Thursday, December 01, 2005

Hurricanes Katrina & Rita Web Archive

Hurricanes Katrina & Rita Web Archive: "Hurricanes Katrina &
Rita Web Archive


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Chron.com | 'Donor fatigue' impacts Salvation Army fundraiser

Chron.com | 'Donor fatigue' impacts Salvation Army fundraiser: "Donor fatigue' a new impact from storms
At this juncture, giving to Houston Salvation Army is down 10% from same time in '04

By ANNE MARIE KILDAY
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Officials of the Houston Salvation Army are leaving no bell unrung in fighting 'donor fatigue' that already challenges the $2.3 million fundraising goal for the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas programs."

Carnival gives millions to help S. Florida, Key West, Cozumel in storm recovery: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Carnival gives millions to help S. Florida, Key West, Cozumel in storm recovery: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "arnival gives millions to help S. Florida, Key West, Cozumel in storm recovery

By Tom Stieghorst
Business Writer
Posted December 1 2005

Closing the books on an extraordinary hurricane season, Carnival Corp. on Wednesday donated $7 million to hurricane relief, including $1 million earmarked for the United Way of Broward County.

The funds will help pay for repairs to buildings that house charitable agencies, and to continue programs disrupted by the hurricane, said Doug Weber, president and chief executive officer of the Broward charity."

Guidance Explains How Katrina Victims Can Access Their Retirement Savings

Guidance Explains How Katrina Victims Can Access Their Retirement Savings: "Guidance Explains How Katrina Victims Can Access Their Retirement Savings


Dec. 1, 2005 (SmartPros) -- The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance relating to the application of two provisions of the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (KETRA) for Hurricane Katrina victims and employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs.

Under one provision of KETRA, individuals who live in one of the four states affected by Hurricane Katrina and who suffered an economic loss as a result of that hurricane receive favorable tax treatment with respect to distributions from eligible retirement plans that are qualified Hurricane Katrina distributions, called 'Katrina distributions.'"

Hurricane Victims' Bills Coming Due

Hurricane Victims' Bills Coming Due: "Hurricane Victims' Bills Coming Due
Many Homeowners Face Deadline for Mortgage Payments

By Caroline E. Mayer and Terence O'Hara
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, December 1, 2005; Page D01

Katrina victims Ed and Elsa Gaskell realized only last week that their last three months' worth of mortgage payments on their damaged New Orleans home were due today.

After the hurricane, their mortgage company, like most lenders, suspended payments until Dec. 1."

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

New Orleans to offer free Wi-Fi | CNET News.com

New Orleans to offer free Wi-Fi | CNET News.com: "he Big Easy plans to be the first major city to offer free wireless Internet access to its citizens in an effort to entice businesses and people to return to the city after the devastating hurricane season.

On Tuesday, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin announced the city's plan to cover the city with Wi-Fi Internet access within a year. And unlike other citywide wireless networks that have been proposed in cities like Philadelphia and San Francisco, New Orleans plans to operate the network itself.

Part of the network will be secured so that it can be used exclusively by the city to provide communications for municipal agencies like police, fire, and building inspection departments. The additional bandwidth on the network will be opened to the public to provide free Internet access to all citizens."

Amazon's A-List [Fool.com: Motley Fool Take] November 29, 2005

Amazon's A-List [Fool.com: Motley Fool Take] November 29, 2005: "Amazon's A-List

By Alyce Lomax (TMF Lomax)
November 29, 2005

Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) has brought dot-com pizzazz to the old idea of the celebrity telethon for worthy causes. Tuesday, the online retailing giant introduced what it calls The Amazon A-List for Hurricane Relief, through which users will be able to get exclusive content from celebrities in return for donations to help people who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Starting Wednesday and lasting until Dec. 20, Amazon.com will feature content from different celebrities every day, accessible to those who donate to the program. "

New Orleans says it's tuning up for tourists - Yahoo! News

New Orleans says it's tuning up for tourists - Yahoo! News: "New Orleans says it's tuning up for tourists

By Janet Guttsman Tue Nov 29, 3:58 PM ET

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - New Orleans, battered by a hurricane and then swamped by floods, is getting ready for the return of visitors, senior city officials said on Tuesday.


Speaking three months to the day after Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the city and sent its population fleeing to new homes around America, the officials said tourists should reassess their doomsday notions of New Orleans, a city of almost half a million people before the storm."

International Rescue Committee Awarded $200,000 by South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund for Pakistan Aid Operations - Yahoo! News

International Rescue Committee Awarded $200,000 by South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund for Pakistan Aid Operations - Yahoo! News: "nternational Rescue Committee Awarded $200,000 by South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund for Pakistan Aid Operations

Tue Nov 29, 1:01 PM ET

ADVERTISEMENT

To: National and Metro Desk

Contact: Ed Bligh, 212-551-3114 or ebligh@theIRC.org; Melissa Winkler, 212-551-0972 or melissa@theIRC.org; Web: http://www.theIRC.org

NEW YORK, Nov. 29 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has received a $200,000 grant for its emergency relief operations in Pakistan from the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund, which is administered by the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy. The grant is the first awarded by the Fund."

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

First New Orleans public school reopens its classrooms - Yahoo! News

First New Orleans public school reopens its classrooms - Yahoo! News: "First New Orleans public school reopens its classrooms

Tue Nov 29, 2:53 AM ET

NEW ORLEANS, United States (AFP) - As Benjamin Franklin Elementary School became the first New Orleans public school to re-open since Hurricane Katrina struck, Layana Breashears' twin fifth graders offered a split decision on whether they are happy to be back.
ADVERTISEMENT

Lynnell is happy to be back in a classroom, but Donnell was more skeptical, shaking his head.

'There's no stores open,' he says.

Breashears enrolled her children eagerly on Monday morning. The family had just returned to New Orleans from Alexandria, Louisiana, over the Thanksgiving holiday."

Plainfield students give to Katrina victims

Plainfield students give to Katrina victims: "Plainfield students give to Katrina victims

By Catherine Ann Velasco
STAFF WRITER

PLAINFIELD — Plainfield School District students are getting a chance to spread some holiday cheer by donating unwrapped gifts for the children in Slidell, La., who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Donations can be dropped off at any of district's 24 campuses or from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at the district's Administration Center, 15732 Howard St., Plainfield. The deadline is Thursday.

The school district and the village of Plainfield have been collecting new, unwrapped holiday gifts to be delivered to Plainfield's sister city, Slidell, by village representatives next week."

Pew Internet & American Life Project Report: Online donations following Katrina and Rita

Pew Internet & American Life Project Report: Online donations following Katrina and Rita: "3 million Americans made donations online after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

11/24/2005 | MemoMemo | John Horrigan

In the aftermath of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes, 13 million Americans made donations to relief efforts online and 7 million set up their own hurricane relief efforts using the internet. In addition to using the internet to respond directly to the crisis, 50% of online users sought out news and information online,"

Monday, November 28, 2005

Attitudes to Nonprofits After Katrina and Tsunami are Generally Positive: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE
Attitudes to Nonprofits After Katrina and Tsunami are Generally Positive: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Press Release Source: Harris Interactive

Attitudes to Nonprofits After Katrina and Tsunami are Generally Positive
Monday November 28, 1:24 pm ET
But substantial minorities are somewhat negative to nonprofits (charities, foundations, and other philanthropic groups), even though most highly visible charities enjoy very strong support

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The American public's attitudes to, and perceptions of, nonprofits, including charities, foundations, and other philanthropic organizations is generally positive, but substantial minorities hold somewhat negative opinions of nonprofits in general. Individual charities which were actively involved in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina mostly receive strong positive ratings. However, FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is rated negatively by a 72 percent majority.

These are some of the results of a Harris Poll conducted online by Harris Interactive� among a nationwide cross-section of 1,833 U.S. adults between October 11 and 17, 2005. It measures, therefore, the public's reactions to how nonprofits responded to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the tsunami which devastated parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka and other countries in Southeast Asia."

