Where Most Needed

American Red Cross: The CEO Model Has Failed

New CEO Mark Everson has resigned after six months on the job for having relations with a chapter executive in Mississippi (giving new meaning to Katrina relief).  But the Red Cross has made its greatest strides under interim leadership over the last decade, calling into question whether the organization really needs a high profile chief—and whether they can find one.

Independent Sector Releases Watered Down Principles for Nonprofits

The IS-sponsored Panel on the Nonprofit Sector announces principles that aren't that different from ones that other nonprofit groups adopted decades ago.  And they still don't address over-indulgent executive compensation—much less fundraising phone calls and junk mail. 

Philadelphians Dare to Question WHYY Executive Salaries

Staff, a newspaper columnist, and a local magazine take on the CEO of the local public broadcasting outlet for excessive compensation and poor performance. 

The Coinstar Conundrum and Other Mysteries of Paid Fundraising

Hawaii's charity solicitation report demonstrates why large scale charities continue to rely on contract fundraising.  It works for them.

Honolulu Newspaper Presses Case for Charity Registration

Although the vast majority of Hawai'i's 5,000 public charities follow the rules and have financial safeguards in place, the Honolulu Advertiser thinks they should have to pay for the misdeeds of a few.  There is no evidence offered to demonstrate that registration reduces fraud in other states. 

College Accrediting Bodies Want to Cut the Corporate Claptrap

At least one group of watchdog organizations are looking past the arbitrary divisions between for-profit, nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental  organizations. 

Missouri Takes on High-Pressure Police Telemarketers

A lawsuit accuses Police Protective Fund of making false claims about benefits, while most of the funds raised go to professional fundraisers. 

Bowling and Poetry Top List of Efficient Fundraisers for UNCF

Unfortunately, they don't raise very much money.  Less efficient fundraising events like walkathons and galas yield tons more cash. 

Congress Approves Red Cross Reforms

In the bill and the findings included with it, Congress rejects popular notions: charity as an independent Third Sector and the value of self-appointed watchdogs. 

Faith-based Group Falters with Katrina Aid

Another group falls far short of its initial projections about the number of people provided with assistance, but few are paying attention.