Where Most Needed

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.

Fewer Donors Could Be Better

Newspapers are cutting out marginal circulation due to the rising cost of solicitation and delivery.  Charities should take note.

Disgruntled Son Blows Whistle on Mom's Favorite Charity

A gossip columnist fills in some details about a messy family feud in Florida involving the heirs of the founder of the National Enquirer. 

Universities Cleaned Up with Katrina Tax Break

Internal Treasury estimates attribute $11 billion in donations in 2005 to the one-time incentive, which was not limited to charities relating to Katrina.  University fundraisers were particularly aggressive in promoting the tax benefit. 

US Federal Executive Pay Puts Charity Salaries in Perspective

External oversight keeps executive pay reasonably proportionate to the rest of staff salaries in the US Federal government, and far less than that $400,000 salary of the President.

Google Buys Fun Statistical Visualization Tool from Swedish Nonprofit

The entertaining professor who founded the organization may feel a twinge of regret for going the charity route. 

Help for the Worried Wealthy

Services thrive that give advice to people who literally have more money than they know what to do with.

Blackbaud Brings Back Free Gift Pyramid Calculator

Fundraisers again have this simple tool for setting campaign goals by size of gift.  But users need to mindful of one pitfall. 

IRS Enforcement of Charity Reporting Pays Off (at Least in Dollars)

The IRS claims to have collected $20 million from forty individuals as a result of excise taxes on excessive pay from a charity. 

Old-Fashioned Charity Adjusts Its Direct Mail in a Changing World

Direct mail remains a discipline committed to experimentation.