News You Can Use

Are you ready for economic recovery?  Are you poised to move forward? Unemployment starts are now at their lowest level since July 2008.  Ben Bernanke of the Federal Reserve, is optimistic.  So is Fortune which says it ain't all bad.  And check out this USA Today article here.  Even the most pessimistic economists are beginning to talk about recession "exit strategies." 

2010 is right around the corner!  This is the time to plan for the future, to invest in the tools you need to take advantage of new opportunities.  The past 18 months have been difficult, and it may be easy to simply hunker down and focus on your short-term goals.   

Contact us today for our thoughts about moving forward.  In the meantime, here's some quick advice -- our best tips for weathering the storm -- to share with your board, your staff and your potential funders:

RBSCo's "Top Ten List of What to Do When the Economy is Going Through Contortions"

New! Research Advisory: "Grantmakers Describe the Impact of the Economic Crisis on Their Giving"

Individuals Make Fewer $1 Million Gifts; Grantmakers Help Offset Decline

Volunteers: The hidden "benefit" of the recession. 

Here's an excellent blog posting that speaks to the opportunity before every strong, savvy and visionary nonprofit leader right now: www.donorpowerblog.com/donor_power_blog/2008/10/the-sky-is-fall.html

And another, from the same blog, about how to make your donors trust you, backed by some of the latest neuro-science: www.donorpowerblog.com/donor_power_blog/2009/01/how-to-make-your-donors-trust-you.html

Next, check out these resources -- especially of note is the provision passed in the recently-passed economic bail-out package which allows people age 70 1/2 or older to transfer as much as $100,000 a year directly from an IRA to charity without owing income tax on the rollover.

New York Times | January 22, 2009
Volunteer to Save the Economy
BRUCE REED ^and JOHN BRIDGELAND

Business Week | December 18, 2008
Deflation, the 'Wall of Money,' and Economic Recovery
MICHAEL MANDEL

Chronicle of Philanthropy | October 30, 2008
Tight Funds in Tough Times
NOELLE BARTON and HOLLY HALL

Council on Foundations | October 3, 2008
IRA Charitable Rollover Provision in Economic Bail-out Package
MONICA WROBLEWSKI


Chronicle of Philanthropy | September 18, 2008
Special Report: Surviving Tough Times
VARIOUS AUTHORS