Help Your Letter Carrier Deliver the Goods

May 7, 2009

The canned goods, that is.

This Saturday, May 9, is the 17th annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. In 2008, the event, billed as the world’s largest food drive, collected 73.1 million pounds of food that was subsequently delivered to local food banks, pantries and shelters in all 50 states.

Contributing couldn’t be easier. Simply place your donation of non-perishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before your mail is delivered this Saturday.  Your letter carrier will pick up the donation and see that it is delivered to a local food bank.

With more Americans unemployed every day, your contribution really matters. Thirty-five million Americans are hungry or living on the brink of hunger. Take a look at Hunger 101 on Feeding America’s website for some disheartening facts about hungry children, seniors and the working poor.

Or for something more interactive, take the quick Hunger Quiz and see what you learn about hunger in the U.S. I hope you learn enough to join me in donating this weekend. The Greater Twin Cities United Way, an MCF member, is a sponsor of this long-standing event.

If you really get into it, consider visiting the hunger site, where one click of your mouse donates 1.1 cups of food to the world’s poor and hungry. Last year, visitor clicks at the site triggered donations of 66,235,889 cups (more than 8 million pounds) of food. It’s so easy, and if you come back every day this year, you and your mouse will be responsible for donating 400 cups of food.

- Susan Stehling, MCF web communications associate

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Posted by MCF Webmaster

In the Media

April 29, 2009

Roundup of media coverage of the world of philanthropy and nonprofits.

Economy
Foreclosures: A $10M Lifeline from McKnight
Star Tribune: Two $5M loans will help metro and nonmetro housing funds finance the repeopling of foreclosed homes.

Family Charities Shift Assets to Donor Funds
The Wall Street Journal: Philanthropists are increasingly changing their private foundations into donor-advised funds, which invest assets and make grants based largely on donors’ recommendations.

Nonprofit Financial Officers Expect Recession to Last Through Year’s End
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Nine of 10 nonprofit CFOs believe the U.S. economy will stay in a recession through 2009.

Foundation of the Times Suspends Gift Program
The New York Times: The Foundation is suspending grantmaking and the company’s matching gift program.

Advice for Young Nonprofit Workers
Philanthropy News Digest: The economic crisis may offer an opportunity for young people to move up.

Local
Our View: Summit Fuels Ideas to Increase Volunteering
St. Cloud Times: Last week’s summit holds potential for increasing the area’s already impressive level of volunteerism.

National
Senators Dorgan and Snowe Introduce IRA Rollover Bill
Council on Foundations: The COF supports expansion and extension of the IRA charitable rollover.

Estate Tax Bill Introduced by Representative McDermott
Council on Foundations: The proposed bill would strengthen the tax beyond 2009 levels and beyond President Obama’s proposal.

Congress working to change estate tax
San Francisco Chronicle: Under current law, the tax will disappear in 2010 and come back in 2011 at the level where it would have been had the 2001 law reducing estate taxes never passed.

President Signs National-Service Bill and Issues Call to Volunteer
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: The Serve America Act should triple participation in AmeriCorps by 2017 and create new volunteer programs.

Nike Foundation President Nominated to Head National-Service Agency
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Maria Eitel will lead the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Volunteer Time Was Worth More than $20 an Hour Last Year, Study Finds
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: The average value of a volunteer hour has jumped 39 percent in the past 10 years, ahead of inflation.

New Survey is First to Examine Nonprofit Industry’s Use of Social Networking
TechLinks.net: Four-fifths of nonprofits are committing at least 25% of one full-time staff person to social networking efforts. More than half intend to increase social networking over the next 12 months.

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Posted by MCF Webmaster

Happy Earth Day

April 22, 2009
Photo: ortizmj12

Photo: ortizmj12

I haven’t heard much about Earth Day this year, surprising as today is the 40th anniversary of its founding. I do remember lots of hoopla for the 20th anniversary, including a parade down Summit Ave. and a big rally at the Minnesota State Capital.

 

But maybe I shouldn’t fret and instead take this year’s lack of “events” as a good sign. In recent months, there’s surely been an uptick in green thinking, and environmentally responsible behavior finally seems to be ingraining itself in our habits. These developments are unquestionably better than a one-day commemoration.

 

Grantmakers continue to fund programs that help the earth. In our Giving in Minnesota research, we report on “Environment” grants that go to organizations that focus on the preservation and protection of the environment, botanical gardens and societies, urban beautification, and environmental education. And “Animals” grants that go to organizations that focus on the care and protection of animals, including wildlife, pets and specialty animals. About 5% of Minnesota’s grantmaking dollars went to these causes in 2006.

 

Minnesota’s five largest Environment/Animals grantmakers in 2006 were The McKnight Foundation, Bush Foundation, Cargill Foundation, Blandin Foundation and 3M Foundation and Corporate Giving Program. All are MCF members, and they continue to lead green giving in the state.

 

A month ago, The McKnight Foundation announced a commitment of $100 million over the next five years to support a comprehensive strategy to prevent dangerous climate change, by reducing heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions from key regions around the world.

