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Drawing from dozens of publications and backed by the power of the Internet, the AFP Resource Center provides members and other fundraising professionals with customized research assistance on fundraising issues and best practices.

	Analyst Predicts Slow Recovery for Sector, Advises Engagement and Planning (June 24, 2009) The economy is not likely to rebound quickly and will require strong donor engagement. However, now is also an opportunity to improve the way nonprofits do business, says Susan Raymond, Ph.D. READ MORE

	U.S. Giving Declines in 2008 Reflecting Economic Woes (June 11, 2009) Charitable giving in the United States declined for the first time since 1987, reports the Giving USA Foundation, though total giving again broke the $300 billion mark. READ MORE

	Total Annual Giving in Canada Grew By $1 Billion from 2004 to 2007 (June 9, 2009) The total amount of yearly charitable giving by Canadians increased by $1.1 billion from 2004 to 2007, reported the Canadian government agency Statistics Canada this week. READ MORE

	Women Play Prominent Role in Giving (May 25, 2009) A study of charitable giving patterns shows women have a strong influence on their spouse’s giving, while high-income women are using more sophisticated giving methods than men. READ MORE

	Growth Slows for Online Fundraising in ‘08, Smaller Donations the Culprit (May 19, 2009) Online fundraising grew in 2008 thanks to an increase in the number of gifts, but the average gift size among all organizations decreased $15 from 2007. READ MORE

	Certified Fund Raising Executive Program Receives Distinguished Accreditation (May 8, 2009) CFRE International’s Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) program has been granted accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). READ MORE

	Fundraising Named One of Top 30 Careers in 2009 (May 1, 2009) Fundraising is ranked among the best careers this year by U.S. News and World Report, receiving a grade of “A” in all categories including prestige and job market outlook. READ MORE

	Facebook Yields Scant Returns with Donation Program (April 28, 2009) Aside from a few standouts, the Causes application on the social networking website Facebook has shown little success for charities, as many of the organizations using it have received no donations through the site. READ MORE

	Foundations Plan to Shrink Grants (April 28, 2009) The number and size of foundation grants will likely decrease this year, and grants for upstart organizations will be hard to come by, according to a survey by the Foundation Center. READ MORE

	AFP, The Globe and Mail Create 'A Time to Give' (April 14, 2009) AFP is continuing its partnership with Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail through a special June 27 philanthropy supplement entitled “A Time to Give.” READ MORE

	AFP Offers Fundraising Tips, Guidance in Difficult Economic Times (March 23, 2009) AFP has developed a new guidance document that contains tips and advice for charities trying to raise funds in the current economic environment. READ MORE

	eWire Reader Response: One Way Obama's Tech Strategist Missed the Mark (March 23, 2009) Thomas Gensemer, President Barack Obama's chief technology strategist said recently, "Charity email newsletters are a waste of time." Hear from an expert who says email newsletters are an important tool for donor cultivation. READ MORE

	New Obama Plan Would Reduce Charitable Deductions for Wealthy (March 2, 2009) President Obama proposed limiting the value of the tax break for itemized deductions, including donations to charity, to 28 percent for families making more than $250,000. READ MORE

	Explore AFP’s Special Job Seekers Toolkit for Fundraisers The AFP Job Seekers toolkit focuses on finding the right job and features advice and services to help members carry out a successful job search and land on your feet in a rewarding new position. READ MORE

	A Survival Kit for Fundraising in a Bad Economy (Updated) A tumultuous economy can present unique challenges for nonprofit fundraising. Looking for ways to cope? AFP has compiled a toolkit of resources to advise and guide member fundraisers in tough economic times. READ MORE

	"The Philanthropist" Debuts on NBC (June 24, 2008) A new television series brings glamour, action and adventure to the world of philanthropy, but it may not be a realistic depiction of how charities work and the challenges they face. READ MORE

	Total Corporate Giving Falls in 2008 (June 24, 2009) Corporate giving fell in 2008 despite many corporations increasing their giving to help fill the gap. READ MORE

	Nonprofits Say Staffing Biggest Challenge for Online Programs (June 9, 2009) Nonprofit organizations large and small say their online programs are constrained by insufficient staff resources. READ MORE

	Leadership Gap Widens as Baby Boomers Retire (April 28, 2009) Roughly a third of U.S. nonprofit organizations are looking to fill senior manager positions as of January, creating a steeper deficit in sector leadership than originally predicted. READ MORE

	Colleges and Universities Raised Record Amounts in 2008, But Worry for Future (March 16, 2009) Charitable contributions to colleges and universities in the United States grew by 6.2 percent in 2008, reaching $31.6 billion. Endowments, though, saw a less than 1 percent gain. READ MORE

	Nonprofits Pinched in Changing Economic Landscape (March 16, 2009) A report by two former presidential domestic policy advisers reveals some of the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector as a result of the economy and provides public policy recommendations to help spur nonprofit recovery. READ MORE

	Readers Respond to Helmsley’s Historic Bequest (March 16, 2009) AFP eWire recently asked for reader feedback about the use of Leona Helmsley’s $5.2 billion bequest and the ramifications for donor intent. Here is what members had to say. READ MORE

	AFP, The Globe and Mail Create 'A Time to Give' (March 9, 2009) AFP is continuing its partnership with The Globe and Mail through a special June 27 philanthropy supplement entitled “A Time to Give.” READ MORE

	Obama Administration Might Abandon Plan to Reduce Charitable Deductions for Wealthy (March 5, 2009) Obama’s current plan would limit the value of the tax break for itemized deductions, including donations to charity, to 28 percent for families making more than $250,000. READ MORE

	Four New Books Added to Fund Development Series Will Be Released at Conference (March 2, 2009) The AFP Publishing Advisory Committee and publisher Wiley will welcome four new books into the AFP Fund Development Series at the AFP International Conference in New Orleans. Click below for book details and the author book signing schedule in New Orleans! READ MORE

	Leona Helmsley's Trust Can Support More Than Dogs, Court Rules (March 2, 2009) In an unusual case that is raising eyebrows among fundraisers and donors alike, the court defied Helmsley’s wish for the bulk of her $5.2 billion estate to be directed solely to the care and welfare of dogs. READ MORE

	Number of Charitable Gifts of $1 Million-plus From Individuals Fell in 2008 (March 2, 2009) This is the second largest drop in individual gifts during the last half of a year to occur in the past decade. The largest drop, 35 percent, was in 2001. READ MORE

	Bad Economy No Match for Entrepreneurial Spirit (Feb. 17, 2009) Looking for a group of donors who are optimistic in 2009 and planning to continue or increase their giving? Small business owners would be a good start, a study shows. READ MORE

	Colleges Tightening Budgets, Cutting Costs and Hiring Fundraisers (Feb. 17, 2009) Catholic colleges in the U.S. are cutting costs but also putting more boots on the ground for the purpose of fundraising, which is a tactic that could be used by any number of organizations. READ MORE

	Maehara, Brown Named Among Fundraising’s Best (Feb. 17, 2009) The NonProfit Times has named 14 people who it feels are the most effective and influential fundraisers in the industry. AFP President and CEO Paulette Maehara, recent past-chair Alphonce Brown and AFP member Atul Tandon are in this esteemed group. READ MORE

	U.S. Postage Increasing for First-Class Letters, Nonprofit Mail (Feb. 17, 2009) The cost of mailing a letter in the U.S. is going up May 11. Postal rates for some nonprofit mail types will also increase, especially nonprofit parcels and nonflat machinables. READ MORE

	Corporate Giving in Flux, But Not Disappearing, Study Shows (Feb. 2, 2009) Though corporate giving levels are predicted to decrease in 2009, many corporations and corporate foundations are holding steady in the amount they plan to give. READ MORE

	Seven Reasons for Fundraisers to be Optimistic in 2009 (Feb. 2, 2009) Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges your organization faces in this recession? Gail Perry has some ideas that can help you keep a positive and hopeful attitude. READ MORE

	Available Soon: AFP's Updated Review Course for CFRE Exam (Jan. 20, 2009) AFP’s revised CFRE Review Course, available to chapters by the end of January, has a new and comprehensive section on staff management, expanded information on effectively working with volunteers, and much more. READ MORE

	Donors More Numerous, More Generous in U.S. Than Canada (Jan. 20, 2009) A new study shows that if Canadians gave at the same rate and level as U.S. donors, Canadian charities would have collected an additional $9.8 billion in 2006. READ MORE

	Fundraisers for Arts, Environment Coping Despite Priority Shifts (Jan. 20, 2009) AFP members from non-human service organizations said their core supporters are stepping into lead roles in these tough times to make sure the curtain still goes up. READ MORE

	Direct Response: Ways to Cut Costs, Not Returns (Jan. 12, 2009) Looking to tune up your direct mail campaign and trim down expenses? Before you start loosening screws and removing parts, read this advice from a veteran direct response expert. READ MORE

	Donors’ Return on Gift Annuities Should Decrease, Group Recommends (Jan. 5, 2009) The American Council on Gift Annuities has lowered the recommended level of return to donors for charitable gift annuities. READ MORE

