July 23, 2009

Our Permanent Library of Information

In the five years since PhilanthroMedia began writing, the world of philanthropy has changed a lot. What has remained the same, however, is the utility of the (735!) posts that our many authors have put together. We're deeply happy with the library of information we've built on the subject of philanthropy, and wish we could keep on going forever. However, due to the economy, we've being forced to shut our e-doors. But don't fear! We probably will post now and then, as we can't help but be a part of this dynamic field. Furthermore, the site will stay up as a resource for gaining tools and strategies which will help anyone working in the philanthropic/non-profit sector.

And PhilanthroMedia isn't going anywhere, either. We're starting a new gig with the Communications Network, and both Susan and Dana will be writing for their blog and article database. It's been a great run, and we appreciate your readership and comments. Keep on giving!

System Admin

July 15, 2009

Animating the Newspaper Business, or 'Z-Philanthra', Journalism Superhero!

Hollywood and Marvel Comics are missing a bet if they don't pick up where the final season of HBO's The Wire left off by tapping the drama inherent in the decimation of America's newspaper industry.

Consider the cast of characters. An Evil Publisher -- like the Los Angeles Times’ David Hiller, who gutted his award-winning newsroom to save the once-enormous profits it generated. A Valiant Chief Editor -- like James O'Shea who got the boot from Hiller for standing up for his scrappy reporters. A Deluded Entrepreneur -- like real estate tycoon Sam Zell, whose leveraged buyout of both the Chicago Tribune and the LA Times proved he thinks he can hold back the ocean. Add to the mix a motley assortment of Nefarious Punks, including DailyKos founder Markos "Kos" Moulitsas and Dastardly Diva Ariana Huffington, who is old enough to know better but is still ruining everything! Bang! Pow! Ratta-tat-tat!

Continue reading "Animating the Newspaper Business, or 'Z-Philanthra', Journalism Superhero!"

Susan Herr

June 17, 2009

Need Space for Your Arts Organization?

As reported by the Philanthropy News Digest, the New York Foundation for the Arts has begun a new program that will provide discounted office space for arts organizations in New York City. The one catch? You must be a NYFA-affiliated artist or organization ("This includes past and current NYFA fellows, SOS or BUILD recipients, Immigrant Artist Mentors or Mentees, and/or currently sponsored artists and emerging organizations").

Continue reading "Need Space for Your Arts Organization?"

Dana Variano

June 12, 2009

Change Exchange

Changing times require creative action. The transition our society is amidst necessitates new ways of looking at problems, new solutions, a new type of change agent. At Harbourton Foundation, we believe that one does not need an MBA to become a social entrepreneur. Your average citizen can become an active agent for community innovation and change. Similarly, there is not a dearth of good ideas, but there are numerous roadblocks that prevent such ideas from taking root and sprouting change.

Continue reading "Change Exchange"

System Admin

All-Star Federal Philanthropy Team?

Herald the news: Congress has authorized a Social Innovation Fund housed at the Corporation for National and Community Service and President Obama’s 2010 budget allots $50 million for the first year. According to the New York Times:

If grantees are chosen wisely, and strictly on their merits, this $50 million investment could jump-start the larger effort and reap benefits worth many times over.

Continue reading "All-Star Federal Philanthropy Team?"

Susan Herr

June 10, 2009

Would You Like Some Ketchup With That Pen?

I know everyone who's reading this blog has one thing in common: they're counting the moments until somebody finally invents a pen that they can eat. Well, DBA, a local green design firm to New York, has brought us one step closer with their 98% bio-degradable pen. It may not taste so good, but it sure does compost well, compared to a Bic. I saw these folks give a sales pitch in the final competition levels of Brooklyn Green Space's Green Business Competition a couple weeks back, and they have some pretty keen ideas.

Continue reading "Would You Like Some Ketchup With That Pen?"

Dana Variano

June 06, 2009

Irvine Foundation President Encourages Transparency

Tip of the hat to James Irvine President James E. Canales (pictured) for writing in an op-ed a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy that foundations should communicate more openly and engage more people in their work as part of an effort to “end bad habits” that limit their effectiveness. Canales says the current economic slump, and how it's forcing foundations to take a close look about how they operate, also offers unprecedented opportunities to "remind ourselves that how we do our work can be just as important as what we choose to do."

Among the habits that foundations need to break, says Canales, are those that give rise to "insularity, complacency, and arrogance." and which ultimately hamper their ability to work with and engage others outside their walls.

Continue reading "Irvine Foundation President Encourages Transparency"

Bruce Trachtenberg

June 03, 2009

The Philanthropist

Last night, I had the pleasure to see the poorly-reviewed, yet undeniably masterful play, The Philanthropist, starring Matthew Broderick. Don't listen to the reviews, folks- this play was expertly acted, and had so many nuggets of unique thought, and such a proliferation of "ah-ha!" moments, that it is definitely worth the trip. Anyhow, as you might guess, the play got me thinking about philanthropy. About why people choose to be philanthropists, about how people give, and about the effectiveness of that giving.

Continue reading "The Philanthropist"

Dana Variano

May 29, 2009

If We Could Only Have A Glimpse At Tomorrow's Headlines Today

Philanthropy New York held a panel discussion in New York City last week with the catchy title, Internet to Newspapers: Drop Dead. The panel featured Steve Coll, President of New America Foundation, and a staff writer at The New Yorker magazine; Nicholas Lemann, Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University; and Victor Pickard, Senior Research Fellow at the media reform organization, Free Press. Vincent Stehle, Program Director, Surdna Foundation, moderated the discussion.

Continue reading "If We Could Only Have A Glimpse At Tomorrow's Headlines Today"

Bruce Trachtenberg

May 27, 2009

The Federal Trade Commission Announces "Operation False Charity"

It's always important for donors to be aware of to whom, exactly, they are giving their hard-earned money, and the FTC is finally taking charge of the growing problem of philanthropic scammers. Last week, the Federal Trade Commission announced a new program to pursue and prosecute fundraisers whose schemes have proven to be bogus. Named "Operation False Charity," this program is going after fraudulent solicitors who use persuasive messages to get donations which they funnel into their own coffers.

Continue reading "The Federal Trade Commission Announces "Operation False Charity""

Dana Variano