Education

August 21, 2009, The Los Angeles Times — Imagine all the things you could buy if you had a spare $50 million under the mattress.

August 24, 2009 — South Carolina teachers searching for ways to pay for extra books, classroom supplies and field trips can get in touch with thousands of potential donors, thanks to a new Web site.

August 24, 2009, The New York Times — Ever wonder what to do with that lingering $11.86 left on a gift card for Lowe’s or Bloomingdale’s? What about donating it to charity?

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn., August 24, 2009 — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation continues its commitment to promoting literacy and education by awarding grants to schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations through its back-to-school and youth literacy grant programs. Combined, the 746 grants will provide $4.9 million in funding to schools and nonprofit organizations that support literacy and basic education initiatives.

August 21, 2009, The Wall Street Journal — College endowments, reeling from their worst annual performance in decades, are questioning their faith in investments that fueled huge returns before backfiring last year.

August 19, 2009, The Charlotte Observer — Philanthropists Leon and Sandra Levine parted with more of their foundation's wealth Tuesday, donating $9.3 million to UNC Charlotte over 10 years for a merit scholarship aimed at developing community service leaders.

August 12, 2009 — Donors supported the University of California, Davis, with $108.1 million in gifts, pledges and private grants during the 2008-09 fiscal year, marking the third consecutive year that philanthropic support has surpassed $100 million.

SEATTLE,  August 12, 2009 — Thrive by Five Washington and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced $8 million in new, joint funding to support two community partnerships that were launched last year and show progress in helping prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Research shows that kids who have access to high-quality early learning experiences are more likely to be successful in school and life.

August 8, 2009, The New York Times — A $35 million gift from George Soros, the financier and philanthropist, will allow for a $200 back-to-school bonus for each of more than 850,000 low-income children in New York State this fall, state officials said on Friday.

PHILADELPHIA, August 4, 2009 — The University of Pennsylvania has received more than $30 million in research funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, awards that fund more than 100 studies in gene therapy, robotics, public education, neurological disorders, tobacco’s effect on health and more.