Across the United States, more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations engage in remarkable work to transform lives, communities and the planet. Unfortunately, these organizations currently face a wide range of growing pressures. Consider these facts: In 2013, nonprofit organizations employed more than 10.6 percent of the workforce (14.4 million). More individuals are employed by nonprofits… Read more »
Category: Businesses
Business leaders, consumers and employees find value in enhanced philanthropy
Businesses must play a more strategic and integral role in efforts to solve the most pressing problems of our local, national and global communities. So believes Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of international asset management and investment giant Blackrock. His colleagues in the business community are taking note. In his annual CEO letter, Fink recently… Read more »
Six trends to affect philanthropic landscape in 2018
When it comes to the world of philanthropy, 2018 promises to be transformational. Pessimists are concerned about the impact of new federal tax laws, the increase in income inequality, and the growing need for critical social services. Optimists see more reason for hope, believing that we have entered the “golden age of giving.” Watch for… Read more »
Next-generation donors will revolutionize philanthropy
We are currently engaged in the largest wealth transfer in history. Over 50 years, between 2007 and 2061, an estimated $59 trillion will pass from older to younger generations. In addition, many wealthy millennials, like Mark Zuckerberg and his peers, are generating their own substantial wealth. It is expected that up to half of this… Read more »
Thinking of giving to an international charity? New IRS regs clarify requirements
Around the globe, many remarkable organizations work to help people at the very bottom of the economic, justice and environmental pyramids. Each year, U.S. donors contribute billions of dollars to advance causes in other parts of the world – especially when these people and causes appear in the headlines. Philanthropist Warren Buffett sums it up… Read more »
Strategic philanthropy: Seven lessons in seven years
Seven years ago, I began working closely with families, businesses and foundations to help them achieve greater impact for themselves and their communities through philanthropy. Over that time, much has changed and I’ve gained practical experience and learned valuable lessons within this very special niche. The field of strategic philanthropy is more sophisticated and complex… Read more »
Changes to federal policies could drastically affect philanthropists, nonprofits
Ever since the United States was founded, charitable support of nonprofit organizations has been a fundamental part of its social fabric. Every day, nonprofits touch millions of Americans’ lives. They provide for essential human services, advocate for core democratic values and support people, animals, arts and the environment. Plus, nonprofits account for 11.4 million jobs… Read more »
Focused mission statements help donors decide where to direct their money
When setting up a giving plan, most individuals, families and businesses begin with two basic questions: “Where do we start?” and “To which organizations should we give?” The answers to these two questions are essential to any strategic giving program — providing the framework for every subsequent decision a donor will make. Donors of all… Read more »
Risk, philanthropy go hand-in-hand
Risk is the likelihood of an undesirable outcome. Every action includes an element of risk. Philanthropy is no exception to this rule. In fact, charitable donations — because they seek to solve seemingly intractable problems — are often referred to as society’s ultimate “risk capital.” Risk and return analyses are important considerations when making any… Read more »
Tax Form 990: A treasure trove of information for strategic philanthropy
To achieve their goals, philanthropic families and businesses seek to partner with nonprofits that can demonstrate operational sustainability and effectiveness over the long term. For those making this decision, IRS tax form 990 contains a treasure trove of available information. Many otherwise-savvy donors fail to take advantage of this useful tool. Each year, tax-exempt organizations… Read more »