Foundation Looks for a “BIG” Sophomore Year for Online Event

The Seattle Foundation is putting on their second annual GiveBIG event today, which is a 24-hour online philanthropic campaign that will help support more than 1,400 local nonprofits.

May Day Is Here

Occupy Wall Street re-emerges with a May Day general strike.

Billions in Unexpended Nonprofit Health Care Co-op Loans Under Attack

Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee seek to end the new program of loans to nonprofit health care cooperatives at the same time as they are investigating it.

Is Overhead a Good Yardstick for Nonprofits?

Jack Shakely, president emeritus of the California Community Foundation, says administrative costs may be a poor default criteria for evaluating a nonprofit’s worth.

"Three Cups of Tea" Author Sees Civil Suit Dismissed

A federal district court judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit filed against Greg Mortenson, the founder of the Central Asia Institute and author of Three Cups of Tea.

Upcoming Protests to Meet New Security Rules in Charlotte, N.C.

The Charlotte, N.C. City Council has passed new security rules for “extraordinary events” that some, such as the ACLU of North Carolina, think “could really chill free speech.”

Statewide Online Fundraising: GiveMN Surpasses $50 Million

One of only two statewide, year-round online giving platforms, GiveMN hit a milestone this week by surpassing $50 million in online giving over the past two and a half years.

How Should Foundations Like Gates Approach Social Practices of Those They Invest In?

How much should a foundation be held accountable for the array of corporate policies in its investment portfolio?

R.I. Legislator Proposes Requiring Salary Info for Contracts with Disabilities Agencies

A Rhode Island state representative wants to pass a state law requiring agencies serving people with developmental disabilities to disclose executive compensation to contract with the state.

The Trouble with Voluntary—or “Voluntary”—Payments in Lieu of Taxes

Providence, R.I., Omaha, Neb., Lynn., Mass., Princeton, N.J., and Ithaca, N.Y. are the latest municipalities on our radar screen for their payments in lieu of taxes programs.

American Prospect Warns Staff It May Have to Close in May

Kit Rachlis, editor of the American Prospect, has informed staff that the publication may need to shut down if it does not come up with $500,000 before the end of May.

Park Foundation Takes Body Slam of an Op-ed over Opposition to Natural Gas Drilling

A particularly biting op-ed piece aimed at the Park Foundation reminds us that when foundations enter the advocacy arena, they must develop a thick skin and be prepared for some blowback.

What’s a “Like” or “Follower” Worth?

For many small nonprofits, the key social media question has become how to attract new followers and what strategy will achieve the highest return on investment.

Drive to Make Head Start Funding More Competitive Spurs Lawsuit

The Obama administration’s push for more competition and accountability for Head Start grants has resulted in a lawsuit from Head Start programs in 10 states.

Library Strips Members of Voting Rights, Sets off Controversy

The leadership of the largest LGBT library in the Midwest has reportedly rescinded members’ voting rights and made controversial moves to shrink the organization’s board.

Law Underpinning Domestic Violence Programs May Face House Fight

The Violence Against Women Act, recently reauthorized by the Senate, may face some resistance in the House. The law is the bedrock for many anti-domestic violence programs.

Demonstrators Make Presence Felt at Shareholder Meetings

Protesters, many affiliated with the Occupy Wall Street movement, have begun changing the nature of the discourse at a number of corporate shareholders’ meetings.

A Color for Every Cause: Thinking about Design for Nonprofits

Graphic design students at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco examine which colors make the most sense to use for assorted social causes.

Occupy Calls for General Strike on May 1

The Occupy Wall Street movement is calling for “the first truly nationwide General Strike in U.S. history” on Tuesday, and more than 125 U.S. cities will be involved.

Activists Charge Contract Dispute between Two Nonprofits Places Vulnerable at Risk

As contract talks in Pittsburgh, Pa. between a nonprofit health network and a nonprofit insurer break down, health care consumers are out in the street demanding legislative intervention.

Gov. Cuomo Mulls Turning to a Nonprofit for N.Y. Oversight of Disabled

After a critical report and a court ruling, Gov. Cuomo is considering turning over some of New York’s oversight of facilities caring for the disabled to a nonprofit organization.

A Philanthropic Life: 102-year-old Woman, a WWII Vet, Keeps on Giving

Bea Abrams Cohen just turned 102. Her secret to a life of longevity? It’s all about “mitzvah,” she says—the Hebrew word meaning an act of human kindness or a moral deed.

Oregon Attorney General Investigating Nonprofit House for Veterans

Whether a nonprofit house for veterans in Oregon is just facing simply technical compliance issues or more significant problems, the larger issue is accountability for veterans’ charities.

Activist Says He Did Not Resign from Helm of “The Carney” – Was he Pushed?

Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Mass., once a nonprofit but now a for-profit institution, hired and then apparently bounced a trusted healthcare activist. How will the community respond?

Minn. Nonprofits $41 Million Claim against Wells Fargo Upheld

Four Minnesota nonprofits have won another round in their battle to recover damages from Wells Fargo & Co. over its misrepresentation of supposedly conservative investments.

Boston Marathon a Test of Runners’ Fundraising Endurance

The Boston Marathon raises more than $10 million for charity annually, but some runners find meeting the race’s fundraising minimum as hard as the race itself.

Ford, Kellogg, and Kresge Pledge $1M to Asian American Pacific Islander Communities

The Asian American Pacific Islander community is the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S., and some foundations are taking steps to help make sure that this group is not marginalized.

An Innovative Idea for Throttling Tax-exempt Secret Campaign Contributions

Public interest lawyer Greg Colvin of Adler & Colvin proposes a way to clamp down on the secret, tax-exempt donations that are currently flooding political campaigns.

YES! Risks Alienating Potential Funders to Deliver Strong Issue

The entire Spring issue of YES! Magazine is devoted to the theme of “9 Strategies to End Corporate Rule,” a focus which shows courage in the face of potentially alienating some funders.

One Heck of a Fundraising Cautionary Tale

In the name of professionalizing its fundraising operation, the Brooklyn Museum has, in one fell swoop, alienated some of its most ardent supporters.

U.K. Considers Experiment in “Homemade Justice”

U.K. Home Secretary Theresa May will announce plans to allow “inner-city neighbourhoods to be given power to hold ‘street courts’ in [a] bid to tackle gangs of feral youths.”

U.K. Backbencher “Ashamed” of Prime Minister’s Charity Tax Deduction Plan

U.K. Chancellor George Osborne’s proposal to set a cap on individuals’ tax-deductible donations to charities has sparked outrage from a House of Commons backbencher of Osborne’s own party.

Knight Foundation Requires Journalism Grantees to Disclose Donors

The Knight Foundation, which is at the forefront of donors to journalism, has decided to require new grantees to publicly divulge their donors as a precondition of funding.

Romney Suggests He Might Axe HUD If Elected

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney suggests that, if elected, he might eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a frequent partner to housing and community development nonprofits.

Four Important Twitter Tips for Nonprofits

Most nonprofits are plugged into the Twitter scene by now, but it never hurts for an organization to review its practices to make sure it’s making the most of the opportunity Twitter presents.

Charleston, S.C. Ballet Company in a Tangle

The Charleston Ballet Theatre is unable to make payroll, shedding board members, in debt to the IRS and both the subject and author of various allegations of wrongdoing. But it still has important friends.

Report Eyes Relationship Between Cain Campaign and “Independent” Nonprofits

The notion of “independent” social welfare organizations that just happen to like Candidate X without coordinating with the candidate’s campaign strains credulity, as a new report indicates.

Beyond Flashpoints Like Trayvon Martin’s Death, How to Address “Everyday” Racism?

In the wake of the national dialogue around the killing of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., there is a question about the role of the nonprofit sector in confronting community-level racism.

CharityBribes.org Seeks to Harness the Power of Celebrity in Unique Fashion

Would you donate to a worthy cause to see Donald Trump’s hair first thing in the morning? CelebrityBribes.org looks to squeeze nonprofit fundraising from people’s celebrity obsessions.

Combined Federal Campaign Admits “Three Cups of Tea” Charity

The U.S. Combined Federal Campaign recently decided to allow the Central Asia Institute to receive some of its funds despite concerns about “lack of internal controls.”

Dr. Oz Creates Nonprofit to Reduce Obesity in Youth

TV talk show host Dr. Mehmet Oz and Michelle Bouchard have developed a national nonprofit, HealthCorps, which looks to address childhood obesity by using the Peace Corps model.

Does Pa. Law Protect Nonprofit Whistleblowers?

A Pennsylvania whistleblower’s complaint raises interesting legal questions about the extent to which nonprofit whistleblowers are protected.

Donor Attributes Money Laundering through Nonprofits to Relationship with Mother

Newspaper heir and businessman William Ballantine pleads guilty to using a charitable trust and a church to launder money and evade taxes, and offers a curious explanation.

Charities Cited for Ugly Behavior with Wounded Warriors

According to a U.S. Defense Department report, wounded veterans at Camp Lejeune, N.C. complained of a “petting zoo” atmosphere when some charities came to visit.

Suit Alleges Wells Fargo Violates Fair Housing Act

A lawsuit from the National Fair Housing Alliance charges that Wells Fargo maintains foreclosed homes in white neighborhoods much better than homes in minority neighborhoods.

Twin Cities Food Shelf/Grocery Draws Concerns from Local Merchants

The Twin Cities-based nonprofit Fare for All is selling discount food to everyone—even bargain hunters—and that has caused concern among some local business owners.

LGBTQ Advocates Prioritize Changing Culture

Karen Zelermyer and Andrew Lane of Funders for LGBTQ Issues speak with Philantopic about changing people’s hearts and minds on issues of importance to the LGBTQ community.

N.Y. Agencies React to Cuomo’s Cap on Nonprofit CEO Pay and Overhead

How will New York agencies implement Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order to cap nonprofit CEO salaries at $199,000 and to cap overhead at 25 percent?

Repledge Pitches Fundraising Tool to Split Money between Charities and Candidates

In a complicated arrangement, Repledge.com seeks to secure donations for charities by starting something of an online pledging war between supporters of rival political candidates.

Study Reveals a Third of Indian High Net Worth Donors Are Under 30

The Annual India Philanthropy Report 2012 reveals that people under 30 may be driving the wave of new philanthropy in India.

Will New Federal Provision Stifle Advocacy?

A provision slipped in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 appears to limit, in a broad way, the advocacy rights of organizations receiving appropriations from Labor, HHS, and Education.

