Philadelphia Inquirer

While statistics can be interesting and even compelling at times, people are more likely to be moved by stories. When we do fundraising, we should use fewer statistics and tell more stories. When sharing stories: Use real stories, not composite or fictionalized accounts. Relate first-person stories when possible. Tell relevant stories that will help you achieve your objective. Do not be afraid of the length of the story; folks will stick with you if the story is compelling. Avoid being exploitative, and instead, use stories to demonstrate how your organization is fulfilling its mission.

Sharon Walsh, enterprise editor of The Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader and a veteran investigative journalist, is the first editor of PublicSource.org, a nonprofit news operation launching in Pittsburgh in August.

Ms. Walsh's career includes stints at The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Washington Post, where she was a four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee. At PublicSource.org, she will oversee a team of freelance journalists and work with area news partners on investigative coverage with a regional focus. The Post-Gazette is among those news partners.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Thursday said it planned to launch an online news venture in June to focus on reporting of in-depth, regional issues.

The nonprofit initiative will be funded with a $253,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation of Miami; and $325,000 from the Pittsburgh Foundation. The site will be produced at Pittsburgh Filmmakers, Oakland. Plans call for an editor to oversee content supplied by freelancers and by media organizations.

November 12, 2009, Philadelphia Inquirer — Seven of the region's most venerable nonprofit groups have formed an unusual fund-raising consortium in response to the loss last year of United Way support.

September 20, 2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer — The budget deal reached late Friday in Harrisburg, which includes an extension of the state sales tax to cultural performances and venues - including museums - has stunned and angered the arts community.

September 17, 2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer — Her name was Emily and she lived only three days 21 years ago, but she is the reason that Lynne and Bill Garbose gave money to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Hope Lives Here fund-raising campaign.

August 25, 2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer — In place of its third free neighborhood concert of the outdoor season, the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform a fund-raiser to help replenish the Fraternal Order of Police Survivors' Fund.

WASHINGTON, August 16, 2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer — Having become a prominent presence in the nation's capital over the last decade, the Pew Charitable Trusts has formally established a signature residency.

August 4, 2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer — In keeping with national trends, giving to the University of Pennsylvania was down over fiscal 2008's record-breaking year, but officials were planning for that and were upbeat that the school nonetheless exceeded its target.

July 14, 2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer — The tight-belt economy means even tougher-than-usual times for new nonprofits. Competition for businesses' financial backing and professional support is stiff.