Nonprofit News Round Up

The following articles were collected by the Minnesota Council on Foundation.

Economy:
Foundations, Corporations Have Committed More Than $100 Million to Address Economic Crisis
Philanthropy News Digest: A growing number of grantmakers have made exceptional commitments to address the causes and impact of the current economic downturn.

Many Foundations Have Lost Almost One-Third of Their Assets
The steep decline in the stock market last year triggered an erosion of foundation wealth, according to a new Chronicle of Philanthropy survey of some of the nation’s largest philanthropies.

House Stimulus Legislation Would Bolster Social-Services Spending
Chronicle of Philanthropy: The economic-stimulus package approved by the House of Representatives would provide new money to an array of health and social-services programs, offering some relief to charities that are facing rising demand and shrinking revenues as the economic crisis deepens.

Charity Must Not Become a Casualty of the Recession
Richard Branson in the Daily Telegraph.

Nonprofit Groups Feel the Credit Crunch
Chronicle of Philanthropy: Nonprofit organizations are in for a tough year of tightening credit markets and a deepening recession, according to two new reports from Moody’s Investors Service.

Nonprofits and the Economy, a three-part series from the Wilmington (NC) Star-News:
> Part 1: The downturn’s effect on philanthropic giving
> Part 2: What it means to North Carolina
> Part 3: Strategizing under the current conditions

When Donors Can’t Keep Their Pledges
Wall Street Journal: Although a pledge is a legally enforceable contract in most states, charities typically don’t enforce them. But a donor’s ethics and reputation may still be on the line. If you have been a steady supporter of a charity but have to cut back on your usual gifts this year, get in touch with the charity right away and consider alternative forms of donations.