	Fundraisers See Chilly Giving Climate Now and in Future (Jan. 5, 2008) The fundraising climate is the toughest it’s been since 1998, according to the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy’s most recent Philanthropic Giving Index. READ MORE

	Learning from the Madoff Scandal—Dealing with Unfulfilled Charitable Pledges (Jan. 5, 2009) As has widely been reported, the Bernard Madoff scandal has extended well-beyond the corporate sector and has hit the charitable sector quite hard. AFP’s legal counsel has prepared a document explaining the legal issues related to unfulfilled pledges from donors, foundations and other parties. READ MORE

	How Do Tax Changes Affect Charitable Giving? (Dec. 15, 2008) Nonprofit organizations might look to the upcoming expiration of the current reduced federal tax rates on ordinary income and capital gains as an opportunity for increased contributions. However, past experience seems to indicate that these individuals give more when tax rates are lower, notes Wachovia Trust Nonprofit and Philanthropic Services. READ MORE

	Face the Economy With Sharpened Focus, Solid Strategy (Dec. 15, 2008) As they face tough financial decisions, donors want to give to organizations that have a clear, mission-driven strategy. Are you making a strong enough case? Are you taking a critical look at your programs for ways to best reach donors? READ MORE

	Considering a Home Raffle? Be Sure to Look Before You Leap (Dec. 8, 2008) If a homeowner approached you with the offer to raffle off his or her home, what would you say? The best advice is probably to hold your tongue until you’ve done your due diligence on the risks involved. READ MORE

	Support a Cause Through New AFP Networking Partnership To help members connect with fundraisers in different countries, AFP has partnered with ammado, an online global networking community for the nonprofit sector. READ MORE

	Lapsed Donors Say They Don't Feel 'Connected' (Dec. 8, 2008) The top reason high net-worth donors stopped giving to a charity in 2007 was that they didn’t feel connected to the particular organization. READ MORE

	Newsletter Chronicles Effort to Streamline Grant Making Process (Dec. 8, 2008) Few would say that the process involved in foundation grant making—from application to monitoring to reporting—is a smooth and consistent process across the board. As a follow-up to its recent report, Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted from Purpose, Project Streamline has published an online newsletter with updates and new perspectives on improving the process for foundations and grant seekers. READ MORE

	Helpful Tips on Search Engine Advertising (Dec. 1, 2008) Have you considered buying search engine ads to jumpstart your online fundraising program? Here are a few strategies to help you increase website traffic and get good results for your money. READ MORE

	Reminder: New Postal Service Mailing List Requirements in Effect (Dec. 1, 2008) As of Nov. 23, the United States Postal Service now requires address lists for standard mail to be cleared of incorrect addresses every 95 days, rather than every 185 days as previously required. READ MORE

	Preparing for a Fundraising Job Interivew (Nov. 24, 2008) An excerpt of the book, Careers in Development, by Lilya Wagner, explains what research and preparation can be done prior to a job interview at a new organization. READ MORE

	Foundations Not Likely to Change Funding Priorities Despite Economic Distress (Nov. 17, 2008) U.S. foundations are not going to suddenly or drastically change their funding priorities in the present economic downturn, judging from historical trends. READ MORE

	Median Dollar Amount of Gifts Over $1 Million Unchanged Since 2000 (Nov. 17, 2008) New research into gifts of $1 million or more shows that a key indicator of giving—median gift amount—has not changed so far this decade. The study contains other key benchmarks for giving, including breakdown by sector and source of donor wealth. READ MORE

	Getting the Message Out on the IRA Rollover (Nov. 10, 2008) What is the best way to spread the word about the recently extended IRA Rollover provision? Research into efforts to increase visibility of the provision in 2006 offers some lessons for future marketing efforts. READ MORE

	Offer New Horizons to Female Philanthropists (Nov. 10, 2008) Experts say there is strong potential for growth in women’s giving as their command of wealth increases, especially among those born between 1946 and 1964. READ MORE

	Where Do Nonprofits Fit in Obama’s Plans? (Nov. 10, 2008) During the U.S. presidential campaign Sen. Barack Obama shared his plans to stimulate public service and build the capacity of nonprofits, including initiatives to encourage new and more effective nonprofit programs. READ MORE

	Members Share Insights on Nonprofit CEO Salaries (Nov. 3, 2008) In a recent issue, eWire asked readers if they thought nonprofit CEOs are paid too much. Our respondents didn’t think so—up to a point anyway. READ MORE

	Membership Survey Yields Strong Loyalty and Goals for the Future (Nov. 3, 2008) Results of AFP’s Member Satisfaction Survey show that three-quarters of members surveyed are satisfied with their membership overall, and half of the survey respondents are highly satisfied. READ MORE

	Website Features User Feedback on U.S. Charities (Nov. 3, 2008) A new website called GreatNonprofits allows donors to post reviews and ratings of charities. Charities, in turn, are able to customize their page and ask for donations. READ MORE

	Fundraising Appeals that Backfire (Oct. 27, 2008) A college’s unconventional appeal letter geared to young alumni was met with criticism and made headlines in the media. READ MORE

	Survey Finds Large Majority Tightening Wallets, Reducing Gifts (Oct. 27, 2008) More than 80 percent of respondents to a recent survey indicate they have become more concerned about their finances, leading half to either reduce their giving or stop giving altogether. READ MORE

	AFP Think Tank Addresses Leadership, Governance and Giving (Oct. 20, 2008) Nonprofit leaders need to create the best possible environment for advancement and support. What does that environment look like? How do nonprofits convey to the public that they are accountable and diligent with funds? Scholars and fundraisers addressed just such questions this month at an AFP think tank in Orlando, Fla. READ MORE

	Nonprofit Leadership: Exposing the Elephants in the Board Room and Beyond (Oct. 20, 2008) You may not have invited them or planned for them, but as you move into leadership roles in your nonprofit, you have likely bumped into them—basic, common and recurring problems that plague organizations. Don’t ignore these elephants … expose them! READ MORE

	Online Fundraising: Is Your Website Google-friendly? (Oct. 20, 2008) Now more than ever you want your online presence to be as strong as possible, offering information and the opportunity to donate. But donors and the public have to know your website even exists before they can visit it. Two AFP members and online fundraising experts explain how to attract more web traffic to your site through search engines like Yahoo and Google. READ MORE

	Hot Topics: Are Nonprofit CEOs Paid Too Much? (Oct. 14, 2008) Chief executives at the largest charities and foundations in the United States got another healthy raise last year, reports The Chronicle of Philanthropy in its annual study of executive compensation and benefits. READ MORE

	Make Time for Innovation (Oct. 14, 2008) In fundraising and the nonprofit sector as a whole, the sky is the limit for new ideas and better methods. But the trick, say the authors of a recent W.K. Kellogg Foundation report, is to incorporate a culture of systematic innovation, so you are not waiting around for new ideas to strike like lightning—randomly and unpredictably. READ MORE

	Young Donors: Not Just Playing Around (Oct. 14, 2008) When you look at teenagers these days you may only see the reflection of a video game in their eyes as they stare slack-jawed in concentration clicking a controller and manipulating a virtual world. But that doesn’t mean they are withdrawn from the outside world, according to a new report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, and many of their online experiences may drive offline interests in philanthropy. READ MORE

	Effective Communications: Making Your Mission ‘Stick’ With Donors (Sept. 29, 2008) Some messages have staying power. Chip Heath, author of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, names five intuitive and learnable elements that separate age-old proverbs from the slogan you heard last night in the commercial for … what was that company again? READ MORE

	Resources: Fundraising Blogs from the AFP Community (Sept. 29, 2008) They have been down the road you’re on, and their expertise is just a hop, skip and a blog away. READ MORE

	Your Board: Sharing Direct and Concise Financial Reports (Sept. 29, 2008) Sound financial management is crucial to the vitality of your nonprofit. As a general rule, though, the amount of financial and other information provided to board members does—and should—vary, report tax and accounting experts at Grant Thornton. READ MORE

	Fundraising Tips: Do’s and Don’ts in a Troubled Economy (Sept. 22, 2008) Greeted every morning with news of falling stocks and debates on whether the U.S. economy is in recession, charitable spending right now is likely not on the top of many donors’ priorities—a daunting thought for fundraisers looking for strong fourth quarter income. READ MORE

	Trends: Younger Donors a Good Bet in Souring Economy? (Sept. 22, 2008) Market research conducted in late July by Grizzard Communications Group shows that younger donors (age 25–34) planned to actually increase giving while other age groups planned to give the same or less. READ MORE

	Encouraging Unrestricted ‘Growth Capital’ Funding (Sept. 15, 2008) Strategic investing may be the buzz, but few donors and foundations are actually putting it into action. A new article in the Fall 2008 issue of the Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) examines what donors and charities can do to encourage such gifts. READ MORE

	Fundraising Costs: Keeping Your Board…On Board (Sept. 15, 2008) Showing your board how to see past over-simplified cost ratios is a critical way to ensure strategic growth and arm your biggest advocates with the information to engage in these conversations with donors and potential supporters. READ MORE

