How can the U.S. and the EU sanction Russian and Ukrainian politicians and oligarchs if the likes of Ukraine’s Viktor Yanukovych can hide their booty in anonymous corporations that don’t reveal their beneficial owners? Global Witness is a leading entity challenging the use of corporations by crooks to stash their plunder, but the biggest obstacle is the U.S. and its unwavering support for corporate secrecy.
Local United Way Struggles with Larger Forces: An Oft-Repeated Story
Although the economy is improving somewhat, those gains haven’t translated into greater donations for the United Way of the Greater Capital Region. The chair of their resource development committee talks about the reasons why.
Corporate Entanglements Raise Questions about Nonprofit Museum’s Bona Fides
The Oregon Attorney General’s office has issued a devastating audit of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, detailing the significant control over the museum by executives of the for-profit Evergreen International Aviation company and its primary owner, Delford Smith. Some of the financial transactions between the company and the museum look questionable, but the corporate presence and influence in the nonprofit museum’s governance may not be all that unique.
Requiem for (Another) Opera Company
After nearly half a century, the San Diego Opera will cease operations in April, at the end of its 2014 season. Citing weak ticket sales and declining contributed income, the board announced its decision last week to “do the responsible thing.”
Shove Over and Give Gen Y the Keys!
According to Marlene Litt, nonprofit organizations that hesitate to hand over the keys to Gen Y may very well be jeopardizing their longevity.
Planned Parenthood Forms Advocacy Arm in Texas to Sway Governor’s Race
The group hopes to replicate in the Lone Star State its success in getting a pro-choice Democratic governor elected in Virginia.
One Observer Thinks Cities with Strong Mayors Outwork DC
Only seven percent of Americans think Congress is doing a good or excellent job. President Obama’s popularity is at a historic low. The Atlantic’s James Fallows thinks a better model of political leadership might be found in cities with strong mayors.
President of Minnesota Orchestra Resigns under Fire
The drama between the Minnesota Orchestral Association and its musicians has proceeded apace even after the lockout was resolved, with some lead artists demanding that the president/CEO step down…and so, last week, Michael Henson announced his resignation.
Poison Centers Struggling with Sharply Reduced Funding
Anyone who has had to call the poison hotline in his or her area knows how important the service is. But does the public know that the funding for those centers has declined by a full third in the past four years?
The “Transfer of Wealth” in this Case will be Directly to Charity
We know that the Gates family plays a modeling role for some other philanthropists, but in this case they have been one-upped very quickly. Last week, Bill and Melinda Gates indicated that they would not leave their children billions, though they would leave them some more reasonable amount. Now, a UK-based super-wealthy guy says he will leave his children nothing.
Museums Strive to Attract the Next Generation of Trustees and Donors
As the community leadership baton passes from the baby boomers to their children, museums around the country are working hard to adapt to attract this new wealthy generation. However, this next generation acts and reacts a little differently from their parents, and museums have to adapt.
Loving Rev. Fred Phelps?
Upon the passing of hatemonger and provocateur Fred Phelps, we ask: How is it proper to mark his death?