 

On April 1, Blandin Foundation committed $7 million to the conservation fund for the Upper Mississippi Forest project. The donation represents the largest private donation toward a conservation project ever made in the state and will help protect 60,000 acres of wetlands and more than 280 miles of lake and stream frontage. The area includes wetlands in the upper watershed and primary tributaries to the Mississippi River.

 

Cargill made a voluntary but legally binding commitment to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its U.S. locations by joining the Chicago Climate Exchange®. The commitment requires the company to reduce emissions by 6% by 2010 (from a 1998-2001 baseline) and to achieve annual milestones along the way.

 

So, enjoy the day and do your part – today and everyday.

 

Susan Stehling, MCF communications

1 Comment | corporate, environment, family foundations, in the news, private foundations, research | Permalink
Posted by sstehling

In the Media

April 15, 2009

Roundup of media coverage of the world of philanthropy and nonprofits.

Economy:

Pohlad Foundation to Give $20 Million to Those Hit by Recession

Mpls./St. Paul Business Journal: The money will go toward small businesses and nonprofit services that meet families’ short-term needs and help them prepare for the future.

 

Foundations can be Smarter Investors
Inside Philanthropy: Foundations are missing an opportunity to shape social and economic change because they continue to operate as passive investors.

 

Nonprofits Increase ‘Gift Tax’ On Donors
The Wall Street Journal: A growing number of organizations are tapping donors for a “gift tax.”

 

Tough Times are Cause to Give More
NPR Marketplace: The economic fallout has hurt charities, and foundations have been tightening their belts, but some donors are giving more.

 

A Struggle to Slice Stimulus Fund Pie
The New York Times: More than 2,000 applications have poured into the National Endowment for the Arts, each seeking a piece of the stimulus pie.

 

Local:

 

Wells Fargo Donations Up 5% in 2008
Mpls./St. Paul Business Journal

  

Building a Foundation to Make a Difference
The Star Tribune: The Community Foundation for Carver County is working to become a resource for nonprofits.

 

Linking Younger Generations to the News through Social Networking Sites
editorsweblog.org: Two experiments, funded by the Knight Foundation, hope to get news to Facebook users.

 

Carbon Markets and Forest Practices Webinar now Available Online

A webinar funded by The Blandin Foundation is now available.

 

Don’t Volunteer: St. Thomas
Flixya: The Greater Twin Cities United Way and The University of St. Thomas created a video encouraging people not to volunteer.

 

Nonprofits Encouraged to Apply for Free Wireless Internet Accounts
NRP Digest: Minneapolis is seeking applications for 100 free wireless Internet accounts for non-profit organizations that provide free public computer access.

 

National:

 

Sharing in the USA
USA Today: A special philanthropy section features an article by Michelle Obama on the nation’s need for youthful idealism and more.

 

Confusing Web Sites Discourage Donors from Online Giving
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Poorly designed web sites deter donors who would be willing to give online, suggests a new study.

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Posted by sstehling

In the Media

April 1, 2009

Roundup of media coverage of the world of philanthropy and nonprofits.

Economy:

Financial Safety Net of Nonprofit Organizations is Fraying, Survey Finds
The New York Times: Only 12 percent of nonprofits surveyed expect to end the year with an operating surplus.

Foundation Giving in ’08 Defied Huge Asset Decline
The New York Times: Foundation giving for 2008 fell by just 1 percent on an inflation-adjusted basis.

Downturn Thinning Ranks for Charity Walkathons and Other Events
The Chronicle on Philanthropy: Pledge-based fundraising events are attracting fewer participants who fear they won’t meet pledge-collection commitments.

Silver Lining of Downturn: Pro Bono Aid
onPhilanthropy: Many law firms are increasing pro bono legal programs, which is good for nonprofits.

As Detroit Struggles, Foundations Shift Mission
The New York Times: Faced with declining resources and exploding need, foundations are picking winners and losers.

Local:

Editorial: Foundations Urge Look at Reform Ideas
Star Tribune: Five of Minnesota’s leading philanthropic foundations say it’s possible for Minnesotans to be served as well or better by government, without paying a lot more.

Minnesota Community Members Ponder What to do to Address Continuing Racial Achievement Gap
MinnPost.com: Minnesota’s black students are performing below black students in Alabama and South Carolina.

McKnight Approves $6.8 Million in Grants
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Grants support arts, children and families and more.

Frey Foundation Gives to End Homelessness
Twin Cities Business: Heading Home Minnesota will receive $5 million.

Guthrie Theatre to Trim Budget by Nearly $4 Million
Star Tribune

MN Orchestra Scales Back Sommerfest
Star Tribune

National:

National-Service Bill Clears Final Major Hurdle, Winning Senate Approval
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: U.S. Senate adopts Serve America Act.

Analysts: Giving by Wealthy Would Decline Slightly Under Obama Budget Proposal
The Washington Post: Under Obama’s proposal, the tax deduction for those with incomes over $250,000 would be capped at 28 cents on the dollar.

Senate Measure Seeks to Spur Foundations to Give More
The New York Times: Senators introduce legislation encouraging foundations to give away more of their money.

Giving Less but Leading More
onPhilanthropy: It’s vital to showcase foundations’ value beyond dollars and cents.

