Difficult times illuminate the character of so many people. They can be inspired and inventive in overcoming challenges they must face. Or they can feel overwhelmed and give in to despair.
READ MORE
Alan Neville worked in the banking industry for 30 years. But four years ago he decided he wanted more than a paycheck every week. So he made the switch from a profitable job in the corporate world to the nonprofit sector, and he’s never regretted it for a minute.
Getting people to donate to nonprofit organizations when the economy is in downward spiral is a daunting task for any group, but there are some methods that improve a nonprofits chances to secure large gifts today and in the future, according to Richard Ely, president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and head of Providence-based Strategic Fundraising Consultants.
The depressing news on the economy has not stopped Rhode Islanders from enjoying their usual festivals and events – and it has not stopped donors from funding those affairs.
The Pawtucket Foundation, organized by leaders in the local business and nonprofit sectors, advocates for projects in Pawtucket that will spark economic development, improve the image of the city and take advantage of its many resources and assets.
Thomas A. Mann Jr., who in July came on board as the foundation’s executive director, sat down with PBN recently to discuss the foundation’s projects.
The cover of this section – our first-ever Philanthropy Guide – illustrates why the topic is a relevant one. Yes, philanthropy fills needs for people who fall through the cracks, providing health services, shelter, clothing and food in many cases. But the image of one hand reaching out to another carries more meaning than that.
The CVS Caremark All Kids Can program – a five-year, $25 million commitment of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust and CVS Caremark Corp. to supporting children with disabilities – is about inclusion, acceptance and letting kids be kids.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the Indian Ocean tsunami brought such a surge in corporate philanthropy that a sharp decline seemed likely to follow.
In fact, however, the world’s largest corporations raised their charitable giving by 4.8 percent last year, according to a report by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy.