	Wealthy Donors Share Motives and Misgivings (Sept. 15, 2008) Wealthy donors want to give, but they don’t want to gamble, according to a new report from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for High Impact Philanthropy. And for lack of quality indicators on what impact their gift will make, they often rely heavily on their peers. READ MORE

	Donors Say the Darndest Things (Sept. 8, 2008) Looking to arm your new development officers or volunteer fundraisers with a quick study of how to approach donors? Want to be able to explain in a short list the various questions flashing through the minds of potential donors? Check out this new book by Harvey McKinnon, CFRE. READ MORE

	Recruit and Retain Quality Nonprofit Employees (Sept. 8, 2008) Organizations hoping to hire quality employees need to sell prospects on the big picture—focusing on rewards that come in other forms than a big paycheck, according to a recent roundtable of nonprofit recruiters, workforce experts and nonprofit practitioners assembled by Johns Hopkins University. READ MORE

	AFP Code of Ethics: Guide, Law or Best Practice? (Sept. 2, 2008) During my 35 years as a fundraising professional, I have come to consider the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Code of Ethical Principles and Standards as one of the association’s most important gifts. READ MORE

	Presidential Campaigns Have Little Impact on Direct Mail Fundraising (Sept. 2, 2008) While charities are facing numerous challenges in the current fundraising environment, the presidential election isn’t one of them, according to a new research report. READ MORE

	Why You’re Fundraising: The Case for Support (Sept. 2, 2008) With thousands of charities to choose from in any community, why should a donor give to your cause? It all comes down to the case for support. READ MORE

	Philanthropy Champion Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones Dies (Aug. 25, 2008) Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), a determined and dynamic supporter of charitable organizations and co-chair of the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, from a ruptured brain aneurysm. She was 58. READ MORE

	Religious Order Embraces Marketing, Builds Annual Fund (Aug. 25, 2008) The Augustinians, a Catholic religious order of men accustomed to sustaining themselves and their members through teaching, preaching and social ministries, looked ahead to an uncertain financial future. As in many religious orders with few vocations, spiraling healthcare costs and ministries to sustain, the financial challenge was something it hadn’t anticipated. READ MORE

	Shift in Grantee Evaluation Calls for Proactive Approach (Aug. 18, 2008) As foundations slowly shift to mid-game progress reports and play-by-play performance metrics for the programs they fund, grantees would be well-advised to help build the scorecards, says Mark R. Kramer, founder and managing director of FSG Social Impact Advisors and senior fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. READ MORE

	Foundation Asset Gap by State Widens (Aug. 11, 2008) There is a great disparity between the top ten states with the most foundation assets and the bottom ten states with the least, a new report shows. And the gap is getting wider. READ MORE

	Giving to Education Causes Expected to Grow More Slowly (Aug. 11, 2008) Giving to education in the United States is expected to grow in the coming year, but at a much slower rate, according to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). READ MORE

	IRS Shares New Proposed Rules for Charitable Gift Deductions (Aug. 11, 2008) The IRS proposed new guidelines on Thursday, Aug. 7, that define its requirements for documenting the value of cash and noncash gifts submitted as tax deductible. READ MORE

	Most Nonprofits Devote Little Resources to Advocacy (Aug. 11, 2008) A recent survey of lobbying and advocacy activity by nonprofits shows that while many organizations are involved in policy advocacy, relatively little time, attention or resources are spent on the activity, hindering deeper policy involvement. READ MORE

	Donors Happy but Hard to Dazzle (Aug. 4, 2008) Marketing research conducted in February of 3,400 charitable donors shows that a large majority of donors (83 percent) say the nonprofit they donated to has met their expectations. But only 13 percent say their expectations were exceeded. READ MORE

	The Value of Establishing a Naming Policy (Aug. 4, 2008) To understand the value of establishing a naming policy for recognizing donors, consider what can happen without one. READ MORE

	Volunteering Up, Dropout Rate Still High (Aug. 4, 2008) Retaining donors is not the only challenge nonprofits face. A recent study shows that retention rates for volunteers are nearly as daunting. READ MORE

	Marketing Your Nonprofit: Winning Taglines (July 28, 2008) “Just because you’re a small nonprofit doesn’t mean you can’t have a powerful tagline for your organization, program or campaign,” says nonprofit marketing expert and blogger Nancy E. Schwartz. READ MORE

	'Isn’t Email Just Like Regular Direct Mail—But on Steroids?' (July 21, 2008) The myths and confusion engulfing email only seem to proliferate with each passing year. But what is the truth about email? Is it the best way to reach a mass audience of potential online donors? READ MORE

	Pay to College Fundraisers, Staff Shows Strong Growth (July 21, 2008) Salaries of fundraisers at U.S. colleges and universities have seen strong growth in recent years, according to a survey conducted by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). READ MORE

	AFP Responds to L.A. Times Report on Fundraising Inefficiencies (July 14, 2008) The Los Angeles Times published a story on Sunday, July 6, reporting that only a small percentage of money reaches California nonprofits when they use a for-profit fundraising company to raise funds. READ MORE

	Alaskans Given Option to Increase Giving (July 14, 2008) A new law will allow Alaska residents the opportunity to donate to charity some or all of the money they receive annually from the state’s Permanent Fund that was created from Alaska’s oil revenues. READ MORE

	California Foundations Reach Agreement to Avoid Disclosure Legislation (July 7, 2008) In response to legislation that would have required disclosure about their organizational diversity and their grants to minority organizations, a group of 10 large California foundations have agreed to allocate millions of dollars to charities that serve diverse and minority communities. READ MORE

	Charity Auction Managers Bracing For Tougher Fundraising Environment (July 7, 2008) Most charity auction managers are expecting a difficult fundraising climate over the next several months, and more than 20 percent have already seen a decline in funds raised so far in 2008 compared to last year, according to a recent survey by cMarket. READ MORE

	Major Giving’s High Ceiling—Tips on Cultivation (June 30, 2008) To effectively cultivate major gifts, start by shifting your thinking far away from annual giving, says Kent E. Dove, senior vice president of development at the Indiana University Foundation. READ MORE

	U.S. Nonprofit Sector Growing in Size and Scope (June 16, 2008) The nonprofit sector’s role in the U.S. economy has expanded by most key measures since 1998, reports the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute in a recent report. READ MORE

	Charities See Potential for ‘Causes’ on MySpace, Facebook (June 9, 2008) A year after its release, the company that created the web application “Causes” (used by social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace) reports that the program has raised $2.5 million for 19,445 charitable organizations in the United States. READ MORE

	Prize Rewards Charities that Collaborate (June 9, 2008) Nominations are being accepted now for The Collaboration Prize, a $250,000 award being offered by the Lodestar Foundation for U.S. charities. READ MORE

	Want Larger Donations? Ask Donors First to Volunteer (June 9, 2008) A recent study published by the University of California, Berkeley, shows that people who are asked to give of their time before they are asked to donate will ultimately give more money to that charity. READ MORE

	Car Donations Declined Sharply Following 2005 IRS Changes (June 2, 2008) A change in tax law in 2005 has left its mark on the amount of money raised through car donations, according to a recent report issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). READ MORE

	Contagious Causes: Is Social Networking the Next Big Thing? (June 2, 2008) Social networking presents tremendous opportunities for charitable fundraising, but much of its potential remains yet to be unlocked. READ MORE

	Seeing Eye-to-Eye with Your Donor's Financial Adviser (May 27, 2008) Fundraisers at times find themselves at odds with financial advisers over the type or amount of a gift that is to be made by a donor. But there are ways to collaborate with a financial adviser to fulfill the donor's goals of having a solid financial plan and making a lasting contribution to a favorite charity. READ MORE

	Foundations Viewed Positively, But Are Virtually Invisible to Many Americans May 26, 2009) A new study shows that a large percentage of Americans, including those engaged in the charitable sector, know very little about foundations but nonetheless tend to have favorable perceptions of them and their work. READ MORE

	Mixed Results on Growth in Foundation Diversity (May 12, 2008) A new report reveals that foundation diversity has increased significantly in some areas, including board and staff composition, but there continues to be problems in others, such as funding to diverse organizations. READ MORE

	Despite Economy, Some Foundations Plan to Increase Giving (May 5, 2008) Three recent surveys that asked foundations if they plan to increase their giving in 2008 and beyond show mixed results, though many grant makers have stepped up their gifts this year to help those affected by the economy. READ MORE

	Tax Rebates Reach American Public—What’s Next for Charities? (May 5, 2008) Americans have started to receive their tax rebates as the economy continues to falter, leaving charities with decisions to make on if and how to approach donors. But while charities need to show sensitivity with donors when discussing the issue, the rebate offers an important opportunity. READ MORE

	Building Trust With Print And Online Appeals (April 28, 2008) Recent research in public relations shows that an individual’s decision to give to charity is directly tied to trust—the belief that a nonprofit will produce results with each donation, writes Richard D. Waters, a communications professor at N.C. State University in a recent article in Philanthropy Journal. READ MORE

	Keeping Up With Recent Tax Law Changes (April 28, 2008) A recent article in The Wall Street Journal offers some helpful reminders for fundraisers and donors alike for navigating tax deductions for charitable gifts. READ MORE

