"Philanthropy in Hollywood"

Some of you may be interested in learning how the entertainment industry is supporting their favorite nonprofit organizations. Our library has recently obtained a copy of the annual issue of The Hollywood Reporter that highlights the philanthropic activities of the major movie studios, television networks, talent agencies, and industry leaders.

The articles in the "Philanthropy in Hollywood" section explain Harvey Weinstein's involvement with the Robin Hood Foundation, HBO Films' filmmaking program for at-risk youth, and more.

These articles are also available on the Hollywood Reporter web site, where you can find a directory of nonprofits with significant entertainment-industry support.

For more information on celebrity philanthropy, be sure to have a look at the Foundation Center's Youth in Philanthropy site.

On a related note, we would like to announce that our New York library/learning center will be hosting the special event, "Successful Strategies for Engaging Celebrities in Your Cause" on October 16, 2007 as part of Funding for Arts Month. Click here to learn more.

Fundraising Effectiveness Survey

Many nonprofits may be too focused on how many new donors have been acquired without looking carefully at the number of lapsed donors. Do you know what your donor attrition rate is? How does your attrition rate compare with other organizations? Let’s find out.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has teamed up with the Urban Institute and other organizations to launch the Fundraising Effectiveness Project to help nonprofits evaluate and maximize annual giving.

A key element in the project was the Fundraising Effectiveness Survey, which involved collecting data from survey participants’ donor databases. The analysis of the pilot survey data from 275 participants indicate that giving at these organizations grew 10.6 percent from 2004 to 2005. What’s more interesting is that the growth is actually the net ratio of the gains (62.6 percent) minus losses in giving (51.9 percent). Indeed, maximizing annual giving involves acquiring and upgrading donors while implementing donor retention strategies.

The survey report’s appendix includes individual charts that compare ratios by organizational type, size, age, and region. The full-text of the FEP Pilot 2004-05 Survey Report is available at AFP’s web site.

Perspectives from a Former Foundation President

In Beyond the Money, Edward Skloot, the former president of the Surdna Foundation, shares his thoughts on more effective approaches to philanthropy and social change. The compilation of Skloot’s speeches touches on a variety of topics and issues, including funding collaboratives, advocacy, social entrepreneurship, governance issues, and more.

His critique of American philanthropy serves to promote constructive dialogue in the sector, as Joel Fleishman’s The Foundation: A Great American Secret has. Skloot writes:

“The little collection you are reading now is wider in its scope and more impressionistic in its tone than Joel’s finely honed, expert review of the philanthropic sector. But I hope this contribution will also be provocative and useful. Call it the 'sorbet course' in an ongoing dinner conversation about the uncommon challenges facing civil society."

To read more (and to find out what Skloot means by the “International House of Pancakes Theory of Philanthropy”) call the Surdna Foundation at (212) 557-0010, ext. 400, and request a free copy. The full-text is also available in PDF format:

Beyond The Money: Reflections on Philanthropy, The Nonprofit Sector and Civic Life, 1999-2006

New Report on Community Foundations

In Key Facts on Community Foundations, the Foundation Center reports that giving by the nation's 707 community foundations rose to a record $3.6 billion in 2006. Other findings:

Giving by community foundations in the sample increased at a higher rate than independent and corporate foundations.

While 60 percent of community foundations indicated that they expected to increase giving in 2007, 29 percent expected reductions.

Click here to view the full report.

Find out which community foundation ranked highest in total giving for 2005 (the answer may surprise you).

Bill Clinton's New Book

In Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, Bill Clinton describes his philanthropic activities, as well as the efforts of companies, charities, and other individuals. He also discusses how business and nonprofits can organize markets for the public good. The former President notes:

“In this book you’ll encounter givers old, young, and in between, rich, poor, and in between, highly educated, virtually illiterate, and in between. You’ll read about innovative organizations, about new ways of giving time and money, and about old-fashioned acts of individual generosity and kindness. I think you’ll find people with whom you can identify, groups you might want to join, companies you might want to buy from, projects you might want to start on your own.”

More information is available from the publisher, Alfred A. Knopf.

Stay tuned for Philanthropy News Digest’s upcoming book review on this title.

Core Periodical: Currents

One of the core titles in our library's periodical collection is Currents, published by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). While the magazine is primarily for advancement professionals in educational institutions, the periodical often contains tips and advice that may be applied to other types of organizations. Here is a sampling of articles we have cataloged:

"On Board." (April 2007)
Discusses the importance of board members in capital campaigns, noting that board assessments should be included in campaign feasibility studies. Presents three brief case studies that explain the various roles board members may play in campaigns.

“Campaign Fatigue Syndrome.” (April 2007)
Explains how to keep development staff motivated by shifting responsibilities, rewarding staff, and providing growth opportunities.

“Messaging Donors: This Time It's Personal.” (February 2007)
Discusses ways to optimize campaign communications so that the right messages are targeted at the right people. Topics covered include database profiling, communications focus groups, RSS (really simple syndication) feeds, and Web analytics.

“Away They Go?” (April 2007)
Discusses the reality of donor fatigue, noting that donors may be dissatisfied with organizations or tired of incessant solicitations. Suggestions for addressing donor fatigue include expanding the donor base and developing new forms of recognition.

“Taken for Granted” (May-June 2007)
Explains the benefits of seeking grants from small foundations while noting some key issues to consider.

Visit the CASE Currents web site for a complete listing of articles from past issues. Online access to full-text articles is only available to CASE members. Remember, you can also stop by the Foundation Center (our library in New York has been collecting issues of Currents since 1986).

Using Evaluations for Greater Impact

Many nonprofits use evaluations to improve their services, but did you know that organizations are also using them to influence policy and legislation? Have you thought about using evaluation information for marketing and public relations?

If these ideas interest you, stop by our libraries and have a look at Information Gold Mine: Innovative Uses of Evaluation, published by the Fieldstone Alliance. The guide contains key questions to consider and several real-life examples to help you look at your assessment data more creatively.

Note: The Foundation Center’s Philanthropy News Digest has just launched PhilanTopic, a new blog and interactive platform for a broad range of opinion and commentary from foundation staff, nonprofit practitioners, and those who simply enjoy a good debate.