From the Current Issue

Charities Face Big Challenge in Rebuilding Haiti

The catastrophic earthquake will require many years and much money from America’s nonprofit groups

Fund-Raising Challenges for Haiti

The use of text-message giving in response to the Haiti disaster raises expectations and fears for fund raisers.

Haiti's Toll Included Charity Workers

Many employees of nonprofit groups lost homes and relatives in the Haiti earthquake, and the leader of a major American relief group was killed.

The Philanthropy 50: A Slow Year for Big Gifts Spurs Creativity by Wealthy Donors

While the bad economy slowed the amount wealthy people gave in multimillion-dollar donations to charities, the hard times triggered an outpouring of creative giving. 

Close Relationships Key to Winning Some of 2009’s Biggest Gifts

Flexibility and an ability to build long-term relationships are key to how big-gift fund raisers succeed in tough times.

A Venture Capitalist With Iowa Roots Pours Money Into the Heartland

John Pappajohn, who made a fortune as an investor, and his wife, Mary Pappajohn, focus their giving on education and arts in their home state of Iowa.

An Epic Fund-Raising Journey Culminates in an Author’s Multimillion-Dollar Gift

David Eddings, a popular science-fiction writer, didn't want to give his fortune during his lifetime. His alma mater benefited by knowing it was unwise to push hard for a...

How The Chronicle’s Philanthropy 50 Was Compiled

Fund Raisers See Glimmers of Hope, But Tough Challenges in 2010

Charities predict they will continue to struggle to raise money in 2010, with many groups unable to collect as much as they did before the recession.

Court Rejects Texas Rules on Solicitation Disclosure

Texas law would require groups that collect clothes and other donated goods to disclose how proceeds benefit charities.

Donations to Colleges Dropped Nearly 12% in 2009

Donations to colleges dropped nearly 12 percent last year, according to a new study. That is the steepest drop in the 50 years such giving has been tracked.

Obama Proposes Few Spending Cuts in Programs That Aid Charities

The $3.8-trillion federal budget that President Obama has proposed for 2011 largely avoids major cuts in many social-service programs, and even adds money to some. But arts...

Obama Seeks Limits on Gift Write-Offs by the Wealthy

President Obama renewed his proposal to limit the value of charitable deductions for wealthy people.

Supreme Court Ruling Raises Concerns for Advocacy Groups

The Supreme Court's decision in a campaign-finance case drew objections from many charity watchdog groups concerned that it will allow businesses to draw out the voices of...

Opinion: The Supreme Court's Mixed Blessing on Advocacy

The Supreme Court's ruling offers new possibilities for nonprofit groups to expand their political activities.

Tax-Credit Proposal Would Encourage New Hires

President Obama has propsed a new tax credit that would beneift charities that hire new employees and raise wages.

Charities Move Into Role Traditionally Held by Drug Companies

The Cystic Fybrosis Foundation and other health charities are starting to finance early research for new treatments -- the type of work many drug companies don't want to do...

U.S. Volunteerism Rose Slightly in 2009, Study Finds

The percentage of American adults who volunteer rose slightly in 2009, as did the overall number of people who gave their time.

Awards: Program That Gives Charities Administrative Support Is Honored

A family foundation in Iowa has won a national award because it sends its staff members to help local charities with technology, marketing, accounting, and other management...

Bill and Melinda Gates Pledge $10-Billion for Vaccine Efforts

Bill and Melinda Gates committed $10-billion from their foundation to spreading vaccines in the developing world, the largest commitment ever made by a foundation.

Ex-Teacher Gives N.J. School $60-Million Bequest

A former English teacher -- and coal-company heir -- leaves $60-million to a New Jersey school.

A Creative Approach to Help Nonprofit Employers Create Jobs

The Obama administration could spur the creation of more jobs at charities and elsewhere by borrowing an idea that is popular in the environmental world.

Donors Need to Help Innovative Charities Track Their Results

The Obama administration's Social Innovation Fund — and many wealthy donors — have misdiagnosed the problem facing philanthropy. It's not that effective...

A Dearth of Data Hides the Nonprofit Field's Impact

Nonprofit groups and government need to work together to produce up-to-date research to help policy makers decide how best to aid America's charities.