New Jersey’s vocal and telegenic Republican Governor, Chris Christie, has been a favorite of the low- and no-government types like Ann Coulter. But the fact that Christie’s Lt. Gov. and two of his cabinet officers—but not Christie—showed up at a FoodBank to present a seven-figure check for government assistance to the hungry should remind ideologues that government is the necessary core of our society’s social safety net, and cannot be wished away in favor of mythical charitable giving.
Secret Santa Pays It Forward with Cash to Strangers—$20,000 Worth
This is just a feel-good story, but we know that these kinds of stories and experiences infect communities with the urge to pay back, and this particular line of paybacks is now at least three generations long.
Should the U.K.’s Charity Bank Be Permitted to Do Unlimited Distribution of Profits to Charitable Shareholders
The U.K.’s Charity Bank wants to change British charity law to allow for unrestricted distribution of profits to charitable shareholders.
Replicate this: Removing Bedbugs—a Welcome Charitable Endeavor Indeed
A program that has organized pest control businesses to give back through eliminating bedbugs from the lives of families too poor to pay for the service has to be enormously welcome for those so afflicted.
A Nonprofit-Friendly Government Languishes with Bills Stuck in Committees
Nonprofit advocacy on Capitol Hill ought to focus on more than the charitable deduction and other charitable giving incentives. How about taking a look at pending legislation proposed by members of Congress who actually “get” the nonprofit sector and proposed legislation that plays to what nonprofits do best-legislators such as Menendez, Sires, Kaptur, Serrano, Velazquez, Mikulski, and Sanders? Their bills, likely to languish and die in Congressional committees, would help make a nonprofit-friendly federal government.
Social Impact Bonds: A Conversation with Simon Jawitz
Social Impact Bonds may be the latest and newest instrument for drawing private investment into entrepreneurial social programs. But with only one major example of Social Impact Bond financing, from the United Kingdom, and efforts to gin up Social Impact Bond initiatives in Boston and the Twin Cities having only just begun, there are as yet too few results to trumpet. NPQ contributing editor Jon Pratt sat down with Simon Jawitz, board member of and senior advisor to Growth Philanthropy Network, to discuss the concept’s prospects.
(Image: “Untitled.” 2011. Amy Joy Watson)
Social Impact Bonds: A Conversation with Simon Jawitz
With just one concrete example of Social Impact Bonds in action—in the United Kingdom—and pilot projects only just starting to take off nationally, how do we measure the outcomes? At this early stage of practice we must take something of a “wait and see” approach, but what is clear is that Social Impact Bonds may very well come to represent a new step in the evolution of philanthropy toward an outcomes (rather than outputs) focused effort.
(Image: “Untitled.” 2011. Amy Joy Watson)
No Humor for Nonprofits in Scranton Expected to Ante Up Payments in Lieu of Taxes
Scranton may be home to the TV sitcom “The Office,” but the city government’s plan to get nonprofits to pay for the city’s parks and recs budget through Payments in Lieu of Taxes is no joke.
Rush Limbaugh: Lauds Greed over Charity
Nonprofits, don’t ask Rush Limbaugh for an endorsement on your behalf. He says that self-interest or greed has “fed more hungry mouths” than charity. Tell it to the nation’s—and world’s—starving millions.
Model: In Greece Nonprofit Barter Networks Grow in Face of Economic Woes
As the global economy seeks new ways of righting itself, some solutions will inevitably be very local and built on principles very different from those of the mega corporations. In Greece, communities are beginning to create barter networks that build both community and self-respect, while ensuring non-euro based ways to survive.
Sandusky Charity Says, Don’t Donate to Us
Is Jerry Sandusky’s Second Mile closing its doors? Sure seems like it is on that track, unless it loses its battle against a potential court order that would prevent it from shutting down or transferring its assets. The organization now recommends that donors shift their planned donations to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.
Operation H.O.P.E. Provides Dental Services for Paying It Forward
An innovative nonprofit in Las Vegas combines the provision of complimentary health services with the inspiration to help others.