Big Gifts

Charities Deal With a Stream of Challenges From Angry Donors

Lawsuits raise thorny questions about a benefactor's demands and a nonprofit's responsibility to adhere to them.

A Multimillion-Dollar Donor Urges Fundraisers: Just Ask

Delores Barr Weaver, who gave $50-million last year to a Florida community foundation, says she would have given much more earlier in her life if a charity official had made...

How Fundraisers Can Navigate Donors’ Growing Demands

To make themselves stand out, nonprofits are helping the wealthy teach their children about generosity and recruiting entrepreneurs to their boards.

A Hollywood Charity Flips the Script—and Raises $240-Million

After facing lawsuits and protests, the Motion Picture & Television Fund redoubled its focus on its mission of helping the needy and now is thriving.

How to Find Wealthy Donors and Get That First Meeting

Advice from fundraisers and consultants on how to set yourself up to receive a big gift.

In Fundraising, First Impressions Make All the Difference

During an initial meeting with wealthy donors, listen to their interests and don't ask for money too soon.

A Fundraising Powerhouse: A Snapshot of St Jude's Donations

As Pledges Fall Short, Colleges Face the Music

As the economy cratered, donors who took a hit in their assets postponed or reduced their gifts, spelling trouble for colleges that started projects based on promises.

Wealthy Are Making Bigger Gifts to Charitable Causes

The economy's turbulence is still shaking up wealthy donors. Fewer of them are giving $1-million or more -- but those who are giving, such as Marc and Lynne Benioff, are...

Number of Millionaires Swells Around the World

The ranks of the financial elite grew around the world in 2009, but that didn’t necessarily translate into increased giving, according to a new report.

National Charity 'Embeds' Fund Raisers to Help Win Big Gifts

Habitat for Humanity has overhauled its approach to seeking big gifts, "embedding" fund raisers at local affiliates to seek donations for both local and international...

Fund Raisers Rethink Scope of 'Big' Contributions

Dwindling Reserves

Giving from donor-advised funds remained strong in 2008, but early results for 2009 paint a bleaker picture.

Fees Vary Greatly at Organizations That Operate Donor-Advised Funds

As More Donors Offer Real-Estate Gifts, Charities Are Urged to Take Caution