In this tale of two billionaires and a multi-millionaire, we look at different approaches to either embracing or avoiding the idea of using one’s largesse for societal benefit.
For National Volunteer Week, Austin DeMarco reminds us of the many benefits of giving, be it one’s time or one’s money—an act that rekindles our sense of purpose and meaning in life.
As Internet-driven movements proliferate and gather momentum, it may well be that iconic leader-centric movements are becoming a thing of the past.
To access the full article February 13, 2012; Herald-Tribune | The Sarasota, Fla. chapter of Girls Inc. is facing the need to pay back $360,000 in tainted donations, plus $90,000 in interest, an amount that is nearly equal to half its yearly budget. The money came from Arthur Nadel (or “mini-Madoff”), who was convicted for running a Ponzi scheme worth $168 million.
Girls Inc. is among a half dozen Sarasota charities that owe a total of more than $1 million as a court-appointed receiver tries to claw the money back for bilked investors. Girls Inc., however, is one of a few charities pushing a bill to try to prevent such repossessions from charities. “At first I was appalled and then I think I went, ‘we need to find a solution for this,’” said Stephania Feltz of Girls Inc. “My heart breaks for the individuals that lost their investments. But I believe there are two victims.”
NPQ wonders about the ethical considerations of this in light of the fact that many lost their life savings. What do you think? –Ruth McCambridge
The “What Works Collaborative,” involving researchers from the Urban Institute, the Brookings Institution, and others, offers a report on successful strategies for building neighborhoods. 
Investor and philanthropist Scott Brittingham is donating $500,000 to Dead Central, a Grateful Dead memorial exhibition space located in the University of California-Santa Cruz’s library. 
A report from the Government Accountability Office on best practices in the use of community development block grant and HOME funds doesn’t include voices from the nonprofit sector. 
