Friday, January 22, 2010

Haiti Dominates Public's Consciousness - Pew Research Center

Haiti Dominates Public's Consciousness - Pew Research Center: "Americans have been highly focused on the massive earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12. Not only is the disaster clearly the public's top news story, fully 70% say it is the story they are talking about with friends."

PHILANTHROPY 2173: Random data bits about Haiti giving

PHILANTHROPY 2173: Random data bits about Haiti giving: "Random data bits about Haiti giving

Real(ish) time data sources
Paypal has emerged as a new source of data on giving - reporting $1.5 million processed in donations to #Haiti relief efforts. As for data sources, Google Checkout, Convio, Network for Good and the mGive Foundation (behind the text donations) have definitely claimed their place as providers of real-time data about giving. The Foundation Center launched this online map of foundation grants to disaster relief, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy was updating its giving totals about twice a day Weds-Fri of last week."

U.S. businesses donate millions to Red Cross Haiti philanthropy | The Daily Tell

U.S. businesses donate millions to Red Cross Haiti philanthropy | The Daily Tell: "U.S. corporations have donated millions of dollars in support of the American Red Cross’s philanthropy efforts for earthquake victims in Haiti, the humanitarian organization announced on Thursday."

As search for survivors slows in Haiti, humanitarian efforts intensify - washingtonpost.com

As search for survivors slows in Haiti, humanitarian efforts intensify - washingtonpost.com: "At the Notre Dame de la Nativite orphanage in southern Port-au-Prince, director Eveline Louis-Jacques waited anxiously Thursday for a delivery from the World Food Program -- the first major aid she was scheduled to receive since the 7.0-magnitude quake struck Jan. 12"

Senate Unanimously Approves Bill To Speed Haiti Tax Deductions

Senate Unanimously Approves Bill To Speed Haiti Tax Deductions: "The Senate has unanimously passed legislation that allows taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions to aid victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

The bill was passed Thursday, a day after the House also unanimously approved the bill (see House Unanimously Passes Haiti Tax Deduction Bill)."

Philanthropy: Rethinking How to Give - BusinessWeek

Philanthropy: Rethinking How to Give - BusinessWeek: "When disaster strikes, as it has in Haiti, Americans dig into their pockets and give. While such generosity is unquestionably a good thing in a terrible time, few individuals do much research on the groups they've chosen to receive their money. The uncomfortable truth in philanthropy is that it's not easy to know whether the group you're giving to is particularly effective at what it does. With Americans giving more than $200 billion a year, that's a lot of ambiguity."

Dartmouth students surpass $100,000 Haiti fundraising goal; increase to $125,000

Dartmouth students surpass $100,000 Haiti fundraising goal; increase to $125,000: "SDHR has organized more than 300 campus and community volunteers into eight committees, and their volunteer structure and fundraising model is setting the standard for colleges and universities nationwide. “Our mobilization was fast and our community rallied behind us with support,” says Cass. “But at the end of the day this isn't about Dartmouth. We've shared our model for organization with colleges around the country and we will continue to be involved with this so that our mobilization is just the beginning of the national effort.”"

Alexandria Times | Playing the tune of philanthropy

Alexandria Times | Playing the tune of philanthropy: "Eight-year-old Skylar Camerlink performs a solo at the corner of King and Union streets Monday morning during a small fundraiser to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti."

Thursday, January 21, 2010

From The Chronicle: More Than $305-Million Given for Haiti - Philanthropy.com

From The Chronicle: More Than $305-Million Given for Haiti - Philanthropy.com: "From The Chronicle: More Than $305-Million Given for Haiti

Contributions continue to pour in for relief efforts in Haiti. Eight days after the massive earthquake struck, donors have contributed more than $305-million to 32 U.S. nonprofit groups, a Chronicle tally finds."

Paulette's Point of View

Paulette's Point of View: "We’ve also been asked by a few members for fundraising advice and guidance with regards to disasters and other events. While many organizations involved in relief efforts are well-versed and prepared for such an event, there is always a need for new ideas from experienced colleagues. If you have any advice, thoughts and experiences you’d like to share with our members, please send them to paffairs@afpnet.org. We’re putting together a toolkit, news blog and other information about the Haitian relief efforts, so be sure to check this special section of our website. We’ve also distributed a press release encouraging people to give and providing advice on wise giving and avoiding fraudulent organizations."