Hardest Hit Fund Not a Hit for Homeowners

A new government audit reveals that the U.S. Treasury Department’s $7.6 billion program to distribute aid to homeowners via nonprofits has been largely untapped.

Volunteer Week a Good Time to Remember the Importance of the Ask

What transforms a person into a nonprofit volunteer is the ask. Try it. Asking people to volunteer and help often works.

Nonprofit Groups, Corporations at Odds on “Do Not Track” Rules

At a recent World Wide Web Consortium meeting, a rift emerged between corporations doing business online and nonprofit groups advocating for consumers’ privacy rights.

Wal-Mart, Democratic National Committee Get Creative with Contributions

The Democratic National Committee says it’s not accepting corporate sponsorship money for its upcoming convention in Charlotte, N.C.—but gift cards are another matter.

Grants to Charities along U.S./Mexico Border Drop Sharply

Between economic difficulties in the U.S. and violence in northern Mexico deterring visits from U.S. donors, giving to charities on the Mexican side of the border has reportedly fallen.

NYC Event Raises $2 Million for LGBT Students

The 2012 Point Honors New York gala this week raised $2 million to support higher education scholarships for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.

What Are Your Favorite Job Interview Questions?

Looking to land a great nonprofit job? The questions you ask—or don’t ask—may be almost as important as your answers to the questions that you respond to.

New Tool Helps Nonprofits Measure Impact on U.K. Children’s Wellbeing

In advance of a forthcoming national wellbeing index to be released in the U.K. in July, a new tool allows youth-serving charities to measure attitudinal changes of young people.

Nonprofit Leaders Skew Young in TIME’s “100 Most Influential” List

TIME Magazine’s annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World is out and NPQ was thrilled to see Ai-Jen Poo, the head of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, on the list.

A Different Approach to PILOTs

In the Worcester, Mass. PILOTs program, tax-exempt entities contribute funds to specific, earmarked uses as opposed to dumping payments into the general fund.

Citicorp Shareholders Reflect Occupy’s Impact on Corporate Narrative

For whatever one might think about the positions of the Occupy Wall Street movement, just go ask Citicorp’s Vikram Pandit about Occupy’s impact on changing the contemporary narrative.

Terrorism Research Center Reorganizes as a Nonprofit

The Terrorism Research Center, founded as a commercial think tank in 1996, is reorganizing as a nonprofit, though the reasons behind the move seem to be unclear.

Failed Alaska Bill Raises Interesting Religious Tax Exemption Question

A bill that failed to pass in the Alaska state legislature is interesting in that it addresses a tax exemption issue regarding church-owned properties that has not received much attention.

Spotty Board Attendance Costs Nonprofit Dearly – What About Your Board?

Board members of the Amarillo, Texas-based Panhandle Community Services might do well to remember the words of Woody Allen: “80 percent of success is showing up.”

The “Glee” Effect: Arts Involvement Boosts Student Achievement

A new report from the National Endowment for the Arts demonstrates a high correlation between arts involvement and student achievement, especially for students from underserved families.

ALEC Sheds Voter ID and “Stand Your Ground” Gun Law Advocacy

The American Legislative Exchange Council, a well known corporate lobbying group, is shifting its advocacy focus in the wake of several criticisms raised by the death of Trayvon Martin.

Report Cites Importance of Tapping Large Nonprofits as Economic Development Engines

According to a new study by the Baltimore-based Living Cities Design Lab, large nonprofits are underutilized “anchor institutions” for regional economic vitality and equity.

Should Nonprofits Issue Shares?

Yale economist Robert Shiller, well known for co-developing the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index, has a new book out that proposes the concept of share-issuing “participation nonprofits.”

Alec Baldwin and Advocates Push for More Federal Arts Funding

Alec Baldwin, Ben Fold and hundreds of other advocates are lobbying Congress for more funding for the arts, which has receded since its high point in 1992.

Local Paper Challenges Severance Package for Former CEO of Iowa Nonprofit – but Why?

A $289,000 severance package given to an Iowa-based nonprofit CEO fired in 2010 comes under attack from the Des Moines Register, but what is the real problem here?

Study Points to Benefits of Nonprofit’s Move to Structure School Recess

A study released yesterday from Stanford University and Mathematica Policy Research suggests that a nonprofit’s work in bringing structure to school recess leads to positive outcomes.

Cell Phones for Soldiers Poised for Second Act in Reverse Legacy

The idea for Cell Phones for Soldiers came from two seventh graders in 2004 that are now contemplating careers in nonprofit management after they graduate from college.

A University-Community Partnership Starts with Door to Door Dialogue

University/community partnerships can be very rich in many ways. This one in Beaumont, Ohio is starting with a door to door survey. Can readers let us know their experiences with such models?

Nonprofit Workers in San Francisco: The Forgotten Sector?

Randy Shaw, the executive director of Tenderloin Housing Clinic in San Francisco, says the juxtaposition of low nonprofit wages and a high cost of living in the city spells crisis.

For National Volunteer Week, Mass. Service Alliance Launches Volunteerism Campaign

For National Volunteer Week, the Massachusetts Service Alliance has launched a new campaign to connect nonprofits to volunteers and to increase volunteerism across the state.

PILOTs Take off in Several Cash-strapped Municipalities

From Scranton and Pittsburgh, Pa. to Providence, R.I., a number of cities facing tight budgets are looking to make local tax-exempt entities a little—or a lot—less tax-exempt.

Live Blog on Cameron’s Big Society Speech a Great Service to U.K. Nonprofits

In the Guardian’s Politics Live blog, Andrew Sparrow covers U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent “Big Society” speech, which outlined his vision for the charitable sector.

Landmark Oregon Study Documents Economic Impact and Resilience of the Nonprofit Sector

A new study shows that Oregon nonprofits are starting to recover from the prolonged recession, but their contributions can’t be taken for granted.

Exec Salary Causes Fla. Governor to Reconsider Domestic Violence Group

Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is seeking to remove the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence from the state’s fund distribution process, noting concerns about its president’s compensation.

As Private Foreign Development Aid Grows, What of USAID?

While private giving to foreign development aid has grown rapidly, giving from government entities such as the U.S. Agency for International Development has been more sluggish.

Secret Campaign Donations: On to the Next Loophole?

A federal court has ruled 501(c)(4)s engaged in “electioneering communications” must reveal their donors, but super PACs may have another loophole to avoid transparency.

As Russians Taste Civil Society, Occupy Protesters Are Dispersed

Police brought the Occupy Abai encampment in Moscow’s Chistiye Prudi area to a quick close, but can Russian authorities put the genie of civil society back into its bottle?

Cuomo Unveils N.Y. Nonprofit Reform Plan

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has released a plan to cap nonprofit executive compensation and administration costs, though the proposal allows some flexibility.

Nonprofit Community Development Plays in Peoria

The Caterpillar Foundation has given a $3 million grant to get the Local Initiatives Support Corporation to make Peoria, Ill. its newest office addressing community development.

This Weekend, Occupy Meets NATO in Chicago

Occupy movement demonstrators are gathering in Chicago to stage protests at this weekend’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit.

Decline in Corporate Support Hits NPR

National Public Radio experiences decline in corporate support as L.A. Times gets Ford Grant.

New Nonprofit Challenges Calif. Teacher Rules

A newly formed nonprofit, Students Matter, has filed a lawsuit against the State of California seeking to overturn five laws governing teacher tenure rules, seniority and dismissals.

Detroit Mayor Proposes Conversion of Health Department to a Nonprofit

In nearly bankrupt Detroit, Mayor Dave Bing has proposed converting the city health department into a new nonprofit, the Institute for Population Health. How will the City Council respond?

High Proportion of Veterans Live in Rural Areas Less Served by Philanthropic Efforts

The areas of the country with the highest proportions of veterans are rural and exurban counties and those areas are less likely to be served by the philanthropy of foundations.

Fla. Eyes Voter Rolls, Puts New Limits on Registration and Shortens Early Voting

A number of new election and voting policies and plans in Florida this year, purportedly aimed at blocking fraud, have some nonprofit voting rights advocates crying foul.

Chen Guangchen Makes it to U.S. and Continues to Inspire Activists in China

On Saturday night, Chen Guangchen arrived in the U.S., and the blind activist who escaped detention in China may be inspiring ongoing legal activism in China.

Appeals Court Revokes Political Campaign Donor Secrecy

In a challenge to one aspect of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, a federal appeals court has ruled that 501(c)(4)s doing “electioneering communications” must disclose donors.

CharityBribes.org Succeeds with Larry David in First Attempt

Larry David releases his first tweet: “I was told by Charity Bribes that if I Tweeted they’d give 10k to the NRDC. Pay up!” Now, will other celebrities play along?

“Geektivism” Rises—with What Impact?

A new generation of tech-savvy “geektivists” is seeking to utilize its technological skills for social good, but does gaming lend itself to solving social, education or environmental problems?

Brown Proposes Drastic Cuts to Calif. Social Programs, Education

California Gov. Jerry Brown’s “day of reckoning” budget includes cuts to social service programs for the poor, health services for the poor and state support for public education.

Espada Found Guilty of Stealing from Nonprofit Health Center

A federal grand jury finds former New York State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr. guilty of stealing from the Bronx-based Soundview Health Center.

Libertarian Nonprofit Says Ron Paul Double-billed Flights

The head of the Liberty Committee, a libertarian nonprofit, has claimed that Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) double-billed his expenses for 52 airplane flights.

For Social Media, Timing Is Key

Timing is an essential aspect of social media strategizing. The betaworks company Bitly has released some noteworthy metrics on social media timing that may be helpful to your nonprofit.

Americans Elect Nominates…No One

The nonprofit group Americans Elect sought to bring about “the first nonpartisan presidential nomination,” but no candidate got enough support. What went wrong?

Autopsy on YWCA Shutdown Offers Several Lessons

Major institutions like YWCAs rarely go out of business, much less as precipitously as the shutdown of the YWCA of the Greater Triangle area. What can we learn from its closure?

FBI Eyeing International Humanities Center Shutdown

The FBI is reportedly investigating the collapse of the International Humanities Center, a nonprofit fiscal sponsor that advocacy groups claim owes them, collectively, about $1 million.

Charity as a Defense for Alleged Insider Trading?

Lawyers representing Rajat Gupta, who will be on trial next week for alleged insider trading, are hoping to present his philanthropic activities as part of his defense.