Disaster Relief FAQ # A-3 from IRS

Disaster Relief FAQ # A-3: "What is meant by charitable class?

A charitable class is a group of individuals that may properly receive assistance from a charitable organization. A charitable class must be either large enough or sufficiently indefinite that the community as a whole, rather than a pre-selected group of people, is benefited when a charity provides assistance. For example, a charitable class could consist of all individuals located in a city, county, or state. This charitable class is large and benefits to it benefit the entire geographic community."

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Independent Online Edition > Gap Year

Independent Online Edition > Gap Year: "Charity Work: It's never too late to lend a hand
If you want to help out following a disaster overseas, or if you're in need of a constructive year out, volunteering opportunities are open to all. Kirsten Downer reports
Published: 17 November 2005

Are you stuck in a rut and looking for a change? Fed up of seeing hungry, impoverished faces on your TV screen and want to do something to help? Perhaps you've considered volunteering overseas but ruled it out because you thought you were too old, couldn't commit enough time, or have a family. If so, think again.

'Over the past five years it has become far safer - and more professionally acceptable - to take up a job volunteering overseas,' says David Stitt, managing director of Gap Year for Grown Ups, a company catering for volunteers in their late 20s and upwards. 'Whereas 10 years ago intrepid souls took financial and personal risks in volunteering abroad, now several organisations exist to make the experience secure and well-organised.'

Nowadays, universities and businesses encourage overseas volunteering among students and employees.

FEMA Gives Hurricane Evacuees Extra Month - Yahoo! News

FEMA Gives Hurricane Evacuees Extra Month - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - Stung by complaints it was pushing hurricane victims out before the holidays, FEMA extended its hotel housing program Tuesday by a month in 10 states where most of the homeless evacuees sought shelter after Katrina and Rita.

More than 46,000 families in those states now have until Jan. 7 to move out of hotels and into travel trailers, mobile homes or apartments until they find permanent homes. The deadline comes much sooner — Dec. 15 — for 3,500 other households scattered nationwide, before the
Federal Emergency Management Agency stops paying their hotel bills."

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Surviving FEMA's cold shoulder

The Seattle Times: Opinion: Surviving FEMA's cold shoulder: "Surviving FEMA's cold shoulder

The old expression of moving one step forward and two steps back sums it up nicely for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

After a hapless initial response in which federal and local officials bumped heads and dropped balls like a Three Stooges routine, assistance has flowed to the hundreds of thousands displaced by the worst natural disasters in our history.

Now we're falling backward and the people who can least afford the lapse will pay the price. The Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to end hotel payments to hurricane victims by Dec. 15 and rent subsidies by March. The agency that kept its inept leader, Michael Brown, on the payroll long past his pull date now wants to pinch pennies?

The majority of hurricane evacuees are not back in their homes. Many will never go back. Their existence currently entails navigating new cities, temporary housing and finding work. Federal officials don't deny this reality but instead point to state and local governments to pick up the task of assisting evacuees."

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Legislature wraps up special session on hurricane recovery

Legislature wraps up special session on hurricane recovery: "Legislature wraps up special session on hurricane recovery


BATON ROUGE, La. -- Lawmakers worked into the final hours of a special legislative session Tuesday to rebalance Louisiana's deficit-riddled budget, complete a tax break package to entice businesses back to hurricane-damaged areas and hammer out the final provisions of a new statewide building code to prevent future devastation."

Reuters AlertNet - Church World Service Leader Tells Top Donor Countries, "Make Pledges Real Now" to Save Pakistan Quake Survivors

Reuters AlertNet - Church World Service Leader Tells Top Donor Countries, "Make Pledges Real Now" to Save Pakistan Quake Survivors: "Church World Service-USA
Website: http://www.churchworldservice.org
NEWS UPDATE

NEW YORK - Fri Nov 18 – Following United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan arrived in Pakistan yesterday for this weekend’s International Donor Conference, the humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS) is heightening its call to the international community to back the UN with swift delivery of promised funds for ongoing emergency aid, reconstruction and sustainable rehabilitation in the earthquake devastated region.

Church World Service Executive Director and CEO Rev. John L. McCullough, who visited Pakistan last week, says, “The job is far from over. The first snow fell in Kashmir this past week. Without immediate and major funds for food, for further shelter and medical aid, winter and disease will conspire to produce significan"

The Pueblo Chieftain Online -Phys ed philanthropy

The Pueblo Chieftain Online - Pueblo, Colorado U.S.A: "Phys ed philanthropy
CSU-Pueblo athletes extend generosity to hurricane victims
By GAYLE PEREZ
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

When 11-year-old Sarah Lacoste opened the door to her family's Belmont apartment Monday morning, she knew her good deed was being repaid.

Days ago, the Heaton Middle School sixth-grader took a few canned goods from the family's pantry to donate to a food drive at school.

'Remember when you asked what I was doing taking the food to school,' she told her mother, Jennifer Lacoste. 'I told you it would come back to us.'"

Monday, November 21, 2005

USATODAY.com - Katrina shelves gifts to food banks

USATODAY.com - Katrina shelves gifts to food banks: "Katrina shelves gifts to food banks
By Wendy Koch, USA TODAY
As Hurricane Katrina donations reach near-record levels, some food banks in the USA are seeing bare shelves as they prepare for Thanksgiving and winter.
Chris Cunningham works at the Idaho Food Bank, where demand is up for Thanksgiving, but donations are expected to be less. Chris Cunningham works at the Idaho Food Bank, where demand is up for Thanksgiving, but donations are expected to be less.
By Troy Maben, AP

Food donations are down 12% in Los Angeles, 30% in New York City and more than 50% in Milwaukee and Denver, according to America's Second Harvest network, which accounts for 80% of the nation's food banks for the needy."

Journal Gazette | 11/21/2005 | Do-gooder companies help themselves

Journal Gazette | 11/21/2005 | Do-gooder companies help themselves: "Do-gooder companies help themselves

By David Ranii

Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer

Enlightened self-interest has its benefits.

The nation’s businesses aren’t philanthropic organizations. Yet, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, corporate America has contributed an estimated $1 billion and counting to benefit the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“Katrina is the fastest outpouring of aid ever,” said Stephen Jordan, executive director of the chamber’s Center for Corporate Citizenship."

Friday, November 18, 2005

Picayune Item: Volunteer organization given notice to get in paperwork

Picayune Item: Mississippi News Near the Gulf: News: "Volunteer organization given notice to get in paperwork

By Sarah Scheuermann/Item Correspondent
Friday, November 18, 2005 1:37 PM CST

Convoy of Hope responded quickly to Picayune's needs following Hurricane Katrina, but weren't quick enough to respond to a request from Secretary of State Eric Clark to register as a charitable organization.

Convoy of Hope, based in Springfield, Mo., set up and distributed survival supplies such as ice, water, food, diapers and infant formula the afternoon after Hurricane Katrina's landfall. The next morning, they busily distributed these items to area residents. Yet, there was a gap in communication between this 501- C (3) nonprofit organization with Clark's office."

