Friday, October 07, 2005

Fund-raising may test public giving

Fund-raising may test public giving: "Fund-raising may test public giving

By BILL VIRGIN
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

As many non-commercial, community and public radio stations regularly do, Bellevue's KBCS-FM (91.3) recently held a fund-raising campaign.

Unlike many of those campaigns, KBCS's pledge drive wasn't for itself. Instead, it was soliciting donations for community station WWOZ in New Orleans, which was forced off the air in late August by Hurricane Katrina.

While it's an example of the radio industry rallying around in times of trouble, it also points up an interesting challenge for this region's non-commercial, community and public stations as they enter the fall fund-raising season.

Having been hit up for charitable contributions for victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita (and earlier this year for victims of the East Asian tsunami), are potential donors tapped out?"

The Dispatch - Serving the Lexington, North Carolina Area

The Dispatch - Serving the Lexington, North Carolina Area: "N.C. charities wonder how Katrina will affect fund-raising

The Associated Press

Although some North Carolina charities are worried that Hurricane Katrina relief efforts will tax their donation dollars, the keynote speaker at a conference of nonprofits said he believes the storm's victims are fading from the spotlight.

Paul Light, a New York University professor of public service, said Thursday that he believes donors are turning their attention elsewhere, especially now that President Bush has promised to use federal money to repair damaged communities."

Shelters forgo their own needs for others

Shelters forgo their own needs for others: "By Mary Esparra

As I wrote about in previous columns, many local animal shelters are doing what they can to help the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Some are offering space to displaced animals and some are taking up collections. Their generosity astounds me, as their own needs are so great.
Case in point: the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark.
For the past eight years, a major fundraiser for HSPJ has been its 'Walk for the Animals.' As with other charity walks, people pledge donations to volunteers who walk at the event. Port Jervis' event invites walkers to bring their dogs.
Here's what astounds me:
'As much as our shelter needs the money,' said volunteer Marion Durwachter, 'we decided after watching the news on Katrina, it would be nice to do something for those animals. There aren't as many fundraisers solely for the animals affected by the flooding.' "

Thursday, October 06, 2005

The Chronicle: 10/13/2005: Carving Out a Role in Disaster's Wake

The Chronicle: 10/13/2005: Carving Out a Role in Disaster's Wake: "Carving Out a Role in Disaster's Wake

Some experts question necessity of charities formed after Hurricane Katrina; others say they fill a need

By Harvy Lipman

When Terry Webb saw the destruction Hurricane Katrina caused throughout the Gulf Coast, he immediately wanted to take action to help the storm's victims. Mr. Webb, who owns a glass-installation company in Philadelphia, thought he and other contractors ought to be able to do more than give money to relief charities. The question was: What more could they do?"

Newstimeslive.com Katrina donation called unlawful

Newstimeslive.com Katrina donation called unlawful: "Katrina donation called unlawful
New Milford mayor to ask Town Council to rescind vote
By Nanci G. Hutson

THE NEWS-TIMES
Patricia Murphy
NEW MILFORD — Town council members wanted to help hurricane victims when they agreed to donate $30,000 to the American Red Cross.

Now, they're going to have to find another way to help.

The council's Sept. 12 promise to donate $30,000 to the Red Cross relief effort — about $1 per resident — ignited debate about whether it could extend such charity beyond its borders."

Charitable giving methodology not always logical | The San Diego Union-Tribune

Charitable giving methodology not always logical | The San Diego Union-Tribune: "Charitable giving methodology not always logical

By Jeffrey Weiss
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

October 6, 2005

DALLAS – Susan Mandel of Dallas was in many ways typical of the millions of Americans who stepped forward to help the victims of the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

Previously, her volunteer work had been limited to her kids' school and sports activities. But the televised images drew her to volunteer at Jewish Family Service in Dallas, where she met a woman who had lost everything to the storm.

'I asked her, 'How are you doing?' She answered, 'I'm not,' ' Mandel said. By the end of the day, the woman was living with Mandel's family. But Mandel has never considered seeking out a similarly needy Dallas resident."

Westport News - Editorial-"Fund-Raising In A Dangerous Time

Westport News - Editorial: "Fund-Raising In A Dangerous Time

W ith natural disasters, an economic downturn, the 'war on terror' and government cutbacks, some nonprofits may find themselves scrambling to meet increased demands and generate funds in a difficult fund-raising climate. Similar scenarios played out after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and, more recently, after the South Asian tsunami.

Hurricane Katrina was a compelling event. The Chronicle of Philanthropy [Sept. 28, 2005] reported that more than $1.4 billion has already been donated to the hurricane relief effort. The American Red Cross has said it expects to spend $2 billion on the Katrina relief effort.

While the response so far is heartwarming, the downside is that other charities, particular smaller ones, may have difficulty reaching their fund-raising goals as a result. The larger charities can probably get the word out that they are struggling but that task may be more daunting for smaller groups with less wherewithal. With this year's major fund-raising season coming up, some of the effects may not yet be visible."

MySA.com: Editorials-Editorial: Rita's rage dies out, but the lesson lingers

MySA.com: Editorials: "Editorial: Rita's rage dies out, but the lesson lingers

Web Posted: 10/06/2005 12:00 AM CDT

San Antonio Express-News

As Hurricane Rita raged toward land two weeks ago, millions of motorists hit the road, fleeing one threat only to encounter another.

Clogged with traffic, the freeways posed a different kind of danger, this one man-made. Drivers snaked along the roads, bumper to bumper, their gas and patience dwindling in the brutal heat. About 30 people died in Houston alone, most while trying to flee, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Texas officials were almost universally praised for their reaction to the hurricane, both before and after. But that reaction presented a cruel irony. While government officials were almost casual in their response to Katrina three weeks earlier, their Texas counterparts acted more forcefully, issuing a call to evacuate the area in the path of the hurricane."

HoustonChronicle.com - Red Cross tries drive-through aid

HoustonChronicle.com - Red Cross tries drive-through aid: "Red Cross tries drive-through aid
Project allows Katrina victims to stay in their cars while seeking help
By CHRIS HAMILTON
Knight Ridder Tribune News

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Arrests Made in Alleged Katrina Scheme - Los Angeles Times

Arrests Made in Alleged Katrina Scheme - Los Angeles Times: "rrests Made in Alleged Katrina Scheme
# FBI says four workers at a Red Cross call center in the Bakersfield area funneled relief checks to relatives and friends. The probe is expanding.

By Eric Malnic, Times Staff Writer

Nine people in the Bakersfield area have been charged with wire fraud in a scheme that siphoned off Red Cross funds intended for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the FBI said Tuesday.

Four were contract workers at a Red Cross national call center in Bakersfield, said Lawrence Brown, first assistant U.S. attorney in Sacramento. The other five were friends and relatives who picked up relief checks they weren't entitled to, he said."