In Arkansas, Philanthropy Supported Local Reporters; What about Sustainability?

The Arkansas Community Foundation, in partnership with the Knight Foundation, had supported local reporters in the state, but now the grants have run out.

In “Melting Pot” County, Service Provider for Immigrants Is in Jeopardy

The International Institute of New Jersey, serving immigrant populations in one of America’s most diverse counties, is in financial trouble after losing $800,000 in government funding.

Boilermakers Union Pay, Policies Raise Some Eyebrows

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers has treated officers well while membership has declined, the Kansas City Star reports.

Critic Blasts Catholic Bishops for “Two-tier Morality”

Reporting for Remapping Debate, Kevin C. Brown paints a pretty devastating picture of what he characterizes as the “two-tier morality” of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

UK Charity Commission Finds New Charities Differ From Sector Overall

A report from the UK Charity Commission finds that new charities show up differently than the overall sector – is it a function of the economy?

New Analysis: 2010 Census Significantly Undercounts Minorities, Youth

According to a new analysis, the 2010 Census undercounted minorities and youth. Nonprofits serving underrepresented areas must hope 2020’s count will be more accurate.

Fraud Alleged at the Buffett Foundation and Elsewhere

A man who was a senior program officer at the Buffett Foundation has been charged with taking $46,000, while an employee of a trauma prevention nonprofit is sentenced after being charged with taking $300,000.

Interviews with Occupiers Underscore Movement’s Gains and Challenges

It hasn’t even been a full year of the Occupy Wall Street movement, but already observers and insiders are taking stock of the positives OWS achieved and the negatives OWS stumbled into.

Consortium of Pittsburgh Nonprofits Offers Financial Aid to City

A consortium of nonprofit groups called the Pittsburgh Public Service Fund is proposing a new agreement in which the nonprofits would pay the City approximately $3 million this year.

Newman’s Own Foundation to Donate $30 Million This Year

To celebrate 30 years of Newman’s Own, the late actor’s foundation will give away more $30 million to various charities this year.

Tim McGraw to Give Homes to 25 Veterans

Country singer and actor Tim McGraw has declared that he will give each of 25 veterans a mortgage-free house this summer as he tours the country with Kenny Chesney.

How Do Americans View Foreign Aid? Depends on How One Asks, Kaiser Finds

Does the American public believe that foreign aid—often delivered through NGOs—is worth supporting? A Kaiser Family Foundation finds the way the issue is framed matters.

Mirroring Overarching Trend, Teach for America Struggles to Attract Male Teachers

Teach for America is flooded with job applicants from top colleges and universities, but that flood at the high-profile teaching nonprofit includes a disproportionately small number of males.

Baucus Launches Senate Investigation of Veterans’ Charity

The Senate Finance Committee has launched an investigation of the nonprofit Disabled Veterans National Foundation, which CNN has been investigating for the past two years.

OMB Intensifies Call for Rigorous Program Evaluations

The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is increasing the pressure for federal agencies to both fund and develop the capacity to better review more rigorously tested programs.

Project Veritas Voter Fraud Sting Backfires

James O’Keefe’s nonprofit Project Veritas is known for its videotaped “sting” operations, but its attempt to document voter fraud in North Carolina backfired in a major way.

Federal Lawsuit Charges NYC Job Placement Outfit SEEDCO with Fraud

Federal charges that SEEDCO was engaged in fraud constitute a new chapter in this constantly metastasizing story of a once powerful and respected agency now in deep trouble.

Catholic Organizations Sue over Health Insurance Mandate

A group of 43 Catholic organizations are suing the federal government to challenge the Obama administration’s mandate that employers provide health insurance plans that cover birth control.

Should Municipalities Mulling PILOTs Look to Comprehensive Property Tax Reform?

Many local governments are looking for more revenues from tax-exempt property owners, but a New London, Conn. newspaper suggests comprehensive property tax reform is a better path.

NAACP Board Backs Gay Marriage

The board of the NAACP has come out in full support of marriage equality. Was Obama’s endorsement a tipping point for the African American community?

Warren Buffett’s Approach to Community News

Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway’s billionaire chairman, recently paid $142 million for 63 community newspapers, betting that rumors of local papers’ demise has been highly exaggerated.

Post-IPO, Where Will Zuckerberg’s Philanthropic Dollars Go?

Friday’s IPO landed Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, among the wealthiest people in the world. No one is surprised here—but what will the 28-year-old billionaire do with all his dough?

Editorial Supports Philly PILOTs—But What Would That Entail?

The mainstream press is increasingly siding with revenue-stressed local governments aiming to get tax-exempt nonprofit property owners to pitch in payments for local budgets.

Tulsa Tax Assessor Takes Aim at Luxurious Nonprofit Retirement Community

In Tulsa, Okla., tax assessor Ken Yazel is challenging the tax-exempt status of a nonprofit “upscale retirement community” that hasn’t paid property taxes since it opened 12 years ago.

Tax-exempt Status for Churches Debated

Should institutions of religious worship continue to be eligible for charitable tax-exempt status? The New York Times recently hosted a thoughtful online debate on this question.

Transfer of Nationwide Arena Raises Transparency Concerns

The governance of the publicly owned Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio has been transferred to a nonprofit that will distribute funds as “a private entity.”

From Merger, Virginia Repertory Theatre Is Born

After an 11-year courtship period, Richmond, Va.’s Barksdale Theatre and Theatre IV will merge to form the Virginia Repertory Theatre.

Judge Orders Mortgage Lender to Stop Using Nonprofit’s Name

A federal judge rules that home loan company First One Lending may not present itself as affiliated with the nonprofit Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America.

Education Development Center gets Facebook Grant to Research Cyberbullying

The Education Development Center has been chosen as one of four organizations working with Facebook to study how to protect youth from cyberbullying.

In S.C., Scott Hamilton Shines Light on Work of Free Medical Clinic

Congratulations to South Carolina’s Taylors Free Medical Clinic for grabbing a fundraising headliner of Scott Hamilton’s caliber—and to Hamilton for his dedication to the cause.

99% Power Protests Impact Bank of America Shareholders’ Meeting

Bank of America is still there and the corporate managers got their way on major initiatives, but the 99% Power movement still had an impact: tying private decisions to public interests.

Bill Would Give Small Businesses a Credit Boost through Nonprofit Credit Unions

A bill that has attracted bipartisan support would allow credit unions to use 27.5 percent of their assets for small business loans, as opposed to the current 12.25 percent cap.

RFK Spring Auction: Backgammon with Harrelson or Tennis with McEnroe?

The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights spring auction has raised $3 million in the past, but this year’s list of celebrity action items may draw more donations.

House Budget Defends Pentagon at Expense of Social Programs

While the Senate is likely to reject the House budget, the resulting stalemate would likely stymie funding for programs that nonprofits—and the people in need that they serve—count on.

Bloomberg’s Proposed NYC Budget Sparks Homeless Youth Shelter Campaign

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposes a balanced budget, but some nonprofit advocates say it comes at the expense of homeless youth, many of whom are LGBT teens.

Fla. Lawmakers Pushing for Funding for Nonprofit Where They Serve on the Board

Two Florida state senators have submitted bills over the past few years that would have dedicated the state’s liquor taxes to a nonprofit where they serve on the board.

Billing Errors in Health Care Abound as System Heads for More Complexity

Some observers find the current system of medical billing a chaotic mess, which leads to skepticism over the introduction of 155,000 new billing codes planned for next year.

Elite Universities Offering Online Courses to All: A New Higher Ed Model?

With the launch of edX, Harvard and MIT join the ranks of those offering online education to anyone for free, but many questions surround this approach to learning.

Philly Fraternal Order of Police Seeks to Expel Occupy Supporter

After retired Philadelphia police captain Ray Lewis wore his uniform to an Occupy Wall Street gathering, the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police want to expel him—but on what grounds?

What will the Blackbaud-Convio Merger Mean?

One of the most significant mergers in the realm of nonprofit technology in recent years is in the books, as Blackbaud has officially acquired Convio and merged into one entity.

Where Did Disabled Veterans National Foundation Funds Go?

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation’s tax documents show that it accumulated about $56 million in donations since it opened in 2007 but almost none of that has gone towards direct services.

As Nonprofits Are Squeezed for PILOTs, What about For-Profit Developers’ Tax Breaks?

Some cities increasingly see nonprofits’ tax exemptions as less and less sacrosanct, while others are voluntarily giving away tax revenues in the form of breaks to for-profit developers.

N.Y. AG Touts Nonprofit Deregulation

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is pitching the Nonprofit Revitalization Act, which he says would lift “onerous requirements” on nonprofits.

“Big Picture” Ethics and Nonprofit Decision-making

We often see stories about a nonprofit executive director, manager or board member who has embezzled from their organization, but how can nonprofits create a more ethical culture?

As B Corporations Spread, Who Holds Them Accountable?

Seven states now recognize the B corporation, an entity that acknowledges responsibilities to society beyond maximizing profit, but who or what will monitor their activity?

Starbucks Award Recipients Have Strong Track Record of Service

The 124 recipients of grants from the Starbucks Vote.Give.Grow campaign represent community-based organizations with a history of actual service to underserved communities.

Managing Editor of ProPublica Appointed to Pulitzer Board

Stephen Engelberg, managing editor of the nonprofit ProPublica, is the newest addition to the board that administers the Pulitzer Prizes in journalism and the arts.

Special Events – Are They an Addiction?

Special events like golf outings and gala dinners were mainstays of nonprofit fundraising, but are they being replaced? You tell us.

Tipping Point Community Looks to Tap Silicon Valley Riches

A relatively young nonprofit called Tipping Point Community will be $2 million richer if California’s tech millionaires and billionaires decide to answer a $1 million matching grant.

Report Rates Corporations on Economic and Environmental Sustainability

Ceres, a nonprofit focused on promoting environmentally and economically sustainable corporate practices, has released a report that suggests most corporations need to do much more.

“Most Wanted” Man Caught, Accused of Running Veterans’ Charity Scam

U.S. Marshals arrested one of “America’s Most Wanted:” Bobby Thompson, who is accused of defrauding donors via a bogus charity, the United States Navy Veterans Association.

Exploring the “Vote with Your Mission” Model

The “Vote With Your Mission” campaign of the California Association of Nonprofits asks those in the nonprofit sector to align their values and beliefs with their trips to the voting booth.