End of Ramadan Celebrated with Fundraiser - News - Mount Vernon Gazette - Connection Newspapers

End of Ramadan Celebrated with Fundraiser - News - Mount Vernon Gazette - Connection Newspapers: "End of Ramadan Celebrated with Fundraiser
Mahmoods open their home to celebrate and help earthquake victims.
Gale Curcio
November 18, 2005
snip snip>>>


Concurrent with these festivities is a sense of generosity and gratitude. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
What better way than to make this year’s celebration a fundraising dinner for earthquake victims in Northern Pakistan? Long known for their generosity, the Mahmoods once again teamed up with friend and neighbor, Susan Allen, wife of U.S. Senator George Allen (R-VA). The honorary committee also included Ambassador and Mrs. Jehangir Karamat of Pakistan. Serving as honorary co-chairs were: Ashraf and Ambreen Hayat; Dr. Hamid and Shahnaz Quraishi; and Ester Coopersmith. Also in attendance was Mahmoudmian Sumrou, Pakistan Senate Chairman, and Barbara Johnson, wife of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD).
Their goal was to have a festive evening, while at the same time doing good for an area of the world that desperately needs help. Shaista Mahmood said approximately 200 people came to the event and they raised $100,000. "

FEMA Says It Will Work Out Refugee Housing - Yahoo! News

FEMA Says It Will Work Out Refugee Housing - Yahoo! News: "FEMA Says It Will Work Out Refugee Housing

By MICHAEL GRACZYK, Associated Press Writer Thu Nov 17, 6:31 PM ET

HOUSTON - Federal and state officials tried to ease fears Thursday that thousands of Louisiana hurricane refugees in Texas would be left homeless again after Dec. 1 when FEMA has said it will stop paying their hotel and motel bills.
ADVERTISEMENT

'We are finding longer-term housing for all evacuees,' said Russ Knocke, spokesman for the Department of
Homeland Security. 'That's really a top priority, working with families to help them find some long-term housing options."

Christianpost.com - Christian Breaking News, U.S., World, Christian Music, Christian Entertainment, Education, Health, Christian Book & Christian Busi

Christianpost.com - Christian Breaking News, U.S., World, Christian Music, Christian Entertainment, Education, Health, Christian Book & Christian Business News: "Over 3,000 CCC Students Mobilized for Gulf Coast Recovery Efforts
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005 Posted: 8:08:32PM EST

Over the weekend, more than 600 college students descended on the hurricane-battered town of Pass Christian, Miss., to help the ongoing relief and recovery efforts of the town.

Over 3,000 CCC Students Mobilized for Gulf Coast Recovery Efforts
Three students gut houses in Pass Christian, Miss. They are among more than 2,300 students sent by Campus Crusade for Christ to help clean areas devastated by the hurricanes. Students travel from around the entire country to the Gulf states when they are off from school. (Photo: Campus Crusade for Christ)

After a massive storm surge destroyed more than 70 percent of the homes in the town, the U.S. Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI) called on college students from all its 1,298 college campuses to join the Katrina relief effort in the Gulf Coast. Thus far, the students have gutted 375 of the 500 flooded homes left still standing after Katrina.
"

Thursday, November 17, 2005

NHL.com - News-NHLPA, NHL become teammates with Garth Brooks to help children in need

NHL.com - News: "NHLPA, NHL become teammates with Garth Brooks to help children in need

Brooks will match dollars raised from NHL / NHLPA Katrina Relief Game-Worn Jersey Auction

NEW YORK (November 16, 2005) - The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association have jointly selected Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation as the official children's charity of the NHL and NHLPA. The league-wide alliance will include players from all 30 NHL Member Clubs and utilize the League and Players' Association's full platform of marketing resources."

AP Wire | 11/16/2005 | Forty new charities register since Katrina, four raise questions

AP Wire | 11/16/2005 | Forty new charities register since Katrina, four raise questions: "Forty new charities register since Katrina, four raise questions

HOLBROOK MOHR

Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. - Forty new charities have registered to solicit funds since Hurricane Katrina struck on Aug. 29, and more than a dozen have expanded their missions, Secretary of State Eric Clark says.

On the negative side, Clark said four charities have not responded to official inquiries and could be shut down.

'In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we probably have seen more focus on charitable giving than ever before,' Clark said Wednesday as he released his annual report on charitable organizations."

Pittsburgh Catholic Newspaper - News and Features

Pittsburgh Catholic Newspaper - News and Features: "aithful respond in spirit of giving
current article
by: John Franko

The generous spirit of the diocesan faithful continues to manifest itself in many ways, locally, nationally and internationally.

In addition to the regular weekly offerings that support the parishes of the diocese, contributions on the part of local Catholics toward those in need often top those of much larger archdioceses and dioceses.

The diocese contributed more than $1.8 million for relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina in August. The figure included more than $43,000 collected by diocesan schools."

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

The Chronicle, 11/16/2005: Donations to U.S. Relief Groups Top $30-Million for Pakistan Earthquake

The Chronicle, 11/16/2005: Donations to U.S. Relief Groups Top $30-Million for Pakistan Earthquake: "Donations to U.S. Relief Groups Top $30-Million for Pakistan Earthquake

By Cassie Moore

Donations to major American relief organizations to help victims of the South Asia earthquake now stand at just over $30-million, a figure that fund raisers say falls short of the need but is an encouraging response when put into the context of many other international disasters.

The earthquakes that demolished parts of Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan last month killed more than 74,000 people and left thousands more injured and homeless."

In a season of giving, charity fatigue may hit close to home this year

In a season of giving, charity fatigue may hit close to home this year: "n a season of giving, charity fatigue may hit close to home this year
By Jennifer Pearson Bonnett
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Last updated: Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005 - 06:43:38 am PST

Dennis Lewis will soon begin his annual labor of love by preparing angel tags. The gift request forms are from underprivileged children in Lodi, and Lewis' Lodi Adopt-A-Child organization will answer more than 1,500 of those requests with the help of citizen donations.

At least that's his hope."

NP Times / Leaving Everything Behind

NP Times / Leaving Everything Behind: "November 1, 2005
Leaving Everything Behind
VOA chapter learns to operate across state lines

By Alan Naditz

When Jim LeBlanc, president of the Volunteers of America’s Greater New Orleans affiliate, first heard about Hurricane Katrina heading toward the city, he thought he had things covered. This was, after all, another exercise in what’s become an annual ritual: break out the disaster response plan and get to work preparing residents for evacuation.

“For the past three or four years during hurricane season we’ve had to evacuate people from our communities once or twice a year,” LeBlanc said. “We know the drill: We hire several Greyhound buses, pack several days of clothing for each person and make hotel reservations. We know we’ll be back in a few days after the storm’s over.”"

FEMA Tells 150,000 in Hotels to Exit In 15 Days

FEMA Tells 150,000 in Hotels to Exit In 15 Days: "FEMA Tells 150,000 in Hotels to Exit In 15 Days
No More Free Rooms For Katrina Evacuees

By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 16, 2005; Page A01

The Federal Emergency Management Agency yesterday warned an estimated 150,000 Hurricane Katrina evacuees living in government-subsidized hotels that they have until Dec. 1 to find other housing before it stops paying for their rooms.

The announcement effectively starts the clock ticking toward a new exodus of Gulf Coast storm victims who have been living rent-free in 5,700 hotels in 51 states and U.S. territories under the $273 million program."

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Arizona Capitol Times-tate tallies Katrina relief costs; DPS has biggest share

Arizona Capitol Times: "State tallies Katrina relief costs; DPS has biggest share

By Paul Davenport
The Associated Press


The state has spent more than $1.2 million on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, with half of the initial tally being reported by the law-enforcement agency that provided security at a state-owned arena used as a shelter for evacuees.

According to preliminary figures provided by state officials for costs reported by Oct. 21, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported expenses totaling $622,343. Other state agencies reporting large expenditures included the Department of Economic Security (DES) with $358,000 and the Department of Housing at $232,613. "

Association of Fundraising Professionals | About AFP | AFP news & press releases

AFP PRESS RELEASE

Association of Fundraising Professionals | About AFP | AFP news & press releases: "FUNDRAISING DOWN SLIGHTLY BECAUSE OF HURRICANES: OPTIMISM STILL STRONG THAT GIVING WILL RECOVER BY YEAR’S END


DATE: Nov. 15, 2005

FOR RELEASE: Immediate

CONTACT: Joyce O’Brien, V.P., Marketing & Communications, (703) 519-8457

(Alexandria, VA) Nearly half of U.S. charities have seen their fundraising decline because of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes and the associated relief efforts, according to a survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) released on National Philanthropy Day�.

The Hurricane Impact Study, which surveyed fundraisers in California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas, found that 46 percent of respondents saw their fundraising decline because of the hurricanes and the relief efforts."

