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Industry News

Nonprofits

August 4, 2010

Integrity of Nonprofit Groups at Stake in Congressional Earmark Proces

Congressional earmarks have always been a thorny issue for nonprofits. Many government-watchdog groups worry that earmarks are simply a way for members of Congress to steer money to their pet projects and should be … Read More

August 4, 2010

Solving Problems Requires a New Definition of the Social Good

I have an absurd question: What's so revolutionary about doing good? I don't mean enlisting someone else do good. I'm talking about you changing your behavior and getting directly involved in solving problems. And, by … Read More

July 29, 2010

How Small Charities Can Make Web Sites Click With Supporters

In an age of social networks and mobile giving, it may seem old-fashioned and unnecessary for a charity to work on improving the look and feel of its Web site. But think again. Read More

July 29, 2010

3 Ways to Promote Planned Gifts

How you promote planned gifts is just as important as identifying and cultivating people who want to make a charitable bequest in their wills. The result can be extraordinary, as the Nature Conservancy, the big … Read More

July 25, 2010

WMEP says it helped create 337 jobs

Harvard Corp. is one of 264 Wisconsin companies that contracted for help from the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership during the 2010 fiscal year, which ended June 30. The private, nonprofit consulting group says … Read More

July 19, 2010

Nearly 300,000 Small Charities Could Lose Tax-Exempt Status

About 18 percent of the charities in the United States failed to meet a key deadline to keep their tax-exempt status, according to a new report. Read More

July 19, 2010

Charities Say Staff Shortages Hamper Their Ability to Deliver Services

Nearly 40 percent of American charities say they have too few staff members to effectively deliver their programs or services, according to a new survey released Wednesday. The survey also found that about one out of … Read More

July 13, 2010

Survey: State banks concerned about overhaul bill

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle today announced a $34 million Transitional Jobs project to help thousands of people across the state gain new skills and re-enter the workforce. The pilot program is funded by American Recovery and … Read More

July 9, 2010

Most Midwest CEOs say economy not worsening

A new survey of Midwestern CEOs running small- and mid-sized businesses shows some signs of economic confidence for the next year. The survey, conducted by San Diego-based Vistage International Inc., found that 39 percent … Read More

July 7, 2010

Madison Nonprofit Day

The goal is to celebrate and raise awareness about Madison's nonprofit organizations and the work they do. One day to celebrate another year of service. Madison Nonprofit Day is a day of education and celebration to bring … Read More

June 18, 2010

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 … Read More

June 15, 2010

UW program aims to fill need for doctors

To Katie Davis Fritz, the boys and girls in a 4-H Club in Milwaukee's central city are helping her become a doctor. About a half day a week, Fritz works at Walnut Way Conservation Corp., teaching the children about … Read More

June 10, 2010

WMC: Wisconsin CEOs cautiously optimistic about state economy

MADISON -- Wisconsin 's largest employers are cautiously optimistic about job creation next year, and smaller companies are even more confident about job prospects, according to two surveys conducted by WMC released … Read More

June 8, 2010

Rethinking Corporate Giving: Western Union's CEO Offers Her Philosophy

The days of corporate philanthropy being about cutting checks for charity dinners and new buildings are over--or if they're not, they should be, and fast. That was one of the messages at the conference here this week of the … Read More

June 4, 2010

US Jobless Rate Dips To 9.7 Percent

The nation's payroll grew by 431,000 last month, completely reflecting a burst of temporary census hiring by the government. The unemployment rate dipped to 9.7 percent from 9.9 percent, as thousands of people left the labor … Read More

June 1, 2010

How to Care for Donors in the Middle: 3 Groups Share Their Approaches

Three charitable groups share ideas on forging relationships with donors, particularly those considered "middle" givers. Read More

June 1, 2010

In a Time of Budget Cuts, Creativity Is Needed to Train Employees

Like many other charities these days, the animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, in Norfolk, Va., has been looking for ways to trim costs. And like many other organizations, it has zeroed in on the … Read More

May 27, 2010

Building Civil Society through the Nonprofit Sector

The University of Wisconsin Center for Nonprofits is pleased to present "Building Civil Society Through the Nonprofit Sector". This four week Communiversity - Summer Forum series will include (8) sessions beginning June 15 … Read More

May 16, 2010

Nonprofits risk losing tax-exempt status

Posted: May 15, 2010Publication: The Journal TimesLosing tax-exempt status would affect the way people can donate to organizations and it would have an effect on what organizations can do in terms of purchasing and paying … Read More

May 16, 2010

Hundreds of small nonprofits could lose tax-exempt status if they don't file IRS form

