The Foraker Group

Here are some article summaries posted in the News to Use section of the Economic Response resources on The Foraker Group web site for the week ending December 18.

Recession Prompts Watchdog Agency to Loosen Fund-Raising Standards
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

In recognition of the recession’s severe impact on charities, the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance announced today that it will allow organizations more leeway in meeting its standards for how much they spend on fund-raising and program activities. Since 2003 the watchdog agency has required charities that meet its 20 standards to spend at least 65 percent on programs (Standard 8) and no more than 35 percent of contributions on fund-raising expenses (Standard 9). But for the fiscal years ending in 2008 through June 2010, the agency announced, charities that spend up to 45 percent of contributions on fund raising and as little as 55 percent on programs will still receive the Wise Giving Alliance stamp of approval, so long as they comply with the other 18 standards.

Social Good: How to Raise Support Through Online Contests
The Chronicle of Philanthropy

In our new edition of Social Good, a Chronicle podcast, you can learn how to use online giving contests such as the Case Foundation’s America’s Giving Challenge to raise money and awareness. http://philanthropy.com/media/audio/socialgood/

While this is not listed in News to Use, Beth Kanter – author of Beth’s Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media – raised some interesting points about online giving contests, particularly utilizing social media in her recent post What Lessons Will Pepsi Learn About Crowdsourcing for Social Good from Chase Bank Contest Fail?

You can access more News to Use here.

Feel free to share some interesting articles in our comments section that pertain to the economy and nonprofits.