The Enterprise at SouthofBoston.com

The Enterprise at SouthofBoston.com: "Charity begins close to home
By Elaine Allegrini, Enterprise staff writer

Janet Victoria walked out of Westgate Mall in Brockton on Monday and went straight to the Salvation Army red kettle to deposit the cash in her hand.

'God bless,' bell-ringer Barbara Roy of Brockton said.

Her smile beamed each time someone dropped cash in the kettle during the first day of the Salvation Army's annual holiday drive.

Time's Person of the Year Could Be Katrina - Yahoo! News

Time's Person of the Year Could Be Katrina - Yahoo! News: "Time's Person of the Year Could Be Katrina

By DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press Writer Tue Nov 15, 6:53 AM ET

NEW YORK - Time magazine's 2005 Person of the Year may not be a person after all. A panel of notables has made a strong case for awarding the distinction this year to Hurricane Katrina.

NBC anchor Brian Williams included Katrina in his larger nomination of Mother Nature, which he picked because of a host of environmental stories this year, from the tsunami to earthquakes in Pakistan. He said the hurricane and its aftermath led to other issues."

Napa Valley Register Online | CommentaryOpinion

Napa Valley Register Online | CommentaryOpinion: "A good cause and a strike at terrorism
By MORTON KONDRACKE
Monday, November 14, 2005 11:46 AM PST


The United States reaped huge political benefits from its generous response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. But it's in danger of falling short now in strategically vital Pakistan.

Five weeks after an earthquake killed an estimated 87,000 people and left 2 million homeless with savage weather descending, the U.S. government has committed $156 million to relief in Pakistan, compared to $1 billion after the tsunami.

Private U.S. donations for Pakistan so far total $47.7 million. That compares to $600 million a month after the tsunami and $1.6 billion total. A week after the tsunami, President Bush enlisted his father and former President Bill Clinton to lead private relief fundraising. It took 20 days for him to appoint five corporate CEOs to lead a similar effort after the earthquake, along with Undersecretary of State Karen Hughes.
"

Capital News 9 | 24 Hour Local News | HEADLINES | Hurricane donations about to eclipse 9/11 giving

Capital News 9 | 24 Hour Local News | HEADLINES | Hurricane donations about to eclipse 9/11 giving: "Hurricane donations about to eclipse 9/11 giving
11/14/2005 2:01 PM
By: The Associated Press

Americans have given nearly as much to charities in the 11 weeks since Hurricane Katrina as they did in the entire two years after 9/11.

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University said the hurricane total already has reached $2.65 billion. The group said within the next couple of weeks the total should surpass the $2.8 billion contributed after the attacks."

Monday, November 14, 2005

United Press International - NewsTrack - Hurricane Katrina draws record donations

United Press International - NewsTrack - Hurricane Katrina draws record donations: "urricane Katrina draws record donations

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- American giving is about to set another milestone as donations for victims of Hurricane Katrina are expected to go over the record set after the 9/11 tragedy.

Private donations totaled nearly $2.7 billion just 11 weeks after Katrina struck, say the Red Cross and Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy, which tracks charitable giving, reports USA Today.

The total given to the Sept. 11, 2001, charities was $2.8 billion."

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Compassion fatigue leaves quake victims out in the cold

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Compassion fatigue leaves quake victims out in the cold: "Compassion fatigue leaves quake victims out in the cold

� UN to ask for billions of dollars at donors' meeting
� Cash needed immediately to stave off crisis

Randeep Ramesh, south Asia correspondent
Monday November 14, 2005
The Guardian

The international community needs to spend 'several billions of dollars in immediate cash' to stave off a humanitarian crisis in Pakistan-ruled Kashmir, according to the chairman of an international donor conference to be held this week.

Kemal Dervis, the head of the UN Development Programme, acknowledged that the relief effort had struggled to raise the required $550m (�314m) from its instant appeal and that the $130m pledged so far was 'clearly insufficient'."

Financial squeeze play - Buffalo - MSNBC.com

Financial squeeze play - Buffalo - MSNBC.com: "Financial squeeze play
Nonprofits struggle to meet growing demand
Related Stories
By Tracey Drury
Business First of Buffalo
Updated: 7:00 p.m. ET Nov. 13, 2005

In a year when Americans have poured billions of dollars into disaster relief around the world, nonprofit agencies in Western New York are weathering a storm of their own.

It's true that many organizations have seen significant revenue growth in recent years, in line with a national trend of increased giving from individual donors. However, if you ask just about any nonprofit executive how things are going, you'll hear a lot of complaints about how tight the economy is, about the declining availability of funding from government and foundations and how much they've had to adjust their staffing to balance the budget."

USATODAY.com - Suspected scams tucked into near-record Katrina giving

USATODAY.com - Suspected scams tucked into near-record Katrina giving: "
Posted 11/13/2005 9:58 PM


Suspected scams tucked into near-record Katrina giving
By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
In the days after Hurricane Katrina hit, visitors to AirKatrina.com read wrenching accounts of rescue missions flown into the Gulf Coast by Florida pilot Gary Kraser.

'If we didn't have the plane, I don't think the little baby would have survived,' Kraser wrote. 'She is undergoing transplant surgery at this moment.'

But the stories that helped inspire 48 people to donate nearly $40,000 were a lie, prosecutors say. There were no sick babies, they allege, no rescues, not even any flights by Kraser, who now stands charged with fraud.

As Hurricanes Katrina and Rita generate near-record-breaking charitable giving, they also are spawning a cottage industry of fraud."

After the Storm, One Town Finds 1,000 Ways to Give - New York Times

After the Storm, One Town Finds 1,000 Ways to Give - New York Times: "After the Storm, One Town Finds 1,000 Ways to Give
Jim Wilson/The New York Times



By PETER T. KILBORN
Published: November 14, 2005

ST. FRANCISVILLE, La.

THAT Saturday, Aug. 27, Rose Parsee, or Mother Rose to her church and her three younger generations, got a call from a daughter, Kathlyn Locke. Ms. Locke, Ms. Parsee and most of the clan lived in two houses and an apartment in Harvey, just south of New Orleans on the city's west bank. A hardy brick of a woman, intense and passionate, Ms. Parsee had never been out of the area in her 65 years."

Friday, November 11, 2005

Lilly Endowment gives $2 million to help with storm relief | IndyStar.com

Lilly Endowment gives $2 million to help with storm relief | IndyStar.com: "Lilly Endowment gives $2 million to help with storm relief

Direct Care Staff
By Theodore Kim
theodore.kim@indystar.com
The Lilly Endowment Inc., today granted $2 million to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis and the Salvation Army to help with relief efforts in the wake of the Southern Indiana tornado.
That tornado struck early Sunday morning near Evansville, killing 23 people and destroying some 200 houses in Indiana."

Spokane Journal of Business - A HARSH WIND: Charities here feel impact of hurricane giving, rising costs

Spokane Journal of Business - The Business Newspaper For The Inland Northwest: "A HARSH WIND: Charities here feel impact of hurricane giving, rising costs

‘Compassion fatigue’ feared as nonprofits prepare to serve many this winter

By Rocky Wilson

Mathew Meeusen, operations director at St. Vincent de Paul, says contributions to local charities have gone down because of donations for hurricane relief.
Mathew Meeusen, operations director at St. Vincent de Paul, says contributions to local charities have gone down because of donations for hurricane relief.

High fuel and utility costs, coupled with a shift in donations to other parts of the nation and world to meet needs caused by natural disasters, have charities here worried about whether they’ll have the resources to serve Spokane’s people in need this winter."

Baptists’ 10.5 mil meals shatters record

Baptists’ 10.5 mil meals shatters record: "LPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–Southern Baptist Disaster Relief announced Nov. 2 that volunteers have prepared a record 10.5 million meals since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in late August. The meal count shatters the previous record of 3.5 million meals set in 2004.
Click on image for related coverage

In one of the most active hurricane seasons in U.S. history, more than 9,000 Southern Baptist volunteers from 41 state conventions have been deployed following hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma."

