Tuesday, June 30, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

The Economic Downturn and Corporate Giving: What Grant Seekers Need to Know

The recession has prompted many companies to reassess their charitable giving. Some are putting more emphasis on volunteerism at a time when cash is tight, and others are redirecting money from arts organizations to social-services groups. Yet other companies say they are making no changes at all because they believe that corporate philanthropy is still a key part of their business strategy.

To better understand trends in corporate giving, The Chronicle has conducted its annual study of Americas biggest companies and will post the results online on June 29. You can learn more about what those results mean to you by participating in a live online discussion with corporate-giving experts.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Financial Management in Tough Times

The recession is forcing many charities and foundations to make crucial financial decisions, often in pressured circumstances. In many cases, nonprofit leaders and board members do not know what questions to ask and do not have a clear understanding of what their choices will mean to their organizations' long-term financial health.

To help nonprofit leaders understand their options, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Finance Fund are offering a series of free, live online discussions that will give nonprofit and foundation leaders the opportunity to get advice from financial experts.

Clara Miller, chief executive of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, along with other experts, will offer concrete and practical tips and ideas on some of the most pressing financial issues charities face today.

The series will take place every other Thursday at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time, beginning May 14.

Here's a closer look at the series.

Tuesday, June 23, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time.

Using Social Networks to Promote Good Causes

In today's economy, nonprofit leaders need to understand how to effectively promote their organizations, programs, and fund-raising campaigns.

Many groups want to use online social networks to get their messages out but don't know how to build an image and get attention on the networks.

Join us on June 23 for an encore to our recent discussion on the best ways for nonprofit groups to use online social networks. We'll continue the conversation about how you can ensure that your organization stands out through online networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and explore how those tools can complement traditional marketing efforts.

You'll also learn how to teach your organization's leaders, staff members, and volunteers to speak with a unified voice when they seek contributions and talk to others about your organization's mission.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, June 16, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time.

Grooming the Next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders: An Intergenerational Discussion

The nonprofit world is poised for major leadership changes, as the baby boomers who have founded and led so many of the nation's charitable organizations reach retirement age.

But many young nonprofit workers are not so eager to take on leadership duties unless the job of charity executive is refashioned. Many of the most-talented young workers say that they worry that nonprofit leaders' salaries are too low and that they would have to make too many sacrifices to keep their work life in balance with their other activities and obligations.

In an online discussion on June 16, we will explore ways in which today's nonprofit leaders can inspire the next generation and respond to the concerns of younger workers.

Join us to discuss how employees from all generations can better work together for the common good.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Wednesday, June 10, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

How Much Has the Recession Hurt Charitable Giving?

As the economic downturn has sent shock waves throughout the fund-raising world, the big question for nonprofit groups is whether their level of donations is better or worse than that of other nonprofit organizations.

On June 10, with the release of the latest edition of Giving USA, nonprofit groups will have a measuring stick to determine how they are doing.

Giving USA, published annually since 1956 by Giving USA Foundation and written and researched at Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy, offers one of the most authoritative benchmarks of American philanthropy.

Join us on the day the report is released to gain insights into what the philanthropy researchers found. What happened to different types of charitable causes in 2008 - and what does that mean for 2009 and beyond? What are some organizations doing to respond to the current economic challenges?

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, June 2, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Promoting Causes on Online Social Networks

In today's economy, nonprofit leaders need to understand how to effectively promote their organizations, programs, and fund-raising campaigns.

Many groups want to use online social networks to get their messages out, but don't know how to build their images and get attention on the networks.

In an online discussion on June 2, we'll discuss how you can ensure that your organization stands out through online networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and explore how those tools can complement traditional marketing efforts.

You'll also learn how to teach your organization's leaders, staff members, and volunteers to speak with a unified voice when they talk to others about your organization's mission and seek contributions.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, May 26, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Tactical Philanthropy: Changing the Face of the Nonprofit World

Many of the nation's largest nonprofit groups and foundations in the 20th century were top-down organizations created and supported by a small but powerful group of wealthy philanthropists.

But changes in technology, demographics, and ideals are challenging that traditional structure in profound ways. Sean Stannard-Stockton, a wealth adviser, has been exploring this change through his popular blog, Tactical Philanthropy, and through his monthly column for The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Mr. Stannard-Stockton believes American philanthropy is in the midst of a change that will lead to new approaches to solving social problems.

"The philanthropists of the 21st century will be smaller in size, but much larger in numbers than the philanthropists of the last century," he writes. "From researching what organizations to give to, to demanding accountability from the nonprofits they support, to utilizing sophisticated giving methods, the new donors want to make sure their giving is having the most impact it can."

Is philanthropy really undergoing a sea change? If so, is this change a good one for the nonprofit world  — and for society over all? And, if this change is occurring, what should foundation and nonprofit leaders do to influence the direction of philanthropy?

Mr. Stannard-Stockton will be available to answer these and other questions about philanthropy's past, present, and future during a one-hour live discussion with Chronicle readers.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, May 19, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Smart Strategies for Small Charities: How to Make the Most of Limited Resources

Many small nonprofit groups feel particularly vulnerable during these uncertain economic times.