	After Brief Increase, Confidence in Charities Drops (April 21, 2008) The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that public confidence in charitable organizations continues to remain low in the post-Sept. 11 era, despite a brief spike in trust in 2006. READ MORE

	Ethics Still a Hot-Button Issue in Philanthropy, New Survey Finds (Apr. 2, 2008) Ethics remain a hot-button issue in philanthropy, according to a new survey conducted by Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits, a Glenview, Ill.-based group comprised of the nation's leading professional consulting firms in the field. Results of the survey were released at the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference, being held in San Diego. READ MORE

	Are Tech-Savvy Millennials the New Voice of Philanthropy? (March 24, 2008) It’s a pretty good assumption, at least from the people eWire talked to this week, that Millennials, also known as Generation Y—born in 1982 and after—show strong promise to be the next great civic-minded generation. READ MORE

	Google Offers Charities New Portal for Online Services (March 24, 2008) A new portal, called Google for Nonprofits, is now available that provides charities access and guidance on how to use a variety of tools and resources that Google offers. READ MORE

	New Legal Designation Could Mix Charity, Profit (March 17, 2008) Momentum is building for a new legal designation that would identify organizations whose primary mission is charitable and yet are also able to make a profit, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. READ MORE

	The Science of Fundraising: Questioning Fundraising’s ‘Inefficiencies’ (March 17, 2008) Can academic studies help fundraisers better meet their bottom line? As researchers begin to examine the science of fundraising, it seems the answer could be yes, according to a recent article in The New York Times Magazine. READ MORE

	U.S. Top Taxpayers Get Richer, Give More (March 17, 2008) The top 400 taxpayers in the United States reported income of more than $85 billion in 2005 and gave over $7.5 billon to charity, according to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data obtained by The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Charities Eligible for Free Memberships on Photo Sharing Website (March 10, 2008) Registered charitable organizations in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to receive free one-year accounts on Flickr, one of the largest photo sharing communities in the world. READ MORE

	Defraying Postal Costs: How to Leverage the Expertise of Your Mail House (March 10, 2008) Too often nonprofits come up with brilliant mailing campaigns that reap less-than-brilliant postage fees once sent to the mail house. But there are ways nonprofits can avoid unexpected charges even as most nonprofit postage rates rise in May. READ MORE

	Study Shows Half of Art Donations Overvalued (March 10, 2008) Half of all art donations audited over the last 20 years by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have been appraised at nearly double their actual value, according to a recent article by The Los Angeles Times. READ MORE

	Fundraising From Athletic Charity Events Grew Strongly in 2007 (March 3, 2008) Funds raised through athletic charitable events such as walkathons and bikeathons grew by more than 10 percent in 2007, according to a new study by the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council. READ MORE

	Fidelity Gift Funds Attracts, Grants Record Amounts (Feb. 25, 2008) The Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, the fourth largest public charity and the largest donor-advised fund program in the United States, attracted record contributions and granted the largest amount in its history in 2007. READ MORE

	Majority of Americans Believe Nonprofit Overhead Unreasonable (Feb. 19, 2008) Sixty-two percent of Americans believe the typical nonprofit organization spends more than what is reasonable on overhead expenses such as administration and fundraising, according to a new survey. READ MORE

	Responding to the Federal Tax Rebate (Feb. 19, 2008) Just 4 percent of people surveyed in a recent Associated Press poll said they plan to use their federal tax rebate to support a charitable cause, but fundraisers shouldn’t just ignore the upcoming opportunity. READ MORE

	Nominations Open for Purpose Prize, Honoring Older Americans Involved in Charitable Work (Feb. 4, 2008) Americans age 60 and over who address critical social problems with their creativity, talent and innovation may be nominated for The Purpose Prize®. READ MORE

	Newlyweds Forego Wedding Gifts, Request Donations (Jan. 21, 2008) Newlyweds Jacob and Miriam Hodesh, of Miriam, Ga., deleted their entire wedding registry and instead requested family and friends to make donations to The Save Darfur Coalition. READ MORE

	Direct-Mail Donors Still Dwindling (Jan. 14, 2008) The number of donors responding to direct mail has continued to dwindle, even as overall revenue growth has increased slightly, according to the Third Quarter 2007 Index of National Fundraising Performance by Target Analysis Group. READ MORE

	New Bank Philanthropy Fund Has Billion-Dollar Goal (Dec. 3, 2007) A new donor-advised fund started by global investment bank Goldman Sachs has a goal of raising $1 billion over the next several years, according to a recent article in The New York Times. READ MORE

	When to Send Year-End Appeals (Part II) (Nov. 19, 2007) Last week, AFP eWire asked when the best time is to send a charity’s year-end appeals, and, as usual, members responded with a variety of sound advice. READ MORE

	Most Americans Not Aware of Advantages of Giving Securities (Nov. 12, 2007) A new report shows that American donors could realize $4.5 billion in additional tax savings if they gave appreciated securities instead of cash, but most are not aware of the tax advantages. READ MORE

	When to Send Year-End Appeals (Nov. 12, 2007) The latest question on the AFP discussion forums is, “When do you send your year-end appeal?” AFP wants to know your opinion. READ MORE

	Corporate Giving Increases Financial Value, Strength (Nov. 5, 2007) Companies that are heavily involved in and supportive of philanthropy perform financially as well as or better than other firms that don’t, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Financial Advisers Need More Philanthropic Training (Nov. 5, 2007) Many financial advisers admit they are not comfortable with their knowledge of charitable giving, according to new research. READ MORE

	Judge’s Rulings Set Stage for Princeton-Robertson Trial (Oct. 29, 2007) New Jersey Superior Court Judge Neil H. Shuster has ruled that Princeton University is not the sole beneficiary of an $880 million endowment, allowing a lawsuit brought by the original donor’s family against the university to proceed to a trial. READ MORE

	Older Volunteers Now Looking for Payments (Oct. 29, 2007) Retirees and older volunteers are now looking to be paid, even just a small sum, for their charitable work, according to a recent article in The New York Times. READ MORE

	“Orphan” Trusts Controlled by Large Banks, Law Firms Offer Less (Oct. 8, 2007) Charitable trusts that are created by families and then controlled by banks and law firms after family members pass away often grant fewer funds, while the fees to manage those trusts actually increase, according to a recent article in The New York Times. READ MORE

	New Organization to Help Higher Ed Donors Attach Strings to Gifts (Sept. 24, 2007) Citing concerns over accountability and donor intent, three foundations have created a nonprofit group that will assist donors in attaching legally enforceable conditions to their gifts to colleges and universities. READ MORE

	Ten Necessities for Raising Money in the 21st Century (Sept. 24, 2007) A new report by the London-based consulting firm nfpSynergy examines public attitudes towards giving and changes in society that are affecting philanthropy, and details the characteristics that charities must have to raise money successfully in the future. READ MORE

	Fundraising No Longer Confined to Development Positions (Sept. 10, 2007) More and more nonprofits are asking non-development staffers to get involved in the fundraising process, according to a recent article in the Boston Globe. READ MORE

	Is the Stock Market Affecting Giving? (Sept. 10, 2007) The turbulent stock market is beginning to have an effect on the charitable sector, with some experts concerned about fundraising decreases if the turmoil continues, according to a recent article in The New York Sun. READ MORE

	Finding the Right Match: Nonprofit Board Speed Dating (Aug. 27 2007) Speed dating isn’t just for the romantically inclined anymore. Nonprofits can now use a similar service to find the right board members for their organizations. READ MORE

	Google Earth Outreach Offered to Nonprofits (Aug. 20, 2007) Google is offering its satellite imagery system to U.S. nonprofits for their use in creating videos and other materials to better educate the public about their missions, programs and impact. READ MORE

	Most Nonprofit Boards Not Diverse or Involved in Fundraising (Aug. 20, 2007) A study by the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute has found that many nonprofit boards are not actively engaged in basic stewardship responsibilities, such as fundraising, and are not diverse or reflective of the populations they serve. READ MORE

	New Survey Finds Lack of Outreach to “Grateful” Patients (Aug. 13, 2007) Almost 40 percent of fundraisers in health institutions do not consider outreach to past or “grateful” patients to be an important component of their work, and 20 percent make no effort to contact them at all, according to a new survey by Grizzard and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP). READ MORE

	Planned Giving Research Grants Available to AFP Members (Aug. 13, 2007) The AFP Research Council is offering grants up to $10,000 for research projects related to planned giving through the Legacy Leaders Planned Giving Research Grant program. The AFP grants program is funded by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy. READ MORE

	The Strangest Gift You’ve Ever Received – Part II (Aug. 6, 2007) In the July 16issue of eWire, we asked readers what was the strangest gift they’d ever received, and the stories haven’t stopped coming in. READ MORE

	The Strangest Gift You've Ever Received (July 23, 2007) In the July 16issue of eWire, we asked readers what was the strangest gift you’ve ever received, and you didn’t disappoint. From cases of sake to hand grenades, AFP members have received some unexpected and unusual gifts. READ MORE