Community Foundations Increase Funding for Human Services
Dayton Business Journal: Fifty-one percent of community foundations are increasing funding for human services assistance in 2009.

Council Tells Lawmakers 28% of Donor-advised-fund Grants Went to Social Services
The Chronicle of Philanthropy: More than a quarter of grants support basic social services.

Pay at Nonprofits Gets a Closer Look
The Wall Street Journal: Nonprofits bracing for scrutiny of their executive pay practices.

YouTube Ads Earn Nonprofit $10,000 in a Single Day
Watching TV Online: YouTube launches “Call to Action” feature.

Comments Off | arts, community foundations, economy, education, family foundations, fundraising, government, in the news, individual giving, leadership, nonprofits, private foundations, public policy | Permalink
Posted by sstehling

A Trustee Who Defined an Era of Corporate Giving

March 23, 2009

The New York Times wrote an article about Minneapolis Institute of Arts trustee Bruce Dayton. He’s known as “the Cal Ripken of museum trustees,” having served on the board since 1967:

During his time on the board, Mr. Dayton has given the museum $72 million in capital, endowment and acquisitions funds, as well as more than 2,000 works of art, helping to transform the encyclopedic institution into what a New York Times critic once called “a miniature Metropolitan.”

In addition to his arts work, Dayton was recognized by the Times as “a dean of American corporate arts philanthropy” through his family’s business, the Target Corporation (formerly Dayton Hudson Corporation):

The Dayton brothers have another dynastic business: philanthropy. In 1946, they decided to tithe 5 percent of their pretax profits, the maximum allowable by law, to charity; this practice was written into the company’s bylaws. [...] Along the way, the Daytons have become known for the art of good governance, in both business and the nonprofit sector.

In Dayton’s words: “The job of a trustee is to push for an impossible perfection.” Read more about his achievements and philosophy at nytimes.com.

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Posted by MCF Webmaster

In the Media

March 20, 2009

Roundup of how media outlets are covering the world of philanthropy and nonprofits.

Economy:

Local:

National:

  • Foundations oppose Obama tax plan for deductions
    Wall Street Journal: Private foundations plan to oppose Obama’s proposed cap on itemized deductions for top earners, and will ask lawmakers to overhaul other tax policies that affect big grant makers.
  • Staff cuts loom for non-profits
    Philantrophy Journal: More than one in four nonprofits say they plan to downsize or lay off staff next year, compared to the 7.6 percent than foresaw reductions last year.
  • Public education in U.S. falls short, Obama says
    Los Angeles Times: President Barack Obama strongly condemned the state of public education Tuesday, calling for more charter schools, higher salaries for effective teachers and the faster firing of bad ones.
  • Newly Jobless Swell Volunteer Ranks at Charities
    The Chronicle of Philanthropy: Nonprofit organizations are seeing a tide of new volunteers from the ranks of recently laid-off white-collar workers.

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Posted by sstehling

In the Media

March 13, 2009

Roundup of how media outlets are covering the world of philanthropy and nonprofits.

Economy:

  • Researchers Examine Foundation Expectations for Giving in 2009
    Foundation Center: Of the hundred largest foundations, only two have announced that they intend to increase their giving in 2009. To keep giving stable despite shrinking endowments and assets, ten large foundations, including The McKnight Foundation, are planning to increase their payout rates or establish cost-cutting measures such as freezing salaries, leaving staff vacancies unfilled, or reducing staff benefits.
  • Economic Downturn a Significant Concern Among Corporate Giving Officers
    Foundation Center: Corporate grantmakers indicate their biggest challenge is an increase in grant requests, followed by inadequate financial resources, a decline in their corporate foundation endowment, and measuring results/outcomes.
  • Stimulus Applications Could Overwhelm grants.gov
    Washington Post: The site where nonprofits and local governments can search federal programs and apply for more than 1,000 competitive grants from 22 agencies is already straining under the weight of recent growth.
  • Collaboration: Every Nonprofit Should Be Doing It
    Florida Weeky: I can almost hear the collective sigh of nonprofit executives, staff, volunteers, and board members, because I know you are probably tired of hearing your funders talk about partnership and collaboration. But I am here to tell you that in this day and age, and with this economic climate, you can’t afford not to collaborate.

Local:

  • Invest Early Shows Success Early
    MPR: The program takes a new collaborative approach to preschool education. It’s already shown progress in better preparing kids for kindergarten. Supporters say it also has big potential for long-term savings for taxpayers. The Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation formed the partnership, and committed $1.5 million annually for 10 years to help serve more kids.

National:

  • Education Push Includes Merit Pay
    Wall Street Journal: The president’s plan, which largely implements promises from his campaign, includes new incentives for states to boost the quality of preschool programs and easier access to financial aid for higher education. Mr. Obama also called on states to raise standards for student achievement.
  • Charities Flunk the Gratitude Test
    Chronicle of Philanthropy: A nonprofit communications blogger is disappointed by the general lack of response to her gifts to 12 charities.

Comments Off | collaboration, communication, economy, education, fundraising, in the news | Permalink
Posted by MCF Webmaster

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