BayouBuzz.com - Louisiana Politics and News

BayouBuzz.com - Louisiana Politics and News: "Here is a release from the Office of Governor Blanco regarding the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Board:

Baton Rouge, LA--Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco on Tuesday announced a first round of board selections for the newly formed Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF) and the selection of Xavier University of Louisiana President, Norman Francis, as chairman of the new board, with loaned executive, Dr. Emmett Carson, Chairman of the national Council on Foundations, to serve as interim CEO. The non-profit foundation was established to accept donations that will be used to meet the needs of the thousands of Louisiana citizens whose lives have been devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita"

Will charities feel pinch?

Will charities feel pinch?: "Will charities feel pinch?
Gulf Coast aid may have varied impact

By Peter Smith
psmith@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Some Louisville-area nonprofit organizations say they believe their regular fund-raising efforts have been slowed by the recent outpouring of giving to hurricane and flood victims on the Gulf Coast.

Other fund-raisers say, however, that it's too soon to tell what the trend will be, and that they are optimistic that people will continue to support the area's groups. Some smaller charities may feel a short-term financial pinch but believe their work on the disasters could help in the long run."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 10/05/2005 -- -"A Texas University Hit by Rita Plans to Reopen in 2 Weeks; a Louisiana Campus Hopes It Can, Too

The Chronicle: Daily news: 10/05/2005 -- 02: "A Texas University Hit by Rita Plans to Reopen in 2 Weeks; a Louisiana Campus Hopes It Can, Too

By KATHERINE S. MANGAN

Lamar University officials announced on Tuesday that they hoped to reopen their hurricane-ravaged main campus in Beaumont, Tex., on October 17, along with three branch campuses that were damaged less severely. Classes are scheduled to resume on October 19.

At McNeese State University, a Louisiana institution damaged by Hurricane Rita, officials are also hoping to reopen by the third week of October, but have not set a date. The campus, in Lake Charles, La., was still without power on Tuesday."

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

PND News - Fraudulent Charities Focus of Crackdown

PND News - Fraudulent Charities Focus of Crackdown: "Fraudulent Charities Focus of Crackdown

In the wake of an unprecedented number of bogus appeals to help victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, law enforcement officials have launched aggressive efforts to find and prosecute the perpetrators, the Washington Post reports.

State and federal officials have filed charges in at least four cases involving allegedly fraudulent appeals, and the federal government is examining thousands of suspicious fundraising Web sites and bogus fundraising efforts. 'We're going to act quickly and aggressively to detect any kind of fraud and vigorously pursue it if we find it,' said Alice Fisher, chairwoman of the Justice Department's Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force. The task force, which includes representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security, is working with state law enforcement and charity officials to identify fraudulent activity."

ABC News: Small Businesses Offer Big Help to Katrina Relief Efforts

ABC News: Small Businesses Offer Big Help to Katrina Relief Efforts: "Below are examples of how small firms are pitching in for Katrina's victims.
snip snip>

Cell Phone Power

'There are a lot of people who got out with the clothes on their back, their wallets and their cell phones,' said Compact Power Systems' director of marketing, Rodney Rad. 'Our lives these days revolve around the cell phone.'"

The Galveston County Daily News-Doing what couldn't be done

The Galveston County Daily News: "Doing what couldn't be done
By Ivan Arceneaux
Correspondent

Published October 3, 2005
They said evacuate. I said it couldn’t be done.

At every hurricane preparedness meeting I ever attended, the county judge and the mayor said, “Evacuate.”

I said it couldn’t be done. Galveston County residents can’t evacuate because 2 million people just 30 some miles up Interstate 45 will block the way.

Then the Texas Department of Public Safety came up with a three-pronged route plus a time-sensitive evacuation plan that looked plausible.

I said it could possibly be done. But, I wouldn’t evacuate because a guesstimated 1,500 or more elderly and special needs people would not be able to evacuate."
: "Tax breaks for Katrina donors

By MARY DEIBEL
Scripps Howard News Service
October 04, 2005

WASHINGTON - Don't have deep pockets to help with hurricane relief? Donate time, vacation days or frequent-flier miles instead.

Under temporary rules, the Internal Revenue Service will let taxpayers donate unused vacation, leave or sick days for workers whose employers agree to send cash payments to charities that are offering help to Hurricane Katrina victims through 2006.

IRS Commissioner Mark Everson says the program stands to save money for employers and employees, especially the two-thirds of taxpayers who don't itemize and don't get to take the charity deduction."

Herald.com | 10/04/2005 | Blacks rise to help their community

Herald.com | 10/04/2005 | Blacks rise to help their community: "Blacks rise to help their community

The black community is rallying around a cause -- to help black victims of Hurricane Katrina.

BY NATALIE P. McNEAL

nmcneal@herald.com

From humble offerings of crumpled singles in church collection plates to the fittingly named SOS: Saving OurSelves telethon by BET, blacks are responding with money and in-kind contributions for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

A crop of black charitable organizations are benefiting from the unprecedented outpouring after the storm's devastating toll among African Americans."

To Run from Rita :: PNNOnline ::

To Run from Rita :: PNNOnline ::: "To Run from Rita
Posted by: shadowlands on Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Topic Special Features


A few weeks ago, PNNOnline ran a fascinating first-person account by Darren W, Brown about his volunteer experiences with New Orleans residents who escaped the horrors of Hurricane Katrina by evacuating to Houston. In his continued account, Warren says, 'the past few days I have been pondering on many thoughts dealing with the emotions that were heartfelt inside of myself from the stories that were shared directly with me. But suddenly, a great since of urgency set in and dwarfed my Hurricane Katrina related notions.'


A few days after I submitted my original story, a strong tropical depression formed off the coast of Florida. Her name was 'Tropical Storm Rita'. Rita instantly became a star for she was of great concern to anyone who resides on or near the Gulf of Mexico. News coverage of Tropical Storm Rita was as immense as the fear that stretched along her pathway. During the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 21, 2005, Rita blossomed, and emerged into a full-fledged Hurricane, as she punished residents of both the Florida Keys and Cuba. As the hours progressed this past Wednesday, Hurricane Rita rapidly grew in intensity. She steadily gained strength and within hours, she was listed as a Category 5 Hurricane on a steady course that lead to Houston, Texas.

"

Miss. Lawmakers OK Casino Move to Dry Land - Yahoo! News

Miss. Lawmakers OK Casino Move to Dry Land - Yahoo! News: "Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour says he'll sign a bill this week to let hurricane-battered coastal casinos move a short distance onto dry land.

The state Senate passed the bill 29-21 on Monday. The House approved the measure last week.

The final vote came a month after Hurricane Katrina smashed many of Mississippi's floating casinos. Barbour pushed for the legislation in a special session dealing with hurricane recovery, saying the storm showed that the casinos would be safer on shore."

New Orleans Universities Plan to Rebuild - Yahoo! News

New Orleans Universities Plan to Rebuild - Yahoo! News: "W ORLEANS - In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, professors and students from the city's universities took academic refuge in other schools — some as far away as the University of Haifa in
Israel.
ADVERTISEMENT

Now, more than a month after the storm, New Orleans' universities — including Tulane, Loyola and Xavier — are putting together ambitious plans to reopen in January."