	“Stretch” Giving on the Rise (July 13, 2007) Charities are reporting more and more donors making gifts that are seemingly far beyond their means, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	What’s the Strangest Gift You’ve Ever Received? (July 13, 2007) Well intentioned or not, donors will give nearly anything to charity. What’s the strangest gift your organization has ever received, and were you able to use it in a creative way? READ MORE

	2006 U.S. Corporate Giving Stronger Than Expected (July 9, 2007) While corporate giving fell significantly in 2006 according to the most recent Giving USA findings, a recent report shows that not all the news is bad and that many corporations actually increased their giving. READ MORE

	Case Foundation Seeks Public Input on Grant Ideas (July 2, 2007) The Washington, D.C.-based Case Foundation is calling for the public to submit ideas on how to improve communities and will be awarding grants up to $35,000 for the best proposals. The foundation is just one of several high-profile organizations now soliciting ideas and solutions to social problems from the public. READ MORE

	What Do You Know About Your Donors? (And What Do They Know About Your Organization?) (June 11, 2007) Fundraising consultant Tony Poderis talks about the use of donor surveys to not only get feedback, but also build relationships and correct real or perceived problems. READ MORE

	Become Complacent at Your Peril (May 29, 2007) Paul Marcus, LL.B., CFRE, the recipient of this year’s Community Counselling Service (CCS) Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional, cautions his colleagues that while the fundraising environment is great, fundraisers shouldn’t get too impressed with their own accomplishments and press releases. READ MORE

	Fundraising Remains Top Challenge for Charities (May 29, 2007) Despite improved financial situations for many charities, fundraising remains the chief concern for most organizations, according to a new study. READ MORE

	Most Giving Doesn’t Necessarily Help Those in Need (Apr. 30, 2007) A new study commissioned by Google.org and conducted by the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy argues that less than one-third of all charitable giving is directed toward the poor and others in need. READ MORE

	AFP Provides International Bursaries to Institute of Fundraising Convention in London (Apr. 23, 2007) The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is providing bursaries to support those who would like to attend the Institute of Fundraising National Convention from July 9 – 11, 2007, in London. READ MORE

	How to Make Your “Nonevent” Event Eventful (Apr. 23, 2007) In last week’s eWire, AFP asked for ideas about “nonevent” events, and members responded enthusiastically. READ MORE

	Ideas for “Nonevent” Events? (Apr. 16, 2007) An AFP member is asking her colleagues if they have ideas, comments, suggestions and resources regarding “nonevent” events. READ MORE

	Foundation Giving Rises to $40 Billion (April 9, 2007) Foundation giving in the United States grew to $40.7 billion in 2006, an 11.7 percent increase from the previous year, according to a new study by the Foundation Center. READ MORE

	Fundraising One of the Hottest 25 Careers (March 19, 2007) U.S. News & World Report has named fundraising as one of the top 25 careers to pursue in the coming years. READ MORE

	“Voluntourism” on the Rise (March 12, 2007) Travel websites are now making it easier for individuals to engage in volunteer work while on vacation. READ MORE

	Charity Advisers Growing Popular (March 12, 2007) Donors consulting with professionals to help them identify worthy charities to support is a fast-growing trend, according to The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Corporate Contributions Up 14 Percent in 2005 (March 5, 2007) Companies were significantly more generous in 2005 compared to 2004, with the average dollar value of contributions increasing by 14 percent, according to a new report by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). READ MORE

	Schools Manipulating Alumni Giving Rates? (March 5, 2007) In an effort to increase their alumni giving rates and overall school rankings, many colleges and universities have resorted to some dubious tactics, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Family and Friends Best Way to Reach Donors (Feb. 26, 2007) A new survey by Cone Communications provides further evidence that the most effective way for charities to reach potential new donors and influence their giving decisions is through people they know. READ MORE

	Before Putting Pen to Paper, Understand Your Donors (Feb. 12, 2007) Tom Ahern, one of North America’s leading authorities on fundraising communications, discusses how to approach your next fundraising piece. READ MORE

	Win $10,000 for Your Organization Through Online Charity Badges (Feb. 5, 2007) Six nonprofit organizations can win grants of up to $10,000 through actor Kevin Bacon and his new SixDegree.org website that encourages people to give online through the use of charity badges. READ MORE

	Direct Mail Still Strong, Especially With Women (Jan. 29, 2007) Despite the rise of website, email and other electronically based advertisements, printed direct-mail marketing pieces are still widely read, especially by women ages 25 to 44, according to new survey. READ MORE

	Donor-Advised Funds Subject of IRS Scrutiny (Jan. 29, 2007) The Internal Revenue Service has begun a major examination of donor-advised funds and how they are operated, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Eight in 10 Give to Charity, but Average Giving Down (Jan. 22, 2007) Eighty-three percent of Americans gave to charity in 2006, but the average annual contribution among those making gifts fell from $1,352 in 2005 to $1,220, according to a new Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Personal Finance Poll. READ MORE

	Corporate Philanthropy Increases Profits (Jan. 15, 2007) Corporate giving increases company profits at a rate of return of 200 to 300 percent, according to a new study. READ MORE

	U.S. Charities Employ 7.2 Percent of Workforce (Jan. 8, 2007) A new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Studies shows that the U.S. paid charitable workforce has grown significantly faster than the economy over the past several years and now represents 7.2 percent of the overall workforce. READ MORE

	U.S. Giving to Tsunami Relief Exceeded $3 Billion (Jan. 8, 2007) Americans gave $3.16 billion to relief efforts for the December 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami, and a large majority of gifts came from individuals, according to a study by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. READ MORE

	“Giving Kiosks” Appearing in Churches, Nonprofits (Dec. 18, 2006) More than 15 “giving kiosks,” A.T.M. machines that allow donors to use their credit or debit cards to give automatically to a cause, will be in churches and nonprofits across the United States, according to a recent article in The New York Times (“The Lord Giveth, and Now He Takes Visa,” Dec. 11, 2006). READ MORE

	One Small Step—The Power of Movements (Dec. 18, 2006) Bill Tolliver discusses the power of movements and why it’s critical that fundraisers connect with more than just a person’s emotions. READ MORE

	2006 Giving on Pace So Far with Previous Years (Dec. 11, 2006) Contribution levels in the U.S. through the first nine of months of 2006 are remarkably similar to levels seen in 2004 and 2005, according to a recent survey by Guidestar. READ MORE

	Stability for Philanthropic Giving Index, Confusion Over the IRA Rollover (Dec. 11, 2006) The fundraising climate has stabilized over the past year, but charities have seen only limited success so far with the new Individual Retirement Account (IRA) rollover provision, according to the latest Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI) produced by the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy. READ MORE

	Holiday Parties Asking for Contributions, Not Gifts (Dec. 4, 2006) An increasing trend during the holiday season is for party hosts to ask guests to contribute to a favorite charity instead of bringing a gift, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Slate Philanthropy Conference Focuses on Partnerships, Leadership (Dec. 4 2006) A range of new ideas and viewpoints emerged at the recent Slate 60 Conference on Innovative Philanthropy, many of them focusing on the need for government-private sector partnerships, emerging technologies and an “investment” philosophy to tackle large-scale problems. READ MORE

	Accountability, Impact Build Trust in Nonprofits for Wealthy Donors (Nov. 20, 2006) Providing evidence of what their contributions have accomplished and abiding by high levels of accountability are the two critical ways that nonprofits can build trust, especially for wealthy donors, according to a new survey. READ MORE

	Advertising Council Unveils New Giving Campaign (Oct. 16, 2006) The Ad Council has launched a new public service advertising campaign to encourage and inspire Americans to get involved and help those in need. READ MORE

	Giving Up, Number of Donors Down for First Half of 2006 (Oct. 16, 2006) While the number of donors decreased in the first half of 2006, the average gift per donor increased, according to a recent study. READ MORE

	CEO Salaries at Largest Charities Increase (Oct. 2, 2006) The average salary of charity leaders grew faster than those of those counterparts in the for-profit sector in 2005, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual survey. READ MORE

	Strong Growth for Walk, Run Events in 2005 (Oct. 2, 2006) Runners and walkers involved in charitable events raised $656 million in 2005, according to USA Track & Field’s annual survey of charities. READ MORE

	New Standards for Community Foundations (Sept. 18, 2006) The Council on Foundations has developed a new standards program for community foundations that engage in ethical and effective practices and highlight transparency and financial responsibility. READ MORE

	Public Confidence in Charities Rebounds Slightly (Sept. 18, 2006) Public confidence in U.S. charities has risen slightly since Sept. 11, 2001, but still has not returned to the level of trust experienced before that day, according to a new survey. READ MORE

	Disasters Require Greater Coordination Between National and Local Relief Providers (Sept. 11, 2006) Local nonprofits in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina played huge roles in relief efforts, yet received very little support from the federal government or larger national charities, according to a new report. READ MORE

	Philanthropist Offers Tips, Guidelines for Trustees and Fundraisers (Sept. 11, 2006) Lewis B. Cullman, a former business executive who has given away more than $223 million to charity, has written a short booklet providing advice and guidelines for board trustees and fundraisers, especially those involved in major-gifts solicitations. READ MORE

