Yahoo News - Schwab Charitable Fund announced today that grants to charities during the third quarter of 2008 were up 12 percent from 2007 levels. The increased giving, which comes as turmoil on Wall Street has cut contributions to nonprofits nationwide, demonstrates one of the most compelling features of donor-advised funds—namely their capacity to pool charitable assets and create “charitable reserves” that can be tapped during economic downturns. Patrick’s 2 cents – we’ve seen the same thing at NCF as well….people tapping into their DAF balances to keep giving during bad times. Compelling argument for DAFs.
September 3, 2008 • 9:21 pm 0
eBay’s venture into microfinance
MicroPlace, a wholly-owned subsidiary of eBay Inc., is a website that provides an easy way for everyday people to invest in the world’s working poor by leveraging the power of microfinance, a proven solution to alleviate global poverty.
Filed under: Advisor, Giver , technology
August 24, 2008 • 12:07 pm 0
Creating a culture of generosity
Culture-making blog – If I only had $1 dollar for every time I’ve heard/said “creating a culture of generosity” over the last 5 years, I think the $$ I would earn could actually create a culture of generosity! We often throw this phrase around but do we actually know what it takes to make it happen? Well Andy Crouch might be able to give us the answer in this insightful blog post from his new web site www.culture-making.com. This is a must read for anyone in the generosity movement.
http://www.culture-making.com/articles/skillful_culture_making
August 23, 2008 • 3:39 am 0
Giving by the Rich to Remain Strong in 2008
WSJ Blog – Despite the weak economy, charitable giving by the rich could increase this year compared to 2007. That is the rather optimistic prediction of Crown Philanthropic Advisors, a New York firm that sells technology platforms for donor-advised funds. The firm’s survey of donors and advisers showed that the wealthy–those with $2 million or more in investable assets–are unlikely to cut back on charitable giving this year. Patrick’s comments – we’ve experienced this same trend at NCF in year’s past. As the economy goes south, wealthy givers often tend to give more aggressively to reach their giving goals in case things get worse.
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2008/08/20/giving-by-the-rich-to-remain-strong-in-2008/
August 1, 2008 • 1:36 am 0
Giving a lot to save a little
Wall Street Journal – The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation plans to donate hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years to programs designed to spur savings in poor countries, officials at the Seattle foundation say. It is the philanthropy’s first focused effort in financial services and is part of a broader push by the foundation into programs to help improve basic infrastructure in the neediest regions of developing countries.
July 24, 2008 • 2:14 am 0
This mutual fund spreads benefits around
Boston Business Journal – The Davlin Philanthropic Fund, which is now open to investors, works like any open-end mutual fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors maintain control and ownership of their investments, receive all the income and returns, and pay fees for professionals to invest their money. But unlike any other mutual fund, the Davlin Philanthropic Fund allows investors to donate a significant portion of those fees to their favorite charities. Patrick’s 2 cents – I don’t get it. It seems rather complicated versus just charging a low management fee and letting me as an investor give out of my assets where I want to give.
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2008/07/21/daily27.html
Filed under: Advisor
July 17, 2008 • 10:00 am 0
Overturning the money tables
Christianity Today – In the late 1990s, Rusty Leonard was managing $3.5 billion at Franklin Templeton Investments. He was one of the company’s best performing managers. And as the “Christian guy” at Templeton, Leonard was often assigned the accounts held by Christians. One account in particular, owned by the DeMoss Foundation, profoundly shaped his future career. Patrick’s 2 cents – Rusty’s a friend with a big heart and tenacity to match it. He’s got a passion for giving and social investing and he’s willing to put his money where his mouth is.
June 13, 2008 • 7:12 pm 0
Why Wait to Give Away Your Money?
U.S. News & World Report – A recent Bank of America survey of wealthy individuals found that just over 70 percent discuss philanthropy with their children and about 20 percent give their children money to donate. “[Clients] find that philanthropy is the glue that holds the family together. It’s a way to share family stories and values,” says Eileen Wilhem, managing director of Bank of America’s philanthropic management.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/retirement/2008/06/12/why-wait-to-give-away-your-money.html
Filed under: Advisor , young givers