USATODAY.com - Companies assess Katrina response

USATODAY.com - Companies assess Katrina response: "Companies assess Katrina response
By Del Jones, USA TODAY
Corporations have surfaced from the Katrina disaster looking noble in the eyes of the public and with a swagger that says the next time a city is devastated, the private sector will be there to save lives."

W2COG Katrina Relief Efforts Show Results; Grid Consortium Project Delivers Communication Capabilities to Support Relief Efforts in Hard Hit Community

PRESS RELEASE
W2COG Katrina Relief Efforts Show Results; Grid Consortium Project Delivers Communication Capabilities to Support Relief Efforts in Hard Hit Community: "W2COG Katrina Relief Efforts Show Results; Grid Consortium Project Delivers Communication Capabilities to Support Relief Efforts in Hard Hit Community

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 2005--The World Wide Consortium for the Grid (W2COG), an international, collaborative association devoted to developing and delivering practical tools that advance and support netcentric operations (NCO) for global security and commerce, today released details regarding its humanitarian relief project, one of a number of ongoing projects it has undertaken. "

DesMoinesRegister.com

DesMoinesRegister.com: "wins double up for donations
The south-side boys, along with their dad, plan to camp on a roof to raise money.

By LINDA YANG
REGISTER CORRESPONDENT

October 4, 2005


The roof of a grocery store is not your average campout location. Then again, Grant and Austin Smith are not your average kids.

At 7 years old, the twins are philanthropic powerhouses, and, once again, they're on a mission. This time the goal is to raise $7,500 for Hurricane Katrina victims and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation."

Monday, October 03, 2005

Beltway Blogroll: After Katrina: A Fundraising Blog Swarm

Beltway Blogroll: After Katrina: A Fundraising Blog Swarm: "BELTWAY BLOGROLL
After Katrina: A Fundraising Blog Swarm

The fundraising blog swarm triggered by one of America's most severe weather storms officially ended yesterday with a tally of nearly $1.2 million, but the contribution total continued to climb today. As of late this afternoon, it stood at $1,220,310.

Conservative bloggers organized the effort. Another online relief fundraiser to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina is still under way at liberal blogs.

Conservatives seized on the idea for a coordinated fundraiser first and excelled in both organization and the amount of money they raised. The fundraiser initially was to be a one-day event, but it was expanded to cover the entire Labor Day weekend. The more than 1,800 bloggers from 35 countries who participated used their online journals to make recurring appeals for donations to various charitable groups."

Hulshof puts DeLay funds into charity

Hulshof puts DeLay funds into charity: "While ARMPAC is not the focus of the indictment, it was aligned with DeLay. Democrats last week demanded that Hulshof return the money.

Hulshof said in an interview yesterday that his campaign has written a check to the George Bush-Bill Clinton hurricane relief effort in an amount equivalent to the money he received from ARMPAC. Hulshof said he thought the amount was $14,500, although The Associated Press in July reported that the figure was $14,964, based on figures from groups that track political money."

EDITORIAL

snip snip

EDITORIAL: "According to the Denver Business Journal, nearly half of the charities surveyed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals experienced a drop in contributions immediately after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Last winter's tsunami in southeast Asia had a similar effect on nonprofit organizations, and 16 percent of the charities surveyed by a Colorado consulting firm said they would have to cut their budgets as a result."

The Baptist Standard :: The Newsmagazine of Texas Baptists

The Baptist Standard :: The Newsmagazine of Texas Baptists: " Posted: 9/30/05
Urgent--not chronic--needs tend
to prompt much charitable giving

By G. Jeffrey MacDonald

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)--As Americans set new records for charitable giving in response to Hurricane Katrina--and donations for Hurricane Rita begin to arrive--some fundraisers are seeing a principle confirmed: When the sufferers are perceived as innocent victims, donors respond generously.

On the other hand, giving patterns suggest donors are losing patience with chronic problems such as poverty, in which suffering arguably is made worse by questionable choices. Private donations are shrinking for homeless shelters, AIDS-related services and programs for troubled youth, to cite just a few examples."

The Southern Illinoisan

The Southern Illinoisan: "Red Cross advertisements spark questions

If you read Friday's edition of the Southern Illinoisan, you probably saw several full-page ads promoting the Red Cross and soliciting monetary donations to help with relief efforts for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These ads were actually an act of charity that caused a few headaches for the local chapter.

Several readers called Sandy Webster, director of the local Red Cross, to get an explanation as to why the Red Cross was spending money on advertising to solicit donations. One woman explained very adamantly and clearly that she wanted her monetary donation to go toward the relief efforts and not toward advertising."

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Faith under siege - Commentary - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Faith under siege - Commentary - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "Extremists at the grandiosely named Americans United for Separation of Church and State are at it again. The group, best known for trying to drive religion from the public square, now wants to make sure no faith-based organizations are reimbursed for rescuing and caring for thousands of victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced plans to allow some faith-based groups to recoup some of what they've spent feeding, clothing, housing and counseling more than 500,000 people stranded in the worst national disaster this country ever faced. "

Editorial: FEMA storm aid justified

Editorial: FEMA storm aid justified: "Editorial: FEMA storm aid justified
October 1, 2005 ED1001

If religious groups get federal funds for helping hurricane Katrina and Rita victims, does that contradict the spirit of volunteerism? And what about separation of church and state when it comes to financing faith-based groups' aid to evacuees?

Those are among questions raised about FEMA plans to reimburse religious groups for assisting storm victims. Though opponents of the relief program cite legitimate issues, the federal government is right to offer aid on a limited, carefully managed basis.

Katrina Contributes To Drop in Spending

Katrina Contributes To Drop in Spending: "Katrina Contributes To Drop in Spending
Personal Income Also Fell in August

By Nell Henderson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, October 1, 2005; Page A01

Consumer spending plunged in August at the steepest monthly rate since the 2001 terrorist attacks as Hurricane Katrina slashed incomes, fanned inflation and caused $170 billion in losses from property damage, the Commerce Department reported yesterday in its first tally of the storm's economic effects.

The report came the day after the Labor Department said 279,000 people filed new claims for unemployment insurance benefits because of Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29."

courant.com | Kids On Crusades

courant.com | Kids On Crusades: "Kids On Crusades
Hurricane Relief Efforts Just Part Of Dramatic Rise In Youthful Volunteers
October 3, 2005
By JOANN KLIMKIEWICZ, The Hartford Courant

All summer long, Devon Aldave wanted to organize a carwash in his West Hartford neighborhood. 'Just for fun,' the 8-year-old says with a shrug when asked to explain. But, as do many childhood impulses, the notion faded with the summer.

Then came Hurricane Katrina."

Donation drop worries charities | IndyStar.com

Donation drop worries charities | IndyStar.com: "Donation drop worries charities
Hurricanes, tsunami may hurt contributions

By Rob Schneider and John Strauss
rob.schneider@indystar.com
The nation's charities already have weathered a tsunami and two hurricanes in the past year. Now some are bracing for a possible drought -- of donations.
Central Indiana charities are watching to see whether the public will continue to support people in need closer to home. Some expect to see local donations dip, especially following this year's back-to-back hurricanes."

