Beth’s Blog

Rob Reich, Professor of Political Science, Stanford University Center for Ethics in Society, Center on Philanthropy & Civil Society, has just released a new book called "Just Giving: Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better." The book is a big milestone, a delivery of almost twenty years of research, teaching, and inquiry into the ethical, political, and economic dimensions of philanthropy. His book offers a rich historical context of everyday giving by people like you … [Read more...]

The results for this week's GivingTuesday 2018 have been reported.  According to the GivingTuesday press release: On the seventh annual #GivingTuesday, individuals, civic coalitions, non-profit organizations, schools, and businesses in all 50 states raised over $380 million online in the United States alone (with results still coming in) to benefit a broad range of causes, and gave much more in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness. The total number of donations … [Read more...]

Before I take you behind the scenes of our NTEN board fundraiser for Giving Tuesday, let me ask you to consider to a donation of any size to support NTEN and the Nonprofit Technology Conference Scholarship campaign. (Donor Perfect is matching the next $3,000 that is donated) NTEN believes that finances should not be a barrier for small organizations to be able to access the resources and connections that the Nonprofit Technology Conference offers, so every year they offer scholarships to those … [Read more...]

Note from Beth:  The crowdfunding industry has sponsored legislation in California to clarify what is legally permissible. The legislation signals the need for more responsible and ethical practices that support nonprofits, donors, and platforms.   CalNonprofits anticipates more state and federal policy efforts to emerge as this industry and these practices mature and has released this Open Letter to Crowdfunding Platforms. The California Association of Nonprofits is seeking feedback from the … [Read more...]

 TechSoup is one of the pioneers of the nonprofit technology sector. Over the past 30 years, they have built the world's largest network of nonprofit organizations, funders, and corporations - all striving for social impact through technology. Last night I attended a celebration for TechSoup's  Growth Capital Campaign to raise $11.5 million over the next three years. This will help them increase resources distributed globally to $4.8 billion by 2021 and reach to serve more than 1.7 million … [Read more...]

 I don't know about you, but with everything that is going on in the world today - from natural disasters and political issues - I'm frequently being asked to donate to different causes. And I do give to disaster relief or practice "rage giving," but I also want my giving to make a difference and have the most impact. That's where the concept of impact philanthropy comes into play and you don't have to be a millionaire or billionaire to practice this approach. Impact-driven philanthropists … [Read more...]

I am thrilled to be a judge for #MyGivingStory 2018!  So, of course, I want to encourage you to share your giving story and compete for cash grants for your favorite nonprofit organization. #MyGivingStory is a social media storytelling contest that fosters a public conversation about giving and inspires more people to give. Entrants have the opportunity to win up to $10,000 for their chosen nonprofit organization, in addition to other prizes and grants. Entries will be accepted through November … [Read more...]