Katrina, Tsunami Lessons Can Drive Haiti Fundraising; Giving Institute Giving USA offer Advice

Press Release

Katrina, Tsunami Lessons Can Drive Haiti Fundraising; Giving Institute Giving USA offer Advice: "Glenview, IL (PRWEB) January 20, 2010 -- How much will Americans end up donating to the Haitian earthquake relief efforts? If past disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Asian tsunami provide guidance for today's efforts, the result is likely to be in the billions.

In 2006, for example, Giving USA Foundation reported that American individuals, corporations and foundations donated $7.37 billion in 2005 for disaster relief in the aftermaths of the hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast of the United States, the Asian tsunami and an earthquake in Pakistan. An additional $1.17 billion was raised for hurricane relief in 2006.

And just as of today, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University reported that $189.9 million has been donated to 43 organizations for relief efforts. This tracks with the five-day fundraising response to the Asian tsunami and the 2005 hurricanes."

Haiti Donations Could Be Deductible This Tax Season

Haiti Donations Could Be Deductible This Tax Season: "U.S. taxpayers have been stepping forward to provide money to charities like the American Red Cross and Unicef, raising tens of millions of dollars through text messages alone. Now Congress is considering legislation that would allow U.S. taxpayers to deduct their Haiti donations this year instead of waiting until next year (see Lawmakers Propose Bill to Speed Haiti Donations)."

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Virginia college group describes surviving Haiti earthquake - washingtonpost.com

Virginia college group describes surviving Haiti earthquake - washingtonpost.com: "WEYERS CAVE, VA. -- Two students from Blue Ridge Community College were driving down a rutted road in southern Haiti last Tuesday afternoon with two faculty advisers when they heard a giant clap of rocks and their van began to rock."

A good type of texting The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper

A good type of texting The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper: "The record-breaking -- and rising -- texting take is being generated not by huge monetary contributions but by a huge number of modest monetary contributions through the nonprofit Mobile Giving Foundation. Customers of major U.S. cell-phone carriers Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T can donate $10 to the Red Cross' Haiti relief coffers simply by texting the word 'Haiti' (90999)."

Haiti Donations on Track to Top $1 Billion - Sphere News

Haiti Donations on Track to Top $1 Billion - Sphere News: "WASHINGTON (Jan. 19) -- Americans are looking past their own recession-racked circumstances at heartbreaking images of Haiti and sending hundreds of millions of dollars in donations at a pace close to that of the largest disasters in recent history."

A Roundup of Haiti Fund Raising - Philanthropy.com

A Roundup of Haiti Fund Raising - Philanthropy.com: "A Roundup of Haiti Fund Raising

Donors have contributed more than $275-million to help earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, more than the amount donated in the same period following the 2004 Asian tsunamis."

Images of homeless, injured Haitian kids fuels push have them brought to U.S.

Images of homeless, injured Haitian kids fuels push have them brought to U.S.: "A change in U.S. policy has blown open the door to living in this country for at least 300 children from Haitian orphanages — about 79 of whom have landed in this country since the policy was announced Monday.

Still, doctors working in Haiti warn that the change doesn't fix a more immediate problem facing up to 1,000 other children:"

Record Giving for Haiti Relief Effort | Wireless Week

Record Giving for Haiti Relief Effort | Wireless Week: "Short codes traditionally have been used for marketing campaigns. However, since President Barack Obama's successful grassroots campaign in 2008, the opt-in SMS-based solution has proven its effectiveness in mobilizing large groups of people toward a single goal.

Jim Manis, CEO of Mobile Giving Foundation, the organization be"

BusinessDay - EU increases aid 100m to devastated Haiti

BusinessDay - EU increases aid 100m to devastated Haiti: "EUROPEAN states yesterday pledged à 400m in immediate and long-term aid to Haiti in the wake of its devastating earthquake, and international agencies focused on security in the devastated capital.

100m, million euros, to help the earthquake-ravaged nation country recover from an epic disaster."

Solar Power Stars in Haiti Relief Efforts | Not Quite Conversation | Fast Company

Solar Power Stars in Haiti Relief Efforts | Not Quite Conversation | Fast Company: "One of the biggest efforts comes from solar lighting company Sol, which is donating $300,000 along with solar lighting systems that will allow food distribution centers and hospitals to operate after dark. Getting the hefty systems to Haiti won't be easy. Sol is depending on help from other relief organizations as well as a 44-foot catamaran that will deliver supplies and provide logistical help once it is docked in Haiti. This isn't the first time Sol has donated equipment to a disaster effort. The company has previously assisted in Hurricane Katrina, the 2007 Peruvian earthquake, and Hurricane Rita recovery programs."