Foundation support is shrinking. State governments are less likely to pay for programs as they face budget cuts. And the fund raising climate is challenging.

Large groups can offset those difficulties, in part, by readjusting their priorities or making strategic cuts.

But small groups have little margin for error — and very little fat to trim.

Even so, small groups can be more nimble, and that often helps them thrive.

Join us for a discussion about the best ways for small charities to make the most of their limited resources and expand their reach. Plus, we'll answer your questions on how small charities use social networks like Twitter and LinkedIn without spending money.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, May 12, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Starting a Nonprofit Group: What You Need to Know

Starting a nonprofit organization requires much more than identifying a worthwhile cause. Organizations need to identify potential sources of money, craft a mission statement, draft bylaws, find board members, and seek tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.

What are the best ways to accomplish those tasks? What is the best way to ensure your fledgling group will be able to sustain itself over the long run? What are the potential pitfalls of starting a nonprofit group, and how can you avoid them?

Join us on Tuesday, May 12, as we explore these questions and more with two people who themselves have founded charities.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, May 5, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Your New Nonprofit Marketing Job: Getting Off to the Right Start

For most nonprofit groups, marketing takes a back seat to delivering services and raising money. As a result, organizations often fall short in their efforts to spread the word about what they do.

But by taking the right approach and asking the right questions, nonprofit leaders can significantly improve the visibility of their groups.

This discussion is designed to help newly hired marketing experts move quickly to elevate the public profile of their organizations. It will also help other nonprofit leaders learn how to make smart decisions that will help win attention.

Join us on May 5 to discuss nonprofit marketing with Kivi Leroux Miller, author of The First 100 Days in Your New Nonprofit Marketing Job, and Sandra Bate, executive director of marketing for the Indiana University Foundation.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, April 28, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Direct-Mail Workshop: Writing and Designing Winning Appeals

Direct-mail appeals remain an important source of income for many nonprofit organizations. But even the most experienced fund raisers say they are looking for new, more effective ways to craft the perfect appeal.

How can you get the most out of a direct-mail appeal? What are the best ways to design and write an effective letter? How do you establish a tone that matches your organization?

Join us Tuesday, April 28, for a live session in which fund raisers can get honest feedback on their appeal letters — and get answers to their questions about creating more effective campaigns.

And if you're seeking other opportunities to get advice on your fund-raising appeals, send an e-mail message to Peter Panepento, The Chronicle's Web editor, so you can learn how to get your appeal featured on our Prospecting blog.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, April 21, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Starting and Building a Career in the Nonprofit World

College students preparing to graduate this spring are facing extraordinary uncertainty about their career prospects. Not only is the job market tight, but they also confront increased competition from experienced nonprofit workers who have been laid off and businesspeople who want to change careers.

So what can new graduates do to land their first professional job? How can they stand out in a crowd of more experienced applicants? What should a college senior be doing now to prepare for a future career in the nonprofit world? And how can people who have been working for a few years for charities and foundations make the most of their opportunities?

Join us on Tuesday, April 21, as we explore these questions and others.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Thursday, April 16, at 2 p.m, U.S. Eastern time

International Philanthropy in a Time of Recession

Charities that operate in the United States are struggling to raise money and deliver services in the face of a deep recession.

But what about organizations that deliver services to people who live outside America?

Has the recession prompted foundations and other donors to divert money from international causes to domestic concerns? How is the recession, coupled with the strains of working in war-torn regions, affecting international aid groups?

Join us, April 16, as we explore these questions and take a close look at how the recession is affecting international philanthropy.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, April 14, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

How Grant Seekers Can Write Sharp Proposals in Bad Economic Times

As the Chronicle's recent survey of big grant makers shows, some foundations are stepping up their grant making even as their assets are plunging.

Even so, competition for grants is fierce, as more and more groups seek foundation money. That means charities need to do a better job of standing out from the crowd as they write their grant proposals.

What are the best ways to tailor a proposal to a grant maker's mission? How do you highlight your group's strengths and goals? What are the ingredients of a winning grant proposal?

Join proposal-writing experts on Tuesday, April 14, as we explore these questions — and many others.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, April 7, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Recruiting and Keeping Talented Volunteers

As the economy has worsened, charities around the country have seen a sharp increase in the number of people looking for volunteer opportunities.

The financial situation has also prompted nonprofit groups to rely more heavily on volunteers to help them deliver services under tight budgets.

But recruiting and managing volunteers is far from easy. Charity leaders often complain that they spend too much time working to attract and train people. And some volunteers report that their experiences are poorly planned and that they often can't see the connection between their activities and the mission of the organization.

So how can charities compete for the most committed volunteers and get them to stick with the job? How is technology changing the way charities can recruit volunteers? And what can charities do to satisfy the needs of those who are giving time to help their causes?

Join us for a live discussion that will explore the many ways in which charities can build a strong volunteer corps.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, March 31, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Retaining Your Best Donors

As nonprofit groups grapple with the recession, many fund raisers are seeking out new supporters.

