The Wallace Foundation of New York, a practitioner of evidence based philanthropy, recently invited Bill Schambra of the Hudson Institute to challenge its own practices. Below are Schambra's comments reflecting that he is not a big fan of philanthropy overdesigning over-rational interventions for communities. Wallace president Will Miller responds. Where do you stand?

A White House official tells NPQ that the president’s proposal to eliminate tax deductions for people earning over $1 million would specifically not include charitable donations.

alt*Reader's Pick of the Week*

This question has been plaguing boards for some time and we would love YOUR opinion on it. Is the “give, get or get off” commandment for board members a hard and fast rule? Read Bill Ryan’s opinion first and then let us know what you think!

altA first-of-its-kind class-action lawsuit claims that overuse sheltered workshops for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are discriminatory.

altThe Covington and Burling law firm offers an easy-to-grasp introduction to the controversial world of super PACs, which are evolving to respond to shifts in the dynamics of political advertising.

altPew Internet’s Lee Rainie has an impressive slideshow on how messaging, communications, and organizing have changed in the digital revolution. Is your nonprofit addressing Rainie’s “ten new realities?”

altBill Moyers’ how-to video on citizen action to nullify the Supreme Court’s controversial Citizens United decision.

Whither the Nonprofit Sector in the State of the Union Address?

altPresident Obama’s 2012 State of the Union speech has received plaudits for taking on the nation’s class and wealth inequities and criticism for fomenting “class warfare.” We might also have liked to see the president foment the important role of the nonprofit sector.

 
Your Fund Development Plan: Finding a Process to Produce Ownership and Results

altEven if it isn’t written down, you probably have a fund development plan, and it could probably be stronger.

 

Foreclosure Fighters: Where Is the Funding for Nonprofit Housing Counseling?

The recent Countrywide discriminatory lending settlement may provide a degree of relief to some victims, but nonprofit housing counseling can often stop the foreclosure train before it leaves the station. Why, then, has Congress been so intent on zeroing out funding for housing counseling?

 

Who the Heck Are You Talking to? Donor Relations

The other night I was sitting with a friend who is one of the more politically aware people I know as regards international politics, and he started talking to me about a letter he had received from a well-known human rights organization of which he is a long time member. He was flummoxed by its tone and...yes, offended. Here is the reaction the letter got.

 
Dr. Conflict: How to Deal with the Office Gossip

Dr. ConflictIn medieval times, before there were newspapers, it was the town crier's job to keep the villagers informed and up to date. Nowadays, many workplaces have "town criers," who see it as their personal mission to let everyone know everything that's going on. And we do mean everything. In this edition of Dr. Conflict, the good doctor tries to help a new employee adjust to life with an office gossip.

 

Thinking Back, Looking Forward, Holiday Thoughts from Nonprofit Quarterly!

NPQ is taking a small break after today but...