Haitians struggling to survive, charity reports

Haitians struggling to survive, charity reports: "According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), many Haitians are hungry and thirsty, leading some to loot destroyed buildings for supplies."

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Donations to Aid Haiti Exceed $275-Million, Chronicle Tally Finds - Philanthropy.com

Donations to Aid Haiti Exceed $275-Million, Chronicle Tally Finds - Philanthropy.com: "Contributions continue to pour in for relief efforts in Haiti. Seven days after the massive earthquake struck, donors have contributed more than $275-million to 29 U.S. nonprofit groups, a Chronicle tally finds."

Technology playing a key role in Haiti relief

Technology playing a key role in Haiti relief: "Online maps, mobile phone donations, wikis and a slew of websites are being deployed as telecoms firms, technology giants and startups set aside their rivalries and put the latest tools to work to help earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

'Technology is playing a key role in mobilising support for the victims of the Haiti earthquake and also in coordinating relief efforts,' said Akhtar Badshah, Microsoft's senior director of global community affairs."

Relief Efforts in Haiti Slowly Take Hold | Americas | English

Relief Efforts in Haiti Slowly Take Hold | Americas | English: "Aid workers in Haiti say earthquake relief efforts are starting to make an impact in Port-au-Prince. But frustration is mounting among Haitians who say they still have no access to food, water and medical treatment."

Students return from Haiti in earthquake's aftermath on CollegiateTimes.com

Students return from Haiti in earthquake's aftermath on CollegiateTimes.com: "Virginia Tech freshman Nadia Tuck and the rest of her ministry group went to Haiti expecting to aid a country riddled with violence. Instead, they found themselves rocked by a devastating earthquake."

Americans Raise Record $150 Million for Haiti - The Wealth Report - WSJ

Americans Raise Record $150 Million for Haiti - The Wealth Report - WSJ: "American donors raised more than $150 million in four days for the Haiti relief efforts – a record for post-disaster fundraising.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Haiti funds top the $108 million raised in the four days immediately after Hurrican Katrina, and the $30 million raised in the days after the 2004 Asian Tsunami."

haiti earthquake appeal - ammado

haiti earthquake appeal - ammado: "About the Community
At 16.53 on Tuesday, the worst earthquake in two centuries hit south of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. Registering at 7.0, the disaster is being described as 'a catastrophe of major proportions'. Damaged communications make it difficult to estimate the extent of the damage; the International Federation of Red Cross estimates up to 3 million people have been affected."

A Statement from Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the USA, on the Earthquake in Haiti

A Statement from Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the USA, on the Earthquake in Haiti: "In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the National Board suspended the policy that prohibits Girl Scouts from raising money for other organizations. We are working with the Executive Committee of the board to suspend this policy once again. We will keep you informed of any action. In the meantime, all Girl Scouts councils should work though their local community groups to assist in relief efforts."

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Haiti Earthquake: Orphans, Crisis Mapping, and Tech Volunteers - Beth's Blog: How Nonprofit Organizations Can Use Social Media to Power Social Networks for Change

Haiti Earthquake: Orphans, Crisis Mapping, and Tech Volunteers - Beth's Blog: How Nonprofit Organizations Can Use Social Media to Power Social Networks for Change: "'ve had some posts in pipeline following up on social media metrics and the Chase Community Giving Contest second phase, but wanted to share these two stories from Haiti from on the ground and a bird's eye view. The story has shifted from how technology is disrupting the amazing success of text giving campaigns to the role social media is playing in the relief efforts."

The 4636 SMS Shortcode for Reporting in Haiti – The Ushahidi Blog

Thanks to Beth Kanter for the Heads up

The 4636 SMS Shortcode for Reporting in Haiti – The Ushahidi Blog: "Yesterday, with the help of dozens of people from multiple organizations, we launched an SMS short code in Haiti!

If you are in Haiti, report emergency info and location by texting 4636.

Subscribers on the DigiCel network in Haiti can now report incidents by sending text messages free of charge to 4636. The shortcode makes it even faster and easier for eyewitnesses to report developments on the ground."