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Rushville Republican--The effects of national giving on local organizations

Rushville Republican--The effects of national giving on local organizations: "The effects of national giving on local organizations

How recent disasters change philanthropy
Starr Shuppert
Republican Staff Writer

Hundreds of billions of dollars have been sent across this nation and abroad, especially this year following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

According to those heading local charities, dollars that are being given to disaster relief around the world could potentially leave local charities feeling short-changed.

U.S. Newswire : Releases : "The Asia Foundation Releases First Assessment of Recovery and Reconstruction in PostTsunami Aceh..."

U.S. Newswire : Releases : "The Asia Foundation Releases First Assessment of Recovery and Reconstruction in PostTsunami Aceh...": "he Asia Foundation Releases First Assessment of Recovery and Reconstruction in Post-Tsunami Aceh; In Response, Give2Asia Launches New Fund to Support Critical Revitalization Needs

11/9/2005 10:00:00 AM

To: National Desk

Contact: Jennifer Betti of The Asia Foundation, 415-743-3367 or jbetti@asiafound.org

ACEH, INDONESIA, Nov. 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Scores of children in Aceh have quit school due to a lack of affordable and efficient transportation, and local merchants need guidance and support in order to re-start their businesses, according to the first assessment of post-tsunami recovery and reconstruction efforts in Aceh, Indonesia. The Aceh Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Appraisal (ARRA), funded by and produced in cooperation with The Asia Foundation, is a 16-month landmark assessment designed to accelerate and guide the revitalization of Aceh following the December 2004 tsunami that killed and displaced tens of thousands. The assessment's phase one findings were based on personal, in-depth interviews with victims and international and Indonesian service providers which were conducted by The Asia Foundation, the Aceh Recovery Forum, and the Department of Law at the University of Syiah Kuala, University of Malikul Saleh, Regional Development Institute (YPK), and a women-focused NGO (MISPI).

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - Tsunami charity drive wins campaign award

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - Tsunami charity drive wins campaign award: "sunami charity drive wins campaign award

LAURA VARNEY

A CHARITY campaign launched by the Evening News which raised a staggering £500,000 in Edinburgh for victims of the Asian tsunami has scooped a prestigious award.

The Mercy Corps and Edinburgh Evening News Capital Appeal for Tsunami Survivors was named Campaign of the Year at the Scottish Institute of Fundraising Awards."

2theadvocate.com: News - Nonprofits also storm victims 11/08/05

2theadvocate.com: News - Nonprofits also storm victims 11/08/05: "There is a similar crisis brewing in the 'third sector,' nonprofit organizations that are neither government nor for-profit businesses.

They have clients to serve just as governments and businesses do, and the kinds of help they provide -- from housing to food to health services to counseling -- are just the kinds of things needed today, more greatly than before the impact of Katrina and Rita.

At the same time, nonprofits in greater New Orleans and in southwest Louisiana faced the same difficulties of flooded buildings, scattered staff and poor communications that have bedeviled many businesses in the region."

edmontonsun.com - Alberta - Klein presents quake aid

edmontonsun.com - Alberta - Klein presents quake aid: "Premier Ralph Klein presented the Canadian Red Cross with $5 million last night during a fundraising dinner for victims of last month's earthquake in Pakistan and India.

Alberta's $5-million contribution from the Alberta Lottery Fund was already in Canadian Red Cross coffers to help victims of the deadly Oct. 8 earthquake."

BayouBuzz.com - Louisiana Politics and News-Louisiana Recovery Head Issacson Addresses Business Congressional Committee

BayouBuzz.com - Louisiana Politics and News: "On Tuesday, Walter Isaccson, the vice chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority which is the planning and coordinating body designed to help create a vision for the recovery of Louisiana addressed a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Here are his comments to the committee which provides insight regarding the problems faced by Louisiana small businesses and perhaps opportunities:

Thank you for the invitation to speak on behalf of my native state, Louisiana. My name is Walter Isaacson, and I serve as the vice chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which was created by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to be the planning and coordinating body that will assist in implementing the Governor�s vision for the recovery of Louisiana. The authority will identify and prioritize the short- and long-term needs of the recovery."

Monday, November 07, 2005

Online Charity Auctions: A Win-Win Business Strategy

Online Charity Auctions: A Win-Win Business Strategy

The Mountain Press

The Mountain Press: "Attempt fails, but group hug still a success
By: JOEL DAVIS November 06, 2005
Email to a friend Voice your opinion
PIGEON FORGE - An attempt to break the world's record for largest group hug on Saturday may have technically failed, but participants walked away feeling warm and fuzzy anyway.
Taking place in the parking lot of Boyds Bear Country, 149 Cates Lane, the attempt needed at least 5,118 participants to hug each other 10 seconds to succeed. Almost 2,000 had registered shortly before the attempt took place.
The failure to set a record did not bother Charles and Carol LeClair, who did some hugging of their own during the event."

The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Harvard Pledges Additional Aid

The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Harvard Pledges Additional Aid: "Harvard Pledges Additional Aid
New guidelines provide clearer basis for Harvard relief donations
Published On Monday, November 07, 2005 1:39 AM
By JAVIER C. HERNANDEZ
Crimson Staff Writer
Laying the framework for a uniform policy on donations to disaster aid funds, University President Lawrence H. Summers announced on Friday that Harvard will offer financial contributions to University groups organizing Kashmir earthquake relief efforts.

In a letter to the Harvard community released nearly one month after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake devastated parts of South Asia, Summers pledged University funding “on a case-by-case basis to groups of University members who, with compassion and imagination, have devised ways to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts in Pakistan.” "

Katrina giving sets record - The Honolulu Advertiser

Katrina giving sets record - The Honolulu Advertiser: "Katrina giving sets record
• Katrina evacuees settle in Isles

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer


More than $2 million has been donated to the local chapter of the American Red Cross since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29.

It is, according to Coralie Chun Matayoshi, chief executive officer for the Hawai'i chapter of the American Red Cross, the quickest the state chapter has topped $2 million in donations following a disaster."

The Facts

The Facts: "Giving only way to continue meeting needs
By Michael Morris
The Facts

Published November 6, 2005
Charitable giving rose more than 11 percent across the country in 2004, according to a recent report from the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which might lead some people to believe the piggy banks at America’s charities are brimming with money.

But one need look no further than the sparsely filled shelves at Brazosport Cares, The Food Basket and other area food pantries for evidence there still are needs to be met.

The efforts in the Houston area to help evacuees from Hurricane Katrina and those affected by Hurricane Rita have left area pantries scrambling to help families who rely on them for regular meals."

Some Disasters Compel Us to Give

Some Disasters Compel Us to Give: "Some Disasters Compel Us to Give
Some Disasters Compel Us to Give

By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 6, 2005; Page F01

Disaster strikes -- a hurricane, a flood, a tsunami, a terrorist attack. People die. Buildings are destroyed. Communities are devastated. What do you do? If you're like millions of Americans, you reach for your wallet. And you give. And give. And give.

More than $2 billion in private donations for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. More than $1.5 billion for those affected by the devastating tsunami that swept through Southeast Asia at the end of last year. And last week, donations to the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit $2.2 billion."

Friday, November 04, 2005

Louisiana can't pay Katrina, Rita bills - Yahoo! News

Louisiana can't pay Katrina, Rita bills - Yahoo! News: "Flood-ravaged Louisiana can't pay the $3.7 billion that the U.S. government says is its share of hurricane relief, a spokeswoman for Gov. Kathleen Blanco said Thursday.
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'You can't squeeze $3.7 billion out of this state to pay this bill. Period. That would be difficult for us on a good day,' the spokeswoman, Denise Bottcher, told USA TODAY."