Hundreds of area, mom-and-pop charitable organizations in Wisconsin are at risk of losing their tax-exempt status if they don't file a simple form with the Internal Revenue Service by Monday. The National Center for … Read More

May 14, 2010

Madison's economy is ranked ninth strongest in the country

Madison has the ninth strongest economy in the U.S., according to Policom Corp.'s 2010 rankings. The survey examines 23 measures of economic strength over a 20-year period. Data from 1989 to 2008 involving 366 … Read More

May 14, 2010

Building an Exceptional Board of Directors Workshop

Your nonprofit organization must have a board of directors with substantial leadership skills and expertise. This workshop provides the tools needed to strengthen your board's commitment to the organizational mission. Topics … Read More

May 14, 2010

Hundreds of small nonprofits could lose tax-exempt status if they don't file IRS form

Hundreds of area, mom-and-pop charitable organizations in Wisconsin are at risk of losing their tax-exempt status if they don't file a simple form with the Internal Revenue Service by Monday. The National Center for … Read More

May 11, 2010

From Homelessness to Job-Seeking Heroine: How the nonprofit system saved Sina.

Confused. Lost. Chaotic: Three words that Sina Davis, 48, used to describe her life before moving from Chicago to Madison in 2008. Though she's reluctant to discuss the gritty details of her previous life, Davis, a single … Read More

May 6, 2010

Nonprofit Boards Focus More on Evaluating Performance

Nonprofit boards have become more focused on scrutinizing their own performance, as well as examining the work of their groups' senior-ranking employees, says an annual survey by Grant Thornton, an accounting and business … Read More

May 3, 2010

In depressed economy, unpaid college internships are on the rise

Would you accept a job offer if you knew you weren't going to get paid? For a good number of college students hoping to get their foot in the door, the answer is "absolutely." "For me, it's better to have an unpaid … Read More

May 3, 2010

Consumer rebound gives economy solid boost in Q1

WASHINGTON -- The numbers would be excellent in normal times, but for a country recovering from deep recession, they're not enough. Spending by consumers rose by the fastest pace in three years, helping the economy grow … Read More

April 27, 2010

Fox Valley municipalities compete for development dollars

LITTLE CHUTE -- When it comes to luring new business, the competition between Fox Valley communities could get fierce. In Little Chute, Village Administrator Chuck Kell says the village needs to sweeten incentives offered … Read More

April 27, 2010

Economic indicators show rebound

There are signs that the economy is beginning to recover, said Randy Cray, economic professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and director of the university's Economic Research Bureau. Cray spoke about the … Read More

April 26, 2010

Podcast - InBusiness Radio Interview with Scott Haumersen

Original air date: December 7, 2009. Scott's Haumersen's specialty is working with nonprofits. If you are interesting in working with them, too, here are some hints -- and his first-time revelations about what he sees for … Read More

April 22, 2010

True Empathy Holds Key to More Effective Philanthropy

The economic downturn has caused many people in the nonprofit world to re-examine the way they work, but too little effort has focused on one of the keys to success: empathy. Read More

April 20, 2010

Webcast interview: Author provides insights for CEOs

Author Kay Plantes, an MIT-trained economist, will kick off the BizTech Conference & Expo as the keynote speaker of the CEO Strategies Breakfast. To view a BizTimes interview with Plantes as she discusses the importance of … Read More

April 15, 2010

CRBJ Legal Advice: What do Family Medical Leave Act changes mean for employers?

The latest Wisconsin budget extended the scope of the Wisconsin Family Medical Leave Act (WFMLA) to domestic partners, effective June 30, 2009, and as an employer, you are required to take action. Since 1988, the WFMLA … Read More

April 14, 2010

Bernanke predicts ongoing economic recovery

The stock market rose this morning as Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before Congress that the nation's economy will continue to recover at a moderate pace in coming quarters, bolstered by a return of … Read More

April 12, 2010

Study Finds Workloads Have Increased Since '07

If it seems like you're working harder than you used to, it's probably not your imagination. Many companies have increased employees' workloads and put a higher priority on productivity since the recession began, … Read More

April 5, 2010

Are Fund Raisers 'Selling' a Product?

