If you have worked in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, you know they are quite different; each having its own culture, vernacular, and business practices. Many well-meaning advisors approach nonprofit and charitable organizations seeking to partner with them in their fundraising efforts. Some are successful while others are not. In this article, Colorado-based planned giving consultant and former NCPG President Betsy Mangone discusses the challenges advisors face in working with charities, and how they can begin and maintain effective working relationships.  MORE »

The AAFRC Trust For Philanthropy, which is the educational and research initiative of the American Association of Fundraising Counsel, has released Giving USA 2004, its annual report on charitable giving by American individiuals, estates, foundations, and corporations. The report concludes that Americans gave $240.72 billion during 2003, a 2.8% (or 0.5% inflation adjusted) increase from 2002 and the highest growth since 2000.  MORE »

The Maryland Bar Association Committee on Ethics has released an opinion concluding an attorney who chairs a church's legacy committee and prepares wills on a pro bono basis for parishioners who bequeath property to the church would violate State professional conduct rules regarding conflicts of interest.  MORE »