Friday, September 30, 2005

New Orleans Reopens to 170,000 Residents - Yahoo! News

New Orleans Reopens to 170,000 Residents - Yahoo! News: "NEW ORLEANS - Some of the city's most popular neighborhoods officially reopened to residents Friday, a move that could bring back about a third of New Orleans' half-million inhabitants.


The newly opened areas, including the French Quarter and Garden District, all escaped major flooding when the city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina a month ago before receiving a second blow from Hurricane Rita last wee"

Blogs and Information Community Respond to Hurricane Katrina

Blogs and Information Community Respond to Hurricane Katrina: "Blogs and Information Community Respond to Hurricane Katrina
by Miguel Ramos
September 6, 2005 — Hurricane Katrina, classified before landfall by NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) as a Force 5 storm (a ranking given only to the most powerful and destructive storms on Earth), unleashed 140 mph winds on Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and various Gulf Coast communities. The city of New Orleans was evacuated, with more than 20,000 people who couldn’t leave in time taking shelter in the city’s Superdome sports arena. Storm surges destroyed levees and brought walls of water into the city and along the coast, destroying almost everything in its path. Floating casinos were deposited onto highways, and containers that usually ride on the trailers of semi trucks were strewn through what was left of front yards.

Leno's bike rakes in $505,000 for charity - Celebrity News - MSNBC.com

Leno's bike rakes in $505,000 for charity - Celebrity News - MSNBC.com: "Leno's bike rakes in $505,000 for charity
‘Tonight Show’ host got celebs to sign motorcycle for Katrina relief
Paul Drinkwater / AP

BURBANK, Calif. - It looks like Jay Leno’s celebrity-autographed motorcycle has raised nearly a half-million dollars"

Shelter From The Storm / Disaster relief housing draws designers but do their ideas fit the people?

Shelter From The Storm / Disaster relief housing draws designers but do their ideas fit the people?: "Disaster. Relief. Housing.

The words fairly echo with dismal images of people forced to live in squalor, desperation and sorrow -- crowds packed into stadiums, improvised shantytowns, rows of identical trailers, school cafeterias turned into shelters. Yet these words also evokes a different picture -- where shelter fulfills its highest, most utopian function. Where a simple structure can provide comfort and warmth and dignity when all else has failed. Where housing literally offers relief from disaster."

Charleston City Paper- Katrina's Enduring Impact

Charleston City Paper / Charleston SC Newspaper - Arts Entertainment Weekly: "As if she hasn’t done enough, Hurricane Katrina’s destructive swath may reach as far as the pocketbooks and bottom lines of several Lowcountry charities.

After the enormous outpouring of concern and donations that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which flowed in large chunks to New York City, charities across the Lowcountry and the nation struggled to keep their books balanced, as their regular donors redirected their largesse even as demands for their services continued to increase."

Storm - Hattiesburg American-Grisham: 'We got involved'

Storm - Hattiesburg American - www.hattiesburgamerican.com: "John Grisham spends the first weekend of every September starting a new book. This year would've been no different.

The best-selling author was trying to focus on his upcoming book when Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on Mississippi. But Grisham couldn't ignore the devastation he saw in the state where he grew up, married his wife, Renee, and will always call home.

Senators Want Cruise Ship Deal Explained - Yahoo! News

Senators Want Cruise Ship Deal Explained - Yahoo! News: "Two senators on Thursday asked federal officials to explain their decision to sign a $236 million deal with Carnival Cruise Lines for Hurricane Katrina housing, saying Greece was ready to provide two ships for free."

FEMA Replaces Cash Offer With Rental Help - Yahoo! News

FEMA Replaces Cash Offer With Rental Help - Yahoo! News: "By ELISABETH GOODRIDGE, Associated Press Writer Thu Sep 29, 9:51 PM ET

WASHINGTON - The government is offering $2,358 to victims of Hurricane Katrina to help pay for three months' rent, but is no longer handing out $2,000 to people who need immediate cash assistance.
ADVERTISEMENT

The new rental program began this week and only applies to housing, unlike the previous cash program that offered money to eligible hurricane victims for immediate needs such as food, transportation and shelter."

The Globe and Mail: Federal political leaders help raise hurricane aid

The Globe and Mail: Federal political leaders help raise hurricane aid: "Ottawa — Prime Minister Paul Martin and all three federal opposition leaders flipped out Wednesday, all in a good cause.

Mr. Martin and the other leaders flipped burgers at a fund-raising barbecue in support of victims of two devastating hurricanes in the United States."

'The Mailman' and his crew bulldoze through bureaucracy to help victims - Yahoo! News

'The Mailman' and his crew bulldoze through bureaucracy to help victims - Yahoo! News: "Karl 'The Mailman' Malone is still delivering, no matter what the weather.
ADVERTISEMENT

The former NBA all-star and a crew from his logging company in Arkansas spent two weeks in Pascagoula, Miss., hauling away debris left by Hurricane Katrina.

'Everything about this just felt right,' Malone says. 'My mom died two years ago, and in our last conversation, she told me that one day I would have to step up on a grand scale and help people. I knew this was it.'"

Americans interrupt lives to help hurricane victims - Yahoo! News

Americans interrupt lives to help hurricane victims - Yahoo! News: "On Wednesday night, two days after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Leeann Epstein watched the devastation on TV and cried herself to sleep.

She slept poorly, waking at 4 a.m., determined to help. With her youngest child having just left for college, the St. Michaels, Md., resident decided to empty most of her linen closet, box the items and mail them south.

'By the time I got to the end of my driveway, I had another idea,' says Epstein, the office manager of her husband's dental practice. She'd ask the 55 other members of the Junior Women's Club to donate items. Within hours, dozens agreed, as did the men's club and the business association."

Faith-based nonprofits can resettle Katrina evacuees | The-Tidings.com

Faith-based nonprofits can resettle Katrina evacuees | The-Tidings.com: "aith-based nonprofits
can resettle Katrina evacuees
By Bishop Gerald Barnes
text only version

Right now in the Gulf Coast region, hundreds of thousands of Americans are feeling the effects of trauma from being driven from home by the winds and water of Hurricane Katrina. At best, they feel a strong sense of displacement, as the familiarity and comfort of home are just a memory.

Their experience will be tragically compounded if we do not assist their relocation as soon as possible. If they continue to live in shelters and sport stadiums alongside thousands of other people, their feeling of insecurity and abandonment will only increase.

We could not prevent the trauma of the hurricane. We must prevent the worsening of its aftermath."

Thursday, September 29, 2005

VSKOOL.org Linking Hurricane Victims to Online Education Resources: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE

VSKOOL.org Linking Hurricane Victims to Online Education Resources: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Press Release Source: Cable in the Classroom

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- VSKOOL.org is a new one-stop resource to match thousands of displaced students, educators, and families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita with online and other educational technology resources so that learning can continue despite the storms' disruption of the school year."