	Quick Tips: Nine Guidelines for Gift Recognition (Sept 5. 2006) Robert E. Carter, CFRE, president of Ketchum Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pa., shares nine tips to help fundraisers ensure their gift recognition policies are effective and maximize the donor cultivation process. READ MORE

	Help Wanted: Director of Development (Aug. 28, 2006) Tony Poderis examines the questions an organization should be ready to answer before it hires its first director of development. READ MORE

	Fundraising Climate Improved Over Last Year (Aug. 21, 2006) Charitable fundraisers are more optimistic about the prospect of raising funds now than they have been in the past year, according to the latest reading of the Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI), developed by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. READ MORE

	California Community Foundations Merge, Form Fifth Largest in the United States (July 31, 2006) Community Foundation Silicon Valley and the Peninsula Community Foundation are expected to merge at the beginning of 2007, creating the fifth-largest community foundation in the United States. READ MORE

	New Magazine to Focus on Affluent Young Donors (July 31, 2006) A new magazine will target young people age 21-35 and encourage them to act philanthropically, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Philanthropy Journal Features Special Series on Canadian Philanthropy (July 24, 2006) More than $1 billion is expected to be transferred from one generation to the next over the next two decades in Canada, according to an article in the Philanthropy Journal. READ MORE

	New Website to Collect Nonprofit Research (July 24, 2006) A new website allows nonprofit organizations to post their research and other analysis on social issues free of charge. READ MORE

	Women, People in Utah, Most Likely to Volunteer (July 24, 2006) Women are more likely to volunteer than men in every state in the United States, according to a new report on volunteerism released by the Corporation for National and Community Service. READ MORE

	Orlando, Atlanta and Houston Charities Most Efficient At Fundraising (July 3, 2006) Large charities in Orlando, Atlanta and Houston are the best at efficiently raising money for their causes, according to Charity Navigator’s fourth annual Metro Market Study. READ MORE

	Buffett to Give Wealth to Charity (June 26, 2006) Warren Buffett, the second-richest man in the world, has announced he will be giving away most of his wealth to charity, according to Fortune magazine. READ MORE

	Annual U.S. Charitable Giving Exceeds $260 Billion (June 19, 2006) American donors gave more than $260 billion to charitable causes in 2005, a 6.1 percent increase from 2004, according to the annual report Giving USA. READ MORE

	Corporate Giving Up Strongly in 2005 (June 9, 2006) Charitable giving by corporations participating in the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy’s (CECP) annual survey shot up by 14 percent in 2005 READ MORE

	Handwritten Notes Increase Giving (Naturally) (June 12, 2006) Sure, everyone knows that personal attention to donors contributes to loyalty, repeat gifts and even increased giving. But how much do fundraisers practice what they preach everyday? READ MORE

	Attending Other Nonprofit Events (June 5, 2006) If one of your most generous donors was being recognized by another organization at a special event, should you or your charity attend? AFP members debate the issue. READ MORE

	Philanthropy Not the Most Important Aspect of CSR, Survey Finds (June 5, 2006) A majority of Americans believe that the most important aspect of corporate social responsibility is treating employees fairly, according to a new survey released by the National Consumers League and Fleishman-Hillard. READ MORE

	New Website Registers Volunteers for Future Disasters (May 30, 2006) The Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network have created a new website to help prepare for future disasters by linking charities with volunteers. READ MORE

	Win a $100,000 Cause-Marketing Grant (May 12, 2006) BBMG, a New York-based marketing agency focusing on nonprofits, is offering one charity and its for-profit partner $100,000 worth of in-kind marketing services to create and launch a cause-related marketing campaign. READ MORE

	Slow, Steady Foundation Growth Seen in 2005, Expected in 2006 (April 24, 2006) A new report shows steady, but unremarkable growth for the foundation sector in 2005 and forecasts much of the same for 2006. READ MORE

	AOL Exempts Nonprofits from Paying for Emails (March 20, 2006) Responding to criticism from a coalition of nonprofits, America Online (AOL) has announced that it will not charge nonprofits for using its certified email program. READ MORE

	AAFRC Changes Name to Giving Institute (March 6, 2006) The America Association of Fundraising Counsel has changed its name to the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. READ MORE

	Finding the Right Logo (March 6, 2006) What role does your logo play in the branding of your organization? If you are like most people, you define your “brand” through such things as logos, taglines and color palettes. It is understandable. The term “brand” has become so abused it is hard to know what it means these days. READ MORE

	Nonprofits Join Together to Fight AOL Email Plans (March 6, 2006) Several nonprofits have joined together to launch a campaign against America Online’s (AOL) plans to charge fees for organizations using a new certified email system. READ MORE

	Top U.S. Donors Gave Less in 2005 (March 6, 2006) The top 60 donors in the United States gave significantly less in 2005 than the previous year, according to a study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. READ MORE

	Contributions to Colleges and Universities Grow by Nearly 5 Percent (Feb. 24, 2006) Colleges and universities in the United States experienced a 4.9 percent increase in contributions in 2005, according to the annual Voluntary Support of Education (VSE) survey released by the Council for Aid to Education (CAE). READ MORE

	Secrets of Success from a Nonprofit Pioneer (Feb. 24, 2006) Nancy Brinker, founder and self-described veteran volunteer for the Dallas-based Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, was one of the featured speakers at the Women on the World Conference, co-sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Leading Authorities, a Washington, D.C.-based video and communications firm. The conference took place on Feb. 9, 2006, in Washington, D.C. READ MORE

	New Report Suggests Donor Loyalty Is Hard To Come By (Feb. 20, 2006) While many donors claim they have “high loyalty” to the charities they support, even more possess attitudes that suggest they really are not that loyal, according to a new report by Cravers, Matthews, Smith & Company (CMS) and Prime Group. READ MORE

	Socially Responsible Investment Assets Growing Faster Than Other Funds (Feb. 20, 2006) Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) assets grew faster than all managed assets in the United States over the last 10 years, according to the latest biennial report on SRI funding by the Washington, D.C.-based Social Investment Forum. READ MORE

	AOL and Yahoo to Begin Charging to Send Emails (Feb. 13, 2006) Both America Online (AOL) and Yahoo have announced they will begin charging commercial emailers a fraction of a cent for every message sent to one of their users. READ MORE

	New Diversity Fellowship for Fundraising (Feb. 13, 2006) The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund (LCCREF) in Washington, D.C., is offering fellowships for minority development professions through its Carol H. Pitchersky Development Fellowship. READ MORE

	U.K. Institute of Fundraising National Convention in July (Feb. 13, 2006) The largest gathering of fundraisers outside the United States will take place at the Hilton London Metropole in the United Kingdom, July 10–12, 2006. READ MORE

	Americans Use the Internet to Build Social Networks and Receive Assistance (Feb. 6, 2006) – The Internet and email expand and strengthen the social ties that people maintain in the offline world, according to a new report released today by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit research center studying the social effects of the Internet on Americans. READ MORE

	New Report Shows Fundraisers Hopeful About Giving in U.S. (Feb. 6, 2006) In the second half of 2005, fundraisers became slightly more hopeful than they had been six months previously about the climate for philanthropy in the United States, according to the December 2005 Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI) survey released by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and sponsored in part by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). READ MORE

	Corporate Contributions Up in 2004 (Jan. 30, 2006) Corporate giving increased by 22 percent from 2003 to 2004, according to an annual survey produced by The Conference Board. READ MORE

	Grizzard Named One of World's Best Fundraisers (Jan. 23, 2006) The editors of The NonProfit Times have named Claude H. Grizzard, Sr., a 'Living Legend' in their recent annual selection of 'The World Best Fundraisers.' READ MORE

	Best Practices in Direct Mail Fundraising, Part II (Jan. 17, 2006) Direct response is both art and science, and as such, trends and hot ideas tend to flood the marketplace suddenly and then recede just as quickly. Geoff Peters, president of The Creative Direct Response Group in Crofton, Md., provides some timeless direct-mail tips. READ MORE

	Fundraising Legend Don Kuhn Passes Away (Jan. 17, 2005) Direct-response legend Don Kuhn, who pioneered the use of computer databases in fundraising, passed away in late 2005. READ MORE

	Postage Rates Increase, With More Possibly on the Way (Jan. 17, 2006) The 5.4 percent postage rate increase that hit nonprofits on Jan. 8 might just be the tip of the iceberg. READ MORE

	The Nonprofit Marketing Mindset'30 Years and Counting (Jan. 17, 2006) In a 2005 GuideStar online survey, 46 percent of respondents said the greatest challenge their nonprofit organizations face is finding the money to accomplish their missions. READ MORE

	Charities in New York, North Carolina Receiving More from Telemarketing Campaigns (Jan. 9, 2006) The states of New York and North Carolina released reports in late 2005 showing that nonprofits received a greater percentage of income from telemarketing firms soliciting on their behalf than in previous years. READ MORE

	Ignore Donor Intent at Your Peril (Jan. 9, 2006) A new survey shows that donors are very concerned with how charities use their contributions and consider it a serious matter if organizations use donations for unauthorized purposes. READ MORE