Prince Charles and Camilla head to New Orleans to view Katrina carnage - Yahoo! News

Prince Charles and Camilla head to New Orleans to view Katrina carnage - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON (AFP) - Britain's
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were to lay a wreath honoring World War II veterans here before flying to New Orleans to view the hurricane-ravaged city.
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[-71725]

The couple, on their first official trip abroad since their marriage in April, were to lay a wreath at a new World War II memorial in the US capital and visit the Folger Shakespeare Library before heading to the Gulf Coast."

More than $428,000 donated: Red Cross funds exceed 4 times what was given for Ivan, tsunami combined

More than $428,000 donated: Red Cross funds exceed 4 times what was given for Ivan, tsunami combined: "More than $428,000 donated
Red Cross funds exceed 4 times what was given for Ivan, tsunami combined

By Paul Huggins
DAILY Staff Writer
phuggins@decaturdaily.com � 340-2395

Local donations to the American Red Cross' disaster relief fund have slowed to a trickle, but not before amassing $428,882.

That's more than four times the amount collected for Hurricane Ivan and the tsunami relief efforts combined.

The record amount has Susan Codding, director of the Morgan-Lawrence County Chapter of the Red Cross, both worried and optimistic."

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Disaster aid agencies uniting to cut red tape

Disaster aid agencies uniting to cut red tape: "Disaster aid agencies uniting to cut red tape
Thursday, November 03, 2005
By PATRICIA C. McCARTER
Times Staff Writer patriciacm@htimes.com

FEMA officials help groups here set up consortium

Local charitable agencies already communicate with each other to help out the needy, but there's a better way to do it.

By combining officially as a Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) agency, they can ease the paperwork disaster victims fill out and have immediate information about available resources when a catastrophe strikes. Plus, with a VOAD in place, they can be one step closer to being eligible for federal funds."

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

OMB Watch - Congress Remains Out of Step with Public in Hurricane Relief Efforts

OMB Watch - Congress Remains Out of Step with Public in Hurricane Relief Efforts: "Congress Remains Out of Step with Public in Hurricane Relief Efforts

It has been two months since Hurricane Katrina hit and one month since Rita made landfall on the already-ravaged Gulf Coast, yet reverberations continue to be felt not only in Washington, but throughout the country. Congress was forced to reshuffle the legislative calendar to address the immediate needs of the relief effort, postponing consideration of the reconciliation bills and a vote on repealing the estate tax, dropping Social Security reform legislation, and passing a stark continuing resolution to fund government services past the end of the fiscal year and allow for more time to pass the annual appropriations bills. Outside of Washington though, a larger reshuffling is occurring as the vast majority of Americans no longer believe the country is on the right track and are turning to government to help redress some of the startling inequalities witnessed in the wake of the hurricanes."

'Do you think people are feeling donor fatigue?'

'Do you think people are feeling donor fatigue?': "Do you think people are feeling donor fatigue?'

Citizens of Brockville and communities throughout Leeds and Grenville are often characterized by their charitable nature.

However, it seems this generosity may have its limits. The United Way of Leeds and Grenville recently reported that two-thirds of the way into its annual fundraising campaign, it has raised less than 40 per cent of its $800,000 goal.

As well, earlier this month, the Operation Harvest Sharing food bank's annual drive came up well short of last year's results.

The Recorder and Times asked people in downtown Brockville over the weekend if, because of all the disasters happening around the world recently, people are feeling 'donor fatigue' when it comes to supporting causes in our own community."

New York Daily News - Ideas & Opinions - Lenore Skenazy: An earthquake and now, winter

New York Daily News - Ideas & Opinions - Lenore Skenazy: An earthquake and now, winter: "An earthquake and now, winter

Even in natural disasters, timing is key. For though there is never a good time for death and destruction, the world responds more generously if the crisis strikes during a slow news week.

Consider the response to the tsunami, which occurred on Dec. 26 - slowest news day of the year. With schools and businesses closed, people stayed home watching TV and what they saw opened their hearts - and wallets. Weeping parents. Lifeless children. World Vision, a U.S.-based Christian relief agency, received pledges of $75 million."

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

La. Lawmakers Summoned for Katrina Session - Yahoo! News

La. Lawmakers Summoned for Katrina Session - Yahoo! News: "the governor has summoned lawmakers for a two-week special session to deal with the aftermath of the Gulf Coast hurricanes, including proposals for tax breaks for homeowners and businesses and for stricter building codes."

Church Business - Interfaith Delegation Unites to Help Katrina Evacuees in Baton Rouge

Church Business - Interfaith Delegation Unites to Help Katrina Evacuees in Baton Rouge: "On Oct. 21, The Interfaith Alliance led a diverse group of religious leaders representing America's wide spectrum of faiths on an investigative tour of the Katrina relief efforts in Baton Rouge, La.

Following the tour, members of the delegation -- Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist and other religious and community leaders -- bore witness, calling on policymakers to respond more effectively and committing their own organizations and denominations to provide additional resources to directly help the evacuees, both now and in the months and years ahead.

The delegation also focued its attention on attacks to religious liberties that have occurred -- and on the ongoing threats to American's religious liberties posed by various policies implemented and being considered -- in the wake of the hurricanes.

'The Interfaith Alliance and members of the Interfaith Delegation applaud the vital, compassionate job that religious and secular social service programs are doing to help the evacuees,' said the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of The Interfaith Alliance. 'We also want to alert Americans to the dangers inherent in the Bush administration's manipulation of the Katrina aftermath as it seeks to circumvent the U. S. Constitution with government funding of religion, including reimbursing houses of worship for disaster relief and using public funds to rebuild parochial schools and other religious institutions as announced by the White House yesterday."

Terre Haute, Indiana News :: TribStar.com :: Some traditional donors diverting gifts to hurricane relief effort as opposed to giving at local level

Terre Haute, Indiana News :: TribStar.com :: Some traditional donors diverting gifts to hurricane relief effort as opposed to giving at local level: "Some traditional donors diverting gifts to hurricane relief effort as opposed to giving at local level

Hands-on approach: Boys and Girls Club member Bryson Stevens constructs his Halloween costume under the watchful eye of volunteer Tina Gantz of Roselawn, a social work student at Indiana State University. (Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis)

By Howard Greninger/Tribune-Star

After watching the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita broadcast on national television, Dean Miller of Terre Haute and his wife, Janet, were determined to help.

The couple has given over and above their usual charitable giving this year to contribute to relief efforts for hurricane victims.

“We did not sacrifice in another area, whether it was our church or another charity that we would have given to. It is a matter of priorities, in my opinion,” Dean Miller said.
"

News-Leader.com | Our View

News-Leader.com | Our View: "Tax cuts can wait a year or two

Budget cuts would hurt working families.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated America's Gulf Coast. The destruction resulted in a great need for Congress to step in and help with disaster relief.

Our leaders in Congress, though, tell us that the government cannot afford to provide hurricane relief, $70 billion in future tax cuts to the rich and middle class and needed social service programs. The social service programs will have to go"

Philanthropy Journal-Support of overseas missions linked to growth

Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change - newsarticle: "Support of overseas missions linked to growth

International funding down by most denominations, report says.

10.26.2005 -

While support of international missions appears to strengthen religious denominations, such funding has dropped over the last 80 years, a new report says.

In 2003, denominations spent an average of 2 cents of every dollar donated by congregations on international mission projects, down from 7 cents in the 1920s, the report says."

NICB

NICB: "Search the NICB database for vehicles and watercraft affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on dashboards, driver's side door jamb stickers, and title documents. T"

Monday, October 31, 2005

NPA's Blog: News, Posts, Advice: Lots of bounced emails recently? Don't despair

From NP Advisors Blog

NPA's Blog: News, Posts, Advice: Lots of bounced emails recently? Don't despair: "Lots of bounced emails recently? Don't despair

We're noticing that several of our clients are seeing higher bounce rates recently. In one recent mailing, we had 10% more bounces than we normally see. Many of them were marked 'mailbox full.'"

Thousands of evacuees face eviction - Yahoo! News

Thousands of evacuees face eviction - Yahoo! News: "Two months after Hurricane Katrina displaced more than 1 million people, problems with federal housing aid threaten to spawn a new wave of homelessness.


