Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

Total 169 Posts

Donor Recognition in the Commons

• • 0 Comments

Here’s a charity trade secret.  One of the best products in a fundraiser’s toolkit is “donor recognition”, in particular naming a piece of real estate.  Recognition is effective in inspiring donors, and for some, but not all, an important part of charitable giving.  However, donor recognition sometimes produces a backlash from the public. Yes, donor recognition is gracious and pragmatic, but public space is branded by private citizens and money…..

Donor Recognition in the Commons Continue Reading »

Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized

Canadian Charity Law’s Turning Point

• • 11 Comments

[caption id="attachment_21029" align="aligncenter" width="322"] Aura Vaucrosson, Canadian Charity Law Pioneer, with Malcolm Burrows[/caption] In the 1970s, Canadian charity law dramatically evolved and became imbedded in the Income Tax Act.  While this is ancient history, I have personal connections with the drafting Working Group at the Department of Finance that I rediscovered. To my delight, after 45 years, I reconnected with one of the drafters in Ottawa this summer.  Aura (Elliott)….

Canadian Charity Law’s Turning Point Continue Reading »

Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

Charities have Fiduciary Duties as Estate Beneficiaries

• • 4 Comments

I recently spoke to an estate lawyer who told me she would never recommend certain charities to clients. Why?  Because of the way these charities treated estate trustees. Some charities are unduly litigious, grind on fees, and are obstreperous about releases. It’s not the first time I’ve heard this comment from estate professionals – and some traumatized lay executors and family members. Sympathy for Charities It’s hard to evaluate the….

Charities have Fiduciary Duties as Estate Beneficiaries Continue Reading »

Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized

The Foundation Perpetuity Myth

• • 0 Comments

The philanthropic community has a perpetuity obsession.  Critics of perpetuity believe that preserving capital, restricting payout, and existing forever is the pernicious norm.  Admittedly, for some foundations, perpetuity a sacred ideal, an aspiration that is sometimes unquestioned.  Foundations that “spend-down” are valorized as rare entities that value community impact over capital.  But the reality is more complex.  There is a long history of foundations that aren’t perpetual, and in Canada….

The Foundation Perpetuity Myth Continue Reading »

Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized

Child Sponsorship Fundraising

• • 1 Comment

[caption id="attachment_20882" align="aligncenter" width="418"] Courtesy of Save the Children, Australia[/caption] Child sponsorship is one of the greatest mass-market fundraising innovations of all time and a multi-billion dollar a year industry. Used primarily by international development organizations, sponsorship emotionally ties donors to individual children, providing insights, human connection, and funder loyalty.  It’s a fascinating model that has evolved over time, and it’s not without controversy.  How did it emerge? Why is….

Child Sponsorship Fundraising Continue Reading »

Estate Donations, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

Fair and Transparent Granting

• • 0 Comments

A hot topic among charities is anonymous grants from foundations with donor advised funds.  Charities receive grants but they often don’t know the identity of the donor or fund that recommended the grant. This prevents the charity from saying thank you and stewarding the donor.  Unfortunately, there is deep charity frustration.  It is an important for both foundations and charities to work together to make the process better. Pandemic Upheaval….

Fair and Transparent Granting Continue Reading »

Philanthropy/Charitable Giving
Scroll to Top