BizNewOrleans: News-Nonprofit association urges doners to 'give local'

BizNewOrleans: News: "Nonprofit association urges doners to 'give local'
BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations urges Louisianans to support local agencies following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The “Give Local” call to action came at a summit exploring the future of the nonprofit sector in the state and offering assistance to nonprofits affected by the storms. "

Here and Now : Gone With the Wind...and Storm Surge - 9/29/2005

Here and Now : Gone With the Wind...and Storm Surge - 9/29/2005: "Gone With the Wind...and Storm Surge
Story aired: Thursday, September 29, 2005

The head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said that the damage from Hurricane Katrina has the potential of being one of the largest cultural disasters in the country's history. In one seven mile span of historic homes in Mississippi, only one stands."

Inside Higher Ed :: Ordered Back to Louisiana

Inside Higher Ed :: Ordered Back to Louisiana: "Ordered Back to Louisiana

The date is set. A message sent to all Tulane University Law School students last week made it clear that they are expected back in New Orleans in January. They will not be permitted to remain elsewhere as visiting students for the spring semester, and Tulane will not help them transfer."

U.S. eases Katrina victims' access to retirement funds

U.S. eases Katrina victims' access to retirement funds: "Government eases Katrina victims’ access to retirement savings

By Margaret M. Clark

The federal government has alleviated the severe tax consequences of early retirement plan withdrawals for victims of Hurricane Katrina and removed roadblocks standing between them and use of retirement savings to help rebuild their lives. The action came in the form of legislation from Congress together with guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (KETRA, H.R. 3768) was approved by Congress Sept. 21 and signed into law by President Bush Sept. 23. It allows penalty-free distributions up to $100,000 from 401(k) and similar tax-favored retirement plans to people who lived in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area and suffered economic loss because of the storm."

Katrina exodus reaches all states - Yahoo! News

Katrina exodus reaches all states - Yahoo! News: "Hurricane Katrina has dispersed 1.3 million Gulf Coast households to communities in every state from Maine to Hawaii, according to the first official accounting of the disaster's unprecedented ripple effect. (Map: Evacuees spread across U.S.)"

TimesDispatch.com | Lesson From a Child

TimesDispatch.com | Lesson From a Child: "Lesson From a Child

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Sep 29, 2005

As all levels of government stumbled through the initial response to Hurricane Katrina, Henrico second-grader Lauren Parker moved into action. She led her friends in making bracelets to sell for hurricane relief funds. As one example of many individuals and corporations reaching out to the battered Gulf, Miss Parker shows that everyone can make a difference."

"Spirit of giving should go beyond hurricane relief

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!: "Spirit of giving should go beyond hurricane relief
e-mail print

Thursday, September 29, 2005

By STEVE ROSEN



The devastation on the Gulf Coast trained the spotlight on charitable giving and convinced millions of kids to pitch in and help.

Like many of you, over the past few weeks I've read dozens of stories about kids holding garage sales or selling cookies, candy and lemonade to raise money for hurricane relief. They've donated old clothes or toys buried in the closet; they've loaded trucks to the rafters with food and water. Their compassion has been amazing."

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Katrina Donations Surge Past $1.3 Billion

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Katrina Donations Surge Past $1.3 Billion: "Katrina Donations Surge Past $1.3 Billion


Wednesday September 28, 2005 7:46 PM

By The Associated Press

Dozens of nonprofit organizations are raising money for short-term relief and long-term recovery in response to Hurricane Katrina, and total donations a month after the disaster have surged past $1.3 billion.

In the aftermath of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans gave charities $2.2 billion - almost half to the American Red Cross. After the South Asian tsunami last December, they donated $1.3 billion.

The latest figures provided by some of the groups responding to Katrina:"

Song of Katrina (Metro Times Detroit)

Song of Katrina (Metro Times Detroit): "t’s funny how hip hop and politics sometimes come together. No sooner than Kanye West was on TV jawing about his disdain of President George W. Bush than the hip-hop community at large began taking relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina as a personal responsibility.

Some of hip hop’s more obscure figures, like Baby, Juvenile and Master P, all of New Orleans, along with Mississippi rapper David Banner, began organizing Katrina benefits. Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, Sean Combs and other slick bigwigs sent oodles of cash. BET held a fund-raiser. The list goes on and on."

Chico Enterprise Record-Red Cross fears success may spawn phony solicitations

Chico Enterprise Record - Local News: "Red Cross fears success may spawn phony solicitations
By E-R Staff

With private donations to the American Red Cross hurricane relief fund approaching $1 billion, the organization said its success may attract individuals who, sometimes for personal gain, only pretend to represent them.

A Red Cross chapter in South Lake Tahoe recently used local media to warn the public about a woman soliciting donations in the area whose name couldn't be found on a list of authorized representatives."

Portsmouth Herald Local Business News: United Way official flies south to teach volunteer-networking software

Portsmouth Herald Local Business News: United Way official flies south to teach volunteer-networking software: "PORTSMOUTH - Robin Albert landed in Louisiana on Wednesday with a mission.

Albert, director of the Volunteer Action Center at United Way of the Greater Seacoast, arrived in Lafayette, La., to train the staff at the United Way of Acadiana to use an online system to connect volunteers with nonprofit agencies in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

Red Cross Criticized, Urged to Share Cash - Yahoo! News

Red Cross Criticized, Urged to Share Cash - Yahoo! News: "Red Cross Criticized, Urged to Share Cash

By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer 34 minutes ago

NEW YORK - As its hurricane relief donations near the $1 billion mark, more than double all other charities combined, the
American Red Cross is encountering sharp criticism of its efforts and mounting pressure to share funds with smaller grou"

TV Morning Shows in Compassion Competition - Yahoo! News

TV Morning Shows in Compassion Competition - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK - NBC's and ABC's morning shows are channeling their bitter competition into philanthropy for Hurricane Katrina victims.
ADVERTISEMENT

NBC has turned New York's Rockefeller Plaza — home of the 'Today' show — into 'Humanity Plaza,' a staging ground to build homes with Habitat for Humanity that will be trucked south for those who lost theirs in flooding."

The Chronicle, 9/28/2005: Hurricane Giving Slows; Less than $1-Million Raised for Hurricane Rita

The Chronicle, 9/28/2005: Hurricane Giving Slows; Less than $1-Million Raised for Hurricane Rita: "Hurricane Giving Slows; Less than $1-Million Raised for Hurricane Rita
By Elizabeth Schwinn

After the massive outpouring of giving to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, donors are responding far less generously to appeals for help with Hurricane Rita, charities say.

The slow response to fund-raising appeals has some nonprofit groups concerned about their ability to respond to the devastation wrought by Rita, which struck the Gulf Coast on Saturday, causing a wide swath of damage along the Texas and Louisiana coasts."