In Texas, thousands of evacuees who found shelter in apartments face eviction threats because rents are going unpaid.

In Louisiana, some evacuees are beginning to show up in homeless shelters because they haven't received federal aid or don't know how to get it. (Related story: At FEMA trailer park in La., a swirl of emotions)"

Nonprofits banking on new law to grow coffers

Nonprofits banking on new law to grow coffers: "There is a potential year-end gold rush for schools, foundations, churches and other nonprofit groups seeking gifts from deep-pocket donors.

In response to Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed a law that increases the amount of cash donations that can be deducted on tax forms. But the benefits go beyond sending a check to needy residents of the Gulf Coast."

Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Local News

Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Local News: "Opportunity, not charity, is driving the Chiapas Project

12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, October 29, 2005

Mercedes Olivera

Raising $790,000 in micro-lending funds to help poor women in the poorest state in Mexico start their own small businesses wasn't enough for Dallas businesswoman Lucy Billingsley.

She saw the effect it had on about 4,000 elderly and young women alike in Chiapas and wanted to see more results.

Now she's committed to raising an additional $3.5 million by the end of 2009 to improve the lives of an additional 93,000 women and their families."

MercuryNews.com | 10/29/2005 | Disaster aid donors wary of government corruption

This site may require registration.

MercuryNews.com | 10/29/2005 | Disaster aid donors wary of government corruption: "Disaster aid donors wary of government corruption

GROUPS SEND MONEY TO PRIVATE SECTOR

By Peter Prengaman

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - When Latino groups across the country implored donors to help victims of hurricanes Wilma and Stan, they guaranteed one thing: The governments of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador wouldn't get their hands on the money."

Local charities claim they're in 'big trouble'

Local charities claim they're in 'big trouble': "Judging by the initial amounts raised for Hurricane Rita, the earthquake in Pakistan and mudslides in Mexico, it is much less than it was for Katrina, said Paulette Maehara, CEO and president, Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Right now, there is not much charity fatigue being seen. But when it does show, it will first affect those small organizations that are working in smaller communities. 'And it is the organizations working at the frontlines of the disaster who will be affected the most.'"

Disasters in the Internet age

Disasters in the Internet age: "Disasters in the Internet age
The Internet -- more than any other tool -- is proving to be a significant means of communication during disasters

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BY Dibya Sarkar
Published on Oct. 31, 2005

On Sept. 15, through a private Web site called LATalk.org, Ruby pleaded for help. She asked whether anyone knew the whereabouts of her three aunts, who were missing since Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana Aug. 29. She wrote that she had already searched through many Web sites established to help people find family and friends.

Several weeks later she wrote: 'Does anybody read these things for real? If I just had a phone number or a way to talk to somebody. I need to find my aunts. Please, please help. It's been a month now. HELP, please.'"

Charities hope the well won’t run dry

Charities hope the well won’t run dry: "Charities hope the well won’t run dry

By KARA KRIDLER
Daily Record Business Writer

Already dealing with a year of flat donations, Maryland nonprofits worry that contributions to hurricane relief efforts will leave donors short during the most critical fundraising months.

Several area charities reported giving rose in the last few months, but it was to aid Gulf Coast and Florida residents displaced by hurricanes. Now, nonprofit officials are worried fundraising for Maryland charities may suffer.

The American Red Cross of Central Maryland is already experiencing a 40 percent decrease from last year in giving to the local community, said spokeswoman Linnea Anderson.

However, giving as a whole is up over last year, she said. Local donors have been extremely generous in donating to the victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma."

Tax Relief Granted for Hurricane Wilma Victims

Tax Relief Granted for Hurricane Wilma Victims: "Tax Relief Granted for Hurricane Wilma Victims


IR-2005-128, Oct. 27, 2005

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced relief for taxpayers affected by Hurricane Wilma. The President issued a major disaster declaration covering impacted areas of Florida, effective Oct. 23, 2005.

Taxpayers affected by the hurricane are eligible for relief. Deadlines for affected taxpayers to file returns, pay taxes and perform other time-sensitive acts have been postponed to Feb. 28, 2006, the same date granted to taxpayers affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"

CourierPostOnline - South Jersey's Web Site

CourierPostOnline - South Jersey's Web Site: "PHILADELPHIA
Charitable people have opened their wallets more than once to help support relief efforts after this year's multiple natural disasters. Now, museums, theaters, dance companies and other arts organizations are taking a look at how people give their money and the future of philanthropy in the region.


The arts rely on contributions from donors to stay in business, and these gifts have typically come from people who are older and therefore have more discretionary funds, said Eileen Heisman, president and CEO of the National Philanthropic Trust at a recent seminar hosted by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia.

"

ABC News: Katrina Woes Multiply for Red Cross, Police

ABC News: Katrina Woes Multiply for Red Cross, Police: "0ct. 30, 2005 — As the Gulf Coast region struggles to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Red Cross and the New Orleans Police Department are grappling with alleged theft and desertion.

The American Red Cross — responsible for bringing aid to Katrina victims — now finds itself in need of relief after it was allegedly swindled out of at least $100,000. Some of the 30 alleged thieves were Red Cross volunteers at the Katrina relief call center."

Friday, October 28, 2005

Hy-Vee Sponsors Kids' Halloween Fundraiser for Hurricane Victims

PRESS RELEASE

Hy-Vee Sponsors Kids' Halloween Fundraiser for Hurricane Victims: "WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- What started as a 10-year-old Iowa girl's idea for helping other kids in need has blossomed into a nationwide fundraising drive with a goal of raising more than $1 million for young victims of hurricane disasters. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051028/CGF018LOGO ) Trick-or-Treating for the Levee Catastrophe -- or T.L.C., as it's come to be known -- was the brainchild of 10-year-old Talia Leman of Waukee, Iowa. While watching television news coverage of the Hurricane Katrina disaster and the plight of those left homeless, Talia posed a question to her mother: What if this Halloween, instead of collecting candy, kids across America collected spare change to donate to the hurricane victims?"

Carolina Newspapers.com Third Hurricane causes more need

Carolina Newspapers.com: "Third hurricane causes more need

Carolina Newspapers
(Published October 27‚ 2005)

Hurricane Wilma left 6 million people in Florida without electricity this week. It has caused an estimated $6 billion to $9 billion in damages.

Many Floridians could lack basic services for weeks.

The third major hurricane of the 2006 storm season has created an astronomical amount of need. Large portions of the southeast have been demolished under Mother Nature's force.

The American Red Cross and many charities are working hard to keep up with the needs created by these storms. During Hurricane Katrina, the nation reached out and helped serve those needs by sponsoring major money, clothing and food drives."

Red Cross Borrowing Funds for Storm Aid

Red Cross Borrowing Funds for Storm Aid: "Red Cross Borrowing Funds for Storm Aid
Loan of $340 Million Comes as Nonprofit Draws New Scrutiny

By Jacqueline L. Salmon and Elizabeth Williamson
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, October 28, 2005; Page A01

The American Red Cross said yesterday that its response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita has depleted its Disaster Relief Fund, forcing it to borrow $340 million to cover costs -- the first time in its 124-year history that the charity has sought a loan for disaster relief."

News-Record.com - Greensboro, North Carolina: News: Disasters may pose problems for local charities

News-Record.com - Greensboro, North Carolina: News: Disasters may pose problems for local charities: "Disasters may pose problems for local charities
Print this Article Print this article Email this Article Email this Article
By Amy Dominello
Staff Writer

Tsunamis. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Mudslides.

The horrific natural disasters in the past year have motivated people to make donations to help those in other parts of the nation and world.

But is that giving at the expense of local charities?

Some local nonprofit officials say they are 'cautiously optimistic' that people in the Triad, a community known to be generous, will continue to be. They say most people see their donations to disaster relief funds as above-and-beyond what they would normally give."