Suit Filed Against Nonprofit for Making Too Much Profit

Two Philadelphia residents have filed a lawsuit charging that Highmark, a nonprofit insurer, is making too much over costs and sitting on too much in reserves.

Low Income Schools Not Getting Best Internet Pricing, Critics Say

The nonprofit that administers the Universal Service Fund is supposed to get schools and libraries the best price on Internet connectivity, but many allege that that isn’t happening.

Community Will Use Online Game to Engage Residents

The Quincy, Mass. Asian American Civic Engagement Task Force is using an online game in an effort to encourage community engagement among its residents.

Burning Man: The “Poster Child” of “Old-fashioned Main Street Republicanism?”

The Burning Man festival has reorganized from an LLC to a 501(c)(3) public charity, and its “hippie debauch” image is receding—or is it?

Late Beastie Boy MCA's Legacy Extends Beyond Music

Adam Yauch, otherwise known as MCA from the Beastie Boys, was the driving force behind the worldwide Tibetan Freedom Concerts from 1996 through 2001.

“The Rich and the Rest of Us” May Resonate in Nonprofit Sector

Cornel West and Tavis Smiley have written a book the reminds the wealthiest nation in the world about its continued willingness to turn a blind eye to poverty.

Nonprofit Aiding Kids of Prisoners Sees Success, But Funding Does Not Follow

In El Paso, Texas, Community Solutions has a strong track record of helping the children of prisoners avoid their parent’s path, but as its federal funding dies, the nonprofit is struggling.

Colorado’s Mother’s Day “Gift:” Continued Birth Control Access

Recently, the Colorado Senate became embroiled in a debate about whether or not employers should be exempted from coverage of birth control based on their religious beliefs.

Board for California State Universities Takes Heat for Increasing Executive Pay

The California State University Board of Trustees, the governing body of the state university system, has stirred controversy by raising executive compensation amid tight fiscal times.

Audit Questions Expenses at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Kern Wildenthal has resigned as special assistant to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s president after an audit labeled some of his expenses inappropriate.

Geoffrey Canada to Ask Penn Grads to Consider Nonprofit Careers Today

President and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone Geoffrey Canada will include a pitch for nonprofit work in his commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania.

When Loans Go Bad: The Sacramento Regional Sports Education Foundation Fiasco

The Sacramento Regional Sports Education Foundation is drawing heat after it borrowed $400,000 for an athletic event that didn’t generate anywhere near the revenues predicted.

L3C Proponents Eager for Proposed New Program Related Investments Regulations

IRS proposes new regulations that would help clarify what kinds of program related investments might result in excise taxes for foundations.

California Braces for “Anti-Christmas” as State Confronts $16 Billion Deficit

California Gov. Jerry Brown says the state’s budget deficit has reached $16 billion and will require more painful cuts than had been planned. What will this mean for the state’s safety net social programs?

Conn. Finds New Nonprofit Liaison

Alyssa Goduti will be Connecticut’s new nonprofit liaison starting next month. What do nonprofits and philanthropy see as the big gains made through these types of offices?

In Moscow, a Poetic Occupy Protest

In Moscow, protests that began after Vladimir Putin’s inauguration have been dubbed “Occupy Abai” as demonstrators gather near a statue of Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbayev.

Pastors Respond to Obama’s Gay Marriage Evolution

Many ministers around the country responded to President Obama’s endorsement of same-gender marriage last Sunday, with evaluations ranging from the positive to the negative.

Reports Points to Need for More Veterans’ Aid, Oversight and Advocacy

According to a report from the VA inspector general, it takes an average of 241 days for veterans’ claims to be processed at VA facilities across the nation.

House Oversight Hearings on Nonprofits: What to Expect?

The House Ways and Means Committee plans to hold a series of hearings on the tax-exempt sector and IRS oversight of tax-exempt activities, the first to be held this week on May 16th.

“Got Your 6” Campaign Launches Massive Blitz

Have you heard the phrase “I’ve got your six?” If you aren’t in the U.S. military, you may not have, but you will.

Claims of Vast Foreign Funding of Canadian Environmental Charities Appear Overstated

Some Canadian government officials have been stating that environmental groups are receiving substantial sums from foreign donors, but a Canadian press report calls that assessment into question.

N.H. Bill Pitches Nonprofit Political Spending Disclosure

A bill to be voted on in the New Hampshire State Senate would require expanded reporting by nonprofits engaged in spending money on state and national political races.

Obama Supports Marriage Equality in Historic Announcement

Discussing what many consider the most glaring civil rights issue the U.S. has largely failed to address, President Barack Obama says he supports same-sex marriage rights.

Mass. Bake Sale Ban: Apt Obesity Response or “Nanny State” Overreach?

A ban on school bake sales is scheduled to go into effect in Massachusetts in August. Is the new policy an appropriate measure in fighting childhood obesity, or an extreme “nanny state” move?

Tales from the Colorado Crypt: New Regulations Sought for Nonprofit Cemeteries

In Colorado, a bill mandating that the boards of nonprofit cemeteries include at least one member who owns a grave plot of some kind has passed the legislature.

Maher Stirs Charitable Deduction Questions

HBO’s Bill Maher recently weighed in on the question of what should and should not qualify for charitable—that is, tax deductible—donations.

Heartland Institute’s Climate Change Denial Tactics Get Extreme

The Heartland Institute’s plan to compare scientists and others who discuss the reality of climate change to terrorists backfires, causing some corporations to distance themselves from the group.

Many Rally in Support of Palestinian Hunger Strikers Held by Israel

At least 1,500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons are now participating in a hunger strike, some for up to 70 days, and supportive protesters are gathering at the U.N. building in Ramallah.

In Carroll County, Md., a Different Local Government-Nonprofit Relationship Model

In Carroll County, Md., local government is reaching out to see what can be done to nurture local nonprofits that are faced with difficult budget cuts.

Do Human Service Nonprofits Offer More Than Often Meets the Eye?

A recent study suggests that nonprofit human services organizations may offer a valuable, somewhat intangible benefit beyond their central purpose: hope.

Colbert Labels Political 501(c)(4)s “Spooky PACs”

Comedian and TV host Stephen Colbert, arguably America’s master satirist, lampoons the process of anonymous campaign financing through 501(c)(4)s.

San Francisco “Hackathon” Addresses Urban Issues

A recent “hackathon” in San Francisco paired technology geeks with community advocates to address longstanding urban issues. Will any of the ideas presented take root?

Donors Restore Contraception Funds in a Kansas County

After the all-male county commission in Miami County, Kan. declined Title X funding, a grassroots group raises money to provide low income women with contraception.

Kabbalah Centre Accepted $600,000 Donation from Woman with Dementia

The dealings of financial advisor John E. Larkin, who accepted a $600,000 donation and sold real estate to a client with dementia, raises questions of philanthropic advisor oversight.

Invisible Children Release Another Video, This Time to Take on Critics

Following the success and subsequent criticism of the Kony 2012 viral video, Ben Keesey, CEO of the nonprofit Invisible Children, releases an eight-minute video in an attempt to rebut critics.

Many U.S. Churches Facing Foreclosure

According to the CoStar Group, a real estate information service, in 2011, 270 churches were sold after defaulting on their loans; 131 were sold by banks themselves.

Ark. Developmental Disabilities Nonprofits Worry about Medicaid Restructuring

Arkansas is planning to move Medicaid from a fee-for-service model to an “episode of care” system, but developmental disabilities nonprofits aren’t sure the new system will work for them.

San Jose’s Urban Forest Rooted in Nonprofit’s Work

The City of San Jose, Calif. wants to see 100,000 new trees planted by 2022, and the driving force behind the implementation of this plan is the nonprofit Our City Forest.

“Noncontroversial” New Orleans Compensation Proposal Seems Controversial

In Louisiana, state law doesn’t allow public officials to receive compensation for public duties from non-governmental organizations, but a new library bill aims to change that.

Report Finds Values-based Banks Outperform Traditional Banks in Many Areas

A report finds value-based banks are “outperforming” standard banks in areas such as “return on assets, growth in loans and deposits, and capital strength”—but success isn’t guaranteed.

Country Singer Opens LGBT Center in Kansas City

Chely Wright, one of the very few openly gay country musicians, celebrates the opening of LIKEME Lighthouse, the only LGBT center in the Kansas City, Mo. metropolitan area.

Three Shifts Seen as Shaping Nonprofit Sector’s Future

Three shifts are redefining the fundamental role of nonprofits and philanthropy in our society. Are you ready?

Wrongfully Imprisoned Man Founds Nonprofit

Wrongfully imprisoned for 16 years, a freed man is using his settlement money to launch a nonprofit aimed at achieving justice for others.

501(c)(6) Organizations Can Expect Increasing Scrutiny

The 501(c)(6) organization Americans for Job Security faces a complaint lodged with the IRS about its electioneering activities. As elections approach, it likely won’t be the last such complaint.

Bon Jovi’s Nonprofit Restaurant: Where “Friendship is the Daily Special”

In another example of leveraging pop celebrity status for social causes, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation opens a nonprofit restaurant to nourish the hungry and build a stronger community.

Billionaire Romney Supporter: Wealthy Have “Insufficient Influence”

What might nonprofits learn about what a Mitt Romney administration would mean for them from Kenneth Griffin, the billionaire hedge fund mogul who is one of Romney’s big supporters?

Bachmann Joins Those Questioning Minn. HMO Reserves

While health insurance rates for consumers keep rising, some Minnesota legislators are questioning why the state’s four largest nonprofit health insurers have so much in reserve.

Is Occupy Wall Street NYC Going Broke?

A report from the Occupy Wall Street General Assembly concludes with the warning, “At our current rate of expenditure, we will be out of money in THREE WEEKS.”

Why Isn’t the NFL Taxed?

The NFL earned $9 billion in revenue last season and operates as a monopoly. It’s also a tax-exempt 501(c)(6), although it’s not entirely clear as to why that should be the case.

Is Kony 2012 Leaving out African Activists?

The Kony 2012 campaign has greatly succeeded in getting its message out through social media, but is the nonprofit Invisible Children leaving out the very country it’s trying to protect?

Bank Mergers and Charitable Giving: A Framework for Evaluation

A new National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy report provides criteria for regulators evaluating a bank’s claim that a proposed merger will strengthen philanthropic giving.

Study: New York Hospitals Ignoring Indigent Care Law

A study finds New York hospitals divvy up more than $1 billion annually from the state’s indigent care pool, but often ignore mandates to provide financial relief to patients.

