Roundup of what other philanthropy bloggers are talking about. Join the conversations!
- It Is Not a Recession, It Is a Restructuring
Lucy Bernholz: We know that nonprofits are under extreme duress financially. It doesn’t make sense to think of this as a dip in an otherwise upward trend. It is more like a turn off onto a different path. - Seeing the Forest For the Trees
Nonprofits Assistance Fund executive director Kate Barr: Considering the importance, scale and scope of the economic proposals, I am really disappointed that that the most important issue for many in the nonprofit world is the proposal that would limit the extent of deductions for charitable contributions. This is a time when we really need to pull together and work for the greater common good, which may involve sacrifice. Beyond that disappointment, I’m skeptical that doomsday will come. - Why I Wish Nonprofits Would Stop Using the Word “Minorities”
Rosetta Thurman: Way back when I literally knew nothing about nonprofits or philanthropy, it baffled me as to why our grant language was littered with terminology about “serving minorities” and helping “at-risk youth”. A minority compared to whom? At-risk of what, exactly? - A Scary Finding on Outcome Measurement
Ken’s Commentary: We have been testing out what information charities are currently compiling in the area of outcome measurement. We assumed that most charities have SOME system of evaluating their outcomes. However, you know what they say when you assume. So far, less than 10% of the charities we have polled have provided us with information in this area. - Lower Media Costs Can Give Fundraisers Big Advantages
Donor Power Blog: Even though response may be down, lower costs make effective fundraising more do-able than ever. - Too Many Charities — or Not Enough?
PhilanTopic: No one would argue that nonprofits shouldn’t strive to be more effective and efficient. But right now, instead, we need to be doing everything in our power to support and strengthen this country’s nonprofit sector. (This topic also discussed in Give & Take.) - “Dinosaur Philanthropy”
Tactical Philanthropy: The focus on social venture/social entrepreneurship leaders is misplaced, and those of us on the cutting edge of philanthropy may not realize that the majority of philanthropy is being practiced by “dinosaur philanthropists.” Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