	Consumer Thinking in the Holiday Season (Dec. 19, 2005) Two new surveys provide insight into the mindset of consumers towards charitable contributions during the holiday season. READ MORE

	Nearly One in Five U.S. Internet Users Have Contributed Online (Dec. 12, 2005) More than 26 million Americans have now made a charitable gift online, according to the most recent survey from the Pew Internet Project. READ MORE

	New No. 1 on Top Philanthropists List (Dec. 12, 2005) BusinessWeek's fourth annual "50 Most Generous Philanthropists List" no longer has Bill and Melinda Gates as the top charitable donors. READ MORE

	Canadian Charitable Donations Reach New High in 2004 (Nov. 14, 2005) Statistics Canada reports that just under 5.8 million Canadian taxfilers claimed more than $6.9 billion in charitable contributions in 2004. Both figures set new records for the amount of money contributed and number of donors. READ MORE

	Gender Pay Gap Narrows at U.S. Charities, But Still Remains Unequal (Nov. 7, 2005) A new study reveals that the compensation of female charity CEO's has increased faster than, but still lags behind, those of their male counterparts. READ MORE

	Study Predicts Charitable Giving Strong This Holiday Season (Nov. 7, 2005) Consumers will be more focused on philanthropic giving than holiday entertaining this year, according to a new study predicting giving trends for U.S. consumers. READ MORE

	Charities Highly Involved in Good Governance, Accountability Practices (Oct. 31, 2005) While the U.S. Senate Finance Committee continues its investigations of the charitable sector, yet another study has revealed that charities are very engaged in good governance and accountability practices. READ MORE

	DonorsChoose Wins Nonprofit Innovation Award (Oct. 31, 2005) DonorsChoose, a nonprofit that allows donors to support specific classroom projects proposed by teachers, has won the Amazon.com Nonprofit Innovation Award, sponsored by Amazon.com and the Nonprofit Innovation Award. READ MORE

	Public Strongly Supports Charities; Equally Concerned with Aggressive Fundraising (Oct. 31, 2005) A new survey has found that American donors are very supportive of charities, but are concerned about their adopting 'big-business marketing techniques' and overly aggressively fundraising. READ MORE

	Report Asserts Donor Should Think Like Investors (Oct. 31, 2005) A new report argues that donors can be more effective if they adopt a new perspective on charitable giving that borrows from many of the principles of sound investment. READ MORE

	Public Confidence in Charities Remains Low, Study Says (Oct. 17, 2005) A new survey reveals that nearly one-third of Americans have little or no confidence in charities, while two-thirds believe that charities waste a great deal or fair amount of money. READ MORE

	Is Corporate Social Responsibility A Myth? (Oct. 10, 2005) A new article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review argues that the public is being misled by the corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement. READ MORE

	Socially Responsible Investing on the Rise (Oct. 10, 2005) More than one out of every nine dollars invested and professionally managed in the United States, or $2.16 trillion, is involved in a socially responsible investment, according to a report by the Social Investment Forum. READ MORE

	U.S. Registry Links Disaster Needs and Resources (Sept. 26, 2005) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has activated its National Emergency Response Registry, allowing interested organizations to post the resources they can make available to relief agencies in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. READ MORE

	Americans Hooked On Email (Sept. 19, 2005) Sure, Americans say they receive too much email, but a survey by America Online indicates they can't get enough of it. READ MORE

	Best Practices in Direct Mail Fundraising (Sept. 19, 2005) Direct response is both art and science, and as such, trends and hot ideas tend to flood the marketplace suddenly and then recede just as quickly. Geoff Peters, president of The Creative Direct Response Group in Crofton, Md., provides some timeless direct-mail tips. READ MORE

	Direct Response in the Time of Katrina, Public Scrutiny (Sept. 19, 2005) With the impact of Hurricane Katrina, increasing amounts of mail and diminished public trust of the charitable sector, direct-response fundraising faces more challenges than ever before. AFP eWire spoke to several fundraisers about how their organizations and clients are responding to the direct-response challenges of 2005. READ MORE

	Fundraising Strong in First Quarter 2005 (Aug. 22, 2005) Despite substantial gifts for the Southeast Asia tsunami, most nonrelief charities experienced strong increases in both revenue and numbers of donors in the first quarter of 2005, according to the Index of National Fundraising Performance. READ MORE

	Matching Foundation Payout Rates to Mission (Aug. 15, 2005) A new report argues that foundations would be better served by matching their payout rate to the specific needs and programs of their mission as opposed to an arbitrary, government-set limit. READ MORE

	Operating Style Key Factor in Foundation Expenses (Aug. 1, 2005) A new study of the expense and compensation patterns of the 10,000 largest grantmaking foundations in the United States suggests not only that there are vast differences among these entities, but also operating style may be the most critical factor in determining and explaining such expenditures. READ MORE

	Black Philanthropy: A Growing Force, but Often Unrecognized (July 25, 2005) Black philanthropy is strong and prevalent within the African-American community, but more research and recognition are needed, according to the National Center for Black Philanthropy in Washington, D.C. READ MORE

	Funding Available for Canada Volunteer Research (July 5, 2005) Imagine Canada, formerly the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, has announced funding opportunities for nonprofit and charitable organizations to conduct research on volunteering and volunteerism. READ MORE

	A Scarcity of Good Fundraisers? (June 27, 2005) A recent article in The New York Times suggests that the frequent turnover at development positions and the lack of experienced fundraisers to fill those openings is becoming a critical problem for the charitable sector. READ MORE

	Corporations Sending Human Capital, Not Just Money, to Charities Overseas (June 20, 2005) A recent conference underscores a growing trend in corporate philanthropy: sending employees overseas to apply their skills and knowledge to areas in need. READ MORE

	New Project to Raise Awareness of Charitable Sector (June 20, 2005) Eight organizations in Canada are collaborating on a new project over the next two years to raise awareness of the country's voluntary and charitable sector. READ MORE

	Journalists Covering Nonprofits Now Have Internet TV Channel (June 6, 2005) A new Internet television channel has been created to serve journalists with advice and information on covering the nonprofit sector. READ MORE

	The Rich Are Getting Richer (June 6, 2005) The income of the super rich in the U.S. is growing faster than any other income class, according to research conducted by The New York Times and published in its June 5 issue. READ MORE

	Nonprofit Seeks to Encourage Utility Philanthropy (May 23, 2005) A new charity is urging utility companies to begin Round Up programs that could ultimately lead to $1 billion a year in charitable giving, according to a report in the Philanthropy Journal of North Carolina. READ MORE

	State Roundup: New Giving Reports in Arizona, Oregon and Washington, D.C.; New Legislation in Massachusetts (May 23, 2005) New reports about giving in Arizona, Oregon and Washington, D.C. have been released recently, while the Massachusetts Attorney General has introduced charitable legislation regarding financial accountability. READ MORE

	New Study Shows Accountability the Norm in the Nonprofit Sector (May 9, 2005) A new study reveals that a large percentage of nonprofits across the United States already engage in the kinds of accountability practices currently under consideration by the Senate Finance Committee, bringing into question why nonprofit accountability has become such an issue with Congress. READ MORE

	Back to Basics: Make Your Site User-Friendly (April 11, 2005) Do you think investing in expensive website redesigns will make your site more user-friendly? READ MORE

	Colleges and Universities See Increased Giving But Lower Alumni Giving Rates (March 14, 2005) Contributions to colleges and universities in the United States increased by 3.4 percent in 2004, according to an annual survey by the Council for Aid to Education at the RAND Corporation. READ MORE

	GE, Novartis and Arch Chemicals Win Corporate Philanthropy Day Awards (March 7, 2005) The Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) celebrated its sixth annual Corporate Philanthropy Day on February 28 by honoring three companies for their charitable efforts. READ MORE

	Million Dollar Nonprofit Innovation Prize Announced (Feb. 28, 2005) Nonprofits have until April 28, 2005, to apply for a $1 million innovation prize recently announced by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation and Amazon.com. READ MORE

	New Report Sheds Light on Why People Volunteer (Feb. 28, 2005) While moral values are the primary reason many Americans volunteer, clear differences emerge between age groups, according to a survey by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. READ MORE

	Lack of Standards, Assessment Hindering Foundation Effectiveness (Feb. 21, 2005) Many foundations do not have specific goals or standards of effectiveness, or ways of measuring their effectiveness, according to a study by the Urban Institute. READ MORE

	Nonprofit, Association Sponsorships Expected to Rise in 2005 (Feb. 21, 2005) For-profit corporations and businesses are expected to spend more than $1 billion in sponsoring nonprofit causes in 2005, according to industry forecasts by the IEG Sponsorship Report. READ MORE

	Paying For Your Own Keep (Feb. 21, 2005) Tony Poderis, development professional and consultant with more than thirty years of experience, speaks out against the practice of fundraisers having to pay for their own salaries. READ MORE

	Case Study: Playing Games and Voting For Charity (Feb. 7, 2005) Not many companies would let the public vote on what charities it should support, but that is exactly what Hostway Corporation decided to do for its holiday giving program. READ MORE