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

USATODAY.com - Despite Katrina efforts, Red Cross draws criticism

USATODAY.com - Despite Katrina efforts, Red Cross draws criticism: "Despite Katrina efforts, Red Cross draws criticism
The Associated Press
As its hurricane relief donations near the $1 billion mark, more than double all other charities combined, the American Red Cross is encountering sharp criticism of its efforts and mounting pressure to share funds with smaller groups.
"

Magazine - FORTUNE 500 Katrina Contributors: Who Gave What - FORTUNE - Page

Magazine - FORTUNE 500 Katrina Contributors: Who Gave What - FORTUNE - Page: "HURRICANE KATRINA SPECIAL REPORT
FORTUNE 500 Contributors: Who Gave What
See what some FORTUNE 500 companies have donated to the Katrina relief effort so far.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005

See List

If Corporate America owes any debt for some of the excesses of the past few years, many of the nation's largest companies are showing off their benevolent side in Katrina's wake. Some donations were in cash, like Exxon's $7 million check to the American Red Cross; others mixed monetary and in-kind donations, like GE's pledge of $6 million in cash and $10 million in medical supplies and equipment. UnitedHealth says it has set up a $10 million fund and will simply write checks until it's gone.

This list, compiled from news reports and sources such as the Chronicle of Philanthropy in Washington, D.C., is not complete—but an overview."

STLtoday - Your Journal - News-A lesson in philanthropy

STLtoday - Your Journal - News: "A lesson in philanthropy
Larry Ingram
Of the Suburban Journals
Edwardsville Journal
09/28/2005

The American Red Cross now has $35,052.60 more to use for disaster relief in the Gulf area, thanks to members of the Edwardsville school district.

At Edwardsville High School on Monday morning, students and employee representatives presented the organization a check for the donation, which amounted to more than double the district's goal of $15,000.

The district's fund-raising effort began on Sept. 6."

First Lady Makes Her Reality TV Debut - Yahoo! News

First Lady Makes Her Reality TV Debut - Yahoo! News: "BILOXI, Miss. - First lady
Laura Bush made her reality TV debut Tuesday, helping with a taping of 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' in a sweltering community building as she toured hurricane relief sites on the Mississippi coast.
ADVERTISEMENT
click here

With hundreds of people crowded into the Biloxi Community Center, where a mountain of donated clothes covered a stage, Bush and Preston Sharp, a designer on the ABC-TV show, greeted storm victims and handed out donated items from big plastic bin"

ThatsRacin.com | 09/27/2005 | Jeff Gordon visits 'Humanity Plaza,' touts hands-on opportunities

ThatsRacin.com | 09/27/2005 | Jeff Gordon visits 'Humanity Plaza,' touts hands-on opportunities: "Jeff Gordon visits 'Humanity Plaza,' touts hands-on opportunities

ThatsRacin.com Report

On Tuesday, Jeff Gordon stopped by 'Humanity Plaza' in New York City to lend support to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

NBC News 'Today,' Habitat for Humanity International and Warner Music Group joined forces in this effort to help build homes for those affected by Katrina, and they have transformed Rockefeller Plaza into a 'round the clock' construction site through Friday night."

The Fine Line Between Charity and Self-Promotion

The Fine Line Between Charity and Self-Promotion: "The Fine Line Between Charity and Self-Promotion
By Evan Schuman, Ziff Davis Internet
September 12, 2005

Opinion: A Florida authentication company is offering its service for free to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Is this generosity or taking advantage of a tragedy to get free publicity? It's often impossible to tell. (CIOInsight.com)


Be the first to comment on this article


The most altruistic gift is an anonymous contribution, in which a giver wants to help but does not want to benefit from the donation.

Sometimes, though, anonymity is not possible, and that's where things can get dicey.

Last week, for example, a Fort Lauderdale authentication firm announced that it was offering its service free to anyone who wanted to use it to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Why would an authentication service help out in flood recovery? A lot of the victims had to flee their homes and they lost identification documents (birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, Visas, etc.)."

Catholic Online - Cathcom - Catholic Charities establishes hurricane relief fund

Catholic Online - Cathcom - Catholic Charities establishes hurricane relief fund: "Catholic Charities establishes hurricane relief fund


9/27/2005

LEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) -- Catholic Charities USA has established a fund to aid victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which landed a ferocious one-two punch on the Gulf Coast nearly a month apart.
About 96 percent of contributions made to Catholic Charities' 2005 Hurricane Relief Fund will be used for emergency response and recovery efforts, said an announcement on the agency's Web site. "

The Council on Foundations - Charitable Reform Resource Center News

The Council on Foundations - Charitable Reform Resource Center News: "President Signs Katrina Bill as Congress Eyes Long-Term Relief Measures
On Friday, President Bush signed The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (H.R. 3768), a bill that includes a number of charitable incentives designed to provide immediate relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina. This week, Congress is expected to begin consideration of longer-term relief legislation designed to help rebuild parts of the Gulf Coast.

As we reported last week, a last-minute change to H.R. 3768 excluded donor-advised funds, supporting organizations and most private foundations from the bill’s most important incentive to increase giving – the temporary suspension of the limitations on gifts of cash to public charities, private operating foundations, and governmental entities. This exclusion also prevents donors from contributing (“rolling over”) assets held in an IRA to a donor-advised fund without taking those assets into income.

“The Council on Foundations is surprised and very disappointed that Congress did not recognize the important contribution of private and community foundations to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort,” stated Cole Wilbur, the Council’s interim President and CEO. “The exclusion of charitable donations to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations and most private foundations from the Katrina relief bill will hinder efforts in the hurricane-affected areas and around the country as foundations seek to meet immediate and long-term community needs.” Read a San Francisco Chronicle article on the bill featuring comments from Janne Gallagher, the Council’s Vice President and General Counsel."

Poynter Online - Wednesday Edition: Hurricane Fundraising Squeezes Other Charities

Poynter Online - Wednesday Edition: Hurricane Fundraising Squeezes Other Charities:
snip snip>

" After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there was an outpouring of generosity. But studies since have shown that nonprofits took a hit from that event, the Denver Business Journal reports.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals found that half of charities had seen donations increase through August 2001 and nearly half saw donations drop off after the event.

The story says that some charities know that they are going to have to raise more this year to care for people who have moved into their towns because of the storm:"

Chuck Jaffe: How to 'scout' charities - Financial - Financial Services - Mutual Funds

Chuck Jaffe: How to 'scout' charities - Financial - Financial Services - Mutual Funds: "How to 'scout' charities
Throwing money at disasters can cause problems
By Chuck Jaffe, MarketWatch
Last Update: 12:01 AM ET Sept. 28, 2005
E-mail it | Print | Discuss | Alert | Reprint |

BOSTON (MarketWatch) -- Like a lot of people, Caren can't get the images of Louisiana and Texas out of her mind.


While she may live in New Jersey, the news brings constant reminders of the devastation wrought by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

But to this point, Caren has not been moved to contribute. Part of her reluctance, according to an e-mail she sent, is that the last event that moved her to feel so strongly was the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

At the time, Caren says, she contributed to every charity she could. She left money in jars on counters and tables, she sent in donations to telethons, she answered appeals from several different groups"

Linda Chavez-They opened their hearts and doors — but should be penalized because they're religious?

