Executive Issues

Spend Out vs. Perpetuity: Raising the Question
August 6, 2009

August 5, 2009, The Philanthropy New York Blog — Nearly two months ago, the Beldon Fund closed its doors, completing the ten-year intentional spend out envisioned by our chair and donor John Hunting. We did it! With this act, we joined a small cadre of foundations, many in the New York region, which have already spent out, or announced their intention to do so.

Americans' Giving Unlikely to Rebound Anytime Soon, Survey Finds
August 6, 2009

August 6, 2009, The Chronicle of Philanthropy — Economists and politicians are pointing to signs of recovery in the stock market and other economic arenas. But a new survey suggests that Americans’ charitable giving and other discretionary spending are unlikely to return to pre-recession levels anytime soon.

Moving Past a Layoff by Starting a Non-Profit
August 6, 2009

August 5, 2009, The New York Times — Since my last post, I’ve heard differing views on starting my own business. Many people warned about the rate of failure, liability and the difference between running your own business versus managing someone else’s.

Economy Pushes Fundraisers' Confidence to New Lows
August 3, 2009

August 3, 2009, The Chronicle of Philanthropy — Confidence in the fund-raising climate continues to be at or near record lows, according to the latest biannual survey of fund raisers conducted by Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy.

Nearly Half of Charities Have Cut Jobs, Survey Says
July 30, 2009

July 29, 2009, The Chronicle of Philanthropy — Nearly half of nonprofit organizations (47.5 percent) have laid off staff members to cut costs as donations dwindle, according to a survey by Campbell & Company, a group that consults with charities.

The New Generation of Philanthropists
July 29, 2009

July 27, 2009, U.S. News & World Report — For a new generation of philanthropists, giving to charity isn't just about writing checks. Instead, the focus is on volunteering, socializing, and networking -- while also contributing to good causes. "Many Generation X-ers are more interested in social advocacy and engagement philanthropy," says Dwight Burlingame, associate executive director at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. That means they are more likely to want to work directly with organizations instead of just donating money, he explains.

Study Shows Recession’s Impact On Nonprofit Orgs
July 28, 2009

Memphis, July 28, 2009, The Daily News — A prolonged recession that increases demands on Mid-South nonprofit organizations while their revenues falter is having a severe impact, according to a report by the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence.

Charity Aimed at Change
July 28, 2009

July 27, 2009, The Wall Street Journal — It is often noted that, after billions of dollars in ­government spending over the past several ­decades, we have seen precious little progress in solving American’s major social problems, from family breakdown to dysfunctional schools. But what about America’s nonprofit sector—organizations that ­concentrate their efforts on exactly such problems, with money from charities, trusts and personal ­philanthropies? They too spend enormous sums. Is their record any better?