The current economic situation offers a double-edged sword for most charitable organizations. On one hand, some regular donors may feel more cash-strapped than usual, and may feel the need to restrict their annual giving. However, with the rise of new media (blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), crowdfunding websites (Kiva, Crowdrise, Kickstarter), and innovative technology that tracks…
The Center for Arab American Philanthropy’s Teen Grantmaking Initiative (TGI) announces the availability of grant funds of up to $1,000 to support projects that serve area young people. TGI is a group of 20 Dearborn, MI teens dedicated to improving their community through grantmaking. TGI will grant up to a total of $5,000 in its…
A new report by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, “Cultures of Giving: Energizing and Expanding Philanthropy by and for Communities of Color,” documents a philanthropic shift in America toward “identity-based philanthropy.” A sector that was once exclusively elite and homogeneously white is becoming ever more democratic, diverse and rooted in community. The report chronicles the beginnings…
Since 1996, the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies (AIES) has challenged and educated Arab and Jewish graduate students in the field of environmental studies. Located in Eilat, AIES accepts students from all over the world to study and cooperatively solve the most pressing environmental issues in the region. Founded on the basis that “nature knows…
With disasters wreaking havoc in Japan and Somalia, and with the Arab Spring and the Occupy movement forging new political rhetoric around the world, 2011 was nothing if not tumultuous. The same can be said of the philanthropic sector. While overall giving remained steady, certain sectors (such as social justice philanthropy) experienced a sharp decline…
All over the country generous microphilanthropists are finding ways to contribute to the #30DaysofGOOD cause. Here in Michigan, Kmart shoppers started paying the balance of random layaway accounts, a couple began passing out $100 bills in Detroit, and a mysterious fairy in Grand Rapids is putting change in fortuitous parking meters. You don’t always have…
You may have noticed your email inbox being inundated with requests for you to support causes ranging from arts installations to cancer research. This time of year, nonprofits step up their fundraising efforts in order to fully participate in the giving spirit of the season. While the majority of these are noteworthy and admirable charities,…
December always seems to involve a bit of a frenzied rush to prepare for holiday and year-end festivities. Often we forget to relax and enjoy the spirit of the season, which is why we at CAAP wish to highlight some of the exciting programs that our grantee partners have been developing this year. Each year,…
Every month GOOD magazine features a #30DaysofGOOD challenge to its readers. Participants are encouraged to share the results via various social media channels as well as GOOD’s website. We at CAAP are especially interested in this month’s challenge, as it encourages pondering creative ways to give back. This month’s #30DaysofGOOD campaign is one way to…
Part of a Philanthropy A-Z series There are instances where a downturned economy can offer new and innovative solutions to issues that we face. Even though many of us are tightening our own wallets, social problems and worthy causes do not decline. Giving circles are a growing form of philanthropy that offer solutions to social…