Linda Chavez: "They opened their hearts and doors — but should be penalized because they're religious?


http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com | Extremists at the grandiosely named Americans United for Separation of Church and State are at it again. The group, best known for its efforts to drive religion from the public square, now wants to make sure no faith-based organizations can be reimbursed for rescuing and caring for thousands of victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced plans to allow some faith-based groups to recoup some of the money they've spent feeding, clothing, housing and counseling more than half a million people stranded in the worst national disaster this country has ever faced. "

BlackNews.com - Black Philanthropy Groups Speak On Katrina Relief Efforts

PRESS RELEASE
BlackNews.com - Black Philanthropy Groups Speak On Katrina Relief Efforts: "Nation's Major Black Philanthropy Groups Speak With One Voice On Katrina Relief Efforts

Joint Dialogue on Black Philanthropy Says 'Charity Begins at Home for African Americans'

Baltimore, MD (BlackNews.com) - The Joint Dialogue on Black Philanthropy, a group representing the largest black philanthropic institutions in the United States has sounded the call for directing a portion of the billions of dollars being raised to support relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as a means of Restoring the Grass Roots."

Relief act lifts penalty on tapping retirement funds for Katrina victims: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Relief act lifts penalty on tapping retirement funds for Katrina victims: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Relief act lifts penalty on tapping retirement funds for Katrina victims

By Harriet Johnson Brackey
Business Writer
Posted September 28 2005

Thanks to Hurricane Katrina, some South Floridians can tap their retirement accounts without incurring penalties and possibly income taxes, too.

President Bush signed the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act into law on Friday, sending a generous tax break to residents of Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and a handful of other Florida counties along with federally declared disaster areas in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi."

Brown Defends FEMA's Efforts

Brown Defends FEMA's Efforts: "Brown Defends FEMA's Efforts
Former Agency Director Spreads Blame for Failures in Katrina Response

By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 28, 2005; Page A01

Former Federal Emergency Management Agency director Michael D. Brown said yesterday that it was not his job to take over the evacuation of New Orleans and rescue the drowning city from Hurricane Katrina, blaming Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and 'dysfunctional' state officials for the government's failed response to the disaster"

FEMA to Pay Red Cross For Some Hurricane Aid

FEMA to Pay Red Cross For Some Hurricane Aid: "FEMA to Pay Red Cross For Some Hurricane Aid
$100 Million Reimbursement Is for Motel Rooms

By Jacqueline L. Salmon and Elizabeth Williamson
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, September 28, 2005; Page A07

The American Red Cross, which has asked Americans to donate $2 billion to cover its costs of caring for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, will be reimbursed $100 million from the federal government for motel rooms housing storm victims.

The Red Cross has raised more than $800 million from private sources and indicated that some of the money would go to house hurricane evacuees in hotel rooms, an expense the organization expects to reach $95 million by mid-October. Yesterday, the agency acknowledged that, instead, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay for those rooms."

Hurricanes show importance of volunteers - Yahoo! News

Hurricanes show importance of volunteers - Yahoo! News: "BBEVILLE, La. - In the first 48 hours after Hurricane Rita roared through the sodden edges of the Gulf Coast, Tracy Savage lived off the handouts of a stranger.
ADVERTISEMENT

Just before the storm delivered a 10-foot surge, Savage packed up his wife, two children and little else and drove his barely running motor home inland from his home in Mouton Cove, a marshy speck in Vermilion Parish now washed away by the storm."

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

"Nonprofit summit scheduled for Baton Rouge

New Orleans CityBusiness -- The Business Newspaper of Metropolitan New Orleans: "Nonprofit summit scheduled for Baton Rouge
By CityBusiness staff report

2005-09-27 9:46 AM CST

BATON ROUGE — In an effort to reunite New Orleans-area nonprofits and discuss the future, the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations will meet with affected nonprofits from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday in Baton Rouge.

Before hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit, 3,393 nonprofit organizations operated in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard parishes. LAANO officials say 250 members were affected."

TechSoup - TechSoup's Katrina Relief Resources

TechSoup - TechSoup's Katrina Relief Resources: "Next Steps: TechSoup's Katrina Relief Resources

The most difficult part of disaster recovery is knowing where to start. On this page, you'll find a comprehensive, downloadable guide to disaster recovery; listings of regional IT technology support resources; articles; and other tools to help your nonprofit's Katrina recovery efforts

We'll continue to update this page with useful resources and information, so be sure to check back.
"

Retrospective Disaster Recovery | ConsultantCommons.org (beta)

Retrospective Disaster Recovery | ConsultantCommons.org (beta): "Retrospective Disaster Recovery
Submitted by helen on Thu, 2005-09-22 15:30. Healthy & Secure Computing

CompuMentor responded to the hurricane Katrina disaster in a number of ways. Including pulling on some volunteers to put together a Disaster Recovery Manual.

We aimed for speed in order to meet the immediate needs of small and medium nonprofits whose disaster recovery planning had been overwhelmed by the scale of what hit them. But now it's out there we want to release a second improved version.

Google Hurricane Resources

Google Hurricane Resources

Charities Fear Drain On Giving

Charities Fear Drain On Giving: "Charities Fear Drain On Giving
It's Too Soon to Tell Impact of Storm Relief on Philanthropy

By Annys Shin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 26, 2005; Page D01

Judy Singer is used to dealing with stragglers.

As the director of special events for the Meridian International Center, a District organization that promotes international exchange programs, Singer keeps track of ticket sales and corporate sponsorships for the group's signature fundraiser, the 37th annual Meridian Ball, scheduled for Oct. 14."

California governor signs charity motorcycle for Jay Leno

California governor signs charity motorcycle for Jay Leno: "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined Ellen DeGeneres, Denzel Washington, Billy Crystal, James Caan and other celebrities in autographing a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that 'Tonight Show' host Jay Leno is auctioning to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims.

'Finally I can sign something my opponents won't criticize,' Schwarzenegger quipped during Monday's taping of 'The Tonight Show.'"

Newsday.com: Too much generosity goes to Red Cross

Editorial

Newsday.com: Too much generosity goes to Red Cross: "Too much generosity goes to Red Cross



BY RICHARD WALDEN
Richard Walden is president and chief executive of Operation USA, a disaster relief agency based in Los Angeles. This is from the Los Angeles Times.

September 27, 2005

With Hurricane Rita making news, it's time for Americans to take a more disciplined look at their tremendous generosity.

As of last week, the American Red Cross reported that it had raised $826 million in private funds for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Chronicle of Philanthropy has the total figure at more than $1.2 billion for all relief groups reporting. So the Red Cross received about 70 percent of all giving."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/27/2005 -- 01-Colleges in 3 states begin cleaning up damage from Rita and a tornado it spawned

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/27/2005 -- 01: "Colleges in 3 States Begin Cleaning Up Damage From Rita and a Tornado It Spawned

By KATHERINE S. MANGAN

In southwestern Louisiana and the neighboring region of Texas' Gulf Coast, college and university repair crews were rushing on Monday to patch up buildings shredded by Hurricane Rita, while Mississippi State University began tallying the damage from a tornado that ripped across the campus on Sunday afternoon."