But what about those who already give? Many fund-raising experts say it is important for nonprofit groups to take extra steps to keep their best donors during difficult times.

What are some of the best ways to improve ties to donors? How much communication is too much? And what are some common pitfalls for fund raisers as they seek to strengthen bonds with supporters?

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, March 24, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Managing in Hard Times: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Make the Right Decisions

Running a nonprofit group has never been harder as demand for assistance grows, donations diminish, and government aid is harder to obtain.

Many charity managers are searching for new sources of income, cope with a declining endowment, reach out to more donors and volunteers, and find new ways to do more with less.

Our experts will help managers learn what options are available and how to think through the tough decisions they must make.

• Read a transcript of the discussion

Tuesday, March 17, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Making Good Decisions About Giving: What Donors Need to Know

As the economy continues to struggle, many charities are becoming more aggressive in their efforts to seek gifts from donors.

But for donors, many of whom are already facing tough choices about how to best direct their charitable contributions, the influx of appeals can be paralyzing.

How do charities work? Where do nonprofit groups direct your money? How do you conduct due diligence on a charity? How do you make the best possible decision about where to donate?

Join The Chronicle for a live discussion that will help donors answer those questions -- and allow fund raisers an opportunity to hear what's on the minds of people who are deciding whether to support their causes.

A panel of philanthropy experts will be available to help donors determine how best to conduct their giving. Philanthropists and fund raisers alike will learn valuable lessons about giving in today's troubled times.

• Read a transcript of the discussion.

Wednesday, March 11, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Obama's Charitable-Giving Plan: What It Means for Nonprofit Groups

As President Obama seeks to reduce the value of the charitable deduction for wealthy Americans, fund raisers and other nonprofit experts are divided over whether his idea would cause any substantial change in charitable giving.

What would this proposal really mean for the nonprofit world? How will donors react? How does it mesh with the president's other tax proposals? What should your organization be communicating to its supporters about this plan?

Join The Chronicle for a special live discussion with experts who can answer these and other questions about this controversial proposal.

• Read a transcript of the discussion.

Tuesday, March 10, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Using Video to Spread Your Nonprofit Group's Message and Mission

More and more nonprofit organizations are tapping into video as a powerful marketing and fund-raising tool.

But while some charities use video to reach supporters, potential donors, and the public, others have been slow to adopt the approach.

What's the best way to use video storytelling to get your group's message across to current and potential supporters? What technologies work best for public-service announcements? What's the difference between direct-response and viral video?

• Read a transcript of the discussion.

Tuesday, March 3, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Standing Out: How Young Nonprofit Workers Can Get Ahead of the Competition

The nonprofit work force has never been more competitive: Just as the financial crisis scuttles retirement plans of many older nonprofit workers, it's also leading many corporate executives to seek jobs at nonprofit organizations.

Young nonprofit employees who had hoped to assume leadership roles at their organizations are wondering what this means for them -- and trying to determine how they can move forward with their careers.

How can young nonprofit employees move up the ladder during tough economic times? How can they assert themselves as leaders in their organizations? What resources exist to help young workers develop?

Join a panel of young nonprofit workers for a discussion that will answer those and other questions.

• Read a transcript of the discussion.

Thursday, March 5, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Building a Successful Organization in Stressful Times
A Conversation With a Veteran Nonprofit Leader

Cass Wheeler navigated the American Heart Association through recessions, the fallout from the 2001 terrorist attacks, and a major national reorganization -- all while doubling the organization's revenue between 1997 and 2008.

What did he learn from these experiences, and what lessons can nonprofit leaders learn as they manage their own organizations through a period of intense economic turmoil?

Join The Chronicle for a one-hour discussion with Mr. Wheeler, who will take your questions on a range of timely topics.

• Read a transcript of the discussion.

Tuesday, February 24, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

How to Solicit Gifts From Individuals

As government, foundations, and companies cut back on their grants for charities during the recession, many charities are altering their fund-raising strategies to appeal more to individuals.

In some cases, charities are starting formal efforts to seek money from individuals after years of focusing almost exclusively on soliciting foundation and corporate money.

Join a panel of fund-raising experts to learn how best to appeal to individuals and get practical tips and strategies to help your organization learn techniques to attract money from individuals in these challenging financial times.

• Read a transcript of the discussion.

Tuesday, February 17, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time

Social-Media Workshop: How Nonprofit Groups Can Use Online Tools to Build Awareness and Raise Money

Digg, Facebook, and Twitter are among the most prominent online social-networking tools nonprofit groups can use to connect with supporters, raise money for their causes, and increase their visibility.

But while some savvy nonprofit leaders are finding great success, many are not yet comfortable with these tools. Others have yet to figure out how to use them to generate awareness or raise money.

What's the difference between sites like Digg, Facebook, and Twitter? How do they work? How can your organization use these tools to connect with potential donors or supporters? What lessons can be learned from the recent Twestival -- a massive fund-raising event for the group Charity: Water that was organized on Twitter?

Join the social-media experts Chris Garrett and John Haydon for a discussion of these and other questions.

• Read a transcript of the discussion.