Sunday, March 11 marked the one-year anniversary of the fifth-largest earthquake in recorded history. Striking 45 miles off the coast of Sendai, Japan, the earthquake sparked a series of disasters that dramatically changed the lives of Tohoku region residents. The ensuing tsunami, destruction of buildings and land, as well as complications from the Fukushima nuclear…
Who knows their community best? Many would argue the answer lies in community members themselves. The latest report from the C.S. Mott Foundation and the Aga Khan Foundation explores the rising trend of community-based philanthropy, evident in the growing numbers of community foundations not just domestically, but globally. For a sector characterized by grants and…
One author argues that the stock market crisis of 2008, the economic downturn, and subsequent Occupy Wall Street movements were caused not only by a faulty economic system, but by our collective mindset. Charles Eisenstein argues not only that we should turn our mindsets to become more socially/economically/environmentally aware, but that the shift is inevitable…
Philanthropy serves as the most complete model of community development. While a donor may be attracted to a one-time cause, a philanthropist invests in long-term impact for their community. Additionally, philanthropy comes in all sizes and forms. And philanthropy’s potential to influence communities at all levels cannot be underestimated, whether it be a major gift…
One promising sign that Americans are moving forward from the 2008 economic recession comes from a recent report on college giving from the Council for Aid to Education. In 2011, universities raised more than $30 billion, nearly reaching the 2008 high of $31.6 billion. After nearly two years of stalled support, the nation’s top universities…
Applications are currently being accepted for the Russel J. Ebeid ‘62 ACCESS Scholarship for Arab American Students at Kettering University for the 2012-2013 school year. Mr. Ebeid established the scholarship program in partnership with ACCESS and the Arab American National Museum in order to help and encourage Arab Americans to attend Kettering University in Flint,…
Finally, a Valentine’s Day tradition in which everyone can get involved! Whether you’re single or happy settled, a growing movement aims to celebrate the spirit of public goodwill. The aim of Generosity Day is to go out of your way to help others. Leave an extra tip for your barista, shovel your mom’s driveway clean,…
A recent study commissioned by the Scorpio Partnership, a UK wealth management firm, provides new insight into giving patterns of the world’s wealthiest. Scorpio surveyed 3,300 people with an average net worth of $2 million. As these high net worth individuals (HNWI) plan to substantially increase their wealth within the next decade, they have the…
While a necessary step in the donor stewardship process, thanking your donors doesn’t have to be a chore. A little creativity and sincerity can go a long way towards long-term donor cultivation. Which is, after all, the desired goal: without your donors and volunteers, your programs and projects would not be possible. Nonprofits like charity:…
Big money often gets big attention. That is, when millions are doled out by wealthy individuals, corporations, or foundations the amounts are plastered across national headlines. However, little is ever reported on the outcome of these large investments, and whether or not the investment lives up to expectations. Grassroots grantmaking seeks to balance out some…