With a recent downturn in the economy, non-profits can expect an even smaller amount of monetary donations than usual. This must be causing problems within these companies, including layoffs of different employees, and the cause on which non-profits are based will experience more setbacks.
It seems that companies are more concerned with turning a profit than helping those who are less well-off. I understand that America is a capitalistic society and making a living is a key goal, but when others are suffering, people who have the means to help them should do what they can. I am not saying give up all of your possessions, but could your company not sponsor at least one cause or give X amount of profit to a group that is in dire need of funding?
However, only 38% of companies are being forced to give less to non-profits this year. Eighteen percent are giving the same and a surprising 19% have even donated more. If it comes down to it, at least people and companies are giving something. It will be a sad day when those who are blessed stop helping those who are not so blessed.
Organizations and business leaders are stressing the importance of donating money and volunteering, but are placing more emphasis on the latter, since cash flow is becoming more and more restricted. This is good news for non-profit organizations that need volunteers, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Girl Scouts and many other groups.
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9589
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Underdeveloped Health Care
This article dealt with the Doris Duke Fund donating $44 million to support health care systems in different sections of Africa.
Africa desperately needs help in improving its ability to provide for citizens of all its nations. A large majority of the countries on the continent of Africa are deemed to be under-developed and third-world. Therefore, it is unlikely that any kind of substantial health care is available to the general population. Sadly, Africa is one of the continents strongly affected by the AIDS epidemic. 5% of the population of the entire continent has this immune system disease, which translates to roughly 22 million people. In US terms, a little less than the population of Texas would have AIDS.
I especially like the fact that this donation will allow students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to help support a rural AIDS/HIV program in Zambia. It is essential that more members of our generation learn to help others out. So often, we think only of ourselves and not of the blessings that have been granted in our lives. Most people have at least one parent or a close family member acting as a parent, while in Africa, 11 million children are orphaned by AIDS.
If we spent a little more time thinking about others, the world could become a much better place.
References:
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9033
http://www.avert.org/subaadults.htm
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0004986.html
Africa desperately needs help in improving its ability to provide for citizens of all its nations. A large majority of the countries on the continent of Africa are deemed to be under-developed and third-world. Therefore, it is unlikely that any kind of substantial health care is available to the general population. Sadly, Africa is one of the continents strongly affected by the AIDS epidemic. 5% of the population of the entire continent has this immune system disease, which translates to roughly 22 million people. In US terms, a little less than the population of Texas would have AIDS.
I especially like the fact that this donation will allow students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to help support a rural AIDS/HIV program in Zambia. It is essential that more members of our generation learn to help others out. So often, we think only of ourselves and not of the blessings that have been granted in our lives. Most people have at least one parent or a close family member acting as a parent, while in Africa, 11 million children are orphaned by AIDS.
If we spent a little more time thinking about others, the world could become a much better place.
References:
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9033
http://www.avert.org/subaadults.htm
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0004986.html
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The State of Education
From Chrnicle of Philanthropy: http://philanthropy.com/news/philanthropytoday/9435/gates-kicks-off-education-campaign-with-youth-focused-cable-channels
Our education system is in need of serious reform. This is often said, but so little is being done about it on any level. So few children and young adults are motivated to stay in school and make an actual effort these days. The new federal mandate that no student in lower elementary grades can be failed may contribute to even lower levels of student participation.
Teachers are teaching, but are students actually listening? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is actually attempting to aim a positive message at kids and teenagers in a way that may actually be heard. By partnering with Viacom, which includes MTV and several other youth-oriented TV stations, the “Get Schooled” message will hopefully be absorbed by students.
I love this concept because so often people make complaints about our educational system in the United States, but it is rare to see something great happening. Kids and teens watch television and a lot of it, so by blasting them with messages about staying in school and learning, they may be more willing to make an effort. I sincerely hope this campaign works some miracles because America’s education system needs one.
Our education system is in need of serious reform. This is often said, but so little is being done about it on any level. So few children and young adults are motivated to stay in school and make an actual effort these days. The new federal mandate that no student in lower elementary grades can be failed may contribute to even lower levels of student participation.
Teachers are teaching, but are students actually listening? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is actually attempting to aim a positive message at kids and teenagers in a way that may actually be heard. By partnering with Viacom, which includes MTV and several other youth-oriented TV stations, the “Get Schooled” message will hopefully be absorbed by students.
I love this concept because so often people make complaints about our educational system in the United States, but it is rare to see something great happening. Kids and teens watch television and a lot of it, so by blasting them with messages about staying in school and learning, they may be more willing to make an effort. I sincerely hope this campaign works some miracles because America’s education system needs one.
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