University of Michigan

Spotlight on Giving

Most corporations increased gifts
The Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy says 53% of the corporations it surveyed recently increased their giving in 2008 despite the economy but a decrease by the rest resulted in an overall decline in giving. "These findings demonstrate that supporting community partners remained a top priority in 2008 despite the hurdles imposed by tight credit markets, a reduction in consumer spending, and widespread economic uncertainty," the New York research group says.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy  (11/16)  Full Article

Public still generally favors faith-based programs
The Pew Forum reviews the state of faith-based initiatives in surveys that reflect public opinion on public and political support, hiring practices, whether they should be allowed to accept government funding and who can best help the needy. The analysis indicates faith-based programs remain popular although public opinion has changed little on whether they should receive public funds since President George W. Bush promoted them more than eight years ago.

Pew Internet  (11/16)  Full Article

Charities unsure of how to measure social-media impact
Public relations firm Weber Shandwick says 88% of the charities it surveyed recently have tried social media outlets to seek funding, but that few know how to measure their success. Only 51% of the respondents said they regularly use social media.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy  (11/12)  Full Article

Charity, volunteerism are American traditions
Statistics show that 89% of all American households make charitable contributions each year and 55% of Americans volunteer. "Personal generosity for the greater good is a unique American value," says Claire Gaudiani, author of "The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism."

Press & Sun-Bulletin (Binghamton, N.Y.)  (11/16)  Full Article

Peace Corps experiences 18% increase in volunteers
The Peace Corps has seen an 18% increase in volunteers this year. Experts say the recession may have driven more college graduates into volunteer work because of the lack of available jobs.

The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.)  (11/16)  Full Article

New York trust exec talks about community philanthropy
Lorie A. Slutsky, president of the New York Community Trust, is taking questions about community philanthropy this week posed by readers of The New York Times. Already, dozens of readers have posed questions about jobs, leadership, grant-seeking strategies and innovation. Slutsky's first set of answers will be posted next week.

The New York Times (free registration)  (11/16)  Full Article

Gates' $350 million donation is a high mark for year
Bill and Melinda Gates have given $350 million more to their foundation to pay for a new headquarters in downtown Seattle. The gift marked one of the biggest awards announced this year and recorded by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy  (11/13)  Full Article

Higher Education

University of Pennsylvania's endowment rebounds 8.3%
The University of Pennsylvania's endowment has increased 8.3% since June 30, according to Chief Investment Officer Kristin Gilbertson. The $431 million increase puts the endowment to within 6% to 7% of where it was before the economic crisis. "We have faced Armageddon and we have survived," Gilbertson says.

The Daily Pennsylvanian  (11/15)  Full Article

Illinois arts internship program in jeopardy
A $2 million University of Illinois art program based at the Phillips Collection in Washington is at risk because it has fallen short of enrollment goals and the loss of its champion, former Chancellor Richard Herman. The program takes students from "art-starved" central Illinois.

Chicago Tribune  (11/16)  Full Article

Funding shortfalls hand foreign students tuition hikes
Chinese students seeking opportunities to study in the U.S. are finding financial aid tighter and tuition higher because of cutbacks in endowments at American universities. Funding to universities was cut in 29 states last year at the same time the stock market crash affected investments.

Global Times (China)  (11/15)  Full Article