April 5, 2010 - Is fund raising like "selling" a product? Two veteran fund raisers are discussing this question, saying that the answer will help shape the mindset of how to ask for donations. Jennifer McCrea, a senior … Read More

April 5, 2010

Navigating the Non-Profit Software Selection Process

April 2, 2010 - When non-profit organizations are looking to purchase new software, the process can often be stressful and complicated. Bob Alves, chairman and CEO of Advanced Solutions International (ASI), offers some best … Read More

April 5, 2010

Finance and Accounting 2010

In this special report, PJ looks at finance and accounting strategies nonprofits are using to cope with the slumping economy. Read More

April 5, 2010

Funders urged to improve strategy on mergers

April 5, 2010 - While funders increasingly have pushed nonprofits to merge to cope with the ailing economy, that strategy may not work best for nonprofits that are hurting financially, and funders should look at a range of … Read More

April 5, 2010

The Nonprofit Ethicist: A Tote Bag Raises Ethical Questions

April 2, 2010 - Our organization often offers premiums and gifts for donations. The organization's programs and mission serve small farmers in Central America and encourage sustainable farming and marketing practices, so we … Read More

April 5, 2010

Unraveling Development: What Gets Measured Gets Done

April 2, 2010 - So many things to measure, so little time. Pick the right stuff, the important stuff. Collect the information. Then analyze the information so you can talk about the trends and implications. Information … Read More

April 5, 2010

Madison Nonprofits Buying Foreclosed Homes

April 2, 2010 - Some Madison nonprofits are ahead of the pack when it comes to using federal dollars to rehabilitate foreclosed homes and make them affordable for low-income buyers. As part of the Neighborhood … Read More

April 2, 2010

10 Take-Aways from South by Southwest for Nonprofits

March 17, 2010 - The annual SXSW Interactive conference in Austin, TX--which brings together tech geeks, social media peeps, and other online folk--wrapped-up yesterday after five intense and inspirational days. I attended a … Read More

April 2, 2010

Developing a realistic budget

March 24, 2010 - Almost all nonprofits face the challenge of developing a realistic budget while not knowing which grants and donations can be counted on from year to year. To deal with these unknowns, nonprofits must … Read More

April 2, 2010

Salvation Army raises $139 million

March 31, 2010 - U.S. donors made record-high donations million in 2009 to the annual Red Kettle Campaign of The Salvation Army, up 7 percent from 2008, the organization says. In a campaign that kicked off on … Read More

April 2, 2010

Commitment To Standards, Mission, Clients And Fun

April 1, 2010 - At Baptist Easley Hospital in Easley, S.C., CEO Roddey Gettys doesn't see his 940 staffers as "employees." To Gettys, they are heroes. "If you are satisfied, and well cared for as a patient, what do you call … Read More

April 1, 2010

Unemployment up in five Wisconsin metro areas

April 1, 2010 - Unemployment is up in five Wisconsin metropolitan areas. The state Department of Workforce Development on Wednesday reported local unemployment figures for February. Unemployment rates rose in the Eau Claire, … Read More

March 30, 2010

Laurie Benson Recipient of 2010 Athena Award

March 26, 2010 -Laurie Benson, First Business Bank - Madison Director, was the recipient of the 2010 Athena Award. Read More

March 30, 2010

Winners of 'Inspire by Example' Volunteer Awards Announced

March 19, 2010 - Registrations accpted for celebration luncheon. Announcing the winners of the 2010 `Inspire by Example' Volunteer Awards, presented annually by the United Way Volunteer Center to outstanding volunteers … Read More

March 30, 2010

United Way Community Volunteer Awards

Thursday, April 22, 2010 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club $16 (Per person) $144 (For tables of 9) Join special guest, Jessica Doyle and United Way of Dane County for a celebration … Read More

March 30, 2010

United Way, State, and Local Partnership Offers Free Tax Help

March 9, 2010 - State and local officials are reminding people that free tax help is available in communities across the state, including 20 sites in Dane County alone. These Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites help … Read More

March 30, 2010

Wisconsin Nonprofit Sector Report 2009 Released

July 2009 - A state's economy is driven by three sectors: public, private, and nonprofit. Enormous amounts of data and information are collected about the private and public sectors. Various governmental bodies, private … Read More

March 30, 2010

Citizens United: What Now?

January 21, 2010 - In a rare special session, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 opinion in Citizens United v. FEC, a case that will greatly impact nonprofit advocacy activities. Although much of the media focus is on for-profit … Read More

March 30, 2010

States Move to Revoke Charities' Tax

March 6, 2010 -Faced with steep declines in tax revenue, an increasing number of states and localities are considering eliminating various tax exemptions for nonprofit groups. Read More

March 30, 2010

Community Shares of Wisconsin Named Best Place to Work

March 18, 2010 -Madison Magazine has named Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) as the Best Place to Work 2010--in workplaces under 100 employees. With CSW as the top honoree in this category, we are very pleased! Even … Read More


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