Memphis Businessman Fronts Funds for Covert Office In Police Department

In a weird twist on the dangers of private money flowing into public systems, Memphis businessman Nick Clark finds himself accused of trying to set up a videotaped sexual tryst.

IRS Getting Sleeves Dirty with 501(c)(4)s

In the wake of the IRS’ call for the Tea Party to provide documentation to justify its 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status, some cheer while others say that the agency has overreached.

Pilot’s Group Plans Lift-off for Nonprofit-run Airport

At California’s Sutter County Airport, pilots and other interested parties are considering forming a nonprofit organization to manage the local general aviation airport.

Do Nonprofits Care About Equity?

Pablo Eisenberg challenges nonprofits and organized philanthropy on their response, or lack thereof, to “a society increasingly divided over ideology, class and financial scarcity.”

Diocese Cuts Funding to Homeless Agency over ED’s Personal Opinions

The Sacramento Catholic Diocese has stripped funding from a long-supported homeless services agency due to its new executive director’s thoughts on abortion rights and gay marriage.

Seedco Charged with Faking Job Placements

In the wake of Bill Harper’s whistleblowing, New York City’s Department of Investigation has reported that, of 6,500 job placements claimed by the nonprofit Seedco, 1,400 were fraudulent.

Arrests Reveal Dual Lives of Hackers

Authorities say they have arrested a member of the small but highly feared “hacktivist” group Lulz Security (LulzSec), and that the man worked at an Irish nonprofit information security firm.

Spending Down vs. Existing in Perpetuity: The Historic Foundation Debate Continues

In a Wall Street Journal editorial, Adam Meyerson of the Philanthropy Roundtable revives the debate as to whether foundations should spend away or dole out an annual dropper’s worth.

Big Foundations Supporting “Hybrid” Charter Schools

The Gates Foundation and the Dell Foundation are among those that are promoting the support of “hybrid charter school models”—which mixes in-person and online learning.

Koch Challenge to Cato Raises Questions about Tax-exempt Status

Between legal attacks from the Koch brothers and uncertainty over its tax-exempt status with the IRS, the libertarian Cato Institute may need to adopt the stoicism of its namesake.

Hope from a Home for Women in D.C.

A new apartment complex for homeless women in Washington, D.C. serves as a model for how nonprofits are responding to increased need in communities through public and private support.

Anti-LGBT Hate Groups on the Rise, Says Southern Poverty Law Center

Recent advances made by the LGBT community have ignited a new crop of anti-LGBT hate groups across the U.S., according to a Southern Poverty Law Center report.

What Happened at the Community Preservation Corporation?

A recent New York Times article may not have provided a complete picture of the causes of difficulties at one of the nation’s top nonprofit players in housing and community development.

At South by Southwest, Seeking Better, More Honest Content Aggregation

Two conscientious digerati presented divergent solutions to concerns about online aggregation and attribution at last weekend’s South by Southwest Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas.

Democrats, Republicans Reverse Roles on Disclosure of “Dark Money” Donations

Today, many Democrats are pushing for more disclosure of donors to tax-exempt social welfare organizations engaging in partisan activities, but not long ago, it was the GOP making that push.

A Dirge in Honor of the State of Social Change – But is it Necessary?

Therena Bailey, president and CEO of SISGI Group, argues that nonprofits are failing to achieve their real mission: going out of business.

Watchdog Examines the Many Strands of Secret Political Funding

The Center for Responsive Politics is splicing together strands of data to reveal some of the partisan political activities and funding of 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations.

Women Score Higher as Leaders in 360 Degree Evaluations – So What?

A study of 360 degree evaluations of 7,280 leaders finds women scored higher than men in almost all leadership competencies—so why do women still get paid less in most cases?

No “Streamlined Vision” for Occupy Wall Street

Despite press coverage eager to congeal Occupy Wall Street actions into easily-digestible headlines, there may not be a single, simple narrative thread running through the diverse group.

Convicted Former Tyco Chief Kozlowski Now a Nonprofit Consultant

Dennis Kozlowski’s lawyer says that the felon and former head of Tyco is “working full-time as a financial consultant for a non-profit organization that helps ex-convicts.” Is he a changed man?

City Taxes Nonprofits through Exorbitant Billing of Water and Sewer

Canyonville, Ore. has made it a standard practice to double nonprofits’ water bills, but that practice is now being challenged in an Oregon court by the Canyonville Christian Academy.

Romney Vows to Strip Planned Parenthood of Federal Funds

Mitt Romney may not be able to “get rid” of Planned Parenthood, as he recently suggested he would do, but if elected, it seems he’d try his best to eliminate its government funding.

Crowdsourced Philanthropy: Effective Marketing Tool or Flash in the Pan?

As brands look for ways to more actively engage with consumers, many companies have turned to crowdsourced philanthropy—but democratization of giving power is not without risk.

Nonprofit Embezzlement Trial Begins with Contrasting Portraits of Espada

Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr. is either a greedy criminal or a champion of nonprofit health care, depending on which lawyer’s opening statement you believe.

Homeless Hotspots “Charitable Experiment” Pushes Ethical Boundaries of Social Enterprise

A “charitable experiment” at this year’s South by Southwest technology conference draws criticism and illuminates the need for clearer ethical boundaries to guide social enterprise.

Second Mile Insurer Refuses to Pay Sandusky’s Legal Costs

Federal Insurance Company, the insurer for The Second Mile, has refused to pay the legal expenses for Jerry Sandusky, the youth charity founder facing child sexual abuse charges.

Watchdog Barks about Norquist Group’s Inconsistent Reporting

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has called for an investigation of Americans for Tax Reform due to a discrepancy in the 501(c)(4)’s political spending figures.

Broken Trust: Judge Orders Those Opposing Barnes Museum Move to Pay Court Costs of Petition

Dr. Albert C. Barnes’ trust stipulated that his $25 billion art collection should “remain in exactly the places they are.” Now, the collection is moving to Philadelphia.

Nonprofit Network Goes beyond the Typical Drive-by Bus Tour

The Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington is hosting bus tours to immerse participants in the work of community-based organizations addressing homelessness and other critical issues.

At Reed College, an Innovative Investment That Keeps on Giving

In response to the economic challenges of recent college graduates, Reed College alums created a networking tool that makes a gift to the institution each time a student or graduate uses it.

Foreign Exchange Students Report Abuse by Host Families

NBC says it has found more than a dozen foreign exchange organizations in the U.S. whose exchange students have alleged sexual abuse or harassment by their host families.

Introducing the JOBS Act—or the “Boiler Room Legalization Act”

It seems like everyone—Republicans, Democrats, Wall Street, the White House—loves the JOBS Act, but will it create a dangerous cloak of less and less public disclosure and oversight?

Teens Running International Nonprofit

Recent high school graduate Abby Gribbin is the founding member and president of a nonprofit group that provides scholarships to poverty-stricken families in Guatemala.

Nonprofit Venue Makes Exception for Madonna

Madonna will be the first performer to stage a for-profit concert on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City and not everyone is happy with the decision to give her the venue rent-free.

Charity Game Sends Donors to Prison

In Bristol, some 300 people will be paying £15 for the privilege of playing prisoners breaking out of a jail in a city-wide theater game called Prison Break to occur over a three-day period.

Nonprofit Saves File-Sharing Website Megaupload

Just as the file-sharing site Megaupload feared all their data would be deleted, the Electronic Frontier Foundation swept in to save the day.

Need a Primer on the Strange Phenomenon of Super PACs?

The Covington and Burling law firm offers an easy-to-grasp introduction to the controversial world of super PACs, which are evolving to respond to shifts in the dynamics of political advertising.

Foundation that Honors Brown v. Board of Education Evicted from National Park Site

Brown v. Board of Education is an icon in this nation’s civil rights history. Now the foundation that honors the legacy of the landmark case has been evicted from its National Park site headquarters due to a “troubling” Department of Interior audit.

Frugal Frozen Food Worker Leaves $2.3 Million to 10 Charities

A woman who lived as if her means were limited willed her considerable savings to organizations that had no idea what they were in line for.

House Republicans Charge Obama Administration with Anti-Catholic Bias over Grant Denial to Bishops Group

The rhetoric has become heated between Republicans and Democrats over an HHS denial of a grant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help victims of human trafficking. The charge? Anti-Catholic bias.

Donors Give LESS When More Analytic Say Researchers

Some researchers say that donors actually give less when they think too much about what they are doing.

Nonprofit Nursing Homes Provide Much Higher Quality Care than For-Profit Competitors

There’s no comparison in a comparison of the quality of care provided by nonprofit and for-profit nursing homes. The nonprofit nursing homes are way better. We’re not surprised.

A Higher Ed Leader Presents a Nonprofit Model as a Solution for Struggling Students

In response to the high demand for academic remediation from higher education students in New York State, a chancellor makes the case for replicating the Strive Partnership to statewide leaders

Plan to Tax Foreign Funding to Israel’s NGOs Draws Disapproval from U.S. and Germany

Legislation moves forward in Israel to tax foreign government donations to NGOs.

The Tea Party Bumps into the Rule of Law—and the Value of 501(c) Status—in Richmond, Virginia

Tea Party groups might want to get on the stick and secure their 501(c) federal tax exemptions. Otherwise, they might get to replicate the experience of the Richmond Tea Party, which is being audited by the City of Richmond.

What’s the Best Tool for Ending Poverty? Hint: It’s Not a Tool

Longtime urban development leader Ben Hecht reflects on the 30-year evolution of his thinking about how to transform the lives of low-income people. Here, he shares a relatively recent epiphany that’s now being tested by Living Cities, the funder collaborative he heads.

U.S. Environmental Nonprofits Criticize Secretary Clinton on Global Warming Negotiations

The Obama Administration is being taken to task by European and African delegates to a UN conference for its reluctance to make binding commitments to fight global warming. A letter from 16 environmental nonprofits agrees with the criticism of the cautious American position.

Occupy and Art: A Dynamic Relationship

Many social movements produce art that reflects the “soul” of the effort, and Occupy is no exception.

Phillies Slugger Ryan Howard Donates $1.2 Million in Sports Equipment to Philadelphia Public Schools

Ryan Howard had a tough time last year, ending his season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, but that didn’t stop him from making a very generous charitable contribution to the Philadelphia public school system.

Inauspicious Start to World AIDS Day: Global Fund Ceases Grantmaking through 2014

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has had to announce that it will not be making new grants until 2014 at the earliest—and perhaps not even then, unless donor countries gin up their contributions.