Rita Spares Cities, Devastates Rural Areas

Rita Spares Cities, Devastates Rural Areas: "THE GULF HURRICANES
Rita Spares Cities, Devastates Rural Areas
Loss of Power, Flooding Keep Many From Returning

By Doug Struck and Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, September 26, 2005; Page A01

BEAUMONT, Tex., Sept. 25 -- Hurricane Rita's floodwaters receded Sunday along the Texas-Louisiana coastline, revealing devastated rural communities but lighter-than-expected damage to major population centers and to vital energy facilities in the area."

Monday, September 26, 2005

Bloggers and Hurricane Rita

Bloggers and Hurricane Rita: "Bloggers and Hurricane Rita
Web Logs Blog


Bloggers and Hurricane Rita
As it has been lately, bloggers have been on the go - recording news, personal experiences, and history. Here are some web logs that offer good Hurricane Rita blog round-ups:"

Nonprofits find no shortage of local generosity - Birmingham - MSNBC.com

Nonprofits find no shortage of local generosity - Birmingham - MSNBC.com: "Diana Pool-Spencer, president of the Alabama chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, says giving typically increases across the board during times of crisis.

'You normally see when something like this happens, it creates an awareness and a spirit of giving in people,' she says. The association's annual Philanthropy Day luncheon, a fundraiser coming up in November, already is sold out, she says."

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 09/25/2005 | Donors mix local, hurricane relief

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 09/25/2005 | Donors mix local, hurricane relief: "Donors mix local, hurricane relief

Nonprofits in county uncertain how much local giving will be affected by recent disasters

By Nathan Welton

The Tribune

Local nonprofit directors are split on whether Hurricane Katrina will impact the amount of fundraising occurring locally, an informal Tribune survey has found.

Although there are no firm numbers, some directors say they worry that local donors will give their money to hurricane relief, leaving local agencies with less money than expecte"

Star-Telegram | 09/25/2005 | How to donate vacation time to Katrina victims

Star-Telegram | 09/25/2005 | How to donate vacation time to Katrina victims: "ow to donate vacation time to Katrina victims

By Kathy Kristof

The Los Angeles Times

Under a temporary Internal Revenue Service rule, workers and employers can get a tax benefit by donating the value of paid days to hurricane relief.

If you want to give to hurricane relief but worry that you couldn't take a tax deduction because you don't itemize, IRS Commissioner Mark Everson has a deal for you: Donate vacation time, and you'll get a tax benefit no matter how you file your return."

The Sun Herald | 09/25/2005 | We can survive on charity, but to thrive, we need casinos

The Sun Herald | 09/25/2005 | We can survive on charity, but to thrive, we need casinos: "We can survive on charity, but to thrive, we need casinos

The Mississippi Legislature this week has an opportunity to prevent the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina from spreading across the entire state.

When legislators convene in a special session in Jackson on Tuesday, they need to decisively pass legislation that will not only permit casino companies to rebuild their facilities more securely along the shoreline, but will encourage them to do so quickly."

TIME.com: The Disasters That Keep on Giving -- Oct. 03, 2005 -- Page 1

TIME.com: The Disasters That Keep on Giving -- Oct. 03, 2005 -- Page 1
snip snip>

Old charities are helping in new ways. All kinds of advocacy groups are carving out new funds to help special populations or leverage specific talents, such as supporting animal shelters or providing free legal assistance in hurricane-affected ZIP codes. "We have seen more nonprofits that do not have disaster relief within their mission raising more money than ever before," says Walter Sczudlo of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Web Scammers Strike Before Hurricane Does

Web Scammers Strike Before Hurricane Does: "Web Scammers Strike Before Hurricane Does

By Brian Krebs
Special to The Washington Post
Saturday, September 24, 2005; Page D01

In a spree mirroring the online gold rush that accompanied Hurricane Katrina, online speculators are scooping up hundreds of Hurricane Rita-related Web domain names, and Rita-themed Internet auctions have begun.

Scammers often use such Web sites to trick people into making donations, authorities said. The quick proliferation of questionable activities spurred the federal government to work with Internet service providers, computer security companies and anti-spam groups to shut down and prosecute owners of fraudulent sites, according to several participants in the ad hoc task force."

JustGive.org Coordinates Donations for U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts by Providing Online Access to Qualified Charitable Organizations

PRESS RELEASE

JustGive.org Coordinates Donations for U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts by Providing Online Access to Qualified Charitable Organizations

North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News

North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News: "Red Cross volunteer a veteran of disaster relief efforts

By: JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer
Editor's Note: North County is filled with people who volunteer their time to help others. This is the story of one of those volunteers.

SAN DIEGO ---- American Red Cross volunteers are plenty busy these days, assisting some 1,500 people evacuated here from the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Getting busy after a disaster is nothing new for Debra Fisk, a Valley Center resident putting in long days helping out at the agency's Family Assistance Center in the Mission Gorge area of San Diego. Fisk supervises registration of the Katrina evacuees at the center, where county, state, federal and charitable agencies have gathered to offer needed services."

Katrina impacts nonprofits' fundraising - Jacksonville - MSNBC.com

Katrina impacts nonprofits' fundraising - Jacksonville - MSNBC.com: "Katrina impacts nonprofits' fundraising
Some groups have to cancel events, seek grant top-ups

Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET Sept. 25, 2005

JACKSONVILLE -- Hurricane Katrina has the American Lung Association of Florida canceling fundraising events, pledging to raise more money for its victims and scrambling to come up with urgently needed medical supplies.

The hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29 has put nonprofit organizations like the association into high gear. But it has also put a crimp in fundraising efforts of many groups, including those here in Jacksonville."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/26/2005 -- 03

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/26/2005 -- 03: "Hurricane Rita Damages Louisiana and Texas Colleges, but It Could Have Been Much Worse

By KATHERINE S. MANGAN

Headlines

Colleges in Houston and parts of the Gulf Coast were expecting to resume classes by Wednesday or Thursday, but in areas like Beaumont, Tex., and Lake Charles, La., repairs and cleanup could cause much longer delays. In New Orleans, heavy rains and high winds caused three l"

USATODAY.com - Charities' battle just got more uphill

USATODAY.com - Charities' battle just got more uphill: "Charities' battle just got more uphill
By Jim Hopkins, USA TODAY
Struggling to raise at least $2 billion for Hurricane Katrina relief, charities are now facing big obstacles in redirecting money already raised — and in persuading donors to give for Hurricane Rita victims.

The American Red Cross, which has raised about 70% of the money donated so far for hurricane help, on Friday pleaded for more. Its plea came as it began planning for the costs of Rita relief."

Katrina spurs federal action on VoIP | CNET News.com

Katrina spurs federal action on VoIP | CNET News.com: "Katrina spurs federal action on VoIP
Published: September 22, 2005, 2:32 PM PDT
By Anne Broache
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
TrackBack Print E-mail TalkBack

Hurricane Katrina's thrashing of communications networks has amplified the need for Congress to take action on Net phone policy, senators said Thursday.

At a hearing convened by the Senate Commerce Committee, senators pledged to take steps to ensure that all communications networks, including voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, can connect their customers to the 911 system. One such bill was introduced in May."