April 22, 2013 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
A New York Times article titled “How Giving Became Cool” recently came across my desk. The author cites Ted Turner’s 1997 speech--in which he announced he would give away $1 billion--as a cultural turning point in modern philanthropy; a point at which it became “cool” for philanthropists to announce their gifts and publicly encourage others to do the same. But conspicuous giving is far from a recent trend.
March 26, 2013 | AUTHOR: Andrew Hastings
Congress extends the individual retirement plan (IRA) charitable rollover through 2013, allowing eligible individuals to make tax-free distributions to charity directly from their IRA.
February 06, 2013 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
Whether Sunday’s Super Bowl outcome left you excited or disappointed, it was a win for charities.
December 27, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
The uncertainty around the charitable tax deduction has fueled giving to donor-advised funds. We have seen an enormous increase in contributions to NPT donor-advised funds over this same time last year.
December 18, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
As we approach the December 31st deadline, Americans are wondering how—or if—Washington will act on the looming “fiscal cliff.” Charitable organizations are too.
December 03, 2012 | AUTHOR: Erin Hower
NPT released its annual Donor-Advised Fund Report. The findings in key metrics show DAF growth continue--with every metric returning to or increasing above its pre-recession level.
November 26, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
It was only a matter of time until the charitable sector created our own day to raise awareness and encourage philanthropic activity. This year marks the first-ever #GivingTuesday—an effort launched by nonprofit organizations and supported by a wide spectrum of large, private corporations, media outlets and charities.
November 12, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
I have always encouraged donors to "do their homework" when considering a charitable gift or grant. The Foundation Center's revamped IssueLab is a vast and invaluable resource for exactly this kind of information.
October 31, 2012 | AUTHOR: Andrew Hastings
In the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, many donors are seeking information on how best to support relief efforts. In our experience, the most efficient and effective way to help is by recommending grants to organizations providing relief programs in the affected areas.
September 10, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
National Philanthropic Trust has worked hard to become a world-class charity for more than 15 years. We are the nation’s largest independent provider of donor-advised funds; we’ve raised nearly $3 billion for charitable assets; and we publish the industry’s preeminent annual report on the donor-advised fund market. With that success come a few great benefits—like being asked to create our own video series.
August 22, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
Last month, the Congressional Research Service released an analysis of donor-advised funds. It uses more recent data than the Treasury Department’s report, which came out late last year.
While the CRS document shared many of the same statistical findings as the Treasury’s report, it analyzed the data differently and made other assumptions resulting in very different conclusions.
June 20, 2012 | AUTHOR: Jeffrey Lauterbach
Today marked a first for Philadelphia philanthropists and nonprofits. The 2012 Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy, the country's preeminent study on charitable giving in America, was presented at a breakfast this morning.
June 04, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
NPT recently launched our new affiliate: NPT Charitable Asset Trust (NPT CAT). “The CAT” is a public charity in the trust form. It offers tax advantages for donors who gift certain types assets—particularly those in the illiquid form.
February 27, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
Today marks the ninth annual International Corporate Philanthropy Day. Started in 2004, the day is an opportunity for corporations to recommit to their philanthropic goals.
January 20, 2012 | AUTHOR: Eileen R. Heisman
Bank of America just released its 2011 Study of High-Net Worth Women’s Philanthropy. For years, women have been known as active volunteers. But their charitable giving has long trailed the amount given by men, as women often mirror their spouse’s philanthropy.