Controversial Activist Nonprofit Fighting Foreclosures Ventures into Nation’s Banking Hotbed—Charlotte, NC

The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America generates controversy wherever it goes: partly because of its tough approaches toward getting banks to restructure mortgage payments for distressed homeowners; partly because of the sometimes-confrontational tactics of its founder and CEO, Bruce Marks; and sometimes because of reports of mixed results.

Should the U.K.’s Charity Bank Be Permitted to Do Unlimited Distribution of Profits to Charitable Shareholders

The U.K.’s Charity Bank wants to change British charity law to allow for unrestricted distribution of profits to charitable shareholders.

Secret Santa Pays It Forward with Cash to Strangers—$20,000 Worth

This is just a feel-good story, but we know that these kinds of stories and experiences infect communities with the urge to pay back, and this particular line of paybacks is now at least three generations long.

Replicate this: Removing Bedbugs—a Welcome Charitable Endeavor Indeed

A program that has organized pest control businesses to give back through eliminating bedbugs from the lives of families too poor to pay for the service has to be enormously welcome for those so afflicted.

What’s behind the Rise in New York City Homelessness?

Why are there 23 percent more homeless living on the streets of New York City this year compared to last year?

May Day! One Theme with Much Diversity

The local nature of May Day protests yesterday comes through loud and clear despite the confusion of media approaches to its coverage.

New Jersey State Government Officials Show Their Support for Nonprofit Food Programs

New Jersey’s vocal and telegenic Republican Governor, Chris Christie, has been a favorite of the low- and no-government types like Ann Coulter. But the fact that Christie’s Lt. Gov. and two of his cabinet officers—but not Christie—showed up at a FoodBank to present a seven-figure check for government assistance to the hungry should remind ideologues that government is the necessary core of our society’s social safety net, and cannot be wished away in favor of mythical charitable giving.

Failure of a Nonprofit-Owned Business Incubator Raises Questions: Where’s the Money and Why Did It Fail?

The Genesis Enterprise Center in Madison, Wisconsin, seems to be speeding toward total failure—and stiffing the city as well as other nonprofits for over a million dollars in loans it will not or cannot repay. Why has Genesis flopped in such a supportive environment, and what do successful nonprofit-developed business incubators do that makes them succeed?

Nonprofit Health Plans Outperform For-Profit Plans on Quality of Care

Nonprofit health plans dominate the latest list of the top private Medicaid and Medicare health plans in the nation. We’re not surprised—are you?

NewsOne Lauds 7 Black Philanthropists

What do Russell Simmons, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Joyner have in common? All are African American celebrities who gave generously to their favorite causes. Find out what they give to here.

Nonprofits Admitting Failure: A Refreshing Change of Pace!

Admitting failure is seen as a risky business in the nonprofit sector, but this Canadian website aims to change that assumption for development professionals.

Five Companies’ Tech-Savvy Charity Campaigns This Holiday Season

How are corporations using social media to encourage giving in 2011? Here are five examples from Mashable.

Pharmaceuticals Make Some Charities Look Way Too Good

Forbes has been following the practice of some international organizations to hugely overvalue some of their in-kind pharmaceutical donations to the tune of tens—and even hundreds—of millions of dollars, apparently in an attempt to look more attractive to donors.

Innovation: Lessons from the Internet

A disrupted environment like the one we live in calls for constant innovation, but how do such advances happen? This small article from Joichi Ito in the New York Times is food for thought.

Catholic Schools in Pittsburgh Link Kids’ Tuition Assistance to Parents’ Lobbying for Voucher Legislation

The Diocese of Pittsburgh adopted a heavy-handed approach to getting support for tuition voucher legislation: tell parochial school parents to document exactly what they did to lobby state legislators or risk their kids’ tuition assistance.

Court Defends Small Nonprofit from Corporate Harassment

In a victory for free speech by the “little guys,” a U.S. District Court orders Chevron to compensate a small Oregon-based nonprofit for its time.

Report Reveals that Some Corporations are Paying Little or Nothing in State Taxes

As your state budget shrinks, and more programs are cut—remember this! Some Fortune 500 Companies are paying little or no state tax.

Social Entrepreneur Brews Beer for Food

This is an odd little story about a woman who runs a beer company whose profits get donated. We wish we had more facts.

GuideStar’s Fall 2011 Nonprofit Fundraising Study Finds Nonprofits Still Struggling

It’s a glass half-full or half-empty depending on what kind and size of organization you work for according to the GuideStar review of nonprofits’ fundraising performance in the first three quarters of 2011. For smaller groups, it leans toward the half-empty—or sometimes more than half.

Charter Schools Increasing by Leaps and Bounds—Charter School Performance Too?

The latest statistics show a huge growth in charter schools, particularly almost half of it in four states. Are charter schools paying off for kids’ education too?

A Second Act for Newt Gingrich Should Require an Explanation and Apology for His 1990s Nonprofit/Foundation Ethics Mess

Articulate and confident beyond all belief, Newt Gingrich might be President Obama’s Republican Party opponent in November of 2012. If so, he owes the American public an explanation—and maybe an apology—for his ethics mash-up of tax exempt charities and his partisan political apparatus that earned him an ethics probe and the largest fine ever levied on a U.S. House Speaker.

Arrests of Journalists up by 20 Percent Worldwide

Democracies depend on protected speech, but this report finds that arrests and imprisonment of journalists—sometimes for long, undefined periods—has increased significantly over the past year.

The Nonprofit Ethicist Comments on a Mental Health Center Suing a Foundation

A North Carolina mental health center is suing the foundation that it established, claiming that the foundation has “absconded” with millions over two decades.

What’s on Your Constitutional Convention Agenda?

Georgia legislation seeks to make the state the 19th to call for a federal constitutional convention. If such a convention came to pass, what do you think should be on the agenda, you nonprofit sector James Madisons and Alexander Hamiltons?

Residents Allege that Princeton University Bought a Zoning Approval with a PILOT

If a tax-exempt property owner wants to undertake a major real-estate development project, it has to apply for site plan and zoning approvals, and pay mandated fees, just like any other property owner. In New Jersey, Princeton University had to ante up about $1 million in payments in lieu of taxes, plus additional expenditures, and local residents aren’t happy with the result.

The World’s Greatest Charitable Fundraiser? Bill Clinton Has Had a Great Decade

Being a former president of the United States helps Bill Clinton raise money for his eponymous foundation, but the numbers are huge and the donors politically quite diverse.

One Nonprofit Lawyer’s Tips on Use of Advisory Boards

Phoenix-based nonprofit lawyer Ellis Carter has some brief but useful tips on when and how to use advisory boards that supplement the functions and skills of a nonprofit’s board of directors.

Wisconsin Nonprofits in the Economy’s “New Normal”

Wisconsin nonprofits report increased program service reductions, shrinking cash reserves, and slashed government grants. Are the conditions the same in other states, or are Wisconsin nonprofits trending worse?

The President’s Agenda and African Americans—A Report

The new White House report, The President’s Agenda and the African-American Community, lays out the President’s achievements during his first term. Amid the generic programs in which African Americans as well as all other Americans stand to benefit, there are initiatives that depend on the existence of a robust nonprofit infrastructure.

Paypal Can’t Get Out of Its Own Way

Paypal seems destined to overreach with its clients, acting less like an intermediary and more like a controller—but when you mess with a media site known for its snarky humor, you court embarrassment.

Fenton/GlobeScan Survey on Social Good Contains Surprises

People generally like nonprofits better than government and business. They like multiple forms of media for engaging charities, and the recession is hurting charitable giving on both sides of the Atlantic. But there are significant nuances in the Fenton/GlobeScan survey findings on "Social Good."

Green Bay Packers—America’s Community-Owned “Nonprofit” Team—Selling Stock Shares

The nation’s only nonprofit professional sports franchise—the Green Bay Packers—is doing its fifth ever sale of no-dividend, no-appreciation stock for $250 a share. We’d buy!

Immigrant Groups and Local Government Salute Each Other

Asian American organizations and local government officials in DC suburb recognize each other’s contributions to the benefit of the entire community.

Third Journalist Arrested While Trying to Cover Occupy Nashville: Free Press Calls for End to Arrests

Democracies do not arrest journalists trying to cover social events—or do they?

New Study Reinforces “Crowding Out Effect” of Government Money

According to a new study, organizations that get government funding see other funding drop by equal amounts—but why?

Four Principles for NGO Engagement of Indigenous Peoples

A Hauser Center blog posits four very powerful, persuasive guidelines for western NGOs to apply to their interactions with indigenous peoples.

Judge in Boston Lifts Restraining Order against City Eviction of Occupy

Occupy Boston may be the largest encampment left in the country—but a judge has just cleared the way for an eviction if the city chooses to take the opportunity.

To Predict Unemployment Rates, Look at Civic Engagement Levels

States and metropolitan areas with more civic engagement in 2006 experienced smaller increases in unemployment rates between 2006 and 2010. What’s the cause and what’s the effect?

Police in UK List Occupy in “Terrorism/Extremism Update” and SF Encampment Raided with 70 Arrests

Events involving the Occupy movement in the U.S. and overseas have profound implications for the rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.

Infographic: Why Does Content Go Viral and What Drives Us to Share It?

What exactly makes content go viral? ProBlogger’s newest infographic reveals intriguing research on what drives people to share content—valuable information for any organization trying to reach out to the online and social media communities.

Komen, Catholic Groups Have Complicated Relationship

The complicated relationship between the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and the Catholic Church persists despite Komen’s decision to reinstate funding to Planned Parenthood.

Financial Predators on Mobile Devices

Watchdog groups and others in the nonprofit sector see promise in increased mobile access to financial services, but caution that the technology alone won’t lead to greater financial stability.

Texas Judge: Poll Watch Group a GOP Front, Not a Nonprofit

Travis County Court Judge John Dietz has ruled that the Tea Party group King Street Patriots, known for its poll watching anti-voter fraud effort, is not a nonprofit but an unregistered PAC.

For Reagan-Udall Foundation and FDA, Conflict Concerns Remain

After years of conflict of interest concerns that some see as remaining unresolved, the Reagan-Udall Foundation will soon begin to receive long-awaited FDA funding.

Fiscal Sponsor’s Collapse Hits Farmworker Group Hard

The collapse of the International Humanities Center may not have cost the nonprofit sector tens of millions of dollars, but it cost some groups much of their lifeblood.