	Next Big Fundraising Trend: Giving Through Your Cell Phone (Jan. 31, 2005) Donors will soon be able to make charitable gifts by using their cell phones to send text messages. READ MORE

	A Gene for Philanthropy? (Jan. 31, 2005) A team of Israeli psychologists claim they have located a gene that is linked to altruistic behavior. READ MORE

	Hong Kong Billionaire to Establish Large Canadian Foundation (Jan. 24, 2005) A Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist has announced he will establish a new charitable foundation in Canada with startup funding expected to be in the hundreds of millions, and possibly billions, of dollars (Canadian). READ MORE

	Instant Messaging: The Next Online Donation Tool? (Jan. 10, 2005) In a recent conversation with the Development Vice President of a large nonprofit, I explained parenthetically that 'by the way, when I say 'email' I mean all forms of electronic one-to-one communication.' He wrinkled his brow and looked at me as if it were a trick question. READ MORE

	What's Ahead in Nonprofit Headlines for 2005 (Dec. 20, 2004) Accountability, ethics and additional regulation will be headline issues facing nonprofits in 2005, according to a panel of nonprofit experts who convened on Dec. 15, 2004, in Washington, D.C. READ MORE

	Older Canadian Generations Ready to Volunteer After Retirement (Dec. 13, 2004) More than 60 percent of Canadian workers plan to volunteer or be socially involved when they retire, according to a recent survey released by Desjardins Financial Security. READ MORE

	Ranking the Best Corporate Citizens (Dec. 13, 2004) In the last of a series of four articles looking at corporations, 'Beyond the Balance Sheet,' Forbes magazine ranks some of the largest for-profits on the basis of corporate citizenship. READ MORE

	Email Solicitations Still Evolving in Higher Education (Dec. 6, 2004) Only half of higher education institutions are using email as a fundraising tool, and there is a wide disparity in how the technology is being employed, according to a new survey by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Although focused on higher education, the survey also holds insights for other types of charitable organizations as well. READ MORE

	Top Philanthropists Giving Even More (Nov. 29, 2004) While overall giving may be growing only slightly, the largest donors in the United States are increasing their gifts by significant amounts, according to BusinessWeek's third annual rankings of the Top 50 U.S. Philanthropists. READ MORE

	Increasing Competition, Economy Affecting Holiday Kettle Tradition (Nov. 22, 2004) In another sign of the shifting fundraising environment, a combination of factors is changing the operation of one of the oldest traditions in philanthropy across North America. READ MORE

	High Stakes Poker Games Attracting Charities, Regulators (Nov. 15, 2004) Capitalizing on the tremendous popularity of high-stakes poker, an increasing number of charities are sponsoring tournaments and drawing hundreds of players. READ MORE

	Senior Fundraisers, Managers in Demand, but Economy Stifling Consistent Hiring (Nov. 15, 2004) Fundraising is one of the key skills that charities are looking for in senior managers, but a lagging economy is prohibiting many organizations from hiring, according to a new study by Boston-based nonprofit Bridgestar. READ MORE

	Plan Now for Year-End Online Results (Oct. 23, 2004) Your first holiday direct mail appeals are already in the creative process. Now it's time to plan how you'll make temporary changes to your web site to capitalize on the year-end giving tradition in North America. READ MORE

	Community Foundations See Strong Gains In 2003 (Oct. 21, 2004) Two new surveys by the Columbus Foundation and the Council on Foundations show that the community foundation field had a strong year in 2003, primarily because of the steadily improving economy. READ MORE

	Canadians More Confident in Charities than Americans (Oct. 16, 2004) According to a recent survey, Canadians remain extremely confident in the charities that serve them, although a large majority feels that a national charity watchdog organization should be created. READ MORE

	Corporate Giving Still Robust, New Survey Reports (Oct. 16, 2004) Philanthropic giving by U.S. corporations and corporate foundations increased by 24 percent from 2002 to 2003, according to a new survey by the Conference Board. READ MORE

	New Giving Strategy Allows Donors to Control Fund Management (Oct. 12, 2004) The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has approved a new way for donors to give to charity but manage the contributed funds for up to a decade, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal. READ MORE

	Improving Economy Strengthens Fundraisers Attitudes (Sept. 13, 2004) The economy is improving, and the result is a boost in fundraisers' attitudes about charitable giving, according to a new survey by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. READ MORE

	Nonprofit Employment Rate Stalls in 2003, Study Reveals (Sept. 7, 2004) Despite continued strong growth in the nonprofit sector overall for much of this decade, a new study by Washington, DC-based OMB Watch suggests that the sector's expansion may be slowing down. READ MORE

	BBB To Expand Charity Evaluation Program (Aug. 9, 2004) The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, a charity monitoring group based in Arlington, Va., has developed the Online Charity Reporting and Evaluation System, which will allow the organization to evaluate more nonprofits every year. READ MORE

	Despite Public Support, FTC Nixes Do-Not-Email List (July 19, 2004) Nearly 80 percent of American donors on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Do-Not-Call (DNC) Registry would sign up for a do-not-email list if it were available, according to a survey commissioned in March 2004 by Atlanta-based, direct response agency Grizzard. READ MORE

	Measuring Charities' Effectiveness'Who Cares? (July 12, 2004) Most donors are not all that interested in performance measurements (metrics) for charitable organizations and do not take them into account when they give, according to an article in the Summer 2004 issue of the Stanford Social Innovation Review. READ MORE

	Countdown to U.S.'s Most Charitable City (July 2, 2004) Charity Navigator, a nonprofit evaluator based in Mahwah, N.J., has completed a study to identify which of the United States' major metropolitan areas is the most charitable. READ MORE

	How Good is Your Business Plan? Enter and Win $100,000 (June 7, 2004) The deadline for entry materials for the second annual Yale School of Management - Goldman Sachs Foundation National Business Plan Competition for Nonprofit Organizations is July 16, 2004. READ MORE

	Record Giving for Combined Federal Campaign in 2003 (May 10, 2004) In another sign that charitable giving continues to recover, contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the federal employee solicitation program, reached record levels in 2003, according to figures released by the Office of Personnel Management. READ MORE

	Predictions: How the Internet will Affect Nonprofits in 2004 (Jan. 12, 2004) - The Internet can be a tremendous communication tool for all nonprofits, but are you using its full potential? Do you know how to integrate the Internet into your fundraising plan? An Internet expert recently discussed his predictions for 2004 about the Internet and its impact on nonprofits. READ MORE

	Tips from Members: Choosing a Donor Database (Dec. 22, 2003)- There is no perfect donor database. Every donor database on the market has strengths and weaknesses. The challenge is to find a database with strengths that meet your needs and weaknesses that will not get in your way. READ MORE

	Tips from Members: The Texas Two-Step to Cultivating Donors (Nov. 24, 2003) - Here's a quick and easy way to provide good stewardship information and still ask for the money: the 'Texas Two-Step.' READ MORE

	Using the Power of Persuasion in Fundraising (Oct. 20, 2003) - By understanding and embracing the rules of persuasion development professionals can improve their fundraising techniques and realize more contributions, according to a recent article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. READ MORE

	Creative Blitz Provides Free Marketing Campaigns (Sept. 29, 2003) - Nonprofits across the United States and Canada have been handed new brochures, advertisements and posters to promote their organizations - all at no charge. READ MORE

	British Government Takes Steps to Modernize Charity Laws (July 25, 2003) - The British government has introduced a plan for charity reform, including changes aimed at cutting red tape, improving accountability and updating the role of the Charity Commission. READ MORE

	Earn your doctorate in philanthropy with new I.U. program (July 7, 2003) - The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University has created a Ph.D. program in philanthropic studies - believed to be the first traditional-format Ph.D. program in that subject in the United States. READ MORE

	Calculating The Cost Of Fundraising ' AFP Members Debate The Issue (June 27, 2003) - While the issue of the cost of fundraising has long been discussed in the fundraising profession, a study in the Harvard Business Review reignited the debate recently. Earlier this month, eWire asked AFP members about their experiences and opinions on the cost of fundraising. READ MORE

	AFP Members Debate Mckinsey Study On Improving Charities (June 6, 2003) - Fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders are questioning the methods and results of a recent article asserting that charities could save more than $100 billion through a variety of reforms. READ MORE

	Two Canadian Philanthropic Groups To Merge In 2004 (May 16, 2003) - Two major philanthropic organizations in Canada announced their pending merger this week. READ MORE

	Commission Examines Third Sector Six Years After Recommending Reform (May 16, 2003) - Six years ago, a national commission on philanthropy challenged the philanthropic sector to do better, calling for more effectiveness and more community-based, results-oriented organizations. Members of that committee, led by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), reconvened this week to discuss how the sector is faring since releasing their report. READ MORE

	Better Business Bureau Group Creates Voluntary Standards For Charities (March 14, 2003) - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance has released new guidelines that it will use to evaluate charities. READ MORE

	Conference on Innovative Philanthropy to Feature America’s Top Donors (Sept. 5, 2006) Some of the United States’ most generous and well-known donors will come together in November 2006 in Little Rock, Ark., for the first-ever Slate 60 Conference on Innovative Philanthropy. READ MORE