The Philanthropist | NPT Blog

The Rockefeller Centennial

2013-05-14T15:31:54+00:00

Exactly 100 years ago today, the Rockefeller Foundation’s charter was formally accepted in New York. John D. Rockefeller’s foundation was not the first of its kind.

Conspicuous Giving

2013-04-22T19:37:27+00:00

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.

IRA Rollover Extended Through 2013

2013-03-26T20:30:30+00:00

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.

Red Cross Celebrates 150 Years

2013-02-17T20:34:39+00:00

One hundred fifty years ago today, the International Committee for the Relief of Military Wounded was founded in Geneva, Switzerland. Today, it is known as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and is the largest humanitarian network in the world.

Charities Win at Major Sporting Events

2013-02-06T12:48:01+00:00

Whether Sunday’s Super Bowl outcome left you excited or disappointed, it was a win for charities.

Donor-Advised Funds and the Uncertainties of the Fiscal Cliff

2012-12-27T17:55:01+00:00

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.

The Charitable Tax Deduction and the Fiscal Cliff

2012-12-18T19:15:40+00:00

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.

NPT Report: DAFs are Growing

2012-12-03T12:58:53+00:00

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.

Give Thanks, then Give Back

2012-11-26T19:39:17+00:00

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.

Knowledge-Sharing is Power

2012-11-12T13:08:24+00:00

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.