Despite Cardinal Dolan’s Claims, Government Has Long Defined “Ministry”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan says that it is “radical” and “unprecedented” that the U.S. government would define the term “ministry,” but the government has been doing so for many years now.

Corporate Responsibility or Bribe? Casino Magnate’s Donations Raise Questions

Casino magnate Steve Wynn has been very generous to the University of Macao Development Foundation—so generous that a former Wynn director calls the donations a bribe.

Is Strip Search Ruling an Affront to Human Dignity?

The U.S. Supreme Court rules anyone arrested for any alleged violation, no matter how minor, may be subject to a strip search, whether there is suspicion of contraband or not.

Minn. Close to Providing Clawback Protections for Nonprofits in Ponzi Schemes

Minnesota legislators have passed a bill, now awaiting the governor’s consideration, which would insulate nonprofits from having to return donations received from fraudsters.

Crowd-Map Tracks Sexual Violence in Syria

In Syria, the Women’s Media Center project has launched Women Under Siege, a crowd-mapping initiative to record cases of sexual abuse online in real time.

Does the U.S. Need a Unifying National Service Program?

The national service model of the past focused on military conscription. What would a national service model look like today, and does the U.S. need one to “reunify the nation?”

Study Suggests Conservatism Is Humans’ “Default Ideology”

According to research spearheaded by University of Arkansas psychologist Scott Eidelman, when humans are forced into a default position, they tend to go conservative.

Gay Binational Couples Challenge Defense of Marriage Act

Five lesbian and gay binational couples are challenging the constitutionality of what they see as a discriminatory law: the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA.

Biggest Yet Petition on Change.org is on Trayvon Martin

With more than two million signatures and counting on the online petition on Change.org in the Trayvon Martin case, many are moved to action as opposed to the passive frustration of the past.

Survey Suggests Human Service Agencies Have Unworkable Formulas

The Nonprofit Finance Fund’s most recent survey offers few surprises, but it may make some of you feel a little less alone in your organization’s financial and service issues.

Can Nonprofits Assess Their Situation When Congress Won’t Pass a Budget?

Judging by the rejected proposals we’ve seen so far, there may be no way for nonprofits to turn to a budget document to glean where they and their constituents stand in Fiscal Year 2013.

Super PAC Pact Working in Mass. Race

A “People’s Pledge” between Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren to discourage “independent” third party organization ads appears to be working.

A Republican Version of the DREAM Act?

The Republican Party, facing what some consider near-certain defeat in November if they cannot woo more Latino voters, is considering support for something similar to the DREAM Act.

Most U.S. NGOs in China Unlicensed

China’s Charity and Donation Center reports that while there are about 1,000 U.S. NGOs in China, only 23 have received the license necessary to operate legally in China.

Pew, Santorum and the “American Way of Life”

As this Huffington Post editorial suggests, Howard Pew would be proud of Rick Santorum and the ascendancy of rightist theocracy in today’s American politics.

Spring Training Is Here—for Occupy Movement

For some, spring training means a trip to the grapefruit league to watch a favorite baseball team. For the Occupy movement, it means a time to gear up for increased activism.

New Anti-hunger Cause-marketing Effort Targets Moms

A new campaign, Outnumber Hunger, outdoes many other cause-marketing efforts by involving consumers and targeting a specific demographic: moms.

W. Va. County Embarks on Promising Education Reform Model

A public-private alliance has joined together in an intensive five-year partnership to improve McDowell County, West Virginia’s struggling schools and to eradicate its high poverty rate.

A Crack in the Wall of Nonprofit Donor Secrecy in Campaigns

U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson’s ruling that the FEC overstepped its bounds when it overruled McCain-Feingold may be a step toward election campaign transparency.

Oakland Raids Highlight Clash of Cannabis Laws

In response to raids on Oaksterdam University dispensaries in Oakland, Calif., legislators from five states ask the feds to stop infringing on state laws regarding medical marijuana.

At Amazon, With Great Power Comes Little Local Philanthropy

Amazon has grown into an e-commerce powerhouse, earning $631 million in 2011, yet the company has been relatively quiet on the philanthropic front in its hometown area.

A Roadmap for Journalism Organizations Seeking Nonprofit Status

The Digital Media Law Project has released a new guide that aims to help those seeking to establish nonprofit journalism operations adhere to IRS guidelines for nonprofit status.

A Call to End “Too Big to Fail” from an Unlikely Source

Banks that are “too big to fail” represent “a clear and present danger to the U.S. economy,” according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ annual report. Nonprofits should take notice.

Google for Nonprofits to Include Religious Organizations

After quite a stir last year over Google for Nonprofits not including religious organizations in its grant program, the company has revised its guidelines to include faith-based organizations.

Nonprofits Offer Fertile Ground for Cross-sector Leadership Development

According to Fast Company guest blogger Alice Korngold, nonprofit volunteers gain unique opportunities for personal and professional leadership development.

Nonprofit Status of Hawaii’s Health Exchange Board Raises Concerns

Under the new health care reform law, Hawaii has established its health care exchange as a nonprofit, but some are concerned that its board will shut the public out.

Center for Plain Language Aims to Help Citizens Engage in Democracy

“Plain language is a civil right,” proclaims the website of the nonprofit Center for Plain Language, which aims to enable citizens to better understand the laws of the land.

Federal Government Willing to Support Faith-based Food Pantries

KAIT in Jonesboro, Ark. reports that faith-based food pantries could lose their funding, but a closer look at the facts reveals that that the fear is overblown.

Another Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsor Collapses – With Client’s Cash

Another fiscal sponsor – this time in Indiana - has collapsed taking with it approximately $600,000 that was entrusted to them for two nonprofit clients.

“Kony 2012 Part II” Tries to Shift Focus to Promotion of Activism

Invisible Children’s sequel to the immensely popular “Kony 2012” video refocuses audience on how to engage a new generation of leaders in effective action.

Anonymous Targets Chinese Government Websites

The loosely knit hackers’ collective known as Anonymous hacked into several Chinese websites last week and has plans to continue attacks on Chinese government websites.

Has the White House Given Up on Disclosure of Political Giving by Federal Contractors?

Not long ago, the Obama White House announced its intentions to require federal contractors to disclose their political giving, but that initiative appears to have been tossed aside.

International Center for Immigrants Faces Eviction

The board of a long-respected center for immigrants in New York City is dissolving the nonprofit, but staff and volunteers have banded together, seeking to keep the organization alive.

U.S. Charities’ Tax Deduction Fears Playing out in U.K.

A proposal from U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to limit tax deduction claims on charitable giving is similar to a proposal that President Obama has backed away from.

Chinese Vice President’s Visit Short on Tough Questions

Xi Jinping, vice president of China, recently visited Muscatine, Iowa. While the visit was full of good vibes, difficult questions about Chinese policies were avoided.

“No Kisses for Hershey” after Boy with HIV Denied Admission to School

Over the past few months, AIDS activists have been protesting a decision of the Milton Hershey School to deny admission to an HIV-positive 13-year-old boy.

Six Years of Sunlight: The Foundation That Illuminates Government

“We want as many eyes as possible on information, so that we can all make sense of it together,” says Sunlight Foundation Communications Director Gabriela Schneider.

Nonprofit Hospitals’ Merger Temporarily Blocked

The Federal Trade Commission and federal courts are getting more active in monitoring nonprofit hospital mergers due to fears of cost escalation in monopoly markets.

Student Veterans Association Says For-profit Colleges Creating Fake Chapters

The Student Veterans Association claims that many for-profit colleges are setting up “essentially fake SVA chapters” to help the schools get onto “military friendly” or “veterans friendly” lists.

Legal Aid Group Asks Community for Input before Making Cuts

Beset by federal budget cuts and increasing calls for service, the Virginia Legal Aid Society held a community meeting to discuss what cuts make the most sense and what else might be done.

ALEC’s Push for “Stand Your Ground” Laws Sends Coca-Cola Running

The tragic death of Trayvon Martin has spurred a reexamination of “stand your ground” laws and the national nonprofit group promoting them: the American Legislative Exchange Council.

As U.S. Military Leaves Iraq, 4-H Stays Behind

Mary Kerstetter, a USDA employee who brought the 4-H program to Iraq, says that participants are learning “how not to hate each other” and “are accepting each other as normal people.”

Country Music Stars Sing for Shoes

With the goal of putting shoes on the feet of 500,000 people in need, a cadre of country music stars will soon release the charity single “The Choice.”

Occupy.com Goes Hollywood

The Occupy movement prides itself on decentralized power, but Occupy.com is launching with a more traditional structure, seeking to bring new people into the fold.

“Three Cups of Tea” Author to Pay $1 Million to His Nonprofit, Lose Board Voice

The bestselling author of Three Cups of Tea, Chris Mortenson, has agreed to return $1 million to the nonprofit he co-founded, the Bozeman, Mont.-based Central Asia Institute.

Catholic Campaign Cutting off Funding to Anti-Poverty Groups

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development has been eliminating funding to anti-poverty groups allying themselves with organizations that don’t pass muster with more socially conservative Catholics.

Can Philanthropy Buy an Election in Georgia?

Billionaire philanthropist Bidzina Ivanishvili shocked the nation of Georgia’s political scene when he announced he’d use his fortune to finance his political campaign.

Groundbreaking Farmers Market Matriarch Ousted

A strong leader is ousted from growing food market in Los Angeles.

Calls for More PILOTs in Philadelphia Grow

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has been taking it on the chin for Philadelphia’s comparatively limited effort to get nonprofit property owners to ante up payment in lieu of taxes.

Nonprofits Gird for a Big Year for Foreclosures

It’s going to be an unfortunately busy year for nonprofits working with people facing foreclosure, as banks up the foreclosure rate in the wake of their settlement with the government.

Komen Cancels “Lobby Day” in D.C.

As the fallout from its Planned Parenthood debacle continues, Susan G. Komen for the Cure announces that it is calling off its annual “Lobby Day” in Washington, D.C.

Council on Foundations New CEO Is Vikki Spruill

The Council on Foundations has named Vikki Spruill, most recently with the Ocean Conservancy, as its new president and CEO.

Philadelphia Must Pay Boy Scouts $877,000 after Trying to Evict Them for Discrimination

In a case that pitted Philadelphia’s nondiscrimination policies against the Boy Scouts’ right to free speech, a federal judge has ordered the city to pay the local Scouts chapter nearly $900,000.

