Thursday, March 24, 2011

Giving Because They're Great

Giving Because They're Great

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Charitiable giving lags in economic growth By Mary Marklein

Charities are seeing improvements in fundraising, but progress is slow, a report out today says.
Fewer charities reported declines in fundraising last year compared with 2009.
But a larger percentage of organizations reported bringing in about the same amount of revenue both years, says the report by the Nonprofit Research Collaborative, a coalition of six organizations that focus on philanthropy.
Just over half (52%) said they met fundraising goals, about the same (53%) as in a similar 2009 survey conducted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, a member of the collaborative.
"While many organizations stopped the bleeding, giving simply didn't rebound like we thought it might, especially given the economic growth we saw in the last quarter of the year," says Paulette Maehara, CEO of the fundraising association.
Findings are based on responses from 1,616 charities to an online survey conducted in February. Among specifics:
•67% said they raised more money (43%) or the same amount (24%) in 2010 as they did in 2009. That's up from 54% in 2009. But it's well below the "boom years" from 2005 to 2007, when as many as 69% of organizations reported receiving more than the previous year.
•Giving was consistent across all types of charities, including arts, education, health and religion. International organizations were most likely to report growth in giving, but the survey notes that the pool of respondents was small, "so it is very difficult to use this result to generalize."
•No single type of fundraising was most effective, but groups that have ramped up opportunities for online giving are seeing a payoff.
Nearly 75% of the groups reported online or Internet fundraising. Among organizations that offered such opportunities, 58% saw an increase in giving.
The report notes that online giving is still a relatively small source of revenue; a survey released last month by collaborative member Blackbaud Inc. found that at most, online giving accounts for less than 10% of total contributions received. "It does take some time for organizations to make the investment in online fundraising and to learn how best to integrate that" into their fundraising strategy, says Una Osili, director of research at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, a collaborative member.
Some charitable groups are turning to even more electronic ways to make contributions.
The American Red Cross, for example, raised $32 million in donations via text messages after a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck Haiti last year.
What's the appeal?
"It takes less time to click," Red Cross spokesman Roger Lowe says. "You feel like you've made a difference immediately."

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Give the gift of warmth

New York, NY, March 04, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Created by a major manufacturer of blankets, comforters, sheet sets, pillows and quilts for JC Penney, Macy's and other large chain stores, Blanket America gives American shoppers an unprecedented opportunity to provide immediate aid to individuals in need. Blanket America uses a unique BUY 1, GIVE 1 charity model, donating a blanket to the needy for every item purchased.

"For shoppers, Blanket America is a big win-win. We offer high-quality blankets, sheets and other textiles at low prices that fit any budget, and we match every purchase with a donation to a needy organization or individual. With Blanket America, shoppers can help others by helping themselves, one blanket at a time," said Elizabeth Brown, co-founder of Blanket America.

Available at www.BlanketAmerica.com, Blanket America's inventory features a wide selection of high quality items at budget friendly prices, including blankets, bedding, window treatments and towels. The textile manufacturer offers an assortment of 300 and 500 thread count sheets for a luxurious sleep starting at only $39, as well as coordinating pillow cases to complete the set.

Plus, Blanket America is offering 20% off all purchases through March 15, 2011 when shoppers enter the promo code love2 at checkout. The company is also offering free shipping on its T400 Supima Shutter Pleat Sheet Set through the end of the week.

The online store also features the Blanket America Patchwork Heritage Quilt and Quilted Throw — two patriotic designs encompassing 13 colors to represent the original 13 colonies. The backs of both Patchwork Heritage items include the text of Barack Obama's historic inaugural speech and an illustration of the Statue of Liberty.

Blanket America works with Gifts In Kind International to identify individuals and groups in need of donations. The textile manufacturer focuses on domestic giving, but has also provided significant aid to the people of Haiti, having participated in both disaster relief and long-term efforts to rebuild the Haitian economy.

Beyond immediate donations, Blanket America works to promote food pantries, shelters and other charitable organizations through its considerable followings on Twitter, Facebook and www.BlanketAmerica.com. The company has also helped to facilitate employment in the United States and abroad, allowing needy communities to participate in the designing, sewing and sourcing of its products.
Blanket America BUY 1, GIVE 1 Blankets
Elizabeth Brown
212-643-5350 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              212-643-5350      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
blanketamerica.com@gmail.com
http://www.blanketamerica.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blanketamerica
Twitter: http://twitter.com/blanketamerica

Friday, March 4, 2011

Day 1 of Giving

Hi!!
I'm Lei, Marketing Mananger for Acarebox.com. We are an up and coming personalized carepackage service based out of New York. We create unique gift boxes for your loved ones with your input to create the perfect gift.
I'm very new to the the blogging world but I started this blog today to highlight the act of giving. Everyday I will tell you what my company http://www.acarebox.com/ is giving,donating,or other savings. But I will also share what others like mine are up to. Additionally I will also let you in on what your favorite celebs are giving and donating also. Hope you enjoy my posts this should be fun!!
We must remember it is better to give then recieve!!!!!