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Vail Daily News for Vail and Beaver Creek Colorado - News

Vail Daily News for Vail and Beaver Creek Colorado - News: "Helping hounds in the Texas hurricane zone

County animal control boss Natalie Duck spent 11 days near Houston after Hurricane Rita


Scott N. Miller
October 25, 2005

EAGLE - If disaster ever strikes Eagle County, Natalie Duck will be ready, or at least more ready than she was.

Duck, manager of the Eagle County Animal Services Department, and 14 other animal experts from around the state went to the Houston, Texas area in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita. There, she and the others got up close and personal looks at handling the wake of a natural disaster.

The group from Colorado was made up of members of the 'State Animal Response Team.' That group has a director in Denver, Kevin Dennison, but is mostly a group of local government and nonprofit animal welfare groups. "

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - Charity is 'overwhelmed' by city response to quake fund

Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh - Charity is 'overwhelmed' by city response to quake fund: "Charity is 'overwhelmed' by city response to quake fund

LAURA VARNEY

CHARITY bosses said today they had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Edinburgh public in donating supplies for the survivors of the south Asian earthquake.

Edinburgh Direct Aid's warehouse is now full because of the massive response to requests for winter clothes, bedding and tents."

KETV.com - Money - Charities Thrive In Face Of Hurricanes

KETV.com - Money - Charities Thrive In Face Of Hurricanes: "Hurricanes and the human suffering they left in their wake had many charities concerned that there wouldn’t be enough charitable giving to go around. But a new report shows the concern is unfounded.

Nationwide, charitable donations are up. The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that in 2005, contributions grew by a median of 7.3 percent. That includes non-disaster-related charities.

That’s a relief to those who receive the money."

Monday, October 24, 2005

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Nation > America's War on Terror -- Disasters could hamper giving to Sept. 11 memorials

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Nation > America's War on Terror -- Disasters could hamper giving to Sept. 11 memorials: "Disasters could hamper giving to Sept. 11 memorials
Save a link to this article and return to it at
By Kimberly Hefling
ASSOCIATED PRESS

1:00 a.m. October 24, 2005

WASHINGTON – With the nation's attention and charitable giving focused on Hurricane Katrina and other disasters, it could be more difficult for fundraisers to collect the half-billion dollars needed to build memorials at each Sept. 11 crash site.

Fundraisers for the memorials planned at the World Trade Center site in New York City, the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pa., say they are optimistic they will succeed, but it might take a little longer than planned."

WTOK | Storm Hits Historic Preservation

WTOK | Storm Hits Historic Preservation: "Storm Hits Historic Preservation
Jackson, Miss.
The Associated Press

State and national historic preservation officials will tour the Mississippi Gulf Coast Monday with an eye toward reviving important structures that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, based in Washington, is a private, nonprofit group that helps preserve places that are architecturally or historically significant, from antebellum mansions to modest shotgun houses.

Officials say the trust is making $100,000 available in grants to help people on the Mississippi coast perform quick fixes to stabilize historic buildings before full-fledged renovation can be undertaken. That could mean drying out flooded structures or erecting scaffolding around shaky buildings."

Students Continue To Donate To Katrina Relief - The Daily Campus - News

Students Continue To Donate To Katrina Relief - The Daily Campus - News: "Students Continue To Donate To Katrina Relief
By Eric Hefter
Published: Monday, October 24, 2005
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While Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters might have receded from New Orleans, the outpouring of aid from UConn students is still flowing.

'The Hurricane Katrina relief efforts have been successful so far,' said Breyonne Golding, president of the UConn Hurricane Katrina Relief Organization, and a 5th-semester urban and community studies and political science double major. 'We started this effort the same week Katrina hit, which was the second week of school.'

According to the university's Hurricane Katrina relief page, the amount of aid raised as of Oct. 20 was $56,482. The goal for the semester is $75,000 in donations."

The Chronicle Journal - World News-Turkey pledges $150 million to quake survivors, NATO sends troops to Pakistan

The Chronicle Journal - World News: "Turkey pledges $150 million to quake survivors, NATO sends troops to Pakistan
By Associated Press
Oct 22, 2005, 00:49

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GHANOOL, Pakistan (AP-CP) — Turkey announced a $150-million US aid pledge Friday for survivors of South Asia’s massive earthquake, as NATO agreed to deploy hundreds of military engineers and medics to bolster relief efforts weeks before the bitter winter begins.
In a sign of the growing desperation, survivors fought over the first food deliveries to their remote Himalayan hamlet since the quake left them homeless two weeks ago.
UN officials said the international response had fallen far short of what is needed, with countries pledging only about one-quarter of the $312 million sought by the world body. By comparison, 80 per cent of the UN appeal after last year’s tsunami was pledged within 10 days.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urged the world’s countries and people to demonstrate “the same sense of global solidarity and commitment that we saw in the wake of the tsunami” last December that swept across the Indian Ocean from Indonesia to Africa."

Nola.com: NewsFlash - Using big-box store technology, charities provide Katrina aid

Nola.com: NewsFlash - Using big-box store technology, charities provide Katrina aid: "Using big-box store technology, charities provide Katrina aid
10/22/2005, 9:16 a.m. CT
By CARYN ROUSSEAU
The Associated Press

WAVELAND, Miss. (AP) — Conglomerate-sized charities providing humanitarian aid on Mississippi's hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast have taken efficiency lessons from corporate America's big-box stores.

For nearly two months since Hurricane Katrina, the world has watched the Salvation Army and other charities respond to the hungry and homeless. But how do such major relief organizations function?

'It's very similar to Wal-Mart,' says George Hood, a spokesman for the Salvation Army."

Banned charities offer quake relief

Banned charities offer quake relief: "Banned charities offer quake relief
By: Hasan Mansoor
October 23, 2005

Dawa organisation’s operations in Muzaffarabad
Karachi: Pakistani intelligence agencies are worried about the involvement of a large number of extremist and jihadi organisations as well many unknown groups and charities in the collection of donations for earthquake victims in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).

These organisations were openly engaged in the exercise and collected donations through advertisements in newspapers, but after President General Pervez Musharraf banned their activities, they have opted for covert operations.
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The Tufts Daily - Natural disasters shift 'Generation Apathetic' into gear

The Tufts Daily - Natural disasters shift 'Generation Apathetic' into gear: "Natural disasters shift 'Generation Apathetic' into gear
By Jessica McConnell
Senior Staff Writer

Joan Baez swings into town this week, attracting throngs of long-haired older fans along with the ghost of the socially-active sixties.

But recent tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes and mudslides are showing her can-do spirit didn't end with the passing of tie-dye. College students today are contradicting the lazy, apathetic and disconnected stereotypes frequently thrown on them. Students are getting involved."

United Way keeps to proven success formula

United Way keeps to proven success formula:
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"'Fund raising is as much of an art as it is a science, and when a charity finds something that is an effective way of fund raising in their local community or area of operation, they logically tend to stick with what works,' said Walter Sczudlo, executive vice president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Alexandria, Va., which represents 2,700 people worldwide."

Green Bay Press-Gazette - Charities fear donor fatigue may cut into local collections

Green Bay Press-Gazette - Charities fear donor fatigue may cut into local collections: "Local charities are hoping the generous contributions Americans have made this year toward disaster relief funds won’t limit their holiday giving.

Americans gave an unprecedented $3 billion in charitable donations this year — primarily toward tsunami relief efforts in Southeast Asia and more recently the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. To date, donations have topped $1.2 billion for hurricane victims alone, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy."

Figures Reveal Dynamics of Disaster Giving - New York Times

Figures Reveal Dynamics of Disaster Giving - New York Times: "Donations for the victims of the earthquake that ripped through Pakistan and India have not come close to the level of giving that followed the tsunami that wreaked havoc around the rim of the Indian Ocean and Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed a huge swath of the Gulf Coast. But relief organizations and fund-raising experts say the generosity directed toward the victims of those disasters was aberrational and should not be used as a yardstick to measure giving for other emergencies."