In Major Diplomatic Push, Nonprofit Looks to Bring North Korean Orchestra to U.S.

In what could potentially be a historic and rare moment of goodwill between the two nations, a humanitarian nonprofit group is looking to bring the North Korean national orchestra to the U.S.

Village Voice Enabling Underage Prostitution?

Alissa, a former underage prostitute turned part-time nonprofit crusader at Fair Girls, blames Backpage for propping up the illegal practice. Why is the Village Voice carrying the ad rag?

IRS Commissioner Denies Targeting Tea Party

IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman responds to complaints that the agency is targeting Tea Party-related groups for their politics, saying that the IRS is simply doing its typical work.

Did Publicity Take Toll on “Kony 2012” Creator?

Many nonprofits dream of immense publicity and passion for their causes, but reaction to the “Kony 2012” video thrust filmmaker Jason Russell and Invisible Children into a whirlwind.

U.K. Charity Commission to Review Confidentiality Rules

The U.K. Charity Commission is refusing to reveal the name of the person who registered the British False Memory Society as a charity, but also plans to review the non-disclosure decision.

A Modest Proposal: The “Self-directed Tax”

W. Edward Afield III, an assistant professor at the Ave Maria School of Law, suggests that 501(c)(3)s be allowed an increased amount of political campaign activity in exchange for a tax.

Boston Mayor (Finally) Discloses Charity’s Donors

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has agreed to disclose donors to the Fund for Boston Neighborhoods. Shouldn’t politician-controlled charities do so as a matter of course?

Digital Divide Impacts Technological “Haves,” Too

Leaving broad swaths of people out of the digital economy harms not only the technological “have nots.” We’re all now feeling the pain of the digital divide, including the one percent.

Idaho Eyes Limits on Vanity Plates to Benefit Nonprofits

In the ongoing debate over vanity license plates that benefit designated nonprofits, Idaho could step out among the various states by putting at least a tiny restriction on the plates.

Baltimore Mulls Turning Historic Buildings into “Profitable Enterprises”

Looking to generate revenue, Baltimore is exploring the possibility of selling 15 or more historic buildings, some of which house nonprofit headquarters, but some preservationists cite concerns.

Where Do Nonprofits Stand on State Pension Reform?

Rhode Island State Treasurer is feted by many nonprofits for her work on the state’s unfunded pension liability crisis, but a National Education Association leader says her efforts are illegal.

Espada Called “Puppet Master” of Board at Trial

At the nonprofit embezzlement trial of Pedro Espada Jr., the defendant is portrayed as the “puppet master” of a board that let him get away with just about whatever he wanted.

Does Nonprofit Journalism Avoid Critical Coverage of Funders?

Are nonprofit journalism sites willing to risk alienating a current or potential funder by reporting something that they won’t like or that won’t make them look good?

Insights: How the IRS is Making Decisions Regarding Nonprofit Journalism

The Neiman Journalism lab has provided a sneak peek at a short list of tips for those who are seeking nonprofit status as journalism outlets. First, don’t call yourself a journalism organization.

Socially Responsible Investing Seen as a “Free Good”

According to Morningstar senior fund analyst David Kathman, socially responsible investing offers returns that are no worse, over time, than investment without regard for social impact.

Bloomberg Billionaires Index Doesn’t Account for Philanthropy

The Bloomberg billionaires index doesn’t take into account the philanthropic giving of its incredibly wealthy individuals, but NPQ has found another use for the index, anyhow.

Modesto Housing Agency Struggles to Regain Reputation

In the wake of numerous charges of mismanagement of public funds and unethical behavior, can a Modesto, Calif. housing agency regain its community’s trust?

Nonprofits Target Secret Corporate Political Spending

Public interest watchdogs join together to push for disclosure of secret corporate donations that fuel political campaigns—though they fail to account for massive individual contributions.

Komen: Collateral Damage Assessments Made on the Fly

Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s New York City affiliate is postponing its spring awards gala, citing fundraising concerns. Meanwhile, we see more high-level resignations at Komen.

Charter School Tests Boundaries on Finance

The Pacific Collegiate School wants to create a nonprofit foundation to receive and distribute funding for the school, which is the recipient of federal and state funding.

Lessons from the Killing of Trayvon Martin

Trayvon Martin’s death should remind the nonprofit sector that human and civil rights are our business.

What to Do about “Reputational Risk” to Nonprofits from Political Spending?

Many have identified the threat posed to nonprofits by 501(c)(4) political spending, but given charities’ desire to protect donor anonymity, what can be done about it?

Report: High School Graduation Rates Increasing

The United States is getting better at helping students persist through high school graduation, according to a report released this week by America’s Promise Alliance.

Arcade Fire Discusses Philanthropy for Haiti

Members of the Montreal-based indie rock band Arcade Fire spoke about their support for improving health and alleviating poverty in Haiti at the University of Texas.

MoveOn.org Ad: GOP Waging “War on Women”

A MoveOn.org ad released last week featuring quotations from assorted Republican figures is gaining media attention for addressing women’s rights this election season.

Under What Conditions Does Social Media Use Pay Off?

In the wake of the viral success of “Kony 2012,” many nonprofits are examining their social media presence. Two recent reports offer a valuable basis of comparison.

McCain Lambastes Secret Campaign Money, Court’s Citizens United Decision

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is taking on the world of super PACs and other tax-exempt mechanisms that did in the campaign finance reform that he successfully championed in 2002.

Bully Documentary Relies on Rating from Nonprofit Common Sense Media

Unhappy with an “R” rating from the Motion Picture Association of America, the producers of the much-anticipated documentary film Bully are turning to a nonprofit film-rating organization.

Report Asserts 43 Percent of Charities Interviewed Are Hiring in 2012

Nonprofit HR Solutions has released a report that illustrates a promising year ahead within the nonprofit sector; 43 percent of organizations interviewed are planning on hiring this year.

Will Magic Johnson Create a New Charitable Footprint with the Dodgers?

Magic Johnson is now a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Will he put a different stamp on the team’s charitable endeavors?

Nonprofit Journalism Merger May Create Investigatory Powerhouse

A merger between the Bay Citizen and the Berkeley, Calif.-based Center for Investigative Reporting will create the biggest nonprofit journalism outlet in the U.S., executives say.

Madonna Is "Like a Virgin" in Philanthropy with Malawi Education Project

Madonna and partners were supposed to spend $15 million constructing a single school in Malawi, but that plan has been replaced with a $300,000 grant for 10 schools. Huh?

Taking Philanthropic Capitalism to the Streets in the U.K.

Meet the opposite of Seinfeld’s “soup Nazi.” Edinburgh’s philanthropic soup vendor JP Campbell employs the “buy one give one model” from his curbside soup truck.

Occupy Takes on Gates Vision for Education

Occupy Seattle marchers held an “Occupy Education” event at the headquarters of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, chanting, “Education is not for sale!”

Remembering Adrienne Rich—a Provocative, Inspirational Feminist Poet

A voice and inspiration for the feminist movement, Adrienne Rich, passed away at age 82 this week.

Will “Obamacare” Pass?

Many nonprofits are already applying for grants tied to the Affordable Care Act, but will it pass Supreme Court scrutiny? Four legal experts weigh in with predictions.

Va. County Supervisor Exposed as Founder of Hate Group

Loudoun County, Va. Supervisor Eugene Delguadio’s nonprofit, recently designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, triggers calls for his resignation.

“Joke” Video by Invisible Children Illustrates Realities of Age of Transparency

A video, apparently created as a joke by Invisible Children’s Jedidiah Jenkins, that was posted online by the tabloid TMZ poses a lesson about all kinds of communications in an age where the incautious can go viral.

Stan Katz Discusses Outsourcing Education Policy to Philanthropy

Princeton’s Stan Katz argues that we are outsourcing parts of our education reform policy to the private philanthropic sector—to the detriment of public schools and the teaching profession.

As Court Hears “Obamacare” Arguments, Urban Institute Examines Mandate

The Urban Institute has issued a helpful brief on the “individual mandate” provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was debated in the Supreme Court yesterday.

Few Filipino-American Nonprofits Getting Political

Filipino-Americans have been in the U.S. for centuries and are considerable in number, yet they remain almost invisible in the halls of power. How can nonprofits help?

The Pros and Cons of Hashtag Activism

David Carr of the New York Times expresses some doubts about—and “’favoriting’ fatigue” with—online activism, but concludes it may nonetheless be making the world better.

Congress’ “Jobs Program”—for Family Members at Nonprofits

A new report from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) details how the family members of more than half of Congress are benefitting from their ties to lawmakers.

Detroit’s Focus: HOPE Forges on—without Federal Support

Focus: Hope, an admired workforce development organization in Detroit, suspended all of its job training programs last year after losing federal funding to provide an on-ramp to employment.

Ali’s “Fight Night” Continues Bout with Parkinson’s Disease

Muhammad Ali, an inspiration to many with a passion for peace and philanthropy, gathers stars to raise more than $9 million to combat Parkinson’s disease.

The World’s100 Best NGOs, According to Global Journal

The Geneva-based magazine The Global Journal has published its “first ranking of its kind” list of the “Top 100 Best NGOs,” but the ranking system is far from scientific.

Komen’s Brand Equity Plummets According to Harris Poll: What Other Changes Are Afoot?

Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Eric Brinker, son of Komen founder Nancy Brinker, has resigned and a new poll shows significant damage to Komen’s “brand health.”

A Food Co-op Meeting for the Books: Park Slope Rises Up!

The Park Slope Food Coop takes its purchasing power seriously as a tool of political choice – in this case taking on Palestinian human rights but the process has been something to watch.

Compensation for Jewish Guild for the Blind CEO Questioned

Should the CEO of a $300 million dollar nonprofit agency relying on millions of Medicaid dollars earn nearly four times the salary of the President of the United States?

Five More Questions for the Clark Foundation’s Doug Bauer

A recent “Five Questions With…” interview with Doug Bauer of the Clark Foundation in the latest issue of Philantopic stimulated five questions of our own that we’d like to ask Bauer.

Nonprofit Producers Create Foxworthy’s “American Bible Challenge”

Producers from the nonprofit Odyssey Networks are working on Jeff Foxworthy’s “American Bible Challenge,” though the show’s other producers are behind programs that don’t seem holy.

Marine Museum at Sea with IRS and City

The Marine Museum in Fall River, Mass. has neglected to file any tax forms with the city, state or IRS since the mid 2000’s and now it has lost its nonprofit status.